Abstract: A kit is for towing through water by a swimmer to transport items, which comprises: an inflatable flotation device and a dry bag (32). The flotation device comprises, when inflated, a lead portion (10a), two spaced side portions (10b, 10c) each extending rearwardly from the lead portion, and attachment means. The dry bag (32), which may be separate to the flotation device, has an openable, water-tight closure. The side portions, when the device is inflated, and the dry bag are respectively shaped to cooperate so that the side portions provide support for the dry bag. The flotation device including the attachment means is arranged to attach the dry bag to the flotation device such that the closure (34) is located above a lead portion of the flotation device. The kit is attachable to a tow leash (32) such that a swimmer can tow the flotation device with the dry bag attached in water and such that the lead portion leads through the water.

Abstract: A kit is for towing through water by a swimmer to transport items, which comprises: an inflatable flotation device and a dry bag (32). The flotation device comprises, when inflated, a lead portion (10a), two spaced side portions (10b, 10c) each extending rearwardly from the lead portion, and attachment means. The dry bag (32), which may be separate to the flotation device, has an openable, water-tight closure. The side portions, when the device is inflated, and the dry bag are respectively shaped to cooperate so that the side portions provide support for the dry bag. The flotation device including the attachment means is arranged to attach the dry bag to the flotation device such that the closure (34) is located above a lead portion of the flotation device. The kit is attachable to a tow leash (32) such that a swimmer can tow the flotation device with the dry bag attached in water and such that the lead portion leads through the water.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The plurality of sensors is configured along a common optical path and are used for separate functions. According, the detectors may be optimized for the respective function.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The system may be configured to modify or alter the light at the plurality of sensor to optimize different system functions.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The plurality of sensors is configured along a common optical path and are used for separate functions. According, the detectors may be optimized for the respective function.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The system may be configured to modify or alter the light at the plurality of sensor to optimize different system functions.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The system may be configured to modify or alter the light at the plurality of sensor to optimize different system functions.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The plurality of sensors is configured along a common optical path and are used for separate functions. According, the detectors may be optimized for the respective function.

Abstract: A detector configuration for use in a free space optical (FSO) node for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals has a plurality of sensors for detecting received optical signals. The system may be configured to modify or alter the light at the plurality of sensor to optimize different system functions.

Abstract: A brake assembly of the type having a brake shoe platform and one or more brake plates mounted on the platform, each brake plate having a brake lining and a backing plate attachable to an outer surface of the platform, is characterized in that the platform has a series of circumferentially spaced apertures each adjacent its rear edge, and a series of circumferentially spaced recesses communicating with its front edge. The backing plate has two rear flanges each being L-shaped and having an inner portion depending from its inner surface and a rearwardly projecting outer tongue portion, these rear flanges being sized to pass through the apertures in the brake shoe platform. Also, the backing plate has two front flanges, each having an inner portion depending from its inner surface and an outer tongue portion, these front flanges being arranged to slide into the recesses at the front edge of the platform.

Abstract: Tracking devices are provided that use wireless local area networks to determine location. The tracking devices receive identification data from at least one local are network in the vicinity of the tracking device, and store tracking data that includes the identification data as well as a date and time stamp indicating when the identification data was received. The devices can transmit the tracking data to a server, and the location of the tracking device can be determined using the tracking data.

Abstract: A brake assembly of the type having a brake shoe platform and one or more brake plates mounted on the platform, each brake plate having a brake lining and a backing plate attachable to an outer surface of the platform, is characterized in that the platform has a series of circumferentially spaced apertures each adjacent its rear edge, and a series of circumferentially spaced recesses communicating with its front edge. The backing plate has two rear flanges each being L-shaped and having an inner portion depending from its inner surface and a rearwardly projecting outer tongue portion, these rear flanges being sized to pass through the apertures in the brake shoe platform. Also, the backing plate has two front flanges, each having an inner portion depending from its inner surface and an outer tongue portion, these front flanges being arranged to slide into the recesses at the front edge of the platform.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are provided for determining selected elastic characteristics of a body of material, e.g.

Abstract: An optical imaging device divides a long thin object, such as a line of print, into several sections and arranges the sections into an overlapping image, of area form as compared to the original linear form of the object. A plurality of lenses are used, each lens associated with a particular section of the object. Each lens is tilted relative to the other lenses so that the plane of the lens is perpendicular to the line connecting the center of the related image section and object section, and also displaced in a direction normal to the extent of the line of lenses so that the center of each lens is on the line connecting the center of the related image section and object section. The lenses can extend in a curve to reduce magnification variations from lens to lens, and conveniently the lenses are rectangular and molded as a single unit.

Abstract: An optical system for a scanning apparatus uses a folded optical path with certain mirrors moving, the movement of the mirrors such that the length of the optical path, and thus the magnification, is maintained constant. Either a fixed or movable lens system can be provided. With a fixed lens system there is differential movement of mirrors. With a moving lens system, the lens system and image receiver move in fixed relationship with the scanning mirror.