Abstract: Coherent optical signal processing is performed in a coherent receiver (or diagnostic/testing apparatus) that converts an amplitude and/or angle-modulated optical signal into two electrical signals. A simple receiver can only detect one phase of the signal and only the polarization that is aligned with a local oscillator laser polarization. To detect both phases and both polarizations, two sets of two interferometers, one each with a ?/2 phase shift are required. Coherent optical signal processing methods, apparatus, techniques, etc. are disclosed that include individual components comprising a polarization combiner, a Savart device and photodetection apparatus with substantially reduced temperature and alignment sensitivity operating in optical communication systems and/or subsystems. The various embodiments can be used alone or in such combinations to provide improved coherent optical signal processing in a receiver.

Abstract: An vehicle detection system is provided for tracking, detecting, and monitoring vehicles. The system and methods of the present invention are suitable for on track and roadway vehicles. In particular the present invention provides an improved and cost effective system and methods for tracking, detecting and monitoring locomotives and on track vehicles.

Abstract: A cable protection system protects a cable, such as an insulated conductor, data line, fluid or gas conduit, power cord, communication line or the like. The cable passes through a pair of ferrules that are separated by a segment of the cable. A protective jacket made of braided metal strands or the like encloses the ferrules and the cable segment and is held in place to the ferrules by jacket securing means. In one embodiment, support collars surround a portion of the braided jacket and a portion of each ferrule so that the braided jacket is securely held between each ferrule and support collar combination when a loading force, such as a gravitational loading or suspension force, is applied to the cable segment, typically in an axial orientation. The braided jacket has a diameter that constricts when an axial loading force is applied, protecting the cable segment from damaging stress by gripping the ferrules and the cable segment.

Abstract: A seating system has a tiltable seat coupled to a base, which can be coupled to a motor vehicle or other device. The seat includes a seat bracket coupled to the base by a seat tilt pivot. The seat is configured to maintain a user's body in a fixed position during tilting throughout the seat's range of tilt angles. A seat adjustment mechanism allows angular adjustment of the seat and locks the seat at a fixed tilt angle relative to the base. The seat tilt pivot axis is located approximately vertically below the center of gravity of a loaded seat, thus reducing the force needed to tilt a loaded seat. By fixing or maintaining the seat tilt pivot vertically beneath the load being pivoted, the amount of force needed to control seat tilting can be limited to forces that a typical user can exert with one or two hands.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive optical device for the reflection of impinging radiation, the adaptive optical device comprising at least one actuator and at least one partially reflective volume. The at least one partially reflective volume has a first surface that is oriented to the impinging radiation. The at least one partially reflective volume is at least partially deformable by said at least one actuator such that the impinging radiation is reflected at the at least one partially reflective volume substantially in accordance with Bragg's law. Further, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the shape of an adaptive optical device.

Abstract: A vital programmable logic device (VPD) is provided having at least two microprocessors. The VPD is configured to provide failsafe operation of a vital control system while operating in a closed circuit environment. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, railroad grade crossing signals are controlled by the VPD.

Abstract: A method and program for setting up a Master computer for imaging a computer hard drive from one hardware platform to a second, dissimilar hardware platform is disclosed. The program will be deployed onto a first computer. The program strips down the operating system files, hardware driver files, and registry settings of the computer to a very basic level, and resets certain system files, driver files, and registry settings. The Master computer may then be cloned or imaged onto a second computer without the second computer crashing. The program allows cloning and conversion between computers, even if the computers are different models or are made by different manufacturers.

Abstract: A remote power sensing system for a hard disk bridge coupled to a drive bay uses a power sensor connecting a bridge to an energization control in the drive bay. The power sensor can be a cable or the like to provide a power detection signal to the bridge. The drive bay energization control selectively provides power to the drive bay (for example, by a key switch or the like). Energization of the drive bay may also energize a drive bay device such as a fan that also functions as an energization proxy. The power sensor connects the bridge to the energization proxy so that energization of the drive bay can be detected via the energization proxy and power sensor. When the sensor detects power provided to the drive bay, the bridging function of the bridge is enabled.

Abstract: A motor brake can be coupled to the rotatable motor drive shaft. The brake includes a shaft-mountable support that rotates uniformly with the drive shaft. One or more brake shoes, which can include flyweights or the like, are hingedly mounted to the support and include brake pads. A centripetal force is applied to the brake shoes using one or more springs or other biasing means that bias the brake pads against a braking surface when rotation of the shaft is below a minimum rotational velocity. The brake pads disengage from the braking surface when shaft rotation exceeds the minimum rotational velocity. The centrifugal force induced and applied to the brake shoes and brake pads by rotation of the motor drive shaft overcomes the biasing force to disengage the brake pads from the braking surface, which may be the housing of a motor to which the brake is affixed.