Abstract: The analysis of compounds utilising the physical response of cellular networks is described. Typically, the electrical characteristics of the cellular network are monitored although other characteristics such as fluorescence may be monitored. In any event, the analysis utilises signal processing techniques to derive a set of features which may be evaluated against a library of known responses. The technique may be applied to both the detection and identification of unknown compounds and the detection of concentrations of known compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing tissue biopsies, cells and organisms as a result of predictable responses to known compounds. A sensor is used to detect plurality of features indicative of physiological activity in response to the external. A vector quantity comprising a number of dimensions equal to a number of different features is derived from the signal output of said sensor array and compared to one or more reference values to generate a physiological ‘fingerprint’.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: Low frequency vibration induced noise is reduced in a towed sonar array of the type comprising a number of oil-filled modules joined end to end with each module housing a plurality of hydrophones by arranging that the signal output from each hydrophone in an array is equally weighted at low frequencies to form a single channel. Beamforming is then carried out by applying different weights to the different module channels. High modulus internal strength members are included in each module to resist anti-phase vibration of the couplings at the end of the module. The hydrophone spacing and the coupling lengths are both made small compareed to the module length to improve vibration noise reduction.

Abstract: A biological sensor, especially a barosensor, which can be operated using a neuronal network is described. Neuronal cultures suitable for use in such a sensor are also described.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly and method of manufacture include at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert that generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide, and a tube. The dry insert includes a tape and at least one filament attached to the tape, thereby forming a plurality of loops. In preferred embodiments, either the tape or the at least one filament of the dry insert has a water-swellable component. Additionally, the optical tube assembly may be a portion of a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A tube assembly of the present invention has at least one subunit with at least one dry insert generally surrounding the subunit which may be disposed within a tube, thereby forming a tube assembly. The subunit includes a fiber optic ribbon and a sheath, wherein the sheath is tight-buffered about the fiber optic ribbon, thereby inhibiting buckling of the ribbon during temperature variations. Additionally, the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable having a sheath that may include a plurality of strength members and a cable jacket. In other embodiments, the subunits and dry insert are disposed within a cavity, thereby forming a tubeless cable. Additionally, subunits may include a marking indicia for denoting the security level.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer and a second layer attached together with an adhesive. The dry insert also includes a plurality of particles having an average particle size of about 600 microns or less for inhibiting microbending. The first layer may be a polyurethane foam having an average cell size of about 1000 microns or less and the second layer is a water-swellable layer. The dry insert is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A tube assembly of the present invention has at least one subunit with at least one dry insert generally surrounding the subunit which may be disposed within a tube, thereby forming a tube assembly. The subunit includes a fiber optic ribbon and a sheath, wherein the sheath is tight-buffered about the fiber optic ribbon, thereby inhibiting buckling of the ribbon during temperature variations. Additionally, the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable having a sheath that may include a plurality of strength members and a cable jacket. In other embodiments, the subunits and dry insert are disposed within a cavity, thereby forming a tubeless cable. Additionally, subunits may include a marking indicia for denoting the security level.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer and a second layer attached together with an adhesive. The dry insert also includes a plurality of particles having an average particle size of about 600 microns or less for inhibiting microbending. The first layer may be a polyurethane foam having an average cell size of about 1000 microns or less and the second layer is a water-swellable layer. The dry insert is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: A ribbon separation tool (10) for separating optical fiber ribbons (C1,C2,C3) into subsets of optical fibers. Ribbon separation tool (10) includes a stationary shearing device (70), and a moveable shearing device (50), the moveable shearing device (50) is operative to move relative to the stationary shearing device (70) during a shearing stroke. Optical fiber ribbon support elements (42), with optical fiber ribbon receiving slots (46) being defined therebetween, are adjacent shearing devices (50,70). Moveable shearing device (50) is moveably located between optical fiber ribbon support elements (42) and includes moveable sub-slots (51,52). When a cover member (60) of tool (10) is in a closed position, stationary sub-slots (71,72) of stationary shearing device (70) are aligned with moveable sub-slots (51,52) to define shearing slots (51,71;52,72).

Abstract: A biological sensor, especially a barosensor, which can be operated using a neuronal network, is described. Neuronal cultures suitable for use in such a sensor are also described.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and a strength member surrounding the optical fiber. The strength member can include a plurality of fibers disposed in a matrix such that the resulting strength member preferably has a modulus of elasticity of at least about 20 GPa and, more preferably, at least about 40 GPa. While the strength member can be an integral member, the strength member can be formed of at least two physically distinct portions in order to more precisely tailor the characteristics of the fiber optic cable. In this regard, the strength member can include a first strength member surrounding the optical fiber that includes a first matrix and a plurality of first fibers embedded within the first matrix, and a second strength member surrounding the first strength member that includes a second matrix and a plurality of second fibers embedded within the second matrix.

Abstract: A method of removing a cured plastic matrix material from a fiber optic ribbon includes applying thereto a composition of matter comprising a solvent and a filler. The filler is selected from the group consisting of fumed silica and cornstarch, and the solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compression tester which is designed to simulate as closely as possible the low temperature conditions a cable is subjected to in an outdoor environment. Axially aligned composite sample members are compressed longitudinally while fitted in a cylindrically enclosed space in a specially designed sample die assembly. Testing may take place in an environmental chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical transmission element for a light waveguide cable. At least one light waveguide is contained within a tube comprising a thermoplastic polyoxymethylene homopolymer or a copolymer thereof.