Abstract: A bulk compressor for use in a chirped pulse amplification system (CPA) comprising a tunable pulse stretcher and an amplifier is provided. The bulk compressor includes a mounting block formed as a monolithic structure and made of solid material. The mounting block may define a plurality of mounting surfaces each forming a collar surrounding a light passage. Optical components are mounted on the mounting block in a fixed mutual spatial relationship, each optical component having a front face having a peripheral portion mounted in direct contact with the collar formed by a respective one of the mounting surfaces. The bulk compressor may be provided as a stand-alone component, a part of a stretcher-compressor pair or a full CPA system, and may be used in a method for amplifying input optical pulses.

Abstract: A bulk compressor for use in a chirped pulse amplification system (CPA) comprising a tunable pulse stretcher and an amplifier is provided. The bulk compressor includes a mounting block formed as a monolithic structure and made of solid material. The mounting block may define a plurality of mounting surfaces each forming a collar surrounding a light passage. Optical components are mounted on the mounting block in a fixed mutual spatial relationship, each optical component having a front face having a peripheral portion mounted in direct contact with the collar formed by a respective one of the mounting surfaces. The bulk compressor may be provided as a stand-alone component, a part of a stretcher-compressor pair or a full CPA system, and may be used in a method for amplifying input optical pulses.

Abstract: A method for thawing frozen food provided in a thawing appliance, the thawing appliance having a membrane forming a barrier between the frozen food and a fluid, the fluid at least partly surrounding the frozen food in use to transfer heat from the fluid to a corresponding surface area of the frozen food, the method including: controlling the fluid 5 at a thawing temperature; monitoring a state of the thawing of the frozen food and generating a state indicator; and controlling the fluid at a conservation temperature when the state indicator indicates a thawing completion state.

Abstract: An optical scanning or positioning mechanism has a head on which optical components are mounted and an actuator coupled to the head to cause the head to move when the actuator is actuated. There are one or more sets of flexure bearings mounted in the mechanism. The flexure bearings have a restoring torque when moved from a rest position. The bearings are coupled to the head to allow the head to move when actuated by the actuator. One or more magnets are mounted in the mechanism in a location other than in the actuator to compensate for the flexure bearings restoring torque.

Abstract: A conveyor belt tensioner that meets this object, as well as other objects which will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, is provided by a conveyor system in which a belt is trained about first and second end rollers that are suspended for rotation between opposed side frames. A motor is provided for moving the belt with respect to the side frames. A third roller that engages the belt is provided that is mounted between the side frames for incremental movement for tensioning the belt.

Abstract: An improved method for mounting elevator rails within a hoistway includes the initial step of securing support brackets to a pair of rails. The brackets, rails, a machine for driving a cab and a dead end hitch are then mounted within the hoistway. A cab may then be moved vertically within the hoistway and additional support brackets are placed at vertically spaced locations. The connection of the brackets and rails provides support to dissipate the loads which are transferred into the rail in such systems wherein the machine or the dead end hitch is fixed to a rail. Once the rails have been adequately supported by additional brackets, the brackets which are secured to the rails are removed from the rail. The brackets provide support, but are no longer fixed to the rails.