Abstract: Lithium intercalation compounds suitable for use in high capacity secondary battery electrodes are prepared by reacting together at a temperature in the range of about 800.degree. to 900.degree. C. lithium and manganese compounds in a stoichiometric ratio resulting in a Li.sub.x Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 compound wherein x is within the range of about 1.00 to 1.20. The resulting compound is annealed at a temperature in excess of about 800.degree. C. and cooled to at least about 500.degree. C. at the rate less than about 10.degree. C. per hour before being finally cooled to ambient working temperature. Intercalation electrodes comprising these lithiated compounds are used in secondary batteries to yield stable, extended capacities in excess of 110 AHr/Kg.

Abstract: An extended horizon adaptive block predictive controller includes a block control system and an adaptive block prediction system. The subject adaptive block prediction system includes means and procedures for accomplishing a block of k output predictions, consisting of output predictions at each future time step up to the prediction horizon k, for dynamic systems with N outputs, M inputs and model parameter order n. The prediction system is organized for performing the calculation of a k-step ahead predictor in a highly computationally and memory efficient manner. The subject prediction system, in particular, avoids computation of a large number of the predictor parameters associated with the prior art Diophantine equation method, so that memory requirements and computational complexity are significantly reduced. The subject block control system in conjunction with an adaptive block prediction system includes means for accomplishing predictive controls of dynamic systems.

Abstract: A level shifting circuit which can be implemented as part of a bipolar ECL integrated circuit, provides reliable switching and level shifted output suitable for driving a low voltage CMOS integrated circuit. The circuit includes a level shifting circuit which is connected to trigger a high gain positive feedback bootstrap circuit to reliably ensure switching even under poor signal conditions. An output taken from one of the switched pair is allowed to go to V.sub.CC, 0 volts, or is clamped by a clamping circuit to -3.3 volts, representing the two output states suitable for driving inverted rail CMOS circuitry.

Abstract: In a telephone network, customized advanced intelligent network (AIN) services are provided to standard IN/1 "800" service customers. An IN/1 service switching point (IN/1 SSP) receives a call directed to the standard IN/1 "800" service customer, and generates an "800" query to an "800" services data base. An "800" service control point ("800" SCP) generates an "800" response containing a carrier identification code, and the IN/1 SSP routes the call via a trunk group designated by the carrier identification code. An AIN-equipped service switching point (AIN SSP) then generates an AIN query to an AIN services data base. In response, an AIN-equipped service control point (AIN SCP) executes AIN service records corresponding to the standard IN/1 "800" service customer to generate an AIN response containing call processing instructions. The AIN SSP then uses the call processing instructions to complete the call.

Abstract: A catheter set (10) is used in connection with a blood flow monitor and calibration system (80) to determine the compliance C of a vessel according to the equation C=dV2/ (PE-PA), where dV2 is the change in volume of the vessel created by the change in volume (e.g., deflation) of a displacement balloon (30) adjacent to a catheter (14), PE is an estimate of what the pressure measured by a pressure transducer (56) or a strain gage (78) would have been but for the change in volume of the displacement balloon at a particular time, and PA is the actual pressure measured by the transducer at the particular time. The determined compliance is more accurate than that obtained through thermal dilution procedures. The determined value of compliance C may then be used in calculation of blood flow. In addition, pulmonary vascular resistance and systemic vascular resistance may calculated through procedures and in equations using the determined compliance without directly measuring the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

Abstract: Irreversible loss of lithium during the initial discharge cycle of secondary batteries with carbon intercalation electrodes is substantially reduced by employing as the cell electrolyte a non-aqueous solution of LiPF.sub.6 in a mixture of dimethylcarbonate and ethylene carbonate. By this means, in a secondary battery cell comprising, for example, a Li.sub.1+x Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 positive electrode and a graphite negative electrode, up to about 90% of the theoretical level of lithium can be reversibly cycled at an exceptionally high rate of about C/1 (complete discharge in one hour).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering power dissipated by a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a thermoelectric generator which converts the heat generated by the integrated circuit into electrical energy. The electrical energy is used to drive a fan or other airflow generating device to cause heated air to be moved away from the integrated circuit and cooler air to be drawn to the integrated circuit to absorb further heat from the integrated circuit. In the described embodiment, the thermoelectric generator is a Peltier cooler positioned between the integrated circuit and a heatsink. The Peltier cooler is operated in the Seebeck mode to generate power in response to the temperature differential between the integrated circuit and the heatsink.

Abstract: A digital optical serial communication system and encoding method comprises a transmitter responsive to an input of parallel information for parsing the information into 4-bit groups. The 4-bit groups are encoded into 5-bit codes having a 40/60 duty cycle and wherein no more than two consecutive bits are logical 1's or 0's on either end of the 5-bit code. The 5-bit codes are serially transmitted by an optical transmission medium for providing a conduit from the transmitter to a receiver. The receiver receives and decodes the serial information to 4-bit groups. The 4-bit groups are concatenated to form a parallel packet of information suitable for data processing. The encoding/decoding scheme has the advantages of (1) a worst case duty factor of 40/60%; (2) a maximum run of bits without transition equal to five; (3) an easily recaptured framing of packets due to a unique sync symbol; and (4) simple encoding and decoding of packets using combinational logic rather than lookup tables.

Abstract: Methodology and concomitant circuitry to generate cryptographically strong pseudo-random bit streams utilize secure block cypher encoders. Typically, each block cypher encoder has a first seed and a random key as an input. In the most basic realization of the methodology and circuitry, the output of each encoder is fed back to connect to its input. The first seed serves as the initial input, and each subsequent input is the immediate output. Each bit in the cryptographically strong pseudo-random bit stream is related to an inner product between each input to the encoder and a second seed.

Abstract: A device for protecting leading surfaces of a lens of an emergency vehicle warning light. The device has a replaceable, transparent shield adapted to be conformed to the profile of the leading surface. The shield is attached to the lens by upper and lower grooves formed in the lens. Notches are provided to assist with removal of the shield for replacement. Channels are provided to drain moisture from the lower groove. A first lens modified protector provides tracks, secured to the lens, for securing and conforming the shield to the lens. A second modified protector provides a thin, removable film for attachment to the lens by a pressure sensitive adhesive. A third modified protector provides a heating element attached to the shield for thawing, and for operably defrosting and preventing accumulation of frozen water products from and on the shield.

Abstract: A circuit monitors electronic devices which require continuous clocking for non-destructive operation. The circuit samples a repetitive signal, such as a clock, from a device of interest (DOI). If, for whatever reason, the clock signal becomes absent, the circuit responds by deactivating the DOI. If the clock revives or becomes intermittent the circuit will not reactivate the DOI. The circuit will reactivate the DOI only upon application of an explicit reset signal. The circuit is all digital and therefore technology independent, and provides for precise control of the deactivation response time.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for efficient, multiplication-free arithmetic coding wherein data which represents an alphabet of source symbols is compressed and decompressed in a data transmission system. Multiplications are replaced with single shift-and-add operation using a suitable shift register wherein a multiplier has at most two bits. The shift-and-add operation approximates the width of a new subinterval within a predetermined interval. This approximation is a function of both the width of a current subinterval and a total count of source symbols in a statistical source model. In this way, an adaptive model can be accommodated as well as a fixed model for the statistics of the source symbols. In one embodiment, the multiplier is preferably determined by a table look-up having a small number of entries and which can be easily implemented by hardware or software.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric film useful as an interelectrode separator or electrolyte member in electrolytic devices, such as rechargeable batteries, comprises a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride with 8 to 25% hexafluoropropylene. The film may be cast or formed as a self-supporting layer retaining about 20% to 70% of a high-boiling solvent or solvent mixture comprising such solvents as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and dibutyl phthalate. The film may be used in such form or after leaching of the retained solvent with a film-inert low-boiling solvent to provide a separator member into which a solution of electrolytic salt is subsequently imbibed to displace retained solvent or replace solvent previously leached from the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A composition comprising a selected combination of herbs and their extracts. Properties of the composition include dietary supplement, appetite stimulant, analgesic and mood elevation utilities, particularly advantageous for broad spectrum improvement in quality of life for terminally ill individuals. This supplement is found to profoundly improve patients' appetites and immune system. It can also largely reduce patient's pain and thus improve patients' mood.

Abstract: A pervaporation apparatus and process adapted to handle a diverse range of feed stream compositions and volumes. The apparatus includes a pervaporation unit and condenser, one or more tanks and a control system to direct liquid flows within the apparatus according to the chosen processing scheme. The apparatus and process can achieve separation performance comparable to a one-stage, two-stage, two-step or more complicated pervaporation system, including those in which two-phase permeates are produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection of leaks in pressurized pipelines which utilizes a large pressure vessel and a small measurement vessel. The measurement vessel magnifies level changes during leak detection tests. The apparatus is connected to a pipeline through the measurement vessel. The entire system can be filled with liquid from the pipeline by opening a valve between the measurement and pressure vessels. Leak detection tests are conducted by measuring changes in volume with the measurement vessel over time while the pressure over the liquid in the pressure vessel and measurement vessel is maintained approximately constant. During tests, liquid communication between the measurement vessel and pressure vessel is prevented by closing the valve between them, but vapor communication between the vessels is permitted.

Abstract: A mode coupler for vertically polarized modes comprises a first waveguide (32) having a relatively small rectangular cross-section and a second waveguide (22) having a relatively large rectangular cross-section. The first small cross-section waveguide has a wall (300) formed in common with a portion (400) of a wall (200) of the second large cross-section waveguide. The common wall portion contains a series of circular apertures (202) extending in a longitudinal direction of both waveguides. The centers of the apertures are displaced a first distance (.tau..sub.1) from a center line of a wall of the first waveguide and a second distance (.tau..sub.2) from a center line of the wall of the second waveguide. In this case, a fundamental TE.sub.01S mode of the first waveguide is in phase synchronism and couples equally to the two degenerate TE.sub.11L and TM.sub.11L higher order vertically polarized modes of the second waveguide.

Abstract: A process for removing inorganic components from water is disclosed. The process involves gas stripping followed by membrane separation treatment of the stripping gas. The stripping step can be carried out using one or multiple gas strippers and using air or any other gas as stripping gas. The membrane separation step can be carried out using a single-stage membrane unit or a multistage unit. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed. The process is particularly suited for treatment of contaminated groundwater or industrial wastewater.

Abstract: A light emitting diode is disclosed that emits light in the blue portion of the visible spectrum with high external quantum efficiency. The diode comprises a single crystal silicon carbide substrate having a first conductivity type, a first epitaxial layer of silicon carbide on the substrate and having the same conductivity type as the substrate, and a second epitaxial layer of silicon carbide on the first epitaxial layer and having the opposite conductivity type from the first layer. The first and second epitaxial layers forming a p-n junction, and the diode includes ohmic contacts for applying a potential difference across the p-n junction.

Abstract: A system for time-stamping a digital document, including for example text, video, audio, or pictorial data, protects the secrecy of the document text and provides a tamper-proof time seal establishing an author's claim to the temporal existence of the document. Initially, the author reduces the document to a number by means of a one-way hash function, thereby fitting a unique representation of the document text. In one embodiment of the invention the number is then transmitted to an outside agency where the current time is added to form a receipt which is certified by the agency using a public key signature procedure before being returned to the author as evidence of the document's existence. In later proof of such existence, the certificate is authenticated by means of the agency's public key to reveal the receipt which comprises the hash of the alleged document along with the time seal that only the agency could have signed into the certificate.