Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating DFB-DBR interactive laser is provided by an optical fiber section which is doped with at least one gain-inducing material. At each end of the section there is a fiber Bragg grating which operates as part of a fiber DBR laser. Between these two gratings there is a third fiber Bragg grating which has a 90.degree. phase shift region. The third fiber Bragg grating effectively operates as part of a fiber DFB laser. Each of the fiber Bragg gratings has a narrow reflective linewidth centered about the same wavelength so that the optical fiber section operates as a fiber Bragg grating DFB-DBR interactive laser upon sufficient pumping energy. The resulting fiber Bragg grating DFB-DBR interactive laser can be appropriately connected to pumping laser sources and WDM couplers to create fiber laser sources which are particularly adaptable to fiberoptic networks, particularly WDM and DWDM networks.

Abstract: Process for making 3-pentenoic acid acid by reacting an allylic butenyl alcohol or its corresponding ester with carbon monoxide in the presence of nickel, and a source of iodide.

Abstract: A composition comprising a mononucleate solid crop protection particle coated with a water-insoluble coating material has a diameter in the range of 0.5 to 50.mu.. This composition is made by a process which results in substantial non-agglomeration of the coated particles. In a particular embodiment, a crop protection composition comprises a mononucleate solid crop protection particle coated with either wood rosin, rosin derivatives, waxes, fatty derivatives, sterols, long-chain sterol esters and sulfur. Alternatively, the coating material may be a water-insoluble synthetic latex polymer. The composition may be used in a mixture which also includes a crop protection chemical partner comprising a solid particle. The partner ordinarily degrades the solid crop protection particle when stored or aged together as a solid particle mixture. However, when the composition solid particle is coated, this degradation is prevented.

Abstract: A compact multi-position spindle-and-turret winder for winding synthetic continuous fibers having a first winding position and one-four subsequent indexed winding positions and a method for winding continuous filaments are provided.

Abstract: A flame retardant composition comprising coated particles, said particles having a core comprising melamine phosphate, melamine polyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, or mixtures thereof, said core having at least one coating comprising an organo silane, ester, polyol, dianhydride, dicarboxylic acid, melamine formaldehyde, or mixtures thereof; a polymer composition containing said flame retardant; a polymer composition containing a flame retardant comprising melamine phosphate, melamine polyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate or mixtures thereof, and dicarboxylic acid, dianhydride, or mixtures thereof; and a process for preparation of said polymer compositions by increasing extruder throughput are disclosed.

Abstract: Optical filters, filter systems, and methods for filtering optical signals transmitted along optical fibers provide enhanced filter performance by combining the capabilities of different types of filters particularly for dense wavelength division multiplexed systems. More specifically, the spectral skirt or transition wavelength range between a pass band wavelength range and a blocked wavelength range of a thin film pass band or dichroic filter is enhanced by arranging the thin film filter in series with one or more Fiber Bragg Gratings. The Fiber Bragg Gratings will generally reflect a portion of the signal within the spectral skirt or transition wavelength range of the thin film filter.

Abstract: In an induction furnace for the synthesis of glasses, in particular fluorozirconate glasses for optical fibres for telecommunications, the support device (6') for the crucible (3) is associated with a pair of sleeves (7, 9) between which an annular element (8) which constitutes the actual support element is inserted. The first sleeve (7) has such longitudinal dimensions that the crucible (3) is supported in the annular element (8) in such a way as to be spaced from the planar element (5'), and the second sleeve has such longitudinal dimensions that its top edge is at a level higher than that of the top edge of the crucible (3), to obtain a homogeneous temperature region extending at least along the entire height of the crucible (3).

Abstract: Recombinant organisms are provided comprising genes encoding glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerol-3-phosphatase, glycerol dehydratase and 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase activites useful for the production of 1,3-propanediol from a variety of carbon substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved package for a laser diode. The package has portions of its inner surfaces covered with a non-reflecting material, such as simple black paint, non-reflective metals or specific anti-reflection coatings. Such non-reflecting materials surprisingly enhances the performance of packaged laser diodes used as pumping lasers for fiber amplifiers, for example.

Abstract: A self-adhesive sheet is described for multiple uses and especially as a carpet liner or an acoustic coating. The sheet includes a base sheet in the form of a polypropylene web, a thin coating of natural or synthetic non-slip material such as latex foam adhered to one side of the base sheet, a coating of adhesive applied to the other side of the base sheet, and a protector sheet covering the adhesive coating, which may be peeled off to make the sheet self-adhesive. Preferably, the foam coating is provided with a pattern in relief to ensure a relatively bodied structure in relation to the weight of latex used as well as an agreeable appearance. The self-adhesive sheet is light, flexible and easily handled and it may be cut to the desired size and shape using scissors or the like.

Abstract: Low melt viscosity polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), i.e. having a melt viscosity of 50 to 1.times.10.sup.5 Pa.multidot.s at 372.degree. C., is combined with non-fluorinated thermally stable polymer such as polyarleneetherketone to provide melt-fabricability application for the low MV PTFE and provide improved properties for the thermally stable polymer.

Abstract: Comfort properties of fibers of longitudinally-grooved fibers of scalloped-oval cross-section are improved by providing such fibers as a mixture of different dpf and using a cationic-dyeable alkali metal sulfonate isophthalate salt copolyester that is also modified with a chain-brancher so that the filaments of different dpf can be drawn simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the quality of filler gases, in particular of sulfur hexafluoride (SF.sub.6), in a gas-filled installation, in particular in gas-insulated switch units, such as high and medium voltage switches, a solution is provided which enables a continuous monitoring of the quality of filler gases in the gas-filled installation, which simultaneously enables to possibly determine the location of a fault and a type of the fault in such an installation. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the filler gas of the installation, at least for the time of the analysis, is in a condition of a constant gas exchange with an ion-mobility spectrometer, in which the filler gas is ionized, and the ions are finally analyzed in the drift channel of the ion-mobility spectrometer.

Abstract: A housing for a wireless emergency safety light which is mechanically connectable to a conventional light switch for a light fixture or a plug receptacle for providing power to a load. The housing replaces a conventional switch plate having at least one opening for receiving the switch actuator of the light switch or for receiving the electrical plug receptacle. The emergency safety light includes at least one compartment in the housing for receiving batteries; a second compartment in the housing for receiving an emergency light source adapted to be connected to the batteries; and an antenna for sensing the loss of electrical power to the light switch and, in response thereto, for actuating the emergency light source.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous cleaning formulations particularly useful in the hot water extraction cleaning of textile fabrics such as rugs, carpets and upholstery. The cleaning formulations are essentially free of organic solvents and comprise 0.1 to 50 grams of an inorganic or organic builder per gallon of cleaning formulation, 0.1 to 100 grams of a mixed alkyl ethoxylate (C.sub.10 -C.sub.16) nonionic surfactant, with a hydrophile-lipophile balance value in the range of 10.5 to 15, per gallon of cleaning formulation, and 0.1 to 100 grams of a fluorosurfactant per gallon of cleaning formulation.

Abstract: Polyester staple fibers of simple oval peripheral cross-section of aspect ratio at least about 1.85:1 provide advantages both in open-end spinning (to provide yarns with fewer spinning failures than such fibers of conventional round cross-section) and better dye yield in fabrics than polyester staple fibers having other oval cross-sections, especially those having lower aspect ratios.

Abstract: Measurement probe (1) is used for measuring thin layers (19) on base material (20) using a magnetic or eddy current process. On probe housing (5) above a stop for guide means (3) with measurement sensor (12) and measurement pole (13) sliding element (2) for measurement sensor (12) is guided to move in the longitudinal axis of probe housing (5) as limited by a stop. Between sliding element (2) and stop (9) on guide means (3) there is first helical spring (4) by which sliding element (2) is elastically supported relative to measurement sensor (12). Between stop (9) on guide tube (3) and lower abutment (30) on probe housing (5) is second helical spring (10) which interacts with first helical spring (4) and elastically supports measurement sensor (12) in the rest state at a distance above opening (5a) for measurement pole (13) in probe housing (5).

Abstract: Dual glass fibers can be processed into coherent webs and felts by first blending the dual glass fibers with an equal or greater amount of uncrimped fibers. Optionally, other crimped fibers can be added without significant impact on processibility.

Abstract: This invention pertains to compounds of Formula I including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, agriculturally-suitable salts thereof, agricultural compositions containing them and their use as fungicides: ##STR1## wherein: Q is O or S; and n, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, X, and Y are described in the text.