Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for acoustic imaging. The disclosed embodiments include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may include an acoustic stack. The acoustic stack may include a backing layer that supports an optical layer. The optical layer may include an optical waveguide and a tuning device configured to tune an optical propagation property of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may include a core region and one or more cladding regions. The one or more cladding regions may have optical refractive index less than that of the core region.

Abstract: Before effecting a cut-out operation to remove a section 24 of a pipeline such as a gas main, the pipe 10 is pre-loaded by clamping clamp assemblies 12, 14 around the pipe 10 and locating yokes 16, 18 against the assemblies. Struts 20, 22 engage the yokes and include hydraulic cylinders 32 which can be pressurized by a pump 30. Nuts (38) can be tightened onto the cylinders 32 to maintain the pre-load when the hydraulic pressure is removed. The force applied equals the otherwise unbalanced gas load "A" or "B" provided by the gas pressure in the pipe 10 acting on the stop plugs. Each clamp assembly comprises thrust members tightened against the pipe 10 by chains. The forces applied pre-loads the yokes equal to the forces provided by the gas pressure in the pipe 10 acting on the stop plugs. The thrust members are located on fabric straps which are adjusted to make the members equispaced and then tensioned to lock them in place before the chains are tensioned.

Abstract: An improved water powered dishwasher is provided having an improved soap dispenser which will not rust or clog with prolonged use. The soap dispenser utilizes suction to admix the soap from the dispenser with the water and provides a more uniform soap-water mixture for spraying onto the dishes.