Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for iterative hybrid time-frequency domain block equalization of signals received via a communication channel subject to multipath interference. The equalization method includes frequency-domain equalization of blocks of received signals in a forward path, and time-domain inter-block echo correction and intra-block cyclic echo addition in the feedback path. The invention can be used for equalizing signals transmitted without cyclic prefix and subjected to multi-path interference with long delay spread.

Abstract: A dual layer shielded electrical cable is disclosed. The cable has at least a pair of insulated conductors, a metallic shield and a jacket surrounding the shield and insulated conductors. A first jacket layer made of flame retardant material surrounds the insulated conductors. A metallic shield then surrounds the first jacket layer. A second jacket layer then surrounds and seals the metallic shield against the first jacket layer, such that the insertion of the first jacket layer provides the cable with electrical signal attenuation and impedance characteristics equivalent to that of an unshielded cable with similar conductor insulation thicknesses. In another embodiment, a dual layer plenum rated electrical cable is disclosed. The cable has at least a pair of insulated conductors and a jacket surrounding the insulated conductors. Both the first and second jacket layer are made of a low-smoke and flame-retardant materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for iterative hybrid time-frequency domain block equalization of signals received via a communication channel subject to multipath interference. The equalization method includes frequency-domain equalization of blocks of received signals in a forward path, and time-domain inter-block echo correction and intra-block cyclic echo addition in the feedback path. The invention can be used for equalizing signals transmitted without cyclic prefix and subjected to multi-path interference with long delay spread.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and an apparatus to carry out the process are disclosed which eliminate or at least significantly reduce the occurrence of damaging localized short circuits in the production of electrochemical generators. The process and apparatus include cauterization by oxidation of the anode edges of multiple electrochemical cell laminates thereby rendering the anode edges electrically insulated from adjacent cathodes and/or current collectors.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and a method for assembly of electrochemical cells. The stacking apparatus includes at least one stacking head having an adjustable holding member adapted to hold an electrochemical laminate of a pre-determined length and means for adjusting the shape of the electrochemical laminate of the pre-determined length during stacking of a plurality of electrochemical laminates. The electrochemical laminates are assembled in a way that prevents air entrapment between the electrochemical laminates.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and a method for assembly of electrochemical cells. The stacking apparatus includes at least one stacking head having an adjustable holding member adapted to hold an electrochemical laminate of a pre-determined length and means for adjusting the shape of the electrochemical laminate of the pre-determined length during stacking of a plurality of electrochemical laminates. The electrochemical laminates are assembled in a way that prevents air entrapment between the electrochemical laminates.

Abstract: A process for laminating at least one electrode sheet onto an electrically conductive support film is provided. The process comprises heating the electrically conductive support film and laminating the at least one electrode sheet onto at least one side of the heated electrically conductive support film. An apparatus for laminating at least one electrode sheet onto an electrically conductive support film is also provided. The apparatus comprises lamination rollers forming a nip and means for carrying the electrically conductive support film and the at least one electrode sheet to the nip formed by the lamination rollers. The apparatus also comprises a heater for heating the electrically conductive support film before the electrically conductive support film reaches the nip formed by the lamination rollers.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and a method for assembly of electrochemical cells. The stacking apparatus includes at least one stacking head having an adjustable holding member adapted to hold an electrochemical laminate of a pre-determined length and means for adjusting the shape of the electrochemical laminate of the pre-determined length during stacking of a plurality of electrochemical laminates. The electrochemical laminates are assembled in a way that prevents air entrapment between the electrochemical laminates.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and an apparatus to carry out the process are disclosed which eliminate or at least significantly reduce the occurrence of damaging localized short circuits in the production of electrochemical generators. The process and apparatus include cauterization by oxidation of the anode edges of multiple electrochemical cell laminates thereby rendering the anode edges electrically insulated from adjacent cathodes and/or current collectors.

Abstract: The present invention includes a twisted pair cable having a plurality of pairs, wherein each has two conductors. Each of the conductors is covered with an inner layer insulator and an outer layer insulator, wherein the positioning of the conductors within the inner and outer insulators is eccentric with respect to the inner and outer insulators. This invention also includes a method of making a cable of the same configuration.

Abstract: Mussels are commonly grown on ropes which have been seeded with immature molluscs. Past techniques for farming mussels have suffered from low product yields because of the low surface area of a mussel rope, and mussel detachment from the rope. Existing devices for solving these problems are cumbersome and difficult to use. The present invention solves the problems by providing a mussel farming device including a planar body with a slot in one side thereof for receiving a rope or mesh bag, an aperture at the center of the body, and a clip in the aperture for attaching the body to the rope or bag. A plurality of such devices are attached to a rope or bag at intervals along its length, thereby providing a large surface area for mussel attachment and creating stable platforms on which the mussels can mature.

Abstract: A dual layer shielded electrical cable is disclosed. The cable has at least a pair of insulated conductors, a metallic shield and a jacket surrounding the shield and insulated conductors. A first jacket layer made of flame retardant material surrounds the insulated conductors. A metallic shield then surrounds the first jacket layer. A second jacket layer then surrounds and seals the metallic shield against the first jacket layer, such that the insertion of the first jacket layer provides the cable with electrical signal attenuation and impedance characteristics equivalent to that of an unshielded cable with similar conductor insulation thicknesses. In another embodiment, a dual layer plenum rated electrical cable is disclosed. The cable has at least a pair of insulated conductors and a jacket surrounding the insulated conductors. Both the first and second jacket layer are made of a low-smoke and flame-retardant materials.

Abstract: Mussels are commonly grown on ropes which have been seeded with immature molluscs. Past techniques for farming mussels have suffered from low product yields because of the low surface area of a mussel rope, and mussel detachment from the rope. Existing devices for solving these problems are cumbersome and difficult to use. The present invention solves the problems by providing a mussel farming device including a planar body with a slot in one side thereof for receiving a rope or mesh bag, an aperture at the center of the body, and a clip in the aperture for attaching the body to the rope or bag. A plurality of such devices are attached to a rope or bag at intervals along its length, thereby providing a large surface area for mussel attachment and creating stable platforms on which the mussels can mature.

Abstract: A dual layer shielded electrical cable is disclosed. The cable has at least a pair of insulated conductors, a metallic shield and a jacket surrounding the shield and insulated conductors. A first jacket layer made of flame retardant material surrounds the insulated conductors. A metallic shield then surrounds the first jacket layer. A second jacket layer then surrounds and seals the metallic shield against the first jacket layer, such that the insertion of the first jacket layer provides the cable with electrical signal attenuation and impedance characteristics equivalent to that of an unshielded cable with similar conductor insulation thicknesses. In another embodiment, a dual layer plenum rated electrical cable is disclosed. The cable has at least a pair of insulated conductors and a jacket surrounding the insulated conductors. Both the first and second jacket layer are made of a low-smoke and flame-retardant materials.

Abstract: A data communication cable for transmitting high frequency signals which includes at least one pair of conductors wherein each conductor is enclosed by a first inner layer of insulation and a second outer layer of insulation, and wherein the insulated conductors are enclosed by a jacket. The first inner layer of insulation is a polyolefin which may include a flame retardant and is in the form of an extruded expanded foam. The second or outer layer of insulation is a fluoropolymer and the jacket is a flame retardant and low-smoke PVC composition.

Abstract: A stepladder is provided with a bracing shelf that acts both as a conventional pivoting shelf and a bracing mechanism preventing accidental closing of the stepladder when the shelf is in a bracing position. The shelf includes abutting members adapted to contact a step of the stepladder, and, optionally, a mechanism to lock the shelf in the bracing position.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a slat of a vertical blind. It includes a central section provided with a rotary slat suspender; a drive section provided with an actuating mechanism for rotation of the slat suspender and a connection section provided with a pull-bar, molded solid with the body of the connection section. The slat suspender is made up of two readily detachable parts coming apart when the part holding the slat is subjected to a pull force deemed excessive and dangerous. The drive section includes a combination worm-clutch and drive shaft allowing continued rotation of some of the slat suspenders, when the others have stopped, to permit them to reach the same stop position as the others.