Abstract: A laser device includes a seed laser, a polarizer, a pseudorandom bit sequence (PRBS) pattern generator, and a phase modulator. The polarizer may be optically coupled to receive an output of the seed laser and may generate a polarization filtered output. The PRBS pattern generator may be configured to generate a PRBS pattern. The phase modulator may be configured to apply a PRBS modulation scheme to the polarization filtered output based on the PRBS pattern. The PRBS pattern may be generated to have a length above a first threshold for avoiding an occurrence of backward propagation being in phase with forward propagation in an active fiber receiving an output of the phase modulator when the pattern repeats and below a second threshold for phase mismatch in the active fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a user interface that shows a consolidated representation for an item available from multiple sources are described. The multiple offerings of the same items offered for sale by multiple sellers are combined into a simple user interface that is transparent to the consumer, but where the consumer can find an item and all of its attributes as though it was offered for sale by a single seller. The user interface can be created when a consumer selects an item, a list is generated of the sellers offering that item for sale, a list is generated of the various attributes of the item, a representation for each attribute is gathered, and an optimal representation for each attribute can be generated for display to the consumer when that attributed is selected by the consumer. The process for creating and modifying such a user interface can be automated or semi-automated, decreasing the manual intervention needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of beverage supplements. Provided by aspects of the invention are compositions for and methods of enhancing the flavor of a beverage by suspending fruit particles in the beverage just prior to consumption. Suspended fruit particles enhance the consumer's drinking experience by refreshing the flavor of the beverage with each sip. Fruit particles can be distributed in a beverage at different levels by altering the physical properties and composition of the fruit pieces. In one embodiment, the fruit pieces can be dehydrated to different levels. Alternatively, or in addition, embodiments of the present invention provide dehydrated fruit matter, which can be coated or processed with edible material to provide fruit particles of different weights such that the particles suspend at different levels when added to a beverage. As the consumer drinks the beverage, a relatively even distribution of beverage bits will be consumed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a user interface that shows a consolidated representation for an item available from multiple sources are described. The multiple offerings of the same items offered for sale by multiple sellers are combined into a simple user interface that is transparent to the consumer, but where the consumer can find an item and all of its attributes as though it was offered for sale by a single seller. The user interface can be created when a consumer selects an item, a list is generated of the sellers offering that item for sale, a list is generated of the various attributes of the item, a representation for each attribute is gathered, and an optimal representation for each attribute can be generated for display to the consumer when that attributed is selected by the consumer. The process for creating and modifying such a user interface can be automated or semi-automated, decreasing the manual intervention needed.

Abstract: A laser device includes a seed laser, a polarizer, a pseudorandom bit sequence (PRBS) pattern generator, and a phase modulator. The polarizer may be optically coupled to receive an output of the seed laser and may generate a polarization filtered output. The PRBS pattern generator may be configured to generate a PRBS pattern. The phase modulator may be configured to apply a PRBS modulation scheme to the polarization filtered output based on the PRBS pattern. The PRBS pattern may be generated to have a length above a first threshold for avoiding an occurrence of backward propagation being in phase with forward propagation in an active fiber receiving an output of the phase modulator when the pattern repeats and below a second threshold for phase mismatch in the active fiber.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) scene projector device includes a light emitter and a thermal emitter. The light emitter is configured to selectably provide visible light. The thermal emitter includes a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACN) array. The VACN array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes disposed proximate to a thermally conductive substrate, such that a longitudinal axis of the carbon nanotubes extends substantially perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. The thermal emitter absorbs the visible light from the light emitter and converts the visible light from the light emitter into IR radiation.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) scene projector device includes a light emitter and a thermal emitter. The light emitter is configured to selectably provide visible light. The thermal emitter includes a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACN) array. The VACN array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes disposed proximate to a thermally conductive substrate, such that a longitudinal axis of the carbon nanotubes extends substantially perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. The thermal emitter absorbs the visible light from the light emitter and converts the visible light from the light emitter into IR radiation.

Abstract: A satellite (50) is disclosed having at least one deployable thermal radiator (64). Once deployed, this thermal radiator (64) may be repositioned. In one embodiment, the deployed thermal radiator (64) may be moved about a first axis (74), about a second axis (76), or both to move the deployed thermal radiator (64) from one deployed position to another deployed position.

Abstract: An antenna system for generating and configuring at least one defocused beam is provided. The antenna system includes a reflector having a focal plane and a non-parabolic curvature for forming the at least one defocused beam, and a plurality of feed antennas that illuminate the reflector. Each feed antenna is disposed in the focal plane of the reflector. The antenna system further includes at least one incoming signal dividing network that divides at least one incoming signal into a plurality of sub-signals, each corresponding to one of the feed antennas, a plurality of variable phase shifters, each receiving one of the sub-signals from the incoming signal dividing network and phase shifting the sub-signal to generate a corresponding phase-shifted sub-signal, and a plurality of fixed-amplitude amplifiers, at least one corresponding to each of the feed antennas.

Abstract: A satellite communications system is described for increasing capacity through spectrum reuse by multiple satellites. The system includes a constellation of satellites traveling in a geosynchronous orbit, where the geosynchronous orbit defines a ground track. The satellites operate in a first mode when traveling in a first latitudinal direction on the satellite track and in a second mode when traveling in a second latitudinal direction on the satellite track. By using different operation modes, satellites traveling in opposite latitudinal directions do not interfere with each other. Each of the satellites maintains a minimum spacing apart from other satellites moving in the same latitudinal direction to prevent interference from satellites using the same operation mode.

Abstract: A satellite communications system is described for increasing capacity through spectrum reuse by multiple satellites. The system includes a constellation of satellites traveling in a geosynchronous orbit, where the geosynchronous orbit defines a satellite track. The satellite track of the constellation overlaps a geostationary orbital location occupied by a legacy satellite traveling in a geostationary orbit. To prevent interference between the co-located constellation and legacy satellite, each of the constellation satellites operates in a silent mode when traveling within an interference beam width of a ground terminal in communication with the legacy satellite. Once outside of the interference beam width, the constellation satellites return to an active mode of operation.

Abstract: A method of determining an effective atomic number, Zeff, of an object may include obtaining a plurality of radiographic images of the object. Each radiographic image can be obtained using a different independent X-ray energy level. An intensity value for each pixel in a region of interest in each radiographic image can be determined. A plurality of measured ratios, R, can be formed using attenuation coefficients from a pair of different radiographic images. At least one adjusted measured ratio, Rm, can be calculated based on the plurality of measured ratios, R, and at least one corresponding estimation coefficient, ?. Zeff values can be assigned based on a comparison of the at least one adjusted measured ratio, Rm to a material attenuation database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nuclease resistant nucleic acids in general and ribonuclease resistant RNAs in particular. Methods of making and using such nucleic acids are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite fabric formed of a double cloth of jersey knit material which is needled to produce internal connections of filaments and/or fibers from yarns extending into, and/or between, the yarns of an adjacent layer.

Abstract: A blister fabric formed of a double layer jersey knit which is needled to produce internal connections of filaments and/or fibers from yarns extending into, and/or between, the yarns of an adjacent layer.

Abstract: Extended release tiagabine formulations that demonstrate fewer side-effects when administered to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nuclease resistant nucleic acids in general and ribonuclease resistant RNAs in particular. Methods of making and using such nucleic acids are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nuclease resistant nucleic acids in general and ribonuclease resistant RNAs in particular. Methods of making and using such nucleic acids are disclosed.

Abstract: A temporary sign holder utilizes a clamping member attachable to a rail to support a sign post in an operative location. The clamping member is formed with two hooked shaped members that are tightened around the base of the rail from opposing sides. One of the hooked members has a threaded rod extending through a sleeve on the other hooked member with a locking ring threaded onto the rod to provide a tightening arrangement. A horizontal member extends outwardly from the hook shaped members. This arrangement enables the hooked shaped members to be pressed inwardly towards each other towards the rail web to provide a heightened degree of clamping force capable of resisting vibrational and other forces that occur as a result of train passage. A lock prevents unauthorized loosening of the locking ring to create a tamper-proof structure.

Abstract: An internally threaded blind rivet nut is provided. The nut includes adjacent a clinchable region 14 thereof a resilient collar 18 or peripheral region dimensioned such that in use, when the rivet nut is clinched, it is capable of limited axial and/or radial float.