Abstract: The invention relates to an optical arrangement (20) and to a method of examining or processing an object (46). Here, a first laser pulse with a first central wavelength and a second laser pulse with a second central wavelength different from the first central wavelength are generated. Both pulses are superimposed in or on the object (46) such that multi-photon absorption takes place there with the involvement of at least one photon of the first laser pulse and at least one photon of the second laser pulse.

Abstract: A fixed pattern noise of an image converter is automatically determined. A first optical image is converted using the image converter into digital image data, the light level of the first optical image is determined, the light level of the first optical image is compared with a threshold value, and the image converter characteristics of the image converter are reset to a dark image setting in such a way that the image data generated over the photosensitive imaging surface of the image converter at constant distribution of the determined light level include no component produced by the light level. Immediately thereafter, using the dark image setting previously set, a first dark image is recorded.

Abstract: A method for the surface tribological decontamination of nuclear fuel rods automates surface wiping by one or more bands of fabric. The band is distant from the axis of the rod, the rod is placed facing the band, and then the band is tensioned around the surface of the rod and moved. The rod may be immobile, moved in pure translation along its axis or with a wide-step helical movement. Preferably, the decontamination is carried by two bands simultaneously, so as to cover the total surface in one pass of the rod.

Abstract: A device for assisting a driver in steering a vehicle along a bottleneck. The device has a bottleneck detection unit which is configured to detect bottleneck information for characterizing a bottleneck in which the vehicle is located. A bottleneck information processing unit is configured to process the detected bottleneck information in order to derive therefrom assistance information for assisting the driver in steering the vehicle along the bottleneck. An actuation unit is provided and is configured to actuate a light source of the vehicle in such a way that the light source generates a light pattern, which can be seen by the driver, outside the vehicle, which light pattern displays the assistance information to the driver.

Abstract: A method for the surface tribological decontamination of nuclear fuel rods automates surface wiping by one or more bands of fabric. The band is distant from the axis of the rod, the rod is placed facing the band, and then the band is tensioned around the surface of the rod and moved. The rod may be immobile, moved in pure translation along its axis or with a wide-step helical movement. Preferably, the decontamination is carried by two bands simultaneously, so as to cover the total surface in one pass of the rod.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laser system with a frequency comb generator for generating a comb of optical frequencies having an offset frequency and a plurality of equidistant modes. The laser system further preferably includes at least one stabilizer for stabilizing the frequency comb onto a certain offset frequency and/or onto a certain mode spacing. The laser system further includes an optical amplifier for amplifying the frequency comb coupled out of the frequency comb generator, the amplification factor of this amplifier being variable; and the amplifier is followed by a Raman medium for generating a Raman shift of the frequency comb.

Abstract: A recording device for distance images becomes multi-target-enabled by means of the arrival of light pulses reflected at object regions at different distances being temporally resolved. This is done using extrema of the gradient of a correlation function between the received light pulses and a time window during which sensor elements of a camera are activated.

Abstract: A unipolar semiconductor laser is provided in which an active region is sandwiched in a guiding structure between an upper and lower cladding layer, the lower cladding layer being situated on a semiconducting substrate. The unipolar semiconductor laser comprises a raised ridge section running from end to end between end mirrors defining the laser cavity. The ridge section aids in optical and electrical confinement. The ridge waveguide is divided in a plurality of cavity segments (at least two). Lattice structures can be arranged on and/or adjacent to these cavity segments. Each cavity segment is in contact with upper metallic electrodes. A metallic electrode coupled to the bottom surface of the semiconducting substrate facilitates current injection through the device.

Abstract: A fixed pattern noise of an image converter is automatically determined. A first optical image is converted using the image converter into digital image data, the light level of the first optical image is determined, the light level of the first optical image is compared with a threshold value, and the image converter characteristics of the image converter are reset to a dark image setting in such a way that the image data generated over the photosensitive imaging surface of the image converter at constant distribution of the determined light level include no component produced by the light level. Immediately thereafter, using the dark image setting previously set, a first dark image is recorded.

Abstract: Melt granulate in the form of a solid state dispersion of the drug in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said melt granulate comprises a pharmaceutically active compound, preferably clopidogrel, at least one carrier material, and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and method of making said melt granulate.

Abstract: A recording device for distance images becomes multi-target-enabled by means of the arrival of light pulses reflected at object regions at different distances being temporally resolved. This is done using extrema of the gradient of a correlation function between the received light pulses and a time window during which sensor elements of a camera are activated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the administration of a subscriber SIM card 3 inserted in the main smartcard reader of a mobile telephone of the type including a second smartcard reader, using an additional administrator smartcard temporarily inserted in this second reader. The administrator smartcard includes at least one specific loader (Ch) applet and one or more files (f1-fn) corresponding to the applets (A1-An) which can be loaded in the SIM card under the control of the loader (Ch). The administrator card complies with the Sim Toolkit standard. The method can also be used to carry out the deletion, modification and various operations on data or applets (A1-An) present in the SIM card: display, determination of the memory space, etc. The invention also concerns an embedded system, more particularly a smartcard, for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laser system with a frequency comb generator for generating a comb of optical frequencies having an offset frequency and a plurality of equidistant modes, wherein the laser system further preferably comprises at least one stabilizer for stabilizing the frequency comb onto a certain offset frequency and/or onto a certain mode spacing. The laser system further comprises an optical amplifier for amplifying the frequency comb coupled out of the frequency comb generator, the amplification factor of this amplifier being variable; and the amplifier is followed by a Raman medium for generating a Raman shift of the frequency comb.

Abstract: A monolithic composition includes alfuzosin in a polymeric matrix adapted to release 13-33% of the alfuzosin within 2 hours, 40-60% of the alfuzosin within 7 hours, and greater than 80% of the alfuzosin within 20 hours of administration. A unit dosage form includes: a heterogeneous mixture of alfuzosin hydrochloride anhydrate, lactose monohydrate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and magnesium stearate, wherein the heterogeneous mixture is heterogeneously distributed throughout the unit dosage form. A manufacturing process includes: mixing a hydrophilic polymer and alfuzosin to provide a blend; granulating the blend to provide granules; drying the granules on a dryer to provide dried granules; sizing the dried granules to provide sized granules; mixing the sized granules with a lubricant to obtain a mixture; and compressing the mixture to obtain a tablet. A method of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, includes administering to a patient the composition or unit dosage form once a day.

Abstract: A unipolar semiconductor laser is provided in which an active region is sandwiched in a guiding structure between an upper and lower cladding layer, the lower cladding layer being situated on a semiconducting substrate. The unipolar semiconductor laser comprises a raised ridge section running from end to end between end mirrors defining the laser cavity. The ridge section aids in optical and electrical confinement. The ridge waveguide is divided in a plurality of cavity segments (at least two). Lattice structures can be arranged to these cavity segments. Each cavity segment is in contact with upper metallic electrodes. A metallic electrode coupled to the bottom surface of the semiconducting substrate facilitates current injection through the device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the administration of a subscriber SIM card 3 inserted in the main smartcard reader of a mobile telephone of the type including a second smartcard reader, using an additional administrator smartcard temporarily inserted in this second reader. The administrator smartcard includes at least one specific loader (Ch) applet and one or more files (fl-fn) corresponding to the applets (A1-An) which can be loaded in the SIM card under the control of the loader (Ch). The administrator card complies with the Sim Toolkit standard. The method can also be used to carry out the deletion, modification and various operations on data or applets (A1-An) present in the SIM card: display, determination of the memory space, etc. The invention also concerns an embedded system, more particularly a smartcard, for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: A security stopper or other closure for a bottle comprises a valve which rests upon its seat except when the contents of a bottle are to be poured out through the stopper which thereby serves as a dispenser. The valve and seat arrangement is located at the lower portion of the plug-like body, the upper portion of which is provided from top to bottom with an upper baffle, an intermediate grill and a lower baffle to prevent access to the valve by a tool inserted through the pouring spout of the dispenser and thereby precluding refilling by dislocation of the valve.