Abstract: A tunable laser source has a first laser source to generate a low power continuous wave laser light having a wavelength ?1. A second laser source generates a low power continuous wave laser light having a wavelength ?2. A pump laser source generates a high power pulsed laser light having a wavelength ?0. A first optical parametric amplifier (OPA) receives the laser light having a wavelength ?1 and the laser light having a wavelength ?0 and generates a high power pulsed laser light having a wavelength ?1. A second optical parametric amplifier (OPA) receives the laser light having a wavelength ?2 and the laser light having a wavelength ?0 to and generates a high power pulsed laser light having a wavelength ?2. A difference frequency generator (DFG), receives the high power pulsed laser light having a wavelength ?1 and the high power pulsed laser light having a wavelength ?2 and provides a high power pulsed laser light having a wavelength ?3 wherein ?3=?1*?2/(?2??1).

Abstract: A system and method for using an air collection device to collect a continuous air sample as the device descends through the atmosphere are provided. The air collection device may be one or more coils of thin-walled elongated hollow tubing having a small interior diameter. The thin-walled elongated hollow tubing may be of a substantially nonreactive and nonabsorptive material such as stainless steel. A valve or the like controls the flow of air into and out of the tubing with one of the ends of the tubing closed and the other of the ends open at the beginning or end of the ascent and closed substantially at the end of the descent to seal the continuous air sample in the air collection device. The air collection device may be insulated and have cushioning. Once the continuous air sample is collected in the air collection device, it is analyzed to determine the presence and mole fraction of trace gases at different altitudes in the atmosphere.

Abstract: A photodiode and method of forming a photodiode has a substrate. An absorption layer is formed on the substrate to absorb lightwaves of a desired frequency range. A multiplication structure is formed on the absorption layer. The multiplication layer uses a low dark current avalanching material. The absorption layer and the multiplication layer are formed into at least one mesa having in an inverted “T” configuration to reduce junction area between the absorption layer and the multiplication layer. A dielectric layer is formed over the at least one mesa. At least one contact is formed on the dielectric layer and coupled to the at least one mesa.

Abstract: A method for the Postal Service to provide updated address information to its customers such as mass mailers. The method includes comparing information on old delivery point files with information on current delivery point files. The delivery point files include unique identifiers that are keyed to each delivery point. Thus a comparison of older and newer files identifies delivery points that have been changed by, for example, changes in street name or renumbering of address numbers. The comparison of files generates a file with updated delivery and address information. In modified format this updated address information can be made available to mass mailers so that mass mailers will have the most up-to-date address information for mailings.

Abstract: A switched outlet module which controls power to one or more electrically powered devices which are connected to the module and which are under the control of a wall switch has a plurality of output jacks. A first pair of output jacks are switched outlet jacks and a second pair of output jacks are unswitched outlet jacks. A switching device is coupled to the plurality of outlet jacks to control which of the plurality of output jacks are the switched output jacks. Connectors are coupled to the switched outlet jacks for connecting remote controlled devices that control electronic devices coupled to the switched outlet jacks. Control circuitry is coupled to the switching device to monitor and limit a current through the switched outlet jacks, to monitor and limit a current through the switching device, and to interpret signals from remote controlled devices coupled to the connectors. Contacts are coupled to the control circuitry to couple the module to a switched electrical receptacle.

Abstract: A patio-style roof system and method. The roof system utilizes a trusses, to which are coupled a plurality of louver panels. To facilitate such coupling, the trusses may have notched louver panel supports, to which the louver panels may be attached in a preferably tools-free manner. The trusses may be coupled to a structure utilizing upper and lower truss attachment brackets.

Abstract: A wireless door chime system has an activation unit. A receiving unit is in wireless communication with the activation unit. The receiving unit has a plurality of sound files loaded therein. A user can view the plurality of sound files and select a sound file to play when the activation unit sends a signal to the receiving unit.

Abstract: A method of a game of chance wherein the measured performances of at least two participants in the subject of the game of chance are combined to determine a winner.

Abstract: A high speed logic signal level shifter is comprised of: a logic signal buffer for receiving logic signal information and having true and complement state differential outputs; a binary flip-flop circuit with set and reset inputs; a first coupling capacitor connected from the true buffer output to the set input of the binary flip-flop circuit; and a second coupling capacitor connected from the complement buffer output to the reset input of the binary flip-flop circuit. The high speed logic signal level shifter transfers a fast logic signal across a high voltage difference by making use of rapid voltage changes transmitted through small capacitors. The signal changes carried by the capacitors are about 10 times faster than any expected voltage transient on VPP or VNN. Furthermore, the differential coupling circuit is used to provide enhanced protection against undesired circuit switching during supply voltage changes.

Abstract: A locking cap for a utility pole is provided to safeguard the metal wiring therein. The locking cap prevents access to the metal wiring through the access opening in the utility pole. The locking cap has a base that detachably mounts with one or more fasteners to a utility pole into and over the access opening and a locking shield that slidably engages with the base in a position overlying the one or more fasteners.

Abstract: A semiconductor package has a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a through hole opening. A heat spreader has a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of notches formed on the second surface. A semiconductor die is coupled to the first surface of the heat spreader. The semiconductor die is electrically coupled to the substrate. An encapsulant is used to cover portions of the first surface of the substrate, portions of the first surface of the heat spreader, and the semiconductor die. A first set of solder balls is coupled to the second surface of the substrate. A second set of solder balls is coupled to the second surface of the heat spreader wherein the second set of solder balls is located in the notches.

Abstract: A level translator has an inverter comprising a first transistor having a first predetermined voltage threshold and a second transistor having a second predetermined voltage threshold. The two transistors have control gates being of complementary conductivity. A first capacitor is connected at one end to the gate of the first transistor and at a second end to an input signal. A second capacitor is connected at one end to the gate of the second transistor, the input signal being applied to a second end of the second capacitor. A comparator is used for detecting the relationship between the input signal and a reference voltage. A first current mirror has one terminal connected to an output of the comparator, and another terminal connected to the gate of the first transistor. A second current mirror has one terminal connected to an output of the comparator, and another terminal connected to the gate of the second transistor. A first clamp circuit is used for limiting a gate voltage of said first transistor.

Abstract: A poker-type game capable in which participants compete against a dealer in hands whose number of cards progressively increase. Play begins with two cards dealt to a dealer and two cards dealt to each player. Whoever has a superior two-card hand must place a wager into a transitional wagering area. At least three community cards are dealt creating first a three-card, then a four-card and ultimately a five-card poker hand. At each stage, whoever between the dealer and each at least one player has the inferior hand must place a wager equal to the ante wager into that player's transitional wagering area. Whoever has the best five-card poker hand collects all wagers placed in the transitional wagering area.

Abstract: An EL driver circuit has a full H-bridge circuit. A boost converter is coupled to the full H-bridge circuit. The boost converter is pulse width modulated to generate a gradual increase in voltage to be applied to the full H-bridge circuit to drive an EL lamp.

Abstract: An illumination system for an aircraft passenger cabin has a first illumination source positioned between a ceiling structure and a first row of stowage bins. A first light direction assembly is positioned between the ceiling structure and the first row of stowage bins. The first light direction assembly is used to direct emitted light from the first illumination source onto a face of a luggage bin of a second row of stowage bins. A second light direction assembly is also positioned between the ceiling structure and the first row of stowage bins and is used to direct emitted light from the first illumination source into a passenger cabin. A second illumination source is positioned between the ceiling structure and the first row of stowage bins to illuminate the ceiling structure.

Abstract: A real time location system has a plurality of tag devices. Each tag device has a unique identification code. Each tag device will transmit a location signal when activated. A plurality of location receivers are installed in a fixed location. The location receivers will receive the location signal and calculate a location of the tag device transmitting the location signal. A signal mechanism is coupled to an I/O port of each tag device. The location mechanism provides at least one of an audible signal or visual signal when activated. A location reader is provided. The location reader receives the location data transmitted by the plurality of location receivers to enable a person to locate the tag device transmitting the location signal.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for controlling output current of cascaded switching power converters having a buck type output stage are disclosed. The circuit comprises two comparators for sensing input and output current, a logic gate for processing the output states of the comparators, and a pulse width modulator circuit for receiving the output of the logic gate and for controlling a switching power converter in accordance with this output. The method comprises simultaneous monitoring current in the stages of the converter, comparing the currents to the corresponding reference levels, generating the corresponding error signals, and controlling a pulse-width modulator circuit of a switching converter in accordance with these error signals.

Abstract: A gas injector that is coupled to the pump strainer basket housing drain port of a pump-circulated system is disclosed. The gas injector that may be installed in a way that is less invasive than currently used gas injection systems to pre-existing plumbing of a pump system and that allows for more efficient gas absorption in water than currently used gas injection systems. The gas injector may be used with all currently existing pump systems.

Abstract: A level translator has a pair of transistors, wherein a first transistor of the pair of transistors and a second transistor of the pair of transistors are complimentary. A pair of capacitors are provided, wherein a first capacitor of the pair of capacitors is coupled to a voltage input VIN and to a gate of a first transistor of the pair of complimentary transistors and a second capacitor of the pair of capacitors is coupled the voltage input VIN and to a gate of a second transistor of the pair of complimentary transistors. A flip flop device is provided having a first input coupled to a drain of the first transistor, and a second input coupled to a drain of the second transistor. A pair of resistors is provided, wherein a first resistor of the pair of resistors is coupled to the gate of the first transistor and to a voltage supply of VDD, and a second resistor of the pair of resistors is coupled to the gate of the second transistor and to a voltage supply VSS.