Abstract: The present invention relates to an output buffer type Asynchronous Transfer Mode(ATM) switch that enables decentralized processing, which simultaneously sends multiple inputted cells to each output line, and makes implementation easy by modularization, and without speed-up, could process high-speed data inputted/outputted through input/output lines by comprising: a Batcher Sorting Network arraying, in the order of output line group number, N(N=2.sup.1, 2.sup.2, . . . , 2.sup.n, n is natural numbers) cells simultaneously inputted through N input lines of the switch; an Expanded Banyan Routing Network outputting cells arrayed in said Batcher sorting Network to the corresponding output line group containing each output line; and an Output Queueing Modules temporarily storing cells, outputted from said Expanded Banyan Routing Network, in the buffer used as a common memory and sending these cells to the final output lines.

Abstract: Phase change inks capable of passing light therethrough are suitable for color overhead transparencies, as well as plain paper printing. A composition for the ink carrier comprises an unsaturated bis-amide as a transparency enhancer, a low viscosity monoamide as a thinner material, and a polyamide resin as a base and binder.

Abstract: A surgical clip having a double-leg side and a single-leg side. When the surgical clip is closed, the movement of the single-leg side towards the double-leg side displaces the tissue being clamped through a longitudinal opening between the legs forming the double-leg side. In order to increase the gripping area of the clip, the gripping surface of the single leg is a rounded wedge shape with smooth edges (not sharp) which are parallel to the inboard side of the double legs. The rounded wedge shape is used in order to avoid cutting the clamped tissue. When the surgical clip engages with tissue to be clamped, a plane of the tissue is displaced at the clamping region which increases the force needed to displace the clip from the tissue being clamped.

Abstract: The opto-electronic morphological processor of the present invention is capable of receiving optical inputs and emitting optical outputs. The use of optics allows implementation of parallel input/output, thereby overcoming a major bottleneck in prior art image processing systems. The processor consists of three components, namely, detectors, morphological operators and modulators. The detectors and operators are fabricated on a silicon VLSI chip and implement the optical input and morphological operations. A layer of ferro-electric liquid crystals is integrated with a silicon chip to provide the optical modulation. The implementation of the image processing operators in electronics leads to a wide range of applications and the use of optical connections allows cascadability of these parallel opto-electronic image processing components and high speed operation. Such an opto-electronic morphological processor may be used as the pre-processing stage in an image recognition system.

Abstract: An improved AOTF-based imaging spectrometer that has ability to electronically set the bandpass wavelength of an AOTF to any desired value in its wide tuning range, provides significant observational flexibility. This allows observations to be tailored in real-time and enables the spectrometer to address a wide range of objectives and permits real-time modification of the observational parameters, such as in flight or in other situations in which only remote control is possible. Various improvements in optical architecture provide simplified magnification variability, improved image resolution and light throughput efficiency and reduced sensitivity to ambient light. A preferred embodiment employs a camera zoom lens as the input lens. A TeO.sub.2 AOTF and a relay lens are placed at selected distances behind the back focal plane of the input lens, respectively.

Abstract: Steel rails having reduced camber and improved wear resistance provided by enhanced rail head strength and hardness level decreasing uniformly from the rail head surface to a depth of 15 to 25 mm. are produced by a method and apparatus in which the rail is preheated below the A.sub.c3 temperature, heated above the A.sub.c3, cooled in air, cooled three dimensionally with compressed air directed on the top and at an angle of 1-10 degrees onto the sides of the rail head, and further cooled with liquid coolant.

Abstract: A variable transmission output coupler and deviationless tuner forms a part of a tunable laser cavity. The device uses frustrated total internal reflection to provide variable output coupling and laser tunability simultaneously. Two Pellin-Broca prisms are pressed against each other by a variable spring pressure mechanism. An adjustable screw regulates the variable force, controlling the thickness of an air film between two prism faces. The Pellin-Broca prisms enable tuning the laser without angular deviation of the output beam. All beams enter and exit at Brewster's Angle, minimizing losses. No coatings are used on the optical elements, reducing the possibility of damage at high operating power of the laser. The coupler may be used in pulsed as well as continuous wave lasers.

Abstract: A process for preparing phthalic acid esters of formula (I) which comprises reacting the phthalic acids of formula (II) with an aliphatic alcohol in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of the dialkyltinoxides of formula (III): ##STR1## wherein R and R.sub.1 are the same or different and include both straight and branch chain aliphatic alkyl groups containing 4 to 13 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are straight or branch chain aliphatic alkyl groups containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms.