Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensator for compensation of PMD in polarization bit interleaved (PBI) optical signals is disclosed. The control uses spectral analysis of components of the electrical output, particularly analysis of a spectral component having a frequency corresponding to the bit frequency of the two bit streams which form the bit interleaved signal. Minimising this spectral component results in alignment of the signal in the system at 45 degrees to the two principal axes. An apparatus for measuring PMD based on spectral analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive multi-station medical specimen analysis system for simultaneously analyzing a medical specimen at remote locations and accessing, for evaluation, the results of each of the analyses at a central laboratory is disclosed. A central laboratory, interacts with remote computers, through a server to review, evaluate and accept or reject specimen analyses. The server communicates with the plurality of remote computers, laboratory computer and a centralized computer via a network. Analytical instruments which are not equipped to communicate with a computer are connected through computer interface software which interprets the instrument language into the computer program language and the computer program language into the instrument language. The interactive system requests analytical tests, transmits the test results to the server databases and receives and displays data from the server databases.

Abstract: The use of regularly repeated small sections of pattern in making a complete optical grating may generate unwanted effects, such as side lobes, as a result of the regular repetition of defects in the small sections. Methods are described for disrupting the regularity of the occurrence of such defects in a grating made of a plurality of sections, thereby minimizing the likelihood of the occurrence of unwanted side lobes, for example.

Abstract: An bi-directional, interactive multi-station medical specimen analysis system for simultaneously analyzing a medical specimen at remote locations and accessing, for evaluation, the results of each of the analyses at a central laboratory is disclosed. The system is networked to a server for storing databases. A central laboratory, interacts with remote computers, through the server to review, evaluate and accept or reject specimen analyses. The server communicates with the plurality of dedicated computers, laboratory computer and a centralized computer through a LAN or WAN. Analytical instruments which are not equipped to communicate with a computer are connected through computer interface software which interprets the instrument language into the computer program language and the computer program language into the instrument language. The bi-directional, interactive system requests analytical tests, transmit the test results to the server databases and receives and displays data from the server databases.

Abstract: An interactive multi-station medical specimen analysis system for simultaneously analyzing a medical specimen at remote locations and accessing, for evaluation, the results of each of the analyses at a central laboratory is disclosed. The system comprises a server for storing databases. A central laboratory, interacts with the dedicated computers through the server to review, evaluate and either accept or reject specimen analyses. Communication means connect the server with the plurality of dedicated computers, laboratory computer and a centralized mainframe. Analytical instrument to dedicated computer interface software interprets the instrument language into the computer program language and the computer program language into the instrument language. Dedicated computer interactive means request analytical tests, transmit the test results to the server databases and receive and display data from the server databases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated analytical system which includes a plurality of remote laboratories and a central monitoring station. The remote laboratories include a specimen analysis member and a plurality of peripheral devices. The central monitoring station includes a computer for controlling predetermined functions of the peripheral devices. A local area network provides communication between each of the remote laboratories and the central monitoring station. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The system employs a robot which is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions.The mechanical functions include manipulating an analytical instrument, transporting the specimens to be analyzed through a variety of locations, and the manipulation of the container in which the specimen is housed.