Abstract: A Fibre-based optical source comprises a high power laser diode stack as a pump source, the output of which is shaped into an intense beam of elongate cross-section by use of focusing and light concentrating elements. The beam is used to cladding pump a fibre having an inner cladding also with elongate cross-section, to provide high efficiency pumping. To achieve high output powers with a good mode quality, an overall large core ara is provided by configuring the fibre to have a plurality of individual cores doped with active ions and arranged within the inner cladding in a linear array. Each individual core is configured for single mode operation, so that a plurality of single mode lasers outputs are generated, which can be combined to produce one single mode high power output. The source may also be configured as a laser or as an amplifier.

Abstract: The seat portion of a vehicle seat comprises upper and lower rigid frames which are held spaced from each other by compression springs. The upper frame is rigidly mounted on supports. A fabric cover (not shown) encloses the two frames and is put under tension by the springs.

Abstract: A drain bushing for a glass melting apparatus of integral design and machined from a single block of dispersion-strengthened, non-precious alloy. The bushing includes integrally formed mounting flange and molten glass well portions. The bushing contact ears may be either integrally formed or attached by welding, and the outlet tips may be integrally formed with the well portion or inserted into drain openings in the well portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved apparatus for arc welding an interior joint formed by intersecting tubular members. As an example, the invention is well suited for applications where many similar small-diameter vertical lines are to be welded to a long horizontal header. The improved apparatus includes an arc welding gun having a specially designed welding head which is not only very compact but also produces welds that are essentially free from rolled-over solidified metal. The welding head consists of the upper end of the barrel and a reversely extending electrode holder, or tip, which defines an acute angle with the barrel. As used in the above-mentioned example, the gun is positioned to extend upwardly through the vertical member and the joint to be welded, with its welding head disposed within the horizontal header. Depending on the design of the welding head, the barrel then is either rotated or revolved about the axis of the vertical member to cause the electrode to track the joint.