Abstract: An amphoteric stilbene composition is disclosed. The composition includes a fixing agent mixed with a predetermined amount of 4,4?-diamino-2,2?-stilbene disulfonic acid, biarylsulfonate-4,4?-diamino-2,2?-stilbene disulfonic acid, biaryldisulfonate-4,4?-diamino-2,2?-stilbene disulfonic acid, derivatives thereof, salts thereof, and/or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for weld repairing airfoils made from nickel based super alloy material is provided. The method includes removing a damaged portion of the airfoil by machining the airfoil to a relatively smooth surface. Powdered alloy material, such as IN-100 material is then fed to a plasma arc welding device. A plurality of weld beads are deposited along the damaged portion of the airfoil in a continuous bi-directional pattern by the welding device to eliminate abrupt thermal transients at the ends of the weld, thereby reducing the thermal stresses that cause cracking in susceptible alloys such as IN-100.

Abstract: Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.

Abstract: A fixed network utility data collection system includes a plurality of endpoints arranged in a tiered and spoke-like configuration relative to a central data collecting device. An RF transmission from the central device transmits out over the endpoints in a spoke. The first endpoint in the spoke to hear the transmission then hops the transmission to the other endpoints in the spoke. Once all of the endpoints in a spoke have received the transmission they respond to the transmission. The response starts with the outer-most endpoint and is transmitted to the next endpoint in the spoke line. That endpoint adds its response and forwards the message to the next endpoint in the spoke line and so on. Upon the inner-most endpoint of the spoke receiving the response, it adds its response and transmits the final collective response to the central device.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data generated by a plurality of metering devices located within a geographic area. The mobile automatic meter reading system provides two-way simplex communication capabilities between a mobile receiving device and a plurality of endpoint devices on a plurality of communication channels. The mobile collector device efficiently and accurately communicates with and receives data from the endpoint devices while moving throughout a localized geographical area. Aspects of the invention thereby improve the effectiveness of automatic meter reading systems.

Abstract: A system and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rates are disclosed which, in one example embodiment, enable endpoint devices in automatic meter reading (AMR) systems to quickly determine the existence of over-the-air information that is specifically targeted to a unique class of AMR devices. An endpoint device utilizing the digital squelch circuit arrangement and algorithm of the invention can quickly and precisely determine if the AMR system is communicating with its class of AMR device by looking for a specific non-standard data rate present on the air. This method therefore allows for a significant improvement in battery life in two-way RF communication units by avoiding unnecessary data processing and data transmissions. The digital squelch method also enables even faster determination of inappropriate data rates and of no signal present situations, further improving battery life.

Abstract: The illustrated invention defines an analytical titration chip comprising an optically transparent substrate such as glass or plastic that defines a fluid inlet port, plural microfluidic sample carrying channels communicating with the inlet, and plural titration chambers fluidly communicating with the channels. Each titration chamber contains a different concentration of the same titrant to define a spectrum or range of titrations. An air management chamber is in fluid communication with the titration chambers to facilitate capillary flow of fluid into the titration chambers.

Abstract: The RF communications system of the present invention wirelessly communicates data without encountering undue interference problems with other devices and complies with rules governing unlicensed, spectrum-sharing devices. In an example embodiment, a transmitter device includes a digital subsystem powered by a power supply that processes data from another device and a radio frequency (RF) sub-system that transmits the processed data using a frequency hopping scheme. The RF sub-system includes a microprocessor arrangement that ON-OFF keys a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and provides a frequency-hopping scheme. The VCO is coupled to a signal frequency spreading arrangement that spreads the signal to a predetermined transmission bandwidth, wherein the frequency spreading occurs during an ON state of the ON-OFF keying and the transmission bandwidth exceeds a reception bandwidth at which the signal will be decoded.

Abstract: A low impedance encoder generally comprises a clock source and a switch. The clock source operates according to a predetermined duty cycle. The switch has a first position, closed, and a second position, opened. The duty cycle controls a current flow the switch. A high current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is closed and that the consumption of a utility as registered by the utility meter has occurred; the switch will continue to open and close throughout the process of metering. A low current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is open.

Abstract: A patterned mask is provided on a surface by formulating a liquid, 100% solids-type thermally curable mask composition, applying the composition as a film to the surface, selectively thermally exposing the film in the desired mask pattern using a focused beam of heat energy without use of an interposed patterned mask, and then developing away the film areas not thermally exposed so as to produce a patterned mask. The invention enables the elimination of potentially troublesome volatile solvent carriers or diluents from the composition, while at the same time still enabling production of finely-defined patterns without having to bring a patterned mask (cf. phototool) into contact with the composition. Similarly, the expense involved with use of dry film photo-sensitive masks is avoided.

Abstract: A planting implement which includes an elongated support beam for carrying a plurality of spaced planting units thereon. The support beam also includes a plurality of rearwardly pivotable segments arranged so that a closed framework structure may be constructed by pivoting and interconnecting the rearwardly pivotal segments. The closed framework structure includes a forward side containing a portion of the planting units and a generally parallel, rearward side containing the remaining planting units. The spacing of the rearward side planting units is offset from that of the forward side units, approximately one-half of the distance of the planting units. This results in equally spaced rows of approximately one-half the distance between the planting units.