Abstract: In communications where synchronization of optical signals containing data is required, a multi-channel optical arrayed time buffer may be used. The time buffer includes multiple delay paths comprising delay elements, some of which can be shared to dispense different delays. In an embodiment, an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is illustratively used to route an optical signal to a first delay path, which is returnable to the AWG through the first delay path to be rerouted to a second delay path. The total delay affordable to the optical signal is a function of at least a first delay afforded by a delay element in the first delay path, and a second delay afforded by a delay element in the second delay path. In addition, without returning to the AWG, another optical signal may be routed through the second delay path alone to be afforded the second delay only.

Abstract: In an application level multicast (ALM), multiple flows of data packets containing shared material are destined for different devices. A packet compression device is used to compress the data packets to reduce traffic load. This compression device includes a cache for recording the payloads of selected data packets which currently are not of record in the cache. If it is determined that the cache has therein a record of an identical version of the payload of a data packet, the compression device releases a compressed version of the data packet which includes a representation of the payload in lieu of the actual payload.

Abstract: In an inventive photonic analog-to-digital signal converter (ADC), multiple opto-electric sampling devices are employed to successively sample an analog signal input. Optical clock signals having the same frequency but different clock phases are used, which are associated with the opto-electric sampling devices, respectively. Each sampling device takes samples of the analog signal input in response to the optical clock signal associated therewith. The resulting samples are processed to produce quantized samples. The inventive ADC outputs a digital signal representing the quantized samples.

Abstract: A coupling device that provides a liquid tight seal at the connection with a conduit with easy installation. The device comprises a tubular connector body, a compression nut, a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, a ferrule, and a lock nut. The coupling device may be installed fully assembled and does not require disassembly of the packaged product before installation. In the connector body a radial ledge is formed within the tubular spaces between the first and second ends. The radial ledge of the connector body has at least one depression. The ferrule has a tubular body with a radial flange extending from a first end portion. At least one protrusion extends from the radial flange that corresponds to the depression on the tubular body. When the depression of the tubular body engages the protrusion of the ferrule, it restricts the ferrule from relative rotation. This restriction allows that the coupling device be installed fully assembled.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical splitter, an optical combiner, first and second optical paths, and a digital signal generator. The optical splitter has an input port and first and second output ports. The optical combiner has first and second input ports and an output port. The first optical path couples the first output port of the splitter to the first input port of the combiner. The second optical path couples the second output port of the splitter to the second input port of the combiner. Each optical path includes an electro-optical phase shifter, and one of the optical paths includes an electro-optical attenuator. The digital signal generator is configured to apply binary-valued voltage signals to control inputs of the phase shifters and the attenuator.

Abstract: A multi-sports ball/disk return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball/disk hit, kick, thrown or struck into it back toward a user and that is portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball/disk return net system has a frame and a net mounted on or across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow having a square net pattern and a lower U-shape channel or hammock with the square pattern at the opposite ends of the U-shape channel being skewed to become diamond shapes. The net is configured to cause a projectile propelled into the U-shape pillow to drop down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a time-domain wavelength-interleaved optical network that connects a plurality of edge nodes. Each of the edge nodes is configured to receive optical communications from others of the edge nodes on an associated wavelength-channel. The number of edge nodes is larger than the number of the wavelength-channels.

Abstract: A coupling device for electrical wire-carrying conduits for assembly with an overhead support member having a stem with a free threaded end. The coupling device includes an integral tubular member having axially opposed ends, each of which receives an end of a mating conduit, and the integral top surface on the tubular member has an aperture for engagement with the free end of the stem of the supporting member.

Abstract: A receiver for coherent detection of a PSK modulated optical carrier includes an optical detector, digital-to-analog converters, and a digital module. The optical detector is configured to mix the modulated optical carrier with two phase components of a reference optical carrier and to produce analog output signals representative of optical signals produced by said mixing. The digital-to-analog converters are connected to receive the analog output signals and to produce digital signals from the received analog output signals. The digital module is connected to receive the digital signals and to perform one of compensating the received digital signals for a conjugate phase misalignment between the mixed components, extracting phase of the received digital signals, and estimating a frequency offset between the two carriers from the received digital signals.

Abstract: A print (e.g., on paper) user interface (PUI) device for decoding an embedded message to activate a function is described. The PUI can be used for transforming an embedded message into cognizable human sensory inputs. The device includes a reader and a processor. The reader can sense light from a pattern of pixels on a printed surface and determines the pixel values of the pixels. The pattern of pixels constitutes a foreground visual image that conveys cognizable information to an observer. The primary function of the embedded message need not be to launch a Web-site but to display more information related to the cognizable information.

Abstract: A bushing and sealing ring assembly including a sealing ring and a bushing. The sealing ring has a cylindrical base with an external thread and a reduced diameter, upstanding cylindrical sleeve extending co-axially from one end of the base with a predetermined height, an upper outer edge and an upper inner edge. The base and the sleeve are provided with a circular central aperture for receiving and retaining a first cylindrical member. The bushing has a cylindrical depending sidewall with an internal thread and a circular central aperture for receiving the sealing ring and a second cylindrical member and a top plate extending transversely partially inwardly into the central aperture to sealingly receive the upper outer edge of the sealing ring and having a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A method of making an interface for adapting a photographic system for a specific format to a camera back for a different film format, in particular from a 3¼×4¼ format photographic system to a 4×5 format film back. The interface may be a modified CB 103 film magazine. An adaptor for changing a 3¼×4¼ format photographic system to a 4×5 film format or a different size film format, comprising the modified CB 103 interface and a 4×5 or different size connecting frame, wherein the total thickness of the CB 103 interface and the connecting frame is at least ⅜ inch. A different size format camera utilizing the body shell of a 3¼a×4¼ format camera and the adaptor. In particular, a method of making a coupled range finder/parallax camera that utilizes components from Polaroid Models 110, 110A, 110B, 120, 900 and 150 cameras and the adaptor.

Abstract: The glittering ink of the present invention contacts scaly glittering particles, a water-soluble resin, a water-soluble organic solvent, colorant and water. The said scaly glittering particles have a median diameter of at least 10 &mgr;m, a ratio of smoothness on the particle surface to a median diameter of not greater than 0.011, and a surface coating ratio of the said colorant in a written mark of not greater than 80% in a state of a dried written mark. In addition, the aqueous glittering ink of the present invention has the thixotropy index (T.I. value) of not less than 1.3, represented by the ratio of V0.5 to V1.0 (V0.5/V1.0), wherein V0.5 is the viscosity with the rotation speed of 0.5 rpm and V1.0 is the viscosity with the rotation speed of 1.0 rpm when the ink is measured by an ELD-typed viscometer (3° R14 cone, at the temperature of 20° C.) and the ink has the V0.5, the viscosity with the rotation speed of 0.5 rpm, of 1000˜15000 mPa·s.

Abstract: A brush tip for a motorized toothbrush has a first brush head and a second brush head. The second brush head encircles the first brush head. A shaft has two cranks, each engaging one of the brush heads. Continuous same-direction rotation of the shaft causes the brush heads to counter-rotate about a common axis. Distal ends of the first set of bristles on the first brush head form a circular pattern and the distal ends of the second set of bristles on the second brush head form an elliptical pattern.

Abstract: The glittering ink composition of the present invention contains a glass flake pigment, a water-soluble resin, a water-soluble organic solvent and water as essential ingredients. The content of the glass flake pigment is 0.01-40% by weight relative to the total amount of the ink composition. Moreover, the ink composition contains a synthetic resin emulsion as a binder component for fixing the glass flake pigment to a handwriting or a coated film in 0.01-40% by weight in solids relative to the total amount of the ink composition. The synthetic resin emulsion has an anionic property or a nonionic property and its minimum film forming temperature is not higher than 20° C.