Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for self-contained nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.

Abstract: A dual-port testing apparatus is provided for testing a cable network at two test points. The testing may comprise demodulation of a same data packet at the test points, decoding the data packet, performing spectral analysis of the signal, etc. Testing results may be correlated with one another, both visually and by using pre-defined test metrics comprising a weighted sum of demodulation and decoding parameters such as modulation extinction ratio and a codeword error.

Abstract: A dual-port testing apparatus is provided for testing a cable network at two test points. The testing may comprise demodulation of a same data packet at the test points, decoding the data packet, performing spectral analysis of the signal, etc. Testing results may be correlated with one another, both visually and by using pre-defined test metrics comprising a weighted sum of demodulation and decoding parameters such as modulation extinction ratio and a codeword error.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.

Abstract: A dual-port testing apparatus is provided for testing a cable network at two test points. The testing may comprise demodulation of a same data packet at the test points, decoding the data packet, performing spectral analysis of the signal, etc. Testing results may be correlated with one another, both visually and by using pre-defined test metrics comprising a weighted sum of demodulation and decoding parameters such as modulation extinction ratio and a codeword error.

Abstract: A dual-port testing apparatus is provided for testing a cable network at two test points. The testing may comprise demodulation of a same data packet at the test points, decoding the data packet, performing spectral analysis of the signal, etc. Testing results may be correlated with one another, both visually and by using pre-defined test metrics comprising a weighted sum of demodulation and decoding parameters such as modulation extinction ratio and a codeword error.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an upstream path of a cable network are disclosed. The upstream path is tested by capturing and analyzing upstream data packets generated by a specific terminal device. A test instrument is connected at a node of the cable network. The test instrument establishes a communication session with the headend, informing the headend of an identifier of the device that will generate the test upstream data packet. The test upstream data packet is captured and analyzed at the headend, so that the results of the analysis can be communicated back to the test instrument. To speed up the packet capturing and filtering process, the upstream data packets can be pre-filtered based on packet duration and/or arrival time.

Abstract: The problem is that a measurement of the average signal quality (average modulation error ratio), does not identify poor quality signals that may be originating from an individual cable modem. The device of the present invention displays the modulation error ratio (MER) for each packet received. Since the media access control (MAC) address is associated with a packet received from an individual cable modem, a graph displaying the MER for each packet received is also displaying the MER for signals from the individual cable modems. Thus a technician viewing the display will be able to identify whether a low MER is a result of an impairment in the network or the from an individual cable modem.

Abstract: The problem is that a measurement of the average signal quality (average modulation error ratio), does not identify poor quality signals that may be originating from an individual cable modem. The device of the present invention displays the modulation error ratio (MER) for each packet received. Since the media access control (MAC) address is associated with a packet received from an individual cable modem, a graph displaying the MER for each packet received is also displaying the MER for signals from the individual cable modems. Thus a technician viewing the display will be able to identify whether a low MER is a result of an impairment in the network or the from an individual cable modem.

Abstract: A Doppler-based traffic radar system determines a speed of a moving target from a platform while substantially eliminating the possibility of detection by an operator of the moving target utilizing a traffic radar detector. The radar system includes a controller or digital signal processor for limiting the period of time the system is initially transmitting. The duration of the initial transmission period is limited such that presently available commercial radar detectors are substantially unable to detect and/or elect not to report the presence of the radar signal. Specifically, the radar system is adapted to monitor the number of accumulated digital samples from a reflected portion of the radar signal. Upon receipt of a number of samples sufficient to determine the speed of the target, the radar system ends the initial transmission. Once the samples are obtained, the radar system determines the speed of the target and displays the speed.

Abstract: A Doppler-based traffic radar system determines a speed of a moving target from a platform while substantially eliminating the possibility of detection by an operator of the moving target utilizing a traffic radar detector. The radar system limits a period of time the system is initially transmitting. The radar system is adapted to determine the speed of the target and display the speed. Dependent upon the displayed rate of speed, the radar system operator further has the ability to halt operation of the radar system with respect to the particular target or to reinitiate transmission of the transmit signal for subsequently tracking the speed of the moving target.

Abstract: An elevator system (10) includes an elevator car (18) supported for vertical movement on a belt (16) having an end fixed to the hoistway (26) and the other end wound about a drum (32) of a drum drive (12). When the belt (16) is wound or unwound about the drum (32), the elevator car (18) is raised or lowered, respectively.

Abstract: A support and alignment implement for supporting an article such as a golf club in an upright or elevated position comprises a pair of leg members, each leg member having a stretched “C” shaped proximal end and a ground engaging distal end, a spring element disposed between the proximal ends and means for joining the proximal ends such that the spring element is retained therein and maintains the proximal ends of the leg members in contact with one another in a closed position. In operation, the user extends the proximal ends of the leg members away from one another to an open position, such as by bringing. together the distal ends of the leg members, inserts the shaft of the golf club between the stretched “C” shaped proximal ends, and returns the proximal ends to the closed position, thereby securing the shaft between the proximal ends.

Abstract: A velocity/speed measurement radar unit incorporates a handle assembly for detachment from a base unit to allow for convertibility from a hand-held unit to a remote controlled radar unit. The removable handle assembly controls the operating parameters and secondary functions of the radar unit in a simple and user friendly manner. The operating parameters are established using multifunctional switches incorporated in the handle assembly, such as a trigger-type switch, rocker switches, and push button switches. The secondary functions are similarly controlled using a rotary encoder/push button switch combination. A microprocessor in the handle assembly receives inputs from the multifunctional switches and generates a corresponding control signal for transmission to the base unit. The handle assembly and base unit communicate via infra-red transmitters and receivers. The handle assembly is ergonomically designed to insure ease of use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the unauthorized firing of a hand held weapon. The apparatus includes an electrically operated locking system which prevents the firing of a weapon and which, in use, consumes only small amounts of electrical energy. An electrical relay in the apparatus does not consume electrical energy while in the open or the closed position.

Abstract: A velocipede comprising a rigid frame with front and rear wheels and a crank operably connected to the rear wheels. A first member has its front end portion pivotably connected to the frame front end such that the first member is movable between upper and lower positions above and below a horizontal line passing through the pivot. A second member has a first end pivotably connected to the first member rear end portion and a second end pivotably connected to the crank such that reciprocating movement of the first member rear end portion causes the second member to rotate the crank. A third member includes a pivot disposed at its intermediate portion and has its front and rear ends movable between upper and lower positions. A pair of pedals are pivotably secured to the third member front end and movable therewith between the upper and lower positions.