Abstract: A disc brake caliper is made to receive a series of pads extending circumferentially of the disc. Each pad is pressurised by a pair of pistons including a smaller piston located radially outwardly and a larger piston located radially inwardly. All of the pistons and cylinders are connected together for common hydraulic pressurization. The arrangement provides better distribution of the braking force, and greater equalization of pad wear. The relatively greater area of pistons as compared to the pad area also contributes towards more even braking force, whilst the smaller diameter pistons and cylinders, as compared to what would be necessary if only a single piston and cylinder were used, enables shorter cylinder length and hence a slimmer and lighter caliper without risk of pistons tilting and jamming.

Abstract: A reflective star coupler for a distributed switch optical network for narrow band and broad band broadcast communication incudes on port terminated in a reflective surface or device, a signal amplifier and/or filter is disposed in the path between the port and the reflective device to reintroduce the light from that port into the coupler in an amplifier state or selectively according to wavelength. The amplifying device may be a semiconductor laser having a reflective coating on one face thereof.

Abstract: A brake caliper has the effective modulus of elasticity of the material increased by inserting a honeycomb-like ceramic piece made of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity in a die and casting metal to fill the die, substantially encase the ceramic and substantially fill the pores of the same, and squeeze forming the molten metal to ensure substantial filling of the pores of the ceramic.

Abstract: A fire-retardant thermoplastic compound that can be used as compounded or further enhanced through chemical cross linkage. The compound is manufactured from a composition of a copolymer or terpolymer with a carboxylic acid comonomer and optionally a low modulus polymer and a synthetic hydrocarbon elastomer with or without a graft of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride. A fire retardant additive comprising a group I, group II or group III metal oxide hydrate with the proviso that at least 1% by weight of the composition is in the form of an organopolysiloxane. The compound may be used for sheet or wire extrusion and action for injection or compression molding.

Abstract: An adjustable height basketball goal including a vertical column having angled corners and a beam extending up from the column. The upper end of the beam supports a basketball goal and the lower end is attached to the column by a movable collar. The collar carries a first set of rollers disposed to contact the angled corners at a first elevation, and a second set of rollers disposed to contact the angled corners at a second lower elevation. The rollers allow easy movement of the collar with respect to the column while firmly securing the beam against wobbling. A vertical adjustment mechanism, such as a rack and gear assembly selectively moves the collar with respect to the column to adjust the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface.

Abstract: A fire-retardant thermoplastic compound that can be used as compound or further enhanced through chemical cross linkage. The compounding thereof and the composition are disclosed. The compound is manufactured from a composition of a copolymer or terpolymer with a carboxylic acid comonomer and optionally a low modulus polymer and a synthetic hydrocarbon elastomer with or without a graft of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride. A fire retardant additive comprising a group I, group II or group III metal oxide hydrate with the proviso that at least 1% by weight of the composition is in the form of an organopolysiloxane. The compound may be used for sheet or wire extrusion and for injection or compression molding.