Abstract: A method of forming a low-cost drop cable (10) is disclosed. The method includes providing a protective cover material (352) having an extrusion temperature of 140° C.?TE?160° C. The protective cover material is extruded through a die (420) having a single aperture (424) that defines the cable's elongate cross-sectional shape. The extrusion process involves covering first and second strength members (30) on either side of at least one optical fiber (50). The combination of the low temperature of the extrudable protective cover material and the elongate shape of the single die aperture cause the formation of an oval cavity (20) within the extruded protective cover material. The oval cavity has major and central axes (A1, AC) and surrounds the at least one optical fiber. The strength members lie along the cavity major axis. Tensioning the strength members during extrusion and then releasing the tension causes the drop cable length to be reduced.

Abstract: An bedding apparatus is provided that allows a user the ability to control a bedroom environment using one selectable control. The apparatus includes an adjustable bedding unit and a computing unit coupled to the adjustable bedding unit. A number of controllable electronic appliances, having an effect on the bedroom environment, are electrically coupled to the computing unit. These electronic appliances are capable of being controlled by the computing unit. A user interface control unit is coupled to the computing unit. The user interface presents the user with a number of user-selectable settings that cause an adjustment in the position of the adjustable bed and at least one of the electronic appliances.

Abstract: Remotely operated rotary actuated shear wave generating apparatus and methods that generate horizontally polarized vertically propagating shear waves for use in down-hole shear wave velocity measurements. Seismic signals are generated by an offset mass rotating in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the ground, which impacts an impact member coupled to the ground. The energy of impact is transmitted to the ground parallel to the surface of the ground. The apparatus uses a spring-loaded rotating mass that has a rotary motion. Because acceleration of the mass is not horizontal, reaction forces caused by acceleration of the mass create less horizontal shear stress in the ground prior to the desired time (impact). Reaction forces of the accelerated rotating mass does not generate undesirable waves that obscure the desirable waves caused by impact with the impact member. The source generates transient shear waves repeatedly at constant intervals.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for the illumination of a dark beam when a new access terminal enters into the spot beam, and requests, through an existing gateway, the new service of a new gateway. New messages and system information elements and methods for using them are described to facilitate the illumination of the dark beam, the darkening of an illuminated beam, and situations when incomplete requests are received and when a dark beam cannot be illuminated.