Abstract: A semiconductor laser (10) having an external cavity used for coherent frequency and time domain reflectometry is provided. The laser (10) provides a very stable single longitudinal mode characteristic, a very narrow lasing linewidth, and a very low noise optical output. The laser (10) includes a semiconductor optical amplifier (14) emitting a coherent light beam from one facet, a phase modulator (22) receiving the coherent light beam and linearly varying an optical frequency of the laser, and an etalon (32) selecting and stabilizing one longitudinal mode of the laser cavity for lasing, narrowing the linewidth and reducing the noise. A computer-controlled and piezoelectric actuated wavelength-selective grating (58) varies the length of the laser cavity and thereby tuning the optical frequency of the selected longitudinal mode to track the transmission frequency of the etalon by maintaining maximum power intensity thereby stabilizing the selected mode.

Abstract: Apparatus with a horizontally stretched flexible membrane is used to sealingly support a lower, openable end portion of an air-permeable sack containing powder material. A conical funnel-like sealable portion of the apparatus immediately beneath the membrane may be connected to a mechanism for applying a suction. This suction uses inward air flow from the ambient atmosphere through the air-permeable wall of the sack and the powder material contained therein, to generate a fluidized air/powder material outflow from the lower opening of the sack. The funnel-like element guides this flow and enables transfer of the air-fluidized powder material flow. To form a slurry, a conventional disperser/mixer mechanism dipped into a quantity of liquid in a tank may be connected to a suction duct to apply the desired suction. Fluidized air/powder material flow then is intensely and rapidly stirred with the liquid to form a slurry.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a laminated pad in a cost-efficient manner. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of applying strips of adhesive to a first substrate and mounting the first substrate to a second substrate. Next, adhesive is applied to the entire width of a third substrate which is in turn mounted to the laminated first and second substrates to create a laminated sheet. The laminated sheet can be slit and then die cut into individual laminated pads. The pads which result from this process have a base pad, an intermediate layer which is adhered to the base pad and a top layer in which only a portion of the top layer is mounted to the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an arcing fault on a power line carrying a load current. The apparatus monitors, compiles and analyzes sample parameters taken from successive cycles of the power line load signal indicative of power flow and possible fault events on the line, such as voltage or load current. The analyzed sample parameter is then used to determine a normal parameter corresponding to a normal load pattern for the line. The normal load parameter is extracted from the compiled sample parameter data, and the resulting difference signal waveform has a magnitude value which changes in amplitude corresponding to the load-extracted data which is used to determine whether a fault exists on the power line.

Abstract: A decoration, such as a wreath, of the present invention has a base with a plurality of openings formed therein and a group of flexible decorating strips which are interwoven through the openings of the base for creating an ornamental design. The end portions of the decorating strips extend from the back side of the base through adjacent openings in such a manner that they create a ruffled effect when viewing the back side of the grid. In another aspect of the invention, another group of decorating strips, each having a loop which extends through an opening, are positioned adjacent the front side of the base. A method of assembling the decoration is also disclosed.

Abstract: A turbulence insert of a headbox of a papermaking machine is provided that includes a bundle of channels for guiding the suspension of materials from a first region to a second region. The channel bundle is comprised inpart of edge channels that have no adjacent channel on at least one longitudinal side, and is also comprised in part of central channels that have at least one adjacent channel on each longitudinal side. Also, at least two adjacent edge channels are provided that are joined with each other at least one part of their length.

Abstract: A system and method for routing a call through the PSTN to an auxiliary communications services mailbox, such as voice mail, of a mobile subscriber. The call is received in the nearest exchange and routed to the exchange where the mobile subscriber is located. If the mobile subscriber, for example, does not answer, a voice mail number is used to route the call to the exchange where the voice mailbox is located.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coating system with at least one web support roll and at least one corresponding metering roll coordinated with it and having a grooved surface essentially in peripheral direction or in the form of a threading, for metering the coating substance in the gap existing between the web support roll and the metering rolls. A groove forming or groove truing system can be infed in the operation of the coating system can be infed onto the metering rolls.

Abstract: A monitoring system having a stylus mounted to a support that controllably moves the stylus along a travel path as it contacts an object of interest. The object is supported by a rotating turntable and held in place by a manually actuatable retainer that exerts a repeatable downward force on the object. A frame that supports the stylus is supported by a flexure plate that makes the task of orienting the frame easier. The frame supports a saddle that can be raised and lowered by a belt system driven by a D.C. pancake motor. The entire monitoring system achieves a required degree of accuracy in monitoring object shape at a reduced manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A process for removing nitrogen from liquefied natural gas (LNG) using an enhanced surface, reflux heat exchanger is disclosed. A relatively warm high pressure LNG stream is directed countercurrently in heat exchange with a cool low pressure LNG stream to chill the high pressure stream and partially vaporize the low pressure LNG stream in the reflux heat exchanger. Vapor produced thereby strips the low pressure LNG stream of nitrogen. The cool low pressure LNG stream is produced by expansion of the chilled high pressure LNG stream. Vapor produced by the expansion is combined with the vapor produced in the exchanger and withdrawn overhead. Product LNG which is lean in nitrogen is withdrawn from the bottom of the exchanger.

Abstract: A fusion protein comprising a carrier and a desired peptide or protein linked to the carrier via an enzymatically excisable dipeptide, such as Lys-Arg, is produced in a host microorganism and then the desired peptide or protein is recovered by treating the fusion protein at least with a protease specifically recognizing the dipeptide and specifically hydrolyzing the peptide bond of the dipeptide. The fusion protein includes tandem-form fusion proteins in which desired peptide or protein molecules are linked together repeatedly. According to the cleavage site in the dipeptide, the protease may be used in combination with an aminopeptidase specifically releasing a basic amino acid from the N-terminal side of the dipeptide and/or a carboxypeptidase specifically releasing a basic amino acid from the C-terminal side of the dipeptide.

Abstract: A system for allocating communication channels within a cellular radio system in which each channel seizure request is assigned a call type based upon the capabilities of the mobile station, the nature of the call and the characteristics of the subscriber. A first algorithm is used to select a communication channel group for the call and a second algorithm is used to select an available communication channel from within the selected channel group.

Abstract: Non-fat food including fruit spreads, bakery fillings, flavored syrups, fruit and vegetable juices, pie glazes and fillings, yogurt fillings and salsa, for example, are prepared by incorporating a pectin, starch, cellulose, or protein based fat mimetic, or mixtures thereof, into a recipe therefor as an additional ingredient.

Abstract: An end treatment for a thrie-beam type guardrail and a safety device specifically oriented toward trucks, vans and other utility vehicles having high profiles and centers of gravity. A slotted thrie-beam terminal is featured for use with highway guardrail systems. At least one reinforced slotted section is provided within the thrie-beam terminal to reduce the ability of the thrie beam to resist buckling in response to an axial type loading from end-on impacts. The terminal also provides for gating of laterally impacting vehicles. The terminal incorporates a break-away support post cable release mechanism which lessens risk to impacting vehicles which impact the lead post.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Ilex plant found as an openly pollinated seedling of Ilex Hybrid `Mary Nell`. The variety possesses a dense, upright, pyramidal growth habit, flower which produce functional pollen and ovaries, attractive orange-red fruit, glossy dark green foliage, and distinctly arranged leaf serrations.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of carnation plant named Mondriaan, characterized by its dark red main flower color with white margins and darker red throats; upper surfAce of flower is generally flat, generally wavy petal form, with crenate-dentate outer margin; elliptical, flat leaves which are blue-green in color, and it funnel-shaped calyx with short, acute lobes.

Abstract: A Begonia plant named Azotus particularly characterized by its flowering throughout the year, double flowers with multi-rowed flower petals, unique purple-red flower color, and good keeping quality through the winter.

Abstract: A begonia plant named Barkos particularly characterized by flowering throughout the year, double-flowering with many rows of petals, red flower color, strong and thick stalks, compact habit, outstanding keeping quality through the winter and dark foliage.