Abstract: A cyclic reduced Gray code in n-many bits having 2k-many entries, for any natural number k, where 2(n?1)<2k<2n and n is a positive integer, is found by first constructing a 2n-many entry code in n-many bits with a reflected binary technique, and then selecting the last k-many ordered entries in the first half of the full reflected binary code, followed by the first k-many ordered entries in the second half of the full reflected binary code. These ordered 2k-many entries are a shortened cyclic reduced Gray code in n-many bits. Alternatively, the first k-many ordered entries in the first half of the full reflected binary code can be selected, followed by the last k-many ordered entries in the second half of the full reflected binary code.

Abstract: For chromatographic or spectroscopic data analysis, a method may be created by a developer or expert that contains instrument parameters for a particular sample to control a chromatographic or spectroscopic instrument. A report may then be generated, the content of which may be based upon the processing of data or signal by the method. Hyperlinks or other meta language tools may be inserted by the developer or expert into the data analysis method to direct an operator to an appropriate location, without the operator needing to know anything either about the sample or the location to which he or she is directed. Accordingly, the operator may access a vast amount of information without the need to know the location of the information or going outside the report.

Abstract: For determining an insertion loss (LDUT) of an optical component (20) having one or more connections (C1, C2), a connection insertion loss (LC1, LC2) is determined for one or more of the connections (C1, C2) by means a reflectometric measurement, and a total insertion loss (Ltotal) of the optical component (20) is determined together with its one or more connections (C1, C2). The insertion loss (LDUT) of the optical component (20) can then be determined from the determined total insertion loss (Ltotal) and each determined connection insertion loss (LC1, LC2).

Abstract: Monitoring an optical signal utilizing optical heterodyne detection involves attenuating an input signal before the input signal is combined with a local oscillator signal. The input signal is attenuated in order improve the signal to noise ratio of the heterodyne signal that is generated when the input signal and the local oscillator signal are combined. The signal to noise ratio of the heterodyne signal improves with attenuation of the input signal, specifically in the case where the intensity noise from the input signal is the dominant noise source, because the heterodyne signal and the intensity noise of the input signal scale differently with attenuation of the input signal.

Abstract: An optical fiber receptacle and ferrule interconnection system is disclosed. The interconnection system includes an optical fiber ferrule and a receptacle. The receptacle has a first portion that is attachable to an optical device and a second portion that is connected to the first portion. The second portion has an inner surface that defines a slot for detachably receiving the optical fiber ferrule and for aligning the optical fiber within the optical fiber ferrule with an attached optical device to allow transmission of light therebetween. The slot provides an interference fit with the ferrule. The inner surface of the second portion and an outer surface of the ferrule are adapted to form at least one channel therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for setting up a test instrument to perform measurements on a circuit having a plurality of signal applied to a plurality of output pins. Configuration parameters including an identification of the output pins are retrieved and the test instrument is configured to interface with the output pins based on the configuration parameters. A list of output pins and a list of input lines associated with the test instrument are graphically displaying on a screen associated with the test instrument. Interacting with the graphical display, the user then associates each output pin with an input line to which each output pin is connected.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for time aligning first and second signals. The second signal is modulated by the first signal to provide a third signal. Frequency components of the third signal are then determined, the frequency components being indicative of time alignment between the first and second signals. The method and apparatus is particularly suitable for converting a Non-Return-to-Zero data signal to a Return-to-Zero data signal by modulating the Non-Return-to-Zero data signal with a Return-to-Zero pulse signal. The method and apparatus provides for the Non-Return-to-Zero data signal and the Return-to-Zero pulse signal being correctly time aligned in an automated manner without human intervention.

Abstract: A frequency divider having an input frequency divider, an edge counter, and an output generator. The input frequency divider generates an intermediate signal having a frequency of fi from an input signal having a frequency fin, wherein fin=2fi. The edge counter generates a value equal to the number of edges in the intermediate signal that have occurred since a reset signal was generated. The output generator generates an output signal when the edge counter value reaches a value Q and generates the reset signal. In one embodiment, the edge counter includes a positive edge counter that counts the number of positive going transitions in the intermediate signal since the reset signal, a negative edge counter that counts the number of negative going transitions in the intermediate signal, and an adder that generates the sum of the positive and negative count values.

Abstract: The invention provides a low mass and size thermal focusing device for a gas phase analytical device. The device has two or more plates bonded together. The device also has at least one channel with an entrance and exit is formed within allowing ingress and egress of a gas stream. The device also has a temperature reduction module in thermal contact with at least one plate of the device. Thermal focusing devices with additional plates and/or channels are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical encoder device is provided with an optical encoder for detecting codewheel/codestrip positions, an optical encoder housing for accommodating the optical encoder, a first tapered guidepost protruding from a sidewall of the optical encoder housing, the first guidepost having a star-shaped cross-section and being arranged adjacent to the optical encoder, and a second tapered guidepost protruding form the sidewall of the optical encoder housing and extending substantially parallel to the first guidepost, the second guidepost having a diamond-shaped cross-section and being arranged remote from the optical encoder.

Abstract: The present invention includes a light source having N light generators, a receiver, and an interface circuit. Each light generator emitting light of a different wavelength, the intensity of light generated by the kth generator is determined by a signal Ik coupled to that light generator. The receiver receives a color coordinate that includes N color components, Ck, for k=1 to N, wherein N is greater than 1. The interface circuit generates the Ik for k=1 to N from the received color components and a plurality of calibration parameters. The calibration parameters depend on manufacturing variations in the light generators. The calibration parameters have values chosen such that a light signal generated by combining the light emitted from each of the light generators is less dependent on the manufacturing variations in the light generators than a light signal generated when Ik is proportional to Ck for k=1 to N.

Abstract: The occurrence of spurs when analyzing signals is reduced. A first signal is mixed with a local oscillator signal to produce an intermediate signal. When a spur is predicted to occur when high side mixing is performed, low side mixing is performed. When a spur is predicted to occur when low side mixing is performed, high side mixing is performed.

Abstract: A portable medical analyzer comprising a sampling module with a sample port for receiving body fluid, an assay sensor module for analysis of the body fluid, an analytical detector module with detection of information from the assay, and a communications module for transferring the information to a remote location via a wired or wireless network.

Abstract: A source of ions for an analyzer includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a manifold having a plurality of nozzles, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the manifold and a counter electrode having a potential difference between the counter electrode and the nozzles to enable liquid to be ejected from the nozzles in droplets and to enable ions to be ejected from the droplets.

Abstract: Materials and methods of manufacturing radiation shielded enclosures is presented that may replace the use of lead, granite and other undesirable materials and manufacturing methods. The present invention provides a high-density radiation shielding enclosure manufactured using a fiberglass lay-up or pressure spaying process and tungsten powder. The method of manufacture may include applying a tungsten powder in an epoxy, caulking, sealant, adhesive or elastomeric compound to the radiation shielding enclosure in order to seal any cracks, holes, joints or other radiation leaks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive attaching method for attaching a semiconductor die to a substrate in which an adhesive is deposited onto the substrate, the deposited adhesive is partially cured and/or dried, the partially cured and/or dried adhesive is reheated and a semiconductor die is placed onto the reheated adhesive, after which the adhesive is fully cured so that the semiconductor die is bonded, both electrically and mechanically, to the substrate.

Abstract: A software system having a multi-layer architecture for controlling a hardware system including a latch layer, a hardware control layer, an access layer, and an orchestration layer. The latch layer includes a latch object for each of a set of control points of the hardware system. Each latch object provides a common interface in the software system for accessing the corresponding control point. The hardware control layer includes a hardware control object for each of a set of sub-portions of the hardware system. Each hardware control object coordinates accesses to the control points of the corresponding sub-portion through the latch layer. The access layer includes an access object for each of a set of groupings of the sub-portions. Each access object coordinates accesses to the corresponding grouping of the sub-portions. The orchestration layer includes an orchestration object for each of a set of functional features of the hardware system.

Abstract: An apparatus to perform no-latency conditional branching has a sequencer for executing program instructions including one or more conditional branch instructions. The conditional branch instruction is a binary word specifying a branch condition address and a conditional instruction. The branch unit has a programmable flag selection memory and a plurality of first flag selectors and determines in hardware whether to branch according to the conditional instruction. Each first flag selector accepts a plurality of available flags and selects a flag based upon contents in the flag selection memory. A second flag selector accepts the flags from the first flag selectors and selects one of the flags to present as a branch flag based upon the branch condition address. The branch flag indicates whether to branch to the destination address.

Abstract: A system and method for remote analysis and control of test and measurement devices for diagnosis and troubleshooting problems for users of the test and measurement devices. The remote analysis and control tool kit includes a processing device with a modem that is connected to a video camera. The video camera provides video images through the processing device back through the modem so that the remote analysis and control tool kit may transmit video across a network to a call center systems engineer. The remote analysis and control tool kit also includes control software that enables a systems engineer to provide control instructions to the test and measurement device and the system under test, and request status data from both the test and measurement device and the system under test.

Abstract: An optical navigation sensor apparatus for an optical mouse includes an optical navigation sensor having an electronic chip, an aperture plate and an imaging lens integrated into a single package. The imaging lens includes a lens housing surrounding the aperture and providing a barrier to the entry of foreign matter into the aperture. In one form, the optical navigation sensor also includes a light emitting diode (LED) for illuminating a small area of a surface under the sensor and generating a reflected image that is detected by the electronic chip. In a sensor having an integral LED, an integral collimating lens is included for receiving light from the LED and focusing the light from the LED on the surface to be illuminated. The collimating lens is incorporated into a lens housing surrounding the LED and protecting the LED from exposure to foreign material.