Abstract: An underground duct bank assembly includes a plurality of templates each including a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, a central portion including a plurality of conduit apertures each configured to accommodate a conduit, and first and second outboard portions disposed adjacent the central portion and opposite each other along the transverse axis, each outboard portion including a framework aperture configured to accommodate a framework piece; a plurality of conduits each extending into a conduit aperture; and a framework configured to connect adjacent templates, the framework including a plurality of framework pieces and angle braces, wherein two adjacent angle braces meet at a framework aperture and are affixed to the template and each other without welding.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover for a dryer. The dryer is adapted, when in operation, to heat a gas stream. The dryer includes a cover mounted to at least one section of an outer wall of the dryer, in particular a rear wall of the dryer. A passage through which the gas stream can flow is formed, at least sectionwise, by the cover. The cover can include a heating unit having at least one heating element such that the gas stream flows around the heating element when the dryer is in operation.

Abstract: A device for holding a component of a fiber optic circuit on a substrate includes two resilient arms or two series of spring fingers, one on each side of the component. Ideally, the substrate is crystalline silicon and the arms or fingers are fabricated using a DRIE etching process. The holding device is particularly suited for securing an optical fiber in a groove, but it can also be used for fixing other components, i.e. lenses.

Abstract: A metrological instrument for measuring surface characteristics such as surface form of a component (300). The instrument includes a slideway (32) to cause relative movement between a surface sensing probe (84) and the component which allows the probe to traverse a surface of the component. A probe carriage (80) supports the probe to allow the probe to move as a body in a measurement direction relative to the carriage so as to follow a surface being sensed. An optical sensor (82) provides a signal indicative of the displacement of the probe relative to the probe carriage. A controller (83) acts in response to a signal from the optical sensor, to move the probe carriage so as to maintain the probe in an operational range. A further sensor (11) measures measurement of displacement of the probe in the measurement direction as it follows a surface during use of the instrument.