Abstract: A receiving member has a primary socket for a fixation mechanism and a secondary socket for a locking device. The secondary socket has a first bore intersecting a portion of the primary socket and forming an arcuate cut-out. The secondary socket has a chord member extending into the secondary socket first bore that forms a radial undercut in the secondary socket. The secondary socket has a detent extending from the radial undercut into the chord member. The locking device is rotatable in the secondary socket between an unlocked position in which an engagement surface of a cap of the locking device is angularly displaced from the arcuate cut-out, and a locked position in which the cap engagement surface occupies the arcuate cut-out and engages the fixation mechanism, and the arm engages an underside of the chord member, thereby preventing the fixation member from disengaging the receiving member primary socket.

Abstract: A receiving member has a primary socket for a fixation mechanism and a secondary socket for a locking device. The secondary socket has a first bore intersecting a portion of the primary socket and forming an arcuate cut-out. The secondary socket has a chord member extending into the secondary socket first bore that forms a radial undercut in the secondary socket. The secondary socket has a detent extending from the radial undercut into the chord member. The locking device is rotatable in the secondary socket between an unlocked position in which an engagement surface of a cap of the locking device is angularly displaced from the arcuate cut-out, and a locked position in which the cap engagement surface occupies the arcuate cut-out and engages the fixation mechanism, and the arm engages an underside of the chord member, thereby preventing the fixation member from disengaging the receiving member primary socket.

Abstract: A gemstone arrangement that allows ambient light entering a primary gemstone through a pavilion to be directed out a crown at a desired location and angle is described. Ambient light is directed by at least one complementary gemstone comprising a crown and a pavilion. The complementary gemstone is orientated is a position near the primary gems such that light enters and exits the complementary gemstone through the crown or pavilion and is directed into the pavilion of the primary gemstone. Because of the selection and orientation of the complementary gemstone, ambient light directed by the complementary gemstone intersects the crown of the primary gemstone at an angle of incidence equal to or less than the critical angle for internal reflection and exits the primary gemstone. This gemstone arrangement can amplify the amount of light observed by a viewer from specified locations and angles of the crown of the primary gemstone.

Abstract: System and method for calibrating a sensor comprises a detector capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation at least at a radiation wavelength of interest, an analyzer capable of determining concentration values in response to the detected radiation, and a calibrator capable of automatically calibrating the analyzer in response to at least one concentration value. A method for operating a calibrator comprises receiving an initiation signal capable of initiating the calibrator, automatically obtaining concentration values in response to the initiation signal, and automatically determining a calibration value from the obtained concentration values. In an embodiment, the calibrator automatically determines when a calibration gas equilibrates within a sample chamber.

Abstract: System and method for calibrating a sensor comprises a detector capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation at least at a radiation wavelength of interest, an analyzer capable of determining concentration values in response to the detected radiation, and a calibrator capable of automatically calibrating the analyzer in response to at least one concentration value. A method for operating a calibrator comprises receiving an initiation signal capable of initiating the calibrator, automatically obtaining concentration values in response to the initiation signal, and automatically determining a calibration value from the obtained concentration values. In an embodiment, the calibrator automatically determines when a calibration gas equilibrates within a sample chamber.

Abstract: A diffusion-type gas sensor is disclosed. The sample chamber uses a narrow slot as a gas diffusion port. The slot is advantageous as it can be formed during extrusion of chamber stock material, instead of during subsequent machining steps that are costly and may adversely affect the chamber surfaces. Further, the slot profile can be designed according to various profiles and/or positions that can improve gas diffusion, chamber reflection efficiency, or both, as compared to conventional ported chamber designs.

Abstract: A clamp for gripping an elongate member comprises a mounting block having locating structures defining a desired position for the elongate member. Primary and secondary clamping yokes are each movable relative to the mounting block between a closed position, in which the clamping yoke engages an elongate member in the desired position, and an open position. A latch retains the primary clamping yoke in the closed position, and a force-transfer arm is effective between the primary clamping yoke and the secondary clamping yoke for retaining the secondary clamping yoke in its closed position when the primary clamping yoke is in its closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing multiple optical fibers comprises a light source, a light detector, a first set of adapter fibers, and a second set of adapter fibers corresponding on a one-to-one basis with the first set of adapter fibers. A first end of each fiber of the first set is held in a first fiber holding structure, and a first translation mechanism is provided for translating the first fiber holding structure relative to the light source so as to bring the first end of any selected one of the first set of adapter fibers into optically coupled relationship with the light source. A first end of each fiber of the second set is held in a second fiber holding structure, and a second translation mechanism is provided for translating the second fiber holding structure relative to the detector to bring the first end of any selected one of the second set of adapter fibers into optically coupled relationship with the light detector.

Abstract: A noiseless rotary detent switch, wherein a ferromagnetic projection passes in close proximity to a magnetic pole, in combination with a first photoelectric detector for detecting the leading and trailing edges of said projection and a second photoelectric detector for detecting the presence or absence of said projection, the magnetic attraction between said projection and said pole providing the noiseless detent action and said first and said second photoelectric detectors providing electric signals for actuating switches in a sequence corresponding to that of the direction of rotation of said rotary switch.