Abstract: A monitor of a plurality of optical signals utilizing fiber optics which form an array. An image of the array is captured and the captured image is processed for detecting a quality of an optical signal such as the presence, absence, intensity, wavelength, or other quality of the optical signal. A method of monitoring a plurality of optical signals by capturing a plurality of optical signals from an array of signals and detecting a quality of at least one optical signal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing system for monitoring a laser peening process includes a laser peening system having a workpiece positioner and a system controller. A video camera is utilized for forming an electronic image of at least a portion of a workpiece. An image processing computer is connected to the video camera, and the laser peening controller includes a program to determine a position of the workpiece.

Abstract: An image processing system for monitoring a laser peening process includes a laser peening system having a workpiece positioner and a system controller. A video camera is utilized for forming an electronic image of at least a portion of a workpiece. An image processing computer is connected to the video camera, and the laser peening controller includes a program to determine a position of the workpiece.

Abstract: A laser shock processing apparatus with controller for controlling laser shock processing operation. The controller generates an operator perceivable alert when a processing value is not within a predetermined range of a preset value. The controller may adjust the processing value to be within the predetermined range or may deactivate a laser from directing a beam of coherent energy to a workpiece. In one embodiment, a plurality of controllers comprise distributed processing of various processing values for controlling laser shock processing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus creating a processing cell for laser peening operations includes an enclosure which substantially defines a work cell or processing cell with a transparent overlay material applicator disposed therein. A cleaning system is utilized that may include a vapor exhaust, liquid removal system, and a gas or air supply. A vapor exhaust system is connected to the enclosure for removing vapor from within the processing cell. A liquid removal system is connected to the enclosure for removing liquid from the processing cell. A gas or air supply is connected to the enclosure to flood the enclosure with gas or air to flush airborne debris therefrom. A workpiece manipulator may be disposed or operate within the cell for moving workpieces therein.

Abstract: An apparatus creating a processing cell for laser peening operations includes an enclosure which substantially defines a work cell or processing cell with a transparent overlay material applicator located therein. A cleaning system is utilized that may include a vapor exhaust, liquid removal system, and a gas or air supply. A vapor exhaust system is connected to the enclosure for removing vapor from within the processing cell. A liquid removal system is connected to the enclosure for removing liquid from the processing cell. A gas or air supply is connected to the enclosure to flood the enclosure with gas or air to flush airborne debris therefrom. A workpiece manipulator may be disposed or operate within the cell for moving workpieces therein.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system for over-heat detection includes a temperature sensing cable, interface unit and termination unit. The interface unit is configured to issue interrogation, communication and power signals to the termination unit through the temperature sensing cable. During normal operation issuance of the interrogation signal results in no reflection pulses, as the signal is dissipated through the termination resistance in the termination unit. When an over-heat, short circuit or open circuit condition exists, a reflected pulse is detected by the interface unit and this information is used to determine the type and location of the condition. The interface unit is also configured to supply power to the termination unit which in turn is stored in the termination unit to power its operations, including setting of the resistor values. The termination unit is used as an instrument of calibration in the subject system.

Abstract: A multistage centrifugal pump having a last stage diffuser which acts as a compensator to load the suction and intermediate pressure gaskets during pump operation and pump stand-by. The last stage diffuser is designed as a spring which deflects under varying conditions and imparts a spring force on the channel rings during assembly, stand-by and other operating conditions.

Abstract: A segmental ring centrifugal pump wherein the channel ring and the diffuser/crossover hydraulics are formed as a single monolithic casting. By casting the diffuser and the channel ring as a unit, the monolithic diffuser channel ring member and the diffuser vanes provide structural support to the channel ring. The channel ring wall thickness has been reduced by taking advantage of the reinforcing function of the monolithic cast piece. The reinforcement of the channel ring wall and the minimum wall thickness can be adjusted by modifying the radius between the diffuser vanes and the channel ring.

Abstract: A combination handle/bracket member is provided for use with a device, such as a suction pump, that is operated in conjunction with a separate component, such as a collection jar. The member is preferably a single-piece member with a 90.degree. bend separating a manual grasping area from a component receiving area. Also preferably the member is secured to the device with fasteners that are already used to secure portions of the device together so that no additional fasteners are required.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reading a luminescent and substantially transparent bar code 1 on a background surface 2 whose reflectance may vary over the coded area. Light 7 scans (70), and excites luminescence 8 in, the bar code 1. The light 7 also reflects (9) without luminescence from the background surface 2 of the bar code 1. A first electrical or optical signal 11 is provided (4) responsive to the reflected nonluminescent light 9, and a second electrical or optical signal 10 is provided (4) responsive to the luminescent 8. Typically the first signal 11 is processed (5) to provide a third signal 31 that varies with background reflectance substantially as does the second signal 10; and the second and third signals 10, 31 are combined (5) to provide a fourth signal 12 that is substantially independent of background reflectance in the coded area, and which is decoded (6) to provide the desired reading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable container for liquid. The container has a reservoir with an upper opening for filling and an outlet forming a source of supply. The container is equipped with a strap which operates both as a shoulder strap and a carrying handle. The strap is made of a single piece of material and two upper locations are fixed to the upper part of the container, while the ends of the strap are adjustably attached to the lower part of the container.