Abstract: An optical wavelength division multiplex (WDM) demultiplexer can be provided in substantially passive form. In one embodiment a wavelength filter separates alternate channels to provide a first output containing even-numbered channels and a second output containing odd-numbered channels, each output having channels separated by a bandwidth twice the channel separation bandwidth of the original WDM signal.

Abstract: An optical wavelength division multiplex (WDM) demultiplexer can be provided in substantially passive form. In one embodiment a wavelength filter separates alternate channels to provide a first output containing even-numbered channels and a second output containing odd-numbered channels, each output having channels separated by a bandwidth twice the channel separation bandwidth of the original WDM signal.

Abstract: An optical wavelength division multiplex (WDM) demultiplexer can be provided in substantially passive form. In one embodiment a wavelength filter separates alternate channels to provide a first output containing even-numbered channels and a second output containing odd-numbered channels, each output having channels separated by a bandwidth twice the channel separation bandwidth of the original WDM signal.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal-based electro-optic modulator with a twist angle between 0° and 90°, and preferably between 50° and 80° is provided. The modulator provides a relatively rapid switching time such as less than about 50 milliseconds, and provides relatively large extinction ratios, such as greater than −25 dB. Preferably the liquid crystal entrance director differs from the polarization direction by a beta angle of about 15°.

Abstract: A software system business-to-business Web commerce (Web business, or e-business) and automates to the greatest degree possible, in a unified and synergistic fashion and using best proven business practices, the various aspects of running a successful and profitable business. Web business and business automation are both greatly facilitated using a computing model based on a single integrated database management system (DBMS) that is either Web-enabled or provided with a Web front-end. The Web provides a window into a "seamless" end-to-end internal business process. The effect of such integration on the business cycle is profound, allowing the sale of virtually anything in a transactional context (goods, services, insurance, subscriptions, etc.) to be drastically streamlined.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal-based electro-optic modulator with a twist angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree., and preferably between 50.degree. and 80.degree. is provided. The modulator provides a relatively rapid switching time such as less than about 50 milliseconds, and provides relatively large extinction ratios, such as greater than -25 dB. Preferably the liquid crystal entrance director differs from the polarization direction by a beta angle of about 15.degree..

Abstract: An electronic chef's fork is provided which displays indicia such as food type and degree of doneness for a selected food type and temperature and which includes control areas by which the user of the electronic chef's fork selects the meat type. The operational circuitry of the device allows the user to select among an array of food type options and to thereby designate a degree of doneness for the selected type of food. A prompt message is provided to indicate the degree of doneness attained for the selected food type when the device is inserted into the food.

Abstract: An electronic chef's fork is provided which displays indicia such as food type and degree of doneness for a selected food type and temperature and which includes control areas by which the user of the electronic chef's fork selects the meat type. The operational circuitry of the device allows the user to select among an array of food type options and to thereby designate a degree of doneness for the selected type of food. A prompt message is provided to indicate the degree of doneness attained for the selected food type when the device is inserted into the food.