Abstract: System and methods for generating an XML-based language parser and writer. Upon selection of a language, a parser-writer generator is arranged to receive language definition, a set of rules defining a structure of the language. The parser-writer generator generates code to be compiled into a parser and a writer. The parser takes input text adhering to the language schema and provides an AST reflecting the input text. The writer takes an AST that adheres to the language structure and provides output text in the selected language reflecting the AST.

Abstract: A fresenel zoned microstructured optical fiber is described. The fiber is constructed of concentric zones, each zone being defined by discontinuities in the refractive index. The refractive index within each zone may either be constant or may vary, for example each zone being a section of a parabola or hyperbola. The fiber may be used as a lens, for example for coupling light between fibers with different core sizes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media implementing various aspects of data retrieval, transformation, data interrelationship inference, and aggregate data view generation are disclosed. The aggregate data view may incorporate data sources from geographically disparate servers, and in different data formats. The aggregate data view may further be converted into HTML and published on the web.

Abstract: Annular brake disc preform (15), wherein 40 to 80 layers of reinforcement fibers of at least two different lengths (11, 19) ranging from 10–60 mm are distributed in a planar gradient throughout the body of the preform, with the reinforcement fibers located near the exterior planes of the disc being predominately shorter fibers (11) and with the reinforcement fibers located in the central planes of the disc being predominately longer fibers (19).

Abstract: A web-based data form enables modifications made to values in the data form to be dynamically implemented in a data source. Form fields of the data form are associated with items in the data source using data binding information. Data from the data source is transformed into intermediate code using Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformation (XSLT) code. Form controls of the data form are instantiated using the intermediate code. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is generated from the intermediate code including the form controls.

Abstract: A workflow schedule authoring tool enables a user to author a workflow by arranging building blocks in a particular order. Building blocks may correspond to events, conditions or actions. Each building block is associated with source code that defines an action to be taken when the building block is processed. The order of the building blocks determines the workflow schedule process. The building blocks allow a user to establish logic conditions for how the tasks in the workflow schedule are executed. A building block may require a user to input parameters before the building block may be executed. The workflow schedule is associated with an event such that the workflow schedule triggers when the event occurs. The building blocks simplify workflow schedule authoring because the user does not need to write any code.

Abstract: A method for producing aperiodic gratings and waveguides with aperiodic gratings uses a simulated annealing process that starts with a random configuration of grating elements and iteratively computes a spectral response from a Fourier transform of the configuration of grating elements obtained in successive iterations. A cost function is computed as a convergence criterion. The aperiodic grating can be used, for example, as a filter in WDM applications.

Abstract: Annular brake disc preform (15), wherein 40 to 80 layers of reinforcement fibers of at least two different lengths (11, 19) ranging from 10-60 mm are distributed in a planar gradient throughout the body of the preform, with the reinforcement fibers located near the exterior planes of the disc being predominately shorter fibers (11) and with the reinforcement fibers located in the central planes of the disc being predominately longer fibers (19).

Abstract: A tool that enables a user to easily and automatically create a photo gallery of thumbnail images on a Web page. A user selects a group of original images, and the tool automatically produces a corresponding group of thumbnail images on the Web page, with hyperlinks to the corresponding original images. Four predefined templates are included, each defining a different format for the thumbnail images including a vertically oriented gallery, a horizontally oriented gallery, a slide show gallery, and a montage gallery. Captions and descriptive text can also be entered and displayed for the thumbnail images in most of the style galleries. An edit function enables a user to add or delete images to existing galleries and to automatically modify the appearance of a photo gallery by selecting and applying a different template.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided which can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a first and second support ring having one or more tapered wedges, a first and second expansion ring, and a sealing member disposed between the expansion rings and the support rings.

Abstract: A method for producing aperiodic gratings and waveguides with aperiodic gratings uses a simulated annealing process that starts with a random configuration of grating elements and iteratively computes a spectral response from a Fourier transform of the configuration of grating elements obtained in successive iterations. A cost function is computed as a convergence criterion. The aperiodic grating can be used, for example, as a filter in WDM applications.

Abstract: A chromatic-dispersion compensator comprises: an input (3) for light of a plurality of wavelengths &lgr;i; an output for output of the light; a plurality of chromalically dispersive elements (1, 2) situated between the input (3) and the output and each exhibiting a dispersion characteristic that varies approximately periodically with wavelength, the variation having a maximum ripple amplitude Ai, each dispersive element (1, 2) exhibiting a dispersion characteristic of generally the same form as that of each other dispersive element (1, 2) but displaced in wavelength &lgr; so that, over the operating bandwidth, the compensator exhibits a overall dispersion characteristic that has a variation with wavelength having a maximum ripple amplitude that is less than the sum of the respective maximum amplitudes Ai.

Abstract: A holographic filter for an optical communication system is configurable to provide signal power equalisation for a number of optical signals or signal channels in a wavelength division multiplexed system.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding (RTM) process is disclosed for rapidly filling a fibrous preform and/or a rigid, porous body with high viscosity resin or pitch. The process is suitable for impregnated multiple porous bodies stacked in a single mold. The process uses a fibrous preform or rigid porous body which is placed into a mold matching the desired part geometry. A resin is injected into the mold at temperature and pressure. After cooling, the infiltrated component is removed from the mold. The mold is constructed from two halves fitted to form at least one mold cavity. A gate fitted with a nozzle is set into one of the mold halves, and a valve admits resin or pitch into the gate area. Venting or vacuum can be applied to the mold. The mold is held in a hydraulic press and an extruder, optionally fitted with an accumulator, supplies molten resin or pitch to the mold.

Abstract: A resin transfer molding (RTM) process is disclosed for rapidly filling a fibrous preform and/or a rigid, porous body with high viscosity resin or pitch. The process is suitable for impregnated multiple porous bodies stacked in a single mold. The process uses a fibrous preform or rigid porous body which is placed into a mold matching the desired part geometry. A resin is injected into the mold at temperature and pressure. After cooling, the infiltrated component is removed from the mold. The mold is constructed from two halves fitted to form at least one mold cavity. A gate fitted with a nozzle is set into one of the mold halves, and a valve admits resin or pitch into the gate area. Venting or vacuum can be applied to the mold. The mold is held in a hydraulic press and an extruder, optionally fitted with an accumulator, supplies molten resin or pitch to the mold.

Abstract: A holographic filter for an optical communication system is configurable to provide signal power equalisation for a number of optical signals or signal channels in a wavelength division multiplexed system.

Abstract: An evoked response audiometer method and apparatus in which a patient receives an auditory stimulus signal comprising a carrier frequency which is periodically amplitude modulated and frequency modulated whereby the stimulus is at least substantially frequency specific, the brain potential signals of the patient evoked by the auditory signal being sampled to determine whether phase locking to the modulated auditory signal has occurred, the auditory signal being selectively controlled to advance or delay one modulation with respect to the other modulation to cause enhancement of the evoked response to the auditory stimulus.

Abstract: An arrayed wavelength grating device has a series of waveguiding channels (3) interconnecting two free space regions (2,4) across which light inputting and outputting the device passes. There are differences in optical path length between any two of said channels (3) lying adjacent to one other in said series, which differences are defined by respective optical path length increments. The optical path length progression across said channels (3) is non-linear, not being defined by any one value of the path length increments, nor by a plural number of values of the path length increments each defining a linear optical path length progression of a subset of at least three of said channels (3).

Abstract: A carbon-carbon composite material is made by providing an open-celled carbon foam preform, and densifying the preform with carbonaceous material. The open-celled carbon foam preform may be oxygen stabilized prior to carbonization, and the foam preform densified by CVD, HIP, PIC, VPI, pitch and resin injection, or any combination thereof. The carbon carbon composite material can be heat treated to provide thermal management materials, structural materials, or a friction material for use in a brake or clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An arrayed wavelength grating device has a series of waveguiding channels (3) interconnecting two free space regions (2,4) across which light inputting and outputting the device passes. There are differences in optical path length between any two of said channels (3) lying adjacent to one other in said series, which differences are defined by respective optical path length increments. The optical path length progression across said channels (3) is non-linear, not being defined by any one value of the path length increments, nor by a plural number of values of the path length increments each defining a linear optical path length progression of a subset of at least three of said channels (3).