Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for converting a current signal into a two-level output voltage depending on a reference current signal. In one embodiment, a first current, which is the reference current signal is applied to the apparatus. A negative feedback sets the output of the apparatus in a certain configuration. Any current signal to be compared to the reference current signal may be then applied. The output voltage level depends on whether the current signal is lower or higher than the reference current signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for amplifying an input current into an output current. An input current is first injected in or pulled out of a transimpedance stage and converted, in a linear way, into an interstage voltage. The interstage voltage is then converted into the output current. The conversion of the interstage voltage into an output current is performed by maintaining a transistor in the triode mode to obtain a linear conversion as well as adding a current which comes from a current source.

Abstract: An optical coherent processor or correlator for processing an input image produced by an imaging device illuminated by a coherent light source utilizes an optical key for preventing unauthorized use of the processor. The principle underlying processing apparatus and method according to the invention uses an optical lock in combination with an encoded software key superimposed on a filter image. The optical lock, which is preferably in hardware form, consists of a first optical mask implementing a locking mask function that is preferably complex (phase and/or amplitude), which first optical mask is included in the optical path of the processor. The mask is fixed during assembly of the processor or correlator and a unique pattern is encoded thereon. The software key consists of a pattern defined by a key mask function that is displayed preferably using a spatial light modulator as part of a second optical mask included on the processor optical path.

Abstract: A simple optical position encoder of detecting the position of a light spot generated by any light source of either light generating or light reflecting type, directly in a binary or other encoded format at very high speed, comprises a diffractive optical element including an array of diffractive cells each being formed by a unique arrangement of diffractive sub-cells and being disposed at a predetermined position with respect to a predetermined reference point on the diffractive optical element. Each cell is capable of generating a unique optical diffraction pattern when illuminated. When an image of the light spot is formed on the diffractive element, at least one cell is positioned to receive the light spot input image, generating its unique optical diffraction pattern accordingly at an output image plane, where one or more optical detectors are disposed.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention compensates for the phosphorous glow of cathode ray tube displays which is retained from one image to the next and eliminates the ghosting effect seen when viewing 3-D images using shutter, polarized or colored stereoscopic glasses. It can additionally be used to compensate for light leaking through LCD shutter glasses. The source images for each eye are not displayed directly once modulated. The source images are modified using positive and negative ratio combinations of both eye images to be displayed to each eye. The displayed image for one eye is a percentage of the source image for that eye, minus a percentage of the source image for the other eye, plus a percentage of white. The ratio can be preset or modified in real-time by the viewer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of acquiring biomechanical position data for use in postural analysis, where a plurality of scanable markers are attached on the patient at marker positions, the patient is instructed to stand in normal posture, and the markers attached to the patient are scanned to obtain position data for each of them. The present invention also relates to a method for calculating postural deviation values in a patient where an angle of deviation value and distance of deviation value with respect to the plumb line position value are calculated using the biomechanical position data. The present invention further relates to a method of providing posture health care using a distributed system.

Abstract: This invention provides an actuation system for a highly underactuated gripping mechanism with ten degrees of freedom, which requires only two actuators, one for actuating the opening and closing of three fingers and the other for the orientation of two rotatable fingers with synchronization. Underactuation between the fingers is provided by a one-input/three-output differential which is associated with an orientation mechanism so that an orientation-fixed finger is deactivated when the two orientatable fingers are rotated to face each other for a pinch grasp. Each finger is enabled to be self-locked in its closing and opening action when the power is off. This feature is important, especially for the fingers actuated by a differential mechanism for the underactuation between the fingers. In one embodiment of the invention, planetary gearing system is used for the differential.

Abstract: A selectable band-pass filtering apparatus for use at the input of analysis instrumentation, such as a spectrum analyzer for testing a multi-channel communication system, comprises a high-pass filter section including a plurality of separate high-pass filters, each characterized by a respective high-pass cut-off frequency within a predetermined input frequency spectrum characterizing the communication system and a low-pass filter section including a plurality of separate low-pass filters each characterized by a corresponding low-pass cut-off frequency within the input frequency spectrum. The apparatus further comprises switching devices capable of connecting a selected high-pass filter In series with a selected low-pass filter in order to select passband having center frequency and bandwidth characteristics defined by corresponding high-pass cut-off frequency and low-pass cut-off frequency.

Abstract: A filter network demultiplexes a frequency division multiplexed input signal which involves a reduced number of multiplier or multiplying steps. The filter network comprises L−1 Z−N shift registers in series receiving the multiplexed input signal Y(n) to produce L−1 corresponding shifted signals, pairs of which are added. The filter network further comprises a set of q multiplier sections including p first multiplier sections each being coupled to the added signals for combining each output of a corresponding set of N transformed filter coefficients gi. There are provided a set of N second adder sections each being coupled to distinct outputs of the multiplier sections for producing a corresponding set of N transformed signals, and a set of t third adders each receiving a distinct pair of signals {CT(n),CT′(n)} from the transformed signals Ck(n) for producing a first filtered signal Ao(n) and a set of N−1 filtered signals Ak(n+k), with k=1, . . .

Abstract: A pumping scheme for distributed Raman amplification (DRA) in optical fiber telecommunication systems is disclosed in which pump energy at the wavelength(s) required for DRA of the transmitted optical signal(s) is developed within the transmission fiber through a series, n, where n≧1, of Raman conversions. In preferred embodiments, a ‘primary’ pump source of wavelength shorter than the ultimately desired pump wavelength(s) is launched into the fiber along with one or more significantly lower-power secondary ‘seed’ sources. The wavelength and power of the secondary source(s) are chosen such that, when combined with the high-power primary source, Raman conversions within the fiber ultimately lead to the development of high power at the desired pump wavelength(s).

Abstract: Ultrasound is used to determine, by echo ranging, the distance of objects in front of a user for allowing a visually impaired pedestrian to walk safely. A double circuit allows two simultaneous measurements. Distances measured are converted into human paces or steps. Then each ear of the human receives measurement information. The user can calibrate the apparatus for his or her own stride.

Abstract: A tachometer apparatus of a remote vehicle starting system for providing tachometric information. The apparatus includes an antenna disposed proximate to the engine compartment of the vehicle and adapted to pick up an RF signal generated by the firing of the spark plugs in the engine compartment. The apparatus also includes an RF detector having the antenna coupled to the input thereof and providing at its output a tachometer signal for coupling to a controller and providing a signal indicative of the running status of the vehicle engine and of the tach speed of the engine.

Abstract: A method of processing data representing intensity values of a measurement signal as a function of a discrete variable such as time, which signal being characterized by series of peaks mixed with a substantially regular background noise, provides efficient noise attenuation and peak detection capabilities. When applied to a two-dimensional system, the method comprises an initial step of forming an intensity histogram vector representing a frequency distribution from the intensity values, which intensity histogram vector having N frequency vector components associated with corresponding N intensity sub-ranges within a maximum range extending from a minimum intensity value to a maximum intensity value. This initial step is followed by a step of zeroing a portion of the data corresponding to the intensity values which are below an intensity threshold value derived from shape characteristics of the distribution.

Abstract: Endothelial dysfunction is a known indicator of cornary artery disease. Endothelial dysfunction is detected by measuring tracer presence in arteries following the release of blood flow into the limb after a period of blockage of blood flow into the limb. The blood flow is measured in a pair of laterally opposed limbs, such as the patient's forearms, and the tracer presence is compared between both limbs. An efficient tracer is a radionuclide and the non-invasive measurement of the radionuclide is carried out by gamma ray detection.

Abstract: An optical fiber pumping apparatus for use with a double-cladding fiber in an optical amplifier or laser configuration comprises a plurality of laser diodes used as pump sources disposed in a spatial configuration for radiating pump energy along an optical axis through a surrounding generally annular area, leaving an available middle area. The apparatus further comprises an optical coupling device having an optical input portion generally aligned with the optical axis to collect the pump energy and having an optical output portion aligned with the pumping input portion for transferring the pump energy to the inner cladding surrounding the doped core of the fiber. The apparatus exhibits high pump power rating and allows efficient input signal coupling in optical fiber amplifier applications. According to the different preferred embodiments, the apparatus can act either simultaneously or independently as a pump combiner, multiple pump injector, signal coupler or pump/signal multiplexer/demultiplexer.

Abstract: A method and circuit are provided to perform current-to-voltage conversions. The circuit is operational in one linear mode based on channel-length-modulation effects in the saturation region and two non-linear modes based on a current operation overrunning the saturation region and a logarithmic function of drain current versus gate-to-source voltage, respectively. An adaptive process is provided to set-up the quiescent point of the circuit. The conversion gain is variable with respect to the conversion mode, the current range, and the length of the converting transistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lower urinary dysfunctions and more particularly to an electronic stimulator implant and method to improve bladder voiding and prevent bladder hyperreflexia. There is provided an electronic stimulator implant for which comprises a tonicity signal generator generating a tonicity signal which prevents bladder hyperreflexia combined with a voiding signal generator generating a voiding signal for voiding the bladder. The implant is connected to an end of an electrode, and the second end thereof is connected to a sacral nerve. When the voiding key (or switch) is activated, the voiding signal is generated which activates detrusor muscle contraction, causing bladder voiding. The voiding may be achieved without dyssynergia, by activating detrusor muscle contraction without activating external urethral sphincter contraction. The tonicity signal may be provided intermittently. The implant may be activated by a manually activated external controller.

Abstract: Dental implant drill holes and the shape of a dental implant superstructure are chosen by creating a computer model giving jawbone structural details, gum surface shape information and proposed teeth or dental prosthesis shape information. The computer model shows the bone structure, gum surface and teeth images properly referenced to one another so that implant drill hole position can be selected talking into consideration proper positioning within the bone as well as proper positioning with respect to the dental prosthesis. Similarly, manufacture of the dental implant superstructure used for fixed dental prosthesis or overdentures can be designed based on knowledge of the actual implant position referenced to an image of the gum surface and proposed dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for compensating the floating differential capacitance appearing between two recording microelectrodes is presented. It is shown how this floating capacitance can be neutralized so that current in any microelectrode can be injected without any significant cross-talk picked up by the other. It is a fully symmetrical compensation.

Abstract: The computer-based translation system allows a person having full understanding and competency in a language of an original source text to confirm the meaning of the source text without requiring knowledge of any other language so that data concerning the meaning of the original language text may be used to translate automatically the original text into the other language or other languages.