Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating a semiconductor laser and wavelength matching to a wavelength converter using monolithic micro-heaters integrated in the semiconductor laser. The present invention also relates to wavelength matching and stabilization in laser sources in general, without regard to whether the laser is modulated or whether second harmonic generation is utilized in the laser source. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of compensating for thermally induced patterning effects in a semiconductor laser is provided where the laser's heating element driving current IH is set to a relatively high magnitude when the laser's driving current ID is at a relatively low magnitude. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A multilayer, oriented, polymeric film and the method for its manufacture are provided by the present invention. The film comprises a first and second skin layers, and a core layer comprising isotactic polypropylene, a polymeric modifier, and a hydrocarbon resin. A method for making the film of the present invention includes the steps of coextruding skin layers comprising heat sealable polymers and a core layer comprising isotactic polypropylene, a polymeric modifier, and a hydrocarbon resin; stretching the film in the machine direction, e.g., from about 4 to 7 times at low MDO temperatures; and stretching the film in the transverse direction, e.g., from about 6 to 11 times. Multi-layer clear biaxially shrinkable films with outstanding shrink properties and processability are provided. Additionally, white opaque-cavitated, coated, metallized, colored/tinted, reflective, and phosphorescent biaxially shrinkable films are provided.

Abstract: A multilayer, oriented, polymeric film and the method for its manufacture are provided by the present invention. The film comprises a first and second skin layer, and a core layer comprising polypropylene, a polymeric modifier, e.g., isotactic polypropylene, and a hydrocarbon resin, e.g., a saturated alicyclic resin. The method for manufacturing the film of the present invention comprises steps of coextruding a first skin layer comprising a polymer, a core layer comprising polypropylene, a polymeric modifier, e.g., isotactic polypropylene, and a hydrocarbon resin, e.g., a saturated alicyclic resin, and a second skin layer comprising a polymer; stretching the film in the machine direction, e.g., at least about 5 times; and stretching the film in the transverse direction, e.g., from about 6 to about 10 times.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for photometrically analyzing a dilute solution containing chlorine dioxide is provided. The method includes introducing a sample flow into a conduit of a chlorine dioxide analyzer. At least one light emitting diode, in communication with the sample flow, is turned on and off to pass a light beam through the sample. Upon passing through the light beam through the sample the unabsorbed light is received onto a beam splitter which separates the light into a transmitted and a reflected light. The transmitted light is directed through a filter to a first detector which measures the low concentration chlorine dioxide and the reflected light is directed to a second detector which measures a high concentration of chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A heat sealable thermoplastic film is coated on at least one side with an acrylonitrile-containing coating containing from at least about 25 wt. % acrylonitrile. More specifically the film is coated on a first side with a polymeric coating comprising (i) from about 25 to about 85 wt. % of a nitrile such as acrylonitrile, (ii) from about 40 to about 75 wt. % of a monomer selected from the group consisting of an alkyl acrylate or 1,3-butadiene, and (iii) from about 1 to about 10 wt. % of a monomer selected from the group consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or sulfoethyl methacrylate, the coating having a calculated glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of at least about 10.degree. C. In one embodiment, the second side of the film is coated with an acrylic coating composition which is the same or different. In another embodiment, the second side of the film is metallized. The coating on the first side is heat sealable to itself or to the acrylic coating on the second side.

Abstract: A combined fuel supply and priming system for diesel engine is disclosed. The fuel supply portion of this system may be conventional and may include a fuel supply tank, a primary fuel filter, a fuel pump, a secondary fuel filter, and a plurality of injectors for injecting diesel fuel into combustion chambers of a diesel engine. A fuel line connects these parts so that diesel fuel flows through the parts in the order named. The fuel supply system may further include a return line leading from the injectors back to the fuel supply tank. The priming portion of the system includes a manually operated primer pump, which may be connected either in line with the other parts or via a bypass connection. When the primer pump is connected in line, it may be placed between the fuel pump and the secondary fuel filter. In line connection provides a single flow path for fuel used either for priming or for normal operation.

Abstract: A splice case is disclosed providing sealed protection for splices such as in telephone cable situated in adverse environmental conditions. The case includes a shell defining a cavity for enclosure of a splice. The shell is longitudinally split and includes openings at the ends thereof along the longitudinal split for receiving incoming cable. Thermally responsive sealant extends along the longitudinal split and a heating element is provided for causing the sealant to effectively seal the enclosed splice. A multiple cable adapter of thermally responsive sealant is sized to fit within a cable opening in the splice case and includes a plurality of longitudinally extending channels for accommodation of multiple incoming cables. Sheets of material exhibiting high thermal conductivity extend from the adapter such that the heat of the heating elements may be conveyed to the body of the adapter.

Abstract: Detection of valid two-out of-N multifrequency signals is realized by employing a microprocessor in conjunction with a controllably adjustable or settable reference threshold level and a plurality of threshold detectors. Under control of the processor, a reference threshold level supplied to the detectors is set to a first prescribed level. Upon detection of a tone which exceeds the first threshold level the processor controllably sets the reference threshold level to a second prescribed level. Detection of two, and only two, tones which are present for at least a minimum prescribed interval are then considered valid.

Abstract: A heat recoverable article is so configured that it can be positioned around a pipe or cable joint or splice which it is desired to encapsulate or seal. Means for sealing a splice involving a plurality of cables of the same or varying sizes are provided. The article includes a closure means for holding the article together after it has been positioned around the splice to be sealed. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the article contains a heat activated adhesive or sealant to environmentally encapsulate the splice and the outer layer of the article is a heat recoverable insulating material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the article has self-contained heating means, which heating means comprises a polymeric material having dispersed therein a conductive filler, said heating means exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient of resistance so as to render it self-regulating.

Abstract: Described herein are self-regulating heating articles. The article comprises a constant wattage layer and a layer that exhibits a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTC layer). At its steady state condition, the heater is self-regulated by the switching or anomaly temperature T.sub.s of the PTC layer. However, the constant wattage layer has a higher resistance at temperatures below T.sub.s and heats first when the article is connected to a source of electrical power. Means are provided to impede the temperature increase in the PTC layer caused by the heating of the constant wattage layer so that it can heat above T.sub.s before the PTC layer rises to T.sub.s and reduces the current flow to the heater. Further increases in temperature render the PTC layer, for most purposes, non-conductive.

Abstract: A rotary hoe implement, having hoe support arms independent of adjacent hoe support arms, and a selectively adjustable means for varying the downward pressure exerted by the leaf spring biasing means acting on each support arm.