Abstract: A system for dealing with faults in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communications between two terminals connected by at least two optical fibers monitors the status of communications over both optical fibers. If both optical fibers are operating normally, a first set of channels is routed over the first optical fiber and a second set of channels (which is mutually exclusive of the first set of channels) is routed over the second optical fiber. However, if a fault is detected in either optical fiber, the first terminal combines the first and second sets of channels and routes the combined channels over the remaining optical fiber to the second terminal. The second terminal separates the combined channels to recreate the first and second sets of channels. Wavelength slicers can be used to multiplex and demultiplex the channels at both terminals. This architecture allows the first and second sets of channels to be interdigitally spaced.

Abstract: A method of operating of controller-based progressive gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines wherein each gaming machine generates unit bet information indicative of a number of unit bets supplied to a machine for playing a game. The method comprises the steps of randomly selecting a bonus mode activation value between a high and low limit, providing a current value, providing a base value, incrementing the current value when the gaming machines are played so that the current value is incremented by a fixed amount of each unit bet received by each gaming machine. A bonus mode time period is entered when the incremented current value is equal to or exceeds the bonus value. Eligible machines are locked-in and random bonus jackpots are made during the bonus time period. Each bonus award decrements the current value by the amount of each award and the bonus mode time period is ended when the current value is less than or equal to the base value.

Abstract: The monorail system of the present invention contains a monorail and a system controller that has a first radio frequency ethernet communications device. Location markers are attached to the monorail. A vehicle is positioned to move on the monorail. The vehicle contains a motor drive system that moves the vehicle on the monorail. A remote controller is interconnected to the motor drive system, and the remote controller controls movement of the vehicle and receives information from the system controller. A reader connected to the remote controller senses the location markers attached to the monorail. A second radio frequency ethernet communications device is provided and is connected to the remote controller. The radio frequency ethernet communications device wirelessly communicates with the first radio frequency ethernet communications device on the system controller to create a wireless ethernet network containing at least the system controller and the remote controller.

Abstract: A control system stabilizes the flexible body bending modes of a space, airborne, or ground-based system, while providing angular position control of an oscillating mass connected to a counter-oscillating counterbalance. The actuating mechanism uses two drive motors to exert torques on the mass and counterbalance, respectively, under the control of a feedback controller. The controller has a first control channel generating a first torque command signal for the first drive based on the angular position of the mass, and a second control channel generating a second torque command signal for the second drive based on the angular position of the counterbalance and a torque cross-feed signal from the first control channel. The second control channel includes a notch filter for removing input frequencies in a predetermined bandwidth about the frequency of the first torque command signal.

Abstract: A new class of x-ray optic suitable for use in x-ray proximity lithography employs many mirror facets arranged in a grazing incidence geometry at a relatively large distance from the mask. Each mirror facet is substantially flat in that its radius of curvature is substantially larger than the target. Each facet creates an optically independent channel that covers the entire target. The facets are arranged so that many channels can simultaneously illuminate the target, thereby achieving high flux at the target with high uniformity. Constraints on local and global divergence at the mask are met by making the optic sufficiently small and placing it sufficiently distant from the target.

Abstract: A suction-adhering vehicle for removing a coating from a surface includes a resilient suction ring (e.g., a tubular ring, an inner tube, or a solid foam ring) defining a substantially enclosed region between vehicle frame and the surface. Spray nozzles within the enclosed region direct fluid against the surface to remove the coating. An exhaust port leading from the enclosed region is connect to an external suction source that maintains reduced pressure within the enclosed region and withdraws fluid and coating debris from within the enclosed region. Caterpillar treads or other drive means move the vehicle along the surface. The suction ring is releasably secured to the vehicle frame by a frictional fit with engaging means extending from the frame, such as collar that engages the inside diameter or the outside diameter of the suction ring. This allows the suction ring to be quickly and easily replaced in the field.

Abstract: An air freshener employs a rotor made of a scent-bearing material to disperse a fragrance in the air flowing from a vent, for example, in a vehicle. The rotor can be molded from scented plastic (e.g., low-density polyethylene impregnated with a fragrance). The rotor is rotatably mounted to a base having a clip or fastener that can be attached to the louvers covering the vent. The air flow through the vent causes the rotor to rotate and thereby disperses the scent. The base can also be made of a scent-bearing material. For example, the rotor can be shaped like an aircraft propeller, pinwheel, or ventilation fan. If an aircraft propeller is used, the base can take the appearance of an aircraft engine cowling. The rotor can also be generally disk-shaped bearing an arbitrary design (e.g., a flower, character, or company logo). A series of openings direct air flow through the rotor disk and over corresponding airfoil surfaces to cause the rotor to spin.

Abstract: Zeolite/clay/phosphate catalysts can be prepared by a process wherein a composition of zeolite-clay-phosphate is brought to a pH level of about 7.0 to about 14.0. The resulting slurry is then age reacted for about 0.5 to about 24 hours. Thereafter the slurry is dried to produce a zeolite/clay/phosphate catalyst particles that are particularly characterized by their high levels of zeolite stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing realistic doll heads that have the facial appearance of particular children. The customer, using ten facial characteristics set forth in a chart, selects from among a predetermined number of facial characteristics those most closely resembling the facial appearance of the child. The facial characteristics that are selected comprise seven face shapes (rounded, oval, pear, rectangular, thinner rectangular, thinner heart, and wider heart); skin tone; eye color; eyelash color; eyebrow color, thickness, and shape; hair color, cut, length, and style; and birthmarks, moles, and/or freckles. The selected characteristics are then applied to the doll head to produce a one-of-a-kind doll closely resembling the child.

Abstract: A switchable wavelength router switches wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signals between N input ports and M output ports. Each WDM signal is spatially decomposed into N pairs of orthogonally polarized beams by a polarization-dependent routing element, such as a birefringent element. A polarization rotator array rotates the polarization of each beam pair so that both beams in each pair have the same polarization. A wavelength filter then demultiplexes each beam pair to create N sets of four beams, such that the first beam in each pair decomposes into third and fourth orthogonally-polarized beams, and the second beam in each pair decomposes into fifth and sixth orthogonally-polarized beams. The third and fifth beams carry a first spectral band at a first polarization, and the fourth and sixth beams carry a second complementary spectral band at an orthogonal polarization.

Abstract: A metal-containing refractory ore, such as refractory sulfide ore, is split into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is partially biodigested by a sulfide-digesting microorganism in a biooxidation reactor where the microorganism is acclimated to the sulfide "diet" provided by the ore. The partially digested ore is then combined with the second portion. The resulting material is then dewatered, agglomerated, biooxidized and subjected to a lixiviation process.

Abstract: Adaptable, line vibration damping/sag adjustment devices are provided with hollow regions that facilitate drilling of larger holes in the devices so that the devices can hold and clamp lines having correspondingly large diameters.

Abstract: A visual display sign having a lighting unit that provides high-efficiency light output from a non-point source of light. The reflector in the lighting unit is sealed and has a shaped reflecting surface obtained by generating a curve from a set of predetermined curve reference points. The shaped reflecting surface provides a light output efficiency of about 60 percent from a non-point source of light and spreads the emitted light about eight degrees from the plane of circumference of the reflector. The lighting units are attached to the visual display sign at a downward angle of about eight degrees from the horizontal.

Abstract: A secure game table system, adapted for multiple sites under a central control, for monitoring each hand in a live card game. A common deck identity code is located on each card. A shuffler has a circuit for counting the cards from a previous hand which are inserted into the shuffler and which reads the common identity code. The game control verifies that no cards have been withdrawn from the hand by a player or that new cards have been substituted. A unique code also placed on each card is read as the card is dealt to indicate the value and the suit. The game control stores this information in a memory so that a history of each card dealt is recorded. Sensors are located near each of the player positions for sensing the presence of a game bet and a progressive bet. A card sensor located near each player position and the dealer position issues a signal for each card received.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is used for heating a chromatographic column assembly containing a microwave absorbing material. The microwave heating apparatus includes an antenna transmitting a microwave signal and a resonant cavity containing the chromatographic column assembly and the antenna. The chromatographic column assembly extends relative to predetermined electromagnetic field strength contours within the resonant cavity to provide a predetermined heating profile along the length of the chromatographic column assembly. For example, a single-mode chromatographic column microwave oven can be used to heat a coiled chromatography column to a desired temperature gradient along its length. Oven design embodiments utilizing coaxial transmission line structures, coaxial resonators, and cylindrical resonators are described. To control the electromagnetic field gradient in the axial direction, the oven designs provide for varying some part of the oven geometry in the axial direction.

Abstract: An air freshener for use in an automobile, home, or office representing an animal, cartoon character, or other figure. At least one scent-releasing capsule is inserted through a mouth formed within a body of the figure and retained therein. Optionally the body can have a distinct head member. Likewise, a hanger can be provided from which to hang the air freshener. The scent-releasing capsule releases scent through the air-permeable body and into the surrounding air. Additional fresh capsules can be inserted through the mouth and retained by the body member when the scent-releasing capsule has been spent.

Abstract: A multi-dose infusion pump employs a piston sliding within the internal chamber of a pump housing to dispense liquid from a port. The peripheral surface of the piston has a sequence of steps in a radial pattern spaced at intervals along the longitudinal axis of the chamber. A cap is rotatably mounted to the pump housing and includes a stop that limits forward movement of the piston by engaging a selected one of the steps on the piston at each rotational position of the cap. This causes a series of predetermined quantities of liquid to be dispensed as the cap is rotated to align the stop with each step in sequence. A spring between the cap and piston urges the piston forward in the chamber to dispense liquid from the port.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: The useful life of SO.sub.X additives having a SO.sub.2 .fwdarw.SO.sub.3 oxidation catalyst component and a SO.sub.3 absorption component can be extended by employing each of these components as separate and distinct physical particles, pellets, etc.