Abstract: A footwear sole having a variety of cushioning materials to prevent, reduce and/or eliminate foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsal injuries as a result of improper weight distribution to the bottom of the foot. These cushioning materials can possess differing densities and can be arranged in such a fashion so as to force the impact of the body's weight on the foot to dissipate outwards rather than straight down. The sole includes a multi-layered metatarsal design and a multi-layered heel design. When the force of the body's weight is directed downwards, it results in the wearer's heel and metatarsal absorbing the body's weight, The present invention helps to prevent or reduce this by dissipating the force outwards from the foot. An expandable ball can also be included within the heel design for further absorbing impact at heel strike.

Abstract: Dispersion may be managed in an optical network configured to transmit differential phase shift keying (DPSK) modulated signals by allowing accumulation of dispersion to thousands of ps/nm before compensating. A dispersion map providing a negative average dispersion and a minimum dispersion wavelength outside of the signal band may be employed.

Abstract: Electronic steam trap monitoring is disclosed. An electronic steam trap monitor is operably coupled to an outlet of a steam trap and is configured to measure at least one process variable of fluid (liquid or gas) flowing through the trap, when the trap is known to be working normally. The steam trap monitor stores the process variable information obtained during the known operating condition for later comparison. The steam trap monitor obtains a later process variable measurement and compares it to the stored measurement to selectively generate a leakage indication. The steam trap monitor preferably uses a local power source and communicates wirelessly.

Abstract: A large-scale MEMS device includes a MEMS die supported by at least one compliant die mount. The compliant die mount couples the MEMS die to a support structure. The support structure is positioned within a package. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the package is substantially symmetrical about the MEMS die. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the support structure and/or the package is designed to have a neutral bend axis along the MEMS die.

Abstract: A transmitter senses flow or pressure of a process fluid in a process pipe. The process pipe may include a flow restrictor positioned therein that carries a primary flow of a process fluid. Impulse piping is configured to carry a secondary flow of the process fluid from an upstream side of the flow restrictor to a downstream side. An electro-kinetic element is positioned within the impulse piping and is configured to generate an electro-kinetic potential related to the primary flow. Measurement circuitry in the transmitter is configured to measure the electro-kinetic potential across the electro-kinetic element and relate the electro-kinetic potential to the flow of process fluid through the process pipe.

Abstract: A transmitter senses flow or pressure of a process fluid in a process pipe. The process pipe may include a flow restrictor positioned therein that carries a primary flow of a process fluid. Impulse piping is configured to carry a secondary flow of the process fluid from an upstream side of the flow restrictor to a downstream side. An electro-kinetic element is positioned within the impulse piping and is configured to generate an electro-kinetic potential related to the primary flow. Measurement circuitry in the transmitter is configured to measure the electro-kinetic potential across the electro-kinetic element and relate the electro-kinetic potential to the flow of process fluid through the process pipe.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for sensing the thickness of an automobile brake pad is provided. The sensing capacitor includes a pair of parallel plates that are arranged such that brake pad wear reduces the size of one or both of the pads. The reduced size of the plate(s) is detectable as a change in capacitance between the plates. In on aspect a reference capacitor is also placed within the brake pad. The reference capacitor includes a pair of plates that do not change size during wear of the brake pad. The capacitance of the sensing capacitor can be compared to the capacitance of the reference capacitor for a more accurate indication of pad wear.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for determining characteristics of an input optical signal in an optical network. An optical signal monitoring apparatus estimates a minimum time interval between transitions in the input signal, determines a clock signal based on the estimated minimum time interval, and performs a time domain measurement on the input signal based on the determined clock signal. The optical signal monitoring apparatus samples the input signal based on the determined clock signal and determines the characteristics of the input signal.

Abstract: A single mode optical fiber manufacturing process can be monitored and/or controlled determining the mode field radius and/or the cut-off wavelength of fiber produced by the process, comparing these measured fiber parameter values to predetermined target values, and setting a process step in accordance with the result of the comparison. Both fiber parameters are determined by a procedure comprising measuring, as a function of angle, the far-field power emitted by a test fiber segment, and determining the parameters of a Gaussian function G(.theta.), typically by maximizing the value of an overlap integral.

Abstract: A flowable concrete delivery apparatus is provided in which both rigid and flexible pipe is connected in an end-to-end relationship to provide a high pressure conduit. These lengths of pipe are connected by clamps, each clamp being fixedly secured to a skid that provides a sliding protector for the clamp and prevents unwanted opening and damage to the clamp. The pipe lengths are carried by freely rotating wheels, each having a sleeve that provides a free fit on the outer diameter of a pipe length. The conduit is moved by a hook tool, this tool having one end formed with a handle and the other end with a bifurcated hook that is contoured to releaseably engage the outer diameter of a pipe. An attendant manipulates and moves this hook tool to position and arrange the conduit pipe in the desired delivery position. Although a great convenience, the hook tool is not required by the attendant in every instance as the wheels enable the attendant to grasp and move the pipe conduit when the occasion arises.

Abstract: An automatic tool changer in which tools carried by an indexable magazine are brought to a tool transfer station, from which a first one of two independently pivoted transfer arms of a tool transfer mechanism takes the tool from the magazine and -- by X axis translation of the transfer mechanism -- carries that tool to a tool-ready position close to the spindle, but held in an inverted position. Upon completion of the operation being performed by the tool in the spindle, and stopping of the spindle, the transfer mechanism is given Y axis translation and additional X axis translation, to bring the pivot axis of the two transfer arms to a spindle transfer position in which the second transfer arm is in position to swing in an arc tangent to the spindle axis, so that -- upon 180.degree. of such swinging motion -- this second transfer arm is brought into position to grasp the tool in the spindle and, by swinging in the opposite direction, withdraw the tool from the spindle and hold it in an inverted position.