Abstract: Methods for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first pathway and redirecting the optical fiber along a second, different pathway which is non-parallel with the first pathway. The optical fiber may be coated as it travels along the second pathway.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber that includes a method for producing an optical fiber, said method comprising: (i) drawing a bare optical fiber from a preform along a first pathway at a rate of at least 10 m/sec; (ii) contacting said bare optical fiber with a region of fluid in a fluid bearing and redirecting said bare optical fiber along a second pathway as said bare optical fiber is drawn across said region of fluid cushion; (iii) coating the bare optical fiber; and (iv) irradiating said coated fiber in at least one irradiation zone to at least partially cure said coating, while subjecting the optical fiber to UV light.

Abstract: A method for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first vertical pathway. The optical fiber may then be routed through at least one fluid bearing thereby redirecting the optical fiber along a second vertical pathway. Thereafter, a thermoplastic coating may be applied to the optical fiber with a thermoplastic coating system. The optical fiber may then be wound onto a fiber storage spool with a fiber take-up system. The fiber take-up system may be space apart from the thermoplastic coating system such that the thermoplastic coating may be cooled before the optical fiber is wound onto the fiber storage spool.

Abstract: Methods for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first pathway and redirecting the optical fiber along a second, different pathway which is non-parallel with the first pathway. The optical fiber may be coated as it travels along the second pathway.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber that includes a method for producing an optical fiber, said method comprising: (i) drawing a bare optical fiber from a preform along a first pathway at a rate of at least 10 m/sec; (ii) contacting said bare optical fiber with a region of fluid in a fluid bearing and redirecting said bare optical fiber along a second pathway as said bare optical fiber is drawn across said region of fluid cushion; (iii) coating the bare optical fiber; and (iv) irradiating said coated fiber in at least one irradiation zone to at least partially cure said coating, while subjecting the optical fiber to UV light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an access control system for controlling access to equipment, the system comprises a storage location for storing a plurality of electronic access devices, each being associated with a particular piece of equipment. A control means is arranged to identify the user and to allow a selection from one or more access devices based on the user's identity. If the device selected requires a test for the physical state of the user, then the control means is configured to allow the device to be withdrawn only if the user satisfies certain predetermined conditions.

Abstract: Use for the preparation of paints for substrata coatings of aqueous dispersions of VDF-based polymers having an average particle size between 0.260 and 0.3 micrometers comprising a bifunctional surfactant of formula: A-Rf-B ??(I) wherein A=-O—CFX—COOM; B=—CFX—COOM with X=F, CF3; M=NH4, alkaline metal, H; Rf is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl chain, or a (per)fluoropolyether chain such that the number average molecular weight of (I) is in the range 600-800.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: Light adjustment apparatuses and methods for adjusting light assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment can include a light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket coupled to the housing, a support member rotatably attached to the mounting bracket, and a lock to restrict the mounting bracket from rotating relative to the support member about an axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting a light assembly. The method includes removing a lock from a first lock receiver in a mounting bracket and a second lock receiver in a support member; rotating the mounting bracket and a light assembly attached to the mounting bracket as a unit so that the light is aimed at a selected orientation; aligning a third lock receiver in the mounting bracket with the second lock receiver in the support member; and placing the lock in the third lock receiver of the mounting bracket and the second lock receiver of the support member.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring usage of equipment comprises an electronic key for controlling operation of the equipment and a central storage location for a plurality of keys. Access to the keys is controlled so that only authorised personnel can obtain a key and may be directed to select a particular key. In any event, the key is associated with a particular authorised person. At the equipment, the key is inserted and data contained in the key is read and the equipment enabled under microprocessor control. Data relating to the activity of the equipment can be written to circuitry in the key for transfer back to the central storage location when a the key is returned.

Abstract: Light adjustment apparatuses and methods for adjusting light assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment can include a light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket coupled to the housing, a support member rotatably attached to the mounting bracket, and a lock to restrict the mounting bracket from rotating relative to the support member about an axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting a light assembly. The method includes removing a lock from a first lock receiver in a mounting bracket and a second lock receiver in a support member; rotating the mounting bracket and a light assembly attached to the mounting bracket as a unit so that the light is aimed at a selected orientation; aligning a third lock receiver in the mounting bracket with the second lock receiver in the support member; and placing the lock in the third lock receiver of the mounting bracket and the second lock receiver of the support member.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: A method and system for international e-commerce includes issuing a debit card to a user based on a user account of funds in a user currency. The user can then access a Web merchant who transacts business in a merchant currency, and using the debit card, the user can select products for purchase. The user is automatically redirected to a transaction center Web site, which authenticates the user and determines appropriate tariffs and shipping costs, based on the user's shipping address, and the cost and weight of products. The transaction center then converts the total amount to the user currency and verifies that the user has sufficient funds to cover the transaction. If funds are available, the transaction center approves the transaction, notifies the merchant and user, automatically debits the user account, and automatically generates a shipping manifest. The debited funds are then converted to merchant currency and the merchant is paid, and the shipping manifest is sent to the merchant.

Abstract: A process for making a PVDF-based powder coating compositions using a co-coagulation process and compositions comprising co-coagulated PVDF, co-coagulated PVDF-based powder coating compositions and substances coated with these compositions. Vinylidene fluoride polymer latex compositions are mixed with compatible thermoplastic polymer latex, such as acrylic polymer latex, and a coagulant is added. The coagulant precipitates the vinylidene fluoride and polymer, and the precipitant is filtered and dried forming the powder coating. The powder coating is homogenous. The coating comprises no solvents and can be applied to a number of substrates.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis having independently interchangeable components. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component having a first bearing surface defined at least in part by a first radius in the coronal plane. The femoral component further includes a second bearing surface defined at least in part by a second radius in the coronal plane, the second radius being displaced from the first radius. The distance between the center of the first radius to the center of the second radius is substantially constant and does not depend on the size of the femoral component. The knee joint prosthesis further includes a tibial component which is operable to engage the femoral component.

Abstract: A damper door system that includes an opening in a planar wall, a retractable damper door and a track extending through said opening. The damper door includes slots that are conformable to the track when the door is in a closed position. In addition, the slots in the damper door include an intumescent material for sealing the door shut in the event of a fire.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is a process for preparing vinylidenefluoride (VDF) polymers which comprises polymerizing VDF, optionally in association with other fluorinated oiefins in an aqueous medium in the presence of a radical initiator and of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,2-dichloroethane (HCFC-123) as chain transfer agent.A final product with very good colour characteristics (appearance), substantially devoid of discoloration effects at high temperatures, is so obtained.