Abstract: Generation of variable differential group delay An apparatus for generating variable DGD is particularly for use in a PMD compensator. The apparatus has first, second and third birefringent elements arranged in order between the input and output of the compensator and having first, second and third differential group delays (DGDs) in the ratio 1:2:1. The orientation of the PSPs of the signal in each element relatively to the principal axes of the element is controlled, such that a change in orientation between the first and second elements is equal and opposite to a change in orientation between the second and third elements. This arrangement provides symmetrical relative rotations of the signal PSPs and principal axes about the central birefringent element. In combination with the 1:2:1 ratio, it can be shown that compensation of any first order PMD can be achieved without the compensator introducing additional second order PMD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain imine-substituted heterocyclic compounds, and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise one or more such compounds. Compounds of the invention are particularly useful for the treatment or prophylaxis of neurological injury and neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: Markedly enhanced activity of pacemaker (hyperpolarization-activated, cation-nonselective, HCN) ion channels governs spontaneous firing in sensory cells of allodynic rats. An HCN ion channel specific blocker, ZD7288, dose-dependently and completely suppresses allodynia. Nerve injury increases the population of large DRG neurons expressing a high density of Ih and modulates HCN mRNA expression. New methods of treating pain by targeting HCN pacemaker channels are developed. In addition, new methods for identifying compositions useful for treating pain are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a flexible polymer modified waterproofing cement material which can be used on a substrate or in concealed areas of construction engineering, water conservancy projects, municipal works, and its making process. The waterproofing material is made by kneading a hydraulic cement, a polymer dispersion, a water-soluble polymer or re-dispersible resin and water at a weight ratio of cement/polymer of about 100:15 to about 100:150 under conditions of about 25° C. to about 120° C., about 20 rpm to about 80 rpm until the water content of the kneaded materials reaches about 5% to about 20%. The kneaded material is mixed with a toughening polymer at a weight ratio of about 100:10 to about 100:50, then is calendered into sheets. These materials can adhere to dry or wet substrates firmly. They can be used in cold or hot and wet climate areas. After application, the waterproofing structure formed can bear retractive stress and deformation of the base or can resist outer impact.

Abstract: Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for tuning a regulator in a process controller. The digitized output from a standard relay and a parasitic relay are fed through digital to analog converter providing signals at 0.5&ohgr;c, &ohgr;c and 1.5&ohgr;c to the process, where &ohgr;c is the process critical frequency. The apparatus records the digitized relay output u′ and the digitized process output y′ until stationary oscillations are reached. The outputs u′ and y′ are then used to calculate the process frequency response at 0.50&ohgr;c, &ohgr;c and 1.5&ohgr;c. This data is then used to design the regulator, the output of which is converted to analog form and inputted to control the process.

Abstract: A simple yet effective and robust identification method is presented using process step responses for process identification that can provide a continuous transfer function with time-delay without iteration. A cascade relay provides accurate and reliable more points on the process frequency response. The internal model principle is employed to design single-loop controller of PID or high-order types with best achievable control performance for controller tuning, e.g. both single and multivariable cases are covered. The process identification and control design portions can be easily integrated into a control system auto-tuning package. Further, a general control scheme for disturbance rejection is given which can significantly improve disturbance rejection performance over conventional feedback systems with time delays. Practical issues such as noises, real-time implementation and tuning guidelines are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutically useful substituted guanidines, and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise one or more of such guanidines.

Abstract: This invention provides a flexible polymer modified waterproofing cement material which can be used on a substrate or in concealed areas of construction engineering, water conservancy projects, municipal works, and its making process. The waterproofing material is made by kneading a hydraulic cement, a polymer dispersion, a water-soluble polymer or re-dispersible resin and water at a weight ratio of cement/polymer of about 100:15 to about 100:150 under conditions of about 25° C. to about 120° C., about 20 rpm to about 80 rpm until the water content of the kneaded materials reaches about 5% to about 20%. The kneaded material is mixed with a toughening polymer at a weight ratio of about 100:10 to about 100:50, then is calendered into sheets. These materials can adhere to dry or wet substrates firmly. They can be used in cold or hot and wet climate areas. After application, the waterproofing structure formed can bear retractive stress and deformation of the base or can resist outer impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutically useful substituted guanidines, and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise one or more of such guanidines.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutically useful substituted guanidines, and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise one or more of such guanidines.

Abstract: A refill assembly for refilling a printer ink cartridge having a bleed hole. The assembly includes a base unit for containing and holding the cartridge and an ink supply for containing ink for refilling the cartridge. The ink supply includes a nozzle and piston in a cylinder for dispensing the ink through the nozzle. The base unit includes an adaptor having a first end for joining with the nozzle and a second end for joining to the bleed hole by pressing against a surface of the cartridge around the bleed hole, enabling a flow of ink from the ink supply into the cartridge.

Abstract: A frequency domain auto-tuning and continually adapting control regulating apparatus is applied to a linear stable process. A FFT based identification is applied to non-transformable samples of transient signals to obtain simultaneous and accurate multiple-point estimates of a frequency domain approximation of the process transfer function as an estimate of a frequency response. A linear least squares multiple-point-fitting process provides regulator design parameters. A multiple-point-fitting transfer function modeling process is disclosed, and an adaptive regulator design process is applied to compensate for changes in the process set-point or for load disturbances. In addition, techniques are provided for auto-tuning of multivariable regulators.

Abstract: A polarization independent optical resonator comprising a phase-shifted grating structure is disclosed and analyzed. An application as a polarization independent optical wavelength filter with ultra-narrow bandwidth and fine tunability is described.

Abstract: Improved electrochemical sensors are provided through isostatic processing techniques. Improved electrochemical sensors, especially those suitable for use in metallurgical melts, having, at once, long-term stability, improved sensitivity, and improved physical properties including thermal shock resistance are provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, unitary bodies comprising the sensing electrolyte and a source of reference potential are fabricated through isostatic processing techniques. Methods for the preparation of these improved sensors together with methods for the improvement of sensing, especially of oxygen in metallurgical melts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved electrochemical sensors are provided through isostatic processing techniques. Improved electrochemical sensors, especially those suitable for use in metallurgical melts, having, at once, long-term stability, improved sensitivity, and improved physical properties including thermal shock resistance are provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, unitary bodies comprising the sensing electrolyte and a source of reference potential are fabricated through isostatic processing techniques. Methods for the preparation of these improved sensors together with methods for the improvement of sensing, especially of oxygen in metallurgical melts are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved gaseous sulfur dioxide galvanic cell is formed by utilizing a solid electrolyte composed of a mixture of lithium sulfate and silver sulfate. A reference electrode is formed by placing a solid mixture of the electrolyte mixture and metallic silver in contact with a portion of the surface of the solid electrolyte. A gas-type detector electrode is provided by contacting the solid electrolyte with a gold lead at a point spatially separated from the contact point between the reference electrode and electrolyte. Catalyst means are preferably provided to convert the sulfur dioxide to an equilibrium mixture of sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide near the electrolyte detector electrode surface. The electrolyte is preferably heated to a temperature at which it is a two-phased mixture of solid solutions for increased long term stability.

Abstract: Materials, methods and articles for the electrochemical determination of sulfur and carbon in fluids are provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, an electrolyte is furnished comprising a solid solution of an oxide of either zirconium, thorium or hafnium together with an oxide of an element of groups IIA or IIIB of the periodic table of the elements together with a sulfide or carbide of an element of groups IIA or IIIB of the periodic table. Processes employing such electrolytes together with articles incorporating them are also contemplated.