Abstract: A hypodermic needle device has disposable and reusable portions. The disposable portion includes a hypodermic needle having a tubular bore, at least one optical imaging waveguide extending along the needle so that a distal end of the optical imaging waveguide is proximate the tip of the needle, and a first coupler for securing the optical imaging waveguide within the needle at the proximal end thereof. A second coupler remote from the first coupler removably secures a proximal end of the optical imaging waveguide to the reusable portion. The reusable portion includes a mating coupler to removably connect to the second coupler and a respective viewing device so that a user can view the image transmitted by the optical imaging waveguide from its distal end to its proximal end. The second coupler contains a lens for imaging an enlarging the image transmitted from the distal end of the optical imaging waveguide.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle device (10) includes a hypodermic needle (1) having a tubular bore and at least one optical waveguide (12, 15) extending along said needle so that a distal end of the at least one optical waveguide is in proximity to a tip of the needle. A first coupler (25) secures the optical waveguide within the needle at the proximal end of the needle, and a second coupler (27) removably secures a proximal end of the optical waveguide to a respective illumination source (14) in order that light will emanate from the distal end of the at least one optical waveguide. The second coupler (27) contains a lens for focusing light from the illumination source through the at least one optical waveguide (12, 15), and the second coupler (27) is remote from the first coupler (25).

Abstract: A method and system for transferring data from a rotating data source to a stationary target over a slip ring. The system includes a compressor on a rotor, a decompressor on a stationary platform, and respectively corresponding memory buffers. The data is optionally compressed in the event that the slip ring capacity is below the required rate. The compressor a predictor unit, an entropy encoder unit and an error protector unit. The predictor unit may use stored data as reference from a set of frames and locations within them. Encoding of locations may be carried out with a Golomb-Rice encoded integer, and entropy encoding of differences may involve Golomb-Rice encoding with parameter K varying for each group of data units. The error protector protects parameters inserted into data stream with an error protection code while most of the data can remain without protection.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring data from a rotating data source to a stationary target over a slip ring. The system includes a compressor on a rotor, a decompressor on a stationary platform, and respectively corresponding memory buffers. The data is optionally compressed in the event that the slip ring capacity is below the required rate. The compressor a predictor unit, an entropy encoder unit and an error protector unit. The predictor unit may use stored data as reference from a set of frames and locations within them. Encoding of locations may be carried out with a Golomb-Rice encoded integer, and entropy encoding of differences may involve Golomb-Rice encoding with parameter K varying for each group of data units. The error protector protects parameters inserted into data stream with an error protection code while most of the data can remain without protection.

Abstract: Apparatus for clock signals distribution with continuous switching capability between the outputs of a Clock Distribution Unit (CDU) and of a redundant CDU. Switching is transparent to load circuits which utilize these clock signals, by continuously keeping the output clock signals in the CDU and the redundant CDU frequency and phase coherent, by generating each output clock signal from a reference signal, using an adaptive PLL circuitry at each CDU, and pre-adjusting the phase of each output clock signal of the redundant CDU to the corresponding output clock signal of the CDU. In the event of a failure in the CDU, the output is taken from the redundant CDU immediately after failure detection. The phase of the reference frequency output clock signal of the standby CDU module is adjusted to the phase of the active CDU module by adding or subtracting an input signal to the phase error signal, which is generated in a PLL circuitry of the redundant CDU module.

Abstract: A synchronizer module for a multivoltage power supply having at least two output rails, and comprising a respective voltage monitor having a first input coupled to each of the output rails for monitoring a supply voltage thereon and providing an enable signal on an output thereof when the supply voltages on all of the output rails reach a respective in-tolerance condition. A switching element connected in each of the output rails and is responsive to the enable signal for changing from a first open state to a second closed state.