Abstract: A variator suitable for an automotive continuously variable transmission utilizes a roller frictionally engaging two rotating plates. The plates are connected to an input such that they rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions. To change the ratio, the roller is moved along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the two counter-rotating plates. Power from the roller is transmitted to a bevel gear which meshes with an output bevel gear. The output bevel gear rotated about the same axis as the plates.

Abstract: A variator suitable for an automotive continuously variable transmission utilizes a roller frictionally engaging two rotating plates. The plates are connected to an input such that they rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions. To change the ratio, the roller is moved along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the two counter-rotating plates. Power from the roller is transmitted to a bevel gear which meshes with an output bevel gear. The output bevel gear rotated about the same axis as the plates.

Abstract: A pole attachment mechanism for removably attaching swimming pool maintenance accessories to an end of a pole. The pole attachment mechanism includes a thumb-press which, when pressed, the pegs projecting from the shaft of the pole attachment are retracted thereby permitting the pole to be received over the retracted pegs or to be released from pegs.

Abstract: An optical fiber amplifier apparatus and optical signal amplification method are provided. In one example, the amplifier apparatus comprises an optical combiner that is configured to receive an input optical signal to be amplified and a pump light beam. The optical combiner combines for output the input optical signal and the pump light beam. A first cladding pumped optical fiber in which Erbium is the only optically active dopant is coupled to the optical combiner to receive the pump light beam and the input optical signal. The first cladding pumped optical fiber pre-amplifies the input optical signal and passes the pre-amplified input optical signal and power of the pump light beam not absorbed by the first cladding pumped optical fiber. A second cladding pumped optical fiber is provided that is coupled to the first cladding pumped optical fiber. Erbium and Ytterbium are optically active dopants in the second cladding pumped optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber amplifier apparatus and optical signal amplification method are provided. In one example, the amplifier apparatus comprises an optical combiner that is configured to receive an input optical signal to be amplified and a pump light beam. The optical combiner combines for output the input optical signal and the pump light beam. A first cladding pumped optical fiber in which Erbium is the only optically active dopant is coupled to the optical combiner to receive the pump light beam and the input optical signal. The first cladding pumped optical fiber pre-amplifies the input optical signal and passes the pre-amplified input optical signal and power of the pump light beam not absorbed by the first cladding pumped optical fiber. A second cladding pumped optical fiber is provided that is coupled to the first cladding pumped optical fiber. Erbium and Ytterbium are optically active dopants in the second cladding pumped optical fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on demand chilling and dispensing of product from a commercially available product package is disclosed. The product dispenser includes a product container positioned on a housing that is adapted to receive thermal cooling media. The product dispenser further includes a container cap attachable to a portal of the product container and a first end of a dispense tubing. A second end of the dispense tubing is connectable to a dispensing valve mountable to the housing, thereby regulating delivery. The thermal cooling media resides in the housing, thereby cooling the dispense tubing and its contents. Also provided are provisions for inclusion of a product container as part of the dispenser that can be filled and refilled. Further provisions include the ability to adapt to varying product container portal sizes and varying product container sizes, as commonly seen in commercial product packaging.

Abstract: A bin includes a wall structure, a first lid, a second lid, and a frame that supports the wall structure. The first lid and the second lid removably secure to the wall structure. The frame permits movement of the wall structure between a first storage position whereby the second lid forms a bottom of the bin and a second storage position whereby the first lid forms a bottom of the bin.