Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical fiber 10 comprising a substantially pure silica glass core 12, a concentric tin-doped core/cladding interface region 14, and a concentric fluorine-doped depressed cladding layer 16. The tin-doped core/cladding interface region 14 comprises a low concentration gradient of tin dioxide, which advantageously results in a de minimis refractive index change, resistance to hydrogen incursion, and thermal stability of any fiber Bragg gratings written into the interface region 14.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.

Abstract: A method for selecting paints is disclosed. This method includes the steps of selecting true paint colors, displaying device-dependent colors corresponding to the true paint colors in a simulated full size room and interacting with the buyers to change the displayed colors and select the desired colors. The method also includes the step of dispensing paints corresponding to the selected colors. The displayed colors are generated by multiple color and/or white LEDs to provide a wider gamut of displayable colors and more color saturation and chromatic. A full-size apparatus for displaying paint colors using device-dependent colors is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a secure electronic deposit box system 25 and a related method of controlling access to electronic information, particularly suitable for use in electronic tendering or the like. The method comprises the steps of providing: at least one user apparatus 5; a remote server 10; a communications link 15 between the at least one user apparatus 5 and the remote server 10; allocating disk storage space 20 on the remote server 10 unique to the at least one user apparatus 5; allowing the at least one user access to the storage space 20 via secure encryption of data sent to/from the user apparatus 5 and the server 10 and username/password login to the server. By this arrangement, the at least one user apparatus 15 can send data in the form of documentation to the disk storage space 20, and can also access the documentation on the disk storage space 20.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor housing having a flexible sensor tube containing a transmission fluid and having sealed ends, and an optical sensor connected to an optical fiber. The optical sensor is adapted to measure a pressure of a fluid and this pressure is communicated to the flexible sensor tube, so that the pressure is transferred by the transmission fluid to the optical sensor. The sensor can measure temperature and/or pressure, and the sensor can be located remote from the sensor housing or within the sensor housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic system including a plurality of optical sensors, each with an identification system is disclosed. The fiber optic system includes a fiber, a demodulator, and at least one coupler, optical sensor and corresponding identification system. The identification system is powered by light shunted from the fiber by the coupler to a modulating device. The modulating device modulates the light and transmits it to a power converting device, which transforms the light energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy powers a high temperature integrated circuit upon which is stored a digital identification of a respective optical sensor. The integrated circuit, upon being powered up, sends a modulated response back up to the surface through the modulating device. Alternatively, a passive identification system is described, wherein identification information for a sensor is encoded onto the optical beam as it passes through reflective devices along the length of the fiber.

Abstract: A floor covering composite made from at least a fibrous outer layer and an adhesive layer is disclosed. These layers are laminated and/or embossed to form elevated areas and depressed areas. Within the depressed areas, fibers from the fibrous outer layer are anchored by the adhesive layer activated by the laminating and/or embossing process. Within the elevated areas, the surface fibers of the fibrous outer layer are substantially free from the activated adhesive, and are movable relative to each other. Transitioning cluster areas are positioned between the depressed areas and the elevated areas. Fibers from the fibrous outer layer are partially bonded by the activated adhesive to provide some structural integrity to the fibers in the elevated areas. The composite may further include a backing layer, a gas permeable, liquid impermeable layer to allow the composite to vent, but prevent liquid from penetrating to the backing layer or to the substrate covered by the composite.

Abstract: An optical sensor (10) that provides for concurrent pressure and temperature measurements at substantially the same location includes at least one launch fiber (22) and at least one temperature sensitive material (52) having a refractive index that changes with a change in temperature. The launch fiber and temperature sensitive material are spaced from each other across a gap (21) having length (L). A reflecting fiber (26) can be provided adjacent the temperature sensitive material. The optical sensor (10) also includes a sealed cavity (20). The launch fiber (22) and reflecting fiber (26) can be attached to the tube and at least partially disposed within the cavity. Changes in pressure change the length (L) of the gap (21).

Abstract: A restrictor for relieving the symptoms of erectile dysfunction by applying pressure to the corpora cavernosa. The restrictor includes a visual gauge for signaling a purchaser of adequate fit and/or potential overuse. The restrictor includes a surface treatment that changes temperature with color. The restrictor may be a rigid metal ring having a thermochromic surface treatment, such as a layer of liquid crystals covered with transparent glass or plastic. The restrictor may also be a flexible band wrapped in or made from a material dyed with a leuco dye or a dye including microencapsulated liquid crystals in suspension. The color change indicated by the thermochromic surface treatment indicates adequate fit and/or potential overuse.

Abstract: An aerostatic suspension system (1) for rolling equipment and vehicles that takes advantage of atmospheric pressure to create, via cylinder and piston sets, forces that are transmitted by levers having an adjustable point of application of force and that at their distal ends are articulated with wheel support rods. The forces, acting individually on each wheel, aerostatically suspend the weight plus its load of the equipment or vehicle.

Abstract: An optical fiber containing one or more random modulations capable of reflecting one or more random wavelengths of light passing through the optical fiber is provided. Each modulation is a section of the optical fiber in which the refractive index has been modified or a section of random refractive index optical fiber that has been spliced into the optical fiber. The optical fiber is produced by modifying the refractive index of at least one portion of the optical fiber through photo-etching, photo-bleaching, ultraviolet radiation exposure or splicing. The optical fiber containing the random modulation is used to measure one or more engineering parameters by locating the section or portion of the optical fiber containing the random modulation in an area where the engineering parameter is to be measured and measuring the engineering parameter using optical frequency domain reflectometry.