Abstract: A fluid-sensing switch system that can monitor pre-established threshold fluid levels in the primary drain pan inside an air conditioning unit or other condensate-producing unit, and also in a secondary drain pan positioned under the unit, providing redundant safety response capability. Once the threaded plug of a sensing probe is connected to the unit's weep hole, it positions a center sensor extending through a false-trigger-reducing resilient piece in a position to wait for rising fluid capable of breaching a weep hole dam. The center sensor provides a first power potential, while a circular sensor also present provides the second power potential needed for signal generation. A signal-generating member connected to both sensors is electrically connected to the unit to shut it off, and/or activate a pump that removes fluid from the secondary drain pan. When mounted on a secondary drain pan, the signal-generating member provides the redundant safety response capability.

Abstract: A device attached to a fluid-level sensing probe used in association with the primary drain pan located inside an air conditioning unit or other condensate-producing unit, which provides quick testing for proper sensing probe function without its removal from the condensate-producing unit. A tester can simply press a different finger against each of two electrically-conductive rods attached to an inverted U-shaped mount that is typically fixed to the upper perimeter edge of a secondary drain pan positioned underneath at least a portion of the condensate-producing unit. If the sensing probe is properly functioning, the tester will immediately know, as a circuit will be completed and the condensate-producing unit will be shut off and/or a pump activated to assist removal of collected condensate from the secondary drain pan. For user convenience, an optional quick disconnect can be provided between the sensing probe and the inverted U-shaped mount.

Abstract: A method of sampling a radio frequency signal comprises: receiving the radio frequency signal; modulating an optical signal with the radio frequency signal and an oscillator signal to generate a modulated signal; applying a filter to the modulated signal to generate an intermediate frequency signal, the filter having an intermediate pass band and an intermediate roll-off, the intermediate pass band and the intermediate roll-off in combination defining a intermediate frequency band having a first bandwidth; and sampling the intermediate frequency signal at a sampling frequency using a number of optically interleaved analogue-to-digital converters. The oscillator signal and the sampling frequency in combination are arranged such that the intermediate frequency band is defined between consecutive multiples of half of the sampling frequency. Corresponding apparatus for sampling a radio frequency signal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-level fluid-collecting pan configured for placement under an upright cylindrical hot water heater tank and support thereof. It has a circular bottom surface integral with a raised central hub, multiple raised arcuate spokes extending outwardly from the hub, and multiple elevated risers extending from the perimeter wall toward the hub. A perimeter wall around the bottom surface defines a non-raised fluid-collecting area. Vibration isolators that support a hot water heater tank upon the risers maintain the tank above any accumulated water in the non-raised areas of the bottom surface. Low elevation risers in perpendicular orientation to some risers, a nesting configuration with mismatched indents, sturdy and impact-resistant materials, a drain opening in the perimeter wall, and an upturned lip extending upwardly from the perimeter wall, are also preferred. The hub, spokes, and risers cover much of the pan's bottom surface and force accumulated water toward the perimeter wall.

Abstract: A base station is provided for communicating data to a mobile terminal unit by means of at least one antenna unit, wherein the at least one antenna unit is linked to the base station by means of at least one optical fiber and the at least one antenna unit is operable to communicate wirelessly with the mobile terminal unit. The base station comprises an optical transmitter for transmitting modulated data signals to the at least one antenna unit for wireless transmission, an optical receiver for receiving modulated data signals forwarded by the at least one antenna unit and a demodulator for demodulating received modulated data signals.

Abstract: A two-piece clamping assembly with an integral rail plate used to rapidly and securely mount a float switch within a fluid collection container for fluid level monitoring. It is usable with both metal and plastic condensate collection pans, and successfully accommodates their differing wall thickness dimensions and different upper edge configurations. When its front and back clamping members are joined together over the top edge, lip, or flange of a pan using one centrally located top fastener, and at least one additional fastener is inserted through the back clamping member until it engages the exterior surface of the pan, the pan's upper edge becomes secured within an inverted J-shaped slot formed between the two clamping members. Vertically-extending internal ribs and horizontally-extending projections strengthen the clamping assembly. Preferred plastic materials also make the clamping assembly impervious to corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bias controller for a dual output electro-optic modulator and a method for controlling the bias of a dual output electro-optic modulator. The invention further comprises an optical commutator switch with a plurality of dual-output electro-optic modulators interconnected in a tiered arrangement, and control means for deriving measurements of optical power from each of the modulators. The optical commutator is further used for determining respective bias control signals to achieve and maintain operation of the modulators substantially at their quadrature bias points, and further for generating said respective bias control signals for applying them to the respective modulators.

Abstract: A rugged pan for supporting a fluid-producing unit in fluid collection and overflow applications. The pan has an integrated support system for enhanced material strength, which reduces cracking and premature failure during installation and extended periods of use. Strengthening features include perimeter grommets, angled corners, at least three elongated and longitudinally-extending center supports each having a non-linear perimeter configuration, a corrugated array of laterally-extending uppercuts and undercuts substantially across the pan, and a stress-transferring member connected between adjacent non-linear supports.

Abstract: A clamping device of unitary construction comprising a tubular bridge secured between an inverted U-shaped clamping member with a vertically-extending slot and two rail plates placed in a back-to-back configuration. The dual rail plate structure permits the mounting of a pivotally-deployable float switch within the lowermost corner of a tilted fluid collection pan, when expedited response time is needed for stopping fluid flow into a collection container after only a minimal amount of fluid has accumulated in the lowered corner. The unitary construction of the clamping device, use of thumbscrews to secure its clamping member over the top edge of a fluid collection container wall, and its simple rail plate construction allow for rapid installation of a float switch within a fluid collection pan or other fluid collecting container. Vertically-extending internal ribs strengthen the clamping member. Preferred plastic materials also make the clamping device impervious to corrosion.

Abstract: Management of multiple voice-controlled applications is provided employing registration and prioritization of applications and associated commands. In a multi-application environment, each application requests registration by a speech recognition interface. Upon registering the application(s), the interface assigns priorities to the active applications. Each application also submits a list of associated commands for registration. The interface selects a subset of submitted commands to be registered and assigned priorities. Speech recognition is performed based on the selected and prioritized commands to reduce interface overload and grammar conflict.

Abstract: Data spiders, provide an automated system that can take a file or file store of historic transaction data and create the best set of variables from that data, where “best” means highly predictive. Genetic algorithms are used to parameterized transactions to form groups, which are subjected naïve Bayes score ranking. Variable groups are generated and ranked accord to the score. Data spiders span the full information available, are uncorrelated with previous methods, and are easily interpretable.

Abstract: This invention relates to optical delay lines, particularly to modifying an optical signal passing through an optical delay line. A method of applying a Doppler shift to an optical signal as it passes through an optical delay line is provided, the method comprising the step of progressively altering a property of the optical delay line during passage of the optical signal therethrough such that the time taken for the optical signal to pass therethrough is progressively lengthened or progressively shortened for successive portions of the optical signal. In addition, an optical delay line is provided that may be used in accordance with the above method.

Abstract: A one-piece liquid-level float switch housing and drain line assembly for use with a collection tray or pan to collect condensate and shut off the source of condensate production when it exceeds a pre-established threshold level. The assembly is configured for rapid connection through a pre-formed drain line opening in the perimeter wall of a condensate collection tray/pan to place the deployable float body within its housing in a level orientation relative to the tray/pan without additional leveling adjustment. The housing has an open bottom and vertically-extending slots providing fluid inlet, debris blocking, and air venting functions for enhanced float body operation. The condensate pan/tray used with the assembly has a nesting configuration that includes a perimeter wall with varying combinations of gussets, curved ribs, angled corner configurations, and support shelves, and a central bottom surface with raised patterns, all of which strengthen the tray/pad during installation and use.

Abstract: The invention comprises a feed horn (10) illuminating a circular flat panel (12) formed from a high impedance surface structure. By controlling the resonant frequencies of the individual elements of the array, a controlled phase shift profile is applied across the surface of the panel to an incident phase front spherically spreading from the feed antenna so as to reflect that wavefront in a particular direction or impose a certain desired beam shape. The principles are reciprocal so a receiving system can also be achieved or indeed a simultaneous transmit and receive operation can be supported. The phase controlled reflecting plate advantageously performs focussing to the feed and beam scanning or beam shaping. This concept of feed to a phased reflector plate allows the power distribution to be implemented in free space.

Abstract: A tuneable filter is provided in which a received signal in a first frequency range is translated to a signal of a higher frequency range by a switchable frequency oscillator signal, filtered in a narrow band filter and then down-converted, possibly to the first frequency range. The switchable frequency oscillator signals are generated by a synthesizer which operates by mixing oscillator signals of different frequencies, selected by fast-switching microwave switches, in order to generate the required range of oscillator signal frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bias controller for a dual output electro-optic modulator and a method for controlling the bias of a dual output electro-optic modulator. The invention further comprises an optical commutator switch with a plurality of dual-output electro-optic modulators interconnected in a tiered arrangement, and control means for deriving measurements of optical power from each of the modulators. The optical commutator is further used for determining respective bias control signals to achieve and maintain operation of the modulators substantially at their quadrature bias points, and further for generating said respective bias control signals for applying them to the respective modulators.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect waterproof connector for secure connection of electrical wires to one another in series, in applications where water or other fluids may be present. The most preferred connector has two connecting members each with opposing ends, a pin adjacent to a socket in side-to-side array at a first of said opposing ends, over-molding around the pin and socket, a plurality of external ribs laterally extending across the over-molding on opposing sides thereof, the over-molding around the base of the pin having a tapered boss, the over-molding extension around the distal end of the socket configured for snugly receiving the tapered boss of its paired member to create a waterproof connection, two sheathed insulated wires each connected to one of the contacts, and the over-molding also having on its second end a strain-relief extension positioned around the sheathed insulated wires as they enter the over-molding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for communicating data between a first and a second terminal unit, wherein at least one of the terminal units is a mobile terminal unit. The apparatus includes a base station and a number of antenna units each linked to the base station. The base station has a transmitter that transmits modulated data signals to each of the antenna units, a receiver that receives modulated data signals forwarded by at least one of the antenna units, demodulator that demodulates received modulated data signals that have been modulated according to a predetermined modulation scheme.

Abstract: A fluid-level sensing device that uses the interaction of a first magnet attached to the distal end of an external micro switch arm and a second magnet positioned within the distal end of a pivoting float body to close a circuit within the micro switch and create a shut-off signal to stop fluid production. A single housing holds the micro switch and float body, wherein magnetic forces acting through the housing wall between them and other magnet-positioning materials that separate the two magnets cause signal production. After float body deployment, manual reset of the float body is accomplished via its lever-like distal end. The main body of the micro switch, which it is snap-fit into a fixed position within the upper housing chamber for use, is entirely encapsulated in waterproof material to protect it from corrosion. Alternative ways for quick mounting of the housing to a fluid-collecting pan are contemplated.