Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved system and method for combining data obtained from the NEXRAD™ system of the National Weather Service (“NWS”) with geographical and topological database information to achieve an improved and informative graphical storm-tracking display able to project the movement of a storm with a single user-operation. The method of projecting storm movement includes the following steps: collecting NEXRAD data attributes from a weather data source; calculating storm position using the collected NEXRAD attributes; calculating projected storm movement using the storm position and the collected NEXRAD attributes; displaying a graphic representation of the projected storm movement.

Abstract: A method of processing weather data in real-time for graphical display is disclosed. A plurality of subsets of weather data defining a detectable volume of a weather event affecting a geographic area are received over a period of time. Each of the subsets defines a volumetric portion of the weather event, and each subset is processed as it is received to create a plurality of components, each corresponding to a particular volumetric portion of the weather event. Each component is associated with a graphical representation of the affected geographic area as each component becomes available to create a then current three-dimensional model of the detectable volume of the weather event. A graphical representation of the then current three-dimensional model may be displayed during the associating step such that a viewer can observe the graphical representation changing a component at a time over the period of time. A system for processing weather data in real-time for graphical display is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer based method of detecting and displaying rotational wind shear. Radial wind velocities within first and second adjacent gate sweeps produced by a radar system are detected in a predetermined geographic area, and are compared at points of equal radial distance from the radar system. The radial location of gate to gate wind shear at positions between the radar system and the boundary of the radar systems range are identified and compared to a predetermined threshold wind velocity value to determine the location of high priority gate to gate wind shear. The high priority gate to gate wind shear is then graphically displayed relative to its geographic location on a graphical representation of the predetermined geographic area. A computer based system for detecting and displaying rotational wind shear is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel device for providing heat to dental and periodontal structures and a novel process for brightening teeth, together with a novel use of old known processes for brightening teeth. The novel device comprises a splint/stint or vacumformed dental tray, containing a heating element to be placed around the tooth or teeth to be brightened. The novel process for brightening/whitening teeth entails using the splint containing the heating element in conjunction with standard tooth whiteners with a brightening agent. The heating element is attached to a power source, preferably mobile and transportable, so that the process may be accelerated by the heating of the brightening agent, in accordance with the Q10 rule.

Abstract: A temperature compression treatment underpant for providing therapy to the ano-genital region for relief of pain and discomfort, comprising a gel-pack with connecting straps at each end and an underpant with loops or other attachment means on the front and back external surfaces of the underpant. The gel-pack, cooled or heated to a desired temperature, is placed in the genital, perineal, and/or anal areas outside the underpant. One connecting strap is attached to the back external surface, the other connecting strap is pulled forward with as much tension as desired and attached to the front external surface, thereby providing temperature and compression treatment.

Abstract: A sintered dense glass, alumina-doped optical fiber preform is stretched and is then heated to a temperature of 1490-1495° C. to remove bubbles without causing crystallization. Thereafter, the stretched glass body is either drawn directly into an optical fiber or overclad and then drawn into a fiber.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved system and method for combining data obtained from the NEXRAD™ system of the National Weather Service (“NWS”) with geographical and topological database information to achieve an improved and informative graphical storm-tracking display able to project the movement of a storm with a single user-operation. The method of projecting storm movement includes the following steps: collecting NEXRAD data attributes from a weather data source; calculating storm position using the collected NEXRAD attributes; calculating projected storm movement using the storm position and the collected NEXRAD attributes; displaying a graphic representation of the projected storm movement.

Abstract: A system for providing real-time site specific weather information comprises a weather alert manager that receives meteorological data and combines the meteorological data with a geographical grid covering a predefined geographic area to produce a storm profile for the storms within the geographical area, wherein the geographic grid partitions the geographic area into a plurality of cells. A distribution network distributes the storm profiles to remote units that are responsive to the storm profiles. The remote units are configured to process the storm profiles and present real-time site specific weather information based upon the storm profile. The storm profiles may include a cell identifier that identifies a cell of the geographic grid that is affected by the storm. In addition, the storm profiles may further include a storm identifier, a storm type identifier, and a presence qualifier associated with each cell identified.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a generally small mode field diameter (“MFD”) optical fiber having a core bounded by a cladding, a cleaved end, and an expanded mode field diameter. The expanded mode field diameter is formed by thermally diffusing one or more dopants in the core of the small mode field diameter optical fiber using a highly localized heat source. The resulting adiabatic taper has an expanded mode field diameter that is optimized for connection to another optical fiber having a larger mode field diameter. The adiabatic taper is formed in the smaller MFD optical fiber by aligning and abutting the cleaved ends of two fibers having different mode field diameter to form a splice seam. The splice seam is offset a predetermined distance from the center of the region heated by a heat source to splice the fibers and expand the mode field diameters. As the mode field diameters expand, the splice loss across the splice is monitored.

Abstract: A computer based method of detecting and displaying rotational wind shear. Radial wind velocities within first and second adjacent gate sweeps produced by a radar system are detected in a predetermined geographic area, and are compared at points of equal radial distance from the radar system. The radial location of gate to gate wind shear at positions between the radar system and the boundary of the radar systems range are identified and compared to a predetermined threshold wind velocity value to determine the location of high priority gate to gate wind shear. The high priority gate to gate wind shear is then graphically displayed relative to its geographic location on a graphical representation of the predetermined geographic area. A computer based system for detecting and displaying rotational wind shear is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of graphically displaying weather data in real-time is disclosed. A plurality of subsets of weather data defining a detectable volume of a weather event affecting a geographic area are received over a period of time. Each of the subsets defines a volumetric portion of the weather event, and each subset is processed as it is received to create a plurality of components, each corresponding to a particular volumetric portion of the weather event. Each component is associated with a graphical representation of the affected geographic area as each component becomes available to create a then current three-dimensional model of the detectable volume of the weather event. A graphical representation of the then current three-dimensional model may be displayed during the associating step such that a viewer can observe the graphical representation changing a component at a time over the period of time. A system for graphically displaying weather data in real-time is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering germanium from a gaseous mixture which includes a germanium-containing compound in vapor or particulate form, acid in vapor form, and water vapor. The gaseous mixture is contacted with a liquid containing water under conditions effective to dissolve the germanium-containing compound in the liquid. The acidity of the resulting liquid mixture is increased under conditions effective to vaporize the germanium-containing compound. The vaporized germanium-containing compound is contacted with one or more aqueous solutions under conditions effective to dissolve and precipitate the germanium-containing compound in at least one of the one or more aqueous solutions, and the resulting precipitate is separated from the at least one of the one or more aqueous solutions. The methods described herein are particularly well suited for recovering germanium from the waste gases produced during optical waveguide manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hook assembly and method for extending the reach of transportation load handling systems such as military load handling systems employing hook arms and loading platforms designed to be loaded and unloaded from ISO containers. The hook assembly of the present invention includes a hook member adapted to mate with the load handling platform and a locking assembly extending form the hook member to secure the hook member to the existing hook of a load handling device. Such an assembly extends the reach of the existing hook of the load handling device and is particularly well suited for maintaining engagement with a loading platform. A method of extending the reach of an existing loading device hook is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved apparatus' for dislodging and abrading cryolite encrustations from carbon anodes spent during aluminum smelting. Both the plow blade and flailing elements of the present invention are constructed and arranged to substantially conform to the shape of the spent carbon butts to facilitate rapid and efficient cleaning of the spent carbon anodes' surfaces. Systems and methods employing the substantially V-shaped plow blade extension and dual directional rotating flailing assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for securing loads in transportation shipping containers. The bracing mechanism of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in combination with loading platforms such as CROPs to secure the CROP against at least forward movement within shipping containers. The bracing mechanism of the present invention preferably includes a cam assembly that is sized and shaped to mate with the existing shoring slots defined in the interior walls of the shipping container, and an elongated traversing mechanism that provides infite adjustability over the length of the traversing mechanism. A method of bracing a loading platform such as a CROP within an ISO shipping container is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of enhancing the photosensitivity of an optical waveguide and an optical waveguide having persistent UV photosensitivity following out diffusion of a loading gas such as H2 or D2. The optical waveguide is loaded with a gas such as H2 or D2 to form an associated baseline refractive index. At least a portion of the loaded optical waveguide is exposed to UV radiation to induce a change in the baseline refractive index and the waveguide is annealed to diffuse the gas from the loaded optical waveguide and to stabilize the change in refractive index. Following annealing the optical waveguide retains a UV photosensitivity sufficient to produce significant refractive index changes relative to the induced change in baseline refractive index. The method of the present invention is particularly well suited for designing and fabricating grating devices, tuning grating strength and wavelength, and for providing accurate spatial control of waveguide photosensitivity.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to weather forecasting systems which can predict the direction of a storm's movement. More particularly, the invention will receive and record weather data from any of a variety of weather data sources. The invention will then allow a user to request a storm tracking prediction, and graphically display said prediction with a high degree of accuracy. The weather data is stored in a time-tagged fashion. By storing the weather data in a time-tagged fashion, the weather system constructs an easily accessible weather database containing the locations of storms and other weather phenomena as a function of time. The weather system provides a Graphical User Interface which allows the user to call up a graphical representation of current weather data being supplied to the weather system. The weather system also provides the user with the ability to call up a graphical representation of any of the time-tagged historical weather data stored in the weather database.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or preventing fiber entry whip as the loose end of a fiber being wound on a spool enters a fiber winding device. A fiber winding device comprises a spool winder entrance, a winding spool and a fiber whip shield substantially surrounding the winding spool. A fiber entry whip reducer positioned in front of the fiber winding device comprises at least one pulley and a guide channel including a straight entry section and a curved section leading to the fiber winding device. The guide channel is formed and positioned such that the loose end of the fiber is maintained against the guide channel by centrifugal force imparted onto the fiber by the curvature of the channel and forward motion of the fiber produced by the rotating spool, thereby producing a trajectory such that the loose end of the fiber enters the fiber winding device and is maintained against the whip shield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating an optical wave guide fiber with a liquid polymer coating includes pressurizing a chamber with a process fluid and venting the process fluid along, and in a direction opposite the direction of travel of, the incoming fiber, to strip particles from the incoming fiber before the particles enter the die assembly.

Abstract: A continuous length of fiber from a fiber supply is wound onto first and second sections of a spool by an apparatus and method that collect a first portion of the continuous length of fiber from the fiber supply, wind the collected first portion onto the first section of the spool, and wind a second portion of the continuous length of fiber onto the second section of the spool.