Abstract: A Space-based Calibration Transfer Spectroradiometer (SCATS) instrument that establishes a maintainable SI traceable radiometric calibration on-orbit with long-term stability accuracy, such as is required for long term climate monitoring missions, is provided. The SCATS instrument includes sensors that directly measure the highly stable solar irradiance and/or the lunar irradiance, and the Earth radiance through an invariant instrumental optical path. This common path measurement concept eliminates uncertainties associated with the calibration and degradation of intervening solar attenuation elements that represent the current state of the art. The SCATS instrument can be used to calibration of hyperspectral and multi-spectral sensors operating from the ultra-violet to long wave infrared. A suitable selection of detectors and filters enables this wide wavelength application.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method to exchange Q-bit data packets between TCP/IP and X.25 devices includes receiving an incoming packet sequence and translating the incoming packet sequence into at least one outgoing packet. A Q-bit indicator in the first packet of the incoming packet sequence is passed to the outgoing packets to indicate control information in the incoming packet sequence. To ensure backward compatibility, the method further includes enabling RBP Q-bit support and disabling Q-bit support by default.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the assessment and rehabilitation of vision impairment. In particular, the invention is concerned with an apparatus displaying visual stimuli and the method of using this device for the purpose of assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury and visual impairment resulting therefrom. The apparatus comprises a display means with a plurality of visual stimuli switched on and off in predetermined sequences. The sequences are adapted to be used to assess and rehabilitate a person's visual impairment.

Abstract: A re-enterable end-to-end hydrophone assembly which is at least partially transparent, so that the routing of the hydrophone fibers is visible during all phases of assembly and operation. The inventive hydrophone assembly includes a cylindrical sensing mandrel with at least one optical fiber wrapped around its outer wall, and an at least partially transparent oil-filled reference housing attached to the sensing mandrel. The reference housing contains an internal support for holding at least one end of the optical fiber, as well as other hydrophone components such as input couplers, output couplers, and the like. The inventive hydrophone assemblies can be easily disassembled, repaired, and reassembled, facilitating recovery and reuse of expensive optical components.

Abstract: A re-enterable end-to-end hydrophone assembly which is at least partially transparent, so that the routing of the hydrophone fibers is visible during all phases of assembly and operation. The inventive hydrophone assembly includes a cylindrical sensing mandrel with at least one optical fiber wrapped around its outer wall, and an at least partially transparent oil-filled reference housing attached to the sensing mandrel. The reference housing contains an internal support for holding at least one end of the optical fiber, as well as other hydrophone components such as input couplers, output couplers, and the like. The inventive hydrophone assemblies can be easily disassembled, repaired, and reassembled, facilitating recovery and reuse of expensive optical components.

Abstract: Sensor arrays utilizing standard 1×2 couplers reduce the differences in the returned optical power levels by appropriate selection of the coupling ratios. Preferred embodiments are described that comprise 6 distribution fiber lines and 16 return fiber lines. One embodiment includes 16 sensor groups in which each sensor group has a dedicated return line. In another embodiment, 8 sensor groups are configured so that no two adjacent sensors have either a common distribution fiber line or a common return fiber line.

Abstract: Sensor arrays utilizing standard 1×2 couplers reduce the differences in the returned optical power levels by appropriate selection of the coupling ratios. Preferred embodiments are described that comprise 6 distribution fiber lines and 16 return fiber lines. One embodiment includes 16 sensor groups in which each sensor group has a dedicated return line. In another embodiment, 8 sensor groups are configured so that no two adjacent sensors have either a common distribution fiber line or a common return fiber line.

Abstract: A novel emulsion polymerization process for the production of fluoroelastomers is disclosed wherein a partially fluorinated anionic surfactant of the formula F—(CF2CF2)n—CH2CH2SO3M, where n is an integer from 2 to 9, or mixtures thereof, and M is a cation having a valence of 1, is used as the dispersing agent.

Abstract: Sensor arrays utilizing standard 1×2 couplers reduce the differences in the returned optical power levels by appropriate selection of the coupling ratios. Preferred embodiments are described that comprise 6 distribution fiber lines and 16 return fiber lines. One embodiment includes 16 sensor groups in which each sensor group has a dedicated return line. In another embodiment, 8 sensor groups are configured so that no two adjacent sensors have either a common distribution fiber line or a common return fiber line.

Abstract: A multifocal contact lens (10, 50) made of flexible material is able to translocate on an eye by virtue of a lower end (22) of the contact lens (10, 50) being truncated so as to provide a relatively wide surface. The lower end (22) engages with the lower eyelid of a wearer. The lower end (22) may be provided with a forwardly projecting ledge (52).

Abstract: A welding torch (2) for use in gas metal arc welding, including a neck portion (4), a diffuser (6) at a first end (8) of the neck portion (4), a contact tip (10) which extends from the diffuser (6), and connector means (12) which is at a second end (14) of the neck portion (4) and which is for connecting the neck portion (4) to a power cable assembly; the neck portion (4) including an electrical conductor (16) and a longitudinally extending passageway (18); electrical current transfer from the electrical conductor (16) to the contact tip (10) being effected using first and second longitudinally separated contact areas (22, 24) on the contact tip (10); and the welding torch (2) including a gas chamber (30) which is positioned longitudinally between the two contact areas (22, 24) and radially between the contact tip (10) and the diffuser (6).

Abstract: An improved pressure vessel comprises a tubular casing having an internal cavity and a first and second opening at each end. The internal cavity is divided into a first and second cylindrical plug region extending inward from the first and second opening and a hollow interior region. An optical component in the hollow interior has at least a plurality of optical fiber pigtails extending therefrom. A first and second cylindrical plug is force fit into the plug regions. At least one plug has a through-hole for receiving optical fiber pigtails. At least one plug has a ceramic adhesive plug formed by inserting adhesive into the through-hole and preferably filing the void space therein. The adhesive encapsulates the optical fibers passing through the through-hole. The plug has a channel machined into its outer circumference to receive an O-ring. A cap covers over and beyond the outer surface of the plug.

Abstract: Peroxide curable fluoroelastomers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride or tetrafluoroethylene major monomer, at least one other fluorinated major monomer, a cure site monomer having the general formula CH2═CH—(CF2)nI, where n is an integer between 2 and 8, and iodine bound at the terminal positions of polymer chains, process well and have excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: A system for sensing subterranean acoustic waves emitted from an acoustic source includes a plurality of laser sources, a plurality of subterranean optical sensors, at least one optical detector, and electronics. The laser sources each emit light at a different frequency. The subterranean optical sensors receive the light and alter the light in response to the acoustic waves. The optical detector receives the altered light and outputs an electrical signal. The electronics receives the electrical signal and converts it into seismic data format. The hydrophone for sensing the acoustic signals is able to operate at pressures of at least 5,000 psi and temperatures of at least 130 degrees Celsius. A hydrophone may be housed in a cable having a diameter of less than about 1.5 inches. The hydrophone's sensor preferably includes a reference mandrel, two sensing mandrels, and a telemetry can, all of which are aligned in a coaxial, end-to-end configuration to reduce the profile of the hydrophone.

Abstract: Arthropod monitoring stations are provided, as well as methods for using them. The stations comprise a housing having a first end, a second end, and lateral wall extending between the first end and the second end. The first end, second end, and lateral wall substantially define an interior portion of the housing, and at least one of the first end, the second end, and the lateral wall includes at least one aperture suitable for ingress or egress by an arthropod with rest to said interior of said housing. Preferably, at least two members are disposed within the housing, each of the members having a first end, a second end, and a lateral wall extending between the first end and the second end. At least one of the members comprises a material capable of being consumed by arthropods, a material capable of being penetrated by arthropods, a material capable of being transported by arthropods, or a material capable of killing arthropods.

Abstract: A device for use with a piano includes a housing configured to reside above a minor rearward portion of a keyboard of the piano and includes an array of signal generators mounted to the housing to monitor activities of the individual keys, without requiring any mechanical contact with the keys. Each signal generator is operatively associated with a single key and includes at least one light emitting device positioned to direct light so as to directly impinge the associated key when the key is in its rest position. In its preferred embodiment, the movement of each white key is monitored using light reflecting techniques, while the movement of each black key is monitored using light transmitting techniques. Piano pedal movement may also be monitored, but non-optical techniques may be employed.

Abstract: Peroxide curable fluoroelastomers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride or tetrafluoroethylene major monomer, at least one other fluorinated major monomer, a cure site monomer having the general formula CH2═CH—(CF2)nI, where n is an integer between 2 and 8, and iodine bound at the terminal positions of polymer chains, process well and have excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: A multifocal contact lens (10, 50) made of flexible material is able to translocate on an eye by virtue of a lower end (22) of the contact lens (10, 50) being truncated so as to provide a relatively wide surface. The lower end (22) engages with the lower eyelid of a wearer. The lower end (22) may be provided with a forwardly projecting ledge (52).

Abstract: Polymerization inhibitor compositions for the emulsion polymerization of chloroprene comprise a 4-(lower alkoxy)phenol and a hindered bis(phenol)methane in a molar ratio in the range of 0.5/1-2.5/1. Discoloration resistant polychloroprene rubbers are produced.

Abstract: A welding torch (2) for use in gas metal arc welding, comprising a neck portion (4), a diffuser (6) at a first end (8) of the neck portion (4), a contact tip (10) which extends from the diffuser (6), and connector means (12) which is at a second end (14) of the neck portion (4) and which is for connecting the neck portion (4) to a power cable assembly; the neck portion (4) comprising an electrical conductor (16) and a longitudinally extending passageway (18); electrical current transfer from the electrical conductor (16) to the contact tip (10) being effected using first and second longitudinally separated contact areas (22, 24) on the contact tip (10); and the welding torch (2) including a gas chamber (30) which is positioned longitudinally between the two contact areas (22, 24) and radially between the contact tip (10) and the diffuser (6).