Abstract: Phase matching high harmonic generation (HHG) uses a single, long duration non-collinear modulating pulse intersecting the driving pulse. A femtosecond driving pulse is focused into an HHG medium (such as a noble gas) to cause high-harmonic generation (HHG), for example in the X-ray region of the spectrum, via electrons separating from and recombining with gas atoms. A non-collinear pulse intersects the driving pulse within the gas, and modulates the field seen by the electrons while separated from their atoms. The modulating pulse is low power and long duration, and its frequency and amplitude is chosen to improve HHG phase matching by increasing the areas of constructive interference between the driving pulse and the HHG, relative to the areas of destructive interference.

Abstract: Curved sensor array configurations and methods of processing the data gathered by the sensors. A 2 dimensional embodiment comprises singular ring of sensors that can monitor sources in a 2 dimensional plane. A sensor directly facing a target produces a maximum response. As the angle of a sensor relative to the target increases, the response decreases. Fitting the sensor response amplitudes to a 2D Gaussian curve and calculating the peak of the curve allows a very accurate calculation of the angular direction of the target. A 3D embodiment comprises sensors distributed over the surface of a sphere in order to monitor multiple targets in any spatial orientation. Again, the sensor amplitude data is fitted to a 3D curve or surface such as a Gaussian surface. The present invention can resolve more than one target using deconvoluting techniques.

Abstract: A process and system for seeking authorization for present receipt of legal tender in a requested amount, including: receiving an input entered through a user interface, the input comprising a value for the requested amount (encoded information from an identification item may also be read); transmitting the input over a data transfer pathway to a remote processor; automatically determining whether authorization of the requested amount, or a lesser amount, is granted; and if authorization is so granted, reading indicia information on a post-dated draft item for a sum total equal to at least an authorized amount plus a fee (if a draft item is being used for the present receipt of tender), and automatically providing an article for use to effectuate the present receipt of the legal tender in this authorized amount. The indicia information is also preferably transmitted over the data transfer pathway. An intermediary may be employed in the process.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the vibration sensitivity of laser-stabilizing optical reference cavities is based upon an improved design and mounting method for the cavity, wherein the cavity is mounted vertically. It is suspended at one plane, around the spacer cylinder, equidistant from the mirror ends of the cavity. The suspension element is a collar of an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient material, which surrounds the spacer cylinder and contacts it uniformly. Once the collar has been properly located, it is cemented in place so that the spacer cylinder is uniformly supported and does not have to be squeezed at all. The collar also includes a number of cavities partially bored into its lower flat surface, around the axial bore. These cavities are support points, into which mounting base pins will be inserted. Hence the collar is supported at a minimum of three points.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a bright bulb installed in front of a variable reflector assembly comprising a plurality of leaves. The leaves have some overlap and are pivotally attached near the base of the bulb, so that they can be collapsed inward or expanded outward in tandem by a mechanism. A baffle and light shield enclose and protect the bulb, and result in controllable and variable indirect lighting from the bulb.

Abstract: A technique, associated system and program code, for retrieving depth information about at least one surface of an object. Core features include: projecting a composite image comprising a plurality of modulated structured light patterns, at the object; capturing an image reflected from the surface; and recovering pattern information from the reflected image, for each of the modulated structured light patterns. Pattern information is preferably recovered for each modulated structured light pattern used to create the composite, by performing a demodulation of the reflected image. Reconstruction of the surface can be accomplished by using depth information from the recovered patterns to produce a depth map/mapping thereof.

Abstract: A network of remote sensing node assemblies, a first and second of which each has a sensor element, as well as associated technique and program code for transmitting information collected about a liquid environment. The network provides the capability of sensing the liquid to collect a wide variety of types of information/data about the liquid and any surrounding environments, and transmitting from the originating node assembly to a different node within acoustic transmission range, and then transmitting further to a third node assembly where the information may be processed and communicated to a user, or further transmitted by way of suitable medium, preferably as electromagnetic signals, to a host location for processing into a compilation of data. Each of at least two sensing node assemblies has at least one sensor element adapted for operation while immersed within the liquid, a source of power, and a transducer for receiving acoustic waves/signals transmitted from another node assembly.

Abstract: A system and process for providing auxiliary information about a distributed network of shared nodes, at least a plurality of the nodes being adapted for receiving at least one type of ESP-(associative ephemeral store processing) packet. Available for access at each of the plurality of ESP-adapted nodes is a dedicated associative store wherein a value, if bound to a tag, is only accessible as a bound (tag, value) pair for a short time period, ?. Different types of packets are contemplated for routing through the ESP-capable plurality of nodes such as those arbitrarily identified herein as a ‘first’ and ‘second’ type: each first type packet has at least one field comprising an opcode identifying an instruction, and a tag; each second type packet has an opcode identifying an instruction an LOC field containing an identifier of a location for execution of an operand by the second packet instruction at any one of the ESP-capable plurality of nodes.

Abstract: The heart of a heat engine is a reciprocating expansion chamber, which converts heat from a hot fluid into mechanical work. The expansion chamber utilizes a refrigerant in a liquid state as an input, and heats and expands the refrigerant to move pistons and generate work. A high pressure injector injects the liquid refrigerant into the chamber under enough pressure to keep it in a liquid state until it is desirable to have it expand into a gas. A hot fluid is the heat source for the expansion chamber and cold fluid is an output. Another output is the refrigerant, now a hot, low pressure gas. A compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, forming a hot, high pressure gas, and a condenser generates liquid refrigerant and provides it to the pressure injector.

Abstract: A discrete three-dimensional receiving element has multiple sensors scattered over its surface to detect and locate a signal. The sensors facing the signal detect the signal, and a boundary line is drawn between the sensor which detect the signal and those which don't. The strength of signal may also be detected. A plane is drawn through the receiver element, and the direction of the signal is determined as generally perpendicular to the plane, in the direction of the sensors which are receiving the signal. Distance to the source may also be determined based on signal strength. The location of the signal source may be transmitted to a remote location, or the receiver may direct an electromagnetic beam toward the source to detect further information about the source.

Abstract: The present invention is a musical synthesizer that can respond to a pitch wheel control by generating realistic slide-step-slide and slide-step portamento pitch curves. The musical synthesizer responds to a pitch wheel control in a context sensitive manner. When a first note-on occurs the pitch wheel behaves in the standard fashion. However, when a second-note on occurs, if the pitch wheel is still being held after the second note-on then the effects of the pitch wheel are disabled. The result is a clean slide-step portamento curve. In addition, the effects of the pitch wheel are delayed slightly relative to the raw pitch wheel signal. The result is that if the pitch wheel is released slightly before a second note-on occurs then the delayed pitch wheel signal will still be at substantially the previous held value when the second note-on occurs. The result is a clean slide-step portamento curve.

Abstract: A system for lighting roadways utilizes LED lighting systems recessed into roadside barriers. The LED lighting element includes a number of LEDs fixed in an elongated formation. The LED lighting element is inserted into the barrier's recessed area in a generally vertical orientation. This results in the LED lighting system generating a horizontal sheet of light along the barrier.

Abstract: Bicycle wheels have integral reflective areas to increase visibility of the bicycle. These areas show through portions of the wheel tread, so that the tread protects the reflector material from wear. The reflecting areas are scattered over the wheel and situated at a variety of angles with respect to the plane of the wheel so that reflectors are always situated to reflect light from the sun, a street lamp, or car headlights. A bicycle tire of the conventional sort having a tube and removable outer tire having tread is used. The outer tire has holes formed in it interspersed among the raised areas of tread. Reflecting material in sheets is placed between the outer wheel and the tube. Preferably, the reflecting material is affixed to the outer tire, and is coated with a protective coating.

Abstract: A method for optimizing multipass laser amplifier output utilizes a spectral filter in early passes but not in later passes. The pulses shift position slightly for each pass through the amplifier, and the filter is placed such that early passes intersect the filter while later passes bypass it. The filter position may be adjust offline in order to adjust the number of passes in each category. The filter may be optimized for use in a cryogenic amplifier.

Abstract: Heat exchanger plates for indirect evaporative coolers, of the type having a dry side having low permeability to an evaporative liquid and formed to allow a product fluid to flow over a heat transfer area of its surface, a wet side designed to have its surface wet by an evaporative liquid, and formed to allow a working gas to flow over its surface to evaporate the evaporative liquid, further include edge extensions formed beyond the heat exchange area of the plates to facilitate removal of excess evaporative liquid. The edge extensions may slant or curve away from the wet side of the plates to assist in liquid removal. The plates may be used in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A three dimensional stencil for use in applying raised acrylic designs to nails comprises a generally flat, flexible portion adapted for contact with a portion of a fingernail or toenail, and a cut-out portion formed within the confines of the flexible portion. The cut-out portion includes walls having a thickness of at least about 3 mm. The flexible portion forms an opening adjacent to the cut-out portion. In one embodiment, the flexible portion is itself of a thickness of at least about 3 mm, and the cut-out portion forms an opening in the flexible portion. In another embodiment, the cut-out portion comprises walls attached to and extending up from the flexible portion. In the second embodiment, tabs connecting the cut-out portion walls to the flexible portion may be used.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for indirect evaporative cooling of a fluid stream to substantially its dew point temperature. Plate heat exchanger has perforations 11 and channels 3, 4 and 5 for gas or a low temperature for liquids on a dry side and wet side. Fluid streams 1 flow across the dry side 9, transferring heat to the plate. Gas stream 2 flows across the dry side and through perforations to channels 5 on wet side 10, which it then cools by evaporative cooling as well as conductive and radiative transfer of heat from plate. A wicking material provides wetting of wet side. In other embodiments, a desiccant wheel may be used to dehumidify the gas, air streams may be recirculated, feeder wicks 13 and a pump may be used to bring water from a water reservoir, and fans may be used to either force or induce a draft. The wicking material may be cellulose, organic fibers, organic based fibers, polyester, polypropylene, carbon-based fibers, silicon based fibers, fiberglass, or combinations of them.

Abstract: A process and system for seeking authorization for present receipt of legal tender in a requested amount, including: receiving an input entered through a user interface, the input comprising a value for the requested amount (encoded information from an identification item may also be read); transmitting the input over a data transfer pathway to a remote processor; automatically determining whether authorization of the requested amount, or a lesser amount, is granted; and if authorization is so granted, reading indicia information on a post-dated draft item for a sum total equal to at least an authorized amount plus a fee (if a draft item is being used for the present receipt of tender), and automatically providing an article for use to effectuate the present receipt of the legal tender in this authorized amount. The indicia information is also preferably transmitted over the data transfer pathway. An intermediary may be employed in the process.

Abstract: An imaging fountain flow cytometer allows high resolution microscopic imaging of a flowing sample in real time. Cells of interest are in a vertical stream of liquid flowing toward one or more illuminating elements at wavelengths which illuminate fluorescent dyes and cause the cells to fluoresce. A detector detects the fluorescence emission each time a marked cell passes through the focal plane of the detector. A bi-directional syringe pump allows the user to reverse the flow and locate the detected cell in the field of view. The flow cell is mounted on a computer controlled x-y stage, so the user can center a portion of the image on which to zoom or increase magnification. Several computer selectable parfocal objective lenses allow the user to image the entire field of view and then zoom in on the detected cell at substantially higher resolution. The magnified cell is then imaged at the various wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for recycling drilling fluids used in the drilling of wells. The apparatus comprises a tank with a plurality of compartments. Used drilling fluid containing well cuttings or “solids” is pumped into a receiving compartment of the tank and directed towards a flow-reversing barrier. Reversal of the flow causes heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid fills the receiving compartment, it flows downstream into an adjacent compartment by passing through a flow-restricting baffle that causes more solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. As fluid overflows from compartment to compartment in the tank, it passes through successive flow-restricting baffles causing further solids to settle to the bottom of the tank. When the fluid reaches the collecting compartment of the tank, it is removed to be used again in drilling operations.