Abstract: A codec supports PCM modem communications (e.g., V.90, X2, or K56flex protocols) over a universal digital loop carrier (UDLC) having an analog interface to the central office (CO). The codec includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that is synchronized to the CO clock, and an equalizer that has been trained to provide a transfer function to compensate for the distortion introduced by the CO line interface reconstruction filter and connecting circuits, to minimize resampling error. The features allow the codec to output a PCM stream that accurately reproduces the PCM data at the central office, at data rates sufficient to support PCM modem communications, as well as voice and conventional modem communications.

Abstract: A prism for color dispersion and recombination and a projector incorporating the prism. The prism comprises an aperture for a light beam and the normal to the aperture defines an optic axis. A first surface, intersecting the optic axis, is oriented at a first angle to the optic axis. The first angle is greater than 45.degree.. The first surface disperses the light beam into a first component and an intermediate component. A second surface, intersecting the optic axis, is oriented at a second angle to the optic axis. The second surface disperses the intermediate component of the light beam into a second component and a third component.

Abstract: Ignition cables which contain a layer of a melt-extruded conductive polymer. The conductive polymer is preferably the sole current-carrying component of the cable. The polymeric component in the conductive polymer is a fluoropolymer, preferably a vinylidene fluoride copolymer having a crystallinity index of 10 to 23% and/or a DSC heat of melting of 4.7 to 9.5 J/g. Preferably, the sole conductive filler in the conductive polymer is a carbon black.

Abstract: A method of forming an article having a cermet layer on a porcelain substrate, via the steps of (a) providing a substrate made a porcelain comprising one or more crystalline oxide phases dispersed in a glassy matrix, the glassy matrix containing 0.25 to 45.0 weight % of a reducible metal oxide having a reduction potential of between -1.0 and +3.5 E.degree./V; and (b) heating the substrate in a reducing atmosphere to form on at least one surface of the substrate a layer of cermet comprising elemental metal which is a reduction product of the reducible metal oxide. The article may be used as a substrate for magnetic recording disks.

Abstract: Flashover protection covers are provided in a continuous length for covering power line spans between supporting structures. A flexible panel includes an inner surface and generally parallel opposite edge portions configured to be joined together to form a first longitudinally extending chamber. A longitudinally extending first wall is connected along an edge portion thereof to the inner surface of the panel. The first wall has an opposite free edge portion and is configured to form a second longitudinally extending chamber within the first chamber. The second longitudinally extending chamber is configured to enclose a power line when the panel edge portions are joined together. A second wall is connected along an edge portion thereof to the inner surface of the panel and is configured to inhibit electrical arcing from the power line into the first chamber between the first wall free edge portion and the panel inner surface.

Abstract: An electrical heating cable in which at least two elongate conductors are separated by an insulating spacer and are contacted by at least one elongate resistive heating strip. The heating strip, which contacts alternately the first conductor and the second conductor at contact points which are longitudinally spaced apart along the length of the strip and along the length of each of the conductors, is made from a conductive polymer composition which exhibits PTC behavior. The conductors are concentric stranded wires having a lay length L of at most 20 mm or a lay angle .beta. of at least 11.degree., or a lay length L of at most 20 mm and a lay angle .beta. of at least 10.degree..

Abstract: A conductive polymer composition which has a resistivity at 20.degree. C. of at most 1.0 ohm-cm and a PTC anomaly of at least 104 contains at most 64% by volume of a crystalline polymeric component and at least 36% by volume of a particulate conductive filler. A preferred conductive filler is carbon black having a DBP number of 60 to 120 cm.sup.3 /100 g. Compositions of the invention, as well as other conductive polymer compositions are preferably prepared by a method in which the polymeric component and the filler are blended in a first step at a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the polymer, the mixture is then cooled, and the mixture is then mixed in a second step. The resulting composition has a PTC anomaly that is at least 1.2 times the PTC anomaly of the first mixture.

Abstract: A cavity sealing article for use in a longitudinally extending cavity defined by cavity walls, the cavity having a cross-section within the cavity walls which is to be sealed at a predetermined location, comprises: (a) a driver comprising a crosslinked foamable polymer, the driver having a size, shape, and expansion ratio on foaming such that, when foamed within the cross-section of the cavity at the predetermined location, it substantially but incompletely occupies the cross-section of the cavity; and (b) a sealer comprising an uncrosslinked foamable polymer in intimate contact with the driver and surrounding the driver in the cross-section of the cavity, the sealer having a size, shape, and expansion ratio on foaming such that, when the cavity sealing article as a whole is foamed, the foamed sealer is forced into intimate and sealing contact with the cavity walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 200 for converting dual 4-wire digital data services (DDS-1 and DDS-2) for transmission over a single twisted pair telephone line 205. The present method includes use of a digital data service remote terminal 219 and a digital data service central office terminal 201. Each terminal converts more than one 4-wire digital data services into a 2B1Q signal for transmission over the single twisted pair telephone line 205. The present method provides an efficient and cost effective technique for increasing 4-wire digital data services to a customer premises without a corresponding increase in the number of telephone lines.

Abstract: Nanocomposites are made by melt-blending a melt processable polymer having a high melt processing temperature and an organophosphonium cation modified layered clay. Such modified layered clay is more stable at the higher temperatures encountered during the melt processing of such a melt processable polymer than the modified layered clays used in the prior art, enabling the preparation of the nanocomposite.

Abstract: A side entry heat recoverable article. The heat recoverable article comprises a longitudinal body member composed of a cross-linked polymer and having a generally C-shaped cross section. The body member preferably includes circumferential ribs. A layer of adhesive adjacent to the interior surface of the body member may be co-extruded with the body member or provided separately. The heat recoverable article is preferably used for repairing damaged wire.

Abstract: An elastomer has a modulus intermediate between that of a conventional rubber and a gel. The elastomer includes (a) between 20 and 45 parts by weight of a semicrystalline elastomer having between 1 and 15% crystallinity and (b) between 80 and 55 parts by weight of a compatible liquid elastomer having a number-average molecular weight of between 1,500 and 8,500. The elastomer's modulus is sufficiently high to enable it to be fabricated into handleable articles, but is sufficiently low so that it provides effective sealing of substrates it covers without the need for introducing a separate sealing material such as a mastic or adhesive.

Abstract: A system and method for projecting a color image is disclosed. The system includes a light dispersing system arranged in the path of a composite light beam for separating the composite light beam into spatially separated component beams, an image display arranged in the path of the component beams for producing modulated component beams, and a beam merging system producing a second light beam by merging the modulated component beams. The method includes producing spatially separated component light beams, directing the spatially separated component light beams to the surface of an image display, modulating display cells of the image display, and producing modulated component light beams.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device has, as electrooptically active material, a liquid crystal composite including a containment medium, a liquid crystal composition dispersed in the containment medium, and an organotrialkoxysilane additive having the structure ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently H, F, Cl, OCH.sub.3, OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl group; each R.sub.3 is independently a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alkyl, aryl, or arylalkyl; m is an integer from 0 to 4; and n is an integer from 2 to 4. The composite can be used for making liquid crystal displays having improved electro-optical properties, in particular a low operating field.

Abstract: A method of forming a tap into an intermediate point on a continuous coaxial cable, and a coaxial cable tap housing suitable for forming such a tap. The tap housing includes a recess and an alignment element having a predetermined spatial relationship with the recess. The recess has an entry, an exit and a passage connecting the entry and exit. When the tap housing is fixed to a cable, the exit of the recess is closer to the outer conductor of the cable than the entry of the recess is to the outer conductor. The alignment element is used to position a cutting tool which is inserted through the entry of the recess to form an opening in the outer conductor and a cavity in the dielectric under the opening. A tap insert, which includes a coupler assembly, is mounted to the housing, and the coupler assembly is inserted through the entry of the recess and through the opening into the cavity formed in the cable. In specific embodiments, the recess and opening are elongated.

Abstract: A self supporting sealing member (2) having a layer of sealant (4) positioned longitudinally between two constraining layers (6, 8). The lateral dimensions of the sealing member are designed to fit within a hollow member. A perforation (12) is formed or cut in the sealing member to define a removable section of sealant (14). A substrate or wire (S) can be inserted and withdrawn an unlimited number of times, without tearing or otherwise damaging the sealing material. Once the substrate or wire is inserted, force is applied to seal the device. The sealing member of the present invention also provides for contact serviceability and insertion forces lower than in prior art devices.

Abstract: A planar cavity sealing article comprises:(a) at least one driver comprising a crosslinked foamable polymer, and(b) a sealer comprising an uncrosslinked foamable polymer in intimate contact with the at least one driver and substantially surrounding the at least one driver in the plane of the article.

Abstract: A method and device for testing the quality of a ground path, particularly although not exclusively for a telecommunications system. The device has terminals for connection to respective lines, such as tip and ring. A terminal is provided for connection to the local ground. Voltage-sensitive switches of increasing threshold voltage are alternatively connected between the local ground and each of the tip and ring lines via a rotary or other selector switch and the terminals. Current will flow if the local ground potential exceeds the threshold voltage of the voltage sensitive switches. A device responsive to mains frequency, e.g. a butt-in head set, provides an audible sound (mains hum) indicating the ground potential rise exceeds the threshold of the selected voltage-sensitive switch.

Abstract: A highly thermally conductive but yet highly conformable composition is made from gel filled with alumina. The use of .alpha.-alumina in which at least 10 weight % of the .alpha.-alumina particles have a particle size of at least 74 .mu.m makes possible the high filler levels needed to attain high thermal conductivity, without causing the decrease in elongation and softness normally associated with high filler levels. Further improvements are observed if the .alpha.-alumina and the gel (or precursor thereof) are mixed with a specific energy input of at least 10 Joule/g. The input of such specific energy has the effect making the resulting composition more conformable than it otherwise would be. The composition may be internally supported by a flexible matrix such as a fabric or open-celled foam.

Abstract: A melt-extrudable conductive polymer composition which contains a polymer, a particulate conductive filler, and a particulate nonconductive filler. When a standard strip heater is made from the composition and tested in a UL VW-1 test, it has comparable performance to a heater made from a second composition which is the same as the composition but which does not contain the nonconductive filler. When tested in a standard arcing fault test, the standard heater will trip a fuse in less time than is required by the second heater, i.e. in less than 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the composition also comprises a flame retardant, preferably a halogenated flame retardant. When strip heaters prepared from these compositions are tested in a standard arc propagation test, an arc will not propagate. A preferred nonconductive filler is Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3.