Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: An automated plasma cutting system is provided that includes a positioning system mounted to a support, an automated plasma arc torch mounted to the positioning system, and at least one power supply operatively connected to the automated plasma arc torch. The power supply may provide electrical power and fluid flow to the automated plasma arc torch for operation. The system further includes a controller in communication with the automated plasma arc torch and the power supply, and an auxiliary plasma arc torch operatively connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply provides electrical power and fluid flow to both the automated plasma arc torch and the auxiliary plasma arc torch. The automated plasma arc torch may process the workpiece to generate a set of features, while the auxiliary plasma arc torch may process/cut a residual framework of the workpiece remaining after formation of the set of features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to play audio and video content at non-native rates are described. An example method includes playing a video portion of audiovisual content at a non-native rate, playing an audio portion of the audiovisual content at the non-native rate to correspond with the video portion, wherein a presentation of the audiovisual content at the non-native rate and a presentation of the audiovisual content at a native rate are substantially indistinguishable to an audience.

Abstract: A system for playing a digital signal is set forth that includes a receiver receiving a digital signal. System further includes a buffer storing the digital signal in a buffer. A controller determines a read rate and when the signal is interrupted. When the buffer is full, the buffer is read at about the input rate of the buffer. When the buffer is less than full, the buffer is read at a rate less than the input rate when the digital television signal is interrupted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to play audio and video content at non-native rates are described. An example method includes playing a video portion of audiovisual content at a non-native rate, playing an audio portion of the audiovisual content at the non-native rate to correspond with the video portion, wherein a presentation of the audiovisual content at the non-native rate and a presentation of the audiovisual content at a native rate are substantially indistinguishable to an audience.

Abstract: The collet is formed by a metal band (10) whose inner contour (11) delimits the recesses (11a, 11b, 11c) for driving the collet onto a balance staff (2) and whose outer contour (12) includes a function point (4) between the collet and the balance spring (9) located at the end of an arm (14) at a distance R from the centre 0 of the staff (2) greater than that of any other point (6, 8, 13, 15, 17) of the outer contour (12). It is characterised in that the inner contour (11) includes a discrete number of points of contact (1, 3, 5, 7) with the staff (2) distributed along identical or different angular apertures ? and in that width “I” of the band (10) varies such that the compression forces of the contact points (1, 3, 5, 7) on the staff (2) do not substantially alter the distance R after driving in, leading to a friction torque allowing angular orientation of the collet on the staff (2) and not introducing any unbalance.

Abstract: The collet is formed by a metal band (10) whose inner contour (11) delimits the recesses (11a, 11b, 11c) for driving the collet onto a balance staff (2) and whose outer contour (12) includes a function point (4) between the collet and the balance spring (9) located at the end of an arm (14) at a distance R from the centre 0 of the staff (2) greater than that of any other point (6, 8, 13, 15, 17) of the outer contour (12). It is characterised in that the inner contour (11) includes a discrete number of points of contact (1, 3, 5, 7) with the staff (2) distributed along identical or different angular apertures ? and in that width “I” of the band (10) varies such that the compression forces of the contact points (1, 3, 5, 7) on the staff (2) do not substantially alter the distance R after driving in, leading to a friction torque allowing angular orientation of the collet on the staff (2) and not introducing any unbalance.

Abstract: A method of characterizing and simulating electronic systems for signal integrity is presented. Each device in the electronic system is associated with at least one vulnerability table and at least one vulnerability window. The vulnerability table is a three dimensional table that characterizes the operation of the device and includes line length on one axis, coupling efficiency on another axis and drivers size of a gate, on the third axis. In addition a number of vulnerability windows are presented. The vulnerability window is a time period when a storage device may store the wrong data because of signal integrity issues in the electronic system. A vulnerability window is developed for each input to a storage device in the system. In addition a vulnerability window is developed based on a number of failure mechanisms used to characterize the system. Lastly, a mapped vulnerability window is presented for devices such as logical gates, which provide input to the storage device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for simulating digital electronic systems. The signal integrity of a digital electronic system is assessed by analyzing traces (e.g. wires between components) for cross coupling. Problem areas are identified by monitoring storage components or output ports of the electronic system. Wires (traces), which carry signal transitions to the storage component or output ports are analyzed and quantified based on timing windows associated with the wires (traces). The clock transitions into a storage device are analyzed and vulnerability windows are identified for the storage device. The vulnerability windows are time periods when cross coupling may occur on a storage device. If a timing window overlaps a vulnerability window the timing window is considered a critical timing window. Devices driving the transition on wires with critical timing windows are then analyzed.

Abstract: An optical fiber connection device is disclosed that allows for in situ variable attenuation of a signal transmitted between two optical fibers. The connection device comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently compliant, elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. The elastomeric properties of the attenuator element allow for varying the thickness of the attenuator element and thereby changing the level of attenuation in situ. Silicone elastomers are preferred for fabricating the attenuator element as applicants have discovered they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for filling a container with product under sterile conditions during filling thereof in a filling cycle, comprising means having a part for dispensing product in a sterile manner during the filling cycle, by a part adapted for sterilizing at least a part of the container during the filling cycle, and by means adapted to provide flushing of the second-mentioned part during the filling cycle. The means comprises a closure of the second-mentioned part, the arrangement being such that there is a relative reciprocable motion between the means and the remainder of the second-mentioned part, whereby to effect a pulsating flushing action in the second-mentioned part.

Abstract: Electronic devices include at least two electronic components in electrical contact by a connector, the components being at least partially encased by a molded resin. Preferably, the connector is a compression connector and the molded resin maintains a compressive force on the connector to ensure that reliable contact is maintained.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber connection system comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. Silicone elastomers are particularly preferred for fabricating attenuator elements as they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions. Preferably, a disc-like attenuator element is punch-cut from a sheet of a silicone elastomer and inserted into the sleeve of an optical connector apparatus adjacent the end portion of an optical fiber to provide a simplified method of fabrication. Alternatively, the silicone attenuator element may be fabricated by liquid injection molding technology. The approximate reflectance of the inventive silicone attenuators at wavelengths of about 1310 nm measured at 23.degree. C. is less than -50 dB.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a weatherable enclosure having injection molded, die cast, or stamped top and bottom cap portions and a body portion which is extruded. The injection molded portions are fabricated from a polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride, with a higher melt index than the grade of polymer used to fabricate the body portion. The body portion has top and bottom openings adapted to receive the top and bottom cap portions. The network interface electrical components are enclosed within the housing.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting the active electronic components of an electronic product from the environment and electromagnetic interference (EMI). A method is described where the assembly is formed by providing a metallized flexible enclosure around the electronic product, such as a printed circuit board, and subsequently sealing the metallized flexible enclosure, such that separable connectors can be readily accessed without violating the integrity of the seal. The metallized flexible enclosure includes multiple layers of polymeric materials that provide diffusion barrier properties and a metallic layer that provides both diffusion barrier properties and EMI shielding capabilities. The multiple layer sheet is patterned to optimize the diffusion barrier properties and EMI shielding capabilities. Further, the multiple layer sheet enables efficient, high volume production.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for releasing a storage container from an inflatable upport such as a parachute, comprising a container for holding the inflatable support, an attachment mechanism extending through the container, linear slide means engaging the attachment mechanism and a storage container when tension is applied to the attachment mechanism, and means for holding the attachment mechanism in tension until the inflatable support is inflated, whereby the storage container remains fixed to the inflatable support until tension on said attachment component is relieved.