Abstract: An optical thin film can have a refractive index variation along a dimension that is perpendicular to its thickness. Two areas that have equal physical thicknesses can have different optical thicknesses. Including the thin film as a layer in a thin film optical filter can provide a corresponding variation in the filter's spectral properties. Dosing an optical thin film with ultraviolet light can cause the refractive index variation. Subjecting the film to hydrogen can increase the refractive index's response to the dose of light. Dosing a region of a thin film optical filter with ultraviolet light can change the spectral properties of the region, for example shifting an out-of-specification optical filter into specification thereby increasing manufacturing yield. An agent can promote the film's response to the dose.

Abstract: A method and a device for automatic capturing of a static image. The automatic static image-capturing device is a scanner. The method includes the following steps. Any changes on a scanning platform are monitored. If a change in the static image on the scanning platform is detected, the change is gauged for a preset time interval to check for any further change during this time interval. If no further change is detected within this time interval, a preset operation is triggered.

Abstract: Devices, and methods of attaching accessory mounts to vertical fore grip handles on firearms, such as rifles. The accessory mounts can be molded to extend off of the handles. The accessory mounts can attach to the handles by interlocking plugs and slots. The accessory mount can have rails so that an accessory can attach to the rails on the accessory mount. The accessory can include lights, lasers, bayonets, sights, scopes, and the like. The vertical fore grip can be an elongated handle fixed to the firearm. The vertical fore grip can be an elongated handle that is detachable from beneath rails on the firearm. The vertical fore grip can include expandable bipod legs.

Abstract: An interface between two different optical materials can comprise a stack of thin film layers that manage light incident on that interface. One of the optical materials can have a first composition and a first refractive index, while the other optical material can have a second composition and a second refractive index. The stack can comprise thin film layers of the first optical material interleaved between thin film layers of the second optical material. The layers of the stack can be configured to provide the stack with an aggregate composition of at least one of the optical materials that progressively varies from one end of the stack to the other end. To provide the progressive variation in composition, the layers of one of the optical materials can have a progressively increased thickness across the stack, or can progressively increase in number, for example.

Abstract: A method of polishing objects using an apparatus comprised of a rotary positioning device comprising a turret; a base mounted on the turret; a drive wheel connected to a rotatable shaft, the drive wheel having a perimeter, and the rotatable shaft disposed in a housing. The polishing wheel assembly may include an elongated arm including a proximal end joined to the base, and a distal end; a rotatable polishing wheel supported at the end of the elongated arm; and a polishing belt comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface engageable with the perimeters of the drive wheel and the polishing wheel. The method is comprised of contacting the outer surface of the polishing belt to a contact region of the surface of the object; and controlling the contact region by rotating the elongated arm around the turret axis.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable assemblies having a fiber optic cable, a furcation body, and one or more furcated legs are disclosed herein. In embodiments disclosed herein, the furcation body comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having the fiber optic cable extending therefrom, and the second end having one or more furcated legs extending therefrom. The furcation body can include one or more features that facilitate cable management by supporting cabling components used in making fiber optic interconnections. The cable management features of the fiber optic cable assemblies advantageously inhibit sagging, facilitate access to fiber optic interconnections, and/or improve air flow paths between fiber optic interconnections.

Abstract: Emergency call system which enables an individual to summon assistance includes an emergency call unit connectable to a telephone line, at least one remote speakerphone unit having a speakerphone and connectable to the same telephone line as the emergency call unit, and at least one pendant adapted to be worn by the individual and including a button. The emergency call unit is arranged to determine whether any remote speakerphone units are off-hook when the button on the pendant is actuated and if so, send a signal to each remote speakerphone unit to disconnect from the telephone line. If one of the remote speakerphone units is off-hook, it will not interfere with the functioning of the emergency call unit. The emergency call unit is also arranged to dial a predetermined emergency telephone number when the button on the pendant is actuated and the telephone line is available for an outbound call.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a gas recycling and re-pressurizing assembly. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, the stack having an oxygen outlet and an oxygen inlet. The fuel cell system additionally includes two gas/water separator tanks, each of the tanks containing a quantity of water and a quantity of oxygen gas. Both tanks are capable of being fluidly connected to either the oxygen inlet or the oxygen outlet of the fuel cell stack. In addition, the two tanks are connected to one another so that water may be transferred back and forth between the two tanks. The system also includes a pump for transferring water back and forth between the tanks.

Abstract: A system and method uses light signals to detect and display the position of an airborne vehicle, such as a helicopter, during takeoff or landing or low speed, low altitude operation. A transmitter on the vehicle emits light signals while an optical receiver retrieves reflected light signals. Using light detection and ranging techniques, various parameters, such as altitude, ground speed and relative wind, are calculated based on the Doppler shift within the reflected light signals. The signals are transmitted in three different directions to facilitate the measurements of different Doppler shifts. The parameters are also displayed on a screen or other visual device within the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided fiber drop terminal (“FDT”) assemblies for providing selective connections between optical fibers of distribution cables and optical fibers of drop cables, such as in multiple dwelling units. The FDT assemblies include a mounting plate that enables the FDT to be conveniently and securely mounted to a generally vertical surface, such as a wall. The mounting plate is structured such that the base of the FDT must be removed before the mounting plate can be removed, and the cover of the FDT is structured that neither the base nor the mounting plate can be removed without first removing the cover. The cover may be selectively locked to the base and/or mounting plate with a locking fastener; therefore, only technicians able to remove the locking fastener may remove the cover, base, and/or mounting plate of the FDT assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for trimming perfect bound books is disclosed including a clamping assembly and a shearing assembly, preferably powered by electric motors. The clamping assembly includes a fixed anvil and a clamp member movable along a clamp track toward and away from the anvil. The shear assembly includes a shear blade movable along a shear track toward and away from the anvil. Load members are mounted on the clamp track and on the shear track. The clamp assembly and the shear assembly each has an electric motor driving a linear actuator (e.g., a drive screw) which is operatively coupled to its respective load member. A spring or a pair of springs is interposed between the clamp load member and the clamp member and another spring or a pair of springs is interposed between the shear blade and the shear load member. Thus, as the clamp member engages the book and as the shear blade shears through the book and engages the anvil, further movement of the clamp member and the shear blade is prevented.

Abstract: A modular heat exchange system having a refrigerant system for cycling a refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, a heat source circulation system which circulates a heat exchange fluid between a heat source and the evaporator, a heat sink circulation system which circulates a heat absorption fluid between a heat sink and the condenser, a fluid management system having temperature gauges for respectively reading core temperatures of the heat source and the heat sink, and a thermal energy source from which thermal energy is transferred to the heat exchange fluid when the core temperature of the heat source falls below a threshold temperature while the core temperature of the heat sink is maintained at a constant temperature.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a hand-held apparatus for treatment of conditions requiring ultra-sonic or vibratory treatment. The apparatus includes a transducer, an electronic tuning circuit and a power source for powering the apparatus. The transducer has a first section axially aligned with the second section. The second section has an outer wall of predetermined thickness surrounding an annular cavity that contains a piezoelectric stack. The electronic tuning circuit is in communication with the piezoelectric stack. The circuit is configured to tune the transducer to a target output frequency. The transducer, electronic tuning circuit and power source are at least partially contained within a common housing that is configured to be grasped by a human hand to administer treatment.

Abstract: A system for securing a facing comprising a wire grid that is positionally fixed relative to an earthen formation in a substantially vertical position, a formation anchor that is positionally fixed between the wire grid and the earthen formation, a facing that is laterally offset a distance from the wire grid and having a facing anchor, and a turnbuckle that is rotatably coupled between a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector is coupled to the facing anchor and the second connector is coupled to the formation anchor, such that rotation of the turnbuckle relative to the first and second connectors adjusts the distance between the wire grid and the facing.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, including storing or processing information regarding a benefit provided to an employee pursuant to an employee benefit relationship between the employee and a benefit provider established prior to, pursuant to, or during, a first employment relationship between the employee and a first employer, storing or processing information for providing or maintaining the benefit pursuant to or during a second employment relationship between the employee and a second employer, receiving a request for information regarding the benefit, processing the request for information regarding the benefit with a processing device, generating a message in response to the processing of the request for information regarding the benefit, and transmitting the message to a communication device associated with the employee, a benefit beneficiary, a second employer, or a benefit administrator, via, on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of canting firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip having extendable and expanded legs. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of the expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired.

Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly is disclosed comprising a connector body defining a bore extending axially forward from an entrance opening, a tubular male member with an upset, a seal member, and a retainer. The retainer is received within the bore and includes locking members to releaseably retain the tube. The retainer includes a forward extension to support the seal against fluid pressure. The retainer and seal are configured to be applied to the male member before insertion of the male member into the bore of the connector body. Two of the locking members include ramps extending radially outwardly to contact the body portion defining the entrance opening sequentially prior to contact by the locking arms of the other locking members. A removable protective cap attaches the retainer and seal onto a tube end and covers these components prior to assembly. The retainer, seal member and protective cap cannot be assembled onto the tube end unless the seal is present within the protective cap.

Abstract: The invention provides for an apparatus and method for attaching a Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR) chute. In one embodiment an automotive interior component comprises an automotive instrument panel having an outer surface and an inner surface. The automotive interior component further comprises an automotive PSIR hidden chute assembly contained behind the automotive instrument panel, wherein the PSIR hidden chute assembly has a chute and at least one PSIR door. The chute is connected to the inner surface of the automotive instrument panel. The automotive interior component further comprises a tuning clip connected to the chute and configured to engage the PSIR door. Engagement of the tuning clip to the PSIR door reduces deflection of the automotive instrument panel visible on the outer surface by biasing the PSIR door upward.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using a fiber laser as the lasing medium. Within the velocimeter, all optical signals, transmitted and received, are conveyed by optical fibers. An amplifier amplifies a source laser, which is then transmitted to one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers, each projecting along a different axis, and each with a single optical fiber input/output interface act as both the transmission device to focus the radiation at a target region, and as the receiving system for collecting reflected radiation. The transceivers each include an amplifier to further amplify the radiation received from the laser source. The one or more transceivers transmit radiation simultaneously to the target region, and may be located remotely from the laser source. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by targets at the focal point of the one or more transceivers.

Abstract: A metrology device, computer program product and computer-implemented method generating survey data without having the device touch subsea objects being surveyed. The metrology device may be used with an underwater vehicle or diving personnel, and may comprise an inertial navigation system having gyroscopes to detect angular velocity and accelerometers for the detection of linear velocity and transported by an underwater robotic apparatus or diver, the inertial navigation system outputting position and orientation data of the device for storage; an aiding device for collecting image data of the subsea objects, the aiding device being positioned so that the distance and orientation between the optical scanner and the inertial navigation system is known; and a computer for using the position information and image data between a successively visited known point to determine the drift of the metrology device and to use the drift of the metrology device to correct measurements of same.