Abstract: A planar laser illumination module (PLIM) including: (i) a laser illumination source driven preferably by high frequency modulated (HFM) diode current drive circuitry; (ii) a beam collimating optics disposed beyond the laser illumination source; (ii) an optical beam multiplexer (OMUX) device disposed beyond the collimating optics; and (iv) a planarizing-type illumination lens array disposed beyond the OMUX device, and arranged for generating a plurality of substantially planar coherence-reduced laser illumination beams (PLIBs) that form a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) having substantially reduced spatial/temporal coherence.

Abstract: A panel structure is mountable in a vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof in concealing relation to a secondary restraint system. The novel panel structure of this invention includes a layered composite structure and a reinforcing substrate having a door structure movable through the layered composite structure upon the operation of the secondary restraint system. The layered composite structure includes an outer layer and an inner layer adhered to the outer layer, the inner layer including a seam-defining structure. In one embodiment, the seam-defining structure is a narrow elongated structure configured to define an exteriorly invisible tear seam generally corresponding with portions of an outline of the door structure, and the inner layer has a reduced thickness portion along the exteriorly invisible tear seam by virtue of the presence of the narrow elongated structure.

Abstract: An article including a panel-like structure mountable in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the vehicle interior thereof, and a process for making the same are disclosed. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane and a heat-activated crosslinking agent onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a composition comprising (i) a poly(vinyl chloride) resin and at least one plasticizer and/or (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane resin material is gelled onto an inner surface of the outer layer while on the outer layer is retained on the mold surface. The gelled composition is then fused to form an inner layer interfacially chemically bonded to the outer layer.

Abstract: A panel structure mountable in a vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof, and a process for making the same. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed thermoplastic polyurethane composition and a light-stable, blocked, heat-activated diisocyanate onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a rapidly reacting composition is sprayed onto an inner surface of the outer layer while the outer layer is retained on the mold surface to form a polyurethane elastomer inner layer that is interfacially chemical bonded to the outer layer. The inner layer with the outer layer interfacially chemically bonded thereto is then united with the reinforcing substrate so that the reinforcing substrate serves to reinforce the outer layer.

Abstract: Electrosurgery apparatus has a processor that generates a data stream output representing the characteristics of the electrosurgery pulses to be generated. The data stream output comprises digitally-represented values indicative respectively of the width of each pulse, the duration of a first period during which pulses are to be generated, the duration of a second period during which pulses are not to be generated, the duration of a third period during which pulses are to be generated and the duration of a fourth period during which pulses are not to be generated. The data stream also includes digital instructions as to whether or not the electrosurgery output is to be cut only and whether it is to include spray coagulation. Three switch control units receive the data stream and provide outputs to three switching circuits, which provide two monopolar and one bipolar output. Each switching circuit includes a transformer connected to receive the outputs from the switch control units.

Abstract: An operating table used with electrosurgery equipment has a high impedance static discharge resistor connected between the table and ground. A monitor is connected across the resistor and is responsive to a change in resistance between the table and ground which is indicative of bypassing or failure of the resistor and which is independent of operation of the electrosurgery equipment. The monitor provides an output to an alarm and also disables the electrosurgery equipment in response to such a change in resistance.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel has a decorative panel concealing a storage compartment for an inflatable air bag. The panel has a covering which comprises a backing plate having a U-shaped cut line framing the storage compartment and defining a cover door having a hinge line connecting the ends of the cut line U. An inner layer of foam is interposed between the backing plate and an outer skin layer. The skin has a peripheral groove outlining the door and comprises a hinge section overlaying the hinge line and a weakened tear seam line overlying the cut line. The groove is cut through at the bottom along the tear seam line but not along the hinge section. Inflation of the air bag will force the door outwardly, fracturing the foam layer along the tear seam line to swing the door away from the opening about the hinge section to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of teh panel. The cuts in the panel layers can be made before or after a molding process.

Abstract: A heated aluminum log which is to be sheared is inserted through a stationary die and a movable die. A clamp of the stationary die is then moved towards an axis of that die to clamp the log against a diametrically opposite portion of the internal surface of the stationary die. Opposite members of the stationary die are then moved towards each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clamp, to limit expansion of the sheared log. The movable die is then moved to shear the log.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dividing metal logs into billets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a furnace, a shear spaced from the furnace, and a guide-pusher system for moving the logs relative to the furnace and shear. Using this apparatus, a first log is cut into a plurality of billets each having a predetermined length. As a result, the remaining end of the first log will be unacceptably short. Instead of discarding this portion, it is selectively divided to form the first part of a combination, two-part billet. The second part of the two-part billet is severed from the end of a second log to be processed in the apparatus. As a result, a two-part billet is produced from materials which would normally be discarded, thereby resulting in considerable cost savings.