John Chatillon & Sons Inc.

International Business Machines Corporation

Thompson B Vesecky

Phillip M Lintilhac

Norbert George Vogl

Robert Alan Flavin

Geoffrey Hale Purdy

Edward Payson Clarke, Jr

Perwaiz Nihal

Luis Rodriguez-Cortes

This invention is a broadband matrix switch system and method of operation. The broadband matrix switch has N number of broadband inputs, each of the broadband inputs having one or more broadband signals. The matrix switch has M number of broadband outputs. There are N number of splitters. Each of the splitters has a splitter input connected to one of the broadband inputs. Each of the splitters has M number of splitter outputs that produce the splitter output signal. There are N times M number of node switches. Each node switch is uniquely connected to one of the splitter outputs. The node switches have a control input that allows the node switch to pass the respective splitter output signal upon receiving a close command at the control input and to terminate the respective splitter output signal with an input impedance upon receiving an open command at the control input. There are M number of combiners. Each combiner has a combiner output connected to one of the broadband outputs. Each combiner further having N number of combiner inputs. Each of the combiner inputs are connected to one and only one of the inputs through the respective splitter and node switch. The node switches terminate the combiner input with an output impedance upon receiving an open command. The matrix switch further has a controller that sends one or more open commands to selected node switches to connect one or more of the broadband inputs to one or more of the broadband outputs. The matrix switch has many uses in switching and monitoring and analyzing broadband networks, for example, cable TV networks.

Broadband any point to any point switch matrix

Apparatus and methods are disclosed facilitating the application of forces and measurement of dimensions of a test subject. In one arrangement the test subject is coupled to a forcing frame and controlled forces applied thereto. Force applied to the test subject is measured and controlled. A dimensional characteristic of the test subject, such as growth, is measured by a linear variable differential transformer. The growth measurement data can be used to control the force applied. The transducer module receives force and dimensional data from the forcing frame. The transducer module is a separate, microprocessor-based unit that communicates the test data to a controller unit that controls the application of force to the test subject and receives the test data from the transducer module for force control, storage, and/or communication to the user.

Instrument for controlling the application of mechanical loads to

Apparatus and methods are disclosed facilitating the application of forces and measurement of dimensions of a test subject. In one arrangement the test subject is coupled to a forcing frame and controlled forces applied thereto by a series of guideways and sliders. The sliders, which contact the test subject are in force transmitting relation to a forcing frame. Tension, compression and bending forces can be applied to the test subject. Force applied to the test subject is measured and controlled. A dimensional characteristic of the test subject, such as growth, is measured by a linear variable differential transformer. The growth measurement data can be used to control the force applied. Substantially uniaxial stretching is achieved by placing the test subject on an elastic membrane stretched by an arrangement of members securing the elastic member to the forcing frame.

Instrument for the application of controlled mechanical loads to tissues

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Essex Junction, VT, United States of America

Thompson B Vesecky