Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to make an estimate of the phase of a signal relative to the local oscillator in an optical coherent detection subsystem that employs a digital signal processor having a parallel architecture. The phase estimation method comprises operations that do not use feedback of recent results. The method includes a cycle count function so that the phase estimate leads to few cycle slips. The phase estimate of the present invention is approximately the same as the optimal phase estimate.

Abstract: The present invention is a switching system interface providing conversion between time-division multiplexed digital signals and packetized digital signals used to bypass a common control and switch matrix of a class 5 digital switch. The switching system interface includes a network interface for terminating a digital transmission facility that is part of a network architecture. In addition, the interface includes a line/trunk interface, compatible with the internal signals used to operate the line/trunk interface of the class 5 digital switching system and a switch, connected to the network interface and to the line/trunk interface, for routing data between network interfaces and line/trunk interface. The interface also converts the data between time-division multiplexed digital signals and packetized digital signals.

Abstract: A method and system of coherent detection of optical signals. The system utilizes a digital signal processor to recover an incoming optical signal. The system employs a local oscillator, which does not need to be phase locked to the signal. The signal may be consistently recovered, even when the polarization state varies over time. Additionally, the signal may be recovered when it comprises two channels of the same wavelength that are polarization multiplexed together. In addition, any impairment to the signal may be reversed or eliminated.

Abstract: A mobile phone which incorporates an audio recorder to record a telephone number and a voice recognition system for converting the recorded telephone number into a dialing command. The mobile phone includes a transmitter/receiver unit for transmitting and receiving voice signals within a radio telecommunications network. The mobile phone also includes an audio recorder for recording audio messages from a user of the mobile phone. The recorded audio messages are preferably telephone numbers which are converted by a voice recognition system into dialing commands.

Abstract: A gun safe affixed to a surface such as a motorcycle for securely storing a gun. The gun safe includes a main body having an opening leading to an interior storage area. A planar surface area extends out from the main body. A cover covers the opening of the main body and the planar surface area. The cover may be hinged to the main body. The main body is preferably affixed to the surface by a plurality of bolts running through openings in the planar surface area and inserted into the motorcycle surface. A locking mechanism is utilized for locking the cover to the main body and the planar surface area. A gun is then stored in the gun safe and the locking mechanism locks the cover in a closed configuration to prevent unauthorized removal of the gun.

Abstract: A method of interpreting mud gas samples in a drilling operation of a target area. The method starts with obtaining a plurality of mud gas samples at a plurality of incremental depths of the target area. The plurality of mud gas samples are analyzed to find various isotopic data at each depth. The isotopic data of the mud gas samples are plotting on several charts to provide a visual representation of the isotopic data trends. The charts may include: depth versus ethane/methane; depth versus ?13C per mil; and depth versus ?13C and gas show. In addition, the percentage methane versus ?13C is provided on a separate chart. This percentage methane versus ?13C chart provides engineering and geological information such as the location of lithological hydrocarbon seals, barriers, and zones of good hydrocarbon communication (e.g., compartments). This engineering and geological information is then correlated with the other charts.

Abstract: A method and system for alerting an aircrew of terrorist activity in a cabin of an aircraft. When a terrorist or emergency situation is detected by a flight attendant, the flight attendant speaks an activation word, which turns the personal alert unit to an active mode. The flight attendant then says one or more specific words stored as a vocabulary within the personal alert unit. Upon recognition of a spoken word stored in the personal alert unit, the personal alert unit converts the recognized word or words into a signal sent to the cockpit via the ASU to the CDU. The CDU provides an indicator to the cockpit crew of the recognized words spoken by the flight attendant.

Abstract: The present invention is a spring-loaded manually extendable antenna for a mobile phone. An antenna extension system includes an extendable antenna stowed within an antenna housing. Within the antenna housing is a compressible spring. Attached to the bottom end of the antenna is a washer. The antenna is held in a stowed position by a manual release mechanism. When a mobile phone user desires, the manual release mechanism is depressed, which allows the antenna to be manually driven upward by the spring. The antenna is then extended to the extended position.

Abstract: A utility hook is adapted to removably fit upon a standard overhead garage door track so as to not interfere with the garage door operation and may be used to suspend bulky items from the garage door track. The utility hook's lower portion may be hook-shaped to suspend a bicycle or alternatively have a flat horizontal bottom to suspend a ladder. The utility hook's upper portion is a vertical segment continuous from the lower portion and bent at the top to approximately a right angle with an inward turned lip on the end, fitting over and engaging the upper flange of the track when the utility hook is set in place. The hook may be moved along the track by first rotating the utility hook outward away from the track and then sliding the utility hook along the track.

Abstract: An apparatus for elevating a portion of the torso of an infant. The apparatus includes a main structure having a first planar surface and a second adjacent planar surface. The first planar surface is oriented at an angle of at least ten degrees from horizontal. The second planar surface is substantially horizontal. The apparatus also includes straps and a crotch support for retaining the infant against the main structure. The first planar surface includes a head indentation for placement of the infant's head within. The head indentation prevents the misshaping of the head, which the infant may be susceptible to from prolonged exposure to lying on his back.

Abstract: A reflux wedge for supporting an infant suffering from acid reflux is disclosed. The reflux wedge includes a wedge-shaped main body having a top side and a bottom side. In addition the reflux wedge includes a torso support section providing a substantially flat incline of approximately 25 to 45 degrees to receive and support the torso of the infant in a prone position. The torso support section is located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main body. The reflux wedge also includes a head support section adjoining the torso support section for receiving and supporting the head of the infant. An arch runs down a longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for receiving and supporting the infant and encouraging protraction of the shoulders. A crater is optionally located on the bottom side for receiving an infant in a supine position.

Abstract: A wallet for retaining a plurality of cards. The wallet includes a wallet casing having two slit openings. The wallet also includes an insert which is removably attached to the wallet casing. The insert includes several pages aligned in a photo album fashion. Each page may hold at least two cards in a vertical orientation. In addition, the insert includes two insert tabs. Each tab is inserted within a slit opening. The wallet casing may include a privacy flap to cover the insert.

Abstract: A lock nut having a locking ring with a spoon-shaped lug. The lock ring includes a nut body having a bore with an interior threaded portion and a substantially cylindrical recess coaxial with the threaded portion of the bore. The recess includes a single notch on a portion of the recess. In addition, the lock ring includes a threaded locking ring positioned within the recess. The locking ring is deformed when threading the bolt onto the lock nut to frictionally grip the bolt. The locking ring also includes a single projecting lug at one side only of the locking ring, which fits into the notch to prevent relative rotation between the ring and the nut body. The lug includes a bowl-shaped nodule for collecting shavings gathering within the threads of the bolt and the interior bore of the lock nut.

Abstract: A hinged saw table having a sliding carrier for mounting and sliding a portable table saw. The hinged saw table is mounted adjacent to a forming machine that forms stock that is cut with the portable table saw. Elongate stock exits from an exit aperture in the forming machine, and is directed over the table of the portable table saw mounted upon the movable carrier. The portable table saw may be positioned at the correct point for cutting the stock at a desired length. Square or mitered cuts may be made. For storage purposes, the sliding carrier and table saw may be rotated upward approximately 180 degrees over the top of the forming machine where the carrier and saw rest upside down on a stand. The forming machine may be, for example, a seamless gutter rollformer machine that forms sections of rain gutters for houses or other buildings.

Abstract: A camouflage utilizing countercoloring, countershading, and disruptive coloration principles to provide concealment to a person or object. The method of manufacturing the camouflage covering includes photographing a form and obtaining imagery from the photographs. The imagery is then manipulated by photographic manipulative software to determine appropriate countershading for the camouflage covering. In addition, appropriate countercoloring and disruptive coloration is utilized upon indicia applied to the camouflage covering.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security type disc storage case, including case cover, case back, and case bottom, which are connected by a folding V-shaped trough, characterized in that a security board, through which it can be judged that whether the disc storage case is once opened, is set at the outer side of the case cover. After the disc storage case is packed, the security board, case cover, and case bottom are connected together, which means the case is never opened. After purchasing the disc stored in such a case, the consumer can tear part of the security board, then the case cover can be opened freely, and the disc inside can be taken out or put in conveniently.

Abstract: A telephone accessory that is connected to a subscriber's telephone line as an extension, and monitors the line for the initiation of a call from any telephone set. The invention detects a call initiation by determining that a telephone set has seized the line without ring voltage being present immediately beforehand. If the first digit dialed by the subscriber is a “1”, the invention immediately dials the remainder of a long-distance access code, without the initial “1”, followed by a “1” which signifies a long distance number. This burst of dialed digits takes a short time, after which the subscriber continues to dial the area code and number as normal. The effect for the subscriber is to manually dial a normal long ditance nimber as 1+area code+number, while this invention takes advantage of the fact that long distance access codes begin with “1” and automatically inserts the desired code.

Abstract: A variety of Cucurbita quisquam squash having a sprawling vine bearing squash fruit.