Abstract: An optical cross bar switch assembly includes a first lens device (5) in the form of an array of lenslets (5a) operable to receive light from the input optical fiber array (1) in a manner such that the light from each fiber is received and collimated separately by an associated one of the lenslets (5a) with the collimated light from the array (5) being passed to a fan out grating element (3) which angularly diffracts and replicates the light from the input optical fibers.

Abstract: An imaging system for maintaining the intensity of an output image constant, where the output image corresponds to a viewed scene. A focusing device forms an input image of the viewed scene on a variable grating modulation device. The viewed scene is then read from the focusing device and a scene intensity distribution pattern formed of two histograms is formed. One of these histograms is processed to produce an output image which has a constant range of intensity levels as adjusted using one of the intensity level of the one histogram.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing and auger drum assembly is mounted to extend from the side of a cubing machine of the type having an annular die assembly, a circular die cavity on the inner periphery of the die assembly, and at least one press wheel that is received in the die cavity. The auger drum carries a rigid blade that forms an auger flight, and which terminates a short distance from the outer end of the drum. A flexible, resilient tip is mounted on the outer end of the rigid blade, and substantially fills the space provided between the auger drum, the housing and the die cavity, the outer edge of the tip being positioned at the die cavity. The tip functions to supply an optimum flow of feed stock to the die cavity, but will flex to allow bypassing when plugging or jamming conditions exist.

Abstract: An outer cylindrical drum has an inner drum concentrically mounted therein in spaced relationship, to form coextensive outer and inner drying chambers that are connected to a common source of hot exhaust gases from a sugar factory boiler. Raw bagasse is first passed through the outer annular chamber to effect primary drying thereof, and then a portion of the primary dried bagasse is divided from the remainder and is passed through the inner chamber to produce secondary dried bagasse. The conveyance path between the point where the primary bagasse is divided and the inlet of the inner chamber is short in both time and distance to preserve heat in the divided portion, and an entrainment unit is utilized to preheat the divided portion before it enters the inner chamber.

Abstract: A main shroud is open at the bottom, and carries a housing on the upper end thereof. An annular director ring is mounted to extend in spaced relationship about the bottom of the main shroud, and a vertical shaft extends upwardly through the shroud and the housing and is connected with a power unit. An upper blower fan is mounted on the shaft within the housing, and generates an upward flow of air through the harvester. An impeller is mounted on the lower end of the shaft, and includes a mounting ring having external blades thereon which project into the annular space defined by the director ring. The impeller external blades generate a downward flow of air through the annular space, which is directed downwardly and inwardly to dislodge macademia nuts found in ground crevices, so they can be entrained in the upward air flow and discharged from the harvester.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for cleaning outsides of heat exchange tubes mounted transversely to the vertical flow of seawater in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants. The invention comprises a number of small floating objects circulating in the seawater flow which randomly clean outside surfaces of heat exchange tubes. The floating objects are made of buoyant plastic foam encased in polyethylene or other material selected to maximize cleaning but minimize wear on the outside surfaces of the tubes. The preferred shape of the floating objects is generally fusiform, altered to have erratic motion in seawater flow. Appendages may trail from the floating objects to increase the randomness of the cleaning action.The flow of seawater is arranged to provide a constantly circulating path for the floating objects to rise through slow downward flow and to fall with greater downward flow velocity. Screens located above and below the heat exchanger prevent the floating objects from escaping.