Abstract: A balanced dipole antenna has a coaxial cable connected between a load or source and the left and right dipole arms to substantially eliminate common mode current and radiative coupling between the coaxial cable and the left and right dipole arms. The connection between the source/load coaxial cable and the left and right dipole arms is a symmetric balun having a center branch that is an extension of the source/load coaxial cable, and left and right stubs. When the stubs are segments of coaxial cable, the outer conductors of the left and right stubs of the symmetric balun are respectively coupled to the left and right dipole arms, and one of the inner conductors of the left and right stubs is connected to the inner conductor of the center branch, while the other of the inner conductor of the left and right stubs is connected to the outer conductor of the center branch.

Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion (PMD) feedforward compensator compensates first and second order PMD. An optical signal is provided to a PMD detector that senses first and second order PMD in the optical signal and produces control signals for the PMD compensator. The PMD compensator comprises, in series, a first polarization controller, an adjustable delay, a second polarization controller, a first fixed delay, a third polarization controller and a second fixed delay.

Abstract: A wide bandwidth coupler has two outer elements around a center element. The outer elements are rectangular at their outside portions and each have a tapered nose portion next to the center element. A matching network electrically connects the two outer elements and the center element. The center element is connected to a first portion of a signal feed structure, while one of the outer elements connects to a second portion of a signal feed structure.

Abstract: A PMD compensator or generator includes one module for adjusting first order PMD without altering second order PMD (FOnSO module), and another module for adjusting second order PMD without altering first order PMD (SOnFO module). The modules enable separate compensation of first and second order PMD. First order PMD can be measured and compensated in a feedforward manner, while second order PMD can be compensated in a feedback manner. Both first and second order PMD can be compensated in a feedforward manner. The modules also enable separate generation of first and second order PMD, and can be used in a completely deterministic manner to achieve the desired PMD.

Abstract: An activewear garment includes a removable bra portion, so that the amount and size of bra support can be easily adapted to the wearer. The activewear garment includes a back band which, when coupled to the bottom band of the bra portion, forms a continuous band around the chest of the wearer. The back band and the bottom band are formed of material having substantially the same elasticity. When the bra portion is fastened in the garment, an integral bra is formed wherein the back band of the garment also serves as the back band of the integral bra.

Abstract: A home site operates a game involving player visits to play sites, to view information at the play sites and possibly to perform additional activity at the play sites. Play sites are selected in accordance with interests of a game player and/or because characteristics of a game player satisfy desired player characteristics associated with the play site. The play site game activity, performed to participate in the game, may be viewing information at the play site, or pseudo-buying an item at the play site. In some games, member icons are provided to players, and the players must find the member icons at the play sites. After an icon is found, communication between the player and member is enabled.

Abstract: A centrifugal finisher having an outer vessel and at least one inner vessel includes a traction surface between the inner surface of the outer vessel and the outer surface of each inner vessel. The inner vessels revolve about the axis of the outer vessel, and rotate about their own internal axes. The traction surface permits the outer wall to restrain the inner vessels and simultaneously causes the rotation of the inner vessels through interaction with the outer vessel, which can be stationary or moving at a different rotational speed and/or at a different rotational direction than the part which revolves the inner vessels.

Abstract: A centrifugal disk finisher includes a porous layer at the bottom of the vertical wall of the containment vessel. A pressurized fluid, preferably air, is forced through the porous layer so as to form a fluid bearing between the bottom of the porous layer and the spinning disk enclosed within the containment vessel. The containment vessel is levitated above the spinning disk by a small amount due to the presence of the fluid bearing, so that the disk spins without any contact with the containment vessel, thus reducing wear. The fluid bearing also acts as a seal, which repels particles from the interface between the disk and the porous layer due to the small height of the fluid bearing and its imperviousness to all but the most energetic particles.