Abstract: An ordnance fuse apparatus is described that uses electrical and mechanical, and optical devices. The ordnance fuse apparatus includes a controller to control an optical switch and a laser to detonate an explosive charge of the ordnance. Other embodiments include an accelerometer and/or spin detector for detecting that the ordnance has been fired and an optical detector for detecting the proper operation of the laser and a position sensor for detecting correct positioning of the optical switch. Another embodiment includes a microlens to focus the laser optical signal onto the ignitor. In yet other embodiments, the explosive charge is detonated either by ignition of an ignitor or by a shock wave from the ignitor. The resulting ordnance fuse apparatus has significantly reduced size and improved performance and safety.

Abstract: The specification describes an improved Moving Anti-Reflection Switch (MARS) device structure that largely eliminates charge build up on the movable membrane, and reduces stresses that cause curling of the membrane. The improved device uses a movable membrane made of single crystal silicon.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for improving planning, scheduling, and supply chain management. Embodiments of the invention can provide some or all of the following: improved systems and methods for determining an optimal lot size, improved systems and methods for determining optimal WIP levels, improved systems and methods for an inventory advisor module, improved systems and methods for integrating functionality of a lot sizer and WIP module and an inventory module, improved systems and methods for implementing multi-echelon inventory analysis, and improved systems and methods for partitioning planning information.

Abstract: A sample acquisition apparatus for sampling first and second signals within a signal processing arrangement, includes a sampler for capturing sections of the waveforms of both the first and second signals, a switch for alternating correction of the sampler to a point in the arrangement where said first signal can be sampled and a point in said arrangement where said second signal can be sampled. A timer for timing the operation of the switch to causes the sampler to capture a first waveform section of the first signal and a second waveform section of the second signal, wherein the second signal is responsive to the first signal and the timing of the switch is such that the second section includes a portion that has been generated in response to the first section.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-component inhibitors of nucleic acid polymerases, methods of making, and methods of using same. One component of the multi-component inhibitor is a molecule that binds to a polymerase (i.e., a polymerase-binding molecule (PBM)), but does not thereby substantially inhibit its polymerase activity. Another component is a molecule or complex of molecules that binds to a PBM (i.e., a PBM-binding molecule). The combination of the PBM and PBM-binding molecule/complex substantially inhibits polymerase activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-component inhibitors of nucleic acid polymerases, methods of making, and methods of using same. One component of the multi-component inhibitor is a molecule that binds to a polymerase (i.e., a polymerase-binding molecule (PBM)), but does not thereby substantially inhibit its polymerase activity. Another component is a molecule or complex of molecules that binds to a PBM (i.e., a PBM-binding molecule). The combination of the PBM and PBM-binding molecule/complex substantially inhibits polymerase activity. The disclosed multi-component inhibitors are useful for DNA sequencing, nucleic acid amplification, cloning and synthesis, and the like.

Abstract: An electromyographic sensor is provided. The sensor includes electrodes for receiving signals from tissue when the electrodes are placed in contact with the tissue. The sensor also includes circuitry for converting the signals into a format suitable for transmission. the sensor also includes a transmitter for transmitting the signals to a receiver. The receiver can be part of a controller for a prosthetic limb, or the like.

Abstract: A lawncare machine (100) has a powered rotary raking or scarifying reel (5) together with a powered vacuum collector (8) whereby material thrown up by the reel is immediately drawn into the collection chamber (8). During removal of the vegetation material, it is drawn into the chamber (8) due to a suction created by a fan (2). The material is normally held in the box by means of a perforated screen (10) situated between the box and fan entry. The chamber (8) may be emptied by moving the screen (10) so that the material is discharged through the fan (2). Alternatively the chamber (8) may be emptied by means of flap valves (19, 21, 23) which cause a reversal of the airflow through the chamber so that the collected material never passes through the fan.

Abstract: An infusion container for use with a brewer. The infusion container includes a body portion defining at least a portion of a cavity therein. At least a portion of the body being liquid permeable. The infusion container liquid permeable portion facilitates brewing a beverage by allowing water to pass through the infusion container. The infusion container may be an individual structure which can be placed in and removed from the holder. Additional components or group of components for use with the beverage holder. The infusion container provides structures and methods facilitating convenient use of a brewer which allows the user to use the type of substance and quantity of substance of their choice and efficiently clean the substance holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to the synthesis of boronic ester and acid compounds. More particularly, the invention provides improved synthetic processes for the large-scale production of boronic ester and acid compounds, including the peptide boronic acid proteasome inhibitor bortezomib.

Abstract: A method of controlling an amplifier, the method comprising a sampling step of using a sampler to obtain digital samples of both an output signal of said amplifier and a reference signal, a derivation step of obtaining from said samples values of a first parameter and associated values of a second parameter, an averaging step of averaging the first parameter values over ranges of the second parameter such that, for each range, an average of the first parameter is obtained by averaging the first parameter values whose associated second parameter values lie in the range, a generation step of generating a control signal for said amplifier from said averages, a suppression step of using said samples of said reference signal to inhibit the effect upon said control signal of errors in the operation of said sampler and a control step of applying the control signal to said amplifier to direct the operation of said amplifier. The invention also relates to apparatus involved in carrying out the method.

Abstract: The control scheme uses the input and output signals of an amplifier (10) to control a lineariser (24) operating on the amplifier (10). The input and output signals are sensed and used to develop assay signals that have ideal inter-relationships when the amplifier is operating as desired. The control scheme modifies the operation of the lineariser to account for any departures observed in the relationships.

Abstract: A method of controlling an amplifier, the method comprising a sampling step of using a sampler to obtain digital samples of both an output signal of said amplifier and a reference signal, a derivation step of obtaining from said samples values of a first parameter and associated values of a second parameter, an averaging step of averaging the first parameter values over ranges of the second parameter such that, for each range, an average of the first parameter is obtained by averaging the first parameter values whose associated second parameter values lie in the range, a generation step of generating a control signal for said amplifier from said averages, a suppression step of using said samples of said reference signal to inhibit the effect upon said control signal of errors in the operation of said sampler and a control step of applying the control signal to said amplifier to direct the operation of said amplifier. The invention also relates to apparatus involved in carrying out the method.

Abstract: The input signal to a digital predistorter (14) is interpolated (28) and frequency converted (36 to 44) to condition it for predistortion. Similar conditioning can be applied to signals in a feed-forward lineariser.

Abstract: Envelope-type signals are detected for the input and output of a linearised amplifier (12). The variance of the signal obtained from the output is measured and a variable delay (24) between the detected signals is adjusted to minimise the variance. The value of the variable delay then gives the propagation delays through the linearised amplifier. Further envelope-type signal from the output and interpolation can be used to enhance the adjustment of the delay to minimise variance.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting rotational drift of mirror elements in a MEMS tilt mirror array used in an optical crossconnect. The optical crossconnect directs optical signals from an input fiber to an output fiber along an optical path by rotatably positioning mirror elements in desired positions. A monitoring device disposed outside of the optical path is used to obtain images of the MEMS array or to transmit and receive a test signal through the crossconnect for detecting the presence of mirror element drift.

Abstract: Sample acquisition apparatus for sampling first and second signals within a signal processing arrangement, said apparatus comprising a sampler for capturing sections of the waveforms of both the first and second signals, a switch for alternating correction of the sampler to a point in the arrangement where said first signal can be sampled and a point in said arrangement where said second signal can be sampled and a timer for timing the operation of the switch to cause the sampler to capture a first waveform section of said first signal and a second waveform section of said second signal, wherein said second signal is responsive to said first signal and the timing of said switch is such that said second section comprises a portion that has been generated in response to said first section.

Abstract: Sample acquisition apparatus for sampling first and second signals within a signal processing arrangement, said apparatus comprising a sampler for capturing sections of the waveforms of both the first and second signals, a switch for alternating correction of the sampler to a point in the arrangement where said first signal can be sampled and a point in said arrangement where said second signal can be sampled and a timer for timing the operation of the switch to cause the sampler to capture a first waveform section of said first signal and a second waveform section of said second signal, wherein said second signal is responsive to said first signal and the timing of said switch is such that said second section comprises a portion that has been generated in response to said first section.

Abstract: Where a DSP is used to predistort the input to a radio frequency power amplifier (RF PA) in the digital domain, then the DSP can also be used to perform a mathematical clipping operation on the input signal. This means that unwanted distortion is not introduced via the clipping process.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for improving planning, scheduling, and supply chain management. Various embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for managing inventory of different types of items in a supply chain. One aspect of the invention focuses on a method for managing inventory of similar items in a supply chain. The method includes determining a flow path for items in a supply chain, wherein the flow path comprises at least one operation. The method also includes receiving inventory data for items at each operation; storing the inventory data; determining a demand factor for the items; and determining a cost factor for the items. The method further includes based in part on the demand factor and the cost factor, determining an exchange curve for the items; and displaying a portion of the inventory data for the items and the exchange curve.