Abstract: An optical switch is provided. The optical switch includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. At least one optical waveguide is formed below the first surface of the substrate. A heating element is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The heating element is also disposed in proximity to the at least one optical waveguide. A cavity is formed in the second surface of the substrate. The cavity is also disposed in the proximity to the at least one optical waveguide. A heat conductive material is disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: Three series connected inverters (38, 40, 42) are attached to a tank circuit (18) which includes an inductance (12, 14) and a capacitance (16, 17). Negative (38) biases the inverters at the midpoint between the bistable low and high logic level states. Positive feedback from the second inverter (40) to the tank circuit induces oscillation in the tank circuit. The negative feedback is decoupled at the resonant frequency and the energy delivered to the tank circuit from the positive feedback maintains a low level oscillation in the tank circuit. Negative feedback around the three inverter digital circuit prevents lockup in the event of power loss or momentary short.

Abstract: An economical astable multivibrator circuit provides a variable frequency, variable duty cycle digital signal for controlling a solid-state relay to provide power proportioning. An optical isolator receives analog input signals and converts those signals into a variable resistance signal for altering the RC time constant of the charge/discharge timing circuit. The controller is capable of driving several solid-state relays simultaneously and includes a powerstat adjustment for manually adjusting the range of power delivered to a load.

Abstract: The knuckle guard has a shield adapted for removable or permanent attachment to the grip portion of a baseball bat. An elongated, rigid strap is attached to the periphery of the shield and also to the bat, spanning the batter's hands to shield them from being struck by an inside pitch.

Abstract: A newspaper storage and baling device which features upright arms, forming a basket, to keep newspapers neatly stacked. The device includes a readily dispensible supply of twine in two bundles for baling the stacked newspapers.

Abstract: An object is secured to a flat surface by contacting a thermally activated sheet with a solvent rendering the normally non-tacky sheet in a tacky state. The now tacky sheet is attached to the flat surface with the aid of a template while the object to be secured is heated apart from the surface or the adhesive sheet. The heated object is then pressed against the adhesive sheet with the aid of the template and pressure is applied until the adhesive cools sufficiently to set forming a bond between the object and the flat surface.