Abstract: A passive all optical polarization switch and apparatus and methods for implementing logical operations using the switch is provided. The switch converts a first polarized beam having a polarization angle equals to or nearly equals to ±45 degrees into a beam equal to or nearly equal to the vertical component of the first polarized beam. The switch converts a second polarized beam having a polarization angle equals to or nearly equals to ±45 degrees into a beam equal to or nearly equal to the horizontal component of the second polarized beam. The switch combines the vertical component of the first polarized beam and the horizontal component of the second polarized beam to produce an output polarized beam. The switch is used to implement all optical polarization logic gates.

Abstract: Logical operations are implemented using polarization-based logic level representation. An input polarized beam is split into a first beam and a second beam. The first beam is polarized at a first relative polarization angle and the second beam is polarized at a second relative polarization angle. The ratio of the amplitudes of two perpendicular polarization components of the input polarized beam is one or nearly one and the difference between the first relative polarization angle and the second relative polarization angle is 180 degrees or nearly 180 degrees. The relative polarization angle of the input polarized beam equals or nearly equals either the first relative polarization angle or the second relative polarization angle.

Abstract: A method for generating manual shift request for controlling the automatic transmission of an automotive vehicle comprises: generating an up shift request (24) when the movement of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle matches a predefined pattern for requesting an up shift (22), and generating a down shift request (28) when the movement of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle matches a predefined pattern for requesting a down shift (26).

Abstract: A duct traversal preparation apparatus that temporarily adheres to a surface to enable hands-free traversal is provided. The apparatus includes scales to accurately locate the positions of traverse holes and a template with a locking device to guide the drilling of the traverse holes. The apparatus also orients a measuring probe to coordinates for accurate and repeatable airflow measurement.

Abstract: A multifunctional gauge with data and method for changing airflow volume. The gauge has a pair of adjustable opposing fingers for measuring the operating position of a variable pitch pulley and belt width and for verifying the use of a proper belt. The gauge consists of reference charts for use in determining the new operating position of the sheave to change the existing air volume produced by a fan driven by the pulley to a desired air volume.