Abstract: An integrated optical device is disclosed comprising a substrate, optical waveguide, and compound optical resonator having a temperature sensor, at least two coupled optical resonators, and a heater localized to each optical resonator. An optical input signal is coupled to one of the resonators making up the compound resonator to form an optical output signal. The center wavelength and shape of the output signal is optimized with a feedback loop using the temperature sensor to control the power dissipated in at least one of the localized heaters.

Abstract: An integrated optical device is disclosed comprising a substrate, optical waveguide, and compound optical resonator having a temperature sensor, at least two coupled optical resonators, and a heater localized to each optical resonator. An optical input signal is coupled to one of the resonators making up the compound resonator to form an optical output signal. The center wavelength and shape of the output signal is optimized with a feedback loop using the temperature sensor to control the power dissipated in at least one of the localized heaters.

Abstract: An optically-powered integrated microstructure pressure sensing system for sensing pressure within a cavity. the pressure sensing system comprises a pressure sensor having an optical resonant structure subject to the pressure within the cavity and having physical properties changing due to changing pressures within the cavity. A substrate supports the optical resonant structure. An input optical pathway evanescently couples light into the optical resonant structure. An output optical pathway collects light from the optical resonance structure. A light source delivers a known light input into the input optical pathway whereby the known light input is evanescently coupled into the optical resonant structure by the input optical pathway and a portion of such light is collected from the optical resonant structure by the output optical pathway.

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle defines a cavity. A storage console is selectively movable within the cavity to provide enhanced accessibility of stored items within the storage console. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage console is a drawer that is selectively movable from a stowed position inside the cavity to an extended position outside the cavity for access by a vehicle user in a passenger compartment. In another exemplary embodiment, the console is movable between an elevated position in which the console occupies space inaccessible to a vehicle user, and a lowered position in which the console is accessible through an opening in the instrument panel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable lighting assembly for an automotive vehicle having a container that includes a moveable door operable to close the container, a light housing mount, and at least one electrical contact connected to a vehicle electric system. The portable lighting assembly includes a light housing having a light and an element for operatively engaging the at least one electrical contact in the container and a power source disposed in the housing that is selectively electrically connected to the light and the element in the light housing. The light housing is removably mounted to the housing mount and has a switch operatively engaging the power source. The switch is operable to deenergize the light when the door is in a closed position and energize the light when the door is in an open position.

Abstract: A hull (11) has mounted thereon a number of accelerometers (20) arranged to provide a data signal corresponding to movement or vibration of the hull (11) to which each is fixed. The hull (11) and/or a thrust block (18) has mounted thereon a number of mass dampers (21) that are controlled by a detector (23) arranged between the accelerometers (20) and mass dampers (21). The detector (23) calculates from the data signal generated by the accelerometers (20) different modes of resonance so as to determine the onset of the excitation of a particular resonance mode and controls the mass dampers (21) so as to generate forces to selectively dampen the resonance mode.

Abstract: An integrated optical device is disclosed comprising a substrate, optical waveguide, and compound optical resonator having a temperature sensor, at least two coupled optical resonators, and a heater localized to each optical resonator. An optical input signal is coupled to one of the resonators making up the compound resonator to form an optical output signal. The center wavelength and shape of the output signal is optimized with a feedback loop using the temperature sensor to control the power dissipated in at least one of the localized heaters.

Abstract: A belly door for a gaming machine includes a frame for receiving a sheet of artwork and a light reflective chamber having an open face which is located behind the frame when in a closed position. Clamping means are provided for clamping the artwork between the frame and the chamber. A recess extends along one edge of the chamber including sockets for receiving a fluorescent light tube when the chamber is in the closed position. A diffuser panel is disposed in the chamber behind the artwork located so as to be edge lit by the fluorescent light tube. The reverse face of the panel, which in use, faces the rear wall of the chamber defines a series of white opaque dots which in use, diffuse and direct the light in a forward direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel. The size of the dots in the panel increases with the distance of the dots from the fluorescent light tube. This arrangement ensures that the light panel produces a very evenly balanced lighting of the artwork.

Abstract: A support actuator 20 comprises an electro-magnet 21 having an input current 22, provided through a current controller 23, and which is arranged to generate a magnetic field 24 having a variable intensity proportional to a variable current 25 supplied by the controller 23. The intensity of the field 24 is controlled to ensure that the magnet 21 is separated from a support armature 26 arranged to carry a load by an operational gap 27. A load cell 28 is connected between the armature 26 and a mounting position 29 for the armature 26. The cell 28 produces a control signal 30 representing variations in force generated by the magnetic field 24 which acts on the load, and the signal 30 is fed backward, along a feedback control path 31 to the controller 23 so as to control the variable current 25 such that it is made substantially equal to a gain demand force D.

Abstract: Methods for the manufacture of reinforcing preforms for structural composite products. Minimum contact eyelets reduce friction in the supply provide chopped reinforcing materials to both of said first and second mold members, and spraying said chopped reinforcing materials into both of said first and second mold members.

Abstract: A support actuator 20 comprises an electro-magnet 21 having an input current 22, provided through a current controller 23, and which is arranged to generate a magnetic field 24 having a variable intensity proportional to a variable current 25 supplied by the controller 23. The intensity of the field 24 is controlled to ensure that the magnet 21 is separated from a support armature 26 arranged to carry a load by an operational gap 27.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a gaming machine including a hinge pin fixed to a door of the gaming machine and a outer sleeve fixed to a belly door frame. The outer sleeve includes first and second arms and is partially annular in cross-section defining a first gap between opposing ends of the arms. A pin element is fixed to a light chamber located behind the belly door frame and rotatably mounted inside the outer sleeve. A second gap is defined between free ends of the pin element. When the pin element is rotated to a particular orientation with respect to the outer sleeve, the first and second gaps align to allow the pin element and outer sleeve element to be simultaneously mounted around the hinge pin. Relative rotation of the pin element and outer sleeve misaligns the gaps thereby inhibiting the pin element and outer sleeve from becoming disengaged.

Abstract: The present invention is a disassembly apparatus and method for disassembling a workpiece having at least two layers joined together by welding or other bonding processes at bonding points. The method includes the steps of securing the workpiece into a fixture to prevent movement of one of the layers. The apparatus includes a sonotrode and a holding device. The method further includes moving the sonotrode to contact the workpiece to apply a predetermined amount of contact pressure to the workpiece. The sonotrode in contact with the layer on a side opposite the anvil is then vibrated at a predetermined frequency until the layers become disassembled. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hull (11) has mounted thereon a number of accelerometers (20) arranged to provide a data signal corresponding to movement or vibration of the hull (11) to which each is fixed. The hull (11) and/or a thrust block (18) has mounted thereon a number of mass dampers (21) that are controlled by a detector (23) arranged between the accelerometers (20) and mass dampers (21). The detector (23) calculates from the data signal generated by the accelerometers (20) different modes of resonance so as to determine the onset of the excitation of a particular resonance mode and controls the mass dampers (21) so as to generate forces to selectively dampen the resonance mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the manufacture of reinforcing preforms for structural composite products. Minimum contact eyelets reduce friction in the supply system for string reinforcing materials. Also, preforms of various configurations and thicknesses can be produced.

Abstract: The present invention is a disassembly apparatus and method for disassembling a workpiece having at least two layers joined together by welding or other bonding processes at bonding points. The method includes the steps of securing the workpiece into a fixture to prevent movement of one of the layers. The apparatus includes a sonotrode and a holding device. The method further includes moving the sonotrode to contact the workpiece to apply a predetermined amount of contact pressure to the workpiece. The sonotrode in contact with the layer on a side opposite the anvil is then vibrated at a predetermined frequency until the layers become disassembled. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: System for the manufacture of reinforcing preforms for structural composite products. The air flows for the manufacturing stations are optimized by providing a separate air system for each cell and providing seals between the net-edge blocks and the mold portions.

Abstract: Systems for the manufacture of reinforcing preforms for structural composite products. Minimum contact eyelets reduce friction in the supply system for string reinforcing materials.

Abstract: Systems for the manufacture of reinforcing preforms for structural composite products. The robotic application system allows use of a single robot in a multiple cell system, and provides offline programming of the robotic routine. The robot moves between the cells on a track system.