Abstract: A point-to-point or ring connectable bus bridge replicates a PCI bus serially over a point-to-point or ring connected network and the Fiber Channel interface enhanced by a method for improving link performance provides the serial connection. Participants can appear as resources or masters on the PCI bus and connections can be made to existing bus controllers and existing bus peripherals without redesign.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a filtering system to an incubator. The connection device includes a body member adapted to fit in the wall of an incubator and having at least two bores which provide access into the incubator. The bores are equipped with fittings which provide a port for connection of tubing to direct the flow of filtered air into and out of the incubator.

Abstract: A method for providing fluxless soldering without oxide formation includes mounting a component on a pedestal of a base. A housing is also mounted on the base, the housing and the base together define a closed cavity containing the component. An inert gas is introduced into the cavity to create an inert gas-rich environment. Thereafter, the cavity is heated sufficiently to reflow solder provided between the component and the housing, to join the component to the housing without the formation of additional oxides on the solder joint.

Abstract: An improved filter system and method for filtering the gaseous environment of an incubator in which volatile organic compounds and particulate material are filtered from the gaseous environment. A filter is provided which includes a first filter medium to filter volatile organic compounds and a second filter medium to filter solid particulate material. A pump may be provided which draws a gas stream from the gaseous environment of the incubator and passes it through the filter. The pump and filter may be contained within a filter unit which may be used either internally or externally of the incubator.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing fluxless soldering includes an enclosure having a gas inlet through which an inert gas is introduced to create an inert gas-rich environment. Components are placed in the enclosure via an access port which also functions as a vent for allowing purge gases to vent from the enclosure. In one embodiment, a heating stage is provided in the enclosure which provides sufficient heat to reflow solder provided between two or more components. The inert gas is constantly flowing, or purging the enclosure in order to displace oxygen that would initially be present in the system. The presence of inert gas exclusive of other materials provides an oxygen-free environment, i.e., the inert gases provide a “shield” or environment around the parts to be soldered to inhibit the formation of additional oxides during soldering.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing fluxless soldering includes an enclosure having a gas inlet through which an inert gas is introduced to create an inert gas-rich environment. Components are placed in the enclosure via an access port which also functions as a vent for allowing purge gases to vent from the enclosure. In one embodiment, a heating stage is provided in the enclosure which provides sufficient heat to reflow solder provided between two or more components. The inert gas is constantly flowing, or purging the enclosure in order to displace oxygen that would initially be present in the system. The presence of inert gas exclusive of other materials provides an oxygen-free environment, i.e., the inert gases provide a “shield” or environment around the parts to be soldered to inhibit the formation of additional oxides during soldering.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain catalysts and catalyst support materials and processes for the preparation of the catalyst support materials and for the selective hydrogenation of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EpB) to 1,2-epoxy-butane (butylene oxide—BO). The catalyst support materials have micropores filled with one or more inorganic oxides and the supported catalysts comprise one or more Group VIII metals deposited on the support materials. The rhodium-containing supported catalysts are especially useful for the selective hydrogenation of EpB to BO.

Abstract: The invention is a water-in-oil emulsion film forming foundation having a synergistic combination of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of a water soluble or water dispersible film forming polymer, as well as about 0.5% to about 35% by weight of the composition of one or more plasticizing solvent(s). Both the polymer and solvent(s) combined together in the aqueous phase are in a cosmetically acceptable carrier providing suitable feel and appearance during application, as well as excellent wear and appearance benefits after application. Yet this film forming foundation provides a flexible, light feel that resembles other foundations, and is easily removed with soap and water.

Abstract: An improved filter system and method for filtering the gaseous environment of an incubator in which volatile organic compounds and particulate material are filtered from the gaseous environment. A filter is provided which includes a first filter medium to filter volatile organic compounds and a second filter medium to filter solid particulate material. A pump may be provided which draws a gas stream from the gaseous environment of the incubator and passes it through the filter. The pump and filter may be contained within a filter unit which may be used either internally or externally of the incubator.

Abstract: An assembly that assists in the winding of an optical fiber of a laser module around a spool. The assembly contains a spool support that holds the spool as the optical fiber is wound around the spool. The spool support has a top surface with opposing side edges. The top surface of the spool support has a periphery, wherein the top surface of the spool support is beveled between its peripheral edge and the groove. The presence of the bevel helps to guide the optical fiber onto the spool as the optical fiber is wound around the spool. A generally circular groove is disposed in the top surface of spool support, wherein the groove at least partially intersects the opposing side edges of the top surface. As a result, when the spool is attached to the spool supports, opposite sides of the spool protrude beyond the sides of the spool support.

Abstract: Rigid substrates containing an adhesive composition on at least one surface are prepared by an injection molding operation. The degree of bonding between the adhesive layer and the substrate is greater than can be achieved using conventional methods for coating substrates with adhesive compositions.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a capacitor is placed in series with the ballast and the lamp. The capacitor lowers the impedance during lamp starting and is shorted out when final arc conditions of the lamp are reached. Method and device for improvement of lumen maintenance of high intensity discharge lamps through minimizing the wall blackening during lamp starting is disclosed. Reducing the electrode material sputtering during the thermionic arc phase of the lamp starting process was achieved by decreasing the cathode fall voltage. The cathode fall voltage in these lamps was decreased by increasing the current flowing through during the starting phase. The increase of starting current was achieved by increasing the open circuit voltage or by decreasing ballast impedance.

Abstract: A starting circuit is used in combination with a high intensity discharge lamp having electrodes. An inductor is in series with the electrodes of the lamp, and a first switching transistor is arranged in series with a diode and a load resistor. The first switching transistor, diode, and resistor are arranged in shunt with the electrodes of the lamp and in series with the inductor for charging the inductor when the first switching transistor is switched ON. The energy stored in the inductor is discharged as a voltage pulse across the lamp when the first switching transistor is switched OFF. A first bias circuit turns the first switching transistor ON at a first voltage level from an AC power source. A second switching transistor turns the first transistor OFF at a second voltage level. A second bias circuit turns the second switching transistor ON at the second voltage.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for shutting off an electrodeless lamp such that it can be restarted instantaneously at any time. The method involves reducing the applied microwave power in a controlled way the moment the lamp is turned off. The reduction of power is accomplished by modulating the microwave power with an ever decreasing duty factor or a decrease of analog power. This reduction in power results continually in reduced light output and lamp cooling while maintaining partial ionization of the lamp fill. Circuitry to accomplish this is also presented.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a capacitor is placed in series with the ballast and the lamp. The capacitor lowers the impedance during lamp starting and is shorted out when final arc conditions of the lamp are reached. Method and device for improvement of lumen maintenance of high intensity discharge lamps through minimizing the wall blackening during lamp starting is disclosed. Reducing the electrode material sputtering during the thermionic arc phase of the lamp starting process was achieved by decreasing the cathode fall voltage. The cathode fall voltage in these lamps was decreased by increasing the current flowing through during the starting phase. The increase of starting current was achieved by increasing the open circuit voltage or by decreasing ballast impedance.