Abstract: An industrial oven uses bi-directional expansion joints to accommodate lateral and longitudinal movement intersecting support beams of the oven's structural framework resulting from expansion of the support beams, the supported beams, and/or other oven components. The intersecting support beams may, for instance, comprise either roof purlins 1) and underlying roof trusses or 2) floor support members and underlying oven base support beams. Each bi-directional expansion joint includes a bracket permitting relative longitudinal and lateral movement between the support beams and the associated supported beams. The brackets preferably comprise L-shaped brackets each having 1) a vertical leg connected to the associated supported beam(s), 2) a horizontal leg connect to the associated support beam, and 3) expansion slots permitting lateral movement between the support beam and the bracket and longitudinal movement between the supported beam(s) and the bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an LCD backlight are described. An LCD backlight system includes: a beam bending and viewing film including a first side including a surface diffuser and a second side including a plurality of substantially parallel optical elements, each of the plurality of substantially parallel optical elements including a first facet that includes a refractive surface and a second facet that includes a total internal reflection surface. The systems and methods provide advantages in that light from the LCD backlight is bright and homogenous.

Abstract: A modular optical transmission cable which has several reinforcement and optical modules, each optical module having:a sheathed optical fiber, coated with:an intermediate decoupling layer, and witha rigid shell forming a microcarrier,a reinforcement module being associated with an optical module, the modules being molded in an external sheath. A flexible reinforcement module is associated with at least one optical module that is self-reinforced against compression in order to obtain a cable having high flexibility combined with high compressive strength. The disclosure can be applied in the field of optical fiber cables and especially that of the reinforcement structures of such cables and fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wax emulsion having thixotropic properties comprising a wax; an emulsifier, and a naphthenic oil.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a neural network based portable absorption spectrometer system for real-time automatic evaluation of tissue injury are described. An apparatus includes an electromagnetic signal generator; an optical fiber connected to the electromagnetic signal generator; a fiber optic probe connected to the optical fiber; a broad band spectrometer connected to the fiber optic probe; and a hybrid neural network connected to the broad band spectrometer. The hybrid neural network includes a principle component analyzer of broad band spectral data obtained from said broad band spectrometer.

Abstract: A logic machine and a circuit for producing an authentication code for authenticating smart cards which include a cycle of steps wherein a bit word is read out of a secret memory with a plurality of bit words, and words read out during previous cycles are combined. The result of the combination is used as a generator word for generating the address of the word to be read out in the next cycle.

Abstract: A method of determining the wavelength of light transmitted in an optical fiber comprises the steps of filtering the light using a filter, and then detecting the filtered light, and then determining the wavelength of the filtered light. The filter comprises a fiber grating which is recorded in a portion of the optical fiber. The fiber grating preferably has a modulated index of refraction with a modulation amplitude that varies from a first end to a second end of the fiber grating, and a modulation period defined by a grating constant that varies from the first end to the second end of the fiber grating. The fiber grating at least partially prevents transmission of light within a wavelength spectrum, and prevents transmission of a substantially larger portion of the light at a first end of the wavelength spectrum than at a second end of the wavelength spectrum. Therefore, the wavelength of the filtered light can be determined by determining a proportion of the light which was transmitted by the filter.

Abstract: A rotor composite type three-phase stepping motor having a stator consisting of two stator elements each having 6 n pieces of stator magnetic pole with Ns pieces of pole tooth formed on the tip end of each stator magnetic pole, and a permanent magnet held by the two stator elements therebetween, a rotor of magnetic material arranged so as to face to a periphery of the stator through an air gap, Nr pieces of pole tooth being formed on a periphery of the rotor, and exciting windings wound around each stator magnetic pole of the stator elements consisting of two sets of three-phase windings each wound around 3 n pieces of stator magnetic pole among the 6 n pieces of stator magnetic pole. A mechanical degree angle formed between the adjacent magnetic poles in the 3 n pieces of magnetic pole with each set of three-phase windings is 60.degree. m/n and a mechanical degree angle formed between the 3 n pieces of magnetic pole with each set of three-phase windings is (60.degree. m/n-.theta.

Abstract: A hot mix applicator having a hose for transporting heated flowable material, preferably hot mix material, that has an outer casing telescoped over a flexible inner conduit. Slidably, telescopically received within the conduit is tubing comprised a single strip of thin metal helically coiled such that adjacent edges engage to form axially compressible tubing which limits bending to resist conduit kinking and crush. The conduit is attached at each end to a fitting assembly with each fitting assembly immovably fixed by an outer collar to the casing for transmitting hose tension through the casing and away from the more fragile conduit. The casing is comprised of a rubber sidewall reinforced with wire for resisting kinking, crushing, and twisting. Preferably, there is a gap between the casing and conduit that helps insulate the conduit. Each fitting assembly preferably includes a swivel fitting at least partially received within the casing to insulate it.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor and method of making the conveyor having a frame to which a locator sheet having accurately punched and shaped locator holes for locating spring mounts fixed to the frame. Each mount preferably is a plug having corners which engage notches of one of the holes to accurately locate the plug. Each hole also has a portion which extends beyond the periphery of the plug to expose the frame so that the plug can be welded to the frame. After welding, a protective washer is slipped over each plug and welded to the plug and sheet. When located and fixed in this manner, each mount is located relative to one end of the conveyor, angularly located, and horizontally located. The sheet or another locator sheet can also have other holes to locate other conveyor components such as cross tubes, braces, and the conveyor drive. Each sheet preferably is constructed of corrosion resistant cladding for enabling a less corrosion resistant material to be used for the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing biological samples includes a unique surface which promotes adhesion, growth and optical analysis of samples. The unique surface is formed at the bottom of each well of a microplate and provides increased surface area with a distribution of features operative also to shape and redirect light used to sense test results. The unique surface may be used in forms such as a monolith, a microplate, a chamber, a flask and others.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring energy dissipation during oscillatory operation of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Interaction between the AFM's probe and another medium of interest dissipates energy. This dissipation is reflected by an effect on one or more parameters of probe oscillation such as the amplitude of probe tip oscillation and/or the phase of the probe tip relative to the probe's base. The invention is capable of obtaining an indication of energy dissipated during operation of the AFM by measuring one or more of these parameters and by combining them to produce an energy dissipation signal. In the typical case in which the medium of interest is the sample, an indication is obtained of energy dissipated due to interaction between the probe tip and the sample surface.

Abstract: A microwave switch comprising a connection assembly which has multiple positions and a drive assembly which places the connection assembly into a selected one of the positions at a time. The microwave switch may, for example, be a microwave T-switch or another type of microwave switch. The drive assembly includes an actuator plate which is mechanically coupled to reeds of the connection assembly and places the connection assembly into the selected position. During operation of the switch, a magnetic force of the permanent magnet is substantially the only holding force that holds the actuator plate in place in at least one direction. In another aspect, the drive assembly further comprises multiple movable links which mechanically couple arms of the actuator plate to various reeds. Each movable link comprises first and second generally flat members. Within each respective one of the movable links, the first member and second members are spaced by different amounts from the actuator plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for combining a mineral acid and a polymer additive in an asphalt composition are described. Methods of preparing a polymer modified asphalt include providing a source of a neat asphalt; heating the neat asphalt; providing a source of a polymer; adding the polymer to the neat asphalt to form a blend; providing a source of a dilution asphalt; and adding the blend to the dilution asphalt to form a diluted product. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the addition of the mineral acid widens the temperature range in which satisfactory performance from a given polymer asphalt composition can be achieved or, as a corollary, reduces the amount of polymer additive that would otherwise be needed to achieve satisfactory performance within a given temperature range.

Abstract: A magnet type stepping motor which has (1) a stator with three-phase stator windings, and 6 m pieces of stator main pole arranged side by side, where m is an integer and.gtoreq.1, the stator windings of one phase are wound around every two stator main poles among the 6 m pieces of the stator main pole, wherein when the stator windings of one phase are excited with a direct current, m pieces of N pole and M pieces of S pole are formed alternately on the 6 m pieces of stator main pole, and (2) a rotor of a cylindrical permanent magnet magnetized in the circumferential direction to form Z/2 pieces of N pole and Z/2 pieces of S pole alternately, where Z is the number of rotor poles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an integrated approach lighting system are described. An integrated approach lighting system includes a threshold bar and a plurality of lighting towers. The systems and methods provide advantages in that pilots are given a precise three dimensional visual reference to the aircraft's position relative to the runway's centerline, threshold crossing and height above the airfield. This provides the pilot with a higher concentration of visual information to insure faster decision making and an easier, more accurate and safe approach to landing.

Abstract: A refiner for refining material has a refiner disc arrangement whereby the outermost opposed refiner disc annuli have a particular corresponding refiner surface arrangement. A carrier element has a mounting surface, a central axis, and defines a plane generally perpendicular to its axis of rotation. An annular first disc is carried on the mounting surface concentrically relative to the central axis and has a first refiner surface facing outward relative to the mounting surface. A plurality of refiner bars protrudes axially from and extends generally radially along the refiner surface. A second carrier element is spaced from and confronts the first carrier element and has a second mounting surface thereon. An annular second disc is carried on the second mounting surface concentrically relative to the central axis and has a second refiner surface confronting the first refiner surface. A plurality of second refiner bars protrudes axially from and extends generally radially along the second refiner surface.

Abstract: An individually wrapped absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is simple, compact, sanitary, and easy to unwrap for use and to dispose of after use. The absorbent article avoids the need for a separate peel strip and pouch because it is provided with a wrapper that can be folded into a pouch. Substantially the entire backsheet of the absorbent article directly faces the wrapper and is secured to it to form an assembly. In the case of a winged or tabbed type absorbent article, this configuration obviates the need for a separate peel strip to cover the garment adhesive located on the wings or tabs. The assembly is wrapped by folding the lateral flaps thereof longitudinally over one another to enclose the article to prevent the garment adhesive from becoming contaminated. The package is then tri-folded laterally to form an e-shaped pouch. Wrapping and folding are performed by an in-line process that uses simple equipment and that does not require reversal in the direction of article conveyance.

Abstract: A back support device has a pair of short crutches each having a shaft with an upper end and an armpit rest carried on the upper end. A pair of ball and socket connections each removably and pivotally support a lower end of each of the crutches. The lower ends of the crutches are each positioned adjacent one of a pair of pelvic bones of an individual and anchored at a fixed point either surgically or non-surgically. Each shaft extends upward from a respective one of the ball and socket connections to a respective one of the armpit rests. The lower ends of the crutches are free to rotate about the respective fixed points relative to the ball and socket connections according to movement of the individual. Unobstructed upper body movement is assured, while the vertical downward forces in the lower back vertebrae are reduced. The device may be hidden from view under a layer of clothing and permits standing, sitting, walking, running and stair climbing while keeping the hands free.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor system comprises an optical fiber, a first reflector and a second reflector. The first reflector provides a fixed reference for measuring the optical path length between the second reflector and a reference reflector. The first and second reflectors respectively receive first and second portions of light emitted by the optical fiber and then reflect the light back to the optical fiber. The optical path length between the first and second reflectors varies in accordance with a sensed parameter. In operation, first and second interferograms are acquired that are produced by the interference of light reflected from the first and second reflectors with light reflected from a reference reflector. The first and second interferograms are then used to determine an optical path length between first and second reflectors. Finally, the optical path length between the first and second reflectors is used to determine the value of the sensed parameter.