Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for includes a beam pivotally mounted on a boom mounting adaptor, at least two electrically insulated support posts mounted to and spaced apart along the beam, and at least a first rotation coupling and a plurality of second rotation couplings. The first rotation coupling provides pivotal mounting of the beam on the boom mounting adaptor so as to provide selectively controllable rotation of the beam in a substantially vertical plane. The second rotation couplings provide selectively controllable rotation of the electrically insulated support posts about corresponding second axes of rotation between a retracted position substantially laid flush along the beam and a pick-up position ready to receive a conductor being supported. An actuated scissor linkage is mounted to the beam and the boom mounting adaptor for selectively adjusting an angular position of the beam relative to the boom mounting adaptor.

Abstract: A conductor supporting assembly includes a pair of yokes having a pair of cables extending therebetween in spaced parallel array. Actuators tension the cables so as to selectively draw the yokes toward each other along the cables. Grips cooperate with yokes for mounting the yokes in spaced apart array to and along a conductor segment of a conductor to be serviced so as to extend the conductor segment along and substantially medially between the yokes. The drawing of the yokes toward each other thereby de-tensions the conductor segment to allow for repair or service.

Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.

Abstract: A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling and/or stringing energized conductor for a high voltage power line conductor for a high voltage power line is provided. The method includes bringing components and workers to the same electrical potential and transferring power from one contractor to another. Associated apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A conductor supporting assembly includes a pair of yokes having a pair of cables extending therebetween in spaced parallel array. Actuators tension the cables so as to selectively draw the yokes toward each other along the cables. Grips cooperate with yokes for mounting the yokes in spaced apart array to and along a conductor segment of a conductor to be serviced so as to extend the conductor segment along and substantially medially between the yokes. The drawing of the yokes toward each other thereby de-tensions the conductor segment to allow for repair or service.

Abstract: An audio/video signal distribution system includes a wall plate transmitter and wall plate receiver, which communication via twisted pair cabling. In a further aspect, a method of distributing an audio/video signal is provided.

Abstract: A method is provided in which for fabricating a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit on a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. A plurality of field effect transistors (FETs) are formed, each having a channel region disposed in a common device layer within a single-crystal semiconductor layer of an SOI substrate. A gate of the first FET overlies an upper surface of the common device layer, and a gate of the second FET underlies a lower surface of the common device layer remote from the upper surface. The first and second FETs share a common diffusion region disposed in the common device layer and are conductively interconnected by the common diffusion region. The common diffusion region is operable as at least one of a source region or a drain region of the first FET and is simultaneously operable as at least one of a source region or a drain region of the second FET.

Abstract: A die-coating apparatus for forming parallel, spaced-apart stripes is advantageous for the manufacture of various materials. Stacked stripes having at least two layers and comprising at least two different materials can be formed.

Abstract: A die-coating method of forming parallel, spaced-apart stripes is advantageous for the manufacture of various materials. Each of the stripes has at least two layers comprising at least two different materials.

Abstract: A light-modulating layer formed by providing an electro-optical fluid in the form of parallel, spaced-apart stripes. In one embodiment, the electro-optical material forms a layer of a liquid-crystal material.

Abstract: A method and structure for fabricating an electronic device using an SOI technique that results in formation of a buried oxide layer. The method includes fabricating at least one first component of the electronic device and fabricating at least one second component of the electronic device, wherein the first component and the second component are on opposite sides of the buried oxide layer, thereby causing the buried oxide layer to perform a function within the electronic device. Entire circuits can be designed around this technique.

Abstract: A method and structure for fabricating an electronic device using an SOI technique that results in formation of a buried oxide layer. The method includes fabricating at least one first component of the electronic device and fabricating at least one second component of the electronic device, wherein the first component and the second component are on opposite sides of the buried oxide layer, thereby causing the buried oxide layer to perform a function within the electronic device. Entire circuits can be designed around this technique.

Abstract: An IR emitter for use in an IR repeater system includes an IR light source and a manually adjustable brightness control for adjusting the brightness to a level appropriate for an IR detector of electronic equipment to be controlled. In a preferred aspect, the emitter includes a plug-type connector having a variable resistor mounted therein. Also provided is an IR repeater system and method employing an IR emitter having a manually adjustable brightness control.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled manipulator for mounting to the end of a telescopic boom, includes at least one releasable support mounted to a cross member for releasably holding or clamping an elongate object.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled manipulator for mounting to the end of a telescopic boom, includes at least one releasable support mounted to a cross member for releasably holding or clamping an elongate object.

Abstract: The process of the present invention involves extracting components from a tobacco material or other plant material using a solvent having an aqueous character to provide separately an aqueous tobacco extract and a water insoluble tobacco portion. The insoluble tobacco portion is refined and a slurry is produced. The slurry is formed into a predetermined shape, e.g., a formed web. The formed web can be pressed to reduce the moisture content. The tobacco material preferably has a moisture content of at least about 50 percent by weight. The material is contacted with an aqueous mixture of an aerosol precursor material. The ratio of liquid having an aqueous character to aerosol precursor material is typically from about 25 to 75 percent by weight. Immediately after the introduction of the aerosol precursor material, the web is dried at a preselected temperature so that the aerosol precursor material is dispersed evenly throughout the web.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Cornus Kousa plant named "Parasol" that is particularly characterized by its branching habit resembling the spokes of an umbrella, its beautiful flower heads with numerous rounded, ivory-white bracts, and its deep red autumn foliage.