Abstract: A divided pulse nonlinear optical source may be generated by combining nonlinear wave generation techniques with pulse division that can divide a parent pulse into N divided pulses, each divided pulse separate temporally. The N divided pulses can be passed into a nonlinear optical medium to generate an output. The output can include at least one output pulse for each divided pulse. The center wavelengths of each output pulse can be tuned so that each may have a center wavelength that is the same as, or differs from, each other output pulse. In some embodiments, the output pulses may be combined to generate the output. The output can be power scalable and wavelength tunable.

Abstract: A drain cleanout features a flexible drain auger, a mounting section supported solely on a drain pipe, a drum section carried by the mounting section and storing the auger, a rotational connection coupling the mounting section and the drum section, and a rotational drive unit carried by the mounting section and operable to drive rotation of the drum section. A feed mechanism for the flexible auger features a helical slot in the auger cable and a thin disc received in the slot and supported at a fixed longitudinal position in a travel direction along which the drain auger exits and re-enters the drum. Rotation of the auger cable with the drum cause longitudinal displacement of the auger cable in the travel direction. A liquid sensor enables the apparatus to be left in place for automatic self-activation upon detection of liquid back up in the drain pipe.

Abstract: A divided pulse nonlinear optical source may be generated by combining nonlinear wave generation techniques with pulse division that can divide a parent pulse into N divided pulses, each divided pulse separate temporally. The N divided pulses can be passed into a nonlinear optical medium to generate an output. The output can include at least one output pulse for each divided pulse. The center wavelengths of each output pulse can be tuned so that each may have a center wavelength that is the same as, or differs from, each other output pulse. In some embodiments, the output pulses may be combined to generate the output. The output can be power scalable and wavelength tunable.

Abstract: A drain cleanout features a flexible drain auger, a mounting section supported solely on a drain pipe, a drum section carried by the mounting section and storing the auger, a rotational connection coupling the mounting section and the drum section, and a rotational drive unit carried by the mounting section and operable to drive rotation of the drum section. A feed mechanism for the flexible auger features a helical slot in the auger cable and a thin disc received in the slot and supported at a fixed longitudinal position in a travel direction along which the drain auger exits and re-enters the drum. Rotation of the auger cable with the drum cause longitudinal displacement of the auger cable in the travel direction. A liquid sensor enables the apparatus to be left in place for automatic self-activation upon detection of liquid back up in the drain pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide Raman spectroscopy methods and devices that exploit high quality factor (Q) resonators to enhance Raman signal by several orders of magnitude over the signal typically expected for Raman methods. Embodiments typically include one or more resonators, typically microtoroid microresonators. Embodiments also take advantage of Rayleigh scattering using these microresonators. Embodiments may be particularly useful for non-labeled nanoparticle sensing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide Raman spectroscopy methods and devices that exploit high quality factor (Q) resonators to enhance Raman signal by several orders of magnitude over the signal typically expected for Raman methods. Embodiments typically include one or more resonators, typically microtoroid microresonators. Embodiments also take advantage of Rayleigh scattering using these microresonators. Embodiments may be particularly useful for non-labeled nanoparticle sensing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a device called a “G-Fresnel” device that performs the functions of both a linear grating and a Fresnel lens. We have fabricated the G-Fresnel device by using PDMS based soft lithography. Three-dimensional surface profilometry has been performed to examine the device quality. We have also conducted optical characterizations to confirm its dual focusing and dispersing properties. The G-Fresnel device can be useful for the development of miniature optical spectrometers as well as emerging optofluidic applications. Embodiments of compact spectrometers using diffractive optical elements are also provided. Theoretical simulation shows that a spectral resolution of approximately 1 nm can be potentially achieved with a millimeter-sized G-Fresnel. A proof-of-concept G-Fresnel-based spectrometer with subnanometer spectral resolution is experimentally demonstrated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a device called a “G-Fresnel” device that performs the functions of both a linear grating and a Fresnel lens. We have fabricated the G-Fresnel device by using PDMS based soft lithography. Three-dimensional surface profilometry has been performed to examine the device quality. We have also conducted optical characterizations to confirm its dual focusing and dispersing properties. The G-Fresnel device can be useful for the development of miniature optical spectrometers as well as emerging optofluidic applications. Embodiments of compact spectrometers using diffractive optical elements are also provided. Theoretical simulation shows that a spectral resolution of approximately 1 nm can be potentially achieved with a millimeter-sized G-Fresnel. A proof-of-concept G-Fresnel-based spectrometer with subnanometer spectral resolution is experimentally demonstrated.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a bore and a valve, which operates to control the flow of fluid within the bore. When the valve is positioned within the bore to block the flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump, pressure is generated within the pump. The pump pressure is sufficient to generate torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a moveable piston as an end plate. An actuator, attached to the piston, controls the movement of the piston. In one position, the piston is in contact with the internal components of the pump. When the actuator moves the piston, the piston loses contact with the pump, thus allowing a free flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump. In this configuration, the pump is no longer able to generate the pressure that creates torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: A transfer case system distributes torque between primary and secondary drive trains. The system comprises a planetary gear set having a sun gear, a ring gear, a planetary gear intermeshed with the sun gear and ring gear, and a planetary carrier rotatably connected with the planetary gear. The system also comprises a torque sink connected with the sun gear and a torque input shaft connected with the ring gear and the primary drive train. The torque sink applies a braking force to the rotation of the sun gear in response to instructions from a controller, causing the ring gear to output torque to a secondary drive train.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a moveable piston as an end plate. An actuator, attached to the piston, controls the movement of the piston. In one position, the piston is in contact with the internal components of the pump. When the actuator moves the piston, the piston loses contact with the pump, thus allowing a free flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump. In this configuration, the pump is no longer able to generate the pressure that creates torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a bore and a valve, which operates to control the flow of fluid within the bore. When the valve is positioned within the bore to block the flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump, pressure is generated within the pump. The pump pressure is sufficient to generate torque in the planetary gear system.

Abstract: A transfer case system distributes torque between primary and secondary drive trains. The system comprises a planetary gear set having a sun gear, a ring gear, a planetary gear intermeshed with the sun gear and ring gear, and a planetary carrier rotatably connected with the planetary gear. The system also comprises a torque sink connected with the sun gear and a torque input shaft connected with the ring gear and the primary drive train. The torque sink applies a braking force to the rotation of the sun gear in response to instructions from a controller, causing the ring gear to output torque to a secondary drive train.

Abstract: A tapered spline 16 which allows members 12, 14 to be selectively coupled and which further allows energy to be selectively communicated by and between these members 12, 14.

Abstract: A tapered spline 16 which allows members 12, 14 to be selectively coupled and which further allows energy to be selectively communicated by and between these members 12, 14.

Abstract: A surface durability roll tester includes a rotatable tapered center roller and a plurality of rotatable tapered pinion rollers engaging the tapered centered roller to simulate gear teeth geometry and kinematics when the tapered center roller and the tapered pinion rollers are rotated. Sliding and Pure rolling motion can be simulated.