Abstract: A semiconductor optical device comprises an active waveguide having a tapered portion, and a passive waveguide extending beyond the end of the active waveguide and optically coupled to the tapered portion of the active waveguide. The passive waveguide beyond the end of the active waveguide supports an optical mode of larger size than the optical mode supported by the active waveguide. The tapered portion of the active waveguide is truncated and the separation between the active waveguide and the passive waveguide is greater than in previously known devices in order to minimize or at least reduce the truncation loss at the truncation.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and un-loading a recreational vehicle from a truck. The truck has a front and rear and a longitudinal axis defined therebetween. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a vehicle receiving ramp and a lifting means engaged with the underside of the ramp. The lifting means is mounted to the rear of the truck and is selectively operable to arcuately move the ramp between a lowered position that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and a raised position that is parallel with the longitudinal axis. The ramp is longitudinally mobile in the raised position between a foremost and rearmost position and is selectively lockable in the foremost and rearmost positions using a locking means. To load the recreational vehicle, the ramp is preferably locked in the rearmost longitudinal position and placed in the lowered position for receiving the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved electronics component assembly in a tire is provided. The assembly includes a tire and an electronics package for communicating information from the tire to a remote location. The electronics package is located inside of the tire and is connected to an inner portion of the tire. At least a first antenna wire is located inside of the tire and is connected to a portion of the tire. The first antenna wire is connected to the electronics package. The at least first antenna wire is connected to the electronics package so that tension in the at least first antenna wire imparts compression on the electronics package. Additionally, other exemplary embodiments of the present invention exist as previously stated were a second antenna wire is present in order to help impart compression on the electronics package. Also, other arrangements of the improved electronics component assembly are possible that impart shear or torsion alternatively or in addition to compression on the electronics package.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical amplifier comprising an active gain region of the (In, Ga)(As, N) system is proposed, together with the use of (Ga, In)(As, N) as the base material for the fabrication of an SOA, and a semiconductor optical amplifier comprising (Ga, In)(As, N) as the base material. The N content of the (In, Ga)(As, N) can be varied along a dimension of the active region in the direction of propagation of light signals therein, to create a varying bandgap such as for mode expanders. The active region can be supplied by a source of electrical bias which is applied in segments along the dimension of the active region, the segments being capable of independent variation. This should allow channel equalisation of WDM signals to be performed dynamically. This scheme could also be used to equalise device parameters such as differential gain, saturation output power and linewidth enhancement factor across the amplification bandwidth.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical amplifier comprising an active gain region of the (In, Ga)(As, N) system is proposed, together with the use of (Ga,In)(As,N) as the base material for the fabrication of an SOA, and a semiconductor optical amplifier comprising (Ga,In)(As,N) as the base material. The N content of the (In,Ga)(As,N) can be varied along a dimension of the active region in the direction of propagation of light signals therein, to create a varying bandgap such as for mode expanders. The active region can be supplied by a source of electrical bias which is applied in segments along the dimension of the active region, the segments being capable of independent variation. This should allow channel equalisation of WDM signals to be performed dynamically. This scheme could also be used to equalise device parameters such as differential gain, saturation output power and linewidth enhancement factor across the amplification bandwidth.

Abstract: A lasing structure comprises a distributed feedback grating associated with the active region, the grating defined by a periodic structure of quantum well intermixing. This quantum well intermixing (QWI) can be caused by focussed ion beam (FIB) implantation to the quantum well (QW) or multi-quantum well (MQW) active area. Subsequent annealing of the FIB damage will leave local periodic adjustments to the energy levels in the active region, providing the necessary DFB/DBR grating. Alternatively, or in addition, this periodic QWI structure or another periodic variation can be separated from the active region but associated therewith. For example, a QW or MQW structure which overlies the active region will carry the evanescent part of the waveform that is propagating in the active region. A periodic QWI structure in this region will thus affect the waveform.

Abstract: A tunable semiconductor laser comprises a propagation region in which a waveform can exist, the propagation region comprising sequential gain and control regions, the gain region comprising a light amplification region supplied by a source of excitation, and the control region comprising a periodic structure through which the waveform propagates. The control region can be linked to a source of current thereby to enable changes to be made to the refractive index thereof. It is preferred that the material of the propagation region is (Ga,In)(N,As). As a result, in the gain region the waveform will be less tightly confined and hence a higher gain can be produced without suffering from saturation of the gain material. Ideally, there will be tight confinement of the waveform in the control region to allow maximum advantage to be made of the change in refractive index.

Abstract: A system for indicating whether an agent or agency has met the requirements specified by a licensing entity according to criteria specified by the licensing entity. Information respecting the agent or the agency is input into the system including licensing status and status of continuing education requirements. The system can be used by entities such as banks or brokerages to verify appropriate licenses have been obtained and are maintained in force. The system can also be used to prompt agents or agencies to obtain necessary upcoming requirements for certifications. The system can be used in a multi-user environment and can be distributed across a network of computers.

Abstract: Compositions comprising poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) PTFE and titanium dioxide exhibit enhanced flame retardant characteristics. Blends of the formulations may further comprise poly(aryl ether ketone) or another poly (aryl ether sulfone).

Abstract: The invention is a method for rebuilding grey cast iron ingot moulds that have a cavity erroded therein and the concept is to fill the cavity with cast iron from a tubular wire supply by electric arc deposit at a rate such that the heat supplied by the electric arc deposit is sufficient to prevent chilling of the cast iron that is deposited whereby on cooling the cavity is filled with substantially graphitic cast iron.

Abstract: A sewing machine has a movable feed member for feeding articles to a stitch-applying station, and a trimmer for cutting chains of stitches which dangle from articles on the outfeed side of the stitch-applying station. The feed member and trimmer are driven from the same drive shaft. The trimmer drive includes a swinging crank which is connected to a rotary cam by a one-way clutch, one-way clutches which support the rotary cam and permit it to rotate only in the direction it is driven by the crank, and a rocker arm which has one end driven by the cam and another end drivingly connected to the trimmer.

Abstract: A sensing system for use in a garage or other similar enclosure having an automatic door operator for automatically opening a garage door responsive to a lack of sufficient oxygen therein including a gas detector located within the enclosure responsive to actuate a detection relay which in turn will close a normally open detection switch, the closing of the detection switch will normally cause operation of the door operator to allow oxygen to enter into the enclosure through the door opening, the detection switch being located in a door opening control circuit which includes therein a first limit switch which is open whenever the door is open in order to prevent actuation of the door operator when the door is already open, the door opening control circuit also including a delay clock and delay switch which will be normally closed to allow operation of the door operator, this system also including a time delay circuit with a second limit switch therein which is adapted to be normally open and to close only whe

Abstract: A shaft driven overedge sewing machine is lubricated by a pump mounted on a driven shaft which supplies lubricating oil from the machine's sump through an oil passage in the pump mounting shaft. The pump body is mounted for free rotation relative to the shaft and normally retained against rotation, upon rotation of the shaft, and a spring pressed plunger carried by the pump body cooperates with an eccentric cam surface on the shaft to pump oil from the machine sump into the oil passage in the driven shaft to lubricate shaft bearings and the like.

Abstract: A trimming mechanism for an overedge sewing machine includes an elongated cutter arm driven in oscillatory movement to drive a movable cutting blade which cooperates with a fixed cutting blade to trim material passed through the sewing machine. An improved cutting blade mounting means is provided for simultaneously mounting the movable cutter blade on the driven cutter arm and automatically aligning the movable blade for cooperation with the fixed blade.