Abstract: A tapered fiber bundle device couples optical power from an optical power source into an output fiber. The tapered fiber bundle device includes a tapered fiber bundle including a set of bundled fibers having a near end and a distal end. The near end of the tapered fiber bundle is configured to collect the optical power from the optical power source. Each fiber k in the set of bundled fibers has a first cross-sectional area Ak(1) at the near end and a second cross-sectional area Ak(2) at the distal end such that Ak(2) is substantially smaller than Ak(1). Each fiber also has a substantially uniform core and a substantially uniform numerical aperture value NAin. A cross-sectional area of the set of bundled fibers at the distal end has a cross-sectional area value Adist substantially equal to Aout.

Abstract: A threshold secret sharing apparatus, a threshold secret sharing scheme, a secret information recovery apparatus a secret information recovery method, and a program thereof are provided using XOR computation, thereby offering a general (k,n) threshold secret sharing scheme with high computation speed. Secret information K is divided into (np?1) divided pieces of secret information Kq (np is a prime number which is equal to or greater than a secret distribution number n). Furthermore, dummy secret information K0 is generated. Moreover, random numbers R, which are mutually independent are generated. Then, pieces of shares are created using exclusive-OR (XOR) operations based upon the dummy secret information K0, the divided piece of secret information Kq, and the random numbers R. The pieces of shares thus generated are concatenated so as to generate n shares Si, thereby providing a (k,n) threshold secret sharing scheme.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device, specifically for properly and effectively wiping off the lubricating oil adhering to the outside of the housing and adjusting the oil-level height of the lubricating oil filled in the housing.

Abstract: Acoustic sensors, preferably surface acoustic wave sensors, and more preferably shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensors that include soluble mixed with oligomers and/or polymers formed from such monomers), or multifunctional compounds, for example, that can function as either waveguide materials, immobilization materials for secondary capture agents (e.g., antibodies), or both.

Abstract: A system for electronic management of information relating to sterilization and high level disinfection process monitoring generates electronic sterilization record for sterilized and high level disinfected loads, and optically scans sterilization monitors associated with the sterilized loads. The system stores a digital representation of each scanned sterilization monitor, and associates the digital representation with the electronic sterilization record. The electronic sterilization record also may contain a variety of information including a sterilization status data entered by a user. The system permits a user to review both the sterilization status information and the digitized representation of the sterilization monitor online to verify accuracy. In this manner, a representation of the actual sterilization monitor can be stored and retrieved when desired for verification of result, audits and other quality review activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample preparation plate used to prepare a sample for mass spectrometry. In particular, a sample plate used to concentrate a sample as well as remove contaminants from the sample while providing easy manipulation of small liquid droplets on a surface with minimal sample loss.

Abstract: A cymbal adjustment structure includes an upper tray, a lower tray and a nut. The upper tray has an aperture and an upper duct and a lower duct. The lower duct has a pair of troughs and holds an elastic element and a holding member inside. The lower tray is coupled outside the lower duct and has a boss on the top thereof to run through the aperture to push a lower cymbal mounted onto the upper tray at an inclined angle. The nut is fastened to the periphery of the lower tray. The lower tray is fastened to the holding member through a fastening element running through the trough. Hence by turning the nut the lower tray can be moved and adjusted upwards and downwards to allow the boss to push the washer at the bottom of the lower cymbal.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system and method which monitors a signaling plane for error events among one or more network nodes in a converged network. The system and method classifies and calculates, based on user defined parameters, a threshold value or percentage of error events which occur within a desired amount of time and automatically triggers an alert in the network that a potential network connectivity problem exists in the transport plane. In an embodiment, the trigger automatically initiates troubleshooting procedures to solve the network connectivity problem.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing shoe outsoles from waste plant fibers includes steps of: bleaching plant fiber powders; activating the plant fiber powders through a graft reaction process; mixing the plant fiber powders and recycle rubber powders to enhance physical properties of the plant fiber powders; adding a homogenizing agent to fully blend the hydrophilic plant fiber powders and the lipophilic recycle rubber powders to form a recycled material; mixing the recycled material and thermoplastic rubber into a mixture; aging the mixture for an aging time; granulating the mixture; and producing a shoe outsole through an injection molding process. Thus a novel approach is provided to produce shoe products. Waste plants or rubber can be recycled to improve environmental conservation and protection.

Abstract: In a host within a group, a method for ensuring secure communications is provided. The method involves (a) determining if a group security policy is in place for secure communication between hosts within the group, (b) if the group security policy is in place, advertising routing information to another host within the group, and (c) if the group security policy is not in place, refraining from advertising routing information to the other host. Corresponding apparatus and computer program product embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A networked storage system includes network-attached file system (FS) nodes implementing a distributed global file system. Each FS node includes a file system server and at least one storage system including storage resources (such as disk drives) representing portions of a global file system storage space. The FS nodes are organized according to respective cost-performance characteristics of the storage systems, generally ranging from a high-cost, high-performance characteristic to a low-cost, low-performance characteristic. A storage management system performs information lifecycle management (ILM) which includes allocating the FS nodes for storing data according to a mapping between an ILM-based data classification scheme and the cost-performance characteristics of the storage devices, as well as dynamically managing the placement of data among the storage devices according to the ILM-based classification of the data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an octave-key transfer-bar protection device, which is installed on a saxophone to protect an octave-key transfer-bar on the saxophone, and which comprises a structure body, and a collision-protection bar arranged on the structure body and encircling an accommodation space. The structure body is fixed to the external surface of the saxophone. The octave-key transfer-bar is arranged inside the accommodation space and encircled by the collision-protection bar. The collision-protection bar can protect the octave-key transfer-bar from being deformed by collision. Thus, the performer can correctly lower or raise the gamut via the octave-key transfer-bar.

Abstract: A communications interface circuit includes data signal transformers for transmitting and receiving interface data signals. Each data signal transformer has a split interface-side winding that faces the cable connecting the interface with other equipment. Imbalance detection transformers each have a tapped interface-side winding (e.g., center-tapped) connected in series between split portions of the split interface-side winding of a respective data signal transformer. A DC circuit (source or load) has positive and negative supply terminals each connected to a tap connection of the tapped winding of an imbalance detection transformer.

Abstract: A solution is provided wherein physical link parameters may be negotiated after a link is brought up by having the two devices involved in the link exchange identifiers when the link is initially brought up. These identifiers may be saved in the devices and then utilized upon receipt of subsequent physical link parameter negotiation packets to ensure that these packets are received by a partner who is connected via a physical link.

Abstract: A data storage system has a circuit board module, a set of Serial ATA devices, and a set of Serial ATA cables connecting the circuit board module to the set of Serial ATA devices. The circuit board module includes a circuit board, multiple host circuits mounted to the circuit board and multiplexer circuitry mounted to the circuit board. Each host circuit is configured to perform data storage operations on the behalf of an external client. The multiplexer circuitry is configured to (i) receive control signals from the host circuits and (ii) provide communications pathways between the host circuits and the set of Serial ATA devices in response to the control signals. Such an embodiment alleviates the need for multiple versions of disk drive assemblies and their associated costs.

Abstract: A method provides a temperature controlled frequency source. The method reduces the effects of temperature variations on an operating frequency of the temperature controlled frequency source by temperature compensating the temperature controlled frequency source. The temperature-controlled frequency source may be an Oven-Controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) and the temperature-controlled frequency source may be a TCXO ASIC. Analago temperature compensation may be provided by generating zero to fourth-order polynomial Chebyshev functions of temperature.