Abstract: A fiber optic scanning interferometer in a Michelson arrangement using a polarization splitting coupler is disclosed. The splitting of s and p polarization modes into the fast and slow axes of a birefringent fiber allows the temporal separation of interference phenomena from multiple reflections such that signal recovery is simplified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to impart a coating layer on the surface of decorative mouldings that are widely used in the externally insulated finishing systems (EIFS) in the construction industry. The method is a sequence of mechanically advancing a core, constructed from pre-formed expanded polystyrene (EPS, in a straight horizontal plane through a coating chamber/hopper with templates conforming to the desired decorative profile. The apparatus is a rectangular box with a funneled opening at the top with adjustable internal plates to direct the material from the sides of the box toward the pre-formed core that is being coated. Two plates on the bottom of the box support the pre-formed core and are adjustable to leave an opening in the center so that excess material can fall through the bottom after coating the last core.

Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief value permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or values.

Abstract: A kingpin-free caster in which a plate is assembled onto a yoke with ball bearings therebetween and the plate is deformed in place upon the yoke to capture the ball bearings between the yoke and plate and couple the yoke and plate together against removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PVC-pipe, axially-tensioned joint. The pipe joint comprises a first PVC pipe having a spigot end, wherein the spigot end has a circumferential groove in and circumferentially around the outer surface of the spigot end. An inner ring is fitted into the groove in the spigot end and has a radial edge which forms a substantially radial shoulder circumferentially around the inner ring. The pipe joint also comprises a second PVC pipe having a bell end, wherein a plurality of angularly-spaced-apart holes extend radially through the bell end. The bell end of the second PVC pipe is fitted onto the spigot end of the first PVC pipe. There is a set of radial fasteners, wherein each given one of the radial fasteners extends through one of the plurality of angularly-spaced-apart holes in the bell end such that a first end portion of the fastener abuts against a shoulder of the inner ring.

Abstract: A method of securing a sealing washer to one surface of a metal sheet while welding a head of a fastener to a second surface of a metal sheet, the method comprising: compressing the head onto the second surface of the sheet between a first electrode engaging the head and a second electrode engaging the first surface of the sheet, welding the head to the second surface of the sheet by electrical resistance welding to heat the first surface of the sheet proximate to the first electrode, urging a sealing washer into the heated first surface with the second electrode to heat the sealing washer and thereby bond the sealing washer to the first surface.