Abstract: A fiber optic light source having an improved cooling scheme for preventing heat damage to the fiber optic cable input ends. The housing for the light source is divided into two sections, with a separate cooling air supply for each section. The first section is provided with a high volume cooling air flow for general area cooling of the lamp assembly, power supply and other exothermic components. The second section is provided with a high velocity cooling air flow directed at the fiber ends. The second cooling air flow is isolated from the heat generated by the lamp assembly and is provided to the fiber ends at essentially ambient temperature.

Abstract: A smart bullet capable of in-flight maneuvers generated by the selective extension of a spoiler from a de-spun control section of the bullet into the stream of air passing the bullet. A micro gyro located in the control section provides a rotation signal used in the control of a motor rotatably attached between the control section and a spinning section of the bullet. A rearward facing lens and optical detector receive guidance information from a gun-mounted guidance system. The direction of extension of the spoiler is selectively controlled by controlling the operation of the motor in response to the guidance information. The detector and pre-amplifier circuit are bonded to the lens structure to minimize microphonic noise generation. An optical link is used to communicate information between the spinning and control sections of the bullet.

Abstract: A golf club, such as a driver, includes a head designed for reducing spin imparted to a golf ball struck by the club head. The club head has a face portion for contacting a golf ball that is formed of a relatively hard material having a generally slippery characteristic. The golf ball slips on the face portion when a plane of the face portion at a point of contact between the ball and face portion is not generally normal to a direction of travel of the club head. The slippery characteristic may be obtained by forming the face of the club head from a sintered material impregnated with a lubricant such as PTFE. The club head may also include a plastic insert with a self-lubricating filler.

Abstract: A pool lighting apparatus including a sealed lens assembly attached to a light emitting end of a fiber optic cable. The sealed lens assembly is installed into a standard pool wall fixture and is provided with redundant seals for preventing the passage of water there between. A glass lens is provided to be either flat or convex to provide the desired field of lighting. One or more removable protective covers may be applied to the lens to provide a desired color effect within the pool. A metal cutting ring is disposed about the fiber optic cable within the sealed lens assembly to provide a flat surface for guiding a cutting tool for forming a planer light emitting end on fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A method of cooling a locomotive engine wherein the temperature of the coolant flowing into the engine is controlled in response to the temperature of the lube oil flowing out of the engine so that the difference between these two temperatures is limited to a predetermined value in order to limit the differential expansion between parts within the engine. The predetermined value may be a function of the lube oil temperature, and it may have an absolute maximum value. In the event that the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined value, the power output of the engine may be reduced as a function of the length of time that the temperature difference limit has been exceeded. The rate of change in coolant temperature may be limited during periods of decreasing lube oil temperature in order to limit the duty cycle demand on coolant system components.

Abstract: A water feature provided with both water and an illuminating optical fiber through a single tube. The tube is sealingly connected to a housing having separate inlets for water and the fiber optic cable. A fitting connected between the tubing and the housing allows water to flow through the annulus between the fiber outside diameter and the tubing inside diameter. Water provided to the fitting from a water source passes through the tubing into a fixture where it then exits to form a waterfall or other water display. Light emitted from an end of the fiber optic cable illuminates the water display. By using a transparent or translucent tube, light emitted from along the length of the cable may be used to illuminate the translucent fixture itself.

Abstract: A connection of a tube to a machine includes a plurality of rolled grooves in a region of contact between the collet of a compression fitting and the tube. The grooves reduce the occurrence of fretting of the tube surface while a region of residual compressive stress formed in the tube proximate the bottom of each groove by the rolling process serves to counteract the stress concentration created by the grooves. In one embodiment a single groove formed in a thread pattern extends from above collet to within the area of contact.

Abstract: A waterfall illuminated by a plurality of optical fibers having their ends disposed along an underside of the edge of the waterfall and directing light downward from the fiber ends onto the surfaces under the waterfall. A fiber optic cable bundle is directed within a fiber conduit along the edge of a generally rectangular water conduit, with the individual fiber ends projecting through respective holes formed in an underside of the fiber conduit. The water and fiber conduits may be located between a wall of a pool or spa and the surrounding coping, with both water and fiber connections being made from the rear portion of the device.

Abstract: Automatic control of the temperature of the inlet air being supplied to the engine (12) of a locomotive (10) in order to optimize the performance of the engine (12) under a variety of ambient air temperatures and pressures. One or more valves (38) is utilized to control the flow of warm air from the engine compartment (14) into the air inlet path (20). The position of valve (38) is controlled by controller (42) in response to at least one of an ambient air temperature signal TA, an ambient atmospheric pressure signal PA, and an inlet air temperature signal TI. The temperature of the air flowing through the warm air flow path 28 may be controlled by selecting from among a plurality of possible inlets (30, 32, 50). By varying the volume and temperature of the air flowing through the warm air flow path (28), the temperature and density of the air supplied at the engine inlet (18) may be moderated across a broad range of ambient air temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A diesel locomotive engine (10) having a combustion chamber (30) formed into the cylinder head (16) to have a diameter (D2) greater than the diameter (D1) of the cylinder liner (14). A piston (20) is disposed for reciprocating motion in the cylinder. The piston has a top wall (36) with a convex surface to form a generally ring-shaped combustion volume. A fuel injection nozzle (28) directs a flow of fuel into the combustion chamber in a direction generally along a radius of the generally ring-shaped combustion volume at a pressure of more than 1800 bar in one embodiment. A cooling passage (42) is formed in the cylinder head to remove heat energy, thereby reducing the production of the oxides of nitrogen during engine operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a propeller assembly from a folded configuration to a deployed, operational configuration, the apparatus comprising a propeller assembly hub which in conjunction with a propeller hub nut maintains an aerodynamically efficient shape after the propeller assembly is deployed, the propeller hub nut which is diametrically large enough to allow assembly of a drive shaft and a drive shaft bevel gear and includes a cavity to accept a spring detent, a propeller blade which protrudes from a journal located in the surface of the propeller assembly hub where when in its folded configuration, the propeller blade is in the same parallel axial direction as the drive shaft and when deployed is nutated to a radially outwardly extending operative position in response to rotating of a propeller blade bevel gear, the drive shaft rotated about its axis where one end engages a prime mover and a second distal end engages the hub nut, drive shaft bevel gear fixed to the drive shaft near the distal end whic

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve having a cam disposed near an opening of a fuel passage. The cam is operable to be rotated about a shaft by the action of a float. As a fluid level in a tank changes, the cam rotates from an open position remote from the opening to a closed position (as illustrated) proximate the opening. A gap remains between the cam and the opening, thereby allowing the fluid level to be drawn down to the bottom of opening. Float has a generally wedge shaped cross-section to minimize the effect of wave action in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus (11) for controlling the peak pressure in the combustion chamber (46) of a turbo-charged diesel locomotive engine (12). A pressure relief valve (56) is disposed in the compressor discharge downstream of the turbo-charger (18). The relief valve (56) is operable to release a selected amount (58) of the compressed air (24) produced by the compressor section (20) of turbo-charger (18). The actuation of valve (56) may be a function of the pressure of the compressed air (24), and/or a manifold air temperature signal (52) and a fuel injection timing signal (40). An actuator (60) attached to valve (56) is responsive to a valve position signal (62) generated by a controller (38) having the appropriate inputs and programmed logic capability.

Abstract: A start assist device for an engine having a means for supplying fuel to fewer than all of the cylinders of the engine at engine cranking speeds that are less than the speed wherein the fuel injection system provides fuel to all of the cylinders. In one embodiment for a diesel locomotive engine, fuel is supplied to two cylinders beginning at 45 RPM to assist the engine starter in achieving an engine cranking speed of 90 RPM wherein the fuel injection system begins to provide fuel to all of the cylinders.

Abstract: A method for extending the interval between lubricant changes in an internal combustion engine. A small volume of lubricant is removed from the engine at periodic intervals and combusted within the engine. Clean replacement lubricant is provided to replace the portion of the lubricant removed from the engine. A connection is provided between the lubricating circuit and the fuel supply system. The flow of lubricant through the connection may be controlled in response to the measurement of a quality perimeter of the lubricant. Replacement lubricant may be provided to the engine from an onboard storage tank.

Abstract: A woodwind instrument reed maintenance device that extends the life of a used reed by removing the tip of the reed by burning. The device achieves extended life, and a brighter or a more projected sound from a used reed due to the cauterization of the woody longitudinal fibers called vascular bundles, running vertically the entire length of the reed. The device holds the reed securely and is designed to retain the burned tip at the precise angles or arc of the cut of the tip so as to maintain a working relationship with the woodwind mouthpiece. In addition, the top portion utilizes an angled tip to not only secure the reed in the device, but to prevent back burn to playable areas of the reed surfaces.

Abstract: A method for managing a fleet of mobile assets utilizing the Internet to display information regarding the location and performance parameters of the mobile assets. A user has access to multimedia information regarding the design parameters operating statistics, inspection reports, and maintenance recommendations regarding each of the mobile assets. A service provider may be linked via the Internet to a centralized data center for the analysis of data and updating of the Internet web pages.

Abstract: A factory made building such as a mobile home (10) utilizing a connector (32, 60) attached to each of a plurality of outrigger beams (18) for stabilizing the mobile home (10) against strong winds. The mobile home (10) includes a structural support beam such as an I-beam (16) and a plurality of outrigger beams (18). An outrigger connector (32, 60) with an L-shaped portion (34) including a slot (46) and a protruding portion (56) extending outward from the L-shaped portion (34) at a substantially perpendicular angle is attached to each outrigger beam (18) at the protruding portion (56). A hurricane strap (48) is attached to the slot (46) and to a ground anchor (88) to secure the mobile home (10).

Abstract: A sanitary system for a locomotive wherein the treatment tank is protected from freezing by the use of the heat available in the exhaust air removed from the toilet compartment. A sealed and insulated compartment is formed around the treatment tank, and a vent is connected between the toilet room and the insulated compartment. A suction line located at an opposed position in the insulated compartment is used to direct the flow of air from the toilet room, through the insulated compartment around the treatment tank, to the locomotive exterior. By eliminating the need for heat tracing of the treatment tank, this invention reduces the cost and energy usage of the locomotive sanitary system.