Abstract: A method is provided for converting optical energy to electrical energy in a spectrally adaptive manner. The method begins by directing optical energy into a first photovoltaic module that includes non-single crystalline semiconductor layers defining a junction such that a first spectral portion of the optical energy is converted into a first quantity of electrical energy. A second spectral portion of the optical energy unabsorbed by the first module is absorbed by a second photovoltaic module that includes non-single crystalline semiconductor layers defining a junction and converted into a second quantity of electrical energy. The first quantity of electrical energy is conducted from the first module to a first external electrical circuit along a first path. The second quantity of electrical energy is conducted from the second module to a second external electrical circuit along a second path that is in parallel with the first path.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable overhang bracket uses an elongate base component adapted to be supported from a support column. A frame member is slidably secured to the base component to allow movement of the frame along the length of the elongate base component. The frame is of a shape to provide an outwardly extending support member for supporting concrete formwork members to one side of the base component. An actuator controls the position of the frame, relative to the elongate base component. With this arrangement, concrete formwork can be more easily supported in a cantilevered manner from support columns and vertically adjusted quickly to the proper position. Removal of the formwork is simplified as the frame can be lowered, relative to the base component providing clearance for removal of the bracket and the formwork.

Abstract: Epoxy composites are prepared by separately preheating an epoxy resin and a hardener; mixing the preheated epoxy resin and preheated hardener to form a hot reaction mixture and curing the hot reaction mixture in the presence of a reinforcement until the mixture cures to form a composite having a polymer phase with a glass transition temperature of at least 150° C.

Abstract: A safety ladder cage system is of a fabricated construction to reduce the time and expertise to provide a safety cage to one side of a scaffold system access ladder. The safety cage system is divided into two components each of which can be carried by a worker to the appropriate point and loosely hung from a ladder rung or the ladder uprights. The worker is then free to accurately position the safety cage component to one side of the ladder. The second component is then brought into position and attached to the opposite side of the ladder in a similar manner. The components are then attached to each other along vertical securing edges outwardly spaced from and generally centered on the ladder. Each component preferably includes its own captured connector for engaging the opposite component.

Abstract: The process is for ageing heat treatment of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy which has alloying elements in solid solution. The process includes holding the alloy at an elevated ageing temperature which is appropriate for ageing the alloy to promote precipitation of at least one solute element, herein termed “primary precipitation” for a period of time which is short relative to a T6 temper. Resultant underaged alloy then is cooled from the ageing temperature to a lower temperature and at a sufficiently rapid rate to substantially arrest the primary precipitation. The cooled alloy then is exposed to an ageing temperature, lower than the elevated ageing temperature for primary precipitation, so as to develop adequate mechanical properties as a function of time, by further solute element precipitation, herein termed “secondary precipitation”.

Abstract: The heat treatment of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy, having alloying elements in solid solution includes the stages of holding the alloy for a relatively short time at an elevated temperature TA appropriate for ageing the alloy; cooling the alloy from the temperature TA at a sufficiently rapid rate and to a lower temperature so that primary precipitation of solute elements is substantially arrested; holding the alloy at a temperature TB for a time sufficient to achieve a suitable level of secondary nucleation or continuing precipitation of solute elements; and heating the alloy to a temperature which is at, sufficiently close to, or higher than temperature TA and holding for a further sufficient period of time at temperature TC for achieving substantially maximum strength.

Abstract: There is disclosed a closure panel. The panel finds particular utility as a liftgate or endgate for automotive vehicles. Typically, the assembly includes a first panel portion opposite a second panel portion and an intermediate material therebetween. Preferably, one or more of the panel portions is formed of a polymeric material and the intermediate material is preferably a structural foam that can bond to both the first and the second panel portions.

Abstract: A toeboard for a raised working platform advantageously cooperates with known construction systems to simplify securement and allow efficient setup. Each toeboard has connectors at either end of an elongate body member. Each connector has two fingers extending in a manner to intersect with a longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The connectors at opposite ends of the elongate body have an opposite orientation of said fingers where the fingers of one connector are 180 degrees out of alignment with the fingers of the other connector. This arrangement allows toeboards to connect easily in an end to end manner as well as in a perpendicular manner.

Abstract: An optical module is provided for performing a prescribed function such as dispersion compensation, for example. The optical module is to be integrated between stages of a multi-stage rare-earth doped optical amplifier. The module includes an input port for receiving optical energy from one stage of the rare-earth doped optical amplifier and a rare-earth doped planar waveguide coupled to the input port. An optically lossy, passive element is provided for performing the prescribed function. The optically lossy, passive element is coupled to the planar waveguide for receiving optical energy therefrom. An output port is coupled to the optically lossy, passive element for providing optical energy to another stage of the rare-earth doped optical amplifier.

Abstract: An extruded metal structural component has a hollow generally rectangular section with the sides of the rectangular section adapted to interlock and engage with other structural components of the same cross section. The generally rectangular section includes on one side a shallow “U” shaped channel and the opposite side includes a projecting portion for mating receipt in the “U” shaped channel of a second structural component. The structural component includes a downwardly extending securing flange for engaging and securing connecting members when two such structural components form the top and bottom chord of a structural beam.

Abstract: A polyurea-polymer formulation suitable for preparing a molded polyurea polymer includes a polyisocyanate, an isocyanate-reactive material, and a fatty-acid ester. The fatty-acid ester is present in an amount effective for providing a molded polyurea polymer prepared from the formulation with blister resistance such that when the molded polyurea polymer is exposed to moisture and a temperature of at least about 350° F. (177° C.), the molded polyurea polymer is substantially free of blisters. A fatty-acid ester suitable for use with these formulations can be natural or synthetic, and one example includes jojoba oil. A polyurea-polymer formulation can also include other components known to be useful with polyurea polymers such as fillers, catalysts, surfactants, and polyepoxides. A molded polyurea polymer can be prepared from a polyurea-polymer formulation. One method suitable for preparing a molded polyurea polymer includes reaction injection molding.

Abstract: A multistage optical amplifier includes a fiber amplifier stage having an active optical fiber for imparting gain to an optical signal propagating therethrough and a coupler supplying pump energy to the optical fiber. A planar waveguide amplifier stage is optically coupled to the fiber amplifier stage. The waveguide amplifier including a substrate, an active planar waveguide formed on the substrate for imparting gain to an optical signal propagating therethrough, and at least one waveguide coupler formed on the substrate for coupling pump power to the active planar waveguide.

Abstract: 1

Abstract: There is disclosed a closure panel. The panel finds particular utility as a liftgate or endgate for automotive vehicles. Typically, the assembly includes a first panel portion opposite a second panel portion and an intermediate material therebetween. Preferably, one or more of the panel portions is formed of a polymeric material and the intermediate material is preferably a structural foam that can bond to both the first and the second panel portions.

Abstract: An assembled structural beam according to the present invention comprises a top chord and a bottom chord mechanically connected by series of diagonal connecting members. The top chord includes, on an upper surface, a longitudinally extending bolt slot. The bottom chord includes, on a bottom surface, a longitudinally extending bolt slot. Each of the chords have two opposed side surfaces with a shallow channel recess in one side and extending the length of the chord, with a complementary projection on the opposite side and extending the length of the chord sized for receipt in the shallow channel recess. Each chord is an extruded component and includes a securing flange which cooperates with the diagonal connecting members to secure the top chord to the bottom chord. The structural beam is particularly useful in flying forms for concrete forming.

Abstract: A radiant energy absorber (39) having an absorber tube (40) formed with V-shaped grooves (41) in its outer surface to enhance energy collection. The radiant energy absorber (39) may also include an inner tube (43) and a helically extending wire (48) in the annular space between the inner tube (43) and outer tube (40) which defines a helically extending flow passage along which the medium flowing into the absorber is constrained to pass.

Abstract: A multistage optical amplifier includes a fiber amplifier stage having an active optical fiber for imparting gain to an optical signal propagating therethrough and a coupler supplying pump energy to the optical fiber. A planar waveguide amplifier stage is optically coupled to the fiber amplifier stage. The waveguide amplifier including a substrate, an active planar waveguide formed on the substrate for imparting gain to an optical signal propagating therethrough, and at least one waveguide coupler formed on the substrate for coupling pump power to the active planar waveguide.

Abstract: A polyurethane composition useful for the manufacture of an elastomeric part is provided. The polyurethane composition comprises a polyisocyanate prepolymer and an active hydrogen containing compound, wherein from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of the composition is a butylene oxide adduct and from about 70 to about 100 percent of the butylene oxide adduct is present in the polyisocyanate prepolymer. A method for preparing a polyurethane polymer from the polyurethane composition is also provided. Also, a method for preparing a polyurethane article from the polyurethane composition is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning bicomponent sheath/core filaments such that the filaments are uniformly quenched. The apparatus includes a distributor plate, and spinneret and a shim position between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The spinneret includes a plurality of holes positioned so that the density of holes is the lowest near the center of the spinneret and increases as radially proceed outward. More specifically, the holes are substantially configured in the shape of a parallelogram in which the sides of the parallelogram are all of equal length. Additionally, the shape of the parallelogram is more flat the further the parallelogram pattern is located from the center of the spinneret. In this manner of positioning the holes, filaments therefrom do not significantly impede quench air from uniformly reaching filaments in the outer rows.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution material for personal care products which is a fabric which wicks artificial menses according to a horizontal wicking test a distance of about 1 inch in less than about 1.5 minutes. Materials meeting this performance criteria generally have a pore size distribution with a high percentage (usually more than 50 percent) of pore diameters between about 80 and 400 microns and a density below about 0.15 g/cc. There is also provided a personal care product system having a distribution/retention layer and a pad shaping layer wherein each layer has a stain length ratio of 0.5 or less and the distribution/retention layer has a saturation profile of 4 or less.