Abstract: A Raman amplifier apparatus includes an optical transmission line with an input to receive an optical signal, an output that passes the optical signal, a first Raman gain fiber and a second Raman gain fiber. A first WDM is positioned between the second Raman gain fiber and the output. A first set of pump wavelengths is input to the first WDM. A second WDM is positioned between the first and second Raman gain fibers. A second set of pump wavelengths is input to the second WDM. At least a portion of the first set of pump wavelengths are different than the second set of pump wavelengths. The first and second set of pump wavelengths propagate in the same direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to surgical instruments, a computer program element which provides control or information relating to the surgical instruments, a computer program providing the same, a computer readable medium comprising the computer program, a method for implementing a computer-aided means of guiding a surgeon through a desired surgical procedure and to a computer aided surgical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to instruments, a computer program element, computer programs, a computer readable medium and methods for use in knee replacement operations.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting multi-media conferencing. Textual information (e.g., text associated with a presentation) is received for display during a conference session to multiple participants. For a particular participant, configuration information corresponding to the participant specifies language assistance for the textual information. Language assistance involves augmenting the textual information according to the configuration information for comprehension of the textual information by the particular participant. In one embodiment, the augmented textual information includes language translation of the textual information. Additionally, the augmented textual information can encompass definitions of terms, including acronyms. The augmented textual information is forwarded for display to the participant during the conference session.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and related compositions for altering the physical and chemical properties of a substrate used in hydrocarbon exploitation, such as in downhole drilling operations. In a preferred embodiment a method involves formulating a fluid, tailored to the specific drilling conditions, that contains one or more inactivated enzymes. Preferably the enzyme is inactivated by encapsulation in a pH responsive material. After the fluid has been introduced into the well bore, one or more triggering signals, such as a change in pH, is applied to the fluid that will activate or reactivate the inactivated enzyme, preferably by causing it to be released by the encapsulation material. The reactivated enzyme is capable of selectively acting upon a substrate located downhole to bring about the desired change in the chemical or physical properties of the substrate.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier assembly includes a Raman amplifier configured to receive a signal from a signal source. The signal travels in an upstream direction in the Raman amplifier. A first pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier. The first pump source produces a first pump beam that travels in a downstream direction and is counter-propagating relative to the signal. A second pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier and produces a second pump beam that travels in the upstream direction. The second pump source has an average relative intensity noise of less than −80 dB/Hz.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier apparatus includes an optical transmission line with an input to receive an optical signal, an output that passes the optical signal, a first Raman gain fiber and a second Raman gain fiber. A first WDM is positioned between the second Raman gain fiber and the output. A first set of pump wavelengths is input to the first WDM. A second WDM is positioned between the first and second Raman gain fibers. A second set of pump wavelengths is input to the second WDM. At least a portion of the first set of pump wavelengths are different than the second set of pump wavelengths. The first and second set of pump wavelengths propagate in the same direction.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier assembly includes a Raman amplifier configured to receive a signal from a signal source. The signal travels in an upstream direction in the Raman amplifier. A first pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier. The first pump source produces a first pump beam that travels in a downstream direction and is counter-propagating relative to the signal. A second pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier and produces a second pump beam that travels in the upstream direction. The second pump source has an average relative intensity noise of less than −80 dB/Hz.

Abstract: An amplifier apparatus includes an optical transmission line with a Raman amplification region that provides a pump to signal power conversion efficiency of at least 20%. The Raman amplification region is configured to amplify a signal with multiple wavelengths over at least a 30 nm range of wavelengths. A pump source is coupled to the optical transmission line. An input optical signal is amplified in the Raman amplification region and an output signal is generated that has at least 100 mW more power than the input optical signal.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier assembly includes a Raman amplifier configured to receive a signal from a signal source. The signal travels in an upstream direction in the Raman amplifier. A first pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier. The first pump source produces a first pump beam that travels in a downstream direction and is counter-propagating relative to the signal. A second pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier and produces a second pump beam that travels in the upstream direction. The second pump source has an average relative intensity noise of less than −80 dB/Hz.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier apparatus includes an optical transmission line with an input to receive an optical signal, an output that passes the optical signal, a first Raman gain fiber and a second Raman gain fiber. A first WDM is positioned between the second Raman gain fiber and the output. A first set of pump wavelengths is input to the first WDM. A second WDM is positioned between the first and second Raman gain fibers. A second set of pump wavelengths is input to the second WDM. At least a portion of the first set of pump wavelengths are different than the second set of pump wavelengths. The first and second set of pump wavelengths propagate in the same direction.

Abstract: An intermixing data and voice device and method that includes a screen phone. The screen phone has a screen display, a microphone, a speaker, a muter, a detector, a generator, a sender and a receiver. The detector is configured and arranged to detect a CAS tone and the generator generates an acknowledgement message in response to detection of the CAS tone in the case of the screen phone of the consumer. The detector detects the acknowledgement messages and the generator generates queries for graphics and textual support in the case of the screen phone of the business. The muter mutes the microphone and the speaker in accordance with instructions from a controller. In the case of the screen phone of the consumer, muting may arise in response to detection of the CAS tone. In the case of the screen phone of the business, muting may arise in response to answering a phone call.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier assembly includes a Raman amplifier configured to receive a signal from a signal source. The signal travels in an upstream direction in the Raman amplifier. A first pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier. The first pump source produces a first pump beam that travels in a downstream direction and is counter-propagating relative to the signal. A second pump source is coupled to the Raman amplifier and produces a second pump beam that travels in the upstream direction. The second pump source has an average relative intensity noise of less than −80 dB/Hz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a buffered acid wash to reduce the amount of oil in cuttings associated with the use of an invert emulsion well fluid. The buffered acid wash is sufficiently acidic as to convert all of the surfactant in the invert oil emulsion from one charge species into another, but substantially prevents the fluid from becoming so acidic as to generate carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A Raman amplifier apparatus includes an optical transmission line with an input to receive an optical signal, an output that passes the optical signal, a first Raman gain fiber and a second Raman gain fiber. A first WDM is positioned between the second Raman gain fiber and the output. A first set of pump wavelengths is input to the first WDM. A second WDM is positioned between the first and second Raman gain fibers. A second set of pump wavelengths is input to the second WDM. At least a portion of the first set of pump wavelengths are different than the second set of pump wavelengths. The first and second set of pump wavelengths propagate in the same direction.

Abstract: An amplifier apparatus includes an optical transmission line with a Raman amplification region that provides a pump to signal power conversion efficiency of at least 20%. The Raman amplification region is configured to amplify a signal with multiple wavelengths over at least a 30 nm range of wavelengths. A pump source is coupled to the optical transmission line. An input optical signal is amplified in the Raman amplification region and an output signal is generated that has at least 100 mW more power than the input optical signal.

Abstract: A method of significantly improving the brightness and shade properties of a high quality PCC product. The method includes providing a calcium containing feed source that contains discoloring impurities. The calcium containing feed source is formed into an aqueous slurry of calcium carbonate. Thereafter, the slurry is fine screened through a 325 mesh screen in order to yield a slurry of filler grade calcium carbonate. The filler grade calcium carbonate slurry is wet milled in order to liberate the discoloring impurities and reduce the median particle size of the calcium carbonate to less than 2 microns. The discoloring impurities are then magnetically separated from the milled calcium carbonate slurry by subjecting the slurry to a high intensity magnetic filed. After the magnetic separation step, the purified slurry may be de-watered to yield a dry powder; or alternatively, the slurry may be retained in aqueous form.

Abstract: A composition for controlling brown stain in drying wood comprising chlorathalonil and methylene bisthiocyanate.

Abstract: Cans, such as paint cans, provided with pivotable handles are handled by apparatus so that the handles are moved to an erected position. The apparatus comprises a sleeve structure through which each can is passed, and as the can passes through the sleeve structure, cam tracks on the sleeve structure engage the handle and raise it to the erected position.