Abstract: An apparatus designed for the testing of micro-machined torsional mirrors at the wafer level is described. A control station is coupled to an electro-optic assembly that has been designed for the purpose of testing mirrors. Three standard probes are coupled to the electro-optic probe assembly to provide electrical connections to a particular mirror of a wafer under test. Optical components are coupled to the electro-optic probe to deliver laser light to a deflectable plate portion of the mirror. Displacement of the reflected laser light spot is detected as the mirror plate is vectored and this displacement is compared to specifications such that the mirror under test can be either accepted or rejected.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between microorganisms having different attributes comprises the steps of: encapsulating one or more cells within a polymeric bead; incubating the cell(s) within the bead in a growth-supporting medium for a time period sufficient for multiplication of viable cells within the bead; then non-invasively physically examining the bead or the adjacent vicinity of the bead for physical characteristics associated with the differing attributes of cells within the bead. Various forms of apparatus for carrying out the process are descried.

Abstract: A key operable electrical safety switch includes a housing and a switch operator that is operated by an actuator. A slot in the housing receives the actuator. A plurality of pin stacks, the stacks having axes that are parallel and perpendicular to the slot, are spring biased to extend into the slot. At least one of the pins engages the actuator to lock it in a fixed position relative to the housing. The actuator is released from the locked position, and displaced a predetermined stroke to actuate the switch operator and thereby change the state of the switch contacts, by a key. The key has a coded pattern of pin receiving holes corresponding to the locking pins to align the pins and release the actuator. The pins are correspondingly codeable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmentally friendly grease composition. The base components of this lubricating composition include a white mineral oil in the amount of about 65 to about 85% by weight based on total weight of the composition, an extreme pressure additive comprising a solid friction modifier in an amount of about 1 to about 20 wt %, a thickener and a minor amount of one or more oil dispersible additives in amounts sufficient to enhance the performance characteristics of the greases. Each of the extreme pressure additive, thickener, and the one or more oil dispersible additives is essentially free of heavy metals, particularly arsenic, antimony, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, vanadium and zinc. The greases of the present invention meet or exceed the EPA acceptance standards in effect during 1991 which are defined by the static sheen test and the 96-hour Mysidopsis bahia (shrimp) tests for offshore and inland water use.

Abstract: A method of controlling the simultaneous broadcast of enciphered digital information signals, for example in a radio or television broadcast environment, to a plurality of subscribers provides several levels of enciphering keys. The broadcast digital information signal is in a broadcast common service enciphering key and communication between the transmitter and subscribers may take place in a box key or in a group enciphering key common to a group of subscribers having a common interest in the reception of broadcast signals of a particular type. Each receiver will decipher the broadcast digital information in a specific service key which is common to that broadcast. The service key may be changed at one or more subscribers by communicating the change in the service key to the subscribers by means of the group enciphering key.

Abstract: A system for enciphering information bearing RF signals in digital form utilizes a first key common to all receivers. There are means to change the first key which means include, at the transmitter, means to send individual messages to each receiver, each message being itself enciphered in a second key which is peculiar to only one receiver or small group of receivers and which message includes a change of the first enciphering key. At each receiver there are means responsive to the correct address in a key change message which will thereafter permit the deciphering of the key change message in the key peculiar to the particular receiver or small group of receivers. The new first key is then used at the receiver to decipher subsequent information bearing messages.