Abstract: Using a novel methodology for organizing information both in non-persistent and persistent computer storage devices, limitations common to traditional data storage models are eliminated. The invention combines two distinct, yet complementary technologies, one for the organization of non-persistent storage and one for the organization of persistent storage. The invention allows records of unlimited dimensions containing data of any type and size, in any combination, to be constructed, maintained, and utilized in both non-persistent and persistent storage. In the persistent model, the invention also allows a user to define variable length frames, multiple hashing algorithms, and reuse of space caused by deleted records using an automatic gap consolidation algorithm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding solid materials together is presented. A modulated directional flow of plasma is applied at and between the bonding surfaces of members to be bonded prior to and during the application of pressure to compress the bonding surfaces together to form a direct contact or diffusion bond.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding solid plates together is presented. A modulated directional flow of plasma is applied at and between the bonding surfaces of the plates to be bonded prior to and during the application of pressure to compress the bonding surfaces together to form a direct contact or diffusion bond.

Abstract: An arrangement for reading photo-stimulable storage luminescent substances comprises an excitation glass fiber into which light which excites the storage luminescent substance can be fed by means of a light source. Light emitted by the excited storage luminescent substance can be fed into a receiving glass fiber, an end of the excitation glass fiber which is positioned close to the storage luminescent substance being arranged next to an end of the receiving glass fiber which can be positioned close to the storage luminescent substance. The excitation glass fiber (12) has a first numerical aperture and the receiving glass fiber has a second numerical aperture which is large compared with the first numerical aperture, as a result of which the light fed out from the excitation glass fiber is directed straight onto the storage luminescent substance without an optical arrangement and the stimulated light can be captured by the receiving glass fiber without an optical arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel technique and system that allows the pressure of a tire to be remotely monitored by sensing a tire parameter indicative of the tire's pressure without mounting any device on the tire itself, while the tire is or is not rotating. In the illustrative embodiment, a tire parameter indicative of the pressure inside the tire, such as the temperature, acoustical signature, or shape of the tire, is measured remotely with a remotely mounted sensor. The measured parameter is compared to a range of known acceptable limits for that particular parameter, and a warning signal is generated if the measured parameter is not within that range of acceptable limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and bonding a wire to a bonding surface is presented. In accordance with the invention, a gas is energized to form a plasma, which is then directed in a directional pressurized flow at the wire and bonding surface to form a dynamic plasma cleaning chamber bubble around the portion of the wire and bonding surface that are to be bonded together, and then the respective portions of the wire and bonding surface are bonded together within the plasma cleaning chamber bubble.

Abstract: A method for detecting the location of falsely detected “good” data, or “rogue”, packets in a data buffer is presented. A segment-level CRC is generated over, and associated with, a buffer segment, and recorded along with the segment data onto a storage medium. During data recovery, only packets that pass a packet-level error detection test are allowed in the data buffer. Once a data segment is complete, a segment-level CRC test is performed over the recovered segment-level CRC and the entire recovered segment data. The segment contains a rogue packet if the segment-level CRC test fails. Reed-Solomon syndromes are generated and used to locate and optionally correct the rogue packets.

Abstract: A high-precision etalon and novel method of construction thereof is presented. The etalon comprises a pair of plane-parallel flat mirrors spaced a first distance apart, a pair of plane-parallel spacers transversely attached to the pair of mirrors which operate to fix the first distance between the pair of mirrors, and a thin film mirror layer deposited on at least one of the pair of plane-parallel flat mirrors to form a laser cavity therein of a precise second distance apart. The method of constructing an etalon in accordance with the invention includes the steps of fabricating one or more spacers, measuring the length of the spacer(s), and deriving a dimensional deviation of the spacer length from a nominal cavity dimension specified for the etalon. A thin-film pedestal is then deposited on one, the other, or both of a first and second substrate and then coated with a reflective coating. The etalon is then assembled using the spacer(s) and first and second substrates.