Abstract: A quick, field installed sump cover system for below ground sumps includes a support ring, a seal between the ring and sump upper lip, preferably two compression brackets each having two spaced regions extending under riser parts, at least one elongated member coupled between the support ring and compression brackets for selectively applying tension forces therebetween causing the bracket regions to engage the riser parts and the support ring to compresses the sealing member to form liquid-tight seal with the sump lip. The sump top can be closed by a dome-cover removably coupled to the support ring. The elongated members can include chain-like members with tensioning devices that, in field installations, can accommodate various sump sizes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pan roasting a mass of green coffee beans at rest by heat conduction from the pan bottom to the beans mass. A glass cover and smoke filter closes the roasting chamber. A radial blower operates at slow speed to draw ambient air and vacate smoke from the chamber to permit visual monitoring of roasting beans. Periodically, the fan can operate a high speed for a short time to mix or swirl the bean mass without substantial cooling them. The blower can sequence through high and low speed cycles until roasting completes and heating ceases. A high speed cool down phase removes remaining chaff, smoke, and quick cools the beans to preserve freshness. Electric power drives the blower and resistant heating element. The system enables the operator to use appearance, sound, smell, and time to determine roasting completeness.

Abstract: A high density, optical fiber array includes etched silicon front and guide masks anodicly bonded to high temperature glass die plate and/or spacer. Optical fibers secured in the front plate holes have the same thermal expansion coefficient as the masks and die/spacer plates to reduce the need for certain epoxy interplate zones which would have a different thermal expansion coefficient. Methods and a system for making the mask/plate stack are also disclosed along with various plate stacking arrangements and the front plate anodicly bonded to a glass lens array.

Abstract: Optical fiber array apparatus comprising housing front mask having a matrix of fiber seating openings each opening having one or more side walls. An optical fiber extends through each opening and means presses the fiber side surface into engagement with the one or more side walls to precisely position and secure the fiber. Bonding material then fills all voids in and around the opeining. In one embodiment, a clamping wafer behind the front mask moves to clamp the fibers to the front mask opening walls. In another, the front mask defines flexing arms with distal ends that clamp fibers to opening walls and in yet another elongated flexible members lie along front mask slots to clamp fibers in openings that communicate into the slots.

Abstract: A method of making and an etchable wafer substrate for use in making optical fiber array plates includes forming a progressively increasing series of metrology holes when the plate holes are formed. The variation between designed plate hole diameter and actual plate hole diameter is determined by sequentially inserting a probe of known designed diameter into the metrology holes to determine the two size-adjacent metrology holes variation. The plate hole diameter can be determined by comparing one of the size-adjacent metrology hole diameter with the respective art work metrology hole diameter. Plate hole diameters can then be corrected for variation with further processing.

Abstract: A high density optical fiber array assembly and assembly method includes a housing securing a front array mask etched with extreme precision to define openings arranged in a predetermined pattern. A series of guide plates form a series of fiber guide channels that align with the mask openings, which plates are stacked within the housing so that the bottom of one acts as a cover for the channels of another. Fibers can be tool inserted along the channels as one group, such as a row of fibers, or manually inserted and advanced sequentially. Alternately, the mask and guide plate stack are mounted to and within a mounting block and the mounting block assembly inserted into the assembly housing substantially all remaining voids in the housing are filled with bonding material.

Abstract: A system of making high density optical fiber arrays that includes securing the optical fiber ends in the housing front mask openings, then lapping the fiber ends and front mask forward surface to angle the fiber end front surfaces so that reflected wave energy does not interfere with optical signal data when transmitted during use. The opening pattern is preferably 2×2 to 128×128 or higher. Several alternate lap tool designs are disclosed including translational and rotating laps formed from solid bodies or a series of stacked plates. Standard slurry grinding and polishing compounds can be applied as desired. If a layer of epoxy originally covers the mask front face, it is removed by the lap tool as the fiber ends are lapped.

Abstract: A displaying bumper guard for fuel dispensers that includes a sign-holding frame assembly mounted on an inverted U-shaped bumper guard member with the bumper guard legs imbedded in the ground level concrete or concrete ledge. The device includes a frame for supporting a sign and a mounting assembly for securing the frame to the bumper guard member. The visual square footage of the frame, viewed normally thereto, is much larger than that of the bumper guard member thus providing a good visual barrier for the dispensers. In one exemplary embodiment, the bracket assembly is releasably secured to the center leg of the guard member and includes at least one and preferably two displaced mounting surface located a short distance from the side profile of the bumper guard member. The frame includes at least one and preferably two spaced elongated reinforcement frame rails or bars secured to the frame sides to strengthen the frame and to cooperate with the mounting surface by being releasably secured thereto.

Abstract: A software system includes an engineering analysis system (EAS) for analyzing an engineering object system and for recommending elimination of object system components. The EAS includes a functional model unit responsive to user entry for generating images of a functional model of the object system including its components, elements and products and representations of the interactions between the generated components, elements, and products. The functional model can be represented as a number of component/element boxes and harmful and useful interaction lines therebetween, or the functional model components, elements and products can be represented in matrix form with interactions identified in the intersections of the matrix. The EAS includes an advanced link analysis unit for prompting user entry, storing and displaying of (i) a parameter of at least one of said interactions, (ii) the actual and desired quantitative or qualitative values of said parameter, (iii) a time and space dependency of the parameter.

Abstract: A portable pruner for cutting limbs comprising a hollow handle assembly having a longitudinal axis, a lower end and an open upper end. The slidable grip portion is slidable along the longitudinal axis between a first and a second position. The cable runs through the hollow handle assembly to the outer engagement with the shearing mechanism. A shearing mechanism is attached to the upper open end of the hollow handle and includes a body having a hook adapted to receive and hold a limb. A cutting blade is pivotally attached to the body and selectively pivots against the hook to cut the selected limb. The pruner includes means for pivoting the cutting blade with respect to the hook wherein the pivoting means is responsive to movement of the sliding portion between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, the overall pruner length is adjustable with two clamped telescoping handle assembly segments and a mechanism for adjusting the operative cable length to accommodate the length variation of the pruner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of fusing a pin to a wire to reliably form a good quality fusion joint includes placing the pin and insulated or uninsulated wire in a notch of a lower fusing electrode so that the pin is spaced a predetermined distance above the wire. The upper fusing electrode applies fusing current and heat symmetrically to the pin and notch side walls and the portion of the lower electrode beneath and in contact with the wire. Heat is transferred to soften the pin and burn or vaporize the insulation off the wire before the pin and wire touch. Since all parts are held symmetrically, parts can not skew or burn off unevenly. Electrode pressure builds to drive the soften, heated pin and wire together and to apply fusing current through the contacting pin and wire to form a good fusion joint. Another aspect of the invention includes forming the lower fusing electrode with a plurality of fusing notches to afford quick operator set-up and sequential, automatic fusing of the series of wire/pin assemblies.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for separation from a stack of sheets a block of a predetermined number of sheets, the method including moving the stack in a forward direction, directing an air stream across one corner of the forward portion of the stack to spread the corners apart, sensing and counting the number of spread sheet corners that pass a predetermined location, and separating the group of sheets from the remainder of the stack when the sensed and counted sheets reach a predetermined number. Further directing a thin plane of air toward the corner and center of the sheets at said location to cause a greater space between the sheets in the group and the next sheet in the stack. Also, vacuum nozzles are provided to remove unwanted air from above and below the stack and group. With the group so formed, separation includes imparting lateral force on the group edges.

Abstract: A toothbrush combination including a whistle, horn, or other wind operated device releasably connected to or molded as part of the handle. The mouthpiece of the sound device can be aligned longitudinally with the toothbrush handle with the mouth engaging part facing opposite from the brush location or alternately the mouthpiece can be formed at a 90.degree. angle to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush handle and located intermediate the brush and the opposite end of the handle. Preferably the distal end of the handle is shaped to fit a standard toothbrush holder for storage in an upright position. When so stored, liquid is free to drain from the sound chamber for the latter to be air dried to reduce bacterial growth. The sound device is preferably sculptured to form a figure, logo, character, or object which sculpture also functions as a mouth guard or safety device against inward impact forces when blowing.

Abstract: An electric motor according to the principles of the present invention includes a stator or stationary part of the motor and an armature. The armature includes a shaft having a rotation axis and a commutator subassembly fixed symmetrically to the shaft that includes an insulating body surrounding the shaft and a plurality of circumferentially spaced, carbon-based material segments surrounding the shaft. The carbon segments are held to the body and each segment has a brush contacting surface. An equal plurality of metallic commutator members have at least a part located and molded within the corresponding carbon segment for providing good mechanical and electrical connection between the carbon segment and metallic commutator member and to isolate the metallic part within the carbon segment from harmful external environments such as described above.

Abstract: A digital computer-based concept engineering system (CES) that includes a data base of concept components (Y=f(x)) of which includes input, output and control parameters, text descriptions, and full motion graphics of a device or system that functions as y=f(x) of a device. The CES provides three problem-solving modes, including direct linking automatically to produce full-motion graphical representations of x.sub.2 .fwdarw.f.sub.2 43 x.sub.1 43 f.sub.1 .fwdarw.y and a control-linking mode to produce full-motion graphical representations of concept components that control parameters of y=f(x, a, b, c). The CES forms new and useful combinations of concept components into a unique concept engineering system, which produces new or improved technical results. Full-motion graphics of unique combinations of concept components stimulate the user to generate creative ideas for technical problem-solving and design.

Abstract: A stacking member for stacking one hamper cart on another hamper cart is provided that is easily installed, removed, and stored nested with other like stacking members. The stacking member is strong, yet relatively light weight, and functions, among other things, (1) to distribute the weight of the stacked cart evenly and to a major portion of the length of each sides and ends of the upper frame of the supporting cart, (2) index itself for quick installation in the proper position on the upper frame of the supporting cart, (3) orient and index the supported cart on the stacking member, (4) secure the stacked cart on the stacking member to prevent sliding or movement during transport by pinching or gripping the shifting, fixed axis center caster wheels, and (5) allow imprecise transverse placement of the stacked cart on the stacking member.

Abstract: A manhole embodiment that includes a skirt made of flexible material, such as rolled sheet steel, having a stiffening flange extending laterally from the bottom rim of the skirt to increase the manhole lateral strength and provide a footing for the manhole and an outwardly extending lip at the skirt upper rim. The manhole top ring connects directly to the top of the lip. This eliminates the need for a separate piece such as the lower L-shaped ring piece included in conventional manholes. An optional extension skirt can telescope into the bottom of the upper skirt that can be held to the upper skirt by fasteners. The telescoping extension skirt can be height adjusted in the field so that the over-all height of the manhole can be adjusted to any desired height, say between 8 and 16 inches.

Abstract: A water jet ski or boat that prevents weeds or grass from entering or clogging the intake grate area, is simple in construction and installation, operates automatically without operator intervention, and allows the craft to be beached and refloated without damaging the anticlogging elements or the craft. The craft includes one or more, preferably two or four, flexible rods mounted at the forward end of the intake grating and depending downward and preferably rearward. Growing or floating weeds or grass encountered during forward movement of the craft will be forced by the rods downward, rearward, and, in one alternate embodiment, outward. The rods do not interfere with the laminar water flow from any direction into the intake and are flexible enabling the craft to be stored, trailered, beached and pulled back from the beach as desired and without damage.

Abstract: An analog, optical-fiber measuring system compensates for variations in the level of light attenuation occurring in the optical path of the measuring system. The analog, optical-fiber measuring system utilizes a "reference" light transmitted along a common optical-fiber path as the actual "sensing" light. The reference light has a wavelength which differs from the sensing light's wavelength. Effects of the variations in the level of light attenuation are eliminated by monitoring the variations in the attenuation experienced by the reference light along the common optical-fiber path and adjusting the respective intensities of the reference light and the sensing light as a function of the variations. Because the effects of the variations in the level of light attenuation are compensated by an analog scheme, accurate measurement of the selected physical parameter is insured without the need for a microprocessor.

Abstract: A portable pruner for cutting limbs comprising a hollow shaft having an longitudinal axis, a lower end and an open upper end. The slideable grip portion is slideable along the longitudinal axis between a first and a second position. A shearing mechanism is attached to the upper open end of the hollow handle and includes a body having a hook adapted to receive and hold a limb. A cutting blade is pivotally attached to the body and selectively pivots against the hook to cut the selected limb. The cutting blade pivots with respect to the hook and is responsive to movement of the slidable grip portion between the first and second positions.