Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a communication signal modulated with a composite video signal without the need for a synchronizing device. Samples are taken of an intermediate signal derived from the received communication signal that represents the power spectrum of the communication signal at different instants of time. From a priori knowledge of the spectral characteristics of the communication signal modulated with a composite video signal, predetermined features of the communication signal are identified based on the relative values of the samples collected over a period of time equal to an entire frame of the composite video signal. The sample with the maximum value of a plurality of sample values collected for one frame is coincident with the occurrence of a vertical synchronization pulse of the composite video signal, which occurs when no modulation is present, and therefore is representative of the power of the communication signal at the visual carrier frequency.

Abstract: A pressure support ventilatory assist device is disclosed. Pressure is provided by a blower which is operated at the minimum speed necessary to achieve the desired inspiration pressure. Pressure regulation is achieved by means of a novel pressure regulator valve, rather than by modulating blower speed, thereby reducing perceptible noise. The flow sensor is removed from its conventional location between the regulator valve and the patient mask to a location upstream of the regulator valve to minimize resistance to patient expiration and to isolate the valve from possible fluids in the tubing. Since the flow sensor in this location cannot sense expiration flows, the device includes circuitry for generating a model of the expiratory waveform based upon the inspiratory waveform. Actual pressure is then modulated to conform to the model waveform.

Abstract: A module for allowing an enclosure containing circuitry or electronics to be connected to the back of a jack plate behind the surface of a wall. The electronics module may be, for example, an ADSL POTS splitter for isolating voice-band services from ADSL data and voice services at the subscriber premises. The module includes a generally rectangular enclosure that has at least two legs for being inserted into holes in the jack plate to attach the enclosure to the jack plate. The legs preferably extend downwardly below the bottom of the enclosure and are preferably located as far apart from each other as possible, such as on diagonal corners of a rectangular enclosure. The legs of the enclosure are inserted into the holes on the back face of the jack plate, which faces inwardly into the stud cavity of the wall when attached to a wall box. In this manner, the module is attached to the back face of the jack plate in the stud cavity of a wall, thereby achieving an aesthetically pleasing, space-saving connection.

Abstract: A putting surface having a ball receptacle with a cup wall of a predetermined height is defined within the putting surface for receiving a moving ball. A force absorbing member extends vertically within the ball receptacle for absorbing the force of a moving ball. The force absorbing member has a first undeformed position prior to engaging the moving ball and a second deformed position when engaging the moving ball within a force absorbing zone for absorbing the force of a moving ball. Additionally, the force absorbing member is offset from the cup wall enabling a golf ball to enter the ball receptacle prior to engaging the force absorbing member.

Abstract: A broadband signal tap includes a reversible directional coupler and a make-before-break signal continuity bridge. The electronic circuitry of the directional coupler is provided on a daughterboard that is removably connected to a motherboard in the tap. The removable daughterboard has a plurality of symmetrically arranged connection means and the motherboard has a plurality of symmetrically arranged connection points for accepting connections with the plurality of symmetrically arranged outputs on the daughterboard. The connections on the motherboard and on the daughterboard are physically and functionally symmetrical, thereby permitting the daughterboard to be reversed. The daughterboard is maintained in a housing. The housing has elongated fingers which, when pushed downward onto the motherboard, penetrate through retaining holes in motherboard, thereby retaining the housing on the motherboard.

Abstract: The present invention includes a digital stereo modulator having a digital left channel input and a digital right channel input into a Digital BTSC Stereo Generator that contains a Sine Table. The Digital BTSC Stereo Generator generates and outputs the following signals: 2*FH, compressed BTSC L−R, preemphasized BTSC L+R, and FH. A digital multiplier amplitude modulates the 2*FH carrier with the compressed BTSC L−R output, and the resultant signal is a Stereo Subchannel AM-DSB-SC BTSC Compressed L−R, which is then summed together with the preemphasized BTSC L+R, and FH by a digital summer. The output of the digital summer is the composite BTSC output without SAP or Professional channels. The Digital BTSC Stereo Generator transforms left and right inputs into the outputs described above by utilizing clock inputs 3*FH and 12*FH. A digital PLL phase locks 3*FH and 12*FH clocks to a Horizontal Synch (FH) reference, for input to the Digital BTSC Stereo Generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for organizing fibers in a rack that houses optical equipment, including a guide that can be removably connected at one of a plurality of different locations to define paths in which fibers can be routed between equipment within the rack. The invention includes a panel having an array of mounting holes therein, and a plurality of guides that can be removably connected to the panel at a plurality of different locations defined by the mounting holes. The panel is located in the rack adjacent to each rack space that houses a piece of equipment and preferably includes a plurality of columns having a plurality of mounting holes in each column. This provides a plurality of vertical and horizontal locations at which a guide can be connected to the panel, thereby allowing the guide to be connected to an appropriate location depending on the size of the equipment in the rack space.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing Raman cross-talk between optical signals having different wavelengths in an optical communications system. Optical signals having wavelengths &lgr;1, &lgr;2, &lgr;3, and &lgr;4, respectively, are launched into an optical fiber at the headend of the system by an optical transmitter. Each wavelength &lgr; is preferably separated from each adjacent wavelength by the same amount, &Dgr;&lgr;. &lgr;1 and &lgr;2 have vertical polarizations and &lgr;3 and &lgr;4 have horizontal polarizations. Because there is no Raman cross-talk between orthogonally polarized optical signals, there will be no Raman cross-talk between &lgr;1 and &lgr;3, between &lgr;2 and &lgr;4, between &lgr;1 and &lgr;4, or between &lgr;2 and &lgr;3. However, there is Raman cross-talk between &lgr;1 and &lgr;2 because each is vertically polarized and also between &lgr;3 and &lgr;4 because each is horizontally polarized.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing temperature stability in an FM quadrature detector. The circuit includes a feedback branch that feeds a portion of the dc output voltage to a varactor diode that is connected in parallel with a capacitor of an LC circuit in the quadrature detector. When the ambient temperature of the LC circuit of the quadrature detector changes, the resonant frequency shifts from the desired center value and a dc voltage is introduced at the output of the quadrature detector. The dc voltage is input to the varactor diode via the feedback circuit branch, and the capacitance of the varactor diode, which is dependent on the dc voltage applied to it, causes the overall capacitance of the LC circuit to change. The change in overall capacitance of the LC circuit caused by the capacitance of the varactor diode causes the resonant frequency of the quadrature detector to shift to be more closely maintained at the desired center frequency.

Abstract: A process is provided for recycling heterogeneous waste including the initial step of subjecting the heterogeneous waste to pyrolysis to produce a synthesis gas stream comprising at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen and a molten pyrolysis product stream having a variable composition comprising at least a mineral material and a metallic material. The molten pyrolysis product stream is converted to a plurality of commercial grade solid materials. Likewise, the synthesis gas stream is also converted into at least one commercial grade chemical.

Abstract: A multiple transport system for transporting automobiles within a container includes a first and second automobile carrier. The first automobile carrier includes a base having a first and second leg extending from the base offset from one another to define an automobile carrier receiving space. An inclined platform extends upward from the base and carries a first automobile in an inclined position. A second automobile carrier for carrying a second automobile includes a front portion having a width less than the offset of the first and second legs of the first automobile carrier enabling the second automobile carrier to be received between the offset legs of the first automobile carrier in an overlapping transport position.

Abstract: A trailer recovery vehicle is provided for transporting a trailer towed by a tractor. The trailer recovery vehicle includes a generally horizontal wheeled support platform for mounting underneath the trailer for supporting the trailer in a horizontal position and a wheel brace for engaging a wheel of the trailer to prevent lateral shifting when the trailer is carried by the carrier support platform. The trailer recovery vehicle also includes a pivotable connector for connecting the support platform to the tractor while the trailer is connected to the tractor via a fifth wheel connector, enabling the support platform and trailer to be transported simultaneously so that the trailer mounted to the tractor is supported above the road surface and transported by the trailer recovery vehicle when the tractor pulls the trailer recovery vehicle.