Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for optical and radio frequency implementation of a fast frequency hopping spread spectrum communication for code division multiple access systems is disclosed. The method avoids the frequency hopping synthesizer requirements in the transmitter as well as in the receiver. In a system where a pool of CDMA users share a channel characterized by a number of F available frequencies (or frequency bands), each user is assigned a subset of M (M less than or equal to F) frequencies from the F available frequencies, selected and ordered in time as prescribed by his own code (or address). In the transmitter, the information bit sequence modulates a broadband source so that the energy assigned to a data bit is concentrated on just a short interval of the bit period which is less than or equal to the so-called chip interval.

Abstract: Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD transitive) for a computing system and method of encoding and decoding TDD signals are described. The apparatus includes a sound card enabled to transmit and receive TDD coded Frequency Keying modulated audio signals. In extracting characters from a received audio signal, the sound card is used to sample the received audio signal. In extracting data bits from the received audio signal, groups of samples representing portions of the received signal are correlated against two frequencies.

Abstract: A light box comprises two halogen 500 watt lamps supplied with DC rectified power, a scanning window made of 3 sheets, a thermoswitch, a fan and an intensity control circuit. The light box is adapted to be used with a reflective-type scanner. When a reflective-type scanner is mounted on the scanning window of the light box, the apparatus is able to scan X-ray transparencies and to produce an image which physicians can use to perform radio-diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for increasing the frame acquisition rate of an interline transfer CCD sensor by triggering the charge transfer signal TR, which controls the shift of the electrical charges from the light-sensitive cells into the vertical shift register, more than once per frame period, so that more than one image is acquired in the same frame, one above the other. The apparatus is used primarily for surface geometry inspection of high-speed moving objects, wherein acquired CCD images are thin, substantially horizontal profile lines.

Abstract: A scanning module for imaging through scattering media is provided. The scanning module image through scattering media while alleviating adverse effects of the weak transmission through highly scattering media. The injection of photons is optimized so that the overall transmission is increased compared to the conventional art. Cross-talk effects in a multi-port geometry are eliminated thereby increasing parallelism.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for imaging markings on cartridge cases. It provides for the taking of two images of the cartridge case with light for illumination projected at the cartridge case from two different predetermined angles. In a first version, two different light sources are set at the two different predetermined angles. In a second version, one light source is moved between two different positions to project light at the two different predetermined angles. In a third version, the device holding the cartridge case is rotated between two different positions so light projects at the cartridge case from the two different predetermined angles. In a fourth version, the holding device rotates the cartridge case between two different positions so that light projects at the cartridge case at the two different predetermined angles. In another aspect, the invention provides diffuse light for the taking of the images.

Abstract: A passive magnetic detector is provided at ground level or buried below ground level in between rails of a railroad track at a distance from the level crossing for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects passing overhead on the track. Magnetic field reversals are detected in the passive detector signal. The reversal signal is analyzed and a train presence output signal is generated for controlling a level crossing gate system or other such crossing warning system. For parallel tracks, pairs of passive magnetic field detectors detect objects over each track and the reversals are analyzed to check that an inbound train does not sneak by undetected as an outbound train is leaving and passing over the same detector pair. At the level crossing, static magnetic field detectors are used to ensure that no equipment remains on the island after detecting that the moving train has left the crossing, so that the crossing gates can be safely lifted as soon as possible.

Abstract: To compensate for the poor signal-to-noise ratio when transforming a patient tracheal sound signal into a respiration flow signal, the transformed signal is used when the sound signal is above a threshold, and interpolated values are used when the sound signal is below the threshold. A volume of breath signal is reliably obtained. Respiration start/stop is detected either by analyzing the sound signal or by physical measurement of the patient. A wearable device incorporating the sound signal processing method can provide an immediate indication or alarm when the volume of breath signal indicates a condition requiring medical attention.

Abstract: The LED traffic light electronic controller stabilizes the total output light intensity of the traffic light in order to ensure a constant light intensity of each traffic light color throughout the entire traffic light lifetime. The controller detects the output light intensity of a color, and then automatically adjusts the power input for the LEDs in order to increase the light intensity when needed. The controller works in a closed loop cycle in order to perform real-time control of the light intensity output. Thus, at each moment of the traffic light lifetime, the output light intensity is constant and equivalent to a predetermined standard. This insures traffic safety for the entire traffic light lifetime and also make it last longer. The controller also provides a ballast load when off, and is able to provide an open circuit when the LEDs have exhausted their useful lifespan. The intensity is further controlled by detecting ambient light conditions.

Abstract: By adjusting a state of circular polarization of a laser beam, a rate of rotation in micro objects rotated by angular momentum imparted from the light is controlled. The light has greatest effect on anisotropic transparent micro objects. A micro mixer using anisotropic micro probe objects can also be provided by using the light to control rotation of the probe objects in a suspension or solution.

Abstract: A method for measuring such parameters as height, position, shape, colinearity, and coplanarity of arrays of minute objects on the surface of integrated circuits, such as Ball Grid Arrays (BGA), all in one simple and straight forward procedure during the manufacturing process of integrated circuits. Shadows of the objects are created on the substrate through the use of x-rays or other light sources placed at predetermined distances and angles from the objects. An imaging device obtains images from the shadows cast onto the substrate and the images are then analyzed to determine if they meet predefined parameters. Multiple sources of illumination can be used to illuminate the array in order to create a more precise image for analysis and three dimensional images of the BGA can be created for analysis.

Abstract: An extendible surveying probe comprises two collinear position detecting units that allow the probe to be used in an inclined position for accessing vertically inaccessible points with a tip thereof. The two position detecting units may consist of two GPS or GLONASS units used in association with another GPS or GLONASS unit installed on a known point or, alternatively, of two corner cubes used in association with a ground total station. The position detecting units provide spatial coordinates of two spaced-apart collinear points which may be used to extrapolate the coordinates of the point in contact with the tip of the probe.

Abstract: The amplifier is a two-stage amplifier in which dispersion compensation and WDM channel equalization are carried out using a plurality of in-waveguide Bragg gratings placed between the two stages. The first stage has a gain able to raise the intensity of WDM optical communications signals to a high enough level that after dispersion compensation and equalization, the signals fed into the second stage nearly or substantially saturate the second stage amplifier. The noise figure signal-to-noise ratio is thereby of good quality since there are no significant losses at the signal input of the signal into the optical amplifier. Erbium-doped optically pumped fiber amplifiers are used for the two stages. An add/drop filter can be appended to the end of the conditioning Bragg gratings. Residual optical signal from the fiber Bragg grating may be used to optically pump another amplifier for amplifying longer wavelength optical signals.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing stereoscopic 3-dimensional images from a single motion picture video film having a plurality of frames containing successive images which are produced from a single video camera in motion. The motion picture video film is produced by displacing the camera along an axis with a viewing axis of the camera oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of displacement of the camera. Images of the motion picture video film are overlaid or alternated in a synchronized fashion and separated by a time sequence to produce video signals of composite images capable of producing 3-dimensional images which can be viewed on a screen with eyeglasses having lenses conditioned to view separate ones of the overlaid or alternating images, simultaneously, whereby a viewer person can observe a depth of field in the composite images.