Abstract: A vehicle frame which enables a lowering of the saddle coupling with improved stability for this, and recesses at the upper side of the lengthwise girders of the vehicle frame extending across the entire width of the frame are proposed. The saddle coupling is fastenably secured to the lengthwise girders.

Abstract: A micropolarimeter and ellipsometer for obtaining complete optical information of superficially illuminated specimens. A compact construction is designed to facilitate their use. To obtain the simultaneous surface measurement of all optical information from a specimen, the retarder of the micropolarimeter consists of a one-piece retarder array with at least one pixel group, in which the major axis orientations of the individual pixels are distributed over an angular range of 360°. This micropolarimeter can be integrated into the reflected light microscope of an ellipsometer. The result is a compact measurement unit.

Abstract: A blend of a polymer, swelling agent, and a sheet silicate and/or sheet silicone filler is disclosed. The swelling agent makes it possible to intercalate the sheet silicate and/or sheet silicone with a variety of different polymers. The swelling agent is a material with sufficient mobility such that it can enter between the sheets of the silicate or silicone and increase the spacing between sheets. The swelling agent desirably has a solubility parameter that facilitates entry of both the swelling agent and matrix polymer between the layers of the filler promoting intercalation and/or exfoliation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a micropolarimeter comprising an analyzer (1) and a detector (10) located past the analyzer in the direction of radiation and presenting a number of segments ND which is higher than or equal to 3 (11). The invention seeks to provide a micropolarimeter with no moving parts, with a high polarization index, for use for polychromatic light, so small that it can detect the ray of common lasers in one single measurement step without it being necessary to enlarge it, and capable of being converted in a simple manner into a complete Stokesmeter.

Abstract: A wheelchair back assembly is mounted from the vertical post of a wheelchair. The assembly has a back member comprising one or more rigid shells which are mounted by laterally extending adjustable clamping members. These clamping members permit a variety of adjustment angles, height and depth. Further, lateral support members can be independently adjusted to accommodate a particular user.

Abstract: A process which relies on a joining technique between two individual strongly linked superconductors is disclosed. Specifically, this invention relates to fabrication of single domains of YBa2Cu3Ox or YBa2Cu3Ox with the addition of Y2BaCuO5 and/or other secondary phases such as Pt/PtO2, CeO2, SnO2, Ag, Y2O3 and other rare earth oxides, by using a top-seeded, melt processing technique. Beginning with a single crystal seed such as Nd1+xBa2−xCu3O3 or SmBa2Cu3Ox crystals, a melt-textured YBCO domain with crystallographic orientation nearly similar to that of the seed crystal can be fabricated. The samples are next machined to desired geometrical shapes. A bonding material is then applied to the ac plane. Low solidification or recrystalization point, similar crystal structure to that of YBa2Cu3Ox, and capability of growing epitaxially on YBCO domains are critical parameters of the bonding material.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an electrically conductive valve metal mesh of extreme void fraction. More particularly the invention relates in a most important aspect to an application thereof for an electrode structure in such a way as to prevent the corrosion of steel, including reinforcing steel in concrete, by cathodic protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix switch for optical fibers, exhibiting slides (S1(n)) arranged in lines, to each of which an input optical fiber (LWL1(n)) is fixed, and slides (S2(m)) arranged in columns to each of which an output optical fiber (LWL2(m)) is fixed. The slides with the optical fibers are arranged on two planes in such a way that the input optical fibers can be optically coupled to the output optical fibers by displacing the output and input slides. A device (1) with stops (2) arranged in lines and columns is provided to position the slides (S1(n)), (S21(m)) to which the input or output optical fibers (LWL1(n)), (LWL1(n)) are fixed. The positioning device (1) enables the advancement of the output slides (S2(m)) to be limited in such a way that the output slides are secured in an exact position in which the input optical fibers can be coupled to the output optical fibers.

Abstract: The device relates generally to a seating system and more particularly to seat cushion assemblies having a rearward depression and cushioning insert tailored to fit under the skeletal structure of the user. In particular, the assembly preferably includes an intermediate insert which fits within a base depression and a cushioning insert which can be a fluid bag, air bag, foam or gel. The insert is generally oval shaped and has a rounded bottom. This enables the cushion to be used to fit under the seating bones so as to provide a proper pelvic tilt. Further, the insert can be moved in order to provide controlled movement of the pelvis over time. A first cushioning insert is generally constructed of a material forming baffles so as to define air chambers and having a right and left seat bone area. A second design has a top and bottom so as to define the fluid envelope separated by a central baffle having apertures to allow fluid communication between the right an left portions.

Abstract: A metal foam support, plus an electrode comprising same, as well as methods of making both, are disclosed, in which there is provided for both the support and the electrode a metal foam member with at least one stacked edge. The stacked edge has a plurality of layers to which a metal connection tab member can be secured. Such an electrode can serve as a negative electrode for a secondary battery.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of micro heat exchangers, which enable an efficient heat transfer between two flowing media. In a first processing step, a plastic layer is structurized by means of photolithography, x-ray deep lithography, or laser ablation. This plastic structure is galvanically molded in a second processing step, preserving the structural properties. The resulting metallic microstructure, which is the inverse of the original structure, is used as a shaping insert to produce the individual layers from which the micro heat exchanger is assembled. The method according to the invention makes it possible to cheaply produce large numbers of micro heat exchangers.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly is provided having a fixation plate held in position in a bone by a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners extend through holes in the bone plate to engage the bone below. Further, the assembly includes a locking plate which is secured to the fixation plate by means of a lock screw extending through an opening in the locking plate. Further, the locking plate has a dovetailed connection to engage the flanges defining the exterior edges of a channel and the fixation plate. The locking plate, thus, has a sliding connection from a first position where it has at least partial openings corresponding to the openings of the fixation plate for the fasteners, and optionally also for a graft screw. In a second position, the edge of the plate surrounding the opening overlaps the fastener openings so as to lock these openings against the fastener backing out.

Abstract: Cationic polymerization of mono and polyfunctional benzoxazine monomers is described. The chemical structure of the polymers from cationic polymerization of benzoxazine monomers has been identified and distinguished from thermally polymerized products from the same monomers. The controllable microstructure of the polymers from benzoxazines prepared by cationic polymerization offers opportunities to prepare and optimize the polymer structure for specific applications.

Abstract: A method and product resulting from employing radio frequency electric energy for heat-sealing a thermoplastic pouch to a thermoplastic sheet or banner to provide a banner with an improved supplemental signage pocket affixed thereto. The components of the present invention are, no adhesives and tape free. The product is formed by utilizing a heating sheet heated by RF energy to seal the banner to the pocket. A barrier is placed in said pocket to protect one wall of the pocket from being sealed to the banner.

Abstract: A tilt seat of a wheelchair is operatively connected to a wheel-chair frame through an archial support member and through a gear rack such that as the seat is tilted, the center of gravity of a person seated in the wheelchair is substantially maintained. A bracket which slides along the gear rack can be stopped at or released at any desired seat tilt inclination. The wheelchair can also contain a reclinable seat back member, and marking elements, which show the tilt angle of the seat.

Abstract: Low viscosity ternary mixtures of benzoxazine, epoxy and phenolic resins have been developed. The blends render homogeneous and void free cured specimen with a wide range of properties. Melt viscosity values as low as 0.3 Pa.s at 100° C. can be achieved. The phenolic resin acts as a cure accelerator to the system, besides its typical function as a hardener of epoxy resin. Glass transition temperatures Tg as high as 170° C. can also be obtained.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair is advantageously provided with a rate-of-turn feedback sensor and with forward/reverse motion, lateral motion, and vertical motion acceleration feedback sensors that are integrated into a closed-loop wheelchair servo control system to differentially control the rotational speed of wheelchair opposed motor-driven wheels and thereby obtain improved wheelchair motion stability through reduction/elimination of likely wheelchair spin-out and wheelchair tipping during wheelchair operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the fabrication of an optical component with at least one fiber taper receptacle and a coupled fiber taper For this, a microstructure body is first made by coating a substrate with resist, the height of the resist diminishing essentially continuously across one region of the substrate. Next, the resist is exposed to synchrotron radiation through a mask and then developed. By electroforming and molding methods, such as micro injection molding, replicas of the microstructure body are created in plastic, for example. The invention further concerns an optical component, which has at least one fiber taper receptacle and one coupled fiber taper. The fiber taper receptacle is configured as a trough with essentially rectangular cross section. The trough height and width decrease essentially continuously across at least one region.

Abstract: A fifth wheel is described with a coupling plate having elements for fastening to the vehicle frame. It is supposed to facilitate the mounting on the vehicle frame, while it should be possible to equalize manufacturing tolerances of the frame in simple fashion. The fastening elements attach to pivot pins, which are detachably arranged on the fifth wheel and project outward to the side beyond the coupling plate.

Abstract: A run flat tire has a plurality of reinforcing wedges located in the tire sidewall with the hardness of each wedge generally diminishing in the radially inward direction of the sidewall. Since the bead filler is harder than the radial innermost wedge, the hardness at generally the top of the bead filler increases in the radial inward direction. The reinforcing wedges partially overlap each other and can generally have any configuration. The changing of hardness of the radial wedges results in a wedge sequence and thus a more even strain distribution throughout the tire sidewall. This strain distribution extends the run flat life of the tire and also provides a good balance with other tire performance parameters.