Abstract: A convergence device 10 for assembly an LCD imaging device 14 to a fixed housing 12. The convergence device 10 has a frame 25 with a plurality of retention arms 26 protruding therefrom. Each of the retention arms 26 has a retention barb 27 for hooking behind a retention land 28 on the imaging device 14. The imaging device 14 has a retainer 18 with a plurality of preload flexures 24 for providing some outward pressure on the frame 15 of the convergence device 10. After the imaging device 14 is positioned on the fixed housing 12, an adhesive 30 is applied to a housing adhesive gap 32 and to a plurality of imager fixing adhesive gaps 34 to hold the convergence device 10 in place relative to the fixed housing 12 and further to hold the imaging device 14 in place relative to the convergence device 10.

Abstract: A novel projection system includes an illumination source for emitting an illumination beam, a reflective display device for modulating the illumination beam to form a reflected imaging beam, a projection lens group having an optical axis, and a field lens group. The field lens group is de-centered with respect to the optical axis of the projection lens group and is disposed to redirect the illumination beam to illuminate the display device at a non-zero angle of incidence, and to redirect the reflected imaging beam along an optical path parallel to the optical path of the projection lens group. In a particular embodiment the display device is disposed on the optical axis of the projection lens group. In a more particular embodiment, the redirected portion of the optical path of the reflected imaging beam is coincident with the optical axis of the projection lens group.

Abstract: A novel decorative structure includes a length of strand material, having a plurality of individual strands twisted with respect to one another and fixed with respect to one another near a first end of the strands, and a twisting member having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each adapted to receive a respective one of the individual strands therethrough. In a particular embodiment the twisting member is a disc, such that when the twisting member is advanced from a second end of the strands to the first end, the strand material is caused to unwind. Similarly, when the twisting member is advanced from the first end to the second end of the strands, the strand material is caused to wind up. When unwound, the strands retain a decorative helical shape, and give the appearance of a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A temperature handling subsystem (12) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (10) has a chiller (46) and associated heat exchanger (44) for cooling the acid electrolyte (24) circulating through a pipe (28) while a cathode (14) is drawn therethrough for the purpose of electropolishing the interior of the pipe (24). A temperature control method (48) has a temperature low enough decision operation (58) wherein a temperature indicating control (38) is used to determine if the chiller (46) should be activated. The electrolyte (24) is pumped by an electrolyte pump from an electrolyte reservoir (22) containing a temperature indicating controller (38) for determining the temperature of the electrolyte (24) and further containing an electric heater (36) for heating the electrolyte (24), as necessary.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus (10) for adjusting the field lens (14) with respect to an LCD imager (13). The field lens (14) may be mounted off center and/or may be only a segment of a complete lens. Guide fingers (20) on an assembly housing (18) fit within guide slots (26) of a field lens mount (16) to prevent relative rotation thereof. The field lens (14) is secured within the field lens mount (16). An internally threaded ring (22) mates with external threads (23) on the field lens mount (16) to move the field lens mount (16) in or out relative to the imager (13). A retainer (28) has preload flexures (30) which press against posts (32) on the field lens mount (16) for providing preload tension thereon. Adjustment teeth (24) on the outside of the threaded ring (22) provide a means for rotating the threaded ring (22).

Abstract: A micro LCD attachment apparatus (10) for affixing an LCD imager (20) to an LCD frame (18) at a fixed relationship optionally determined by a tape (34). A base (12) has an attachment plate (14) and a plurality of vacuum slots (18) for selectively holding the LCD frame (18). The attachment plate (14) has a shaped aperture (22) for accepting the LCD imager (20) and a plurality of UV light pipes (30) for curing an adhesive (32) which is applied to the LCD imager (20). A hold down arm (24) pivots about a pivot stud (26) to position a hold down pin (28) to hold the LCD imager (20) in place on the LCD frame (18) while the adhesive (32) is cured.

Abstract: A test method (80) for testing a reflective LCD array (10) and apparatus including a mirror read pass transistor (45). In the reflective LCD array (10) has a plurality of system cells (36), wherein data is written to a mirror (33). A measurement device (76) which, in one embodiment is a mirror read pass transistor (45) allows read back of voltage on the mirror (33), thereby providing a measurable criteria for determining if the mirror (33) a mirror electrical contact (43) and associated driving circuitry such as a master cell (40), a slave cell (41) and an analog mux (42) are properly connected and functioning.

Abstract: A piston is disclosed, for use in an internal combustion engine, including an insulating guide formed therein for receiving an electrode. The electrode has a body, and at least one spark lead coupled to the body for inserting into a channel formed in the insulating guide. Electrical power is supplied to the electrode by a power plug inserted through a power plug opening in the wall of the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. When electric power is supplied to the power plug a first electrical arc is generated between the power plug and the body of the electrode, and a second electrical arc is generated between the tip of each one of the spark leads and an associated arc insert disposed in the piston adjacent the end of the insulating guide. Optionally the electrode is insertable and removable from the piston through the power plug opening.

Abstract: The mechanism of and a solution to the problem of vertical banding in projection systems is disclosed. An offset lens array includes a plurality of lens elements arranged in a plurality of rows that are offset with respect to one another. The offset lens array is incorporated in an illuminator for a projection system. The asymmetrical arrangement of the rows of lens elements in the array with respect to a seam in a color separation element of the projection system substantially reduces the vertical banding in the projected image.

Abstract: This invention is a family table game, which has the function to become portable. It develops ones ability to identify detailed play pieces 24 by the sense of touch, exciting a players mental ability toward learning about these objects, challenging players sensory perceptions and mental imaging skills while improving finger dexterity. The game uses miniature or larger than life renditions of well known objects, man or nature created, as game pieces 24 played with three dimensional embossed knowledge cards 26. Game pieces sit in a circular, dome shaped container FIG. 1 out of view of player. Player spins card housing 30 (holding the interchangeable game cards 26) which stops randomly under view window 32. Player views or feels raised relief images on card 26 or reads corresponding descriptive text, starts timer 14 and begins searching through container (FIG. 4), using the sense of touch to find matching play pieces 24, earning points for each piece found in time.

Abstract: A coupling device for transferring fluid pressure from a first coupling element to a second coupling element is disclosed, wherein both coupling elements have end faces facing each other which can be moved against each other. Each coupling element comprises a cavity that runs into an opening at the end face and which may be coupled with the cavity of the other coupling element for transferring fluid. In each cavity, a piston is guided movably in axial direction, wherein both cavities have sealing surfaces facing toward the other coupling element that communicate with the opening of the end face and against which the respective piston can be moved with a counter surface for sealing. Each of both pistons is biased toward the other piston by a spring into a sealing position in which the piston rests with its counter surface against the sealing surface.

Abstract: An automated cell is provided for handling parts received in part carriers. The device comprises a working space closed to the outside, within which a first, second and third stack position are sequentially arranged. A transfer device is provided with a first linear axis extending in a horizontal direction and a second linear axis coupled thereto extending in vertical direction. A bulkhead wall is arranged between the first and the second stack position, which together with a driveable hood guarantees a closure free of contact when the door on the front side of the device is opened. Handling procedures within the working space can then be decoupled from loading and unloading operations at the first stack position. The automated cell is very space-saving and inexpensive and also allows a stack-specific logistics.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes one or more measure modules for measuring and delivering predetermined volumes of one or more different fluids. Each measure module includes a fluid inlet port, a retention vessel, an overflow aperture to allow fluid in excess of the desired volume to flow out of the vessel, and an outlet port for dispensing the retained fluid. A calibrating rod adjustably occupies a portion of the volume of the vessel to facilitate precise adjustment of the volume of fluid dispensed by the measure module. In one particular embodiment, a blender includes a plurality of measure modules whose outputs are coupled together to produce a mixture having a composition defined by the relative capacities of the vessels of the various measure modules. In another particular embodiment, one blender dilutes a chemical concentrate, and provides the diluted mixture to another blender, which further dilutes the mixture.

Abstract: A cathode station (10) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (12) has a valve (20) for preventing a cleaning fluid (56) from entering into a pipe (28). A cathode (14) is pulled into the cathode station (10) by a cathode puller cable (16) after a polishing operation (62) is completed. In a rinse cathode operation (66) the cleaning fluid (56) is introduced into the cathode station (10) through a fluid inlet (52) and removed from a fluid outlet (54). In a finish operation (68) the cathode (14) and cathode station (10) are removed from the pipe electrochemical polishing system (12).

Abstract: A fluid handling port array includes at least one fluid conduction bore, a plurality of insert bores each intersecting at least one fluid conduction bore and being adapted to receive a configuration insert, a plurality of port bores each intersecting at least one of the fluid conduction bores for providing fluid access to the fluid conduction bores. The port array is configured by fixing configuration inserts in the insert bores. In a particular embodiment, the configuration inserts comprise device seats and are adapted to receive configuration devices such as a valves, caps or plugs. Alternatively, the configuration inserts, themselves, embody configuration devices.

Abstract: An off-axis projection system includes a polarizer, a reflective light modulator, an analyzer, and an aberration compensation element. The polarizer polarizes an illumination beam to form a polarized illumination beam. The reflective light modulator receives the polarized illumination beam along a first optical path, modulates the polarized illumination beam to form an imaging beam, and reflects the imaging beam along a second optical path not parallel to the first optical path. The aberration compensation element is disposed in either or both of the polarized illumination beam and the imaging beam. The separation of the illumination beam and the imaging beam provided by the off-axis architecture facilitates the use single-pass aberration compensation elements, including liquid crystal compensation films and wave retarders. A multi-color projection system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic display system is disclosed, including a first screen having a front surface for contacting a magnetic display device and a second screen having a rear surface for contacting a magnetic device controller. The first screen and the second screen define therebetween a scenery receiving space for receiving at least one scenery sheet. The scenery sheet may be advanced and/or replaced while magnetic display devices are displayed on the system, without having to hold the displayed devices in place.