Abstract: Methods for optical isolation in high peak power fiber-optic systems prevent damage to a facet within a fiber-optic isolator caused by back-reflected light from, for example, an optical amplifier. Preventing damage to the facet may include expanding a mode area of the back-reflected light and/or reducing a change in refractive index.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to methods for their preparation, to compositions containing them, and to methods and use for clinical treatment of medical conditions which may benefit from immunomodulation, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosis and psoriasis. More particularly the present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, which are CD80 antagonists capable of inhibiting the interactions between CD80 and CD28.

Abstract: A multilayer card has (i) an opaque polyester film substrate (1) containing 0.2 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the substrate, of at least one copolyesterether, (ii) an ink-receptive layer (2) on at least one surface of the substrate, and (iii) a cover layer (4) on the surface of the ink-receptive layer and/or surface of the substrate. The presence of the copolyesterether in the substrate reduces the tendency of the card to delaminate in use. Suitable for use, inter alia, in identification, magnetic, credit, pre-paid and smart cards.

Abstract: Optical systems configured for both changing the length of a laser pulse and operating as an optical isolator are disclosed. In some embodiments, optical isolation is achieve contemporaneously with laser pulse expansion or compression by using a grating based compressor or expander as one of the polarization elements of the optical isolator. In some embodiments, optical isolation is achieved contemporaneously with laser pulse expansion or compression by using a mode converter and a Bragg fiber as one of the polarization elements of the optical isolator. In some embodiments, a sub-wavelength polarizer including magnetic garnet is included in the optical isolator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that enable fantasy betting sports games via the Internet and a comprehensive all-sports social networking community for sports fans, virtual sports bettors and sports gamers. The systems and methods include Internet-enabled interactive display systems located at player sites. An Internet-enabled server system is provided for generating a television channel comprising the fantasy betting sports games, fantasy sports games, real-time live off-shore and domestic odds, short segment video content from sports handicappers relating to the fantasy betting sports games. sports prognosticator predictions, and all-sports social networking services and programs. The display systems are used to select and view the fantasy betting sports games, odds, and sports handicapper content. The sports handicappers also provide personal, interactive advice via premium priced appointments, selectable from the display systems.

Abstract: A method of creating memorial jewelry using a precious metal pliable moldable substance and combining it with ash from cremated animal or human remains.

Abstract: A simulator and methods for evaluating embedded wireless communication software (110) including a wireless communication device hardware simulator on which the software is to be embedded and a radio frequency environment simulator (150), wherein the software is compiled (120) for actual wireless communication device hardware (140) in which the software is to be embedded before testing the compiled software on the simulated wireless communication device hardware in the simulated radio frequency environment.

Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic articles incorporating an amorphous diamond-like film are disclosed. Specifically, the invention includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film overlying two or more proximate substrates, and to methods of making optical and optoelectronic articles. In certain implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis. Another embodiment includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film that is further coated with a metallic or polymeric material for attachment to a device package.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are proved which allow a wireless communication system using a smart antenna(s) to selectively cause a receiving device to switch its operative association from one transmitted beam to another available transmitted beam.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns the use of Bragg optical fibers in chirped pulse amplification systems for the production of high-pulse-energy ultrashort optical pulses. A gas-core Bragg optical fiber waveguide can be advantageously used in such systems to stretch the duration of pulses so that they can be amplified, and/or Bragg fibers can be used to compress optical signals into much shorter duration pulses after they have been amplified. Bragg fibers can also function as near-zero-dispersion delay lines in amplifier sections.

Abstract: A wireless access point is equipped with both an omnidirectional antenna and a directable antenna that can be selectively directed to any of a plurality of directional spaces overlapping the network space served by the omnidirectional antenna. The directable antenna is directed to an optimal directional space for a client when the access point is communicating with the client at a high data rate. The access point can intermittently exchange information with other clients using the omnidirectional antenna. The omnidirectional antenna enables broadcast signals to be transmitted to any client in the entire network space, but at a lower data rate. A preferred data rate and an optimal client directional space are re-determined periodically or as necessary based on parameters such as the data rate, signal strength, and rate of success in communicating data.

Abstract: A wireless device is coupled to a multi-sector antenna that includes a plurality of different sectors, any of which can be activated to transmit and receive in a desired direction specific to that sector. Optionally, an omnidirectional antenna is included for initially establishing a wireless connection with another wireless device, such as an access point. A parameter indicative of signal quality, such as throughput or received signal strength indication (RSSI) is determined by polling with each antenna sector to establish a prioritized candidate list. If a receive Trigger becomes active in response to a parameter falling below a threshold level, a new candidate sector is selected from the current list based upon a next-best signal quality. The directionality of the multi-sector antenna provides a substantially higher data rate compared to that of the conventional omnidirectional antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to methods for their preparation, to compositions containing them, and to methods and use for clinical treatment of medical conditions which may benefit from immunomodulation, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, transplantation, systemic lupus erythematosis and psoriasis. More particularly the present invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, which are CD80 antagonists capable of inhibiting the interactions between CD80 and CD28.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns the use of Bragg optical fibers in chirped pulse amplification systems for the production of high-pulse-energy ultrashort optical pulses. A gas-core Bragg optical fiber waveguide can be advantageously used in such systems to stretch the duration of pulses so that they can be amplified, and/or Bragg fibers can be used to compress optical signals into much shorter duration pulses after they have been amplified. Bragg fibers can also function as near-zero-dispersion delay lines in amplifier sections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are proved which allow a wireless communication system using a smart antenna(s) to selectively cause a receiving device to switch its operative association from one transmitted beam to another available transmitted beam.

Abstract: A non-Division 5.1 Oxidizer tablet consisting essentially of a blend of hydrated calcium hypochlorite with magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, wherein the blend contains at least about 17% by weight of water based on the total weight of the blend; contains from about 0.1% to about 10% of lime based on the total weight of the hydrated calcium hypochlorite and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate and the average dissolving rate of the tablet is less than 150 grams per day.

Abstract: A non-Division 5.1 Oxidizer tablet consisting essentially of a blend of hydrated calcium hypochlorite with magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, wherein the blend contains at least about 17% by weight of water based on the total weight of the blend; contains from about 0.1% to about 10% of lime based on the total weight of the hydrated calcium hypochlorite and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate and the average dissolving rate of the tablet is less than 150 grams per day.

Abstract: A hospital layout comprising a plurality of adjacent OR/intervention rooms (46, 48) uniquely configured and equipped to perform surgical and other interventional procedures, with adjacent intubation rooms (52) configured and equipped to prepare patients for procedures to occur in the OR/intervention rooms and at least one extubation room (54) adjacent the OR/intervention rooms, configured and equipped to post-intervention awaken and extubate patients. A plurality of universal patient rooms (40) are located adjacent the OR/intervention rooms and universal patient rooms, and are configured and equipped to admit patients for surgery/intervention, prepare patients for surgery/intervention, allow patients to recover post-intervention, and discharge patients post-recovery.

Abstract: An apparatus which comprises two compositions in contact with one another is described. The first composition comprises poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) and a minor amount of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate), while the second composition comprises an organic polymeric material. The use of the first composition allows for better adhesion between the two compositions. A process for making such an apparatus by first forming a shaped part from the first composition and then contacting that shaped part with the second composition is also described. The apparatus may be used to encapsulate electrical and electronic parts, and for other uses.

Abstract: A solid calcium hypochliorite composition comprising a mixture of: solid calcium hypochlorite; a scale-inhibiting effective amount of a primarily scale-inhibiting alkali metal phosphate; and an effective residue-dispersing amount of primarily residue-dispersing alkali metal phosphate.