Abstract: An optical fiber network can include an outdoor laser transceiver node that can be positioned in close proximity to the subscribers of an optical fiber network. The outdoor laser transceiver node does not require active cooling and heating devices that control the temperature surrounding the laser transceiver node. The laser transceiver node can adjust a subscriber's bandwidth on a subscription basis or on an as-needed basis. The laser transceiver node can also offer data bandwidth to the subscriber in preassigned increments. Additionally, the laser transceiver node lends itself to efficient upgrading that can be performed entirely on the network side. The laser transceiver node can also provide high speed symmetrical data transmission. Further, the laser transceiver node can utilize off-the-shelf hardware to generate optical signals such as Fabry-Perot (F-P) laser transmitters, distributed feed back lasers (DFB), or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs).

Abstract: Forming a plurality of loops in an optical fiber around a spool adjacent to an exposed end face can suppress internal reflections from the exposed end face. The radius of the loops can attenuate light that is propagating to and from the end face by causing light to leak out of the optical fiber's core and into its cladding. The radius can be selected to control physical stress in the optical fiber and promote reliability. The radius and the number of loops can be selected to meet a return loss specification. The loops can be formed by coiling the optical fiber around a spool that includes a slot for holding the optical fiber until it is put into service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyethylene composition for use as insulation for wire and cable that has improved scorch resistance comprising

Abstract: An online POS store management system permits a home office to supervise a number of stores. The home office and stores are connected by a virtual private network. Each store has a number of processing devices that provide user interfaces for store personnel. Each processing device includes communications software to exchange data with the home office.

Abstract: A rental store management system permits a home office to supervise a number of stores. The home office and stores are connected by a virtual private network. Each store has a number of processing devices that provide user interfaces for store personnel. Each processing device includes communications software to exchange data with the home office.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a powder coating excellent in storage stability and in coat surface smoothness.The present invention relates to a powder coating comprising a binder resin and a curing agent, characterized in that said curing agent has particle size characteristics such that the average particle size is 0.3 to 7 .mu.m and particles having a particle size not smaller than 20 .mu.m account for not less than 10% by weight of all curing agent particles.

Abstract: A rotor 20 having several impellers 21 interleaved with a multi-stage stator 30 pumps ambient air through each stage in a path that flows radially outward through impeller vanes 27 against a stator wall 32 where the air is retroverted and directed radially inward through a stator passageway 36 to the next rotor impeller 21. Flow through each stage increases air temperature so that the output air, in addition to being blown forcibly enough to pass through ductwork, is warmed enough to afford space heating.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for lubricating cables, such as speedometer cables, disposed within a tubular sheath. The apparatus comprises a coupling adapted for releasable securement to one end of the cable and includes a passageway having an outlet in communication with the interior of the cable sheath when the fitting is secured to the coupling. A pressurized container of a low viscosity lubricant is included in the device as is an on-off valve. The valve is arranged to allow an aerosol of the lubricant to be carried from the container into the coupling and from there along the entire length of the annular space between the cable and its sheath under the pressure applied by the gas to effect the lubrication of the cable.

Abstract: An electrical socket for use with a spigotted plug and intended primarily for implantation in a human or animal body, for instance to connect an electrode catheter to a cardiac pacemaker casing. The electrical socket has a body defining a bore in which an insulating body portion of a plug member may be received in a sealing manner. A block of conducting rubber is positioned in the bore and has a first recess in which the plug spigot may be received, the cross-section of the spigot being greater than that of the first recess, so that the block is deformed as the spigot enters the recess, to make an electrical connection therewith. A second recess is provided in the block of conducting rubber, spaced from said first recess, to allow accommodation of deformation of the rubber material on a spigot entering the first recess. A contact extends through the wall defining the bore, to connect with the block. The conducting rubber may be a silicone rubber loaded with platinum, titanium or carbon particles.

Abstract: A case for an implantation in a human or animal body. The case comprises a rigid plastics substrate which defines a chamber and a platinum skin arranged to overlie the substrate, the skin being formed in two or more pieces welded together--for instance by electron beam welding--to form a hermetically sealed case. The platinum skin should be from 0.1875 mm to 0.5 mm thick and is biocompatible, rendering the case suitable for implanting and containing a power pack and electronic package for a cardiac pacemaker.

Abstract: A plug and socket connector intended primarily for implantation in a human or animal body, for instance to connect an electrode catheter to a cardiac pacemaker casing. The plug member has an insulating body portion mounting a conducting spigot for connection to a conductor. The socket connector defines a bore in which the insulating body portion is received in a sealing manner. A block of conducting rubber material is positioned in the bore and has a recess in which the spigot is received, the cross-section of the recess being smaller than that of the spigot, so that the block is deformed as the spigot enters the recess, to make an electrical connection therewith. A contact extends through the wall defining the bore, to connect with the block. The conducting rubber may be a silicone rubber loaded with carbon particles.

Abstract: A device for terminating tachycardia has an input part responsive to heartbeat signals. A tachycardia rate detector is connected to the input part and is effective to give an output while heartbeat signals occur at a rate characteristic of tachycardia. A gate circuit is connected to be controlled by the output from the tachycardia rate detector and a variable delay pulse circuit is connected to receive as input pulses heartbeat signals from the input part and give output pulses each a predetermined delay after a respective input pulse, the output pulses being applied as input to the gate circuit. An output circuit connected to supply stimulating pulses to the heart, the stimulating pulses being generated in response to gated pulses received from the gate circuit. A blocking circuit is connected to the gate circuit to ensure that output pulses from the gate are inhibited during a pause period following each output pulse.