Abstract: An alternative design is given for an optimized quantum cryptographic entangling probe for attacking the BB84 protocol of quantum key distribution. The initial state of the probe has a simpler analytical dependence on the set error rate to be induced by the probe than in the earlier design. The new device yields maximum information to the probe for a full range of induced error rates. As in the earlier design, the probe contains a single CNOT gate which produces the optimum entanglement between the BB84 signal states and the correlated probe states.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch mechanism for securing a movable panel member such as a door to a stationary panel member such as a wall. The latch mechanism has a receiver member attached to one of the panels and a latch member attached to the other pane and which engages the receiver member to secure the two panels together.

Abstract: A handheld, key-operated programmer device (10) for transferring data to and from an electronic meter register. Communication between the device (10) and the electronic register takes place over a wireless optical interface (20). The device (10) is configured through a USB port (14) using a personal computer. Operations between the device (10) and the meter register include cycling the meter register display, clearing a totalizer, resetting alarm conditions, and retrieving stored configuration data. A swipe with a magnet is no longer necessary to cycle through the display. The device is battery-powered and can be embodied in a key fob.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining information on a key in the BB84 (Bennett-Brassard 1984) protocol of quantum key distribution are provided. A representative system comprises a quantum cryptographic entangling probe, comprising a single-photon source configured to produce a probe photon, a polarization filter configured to determine an initial probe photon polarization state for a set error rate induced by the quantum cryptographic entangling probe, a quantum controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate configured to provide entanglement of a signal with the probe photon polarization state and produce a gated probe photon so as to obtain information on a key, a Wollaston prism configured to separate the gated probe photon with polarization correlated to a signal measured by a receiver, and two single-photon photodetectors configured to measure the polarization state of the gated probe photon.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting signals to control a utility service from a drive-by or walk-by control unit includes an electronically controlled shut-off valve in a supply line for the utility service. The shut-off valve has a solenoid that communicates electronically with a meter transceiver used by a metering device. A transmitter is included in the walk-by or drive-by control unit and sends a signal to the wireless transceiver to operate the solenoid to close the valve or to open the valve. After this action occurs, the meter transceiver will send an acknowledge signal to the control unit to confirm that the shut-off valve has been opened or closed.

Abstract: An alternative design is given for an optimized quantum cryptographic entangling probe for attacking the BB84 protocol of quantum key distribution. The initial state of the probe has a simpler analytical dependence on the set error rate to be induced by the probe than in the earlier design. The new device yields maximum information to the probe for a full range of induced error rates. As in the earlier design, the probe contains a single CNOT gate which produces the optimum entanglement between the BB84 signal states and the correlated probe states.

Abstract: A method for vaporizing particulate material and depositing it onto a surface to form a layer, includes providing a supply of particulate material in a replenishment container, the replenishment container having a sealed interface fitting; mounting the replenishment container to a supply hopper defining at least one feed opening, and breaking the seal at the interface fitting; transferring particulate material from the replenishment container to the supply hopper; and transferring such particulate material through the feed opening along a feeding path to a vaporization zone where at least a component portion of the particulate material is vaporized and delivered to the surface to form the layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for scheduling packets, such as in systems having a non-blocking switching fabric and homogeneous or heterogeneous line card interfaces. In one implementation, multiple request generators, grant arbiters, and acceptance arbiters work in conjunction to determine this scheduling. A set of requests for sending packets from a particular input is generated. From a grant starting position, a first n requests in a predetermined sequence are identified, where n is less than or equal to the maximum number of connections that can be used in a single packet time to the particular output. The grant starting position is updated in response to the first n grants including a particular grant corresponding to a grant advancement position. In one embodiment, the set of grants generated based on the set of requests is similarly determined using an acceptance starting position and an acceptance advancement position.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly comprising a frame and a mirror supported by the frame. The mirror includes a first mirror section and a second mirror section pivotally coupled to the first mirror section. A screw drive is supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame, and has a first threaded surface. An arm has an inner arm end supported by the screw drive and extends outwardly from the screw drive to an outer arm end. The inner arm end has a second threaded surface that engages the first threaded surface. The outer arm end supports the second mirror section. An arm cam projects from the outer arm end away from the second mirror section and defines a first cam surface. A frame cam projects from the frame toward the second mirror section and defines a second cam surface contacting the first cam surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for scheduling packets, such as in systems having a non-blocking switching fabric and homogeneous or heterogeneous line card interfaces. In one implementation, multiple request generators, grant arbiters, and acceptance arbiters work in conjunction to determine this scheduling. A set of requests for sending packets from a particular input is generated. From a grant starting position, a first n requests in a predetermined sequence are identified, where n is less than or equal to the maximum number of connections that can be used in a single packet time to the particular output. The grant starting position is updated in response to the first n grants including a particular grant corresponding to a grant advancement position. In one embodiment, the set of grants generated based on the set of requests is similarly determined using an acceptance starting position and an acceptance advancement position.

Abstract: Insecticidal compounds comprising an insecticidal peptide (e.g., juvenile hormone esters) or nucleic acid (e.g. Ea baculovirus) or insecticide covalently conjugated to a polymer are described. Methods of use thereof for controlling insects and compositions containing the same are also described.

Abstract: A lighting system for a towed off-highway vehicle has a left and right hazard warning lamps that flash in unison when the vehicle is not turning. When the vehicle is turning, the hazard warning lamp on the side of the turn flashes, while the other hazard warning lamp is illuminated steadily. Left and right turn indicator lamps are operated by a control circuit that receives signals which operate the hazard warning lamps. The control circuit responds to those signals by rendering the turn indicator lamps inactive when the vehicle is not turning, and operates the left and right turn indicator lamps in the same manner as the left and right hazard warning lamps, respectively, when the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) employs non-orthogonal quantum states to distribute a random bit sequence between two users for use as a provably secure key for encryption and authentication. The key generation procedure involves the transmission, interception, and reception of two nonorthogonal photon polarization states. At the receiving end, a positive-operator-valued measure (POVM) is employed in the measurement process. The invention is a receiver that is an all-optical realization of the POVM and includes a Wollaston prism, a mirror, two beam splitters, a polarization rotator, and three photodetectors.

Abstract: A blow dart gun and darts for use therewith, the blow dart gun having movable grips and a single-piece quiver attached to the outer surface of an elongated tube. Shims are used to secure the movable grips and the single-piece quiver to the outer surface of the blow dart gun tube. At one end of the elongated tube is a mouthpiece having an inner tapered portion to prevent a dart from coming in contact with the mouth of a user. At the other end of the elongated tube is a hinged tube cover to protect the inside surface of the elongated tube during periods of non-use. Darts for use in the blow dart gun have a dart tip groove for easier removal from a target, a non-flanged rear portion, and threads to securely attach the dart tip to the remainder of the dart.

Abstract: Disclosed are human pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell (PHSC) enriched compositions and methods for obtaining and using the compositions. A substantially homogeneous population of human hematopoietic cells characterized as CD34.sup.+, HLA-DR.sup.-, and c-kit receptor positive (KR.sup.+) and capable of in vitro self-renewal and differentiation to members of at least the erythroid, myeloid, and megakaryocytic lineages, is obtained by separating the population from a cellular mixture, for example by cytometric cell sorting techniques. Also disclosed is a method of obtaining persistent maintenance of grafted human hematopoietic cells in a mammal, which includes grafting a mammal in utero with a cellular composition enriched in human hematopoietic cells characterized as CD34.sup.+, HLA-DR.sup.- and capable of in vitro self-renewal and differentiation to members of the lymphoid, myeloid, erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages.

Abstract: A seat including a first portion; a support member borne by the first portion; and a second portion borne by the support member and disposed in space relation thereto, and wherein the seat is borne by the second portion, and wherein the first portion is positioned in force transmitting relation relative to the support member, and wherein force applied to the seat is transmitted through the first portion to the support member thereby causing the support member to deform and thus dissipate some of the force acting upon the seat.

Abstract: A fuzzy logic approach to the problem of distinguishing cerebrospinal fluid, gray and white matter pixels in magnetic resonance images of the brain. An unsupervised fuzzy clustering procedure based on a variant of the fuzzy c-means algorithm computes automatically, with virtually no operator intervention, the percentage area of each of these three compartments in each image. Each volume element represented in the image can belong to all compartments in varying degrees. The procedure requires input of the number of different compartments in the image, as well as a parameter which determines the amount of overlap of compartment boundaries. Preliminary data processing involves noise removal from images by highpass filtering. The final solution is substantially independent of required initial estimates of the gray scale values that are most representative of the white, gray and cerebrospinal fluid compartments in the image. The method is useful in the diagnosis of hydrocephalus.

Abstract: A lightweight extendable and retractable telescopic pole is disclosed comprising a plurality of non-metallic telescoping cylinders with sliding and sealing surfaces between the cylinders, a first plug member on the upper end of the smallest cylinder, and a second plug member on the lower end of the largest cylinder, whereby fluid pressure admitted to the largest cylinder will cause the telescoping cylinders to slide relative to one another causing the pole to extend. An elastomeric member connects the first plug member with one of the intermediate cylinders to urge the cylinders back into a collapsed position when the fluid pressure in the cylinders is vented. Annular elastomer members are provided which seal one cylinder to another when the pole is fully extended and further serve to provide a cushion to prevent damage to the cylinders when the pole is urged back into its retractable position by the elastomeric members and the venting of the pressure.

Abstract: An aircraft berthing seat including a seat base; a support assembly borne by the seat base and moveable along a predetermined path of travel; a leg rest assembly borne by the support assembly, and moveable to predetermined supporting positions; a seat cushion assembly borne by the base and disposed in spaced relation relative to the support assembly; and a seat back assembly borne by the seat base and moveable along a path of travel from an upright position, into substantially coplanar relation relative to the seat cushion and leg rest assembly, respectively, thereby forming an aircraft berthing seat.