Abstract: A plain bearing has two components, each having a bearing surface; the bearing surfaces being in sliding engagement with each other. The bearing may be a spherical plain bearing having an outer ring that has a concave bearing surface and an inner ring that has a convex bearing surface. One of the bearing surfaces comprises a layer comprising tungsten carbide. One component may have spaced-apart seating surfaces for engaging a moving structure and a generally concave interior that includes an internal rib between the seating surfaces. A spherical plain bearing can be made by providing an outer ring and an inner ring includes an internal rib, and disposing the outer ring around the inner ring with the convex bearing surface engaging the concave bearing surface. The bearing may be used in a swashplate assembly.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic carrier for an optical element includes a terraced cavity for retaining a vertically receiving or vertically emitting optical element. The multilayer ceramic carrier includes conductive traces interposed between the ceramic layers and which extend into the terraced cavity along the trenches formed in the cavity. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser or vertically receiving optical element is wire bonded to the conductive traces which extend into the cavity. In one embodiment, the terraced cavity of the multilayer ceramic carrier includes a VCSEL and photodetector therein, the photodetector capable of monitoring the output optical power of the VCSEL. The method for forming the multilayer ceramic carrier includes forming a plurality of layers of ceramic tape, joining the layers, then co-firing the stacked layers. The multilayer ceramic carrier is joined to a plastic optical housing which includes an aperture for securing an optical fiber.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic carrier for an optical element includes a terraced cavity for retaining a vertically receiving or vertically emitting optical element. The multilayer ceramic carrier includes conductive traces interposed between the ceramic layers and which extend into the terraced cavity along the trenches formed in the cavity. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser or vertically receiving optical element is wire bonded to the conductive traces which extend into the cavity. In one embodiment, the terraced cavity of the multilayer ceramic carrier includes a VCSEL and photodetector therein, the photodetector capable of monitoring the output optical power of the VCSEL. The method for forming the multilayer ceramic carrier includes forming a plurality of layers of ceramic tape, joining the layers, then co-firing the stacked layers. The multilayer ceramic carrier is joined to a plastic optical housing which includes an aperture for securing an optical fiber.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic carrier for an optical element includes a terraced cavity for retaining a vertically receiving or vertically emitting optical element. The multilayer ceramic carrier includes conductive traces interposed between the ceramic layers and which extend into the terraced cavity along the trenches formed in the cavity. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser or vertically receiving optical element is wire bonded to the conductive traces which extend into the cavity. In one embodiment, the terraced cavity of the multilayer ceramic carrier includes a VCSEL and photodetector therein, the photodetector capable of monitoring the output optical power of the VCSEL. The method for forming the multilayer ceramic carrier includes forming a plurality of layers of ceramic tape, joining the layers, then co-firing the stacked layers. The multilayer ceramic carrier is joined to a plastic optical housing which includes an aperture for securing an optical fiber.

Abstract: A contour sander for sanding a curved surface includes a hard backing plate having a support face for supporting a sheet of sandpaper. The backing plate is uniformly flexible along substantially its entire length for conforming generally to the curvature of the surface. A pliable handle extends along the length of the plate and follows flexure of the plate when a sanding pressure is applied against the handle.

Abstract: A reciprocating cutting tool includes a shank for mounting in a pneumatic hammer, a blade holder assembly connected to the shank and a blade clamped in the blade holder assembly. The blade holder assembly includes a base member and a retainer member which are clamped together. A blade receiver is formed between the base and retainer members. The base member includes a recess and the retainer member includes a shoulder which is received in the base member recess for abutment by a fixed end of the blade.

Abstract: A reciprocating cutting tool includes a shank for mounting in a pneumatic hammer, a blade holder assembly connected to the shank and a blade clamped in the blade holder assembly. The blade holder assembly includes a base member and a retainer member which are clamped together. A blade receiver is formed between the base and retainer members. The base member includes a recess and the retainer member includes a shoulder which is received in the base member recess for abutment by a fixed end of the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and stacking a plurality of torroidal-shaped articles by which the articles are introduced and entrained in a substantially laminar flow gas stream in which at least one collector member is removably disposed in intercepting relationship for collecting and stacking articles intercepted thereon in response to the movement of the articles past the collector member. The articles which are not intercepted are re-entrained in the gas stream and recirculated.

Abstract: Valuable 2-aryl-propionic acids are prepared by the direct coupling of aryl magnesium bromides with a mixed magnesium halide complex of alpha-bromopropionic acid.