Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.

Abstract: A trailer hitching aid includes a dual transmitter mounted on the forward end of a trailer or other vehicle to be towed and arranged to transmit pulses of infrared light and pulses of ultrasonic sound. A towing vehicle mounts on its rear end an infrared light detector and a pair of laterally spaced ultrasonic sound detectors. The detectors are incorporated in an electrical circuit which includes a computer the program of which operates to measure the time difference between the detection of a light burst and the detection of sound bursts. The time differences then are utilizes to calculate the distance from each detector to the transmitter, and the distances and angles between the detectors and transmitter are displayed on the computer screen as visual indications to direct the operator of the towing vehicle to maneuver the vehicle to back it up and bring the hitch components on the vehicles into coupling registry.

Abstract: A universal cup holder, comprising(a) a generally horizontal base to support a cup,(b) an upright frame attached to the base,(c) a retainer attached to the frame and extending generally horizontally above the base to retain the cup wall,(d) a resilient pusher element supported by the frame to engage the cup wall and urge the cup toward the retainer,(e) there being structure attached to the frame to attach the holder to a vehicle door.

Abstract: An underground cable installing apparatus is disclosed herein along with its method of operation. The apparatus utilizes a power driven land vehicle and an elongated cable laying plow handle supported by and for movement with the vehicle in a way which places a lowermost end portion of the blade in the ground with its cutting edge disposed in the direction of movement of the vehicle. In accordance with one operational feature of the apparatus disclosed herein, a plurality of high impact fluid jets are used to aid the cable laying plow blade in cutting through the earth. In accordance with another feature, the blade is also subjected to vibration, preferably by placing a vibratory member on the in-ground portion of the blade.

Abstract: Shim elements or spacers designed for use in side-by-side relation between structural steel beams and hanger assemblies which are united by means of pairs of variably-spaced bolts. Each shim element comprises a flat, U-shaped rectangular plate element having leg extensions of different widths and lengths and a central recess adapted to receive a structural bolt. The invention involves providing a universal shim element which is useful in pairs in any one of three different distances by which structural steel-uniting bolts are conventionally separated.

Abstract: A support structure, such as for use in supporting a solar panel-reflector panel system on a roof top, said structure having a generally V-shaped cross-section and comprising opposed wing members which are commonly supported by an elongate tubular member of rectangular cross-section which comprises the base of said V-shape. The wing members, comprising the arms of said V-shape, are adapted to be supported solely by said tubular member, each at an angle of from about 5.degree. to about 85.degree. above horizontal depending upon the end use requirements such as geographic location. For solar panel-reflector panel systems, preferably the support wing for the solar panels is mounted on the tubular member in fixed position at an angle of from about 50.degree. to 70.degree. above horizontal while the support wing for the reflector panels is hingedly mounted on the tubular member for adjustable positioning between a working angle of from about 10.degree. to 30.degree.