Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an anti-backflex chain includes one or more connecting links pivotally attached to one or more roller links. The connecting links and the roller links each include a blocking member attached to a pair of side plates. The blocking member is attached to a link at a point latterly displaced from a longitudinal axis of the link. The blocking members attached to the connecting links have an exterior periphery engageable with an exterior periphery of the blocking members attached to the roller links. The blocking members function as stops to prevent further pivotal movement of the connecting link relative to an adjacent roller link. The blocking members may have a variety of shapes, including cylindrical and box-shaped. Multiple connecting links can be attached to multiple roller links to create a chain of a desired length.

Abstract: An acousto-optic device comprises a first light source for producing a light beam, a light-transmitting material capable of transmitting the light beam along an optical path through the light-transmitting material, a light-absorbing material adjacent to the light-transmitting material, and a pulsed light source capable of directing a pulsed light beam at the light absorbing material so as to produce acoustic waves within the light-transmitting material that cross the optical path of the light beam from the first light source.

Abstract: An acousto-optic device comprises a first light source for producing a light beam, a light-transmitting material capable of transmitting the light beam along an optical path through the light-transmitting material, a light-absorbing material adjacent to the light-transmitting material, and a pulsed light source capable of directing a pulsed light beam at the light absorbing material so as to produce acoustic waves within the light-transmitting material that cross the optical path of the light beam from the first light source.

Abstract: An improved stop block assembled to NAAMS™ specifications for providing a locating device for a movable member. The stop block has at least one crowned end for positioning to face the movable member and to accurately stop the movable member when the movable member comes in contact with the stop block. The improved stop block includes a proximity switch installed within the stop block for sensing when the movable member contacts the stop block. The improved stop block may also include an actuating device communicating with the proximity switch for sending a signal to a controlling device.

Abstract: A precision printing system uses multiple scan beams that an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) separately modulates. An array of optical elements such as dove prisms separately rotates each of the beams about a central ray of the beam to eliminate blurred edges, skew, and variations in line thickness caused by the direction of propagation of acoustic waves in the AOM being at an angle to a scan direction. In particular, the amount of rotation is selected so that in the final image the direction in which illumination progresses across a cross-section of a beam is in a direction opposite the scan direction. A method of making the array includes attaching rods to a flat, grinding or polishing the combination of the rods and flat to form three planar regions that correspond to facets on prisms. Removing the rods/prisms from the flat. Using photolithography and etching to form grooves in a substrate, and a mounting the rods/prisms in the grooves on the substrate.

Abstract: A small field scanning photolithography system uses opposing motion of a reticle and a blank to compensate for image reversal by a projection system such as a conventional Wynne-Dyson optical system which forms a reverted image on a blank. The reticle has a reverted pattern. During scanning, the reticle moves along a reverted axis in a direction opposite the direction in which the blank moves. The opposing motions can either expose a stripe on the blank or index the reticle and blank for exposure of a next stripe. In one embodiment of the invention, the reticle and blank are on independently movable precision air bearing stages. Typically, the blank and reticle move together perpendicular the reverted axis and in opposite direction along the reverted axis. The stages can move the reticle and blank different amounts to correct for shrinkage and temperature changes which cause the size of the reticle and blank to differ.

Abstract: A compact lifter assembly having a base plate and a first intermediate plate rigidly connected by a first pair of shafts. A second intermediate plate is slidably attached on the first pair of shafts to be disposed between the base plate and the first intermediate plate. A second pair of shafts extend from the second intermediate plate, through apertures in the first intermediate plate for rigid connection to a mounting plate. A linear actuator centrally located on the base plate is actuated for lifting the mounting plate and a second intermediate plate relative to the base plate. The shafts are rigidly connected to the respective plates by a retaining ring and split taper plugged shaft retention to provide a zero clearance shaft joint connection.

Abstract: A body support mounted to a cross tube portion of an associated bicycle includes a mounting bracket pivotally mounting a seat assembly thereto, such that the seat assembly is pivoted to a displaced position during periods of non-use relative to the mounting bracket structure, with a lock sleeve cooperatively associated with the mounting bracket and support assembly and magnetically adhered to an abutment ring relative to the seat assembly to maintain latching of the seat assembly in an operative position relative to a rider of the bicycle.