Abstract: A stacked array magnifier (SAM) forms a magnified, demagnified or unit image of an object. The SAM includes one or more non-refractive lenslet arrays and one or more refractive lenslet arrays to form a plurality of lenslet channels. Each lenslet channel has at least one refractive lenslet and at least one non-refractive lenslet. SAMs are combined and tiled to form a scaleable display of flat panel displays. Multiple SAMs are used to increase magnification selectively. Hybrid lenslet arrays of the invention are also useable for optical processing and non-imaging applications.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use in detecting the presence of an obstacle in or proximate to an aperture. Materials are applied to one or more reflecting surfaces adjacent the aperture, enabling the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio in the system without requiring tuning the system for the particular environment. The choice of specific material depends upon the type of radiation used for aperture monitoring and whether an obstacle is detected as an increase or decrease in reflected radiation. A calibration LED within the monitoring system enables predictable performance over a range of temperatures. The monitoring system is also provided with the capacity to adjust to variations in the background-reflected radiation, either automatically by monitoring trends in system performance or by external command. The latter case includes the use of a further element for communicating to the monitoring system directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A stacked array magnifier (SAM) forms a magnified, demagnified or unit image of an object. The SAM includes one or more non-refractive lenslet arrays and one or more refractive lenslet arrays to form a plurality of lenslet channels. Each lenslet channel has at least one refractive lenslet and at least one non-refractive lenslet. SAMs are combined and tiled to form a scaleable display of flat panel displays. Multiple SAMs are used to increase magnification selectively. Hybrid lenslet arrays of the invention are also useable for optical processing and non-imaging applications.

Abstract: A stacked array magnifier (SAM) forms a magnified, demagnified or unit image of an object. The SAM includes one or more non-refractive lenslet arrays and one or more refractive lenslet arrays to form a plurality of lenslet channels. Each lenslet channel has at least one refractive lenslet and at least one non-refractive lenslet. SAMs are combined and tiled to form a scaleable display of flat panel displays. Multiple SAMs are used to increase magnification selectively. Hybrid lenslet arrays of the invention are also useable for optical processing and non-imaging applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a trailer ball to a mounting platform. The apparatus includes a trailer ball having a threaded stem, a flat washer, and a nut having a plastic collar. The plastic collar includes a ring which is disposed between the nut and flat washer. The ring is formed of a plastic material which is extruded when the nut is tightened sufficiently to provide a positive indication that sufficient tension has been placed on the joint. The method also includes lubricating the stem before threading the nut onto the stem and removing the extruded ring after tightening.

Abstract: A spare tire assembly is provided which is securely mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The assembly includes a swing arm which is pivotally moveable between an open position extending laterally away from the vehicle and a closed position securely attached to the rear door of the vehicle. A latch mechanism allows for the detachable connection of the assembly to the rear door such that the assembly can be securely fastened to the rear door to prevent the movement of the spare tire assembly while the vehicle is in motion. The latch mechanism includes a spring biased handle which provides for the manual release of the swing arm and allows for the displacement of the swing arm away from the vehicle door.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe operative in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum for in situ sensing of the absorption of IR energy in a sample. The probe comprises an attenuated total reflection (ATR) element having an input end and an output end for respectively receiving IR and transmitting attenuated IR. The ATR element has wall portions disposed about a central or long axis thereof for reflecting IR energy transverse to the central axis. A bundle of infrared transmitting fibers is located at the input end of the ATR element for transmitting and receiving IR energy into and out of the element. The fibers have end faces proximate the ATR element lying in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: An intgeral printhead includes a single fiber optic faceplate substrate to which are connected light emitting diode arrays, driver circuits for selectively controlling the energization of the light emitting diodes and interconnecting conductive lines all disposed on the same fiber optic faceplate substrate which thereby provides the optical lens system for the light emitting diodes and a supporting substrate to which the active components are mounted and electrically interconnected by the conductive lines.

Abstract: A mail box or similar container having a self cancelling signal indicator which is activated by the opening of the mail box door. The signal is a crankshaft which has on each end of the crankshaft a crank arm, each arm being perpendicular to said crankshaft and in an offset direction to the other crank arm, one of said crank arms having at the end opposite said crankshaft a combination weight and position indicator.