Abstract: There is provided a method for referencing and correcting the beating spectrum generated by the interference of the components of a frequency comb source. The proposed method allows monitoring of variations of a mapping between the source and the beating replica. This can then be used to compensate small variations of the source in Fourier transform spectroscopy or in any other interferometry application in order to overcome the accuracy and measurement time limitations of the prior art. Constraints on source stability are consequently reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a method for referencing and correcting the beating spectrum generated by the interference of the components of a frequency comb source. The proposed method allows monitoring of variations of a mapping between the source and the beating replica. This can then be used to compensate small variations of the source in Fourier transform spectroscopy or in any other interferometry application in order to overcome the accuracy and measurement time limitations of the prior art. Constraints on source stability are consequently reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a method for referencing and correcting the beating spectrum generated by the interference of the components of a frequency comb source. The proposed method allows monitoring of variations of a mapping between the source and the beating replica. This can then be used to compensate small variations of the source in Fourier transform spectroscopy or in any other interferometry application in order to overcome the accuracy and measurement time limitations of the prior art. Constraints on source stability are consequently reduced.

Abstract: A method for radiometric calibration of an infrared detector, the infrared detector measuring a radiance received from a scene under observation, the method comprising: providing calculated calibration coefficients; acquiring a scene count of the radiance detected from the scene; calculating a scene flux from the scene count using the calculated calibration coefficients; determining and applying a gain-offset correction using the calculated calibration coefficients to obtain a uniform scene flux. In one embodiment, the method further includes transforming the uniform scene flux to a radiometric temperature using the calculated calibration coefficients.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding a component onto a stretched blank. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly mounted adjacent to a first mold part. The stretching assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that grasp the peripheral edge of the blank and a plurality of slide assemblies that move the clamp assemblies away from one another to apply a stretch to the fabric. The apparatus further includes a press for closing a second mold part onto the first mold part while the fabric is held in a stretched condition by the stretching assembly. In one embodiment, the stretching assembly may include a float plate that is movable with respect to the first mold part between a stretch position and a mold position. The apparatus may include a robot with tooling for moving the fabric onto the stretching assembly. The tooling may include a plurality of shot pins that push the fabric off of the tooling onto corresponding fabric pins in the stretching machine.

Abstract: There is provided a compact cantilever platform elevator for lifting and storing goods such as small vehicles overheads for space saving. The platform elevator comprises i) an upright frame having first and second elongated upright members provided with a longitudinal track and an elongated generally orthogonal leg at their lower end, and connected to each other at an upper end thereof by an elongated hoisting box having an axial rotatable shaft for driving first and second hoisting assemblies having respectively a first and a second slender hoisting member extending from a lower end thereof and vertically movable in response to rotation of the shaft, and ii) a cantilever platform connected to the hoisting members and comprising a generally horizontal supporting surface and first and second lateral upright runners adapted to snugly glide in respective first and second tracks of the upright members.

Abstract: The tire chain is adapted for snugly wrapping around an appropriately dimensioned tire and rotating therewith during use. The tire chain has a chain mesh having a plurality of links, and a plurality of wear inserts interspaced on the mesh and mounted to corresponding selected ones of the links. Each one of the wear inserts has a radially-inner component removably secured to a radially-outer component, independently from the integrity of the mesh, with a spacing therebetween within which the corresponding selected link is received and trapped. The radially-outer components having corresponding outward-facing wear portions submitted to wear during use. The wear inserts can be removed and replaced once worn by separating the radially-inner component from the radially-outer component.

Abstract: There is provided a method for referencing and correcting the beating spectrum generated by the interference of the components of a frequency comb source. The proposed method allows monitoring of variations of a mapping between the source and the beating replica. This can then be used to compensate small variations of the source in Fourier transform spectroscopy or in any other interferometry application in order to overcome the accuracy and measurement time limitations of the prior art. Constraints on source stability are consequently reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding a component onto a stretched blank. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly mounted adjacent to a first mold part. The stretching assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that grasp the peripheral edge of the blank and a plurality of slide assemblies that move the clamp assemblies away from one another to apply a stretch to the fabric. The apparatus further includes a press for closing a second mold part onto the first mold part while the fabric is held in a stretched condition by the stretching assembly. In one embodiment, the stretching assembly may include a float plate that is movable with respect to the first mold part between a stretch position and a mold position. The apparatus may include a robot with tooling for moving the fabric onto the stretching assembly. The tooling may include a plurality of shot pins that push the fabric off of the tooling onto corresponding fabric pins in the stretching machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding a component onto a stretched blank. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly mounted adjacent to a first mold part. The stretching assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that grasp the peripheral edge of the blank and a plurality of slide assemblies that move the clamp assemblies away from one another to apply a stretch to the fabric. The apparatus further includes a press for closing a second mold part onto the first mold part while the fabric is held in a stretched condition by the stretching assembly. In one embodiment, the stretching assembly may include a float plate that is movable with respect to the first mold part between a stretch position and a mold position. The apparatus may include a robot with tooling for moving the fabric onto the stretching assembly. The tooling may include a plurality of shot pins that push the fabric off of the tooling onto corresponding fabric pins in the stretching machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding a component onto a stretched blank. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly mounted adjacent to a first mold part. The stretching assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that grasp the peripheral edge of the blank and a plurality of slide assemblies that move the clamp assemblies away from one another to apply a stretch to the fabric. The apparatus further includes a press for closing a second mold part onto the first mold part while the fabric is held in a stretched condition by the stretching assembly. In one embodiment, the stretching assembly may include a float plate that is movable with respect to the first mold part between a stretch position and a mold position. The apparatus may include a robot with tooling for moving the fabric onto the stretching assembly. The tooling may include a plurality of shot pins that push the fabric off of the tooling onto corresponding fabric pins in the stretching machine.

Abstract: An athermalized optical fiber component assembly including a limiting member, a mounting structure attached to the limiting member, a temperature compensating substrate attached to the mounting structure, and an optical fiber component mounted on the temperature compensating substrate. The movement of the temperature compensating substrate as a function of temperature is constrained by the limiting member. Also, a method for manufacturing an athermalized optical fiber component assembly.

Abstract: A fabric having a plastic member integrally connected thereto. A frame member component of plastic is provided with a metal wire extending therethrough. The frame member component is placed in contact with the web, and the wire is heated to soften the plastic of the frame member component, bonding it to the web.

Abstract: A roofing shingle for mounting to a roof surface which comprises a flat rectangular panel made of metallic sheet material and has top and under sides and side edges. The top side displays along at least two of the side edges a series of dimples defining corresponding bosses on the under side which lie flush with the roof surface. A series of connecting elements have one end mounted to a corresponding boss and an opposite end projecting beyond the side edges for being connected to the roof surface. The shingle includes locating means on its top and under sides for positioning the shingle with a corresponding like shingle to define an overlapping region therebetween. A roof covering using these roofing shingles which are interconnected and staggered along the roof surface with their respective under sides substantially parallel to one another and in close contact at the overlapping region.

Abstract: A rack that can be installed on the rear of a vehicle to carry sporting gears like bicycles, skis, sailboards or the like. The rack has an adjustable handle that hooks on the hatchback of a vehicle and two wheels on its lower part that will rest against the bumper. The wheels make it possible to use the rack as a trolley. The rack is easy to fasten to sedan types of car using the hitch and an adapter.

Abstract: A roofing shingle for mounting to a roof surface which comprises a flat rectangular panel made of metallic sheet material and has top and under sides and side edges. The top side displays along at least two of the side edges a series of dimples defining corresponding bosses on the under side which lie flush with the roof surface. A series of connecting elements have one end mounted to a corresponding boss and an opposite end projecting beyond the side edges for being connected to the roof surface. The shingle includes locating means on its top and under sides for positioning the shingle with a corresponding like shingle to define an overlapping region therebetween. A roof covering using these roofing shingles which are interconnected and staggered along the roof surface with their respective under sides substantially parallel to one another and in close contact at the overlapping region.

Abstract: A rack that can be installed on the rear of a vehicle to carry sporting gears like bicycles, skis, sailboards or the like. The rack has an adjustable handle that hooks on the hatchback of a vehicle and two wheels on its lower part that will rest against the bumper. The wheels make it possible to use the rack as a trolley. The rack is easy to fasten to sedan types of car using the hitch and an adapter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a supporting insert, such as a set insert (bun) for a vehicle, into a cover, such as a seat cover for a vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention includes a bench upon which a cover holding assembly and a stuffing bracket are provided. The holding assembly comprises four self-adjusting blades which are substantially grouped together at the beginning of the fitting cycle. After an inside-out seat cover's open end is fitted onto the blades, the blades move away from each other into the corners of the cover to expand the cover to its maximum size. The insert is then positioned between the top (closed) end of the covering material and the stuffing bracket. The stuffing bracket then drives the seat insert into the inside-out covering material, gradually turning the material outside-out as the insert is moved forward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container configured for shipping, storing, and displaying goods. The container comprises upper and lower portions linked by a continuous line of weakness, wherein the upper portions collectively form a container top section that can be easily and cleanly removed and disposed, while the lower portions collectively form a container bottom section that is retained for displaying contained articles. The container employs materials and design features that provide satisfactory protection during transportation, clamping and stacking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a supporting insert, such as a set insert (bun) for a vehicle, into a cover, such as a seat cover for a vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention includes a bench upon which a cover holding assembly and a stuffing bracket are provided. The holding assembly comprises four self-adjusting blades which are substantially grouped together at the beginning of the fitting cycle. After an inside-out seat cover's open end is fitted onto the blades, the blades move away from each other into the corners of the cover to expand the cover to its maximum size. The insert is then positioned between the top (closed) end of the covering material and the stuffing bracket. The stuffing bracket then drives the seat insert into the inside-out covering material, gradually turning the material outside-out as the insert is moved forward.