Abstract: A storage device for installation on a bed includes a horizontal support member configured to be inserted between two mattress members. A vertical support member is coupled with and supported by the horizontal support member. A plurality of securing members are coupled to the vertical support member. A flexible storage member is fixedly secured to the plurality of securing members at a first edge and selectively attached to the plurality of securing members at a second edge. The flexible storage member is operable between a stowed position and a use position. The stowed position is defined by the flexible storage member being at least partially concealed from view. The use position is defined by the flexible storage member forming an interior storage space that is contained within the flexible storage member and supported by the plurality of securing members.

Abstract: A storage device for installation on a bed includes a horizontal support member configured to be inserted between two mattress members. A vertical support member is coupled with and supported by the horizontal support member. A plurality of securing members are coupled to the vertical support member. A flexible storage member is fixedly secured to the plurality of securing members at a first edge and selectively attached to the plurality of securing members at a second edge. The flexible storage member is operable between a stowed position and a use position. The stowed position is defined by the flexible storage member being at least partially concealed from view. The use position is defined by the flexible storage member forming an interior storage space that is contained within the flexible storage member and supported by the plurality of securing members.

Abstract: A utility storage mechanism for an inflatable swimming pool includes a substantially elastic outer wall having a top perimeter, an interior surface of the outer wall defining a fluid-containing interior, the utility storage mechanism comprising a strap adapted to encircle the outer wall proximate the top perimeter, wherein when a tensioning force is placed upon the strap, the strap substantially conforms to elastic movements of the outer wall. At least one bracket is coupled to the strap at a bracket-connection portion, the at least one bracket including a receiving member for receiving at least one pool utility fixture, wherein the bracket is coupled to the bracket-connection portion and is in a substantially abutting relationship with an exterior surface of the outer wall.

Abstract: A cooking utensil includes an outer ring. A bottom flange extends inward from the outer ring. The bottom flange is configured to support an outer edge of a substantially rigid food item from below. The bottom flange defines a lower oculus configured to allow unimpeded thermal transfer therethrough, and thermal transfer is at least partially impeded through the bottom flange. A top flange extends inward from the outer ring and is configured to extend over the outer edge of the substantially rigid food item. The top flange defines an upper oculus. The upper oculus is configured to allow unimpeded thermal transfer therethrough, and thermal transfer is at least partially impeded through the top flange.

Abstract: A utility storage mechanism for an inflatable swimming pool includes a substantially elastic outer wall having a top perimeter, an interior surface of the outer wall defining a fluid-containing interior, the utility storage mechanism comprising a strap adapted to encircle the outer wall proximate the top perimeter, wherein when a tensioning force is placed upon the strap, the strap substantially conforms to elastic movements of the outer wall. At least one bracket is coupled to the strap at a bracket-connection portion, the at least one bracket including a receiving member for receiving at least one pool utility fixture, wherein the bracket is coupled to the bracket-connection portion and is in a substantially abutting relationship with an exterior surface of the outer wall.

Abstract: In a laser beam modulation system, e.g. for pattern machining, in which a laser beam is modulated prior to power amplification, an acousto-optic modulator can provide a low beam extinction level when the diffracted beam is used, but the modulator causes an optical frequency change (Dopplar effect) taking the modulated beam outside the laser amplifier passband when both the source and amplifier are low pressure (1 torr) CO.sub.2 lasers.This is overcome by operating at least one of the lasers at an elevated gas pressure thus increasing the lasing amplification bandwidth. Thus a waveguide CO.sub.2 laser can be used as the amplifier but the power available is limited. Preferably a tunable waveguide CO.sub.2 laser source is used tuned to a frequency offset sufficient to accommodate the modulation beam and sidebands within the passband of a conventional low pressure high power CO.sub.2 amplifier laser.

Abstract: An acoustooptic modulator for generating a modulated diffracted beam 14 from a laser beam 10 by refractive Bragg diffraction from a longitudinal compressional acoustic wave directed into a germanium block 21 by a transducer 2.By tilting the end face 26, 30, so that the angle of incidence is 44 degrees, all the acoustic wave energy is reflected as a shear wave S, at 27 degrees, and is then dissipated in layers 24 of lithium or lead on the upper and lower surfaces 19, 22, of the block. The end face 26 is also disposed obliquely in plan angle to further reduce retroreflection.