Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for encoding information using optical components are described. An example photonic filtered sampler includes a spectral shaper configured to receive an optical pulse train, a dispersive element positioned to receive an output of the spectral shaper and to expand spectral contents thereof in time, and a modulator configured to receive an output of the dispersive element and a radio frequency (RF) signal, and to produce a modulated output optical signal in accordance with the RF signal. In this configuration, one or more characteristics of the modulated output optical signal is determined based on a spectral shape provided by the spectral shaper and dispersive properties of the dispersive element.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for providing accurate measurements of timing errors using optical techniques are described. An example timing measurement device includes an optical hybrid that receives two optical pulse trains and produces two or more phase shifted optical outputs. The timing measurement device further includes two or more optical filters that receive the outputs of the optical hybrid to produce multiple pulse signals with distinctive frequency bands. The device also includes one or more photodetectors and analog-to-digital converters to receive to produce electrical signals in the digital domain corresponding to the optical outputs of the hybrid. A timing error associated with the optical pulse trains can be determined using the electrical signals in digital domain based on a computed phase difference between a first frequency band signal and a second frequency band signal and a computed frequency difference between the first frequency band signal and the second frequency band.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for encoding information using optical components are described. An example photonic filtered sampler includes a spectral shaper configured to receive an optical pulse train, a dispersive element positioned to receive an output of the spectral shaper and to expand spectral contents thereof in time, and a modulator configured to receive an output of the dispersive element and a radio frequency (RF) signal, and to produce a modulated output optical signal in accordance with the RF signal. In this configuration, one or more characteristics of the modulated output optical signal is determined based on a spectral shape provided by the spectral shaper and dispersive properties of the dispersive element.

Abstract: Devices, methods for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that perform high-dynamic range measurements based on optical techniques are disclosed. In one example aspect, an optical encoder includes a polarization rotator configured to receive a train of optical pulses, and an electro-optic (EO) modulator coupled to an output of the polarization rotator. The EO modulator is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and to produce a phase modulated signal in accordance with the RF signal. The optical encoder also includes a polarizing beam splitter coupled to the output of the EO modulator; and an optical hybrid configured to receive two optical signals from the polarizing beam splitter and to produce four optical outputs that are each phase shifted with respect to one another.

Abstract: A tool for connecting items to and from a split ring key holder. The tool includes a blade having a distal end opposite a proximal end with an intermediate portion therebetween. The distal end has a generally wedge shape with a narrow distal tip. The intermediate portion has first and second scalloped edges on opposite sides of the intermediate portion. The first and second scalloped edges define respective sequences of peaks and valleys opposed to one another. The narrow distal tip of the distal end of the blade and the first and second scalloped edges of the intermediate portion of the blade are adapted to separate and spread apart the split ring key holder. In the preferred embodiment, the blade is retractable and housed within a housing that provides for translation of the blade along a predetermined translation axis.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a housing having a first end with a first edge and a second end. A handle adapted to receive a hand is formed in the housing. The housing encloses a first blade which has a cutting position when the first blade extends from the housing and a retracted position with the blade inside the housing. An elongated finger portion is extended from the first end of the housing. The finger portion and the first edge define an elongated opening having a junction at the first end of the housing. A second blade is embedded in the housing at the preferred angle of 19.5 percent and diagonally spans the opening and the junction. The second is shaped, sized and orientated to facilitate forward slitting of heavy plastic sheet. The first blade slides axially along an interior track. A biasing means repositions the first blade from the retracted position to the cutting position. The first blade makes a slit in the packaging.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a housing having a first end with a first edge and a second end. A handle extends from the second end of the housing. The housing has a slideable blade with a cutting position and a retracted position inside the housing. A finger portion is cantilevered from the first end of the housing. The finger portion and the first edge define an elongated opening having a juncture end at the first end of the housing. A cutting edge is embedded at the juncture end. The cutting edge is shaped, sized and orientated to facilitate forward slitting of heavy plastic sheet. The slideable blade slides axially along a track. A biasing means repositions the slideable blade from the cutting position to the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for playing electronic advertisements in conjunction with other content deliverable through a communication network. The present invention is further directed to a method and system for tracking playing of an advertisement and using the play tracking information to determine the amount to be charged to an advertising client. In embodiments of the invention, the advertisement may be played upon the occurrence of a triggering event and removed from display to a viewer upon the occurrence of another triggering event. According to an embodiment of the present invention, playing of an advertisement may limit a viewer's access to other displayed content. The present invention may also incorporate a timing function such that a viewer is only shown an advertisement after a specified time has elapsed since the viewer was last shown an advertisement.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes a housing having a first end with a first edge and a second end. A handle extends from the second end of the housing. The housing has a slideable blade with a cutting position and a retracted position inside the housing. A finger portion is cantilevered from the first end of the housing. The finger portion and the first edge define an elongated opening having a juncture end at the first end of the housing. A cutting edge is embedded at the juncture end. The cutting edge is shaped, sized and orientated to facilitate forward slitting of heavy plastic sheet. The slideable blade slides axially along a track. A biasing means repositions the slideable blade from the cutting position to the retracted position.