Abstract: A digital frying pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data for display on a LCD. A warning buzzer or LED warns the user of completed cooking. The frying pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. The invention also provides a remote sensing food doneness system for remotely viewing and then determining food temperature and/or food doneness. The remote system uses thermal imaging optics and thermal sensing techniques to remotely sense food temperature. Preferably a second optical element images the food onto a CCD to display an image of the food to a user. The system is mounted by a user who views the CCD to ensure appropriate placement in line of sight from the food.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the attenuation level of a semiconductor VOA relative to an absolute temperature of the VOA without the use of a power monitor is provided. The method includes the step of providing a variable optical attenuator for attenuating the optical signal. The variable optical attenuator is instructed to maintain the desired attenuation level of the optical signal. The temperature of the variable optical attenuator is periodically sensed, and a required voltage level is determined to achieve the desired attenuation level based at least partially on the periodically sensed temperature of the VOA. The method can further include the step of increasing and decreasing a voltage to the VOA to achieve the required voltage level and thus the desired attenuation level.

Abstract: A method for improving the bit error rate of a modulated optical signal transmitted over single mode fiber is provided. The modulating voltage supplied to a single arm or alternatively to both arms of a Mach-Zehnder modulator is increased to result in a reduced extinction ratio of the modulated optical signal. This results in an optimum optical signal with a reduced bit error rate at a receiver coupled to the Mach-Zehnder modulator.

Abstract: A broach tool including a row of longitudinally aligned cutting inserts (22) spaced apart by removable insert support members (25). The insert support members (25) and the cutting inserts (22) each have a root portion captured within the main body of the broach tool. Bracing support is provided to each of the cutting inserts (22) during a broaching operation by one of the insert support members (25).

Abstract: A digital frying pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data for display on a LCD. A warning buzzer or LED warns the user of completed cooking. The frying pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. The invention also provides a remote sensing food doneness system for remotely viewing and then determining food temperature and/or food doneness. The remote system uses thermal imaging optics and thermal sensing techniques to remotely sense food temperature. Preferably a second optical element images the food onto a CCD to display an image of the food to a user. The system is mounted by a user who views the CCD to ensure appropriate placement in line of sight from the food.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power source for use in electronic articles to assist in the location of misplaced articles, and to a method for enabling a battery-operated electronic apparatus to recognize a desired actuation sound used by a lost article detector unit in deciding whether to activate a locating signal. The power source includes a power cell for supplying electrical energy to the electronic article, and a lost article detector module mounted to the power cell. The lost article detector module includes an input transducer that generates an internal signal in response to an audible sound and a locator signal generator that generates a locator signal in response to detection by the detector module of a desired actuating frequency of the audible sound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated battery for a portable telephone. The integrated battery includes a battery for the portable telephone and a flashlight powered by the battery. The battery has at least one exposed surface as mounted to the portable telephone and the flashlight is mounted to be substantially flush with the at least one exposed surfaces of the battery so as to project a beam of light axially of the portable telephone. The battery enclosure further includes an ON/OFF switch disposed on the at least one exposed surfaces of the battery.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a cylindrical cutter block rotatably mounted and a drive to rotate the cutter block. Front and rear sole plates support the tool on a work piece.