Abstract: Optical fiber-based wireless systems and related components and methods are disclosed. The systems support radio frequency (RF) communications with clients over optical fiber, including Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) communications. The systems may be provided as part of an indoor distributed antenna system (IDAS) to provide wireless communication services to clients inside a building or other facility. The communications can be distributed between a head end unit (HEU) that receives carrier signals from one or more service or carrier providers and converts the signals to RoF signals for distribution over optical fibers to end points, which may be remote antenna units (RAUs). In one embodiment, calibration of communication downlinks and communication uplinks is performed to compensate for signal strength losses in the system.

Abstract: An item may be purchased using a combination of rewards and monetary consideration, wherein a maximum allowable reward payment portion (or correspondingly a minimum monetary consideration amount) is established by the merchant, the reward issuer, or an online reward exchange operator. The user may select, using for example a user interface slider control, the desired number of rewards to redeem (up to the maximum allowable amount) and the corresponding monetary consideration portion is displayed. The transaction may then be executed wherein the selected rewards are redeemed and the balance is paid for with the corresponding monetary consideration.

Abstract: A number of systems and methods are disclosed which increase the replenishment interval for anti-knock fluid. This is especially important during activities which require a large amount of anti-knock fluid, such as towing. In some embodiments, the systems and methods are used to reduce anti-knock fluid consumption. For example, changes to engine operation, such as rich operation, spark retarding, upspeeding, and variable valve timing, all serve to reduce the amount of anti-knock fluid required to eliminate knocking. In other embodiments, the composition of the anti-knock fluid is modified, such as by using a higher octane fluid, or through the addition of water to the anti-knock fluid. In other embodiments, the replenishment interval is increased through a larger anti-knock fluid storage capacity. In one embodiment, a three tank system is used where the third tank can be used to store gasoline or anti-knock fluid, depending on the driving conditions.

Abstract: A handle structure includes a reinforcing flap struck from a handle panel to define at least a part of a handle opening for insertion of a user's hand. The reinforcing flap comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to one another by a narrow portion defined by an indent in a free edge of the reinforcing flap.

Abstract: A method of applying pulsation energy to an online battery backup system including the steps of sampling at least one voltage sampling circuit to monitor a float voltage drop across the terminals of each battery unit within a plurality of battery units, selecting from among the plurality of battery units the unit having the greatest float voltage drop, operating a pulse generation circuit to apply pulsation energy across the terminals of only the selected battery unit, and ceasing to operate the pulse generation circuit in response to a predetermined trigger. A generally corresponding method may be performed on each battery cell within the plurality of battery units. Also, battery pulsation systems for an online battery backup system may include a pulse generation circuit and a controller for selectively applying pulsation energy across the terminals of a selected battery unit or battery cell.

Abstract: A method and system for energy-based (e.g., ultrasound treatment and/or other modalities) of sweat glands are provided. An exemplary method and system for targeted treatment of sweat glands can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound (or other energy) through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the aberrant sweat gland population is located below the skin surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are multifiber ferrule assemblies and methods for manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a finished multifiber ferrule can be provided with a front end having a first front surface that extends beyond a second front surface, thereby inhibiting interaction with a laser beam during processing. A plurality of optical fibers can be fixed within respective optical fiber bores and extend from respective optical fiber bore openings to a position beyond the first front surface. The plurality of optical fibers can be processed by cutting and polishing with a laser beam for providing each optical fiber with a final polished end surface located beyond the first front surface. In further embodiments, an offset structure is positioned with respect to a finished multifiber ferrule after cutting and polishing the optical fibers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering, transporting, and using methane gas and conventional Natural Gas are disclosed. More particularly, such methods generally include the steps of (a) transferring gas from a source to a first subterranean capacitor and storing the gas in the capacitor and (b) transferring gas from the first subterranean capacitor to a second subterranean capacitor, a pipeline, an end user (such as an automobile), a gas processor, or a power plant.

Abstract: A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.

Abstract: A parameterized interleaver design process is provided, which optimizes the design for interleavers of any size, and can be completely specified using only a few design parameters. According to the parameterized interleaver design process an interleaver ?(i) of a length N is generated. A number of subpermutation masks are defined, and a first intermediate interleaver permutation is partitioned into a number of subgroups, wherein the number of subgroups corresponds with the number of subpermutation masks. Each of the subgroups of the first intermediate interleaver permutation is partitioned into a number of further subgroups, and each of the subpermutation masks is applied to each of the further subgroups of a corresponding subgroup of the first intermediate interleaver permutation, resulting in a corresponding portion of a second intermediate interleaver permutation. The resulting interleaver ?(i) is generated based at least in part on the first and second intermediate interleaver permutations.

Abstract: A way for securely protecting secret information—for example, a secret key—in a programmed electronic device is provided. A technique is disclosed for protecting secret information in a programmed electronic device that includes a non-trusted memory containing software, a data memory containing the secret information, and an access restriction logic unit that is adapted to allow or block access to the secret information wherein the secret information is adapted to be used for verifying the integrity of the software. In one embodiment, when starting up the programmed electronic device, the access restriction logic unit allows access to the secret information. Then the secret information is accessed for use in verifying the integrity of the software, and subsequently the access restriction logic unit blocks further access to the secret information. Embodiments of a semiconductor device and a programmed electronic device comprising similar features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low voltage cable for providing low voltage power to an electrically-powered assembly, such as a luminaire fixture, and for attaching the luminaire fixture to the cable and to structure using a cable gripping device in such a way that the assembly can be adjusted is disclosed. The cable comprises a conductive strand composed of a first metallic material, and a plurality of strength strands wound around the conductive strand, where the plurality of strength strands is of a second metallic material. The first metallic material is substantially more conductive than the second metallic material, and the second metallic material has substantially greater tensile strength than the first metallic material. This allows the cable to conduct a low voltage feed across the conductive strand, and allows the strength strands cable to mostly support the tension load particularly of a hanging luminaire fixture as well as resisting lateral compressive forces from a cable gripping device.

Abstract: A system and method of construction of unique word sets together with an efficient method of implementing correlation with the members of the set is presented. The set of UWs is constructed by breaking a UW sequence in to equal length segments, and then multiplying this vector by an orthogonal matrix. First an arbitrary vector U is chosen of length K for a set of N UWs. Then a matrix H of size N×N is chosen. The columns of H are then repeated L times to form a matrix H?. The set of N UW consists of the rows of H?UT. N sub-correlations of the N segments of the vector U with the segments of the (suitably delayed) received signal is performed at the receiver. Then the N different outputs are obtained as Z=HCT, where C=[C0 . . . CN-1] is the vector of correlated outputs. The receiver only requires N correlators, each of length L, instead of length K, which provides a less complex and more efficient solution for detection of UW sets.

Abstract: A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure has first and second sensors, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects humans within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door to the structure. The motor selectively moves the light source from an inactive position to an active position. The controller receives inputs from the first and second sensors and transmits outputs to the light source and the motor. When the controller receives signals that no humans or animals are present in the enclosed structure and that the door is in a closed position, the controller transmits a signal to the motor to move the light source from the inactive to the active position. If humans are detected in the structure or if the door is detected open, then the controller deactivates or repositions the light source.

Abstract: Wall panels and building walls, comprising inner and outer layers, and spaced reinforcing webs extending between the inner and outer layers. Optionally studs extend inwardly from the inner layer away from the outer layer with one of the stud legs on each stud being aligned with one of the reinforcing webs, or the building load delivered to an underlying footer varies less than 50% per 10 foot length of the wall, or height of the wall varies no more than 0.25 inch over a 40 foot length of the wall. The resulting wall panel can provide tough, water-proof, otherwise weather-proof, building systems and buildings.

Abstract: Methods and valve arrangements for controlling the flow of pressurized air from a tractor to a trailer reservoir and to a trailer spring brake chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, pressurized air from a tractor is supplied from a tractor to the trailer reservoir and to the trailer spring brake in different filling modes based on a user input. In another exemplary embodiment, pressurized service air is used to charge or partially charge the trailer reservoir.