Abstract: A control system for an electrical power system includes an electrical corrective device, a voltage measuring device coupled to each phase of the electric power system, a current measuring device connected between each phase of the electric power system and the electrical corrective device, and a protective device connected to outputs of the voltage measuring device and the current measuring device. The protective device includes a controller configured to detect an imbalance using the measured voltages and currents output from the voltage measuring device and the current measuring device without using or independently of other recent voltage or current measurements for other points in the electrical corrective device and independently of a neutral-ground measurement at the electrical corrective device.

Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods allow users to filter air by installing an apparatus between the passenger space and the air circulating in from the outside of a vehicle, proximate to existing vents, or as a mechanically elegant improvement to new systems. A hinge mechanism allows a venting system to open reliably, and a filter element discretely cleans air passing through it.

Abstract: A self-tapping screw includes a head, a shaft, a tapered end and a rounded distal tip. A thread includes a thread start on the tapered end. The axial position of the thread start and a first full thread, the radius of the round distal tip and the diameter of the tapered end at the thread start are controlled in relation to the screw size for consistent, improved screw performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tunable laser with a compact form factor and precise tuning to any selected center wavelength of a selected wavelength grid. A novel tuning technique is disclosed which includes tuning the laser to selected passbands, as well as tuning the optical path length of the laser utilizing a variety of tuning elements and a feedback circuit working together.

Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes an external cavity to tune the laser. The external cavity may employ a Littrow or Littman cavity arrangement. In the Littrow cavity arrangement, a filter, such as a grating, is rotated to provide wavelength gain medium selectivity. In the Littman cavity arrangement, a reflector is rotated to provide tuning. A quantum cascade laser gain medium provides mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens for both the output lens and the external cavity lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less.

Abstract: A lens may operate in the mid-IR spectral region and couple highly divergent beams into highly collimated beams. In combination with a light source having a characteristic output beam, the lens may provide highly stable, miniaturized mid-IR sources that deliver optical beams. An advanced mounting system may provide long term sturdy mechanical coupling and alignment to reduce operator maintenance. In addition, devices may also support electrical and thermal subsystems that are delivered via these mounting systems. A mid-IR singlet lens having a numerical aperture greater than about 0.7 and a focal length less than 10 mm may be combined with a quantum well stack semiconductor based light source such that the emission facet of the semiconductor lies in the focus of the lens less than 2 mm away from the lens surface. Together, these systems may provide a package that is highly portable and robust, and easily integrated with external optical systems.

Abstract: A self-tapping screw includes a head, a shaft, a tapered end and a rounded distal tip. A thread includes a thread start on the tapered end. The axial position of the thread start and a first full thread, the radius of the round distal tip and the diameter of the tapered end at the thread start are controlled in relation to the screw size for consistent, improved screw performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for mechanically stabilizing tunable lasers by mechanically grounding laser components. Lasers stabilized using mechanical grounding of the laser components exhibit phase synchronous tuning, reduced mode hop and increased wavelength stability across the entire tuning range. Additionally, lasers stabilized using mechanical grounding exhibit improved resistance to thermal and physical shock. The robust compact design of mechanically grounded lasers makes them suitable for a broad range of applications including optical signal generators and optical multimeters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for passively stabilizing the optical pathlength in tunable lasers. Lasers stabilized using the passive stabilization apparatus exhibit reduced mode hop and increased wavelength stability during temperature variations of the laser or surrounding environment. The stabilization makes the laser suitable for a broad range of applications including: optical signal generators and optical multimeters.

Abstract: A crystal exhibiting a variable index of refraction in response to a voltage applied across it is driven from a lower voltage signal generator through a passive resonant circuit. The resonant frequency of the circuit is tunable by hand in order to maximize the voltage applied to the crystal from a low voltage signal generator. The impedance of the circuit is also hand adjustable in order to match that of the signal generator. The crystal and driving circuit are packaged together in a single enclosure having optically transparent windows allowing a laser beam to pass through the crystal and be modulated by it according to the frequency of the signal generator.