Abstract: A strength member for a fiber optic cable having reinforcing fibers that are oriented in a non-longitudinal direction within a matrix material. By orienting the reinforcing fibers in a non-longitudinal direction within the matrix material, the strength member gains strength in tension and in torsion. The reinforcing fibers are oriented in a cross-helical pattern within the matrix material or they can be chopped into smaller fragments and randomly oriented within the matrix material. Additionally, the strength member can have a hollow core regardless of the orientation of the reinforcing fibers and still increase the strength of the strength member in tension and torsion. Finally, the diameter of the strength member can be altered by adding a soft plastic outer cover surrounding the solid strength member.

Abstract: A mounting seat for an optical element is decoupled from a surrounding annulus that fixes the mount in place in an optical system. The annulus can be one of a plurality of annuli that are interconnected to surround and enclose a coaxial array of optical elements. The decoupling is accomplished by three flexible fingers extending inward from the annulus to a seat for the optical element, which can be mounted either directly on the flexible fingers or on a concentric seating ring supported by the fingers. The flexible elements can be formed integrally with an annulus by cutting slots in its inner perimeter. The flexible elements are structured relative to the lens elements they support so that natural frequencies of vibration of the lens elements are higher than the frequencies of external vibration.

Abstract: A mounting seat for an optical element is decoupled from a surrounding annulus that fixes the mount in place in an optical system. The annulus can be one of a plurality of annuli that are interconnected to surround and enclose a coaxial array of optical elements. The decoupling is accomplished by three flexible fingers extending inward from the annulus to a seat for the optical element, which can be mounted either directly on the flexible fingers or on a concentric seating ring supported by the fingers. The flexible elements can be formed integrally with an annulus by cutting slots in its inner perimeter. The flexible elements are structured relative to the lens elements they support so that natural frequencies of vibration of the lens elements are higher than the frequencies of external vibration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a castable rig and a method for catching crustaceans using a standard rod and reel. The disclosed rig includes an annular ring attached to a harness by means of a plurality of elongate suspension members. The periphery of a generally conical net is attached to the annular ring. A weight is attached to the net and a bait sack is positioned within the conical structure of the net. The bait sack may be integrally formed with the net.

Abstract: A pneumatically-powered traffic control gate is disclosed. This gate contains a cylinder and piston for raising and lowering its gate arm, a means for adjusting the alignment of the traffic gate arm, a pneumatic means for sensing the presence of an obstruction to the movement of said traffic gate arm, and a means for reversing the movement of the piston and the gate once the obstruction has been sensed.