Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to sets of optical waveguides such as optical fiber ribbons and embedded optical waveguides, and optical interconnects useful for connecting multiple optical waveguides such as in optical fiber ribbon cables and printed circuit boards (PCBs) having optoelectronic capabilities. In particular, the disclosure provides an efficient, compact, and reliable optical waveguide connector that incorporates microlenses and re-directing elements which combine the features of optical waveguide alignment, along with redirecting and shaping of the optical beam.

Abstract: A track extension in combination with a track system comprises a track system having a track frame, wheels mounted to the frame and adapted to allow cyclic movement of a track about the frame, drive means in the frame adapted to transmit a drive of a vehicle to the track to drive the track in a cyclic movement. An extension frame is releasably secured to an end of the track frame. An idler wheelset is mounted to an end of the extension frame. A track is mounted about the track frame and the extension frame such that a footprint of the track is delimited at an end by the engagement of the track with the idler wheelset. A method is provided to increase a footprint of a track system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an undercarriage equipped with a coreless rubber crawler in a chain drive configuration, and more particularly, to a track system undercarriage for a skid loader in which an auxiliary axle and an auxiliary sprocket are provided to solve the problem of load concentration at the contact points of a coreless rubber crawler, which is adopted to reduce the total load of a vehicle. A gear chain is provided surrounding a main axle and the auxiliary axle, so that the load is dispersed over a large contact area of the coreless rubber crawler, thereby relieving internal stress concentrations at the sprocket and the coreless rubber crawler, and significantly improving the life span of the coreless rubber crawler.

Abstract: A tandem track system and method provides for safe withdrawal of a tracked vehicle if either of the main tracks becomes separated. The tracked vehicle has a main track longitudinally extending in a closed endless main loop on opposite sides and engaging a separate main drive sprocket assembly, extending under roadwheels to a main drive idler wheel, and back to the main drive-sprocket assembly in the main loop. The tandem drive system has a secondary track engaging each main drive-sprocket assembly and extending forward along the track vehicle from each main drive-sprocket assembly under only an aft-most fractional portion of the roadwheels. The secondary track is configured as a closed endless secondary loop inside of the main loop of each main track whereby each secondary track can transfer rotary power to move the tracked vehicle to safety.

Abstract: 1. A lensed sleeve has a holder having at least two substantially parallel rows of optical fibers which are offset from one another by about 2 &mgr;m or more. Generally these defective offset sleeves have to be discarded as their offset inhibits proper coupling of light, however in accordance with this invention a lens is disposed to receive light from at least optical fibers within one of the at least two rows of optical fibers. By using symmetry about the lens, light can be efficiently coupled between particular fibre ends on the offset rows. Advantageously, this invention provides a use for otherwise useless sleeves which did not meet intended tolerances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a track vehicle. The vehicle is comprised of a lightweight frame having a platform or deck portion and first and second track guiding portions. Drive drums are provided, located at one end of each of the track guiding portions. First and second electric motors are connected, via gear reducers, each to one of the drive drums. Idler rollers are located at the other end of each of the track guiding portions. First and second tracks are provided, each encircling and operatively associated with one of the drive drums, one of the track guiding portions and one of the idler drums. Each of the track guiding portions has a bottom portion with each bottom portion having a longitudinally oriented strip of low friction material fastened thereto to provide a sliding surface for each of the tracks when the vehicle is in motion. In another embodiment of the invention the deck portion and track guiding portions are blow-formed from sheet plastics material.

Abstract: Traveling support apparatus for supporting welding device or other apparatus for peripheral travel about a pipe. The support apparatus utilizes endless belts disposed around paired wheels at opposite sides of the apparatus to propel the apparatus along a track. The endless belts are pivotally supported for equal pressure engagements with the path along which the support apparatus travels. The support apparatus engages opposite sides of a track in the form of a strip or band spacedly surrounding a pipe to support a frame which is held firmly against movements toward or away from the track so that the supported apparatus is reliably held in position with relation to the pipe.