Abstract: The present invention is a high quality real-time Turbo-Mud processing system initially employing a high complexity multi-user detector that results in better estimates of the bit streams, and then the remaining iterations employing a computationally low linear-based-MUD/Turbo-MUD. The present approach uses more computational computations at the first iteration, and less computations on subsequent processing due to cycling through the Turbo-Mud process with a low complexity sub-optimal detector that significantly cleans up the estimates in a few iterations of the Turbo-MUD. The present invention also provides an efficient means of estimating symbols transmitted in a multi-user environment in overloaded or super-saturated conditions.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing intraocular hypertension, the system having an implantable shunt, with a planar member having at least one microchannel disposed within the planar member. There is an inflow port disposed proximate to a first end of the microchannel and an outflow port disposed proximate to a second end of the microchannel. The inflow port is configured such that when the implantable shunt is implanted, the inflow port is located approximately within the region of an angle of an anterior chamber.

Abstract: A QWIP structure is disclosed that includes a graded emitter barrier and can further be configured with a blocked superlattice miniband. The graded emitter barrier effectively operates to launch dark electrons into the active quantum well region, thereby improving responsivity. A graded collector barrier may also be included for reverse bias applications. The configuration operates to eliminate or otherwise reduce image artifacts or persistence associated with dielectric relaxation effect in low-background applications.

Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a connector housing with at least one conductive member disposed in at least one passage in the connector housing, two or more clamps which are detachably connected together to the connector housing about the passage, and at least one insert device detachably connected in a pocket in each of the clamps. The detachably connected clamps define at least one first opening to the passage in the connector housing and each of the insert devices extend from the pocket in each of the clamps into the first opening to define at least one second opening.

Abstract: An electrical connector system with a first connector housing with a first conductive member and a second connector housing with a second conductive member. At least one latch assembly is connected at each end to the first connector housing and has a beam between the ends which extends along and is spaced out from the first connector housing. A projection and an actuation member extends out from the beam of the latching assembly. The second connector housing has an aperture shaped and sized to detachably mate with the projection when the second connector housing with the second conductive member is mated with the first connector housing with the first conductive member. The actuation member is used to release the projection from the aperture when engaged.

Abstract: Multi-quantum well (MQW) spatial light modulator devices are disclosed that are capable of achieving reasonable quantum efficiencies and high contrast ratios in order to close an optical communication link by resolving the logical on or off state. The device both modulates and detects light through the use of the quantum well design and resonant cavity enhancement. Based on the materials (e.g., InGaAs/InAlAs) and their band structures, this device can be configured to communicate in the eye-safe wavelength range (e.g., 1550±20 nm). The device can be fabricated using standard photolithographic processes such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactive ion etching (RIE).

Abstract: A method for joining fabrics, particularly high strength fabrics such as airship hull fabrics, including the steps of: measuring selected parameters of two fabric layers to be joined and the adhesive and any tape or other materials intended to be included in the joint; calculating therefrom an optimal value of a quality control parameter of an ideal joint, such as joint thickness, specific gravity or opacity; assembling the two fabric layers and other materials in the desired order; and applying heat and pressure to the assemblage until the selected quality control parameter of the joint, such as joint thickness, specific gravity or opacity, is satisfied.

Abstract: A hair foil and hair holding system for applying hair treatments has a hair anchoring strip close to or aligned with the leading edge of a foil or hair holding appliance, by which it is adhered to the scalp in a hands-free, non-lifting relationship. The strip may be the hook component of a hook and loop fabric fastener system. The leading edge may be pinked to provide a pattern of slots for access for picking and placing hair strands on the foil. The appliance may have provision for attaching a foil blank. The foils may have shoulders extending out wider than the leading edge is long. The foils may have flaps to aid in urging them forward with a pick during usage. The foils or appliances may be made from continuous webs of leading edge or foil material and hair anchoring material.

Abstract: Techniques for compensating for frequency mismatch between transmitters and receivers of a multiuser communication system having a plurality of users are disclosed. In particular, the mismatch of carrier frequency estimates are estimated and compensated for each user of the system. This is accomplished without increasing the training overhead of the system. Symbol phase drift and offset is computed by estimating phase error profile parameters (e.g., slope and offset). The disclosed techniques may be used to correct for symbol rotation in any one decision region, or in neighboring decision regions.

Abstract: A high frequency coax via structure is configured with a stripped semi-rigid cable (no shield), and an inductive compensation loop to mitigate transition discontinuity between that via structure's center conductor and the pad to which the center conductor is connected. The performance of top-to-bottom microwave transitions at high frequencies (e.g., 1 to 12 GHz) for such boards is enhanced. A non-metallized via hole embodiment that is configured with surrounding ground vias provides a greater degree of compensation for connection pads associated with greater capacitance (such as those coupled to a component).

Abstract: A high frequency coax transmission line structure is configured with a stripped semi-rigid cable (no shield). The stripped cable is inserted lengthwise into a metallized grounded slot formed in a printed wiring board. The dielectric barrel of the stripped cable contacts each of the elongated side and bottom walls of the slot. An exposed portion of center conductor at each end of the cable lays tangent on a corresponding one of connection points (at each end of the slot). The structure reduces loss for long transmission line lengths, and fixes the mounting depth and routing for a consistent transition. Inductive compensation can be provided at the connections point at each end of the slot to mitigate transition discontinuity.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the absorption of an impact, that system comprises a blow molded thermoplastic energy absorbing member. The blow molded thermoplastic energy absorbing member provides opposing first and second walls defining a hollow space; according to one embodiment, a plurality of fused and unfused recessed ribs integrally molded between the first and second walls. The fused recessed ribs have a fused recessed rib end. The fused recessed rib ends are integrally fused to either opposite recessed rib ends or the facing opposite wall at a welded surface such that the height of the recessed ribs from the first wall to the welded surface is about approximately 15.0 to 45.0 mm. The recessed ribs are, according to one embodiment, connected by a plurality of straight interlocking ribs.

Abstract: A bulk silicon material for making silicon ingots, consisting of silicon pellets, and a method for making the pellets from an agglomerate-free source of high purity silicon powder by feeding a controlled amount of silicon powder that is free of intentional additives and binders into a pellet die, and dry compacting the powder at ambient temperature with pressure to produce a pellet that has a density of about 50–75% of the theoretical density of elemental silicon, a weight within a range of about 1.0 gram to about 3.0 grams and preferably of about 2.3 grams, a diameter in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm and preferably of about 14 mm, and a height in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm and preferably of about 10 mm.

Abstract: Techniques that enable the transitioning of high frequency signals on a printed wiring board processed in accordance with industry standards (such as the IPC specifications) are disclosed. One embodiment provides a high frequency via structure for a printed wiring board, where the via structure includes a via pad configured in accordance with IPC standards. A printed microwave transmission line having an inductive section is connected to the via pad, wherein the inductive section has dimensions to compensate for transition discontinuity.

Abstract: A method utilizes the energy of water that flows out from a high-pressure reservoir. Water and hydrocarbons are separated in a down-hole separator and are brought separately to the seabed. In a first aspect the energy of the water is utilized to inject the water into an underground formation with a lower pressure. In a second aspect the energy is utilized to drive a turbine which in turn is driving a pump for pressurizing hydrocarbons. The invention utilizes a method and an arrangement to control the separator by control valves on the well head for each phase.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a housing within which is mounted a genderless electrical contact. The electrical contact has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a planar electrical contact engaging surface with the plane thereof intersecting the contact's longitudinal axis at a predetermined angle. The genderless electrical connector is positionally maintained within the housing so that repeatable electrical engagement can be achieved with a planar electrical contact engaging surface of a corresponding genderless electrical contact.

Abstract: Described techniques extend (e.g., by a factor of 2) the dynamic range of voltage swing for amplifiers and other integrated circuits (e.g., buffers) that are fabricated using lower voltage rated semiconductor processes. Such processes include, for instance, thin gate oxide MOS, and other semiconductor processes that provide desirable features that are typically not associated with high voltage processes, such as increased radiation hardness, higher speed logic, and compactness. Thus, relatively large dynamic range is enabled for integrated circuits fabricated using feature-rich lower voltage rated semiconductor processes.

Abstract: A motorized recreational vehicle of unibody construction having at least one expandable living compartment with flush floor and full ceiling and an disposed within the body of the vehicle, a storage area or garage disposed within the vehicle body between the bottom and the floor and accessible through the openable rear end, an integral heat exchanging climate control system, a retractable exterior entrance stair, pneumatically actuated components, and deformable members.