Abstract: Improvements in the detection of TWACS outbound message signals. A first improvement involves matching some (or all) of the intermediate points in an outbound preamble occurring between bits of the preamble currently being detected. This reduces the possibility of a false synchronization and therefore decreases the probability of missing outbound message signals. A second improvement is to require some or all of the known preamble bits to exceed a predetermined threshold where both the thresh-old and which bits are adjustable. An additional approach is using 4-8 additional buffers in a transponder to detect preamble patterns in the outbound message. Each half cycle of the outbound message waveform requires entering a bit only into the buffers active for the particular frame of reference in which the message is being transmitted, since only buffers for that frame of reference are employed. The process continues until all bits specified to be sent, based on the length of the outbound message, are extracted.

Abstract: Improvements in the detection of TWACS outbound message signals. A first improvement involves matching some (or all) of the intermediate points in an outbound preamble occurring between bits of the preamble currently being detected. This reduces the possibility of a false synchronization and therefore decreases the probability of missing outbound message signals. A second improvement is to require some or all of the known preamble bits to exceed a predetermined threshold where both the thresh-old and which bits are adjustable. An additional approach is using 4-8 additional buffers in a transponder to detect preamble patterns in the outbound message. Each half cycle of the outbound message waveform requires entering a bit only into the buffers active for the particular frame of reference in which the message is being transmitted, since only buffers for that frame of reference are employed. The process continues until all bits specified to be sent, based on the length of the outbound message, are extracted.

Abstract: A method of conducting asset inspections is presented. Data models describe characteristics of one or more assets from which a description of actual assets are built. Multiple customized inspection surveys directed toward the assets can be created from a single data model. Inspection surveys identify inspection point where inspection data and validation information is collected. Validation information is used to validate an inspection has been conducted or conducted properly. Furthermore asset histories can be created for data mining trends or correlations of the asset with respect to other data.

Abstract: A method for concurrently communicating over each phase of an electrical power distribution network (N). A first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted over one phase (AN-A) of a bus (S) by an outbound modulation unit. The unit is released as soon as the first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted so the unit can transmit a second outbound signal (SO2) over a second phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. The second outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with an inbound signal (IB1) sent in response to the first outbound signal (SO1). The unit is again released, as soon as the second outbound signal (SO2) is transmitted, so the unit can transmit a third outbound signal (SO3) over the third phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. This third outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with a second inbound signal (IB2) sent in response to the second outbound signal (SO2). The method allows concurrent communications over all three phases of the network (N).

Abstract: A method for concurrently communicating over each phase of an electrical power distribution network (N). A first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted over one phase (AN-A) of a bus (S) by an outbound modulation unit. The unit is released as soon as the first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted so the unit can transmit a second outbound signal (SO2) over a second phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. The second outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with an inbound signal (IB1) sent in response to the first outbound signal (SO1). The unit is again released, as soon as the second outbound signal (SO2) is transmitted, so the unit can transmit a third outbound signal (SO3) over the third phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. This third outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with a second inbound signal (IB2) sent in response to the second outbound signal (SO2). The method allows concurrent communications over all three phases of the network (N).

Abstract: The integration of micro-optical elements on a semiconductor substrate, particularly elements, such as glass-material optical components, such as lenses, beam splitters, mirrors and polarizing elements. A micro-optical device comprising a silicon substrate, and at least one glass-material micro-optical element mounted on the substrate. The device also includes a glass-material stand, for example, a grass frit, interposed between the micro-optical element and substrate. The stand is fuse-bonded to both the substrate and the micro-optical element. The substrate has, within a groove, a recess bounded by one or more walls, and the stand is dimensioned to fit within the recess and be positioned by one or more walls of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the integration of micro-optical elements (16) on a semiconductor substrate (2), particularly elements such as glass-material optical components such as lenses (16), beam splitters, mirrors and polarising elements. A micro-optical device (100), comprises a silicon substrate (2), and at least one glass-material micro-optical element (16) mounted on said substrate (2). The device (100) also includes a glass-material stand (30), for example a glass frit, interposed between the micro-optical element (16) and substrate (2). The stand (30) is fuse-bonded to both the substrate (2) and the micro-optical element (16). The substrate (2) has within a groove (13) a recess bounded by one or more walls, and the stand (30) is dimensioned to fit within the recess and be positioned by one or more walls of the recess.

Abstract: In a computer controller for fuel dispensing including a base member, a pulser member supported by the base member and capable of detecting the various increments of fuel quantity being dispensed in addition to deductions therefrom, the signals from the pulser being transmitted to a computer, the computer processing the signals for delivery to a display assembly, and disclosure of the processed information upon liquid crystal displays readily available for view by the customer; a junction box mounted upon the base member, the junction box being completely sealed for exhibiting explosion proof attributes to prevent ignition from sparking of the associated electrical wires or thermal heating of associated electrical components, contained therein and precluding an incident ignition of the external ambient fuel vapors, a computer housing mounted upon the junction box and incorporating the various intrinsically safe circuit boards comprising the computer, and the display assemblies either connecting upon the compu