Abstract: An optical path switch and a method of using thereof, for creating two optical pathways for input light. The switch is composed of two polarizers that polarize the input light and two polarization rotators each having two positions. The polarization rotators position translates to one of two the optical pathways. Additionally, the optical path switch has an image enhancement device for producing an enhanced image of the light, and a beam splitter that directs the light to two channels. The optical path switch works by polarizing the light by one of the two polarizers producing an output, following, the output is then directed through the beam splitter where the output is directed towards the two channels. Next, the output is then filtered through the two polarization rotators and to the other of the two channels where the positions of the two polarization rotators switch the optical pathways.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for conductive liquids having a bias ring to prevent false “full” indications. The sensor is an inexpensive conductive probe that can be installed in any tank or container used to contain a conductive liquid. The build up of residue such as sludge on the inside of the container wall and probe pieces can cause a short between the probe and ground. This situation will result in falsely showing that the level of the liquid being measured is at least at the minimum predetermined requirement even though the actual level may be far less than that amount. The bias ring is a metal ring that is placed around the insulating base of the sensing probe between the probe tip and the top inside of the tank. The probe is then given a charge (positive for negative ground systems) which interrupts the current path between the sensing tip of the probe and ground via the conducting residue. Consequently, the sensor will read correctly despite the conductive residue that may be present.

Abstract: A steam table pan made of ceramic is disclosed. The pan is generally rectangular, having a lower flange along one length of the rectangle, and an upper flange along the opposite length. When two such pans are placed side by side, the lower flange of the first pan fits snuggly in an interlocking position with the upper flange of the second pan. In this manner several such ceramic pans may be positioned side by side on a steam table or a similar serving bar.

Abstract: A low profile surface mountable toroid inductor. The apparatus features a one step molded housing which includes a cover and opposing mounting legs. The housing is molded in a liquid crystal polymer. The length of wire that provides the turns on the toroid also serves as the mounting pads as each end of the wire that is left exposed during the housing molding process is then wrapped around its corresponding leg to provide a mounting pad. The apparatus is able to achieve a thickness that is less or equal to 1.5 mm by eliminating the thickness of a prefabricated cover. Further, a flat surface can be molding into the housing so that the apparatus can be positioned with “pick and place” techniques. Also, the apparatus can be configured so that it can be mounted upside down as well.

Abstract: A grenade launcher sighting assembly. A sighting apparatus for a grenade launcher having a barrel with a centerline is provided. The sighting apparatus has a mounting module that is alignable mountable to the barrel of the grenade launcher, wherein said mounting module is adapted to be attached to the barrel of the grenade launcher such that mounting module is consistently aligned with the centerline of the barrel. An adjustable range gradient is also provided. The adjustable range gradient is pivotally attached to said mounting module, wherein said range gradient has selectable a plurality of selectable positions, such that each selectable position has a yardage value and such that each selectable position corresponds to a particular trajectory wherein said grenade launcher will launch a grenade a distance that corresponds to the yardage value of selected position of said range gradient.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus that allows multiple uncontaminated samples to be taken from hydrothermal vents and the oceanic or limnological water column. The apparatus includes a sampling nozzle for taking in the sample. A sample collection unit is in fluid communication with the sampling nozzle and includes at least one sampling module for the collection of a predetermined type of sample. A fluid intake module is in fluid communication with the sample collection unit and the sampling nozzle. The fluid intake module includes at least one pump for drawing a sample fluid through the sampling nozzle and sample collection unit. A control module is in electrical communication with the fluid intake module. The control module includes a micro-controller for controlling the fluid intake module and a computer readable memory for storing sampling data for use by a user.

Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus and a locking mechanism for the same. The shackle is of a thimble type design and includes a locking mechanism for locking the shackle open and closed. The shackle apparatus allows for secure locking, easier operation, higher strength and less susceptible to problems of wear. The locking mechanism includes a plunger pin connected to a knob that mates with the shackle body to prevent the plunger pin from rotating and/or retracting, and the shackle from opening. This design prevents the plunger from both rotational as well as translational movement during extreme flogging, dragging and impact to prevent accidental opening. The shackle can be operated with one hand for the inside surface of the hook is “proud” above the surface of the clevis. This arrangement transforms any force applied to the latching side of the shackle into a moment which helps the hook close and allows the plunger pin to be snapped closed with the use of one hand.

Abstract: A hardened aluminum alloy, for use in the manufacture of printed circuit boards, having elevated levels of manganese and magnesium and produced as a sheet by a cold rolling process to a specified thickness.

Abstract: The present invention is based on a series of acrylic cross-linking agents containing two or more dehydroalanine moieties (H2C═C(NHCOR′)COOR) per monomer. Monomers of the general structure H2C═C(NHCOCH3)COO(CH2)iOO(CH3CONH) C═CH2 with i=4, 5, and 8 can be polymerized or copolymerized under UV-curing conditions or by simple heating above melting point, leading to cross-linked polymeric materials. When polymerized on metallic surfaces, exceptional adhesion is obtained with no need for additional adhesion enhancers.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism used for attaching a flexible line or any other catheter extending through the abdominal wall or percutaneously applied in any other location during a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The fixation mechanism utilizes a cover plate fitted with a support base through which the flexible line (10) is placed. In order to attach the flexible line, a barrel vault-shaped body is folded and clicked into a closed position. The flexible line extending outside the abdominal wall (14) is then folded at an angle of 90° without appreciably changing its cross-sectional pre-insertion dimensions.

Abstract: An access device for use with a cable television communications network and a network utilizing such a device. The network includes a cable head end in communication with a television source and a data source and a trunk feed cable. At least one access device is placed in communication with the trunk feed cable. The access device includes an upstream frequency translator, a communications modem, a television band pass filter, a non-television band pass filter, a downstream frequency and a microprocessor for allocating frequency slots for the subscriber, setting the upstream frequency translator. At least one drop cable is in communication with the access device and a subscriber cable modem. In operation, the subscriber sends a service request from the computer, the subscriber cable modem converts the service request signal from the computer and sends the converted signal through the drop cable to the access device.

Abstract: An emergency braking system employing viscous or adhesive substances is disclosed for use with a vehicle operated on a road surface. The braking system produces at the rear wheels of a moving vehicle a molten substance that will effectively increase the coefficient of friction at the interface of tire and road. A coolant may also be supplied to cool the molten substance and further increase the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A molded wheel and bearing assembly includes two bearings in a molded housing forming a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is molded into the hub of a caster wheel. The caster wheel is made by molding a hub around the bearing assembly, then molding a tread around the hub. No assembly of individual elements into the wheel is necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a satellite dish having a mounting bracket in a window jam opening for a window frame with no physical intervention in the frame casing or jams. A mounting board having a length corresponding to the width of the window jam opening and having a width corresponding to the width of the mounting bracket is provided. At least one tensioning member rigidly is connected to said mounting board such that tensioning the tensioning member releasably fastens said mounting board within the window jam opening. In the preferred embodiment, two tensioning members are provided. The apparatus is positioned on the outside of the window. The window can be opened and closed without interference from said apparatus. The mounted board features at least one slot such that water is prevented from accumulating behind said mounting board and the window and wherein a cable from the dish may be inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A molded wheel and bearing assembly includes two butt-out bearings in a molded housing forming a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is molded into the hub of a caster wheel. The caster wheel is made by molding a hub around the bearing assembly, then molding a tread around the hub. No assembly of individual elements into the wheel is necessary.