Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method of determining splice losses of mechanically terminated optical connectors in the field, without the need of terminating both sides of the fiber link. Embodiments of the present invention also provide means for improving the quality of mechanical splices as utilized in pre-polished fiber optic connectors for terminating single-mode and multimode optical fibers in the field.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method of determining splice losses of mechanically terminated optical connectors in the field, without the need of terminating both sides of the fiber link. Embodiments of the present invention also provide means for improving the quality of mechanical splices as utilized in pre-polished fiber optic connectors for terminating single-mode and multimode optical fibers in the field.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the optical insertion loss of a mechanical splice joint of two optical fibers with a laser source includes, upon initiation by a user, automatically performing the steps of: checking for ambient light, estimating the level of noise by analyzing an area of a sensor that is not illuminated by external sources and setting a noise threshold, checking self-alignment by taking a foreground image of the joint with the laser source turned on and one with it turned off, subtracting the images to obtain a resultant image, setting all pixels with levels below the noise threshold to zero, selecting a region of interest of the joint, computing a centroid and a width of the resultant image based on the region of interest, estimating a tilt and if the tilt is above a certain threshold, compensating for the tilt, and processing the resultant image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method of determining splice losses of mechanically terminated optical connectors in the field, without the need of terminating both sides of the fiber link. Embodiments of the present invention also provide means for improving the quality of mechanical splices as utilized in pre-polished fiber optic connectors for terminating single-mode and multimode optical fibers in the field.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for delivering a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprises a canister containing the pharmaceutical aerosol formulation therein; a ferrule attached to said canister, the ferrule comprising a valve body having at least one opening therein to allow a quantity of the pharmaceutical aerosol formulation to pass from the container into the valve; and a polymeric film positioned between the ferrule and the canister, the polymeric film being present so as to serve as a moisture barrier relative to said canister.

Abstract: A control system for a powered wheel chair drive modulates a pulse power delivery signal such that power is delivered gradually at throttle positions corresponding to a low speed, and power is delivered more rapidly at throttle positions corresponding to a higher speed.

Abstract: A wheel chair drive apparatus includes a frame having a wheel mount, a battery mount, and a control shaft mount. A drive wheel has a drive motor incorporated within the drive wheel. A battery is in operative communication with the drive motor via a detachable jack. A battery housing is dimensioned to mount in the battery mount of the frame and has a handle. A control shaft pivotably mounted on the control shaft mount, so that it has a stow position, and operating position, a user entry position and a table use position. A caster lever is pivotably mounted to the frame, so that it has a rolling position and an engaged position. The caster lever is disposed to engage a receiving seat on a wheel chair. A locking lever is releasably biased toward a position locking the caster lever in the engaged position.