Abstract: A method of adjusting the depth of cut of a sod or other vegetation cutting or surface planer device achieved through the use of two pairs of vertically aligned slidably engaged plates on parallel planes, one pair of plates attached to the depth limiting device of the sod cutter and the other pair attached to the rigid frame of the sod cutter, in each pair of plates, the plate that is oriented closest to the other assembly is arranged to be in between the other pair of plates, each plate in a pair containing the same number of a plurality of banks of matching orifices in a specific pattern that coincide with the specific matched pattern of orifices in the other pair of plates and fixed in relative vertical position to each other by linchpins inserted through aligned orifices in each of the pairs of plates.

Abstract: A waveguide mode isolation layer added between the active region and the heat sink bonding material of an optically pumped semiconductor laser isolates the optical mode from the bonding material.

Abstract: A high-powered mid-IR antimonide-based unstable resonator semiconductor laser that is optically pumped. One Fabry-Perot facet is a mechanically polished cylindrical mirror that extends well into the GaSb substrate. The waveguide is designed to weakly confine the transverse optical mode, and the optical pump stripe width can be varied to optimize the cavity width for high brightness operation.

Abstract: An attachment for drivers of screw type fasteners for releasably holding the fastener in place at the end thereof for inserting or removing. The attachment comprises a shaft collar, a spring, and a grasper, the grasper comprising an upper and a lower guide ferrule, joined concentrically by a pair of supports, and extending parallel from the lower ferrule a plurality of flexible fingers, each having at its distal end an inward facing detent that is substantially fulcrum shaped. The collar and spring are inserted between the ferrules, with the collar abutting the upper, the spring abutting the lower and the collar. A driver is inserted through the ferrules, collar, and spring until the tip is just shy of the detents, and the collar is then affixed to the driver shaft. A screw head is forced past the detents, the fingers yielding, and brought into proper contact with the driver tip, the fingers flexing back such that the detents hold the screw firmly to the driver.