Abstract: A fluorescent lamp and spotlight apparatus includes a supporting body having an interior chamber, a spotlight unit cavity, and an exterior mounting slot. A power circuit device is disposed in the interior chamber of the supporting body. A spotlight unit is disposed in the spotlight unit cavity and electrically connected with the power circuit device. A fluorescent unit foldably received in the mounting slot of the supporting body includes a shell, an illuminator protected by the shell, and an electric connector for electrically connecting the illuminator with the power circuit device. Thus, a coupling joint is rotatably attached to the supporting body and pivotally connected with the fluorescent unit, so that the fluorescent lamp and spotlight apparatus enables the user to selectively use as a spotlight torch or a fluorescent lamp while the spotlight unit can be functioned as a stand supporting the fluorescent lamp unit to extend horizontally.

Abstract: A a portable light which has an enclosure, a battery, a light emitting diode and a mounting for the light. The light can be mounted in a variety of locations and the diode can be easily turned on and off.

Abstract: A flat illuminator, which may utilize a plurality of batteries and may support multiple LED illumination sources, adapted for high volume assembly with a momentary on/off switch formed therein. Encoded data and/or a key blank may also be combined with the flat illuminator.

Abstract: A light unit for use in a series circuit has a mechanical switch for providing an alternate circuit path around the leads of a bulb when the bulb is loose or removed. The mechanical switch is biased toward a closed position such that, when the bulb is removed from the light unit, the switch closes to provide the alternate circuit path. The switch is displaced to an open position when a bulb is secured to the light unit to break the alternate circuit path and route electricity through the bulb. A shunt assembly having a high resistance element and a retainer can be secured within a socket cavity of the light unit.

Abstract: A bicycle of scooter safety light mountable to the scooter or bicycle, includes light emitting diodes conductively coupled with a battery-operated power circuit. A plurality of elongated segments are pivotally attached to one another and form a generally cylindrical housing structure sized to wrap tightly around a bar of the bicycle or scooter when opposing segments are brought towards one another and clamped together. Internal compartments of the segments hold either the power circuit and battery or light emitting diodes. The safety light includes a power switch, such as a motion detector for controlling illumination of light emitting diode only when motion is detected, or a photo sensor for delivering power to the light emitting diodes only when in absence of light is detected in order to conserve battery power.

Abstract: An indicator light for a motor vehicle includes a divider screen adapted to divide a light beam into a plurality of elementary light beams which are then added together downstream of the dividing screen. A first coloring means, for coloring some of the elementary light beams, is located at a distance from the divider screen. The light unit includes a second coloring means adapted to color at least some of the elementary light beams, the second coloring means being spaced away from the divider screen and the first coloring means.

Abstract: A light reflector comprising a biaxially stretched film containing a polyolefinic resin and a filler, wherein said filler is an inorganic filler having an average grain size of 0.1 to 8 &mgr;m and/or an organic filler having a mean dispersion grain size of 0.1 to 8 &mgr;m, and said biaxially stretched film has an area stretched factor of 16 to 80, and having a luminance of 1,200 cd/m2 or above is disclosed. A specific feature of such light reflector of the present invention resides in that improvement in the luminance achieved at low cost is ascribable to the structural feature thereof rather than to the composition.

Abstract: An aircraft landing light assembly having a resilient vibration dampening mounting system for absorbing propeller and engine induced fuselage vibrations and the like for preventing premature vibrational induced lamp failure. Light assembly includes forward and rear rings that engage opposite faces of the rim of a sealed beam lamp located between the two rings. A resilient O-ring sits in the forward ring. Four cylindrically-shaped shock damper mounts sit in tapered wells on the back of the rear ring for protecting the sealed beam lamp from premature vibrational lamp failure, as well as for fastening the light assembly together and to the aircraft mounting bracket. Shock damper mounts include an enlarged cylindrically-shaped resilient damper material having a threaded headless screw located on each end.

Abstract: A beam light unit for vehicles, having a light module with a light source and a reflector, includes a downstream light output element to produce a predetermined light distribution. The light output element is mounted in a housing that leaves only a light outlet face of the light output element exposed, with sidewalls of the housing being in contact with jacket walls of the light output element immediately adjacent the light outlet face. Edge contours of the sidewalls correspond to a form of an edge of the light outlet face.

Abstract: At least one of diagonal cut lines CL1 and CL2, and horizontal cut lines CL3 and CL4 among a spatial distribution pattern PL of luminous intensity for a low beam can be changed.

Abstract: A lighting directional sign includes a L-shaped illuminating unit including a casing, an illuminator protected by the casing, and an electric input connector provided on the casing and electrically connected with the illuminator, wherein the illuminating unit is disposed in a lamp chamber of a vehicle signal light and electrically connected with a power outlet of the vehicle signal light. The illuminating unit is aligned as an arrowhead shape in such a manner when the vehicle signal light is switched on, the illuminating unit is automatically switched on in order to signify the further motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A unitary multiple light assembly for motor vehicle trailers uses different arrays of LEDs to illuminate a side marker light, a rear tail or brake light, and a license plate light. A license plate attaching bracket holds the license plate in a location in which individual LEDs in a light fixture can shine directly on predetermined locations on the license plate.

Abstract: A light, such as for an airport taxiway, in which a base includes a light source which outputs light. The light source may be an LED (light emitting diode) light source which is highly energy efficient and which has a long life. A light guide receives and guides light output from the light source. The light guide further extends out from the light source. A reflector is positioned in the light guide and reflects the light guided through the light guide to provide the appropriate illumination.

Abstract: A plasticizing apparatus used for a pre-plasticization-type injection molding machine is equipped with a screw drive section which comprises a rotational drive section supported in an axially moveable manner and adapted to rotate the screw; and an advancement/retraction drive section including a servomotor and a ball-screw mechanism for converting rotational motion of the servomotor to linear motion in order to axially move the rotational drive section. By virtue of the above-described structure, the screw disposed within the barrel is rotated by the rotational drive section of the screw drive section, so that the molding material within the barrel is plasticized (melted) and is then supplied to the injection apparatus. Further, the rotational drive section (screw) is advanced and retracted by the advancement/retraction section of the screw drive section, so that the resin passage of the barrel is opened and closed in accordance with the position of the screw.

Abstract: A spiral-type kneading machine for the preparation of flour-based mixtures comprises a non-rotating circular bowl and a spiral-shaped kneading tool rotatable inside the bowl. The spiral-shaped kneading tool has its axis substantially coincident with the axis of the bowl and occupies substantially the entire space contained within the bowl. The tool cooperates with a fixed member projecting upwardly from the bottom of the bowl and spaced from the central axis thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the continuous preparation of a mixture of two or more fluids, such as paints, enamels and dyes, to produce a resulting fluid having desired pre-defined physical properties, such as a particular color, opacity, hue, saturation, luminosity, density and/or viscosity, with automatic adjustment of the physical characteristics of the resulting fluid mixture. The apparatus comprises storage devices, a mixer, a fluid supply device, a detector, and a control device. The control device is adapted to receive a signal from the detector, the signal representing the detected physical characteristic of a fluid supplied by the fluid supply device, and to compare the detected physical characteristic with a desired physical characteristic of the fluid.

Abstract: A flexible state-of-the-art plastic bottle fitted with a sealed tube becomes a dynamic system for dispensing water or other fluid in nearly-uniform quantum amounts, in such a way that the apparatus may be used as (1) a timer, such as for cooking a three-minute egg; (2) a toy for enjoyment or learning how to count, etc.; or (3) a model for teaching differential equations or physics. The device is very simple, on the order of a paper clip.

Abstract: An underwater electromechanical timer comprises a motor-driven timer assembly which includes a threaded member that engages an endless screw driven in rotation by means of a motor. Time programming of the timer is accomplished via presetting a length of sliding of the threaded member along the endless screw. The sliding threaded member causes a timely switching event of a device switch placed in the casing structure. The device switch, electrically connected to an external device, thereby activates the external device. The underwater electromechanical timer is activated via an activation mechanism that is externally exposed. Under an external pressure, the activation mechanism connects an output of the motor with the endless screw, and further turns on the motor. Resilient elements are further mounted between the motor and the endless screw and between the threaded member and the device switch to prevent undesired activation events.

Abstract: An accelerated weathering test apparatus for concentrating solar irradiance upon and immersing at least one test specimen including at least one support member and an operative portion operatively connected to the at least one support member. The operative portion includes a mirror bed, at least one standard and a channel. The operative portion is moveable relative to the at least one support member from a first operative position to a second operative position. A target board is disposed in the channel for supporting the at least one test specimen for exposure to concentrated solar radiation when the operative portion is disposed in the first operative position and immersion in a fluid when the operative portion is disposed in the second operative position.

Abstract: System for locating cassettes for producing digital images, in a radiography apparatus of the type comprising an X-ray source, means for data processing, a support for the cassette in an active position and a storage space for the cassette in the inactive position. The cassette comprises means for detecting the insertion of the cassette into the support and means for detecting the identification of the cassette.

Abstract: A surgical tissue fixation system is described, including: (1) a bioabsorbable tissue fixation plate having optionally a plurality of through-holes arranged in alternating relation along the plate; (2) bioabsorbable fasteners adapted for insertion into the through-holes to secure the plate to underlying bodily tissue or bone; and (3) an installation instrument which triggers (strikes or shoots) fasteners one after one, in rapid succession, into the through-holes made through the plate and into the underlying bodily tissue or bone, which also optionally includes drillholes.

Abstract: In a method for determining a coordinate transformation between a coordinate system of a first object to be imaged by an X-ray apparatus and a coordinate system of a second object to be navigated relative to a first object, a transformation relationship is determined between a coordinate system of a position-acquisition system and the coordinate system of the first object by an offline calibration run, the position of the X-ray arm is determined while recording X-ray images of the first object, and the position of the second object is determined using the position-acquisition system.

Abstract: Stand-up, gusseted packages having a reclosable closure mechanism around the periphery of the package mouth. The package has opposite first and second panels, and first and second side panels, which together form a surrounding wall that defines the mouth. The closure mechanism is present on each of the panels. On the first and second panels, the closure mechanism is oriented inward, so that the panels can be interlocked. On each of the first and second side panels, the closure mechanism is oriented outward, and is present as a first portion and a second portion defined by the gusset. To close the package, the closure mechanisms on the first panel and second panel are interlocked, and the side panels are folded inward to allow the first portion and the second portion to interlock. Methods of making the package are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bag with a bag body consisting of four bag walls, onto which two first wide bag walls lie on top of one another and two second narrower bag walls are each folded over congruently onto themselves to the centre in a line along their longitudinal edges, and in which one end of the bag body is sealed by a bag floor and which forms a bag opening at the other end of the bag body; as well as an unsealed bag seal on a bag opening adjoining the bag body; in which the bag seal consists of two first sealing flaps respectively laid out on top of and adjoining the first bag walls, and two second sealing flaps adjoining the second bag walls, folded over respectively onto themselves at the centre in a line with the fold of the second bag walls; and in which at the respective ends of the first sealing flaps first gussets, and at the ends of the second sealing flaps second gussets are specified, and directly adjacent first and second gussets lie respectively on top of one another with their inner su

Abstract: A linear motion guide unit is disclosed wherein rolling elements are allowed to run smoothly through a turnaround and less subject to wear. Separators connected to elongated coupler members are allowed to travel ahead together with the rolling elements through a recirculating passage, which is composed of a load raceway, a return passage and turnarounds. The separator are each made unchanged in thickness at a limited zone over which a sliding contact point thereof with the associated rolling element changes place from S1 to S12 when the separator moves through the turnaround. The coupler member is made in the form of a flexible strip kept substantially constant in cross section throughout the overall length to bend uniformly with a fixed radius RB of curvature when moving in the turnaround.

Abstract: A plurality of rollers is positioned between side members of a longitudinally-split, two-piece bearing race and a backup member that supports the two-piece bearing race along the length of side members. The backup member has angled surfaces such that ends of the rollers are closer to the angled surfaces than are intermediate portions of the roller. The two side members of the two-piece bearing race may be spread apart such that the angled surfaces of the backup member direct the side members of the two-piece bearing race toward the rollers to decrease the roller clearance and to create a preload.

Abstract: The porous oil-impregnated bearing 1 comprises a bearing body 1a made of a porous material, and oil retained in the pores of the bearing body 1a by impregnation with lubricating oil or lubricating grease. The inner peripheral surface of the bearing body 1a is formed with a bearing surface 1b opposed to an outer peripheral surface of a shaft to be supported, with a bearing clearance defined therebetween. The bearing surface 1b has a first region m1 in which a plurality of hydrodynamic pressure generating grooves 1c inclined in one direction with respect to the axial direction are circumferentially disposed, a second region m2 which is axially spaced from said first region m1 and in which a plurality of hydrodynamic pressure generating grooves 1c inclined in the other direction with respect to the axial direction are circumferentially disposed, and an annular smooth region n disposed between the first and second regions m1 and m2.

Abstract: A thrust washer formed from metal sheet has a flat, ring-shaped thrust portion oriented radially, and at least one tab extending from an outer or inner perimeter of the thrust portion. The tab includes a radially oriented mid-portion and at least one wing-portion extending perpendicular to the mid-portion and parallel to the axis of the thrust portion such that a flat surface of the wing-portion can engage a recess of a backup member to prevent rotation of the thrust washer relative to the backup member. The tab is not symmetrical about a line along a diameter of the thrust portion.

Abstract: In the circular ring forming the retainer, there is formed a groove for connecting together one end surface of the circular ring (grease placement surface for grease) and a pocket surface. The width of the groove is set such that, on the circumferential direction of the circular ring, it becomes continuously narrower from the far side of the pocket surface toward the near side thereof and, on the depth direction from the placement surface (in the axial direction of the circular ring), it becomes continuously narrower as the depth of the groove increases. In the pawl portion of a pocket, there is formed a cut portion which is continuous with the groove. Along the outer periphery of the circular ring, there is formed a wall portion which projects out from the end surface.

Abstract: A modular and adjustable backplane assembly for providing a fiber-optics backplane interface to a plurality of router cards functioning as a data router is provided. The assembly includes a first portion having a first array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific ones of the router cards, and a second portion having a second array of connectors for interfacing with a compatible array of second connectors engaging specific others of the router cards. The mechanics of the assembly enable a moveable attachment with respect to the first and second portions such that they may be positionally adjusted during mounting, and wherein external data paths are provided from individual ones of the connectors to individual others of the connectors by fiber-optic conductors.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a connection unit capable of improving transmission characteristics. The connection unit according to this invention is provided between a plurality of first optical fibers extending from an optical amplifier and a plurality of second optical fibers in an optical cable, and comprises one or more optical components to connect one first optical fiber to one second optical fiber. Each of the optical components includes third and fourth optical fibers that can be connected to one first optical fiber and one second optical fiber with low connection losses, respectively, and a loss adjusting section for adjusting a transmission loss. The transmission loss deviation in a plurality of optical transmission lines is adjusted to 0.005 dB/km or less.

Abstract: The modular connector includes a replaceable first cartridge having at least one communication terminal. The at least one communication terminal of the first cartridge can be electrically conductive and, in some instances, optically transmissive and has first and second opposed ends, wherein the first end is adapted to transmit a communication signal to a receptacle. The modular connector includes a second cartridge having at least one communication terminal defining first and second receptors. The at least one communication terminal of the second cartridge can be electrically conductive and, in some instances, optically transmissive. The first receptor of the at least one communication terminal of the second cartridge is adapted to receive a communication member, such as wire and, in some instances, an optical fiber.

Abstract: A combination or hybrid connector, for connecting both an electrical connection and an optical signal connection simultaneously, incorporates a fiber optic conductor aligned with and contained within the ground pin of an electrical power plug. A fiber optic conductor is contained within a mating receptacle unit to which the electrical power is plug connected. The fiber optic conductor of the plug extends beyond the ground pin to enter, be aligned and interface with a fiber optic conductor within the receptacle unit. The end of the fiber optic conductor in the plug is shielded and the shield is retractable upon engagement with the alignment device. The alignment device is fabricated to have a converging interior space which receives the fiber optic conductor of the plug and gently bends the plug fiber optic conductor to an aligned position to place the end thereof closely juxtaposed with the end of the fiber optic conductor of the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber ferrule apparatus and a method for manufacturing the ferrule apparatus. More particularly, this invention pertains to a ferrule preparation apparatus and method in which the optical fiber is severed through the application of a combination of energy and forced physical separation.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly has a holding member and a housing having a cavity for receiving the holding member. The holding member has a first surface, a second surface, grooves formed in the first surface for holding respective ferrules each supporting an optical fiber element, and through-holes for respectively receiving therethrough the optical fiber elements and for communicating the grooves with the second surface. The housing has a base surface, through-holes extending through the base surface, and side surfaces defining with the base surface a cavity for receiving the holding member so that the through-holes of the holding member are communicated with the through-holes of the housing for receiving therethrough the optical fiber elements.

Abstract: The ferrule of the prior art requires an assembling process, high accuracy machining of the fitting portion, machining of the insert to achieve concentricity, machining of the cone and machining of the outer diameter with a high accuracy. This has been making a factor that increases the production cost of the ferrule which is required to have lower price. The present invention provides an ferrule comprising an insert of substantially cylindrical shape that has a fine hole for housing an optical fiber in the axial direction, and an ferrule body made of a resin for accepting the insert fitted therein, characterized in that: the ferrule body has a through hole made in the axial direction thereof, and the through hole communicates with the fine hole of the insert via a tapered hole, with concentricity between the fine hole of the insert and the periphery of the ferrule body being within 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A cage for mounting a pluggable fiber optic transceiver onto a host circuit board. The cage is entirely formed from a single blank, which is folded along predefined fold lines to form top, bottom, and side walls that are secured by a latch. A series of semi-resilient feet extend downward from the cage and are pressed into corresponding plated holes provided in the host circuit board such that the cage is secured to the circuit board without soldering. The feet are integrally formed on the blank during the blank stamping process such that they extend perpendicular to the bottom wall after the folding process. Each foot is has an elongated oval outer edge and defines an eye-shaped opening that facilitates resilient deformation when pressed into the plated holes of the host circuit board.

Abstract: An optical subassembly includes an opto-electronic device, an optics block and a spacer, separate from the optics block and providing spacing between the opto-electronic device and the optics block. The opto-electronic device, the optics block and the spacer are aligned and bonded together. This subassembly is particularly useful when coupling light between the opto-electronic device and a fiber. The optical subassembly may also include an opto-electronic device, an optics block and a sealing structure surrounding the opto-electronic device. The opto-electronic device, the optics block and the sealing structure are aligned and bonded together.

Abstract: An improved closure assembly for retaining fiber optic cables is disclosed wherein the closure assembly includes end plates having apertures for supporting the cables at the location of entry into the closure assembly. A unique gripping device is provided for retaining each cable with respect to the end plates, whereby sufficient force is applied to the cable to provide water-tight sealing at the junction of the cable and the end plate, yet with sufficient distribution of the force to avoid straining or distorting the cable. A unique optical fiber splice tray is disclosed having pivotal connectors at either end to permit attaching the trays in stacked relation, yet providing pivotal movement of each tray relative to the next adjacent tray, from either end. The trays include unique “V”-shaped integral fingers for retaining the individual optical fibers while permitting ready removal and reinsertion of the fibers for servicing of the closure assembly or the fibers.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus with an exposure controlling mechanism being made to define an iris aperture by moving iris blades on surfaces perpendicular to an optical axis, wherein the exposure controlling mechanism includes a first iris blade to which a first ND filter having at least two levels of transmissivity is attached, a second iris blade to which no ND filter is attached, and a third iris blade to which a second ND filter having a single transmissivity is attached, and the first to the third iris blades are made to differ respectively in amounts and phases of their displacements caused by an operation of a driving means.

Abstract: A method of cutting fibrous material having a semi-rigid base and a fibrous pile in which the fibers in the immediate vicinity of the cut are removed prior to the cut being made. The fibers are removed by the application of heat at a temperature hot enough to vaporize the fibers.

Abstract: A pack case includes a case body, a bottom cover and a pressure plate, which are formed from plastic material. On lateral walls of the case body is provided ribs that are fit into engaging grooves formed in spaces surrounded by a bottom plate and both lateral walls of the bottom cover. The lateral walls have projections, bottom surfaces of which are inclined to fit the inclination of top surfaces of the ribs. Lateral walls of the case body are inclined such that inclination angle in an upper portion is larger than that in a lower portion. A sponge sheet for preventing deviation of an instant photo film unit is attached to the bottom cover. After inserting projections on the bottom cover into holes of the sponge sheet, the projections are deformed by pressure and heat, so that the projections are cut into the sponge sheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable thermal printer having a printer housing, a printing mechanism and an ink ribbon cartridge containing an ink ribbon cartridge containing an ink ribbon. The cartridge has a cartridge housing and an improved brake for applying a slight braking force on a core of an ink ribbon supply roll in the housing. The cartridge is easy to load onto the printer. The cartridge forms part of the printer housing and is latched thereto. The cartridge is slid onto the printer and the cartridge housing detents into position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thermosensitive line printer, wherein a heating element array of a thermal head is pressed on a thermosensitive recording paper at a distance L2 from a nipping position by a pair of conveyer rollers, and is driven to record an image frame line by line from a print starting end, as the recording paper is conveyed by the conveyer rollers in a direction from the thermal head to the conveyer rollers. Based on image data of an upper zone of an image frame that is to be recorded around the distance L2 from the print starting end if the image frame is recorded from its top side, an image analyzer calculates a first estimation value that represents conspicuousness of potential density deviation in the upper zone that could be caused by a thermal deformation of the thermosensitive recording paper at the print starting end if the image frame is recorded from the top side.

Abstract: A control unit controls a cut roller and a pinch roller according to a detection output signal representing the type of roll paper, thereby directly delivering a printed paper not requiring protection treatment.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes an integral keyboard device having a keyboard pad support, a keyboard pad, and a wrist rest. An attachment assembly attaches the integral keyboard device to a work surface.

Abstract: An adjustable and economical finger stylus useful in operating a touch sensitive screen and for entering data in, e.g., a personal data assistant (PAD). The adjustable elements of the finger stylus provide for rapid, convenient and significant adjustability while comfortably securing the stylus to the finger during use. Once sized, the stylus can readily be slipped on and off the user's finger as needed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic article having an improved dispensing structure, which compactly combines liquid cosmetic product with an applicator used for applying the liquid cosmetic product.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing a multi-media writing instrument having locking grips. The grips are locked into position so that they will not rotate around the outer diameter of the pen. In particular, the upper grip of the multi-media writing instrument contains an indicator which denotes to the user the type of writing element being used and acts to lock the grip in position.

Abstract: A solution applicator comprising a solution container having a frangible twist-off member that enables solution in the solution container to flow out of the solution container when the twist-off member is twisted. The solution applicator also comprises an applicator head having a proximal end and a distal end and a solution pathway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the applicator head being engaged with said solution container at the proximal end, the applicator head having an aperture and applicating material at the distal end, and the applicator end having a receiving member that the twist-off member engages when the applicator is rotated relative to the solution container to thereby open the solution container at the twist-off member to enable fluid to flow from the solution container to the applicating material.