Abstract: A spindle nut and a locking device for securing the nut in a rotative position on a spindle. An anti-rotation spring and a back up plate are mounted on the spindle in a non-rotative manner with the back up plate in abutment with the bearings that rotatively mount the hub to the spindle. The back up plate has multiple grooves aligned with and arranged to receive multiple resilient tabs on the periphery of the anti-rotation spring. The tabs of the anti-rotation spring are formed to project axially from the spring. A flange of the nut has multiple slots around its periphery that are sized to receive a tab of the anti-rotation spring. A tool having extending ears that fit in the slots of the nut is utilized to install the nut on the spindle. The extending ears prevent the tabs of the spring from entering a slot of the nut until the tool is removed. As the nut is rotated by the tool, the nut abuts the anti-rotation spring.

Abstract: A seating assembly, such as for use in auditorium seating, includes a pair of spaced frame assemblies and a seat and back, each of which is mounted between the frame assemblies. The seat assembly is mounted to the frame assemblies by means of an internal pivoting arrangement providing movement of the seat between an occupied position and an unoccupied, storage position in which the seat is substantially vertical. A biasing arrangement, such as a counterweight, moves the seat toward its storage position. The back is mounted between the frame assemblies by a pivoting back mounting arrangement, providing articulating movement of the back according to the position of the sitter's back. A biasing arrangement, such as a torsion spring, is associated with the back mounting arrangement for moving the back toward a storage position when the seat is unoccupied.

Abstract: A neural network has inputs formed by square array of optical modulators M.sub.ij and outputs by optical detectors D.sub.ij coupled to threshold comparators. A holographic plate includes a spatial modulator whose elements are controlled by a controller to form an array of optical beams from a coherent optical source. Each optical beam optically interconnects a modulator M.sub.ij with a respective detector D.sub.ij. The weight values of the neural network are provided by the intensities of the optical beams. This obviates the need for an optical weighting mask between an array of light emitting diodes and a detector array allowing a higher density of lower power consumption components and reprogrammability of the network.

Abstract: A seating assembly, such as for use in auditorium seating, includes a pair of spaced frame assemblies and a seat and back, each of which is mounted between the frame assemblies. The seat assembly is mounted to the frame assemblies by means of an internal pivoting arrangement providing movement of the seat between an occupied position and an unoccupied, storage position in which the seat is substantially vertical. A biasing arrangement, such as a counterweight, moves the seat toward its storage position. The back is mounted between the frame assemblies by a pivoting back mounting arrangement, providing articulating movement of the back according to the position of the sitter's back. A biasing arrangement, such as a torsion spring, is associated with the back mounting arrangement for moving the back toward a storage position when the seat is unoccupied.

Abstract: A method of training a neural network (2) having dynamically adjustable parameters controlled by a controller (10) which determine the response of the network (2). A set of input vectors (I.sub.l to I.sub.n) are input to network (2) at an input port (4). The corresponding set of output vectors (O'.sub.l to O'.sub.n) provided by the network (2) are compared to a target set of output vectors (O.sub.l to O.sub.n) by an error logger (12) which provides to the controller (10) a measure of similarity of the two sets. The controller (10) is arranged to alter the dynamic parameters independence on the average number of occasions the output vectors are different from the respective target output vectors.

Abstract: An optical device includes a 50-50 cross-coupler having a pair of ports optically coupled by a waveguide which includes a portion of material having a non-linear refractive index with a relaxation time such that the effect on the non-linear portion of a first pulse passing through the portion last long enough to affect the phase of a second pulse relative to the first. It finds application as a logic element, optical amplifier modulator and the like.

Abstract: A radiation generator in which substantially all the radiation modes are locked with respect to one another comprises a radiation generating cavity defined by mirrors and a crystal for generating a continuous train of non-transform limited pulses of coherent radiation. An external cavity is positioned in association with the radiation generating cavity whereby radiation may pass in use in both directions between the two cavities. The external cavity is defined by a medium having a non-linear transmission characteristic which may be substantially non-dispersive for radiation from the generating cavity, and/or which has a negative group delay dispersion. The radiation path length is such that pulses fed into the external cavity are fed back to the radiation generating cavity in synchronism with a later pulse from the generating cavity.

Abstract: A boat trailer including a frame having a tongue rigidly connected thereto and an axle with wheels thereon connected to the frame by springs, the frame also having pivotally connected thereto a ramp mounted on the rearward end of the frame on an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tongue of the trailer, the ramp being mounted independently of the wheels supporting the frame, the ramp having the major portion of its length extending forwardly of the perpendicular axis of the frame and a plurality of rollers mounted in the center thereof, and having two flat runners extending parallel and perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the ramp for supporting the weight of the boat.

Abstract: An edge structure for use with a room dividing panel is provided, as well as room dividing panels utilizing the edge structure, and a method of manufacture and/or utilization of such panels. The edge structure includes a unitary extrusion, elongated in a first dimension, of flexible plastic material. The extrusion includes a hollow anchoring portion adapted to anchor the extrusion in a channel in the room dividing panel, and elongated in a second dimension transverse to the first dimension; a pair of support portions extending outwardly from and on opposite sides of the anchoring portion and adapted to engage and overlap an edge of the room dividing panel; and a pair of flexible lips. Each of the lips has one end thereof integral with a support portion, extends toward the other of the support portions, and terminates in a free end unconnected to any other structures.