Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of detecting, on a per wavelength basis, optical return loss at the output of an optical circuit pack. The optical circuit pack can be, for example, an optical amplifier. At an output port and reflected port of the optical circuit pack apparatus for detecting signals is connected. The output power and reflected power are measured, and the optical return loss is calculated. The return loss may be calculated for signals on one or more wavelength channels.

Abstract: A delta sigma modulator which uses at least one quantizer having a dead zone. The dead zone quantizer outputs a zero when its input is within the dead zone range. It outputs a predetermined value if the input is above the dead zone range. If the input is below the dead zone range, the quantizer outputs another predetermined value. Ideally, the quantizer dead zone thresholds are complimentary in that the upper threshold for an input is the positive value of the lower threshold. Also, to save on accumulator bits, the delta sigma modulator selects a predetermined number of most significant bits at different stages.

Abstract: An antenna array of parabolic rectangular reflectors for use in satellite communications. The antenna comprises two parabolic reflectors disposed contiguously on a common outer surface. The common surface forms a continuous antenna aperture. The parabolic reflectors have rectangular side edges which permit the adjacent edges of the parabolic reflectors to be spaced closely. The mouth of each parabolic reflector is focussed on a separate feed. The focus of the feed is not located at the center of the reflector but rather offset. The antenna feeds and the reflector foci are displaced toward the center of the array such that the spacing between the antenna feeds is less than half the length of the antenna. The present invention provides the displacement of each reflector focal point and each antenna feed toward the center of the array.

Abstract: A method of operating a digital computer includes the steps of addressing a memory, reading a row of data from the memory, providing the same computational instruction simultaneously to each processor element of a plurality of processor elements, where each of the processor elements is selectively coupled to a corresponding bit position of the memory row of data, performing the same computational operation on a selected plurality of data bits in parallel, and writing the result into the memory at the same row from which the data was read.

Abstract: A heart muscle irrigation device comprises a short rivet like member with one closed and one open end, and a barrel including a plurality of holes, slots, an area mesh, or a grid. The irrigation device is inserted into the heart muscle so as to provide a channel from, for example, the left ventricle, to provide ad adequate oxygenated blood supply to a starved muscle. The irrigation device is inserted from either outside or inside the rib cage by an insertion device. The insertion device comprises a plunger and barrel assembly adapted to contain the irrigation device. The tip of the insertion device includes members adapted to penetrate the heart muscle. If the irrigation device is inserted through an insertion into the rib cage, an applicator comprising a tubular member with a planar tip including a soft elastomeric seal can be used whereby a portion of the heart muscle is held more or less rigidly for the short period during which the irrigation device is inserted.

Abstract: A phased-array antenna whose main beam can be positioned (scanned) substantially anywhere within a full hemispherical coverage. The phased-array antenna consists of a plurality of radiating multi-filar helix antenna elements, each of which is independently rotatable on its helix axis relative to the antenna base plane. The rotation of each radiating element substantially decreases the noise temperature, the passive intermodulation of signals, and the sidelobe levels relative to an antenna which uses PIN diode phase shifters. A change in the radiated signal phase of each element in the antenna array is achieved by the mechanical rotation of the multi-filar helical antenna element on its axis. Mechanical rotation is provided by a drive system or multiple drive systems coupled to at least one radiating antenna element. The drive system rotates the at least one radiating element on its axis by various amounts.

Abstract: A controller controls a switch bank which can shunt a voltage source in parallel with one or more fuel cells in a stack. By controlling the voltage of the voltage source, the current through the fuel cells is directly controlled. By increasing the anode potential of the fuel cell through control of the voltage source, poisons deposited on the electrocatalyst are removed, thereby rejuvenating the fuel cells. Fuel cells in a stack can be treated in turn, causing a reduction of the effects of electrocatalyst poison on stack performance.

Abstract: A process for converting composted organic material produced by optimized composting procedures into pure organic fertilizer for agronomic and other uses, particularly the expanding organic food market. It is essential that only organic wastes that are compatible with being certified organic are used for the composting step. In the first step, the raw organic matter is processed into compost by optimized standard methods, and is screened to remove all particles approximately 1 cm in size or greater. This coarse material is recycled back into the composting process. In the second step, the material below 1 cm is further screened to separate out the compost fine particles of 1 mm or less. A major proportion of the particles should be below 150 microns. The particles between 1 mm and 1 cm are rejected, and may be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A recuperated microturbine system including a low temperature duct burner in the exhaust gas which accommodates significant variations in the exhaust gas flow from the recuperator, which burns the added hydrocarbon fuel, for example natural gas, reasonably efficiently, without generating a significant amount of additional NOx. A wire mesh burner is used to burn the added fuel in part of the exhaust gas from the recuperator. The duct burner is operated either in a more or less radiant combustion mode, or in a blue flame mode. The remainder of the recuperator exhaust gas, which bypasses the afterburner, is heated mainly by radiant heat transfer from the wire mesh burner. The use of the wire mesh burner minimises additional NOx formation. In the duct burner the dynamic pressure of the exhaust gas is used to overcome the inherent static pressure loss of the wire mesh burner.

Abstract: A preform for use in a metal matrix composite, particularly for a magnesium metal composite, and a metal matrix composite, typically made by squeeze casting, using the preform. In the preform the reinforcing material typically is silicon carbide, boron nitride, carbon or graphite. The binder used in the preform is magnesium fluoride, which avoids the known problems which result from the high reactivity of magnesium metal with other binders, such as silica and alumina, which results in the formation of magnesium oxide in the reinforced composite. The presence of magnesium oxide crystals in the metal matrix adversely affects the properties of the composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for managing battery packs by measuring and monitoring the operating capacity of individual battery modules in a battery pack. A programmable logic controller directs the selective closing of relays to allow individual battery modules to be load-tested using a variable discharge load unit, without compromising useful battery pack capacity. A battery module whose useful capacity falls below a predefined threshold may be connected to a battery charger for replenishment and then electrically realigned with the remaining modules in the pack for continued operation. Alternatively, an alarm may be triggered which alerts the user that the module is due for replacement. This sequence of events is performed on all cells in the pack at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A multiple stage laser system that produces coherent light in the ultraviolet range using phase conjugated Stimulated Raman Scattering and harmonic generation. The system uses a pump laser producing an input beam that is frequency shifted via phase conjugating Stimulated Raman Scattering. The Raman shifted beam is passed through a harmonic generation stage that produces the desired output beam by generating the required harmonic of the Raman shifted beam.

Abstract: A building module, modular building constructions and methods for erected same are disclosed. The module is of deep U-shape configuration, defining a space which is able to enclose various facilities within a building structure. A typical module includes a raceway and internal conduit system for power and/or communications system etc. Preset-levelling and self-centering device provide for quick erection of the modules in a wide variety of arrays and configurations to provide exterior walls and to enclose and define interior space.

Abstract: The invention provides ESD protection for IC's while isolating the different power supplies from one another. A network in the IC has a plurality of circuit cells through which the IC receives power. Each circuit cell provides localized electrostatic discharge protection. With each circuit cell coupled to a global node through a dual current direction coupling network and with portions of the global node physically separating the circuit cells, any noise, interference, or stray ESD current generated by a circuit cell is shunted away from other circuit cells to the global node. An off-chip ground connection coupled to the global node provides a destination for this noise or interference.

Abstract: A manually operable hair-cutting tool is disclosed wherein a plurality of paired cutting blades operate together simultaneously to achieve cutting or thinning of hair. The hair-cutting tool preferably comprises three pairs of elongated cutting blades, the pairs separate from each other but provided with an element of being connected together at a pivot point and thereby forming a combination of a central pair of cutting blades and two outer pairs of cutting blades, such that the cutting blades operate together through movement of actuating handles on the central pair of cutting blades around the pivot point. The outer pairs of cutting blades can optionally be removed for operation of the hair-cutting tool as a traditional pair of scissors and for ease of sharpening.

Abstract: An improved balanced mixer is provided for use in radio communication devices. The improved balanced mixer comprises a known Gilbert type mixer, a transconductance amplifier, a signal splitter, and a dual feedback structure from the pre-amplifier output to the input ports, thereby providing better linearity, that is, better input third order intercept point (IIP3), and improved impedance matching, without increasing the circuit noise figure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restoring digital pulses within a data transmission system which have degraded due to the attenuation and distortion inherent in a data transmission medium. The apparatus comprises an adaptive equalizer which receives signals from the data transmission medium, while the method by which the digital pulses are restored comprises: storing plural equalizer transfer function control values in a memory, passing the signal through an equalizer having a controllable transfer function, comparing a characteristic of the output signal of the equalizer with a reference signal and producing a difference signal, using the difference signal to select a set of stored transfer function control values from the memory, controlling the equalizer from the selected transfer function control values so as to minimize their difference from the reference signal. This apparatus and method are suitable for high-speed applications such as T1 and E1, requiring minimal configuration by the user.

Abstract: A transfer printing process is provided which both uses conventional equipment, and which can be used to add second level printing to an existing document such as a passport. All of the information to be applied in a second level printing procedure to a base sheet is assembled as a complete image. The image is printed in reverse, as a stable mirror image, onto the coated surface of a release paper by a conventional laser printer. The release paper carrying the reversed image and the base sheet are then placed into a heated press, with the image adjacent the base sheet. By the use of heat and pressure the image is transferred from the release paper onto the base sheet. The release paper is then removed, leaving the second level printed image on the base sheet.

Abstract: A method of detecting outliers measured during progression of an activity of an entity from one point to another point, comprising measuring activity at a point in a first dimension, measuring the same activity at the same point in at least a second dimension referenced to the same time as measuring the activity in the first dimension, and rejecting outliers which have values outside a maximum expected difference between the activity measured in the first and second dimensions.

Abstract: A QCD coupling in which a rotating subsidiary locking means is provided which is both positive in its locking action, locks all of the levers simultaneously, and does not involve any small or readily losable parts, as the subsidiary locking means is itself securely attached to the coupler part of the QCD coupling. As all of the levers are locked simultaneously, the subsidiary locking means cannot be locked unless all of the levers are in the fully “locked” position.