Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump source operable to generate at least one pump signal operable to pump a Raman gain medium of a Raman amplification stage. The pump assembly further includes an active gain equalization element operable to manipulate a wavelength or an intensity of the at least one pump signal to affect a spectral shape of a Raman gain spectrum associated with the Raman amplification stage. In one particular embodiment, the combination of the Raman gain spectrum and a substantially non-uniform gain spectrum of an existing amplification stage over a wavelength range &lgr;s results in a substantially uniform overall gain spectrum over a wavelength range of at least &lgr;s.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes an optical amplifier operable to amplify a plurality of optical wavelength signals at least in part through Raman amplification. The amplifier includes an input operable to receive a plurality of wavelength signals and an output operable to communicate an amplified version of at least some of the plurality of wavelength signals. The amplifier further includes a pump assembly operable to generate one or more pump signals and a gain medium operable to receive the plurality of wavelength signals and the one or more pump signals and to facilitate amplification of at least some of the plurality of wavelength signals. The amplifier has associated with it a noise figure having a shape varying as a function of wavelength. At least one of the one or more pump signals is operable to have its power varied to selectively control the shape of the noise figure.

Abstract: A multi-stage Raman amplifier includes a first Raman amplifier stage having a first sloped gain profile operable to amplify a plurality of signal wavelengths, and a second Raman amplifier stage having a second sloped gain profile operable to amplify at least most of the plurality of signal wavelengths after those wavelengths have been amplified by the first stage. The second sloped gain profile is approximately complementary slope to the slope of the first sloped gain profile. The combined effect of the first and second Raman stages contributes to an approximately flat overall gain profile over the plurality of signal wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive digital system enabling viewers full and active participation in experiencing a live broadcast event. Particularly, the presentation of the live event is personalized for the viewer through the provision of various options, including multiple video streams, associated with different camera angles, for example, and integrated audio and graphics segments. Further, information obtained from related Web sites can be integrated into the live program. Various video and audio streams are collected from a live event and forwarded to a central control studio. Graphics are created at the central studio on a personal computer or chyron device. After receiving the video, audio and graphics signals, the signals are digitized and compressed in digital compressors. These signals are then combined with special data codes into a “digital package,” and subsequently, transmitted over a cable distribution system.

Abstract: An interactive television system is disclosed which utilizes a various distribution networks for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver, in conjunction with a signal selector, selects a particular channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided, as well as seamless switching between video signals that have been multiplexed on the same channel. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end rather than at the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure for Raman amplification of signals with counter-propagation of signal and pump and wavelength control while permitting broad bandwidth within each Raman order. The broadband optical amplifier of the invention combines Raman amplification with a circulator loop cavity and/or chirped Bragg gratings to achieve bandwidth performance improvements. The beneficial properties of the circulator loop cavity and/or chirped Bragg gratings can also combined with noise dampening property of the Sagnac Raman cavity.

Abstract: A Customized Programming creation system provides the ability to transmit Customized Programming offerings to individual users based upon their known profile or their responses to contemporaneous queries. In its basic form, the invention provides for a programming transmission center to maintain a single or multiple MPEG storage server environments. Through the use of digital conversion and MPEG compression standards, a vast library of programming and other information signals can be stored on such file servers. The transmission center selects and accesses programming segments or other information from the storage servers. Through the use of splice points encoded through the MPEG process, the programming transmission center can inconspicuously splice disparate program segments together to create a single custom program stream for delivery to a single user or multiple users of the same profile.

Abstract: An interactive cable television system is disclosed which utilizes a standard cable television distribution network for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver, in conjunction with a signal selector, selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end rather than at the receiver.

Abstract: An interactive cable television system is disclosed which utilizes a standard cable television distribution network for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver, in conjunction with a signal selector, selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end rather than at the receiver.

Abstract: An interactive cable television system is disclosed which utilizes a standard cable television distribution network for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver, in conjunction with a signal selector, selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end rather than at the receiver.

Abstract: An interactive cable television system is disclosed which utilizes a standard cable television distribution network for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver, in conjunction with a signal selector, selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end rather than at the receiver.

Abstract: A warning system for an aerial device which provides an alarm signal when a worker on an aerial work platform is exposed to an electrical hazard. The aerial device has an insulated boom which carries the work platform on its upper end. An electrostatic charge is introduced to all conductive components near the platform. The electrostatic charge is harmless to the worker and dissipates upon contact with an energized power line or grounded object. The absence of charge is then sensed by a warning device which provides an alarm signal.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (22) having an inertial sensor to initiate lockup of the retractor, the inertial sensor including a first housing portion (102) having an actuating arm mounting member (120). The retractor including a first pin (126) cantilevered from the mounting member (120); an activation arm (130) rotationally supported upon the first pin (126), the activation arm (130), when activated, movable into engagement with a ratchet wheel (80), a pendulous vehicle sensor subassembly (150) mounted upon the first housing portion (102), the subassembly (150) and the first housing portion (102) including a support mechanism to rotatably support the sensor subassembly thereon.

Abstract: An interactive conversational apparatus provides seamless uninterrupted conversational responsiveness to a variety of user inputs utilizing a storage media having a plurality of temporally related data storage tracks containing interactive conversational content. The conversational content and control code information are stored on tracks in a timed sequence for providing interactive pathways through the tracks dependent upon various user responses. A media player facilitates playback of the interactive conversational content. A control code reader reads the control code information and generates track selection information based upon the control codes. User-input buttons or keys receive responses from a user based upon the interactive conversational content.

Abstract: A voice recognition interactive conversational apparatus employs temporally related data storage tracks containing interactive conversational content. The conversational content is stored on each track in information segments. Each of the segments forms a complete message reproducible in response to the selection of the track upon which the segments are stored. Each information segment includes interrogatories having vocal responses, responsive messages, informational messages, or combinations thereof related in time and content to information contained on at least one other track. The information is stored on the tracks in a predetermined timed sequence for providing interactive conversation dependent on the verbal responses. A playback device facilitates playback of the conversational content. A track selector randomly accesses the tracks for retrieving and play back the information stored thereon via the playback device.

Abstract: An audio delay and feedback apparatus includes i) a microphone for receiving an input audio signal and for generating a first electrical signal corresponding to the input audio signal, ii) a delay circuit for receiving the first electrical signal and for generating a second electrical signal corresponding to but delayed from the first electrical signal by a predetermined amount of time, and iii) earphones or a speaker for receiving the second audio signal and for generating an audio output signal corresponding thereto. An audio signal input to the microphone is delayed and fed back to the earphones so as to make speech difficult, humorous, discombobulated, and often unintelligible. The microphone, earphones and delay circuit are mounted on a headset. In one embodiment, the first electrical signal is digital and the delay circuit includes a digital memory. An A/D converter digitizes the first electrical signal and a D/A converter converts the second electrical signal to an analog signal.

Abstract: The present invention is an interactive computer system which may operate on a computer network. Subscribers interact with a fully interactive programthrough the use of input devices and a personal computer or a television. The multiple video/audio datastreams may be received from a broadcast transmission source or may be resident in local or external storage. In response to user inputs, a personalized graphics, video and/or audio presentation is provided to the user either immediately or at a later time. If not presented immediately, the interactive computer system utilizes "trigger points" to determine when to enable multiple multimedia segments during the show. The CPU uses embedded or stored authoring commands for integrating the various multimedia elements. The interactive multimedia computer enables seamless flicker-free switching from one signal to another on the same or different channels.

Abstract: An automatic story-telling apparatus includes a storage media having temporally parallel data storage tracks containing story content. The story content is stored on each of the temporally parallel tracks in successive information segments. The information is stored on the tracks in a predetermined timed sequence for providing story content varying dependent upon the temporally parallel tracks that are automatically selected during playback. A controller reads random switching control code information from the media and randomly switches between the tracks of the storage media for enabling automatic random playback of the story content. The command codes may also include memory storage commands and memory switching commands so as to maintain continuity of story characters, plot-lines, etc., once they are randomly chosen.

Abstract: A conventional webbing-locking inertia reel is modified by integration of a device for the prevention of slap-back lock of the inertia reel upon excessively rapid retraction of the webbing worn by a seat occupant as a safety belt and/or harness. The device also slows the retraction of the webbing enough to prevent a hard collision of the webbing stop at the inertia reel. This is accomplished by interacting the reel shaft with a specially designed damping disk so that both the shaft and the damping disk rotate counter-clockwise when an external force pulls the webbing from its rotatable spool, while simultaneously the shaft also interacts with a conventional housed return spring, causing it to wind and build up a rewinding force, which, when the external force is removed or ceases, causes rotation of the shaft, spool, and damping disk clockwise and rewinds the webbing on the spool.

Abstract: An interactive cable television system is disclosed which utilizes a standard cable television distribution network for simultaneously providing a plurality of viewers with an interactive television program comprising a plurality of signals related in time and content. Video signals are transmitted in a digital format, more than one signal being multiplexed onto a data stream on a single channel. The video signals may be compressed for efficiency. A receiver, in conjunction with a signal selector, selects a particular NTSC channel for playback, then selects a particular video signal from the data stream, and decompresses the video signal for playback. Seamless switching between video signals on different channels is provided. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the various signals which comprise the interactive program are switched at the head end rather than at the receiver.