Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a single-polarization fiber that may include a W-type refractive-index profile having a depressed region along an unguided principal axis of the fiber, and a quasi step-index profile along a guided principal axis of the fiber. The quasi step-index profile may have a depressed region with a radial extent at least twice that of the depressed region along the unguided axis.

Abstract: An improved variable pitch oarlock of a rowing shell, including a gate for securing an oar, which is adapted to swivel about a vertical pin of a rigger of the rowing shell. The improvement residing in the inclusion of horizontal pivot means adapted to vary the horizontal angular displacement of the gate as it swivels about the vertical pin. In operation, the pitch of the oar blade can be correspondingly varied and accurately determined during all phases of the rowing stroke. The horizontal pin also provides the mounting for force sensors; ensuring horizontal and/or vertical forces can be measured. Also claimed is a method of coaching or training rowing crew(s), utilising the variable pitch oarlock as herein described, wherein force, angle and depth measurements are taken and analysed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a single-polarization fiber that may include a W-type refractive-index profile having a depressed region along an unguided principal axis of the fiber, and a quasi step-index profile along a guided principal axis of the fiber. The quasi step-index profile may have a depressed region with a radial extent at least twice that of the depressed region along the unguided axis.

Abstract: A dampening mechanism for an electrical for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a draw-out circuit breaker, includes a mounting bracket coupled to the circuit breaker, a pivot member, at least one biasing element, and a damper. The circuit breaker is movable into and out of an installed position within a switchgear enclosure. The pivot member pivots between first and second positions corresponding to the circuit breaker not being fully installed and being disposed in the installed position, respectively. The biasing element biases the pivot member toward the first position. When the circuit breaker is moved toward the installed position, the second end of the pivot member engages at least one of a back panel and a ledge of the enclosure, thereby pivoting the pivot member toward the second position. When the pivot member is disposed in the second position, the damper is biased against the ledge of the enclosure to dampen undesired vertical motion of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A dampening mechanism for an electrical for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a draw-out circuit breaker, includes a mounting bracket coupled to the circuit breaker, a pivot member, at least one biasing element, and a damper. The circuit breaker is movable into and out of an installed position within a switchgear enclosure. The pivot member pivots between first and second positions corresponding to the circuit breaker not being fully installed and being disposed in the installed position, respectively. The biasing element biases the pivot member toward the first position. When the circuit breaker is moved toward the installed position, the second end of the pivot member engages at least one of a back panel and a ledge of the enclosure, thereby pivoting the pivot member toward the second position. When the pivot member is disposed in the second position, the damper is biased against the ledge of the enclosure to dampen undesired vertical motion of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a test circuit having an auxiliary low power test signal generator, filters, and a detector to test a power switch. The generator sends an auxiliary low power test signal having a different frequency than a power signal for the switch to an input of the switch. The detector detects the auxiliary low power test signal at an output of the switch. Test circuit filters are used to filter out the power signal from reaching the auxiliary low power test signal generator or the detector circuit. A circuit of the test circuit is tuned to the test signal's different frequency to ensure that the detector only detects the test signal when the switch is in one position. Thus, by detecting or sensing the test signal across the switch, the detector can detect whether the switch is operating properly.

Abstract: A redundant power supply system with several individual power supplies, each connected to one of several power inlets. At least one power supply can be connected to a selectable one of the several power inlets by means of a steering network.

Abstract: A discontinuous lignocellulose fiber is described for use as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastic composite compositions. The fiber filler includes a significant percentage by weight of long, “hair-like” fibers. Specifically, at least about 20 percent by weight of the fiber filler is discontinuous lignocellulose fiber with a fiber length greater than about 15 millimeters and a fiber diameter less than about 0.5 millimeters. A moldable thermoplastic composite composition including the discontinuous lignocellulose fiber comprises about 20 to about 50 percent by weight of the fiber filler and about 50 to about 80 percent by weight thermoplastic. The discontinuous lignocellulose fiber filler yields thermoplastic composite compositions having improved physical properties over basic thermoplastic. The improved physical properties can be achieved without the use of coupling agents, although coupling agents may be used to further enhance the composite properties.

Abstract: A metal tube induction annealing apparatus employs an induction heating enclosure having an elongated glass tube encircled by an electromagnetic coil of an induction heating system which provides an induction annealing chamber for receiving a hollow metal tube for undergoing annealing and an inert purge gas for bathing the tube during annealing. Cooling stages are located end-to-end downstream of the induction enclosure for progressively cooling the annealed tube. The inert purge gas is made to flow upstream in a direction opposite to the downstream direction of tube movement through the annealing chamber and cooling stages for accomplishing constant bathing or shielding of the exterior and interior wall surfaces of the tube and removal of heat by inert purge gas flowing through and out of the trailing end of the tube.

Abstract: Processes for the rapid alpha annealing of zirconium based articles are described. These processes utilize induction heating to rapidly heat a worked zirconium based article to an elevated temperature after which it is then cooled. Time at the selected elevated temperature is less than about 1 second, and preferably essentially zero. Stress relieving of cold pilgered Zircaloy may be performed by induction heating to a temperature between about 540.degree. and about 650.degree. C. Partial recrystallization annealing of cold pilgered Zircaloy may be performed by induction heating to a temperature between about 650.degree. and about 760.degree. C. Full alpha recrystallization annealing of cold pilgered Zircaloy may be performed by induction heating to a temperature between about 760.degree. and about 900.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of more rapidly and uniformly heating bundles of zirconium alloy tubes in a vacuum annealing furnace utilizes an induction coil to preheat the entire bundle as it is being moved into the hot zone of the furnace.