Abstract: A system for aerating liquid within a liquid retention structure including a liquid delivery tube in fluid communication with a gas exchange chamber and a pump. The gas exchange chamber includes an air inlet and a gas outlet. The pump is configured to pump liquid within the liquid retention structure through the liquid delivery tube and into the gas exchange chamber so that harmful gases contained within the liquid escape from the liquid and exit through the gas outlet. Fresh air enters into the gas exchange chamber through the air inlet and is absorbed into the liquid within the gas exchange chamber.

Abstract: An optical system is provided which combines range-finding (distance measurement), sighting (target acquisition) and scanning capabilities. This single beam system uses a polarization selector and a retardation plate to take advantage of the polarization properties of light from a transmit source and of light reflected to a receiver. The system further includes scanning optics for moving the optical beam of light in relation to object in order gather information from the object. Methods for using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for associating an object with a web site is provided. An object in space is identified with unique object-identifying coordinates. These coordinates are compared with a database of object-identifying coordinates that correspond to unique web site identifiers and at least one web site identifier corresponding to the object-identifying coordinates is selected. Once the web site identifier is selected, WWW data may be downloaded relating to the object identified by the object-identifying coordinates. This data may be downloaded with minimal or no intervention from a mobile user once the system has identified the object-identifying coordinates of the object.

Abstract: A method of anonymously providing user information while browsing internet web sites by inputting a data information record into storage, dynamically generating a user alias, linking the user alias with the user data record to form a user infotmation record (UIR) and then transmitting the anonymous user information record automatically or in response to user commands. This alias identification is transmitted to a remote internet operating computer of a web site that receives the information inputted for collecting information, such as statistical or demographic information. Once the combined UIR has been formed, a communication protocol of the invention allows the user to deliver the UIR to any web site that is accessed. The protocol of the invention also allows the web site operator to read the UIR and aggregate any information it desires about the user. However, as noted, the web site can only gain access to the user's alias identification in combination with the user data.

Abstract: A reduced noise optical system is provided for use in measuring distance, range-finding and scanning. The system comprises at least one lens, at least one receiver operably positioned to receive a return beam of light reflected from an object and a limiting aperture operably aligned with the lens to limit the signal, and thus the noise, transmitted in the return beam.

Abstract: The switching system with MEMS modification of a signal wavefront implements a new type of all-optical signal switching element that uses the coherence properties of electromagnetic radiation, coupled with the materials properties of semiconductors through the application of existing Micro-machined Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology to provide signal switching apparatus that is faster in operation, smaller in size, more robust, and less expensive than existing signal switching elements found in all-optical communication switching systems. This is accomplished by the use of a semiconductor chip that has a MEMS mirror system implemented on its face. The MEMS device is constructed to operate in a pure materials flex mode, with no moving mechanical parts to wear.

Abstract: An optical system for measuring distance and for range-finding is provided. This single beam system uses a polarization selector and a retardation plate to take advantage of the polarization properties of light from a transmit source and of light reflected to a receiver. Another embodiment of the system uses the properties of certain types of transmit sources to further reduce the dimensions of the system. Methods for using the system are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for assessing location and/or proximity to a buried or submerged optical fiber cable. A seismic generator creates seismic pulses, at known frequencies, on the ground (or water) at a first location and the synchronous rotation of the polarization state of light transmitted through the optical fiber cable is detected. Other seismic pulses are generated at different locations and the polarization rotation is detected at each such location to locate a closest proximity to the cable, corresponding to a minimum or maximum of polarization rotation. A wireless synchronous signal is generated with the seismic pulses to differentially isolate the polarization rotation signal; and, if desired, to further determine distance between the cable and the source of the seismic pulse.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system for III-V integrated circuit wafers utilizes an optical transmitter/receiver assembly formed in the wafer at an early stage in the fabrication process. The optical transmitter is then activated and the optical output signal is monitored during subsequent processing steps, such as ion implantation and layer deposition to assess the quality of the process. In one embodiment, the monitoring system is useful as an endpoint detection process.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a visible or viewable alignment beam for an invisible process beam, wherein the beam generating elements are arranged in a tandem configuration to improve alignment and stability.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.