Abstract: An optical device and system and method for monitoring a fault condition in an optical device. A loop-back path couples a portion of an optical signal from a first transmission path to a second transmission path as a loop-back signal. The loop-back path includes at least one optical attenuator configured to attenuate the loop-back signal in response to at least one detected condition. The loop-back signal may be detected by line monitoring equipment, where the attenuation imparted by the attenuator is interpreted as corresponding to the detected condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the detection of cardiac events (a guardian system) that includes an implanted device called a cardiosaver, a physician's programmer and an external alarm system. The system is designed to provide early detection of cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction or exercise induced myocardial ischemia caused by an increased heart rate or exertion. The system can also alert the patient with a less urgent alarm if a heart arrhythmia is detected. Using one or more detection algorithms, the cardiosaver can detect a change in the patient's electrogram that is indicative of a cardiac event within five minutes after it occurs and then automatically warn the patient that the event is occurring. To provide this warning, the guardian system includes an internal alarm sub-system (internal alarm means) within the cardiosaver and/or an external alarm system (external alarm means).

Abstract: The present invention provides a divider curtain for attachment to a non-linear superstructure. The divider curtain includes a screen having an upper end and lower end. The upper end is adapted to engage the non-linear superstructure and to conform to the shape of the non-linear superstructure. The lower end has a straight horizontal edge when the screen is in a lowered position. The lower end is adapted to conform to the shape of the non-linear superstructure when the screen is in a raised position.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for controlling the power level of a laser signal in free space communication, a communication terminal transmits an output laser beam into free space and also receives information, through a channel that is not free space laser based, about the power of the output laser beam measured at a distance and at different times. The terminal determines whether a drop in the power of the output laser beam measured at the distance is due to atmospheric effects based on the received information. The terminal increases the power level of the output laser beam to a desired level if the power drop is determined to be due to atmospheric effects. On the other hand, the terminal lowers the power of the output laser beam to a predetermined level if the power drop is determined to be due to blockage thus avoiding harm to accidental observers that might intrude into the path of the laser beams.

Abstract: An optical device and system and method for monitoring a fault condition in an optical device. A loop-back path couples a portion of an optical signal from a first transmission path to a second transmission path as a loop-back signal. The loop-back path includes at least one optical attenuator configured to attenuate the loop-back signal in response to at least one detected condition. The loop-back signal may be detected by line monitoring equipment, where the attenuation imparted by the attenuator is interpreted as corresponding to the detected condition.

Abstract: The inventive mechanisms convert a path, which represents a graphical object, into a plurality of line segments. Thus, the path can be reshaped without respect to existing Bezier control points. The first mechanism allows a user to ‘pull’ a segment of a path. A user selects a specific place on the path, pulls the selected place along with a portion of the path on either side of the place to a desired location. The second mechanism allows a user to ‘push’ a segment of a path, by using an arbitrary shape and sculpting the path. The arbitrary shape is used in a manner similar in which a sculptor would use a putty knife and sculpts away part of the path, by pushing that shape into the path. The path is being repelled from the shape, as the shape is being pushed. The third mechanism allows a user to reshape an area or region of the path. The user selects a specific point in space and modify any parts of the path that lie within that region of space.

Abstract: A system and method for generating real time calligraphic curves from an input source. The input can be a stylus and the angle of attack of the line with respect to a surface can be fixed or variable. The calligraphic curve can have a fixed or variable width which can be point by point edited to form a new calligraphic curve.

Abstract: A system and method in which derived graphic elements are generated automatically upon changes made to the defining graphic elements or generation parameters. A user need only modify the defining element(s) and the system will eliminate any originally derived elements and substitute therefor any newly created derived elements. The system is arranged to inhibit the generation of the derived elements until all of the changes associated with all of the defining element(s) have been made. The regeneration of the derived elements is performed once even if multiple defining elements have been modified.

Abstract: A workpiece separating and unloading device is disclosed for use with vibratory finishing machines of the type comprising a generally circular or annular finishing bowl; the device comprises a generally horizontally disposed workpiece separating screening assembly and a dam or weir which is movably supported so as to be positionable above the level of the finishing media and workpieces within the bowl during a normal finishing operation and being selectively movable to a downward or lower position extending generally transversely of the path of movement of the workpieces and media within the bowl to cause the media-workpiece mixture to be moved onto the upper surface of the separator screen whereby the workpieces are conveyed to some predetermined destination and the finishing media drops downwardly through the separator screen back into the interior of the finishing bowl; the dam or weir is mounted upon a pivot arm which is secured within the central enclosure or dome of the finishing bowl and is pivotable a

Abstract: A workpiece holding apparatus for spindle finishing machines and the like, the apparatus including a plurality of radially arranged workpiece holders mounted for rotation about a first axis and including cooperating gear elements for rotating each of the holders about its respective longitudinal axis in response to rotation of the entire assemblage of holders about the first mentioned axis; a cam arrangement is provided whereby each of the holders may be actuated between a first condition securing workpieces on the holders and a second condition permitting workpieces to be removed, such as after a finishing operation has been completed.