Abstract: A bidirectional optical amplifying apparatus-and method of controlling the optical gain in a bidirectional WDM optical communication network includes a bidirectional optical amplifier for amplifying a forward WDM optical input signal and a reverse WDM optical input signal, a measurement means for measuring the total input intensity and the total output intensity of the bidirectional optical amplifier,and a control means for measuring a gain using the total input intensity and the total output intensity, compensating the error between the measured gain and a reference gain, and feedback controlling the bidirectional optical amplifier to uniformly maintain the gain. The measurement means divides a forward optical input signal and a reverse optical input signal, in a constant ratio, respectively, converts the divided optical signal to an electrical signal, and measures total input intensity.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical space transmission system is made up of a pair of optical transmission apparatus. Each optical transmission apparatus comprises a signal generating circuit for generating a pilot signal, a multiplexing section for multiplexing the pilot signal and a main signal to be transmitted, an electrooptic converter section for emitting an optical signal on the basis of the signal produced by the multiplexing process, a light receiving element for receiving an optical signal transmitted from the partner optical transmission apparatus and detecting a pilot signal contained therein, and a demodulation circuit for demodulating the pilot signal detected by the light receiving element. Pilot signals multiplexed with main signals to be transmitted through the bidirectional optical transmission system are subjected to spreading modulation and demodulated for spreading by the demodulation circuit.

Abstract: An external modulation optical communication system suppressing the intensity noise of a semiconductor laser source by making substantially different optical path lengths for the optical paths in the interferometric modulator. Noise reduction is dependent on the correlation between intensity noise and frequency noise of the semiconductor laser. The interferometer path delay difference forms an optical filter that transforms frequency fluctuations into intensity fluctuations that are out of phase with the laser intensity fluctuations. The intensity modulation induced by frequency noise can be out of phase with the optical source intensity fluctuations, leading to total intensity noise at the output of the optical link which is lower than the laser intensity noise. Because the optical interferometer is already present for optical modulation, the optical filter realized by the unequal path delays of the interferometer does not add optical loss.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spacing in a printer between a printhead and the travel path for print media which moves through the printer. The printhead is borne by a carriage which is rotatably mounted adjacent an elongate bearing rail wherein the rotated condition of the carriage relative to that rail establishes the desired spacing. First and second relative moveable bearing structures mounted on the carriage include bearing surfaces which can alternatively adjust the bearing structures so that one or the other, but not both, determine the rotated condition of the carriage.

Abstract: A system for printing images on a substrate includes a multiplicity of print heads mounted in a carriage and positioned a distance from the substrate. A sensor detects the thickness of the substrate as the substrate moves through the system, and a control system receives the substrate thickness information detected by the sensor and transmits signals to a motor coupled to the carriage. These signals instruct the motor to adjust the position of the carriage to maintain a desired gap between the print heads and the substrate.

Abstract: A thermal head control circuit and a thermal head control method according to the present invention are so configured as to set a state in which a limiting resistor is connected to a heating resistor element corresponding to data indicating color development in a lower temperature range, and set a state in which a limiting resistor is not connected to a heating resistor element corresponding to data indicating color development in a higher temperature range. Therefore, the calorific values of the heat resistor elements can be regulated even if the duration of electrification is kept constant and, where multicolor printing is to be accomplished, printing can be performed at constant speed all the time.

Abstract: A dot line printer having printing heads of uniform characteristics, and reducing the steps number of adjustment for uniform printing quality. A dot line printer having a printing head assembly includes a plurality of spring-charged type printing heads which are linearly arrayed. The printer comprises a plurality of impact pulse generators for generating impact pulses to be applied to said printing heads; and a plurality of drive circuits, each of which is electrically connected to corresponding said impact pulse generator and to corresponding group of divided printing heads for controlling the driving of the printing heads in response to the impact pulses generated in said impact pulse generators.

Abstract: A changeable keyboard arrangement includes a database established in the memory of an electronic device, with a minimum of one or more keyboard layout code-page tables stored in the database such that the user can change to a different keyboard layout on the electronic device, and after selecting the key configuration of the keyboard to be changed from a keyboard layout set-up menu, the CPU of the electronic device reads numbers from the key code-page table stored beforehand in the memory; as such, when the user changes a keyboard layout and presses various keys, the CPU searches for the corresponding numbers in the code-page tables based on the first signal issued by the contacts of the keys within a unit interval and then executes the relevant processing.

Abstract: A spooler stores intermediate data and an output job setup file in a spool file, and when a stored job is selected, a previewer displays a list of jobs and previews of print images upon which a job including the selected page or a page included in the selected job is identifiably displayed in correspondence with the page or job.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is cutting assembly for use with a label printer. The cutting assembly includes: a cutting assembly frame; a plotter cutter for plotter cutting a label media, the plotter cutter connected to the cutting assembly frame; an end cutter for end cutting the label media, the end cutter connected to the cutting assembly frame; and a drive mechanism connected to the plotter cutter and the end cutter. During end cutting, the plotter cutter is coupled to the end cutter such that both the plotter cutter and end cutter are driven by the drive mechanism. During plotter cutting, the plotter cutter is uncoupled from the end cutter such that only the plotter cutter is driven by the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus using ink to be discharged from a plurality of ink discharge ports of a recording head comprises a holding unit for holding the recording head for recording on a recording sheet; a conveyor for conveying the recording sheet; and a recording sheet supporting member arranged at the position to face the recording head. The recording sheet supporting member is provided with a supporting surface to support the non-recording surface of the recording sheet, and is arranged in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording sheet.

Abstract: A modular printer having a media take-up assembly module, a support block assembly module, a printhead assembly module, a stepper motor assembly module and a display assembly module is provided. A support body having a plurality of recesses formed on an internal wall of the modular printer is also provided. Each of the recesses is configured to receive and align one of the modular printer assemblies with the other modular printer assemblies. Each of the assemblies is configured as a module which can be easily accessed and quickly secured to or detached from the support body. The support body is adapted to receive assembly modules for both thermal ink printers and ribbon ink printers such that the modular printer can be easily converted from one to the other.

Abstract: A container to heat and dispense material comprises a container which defines a first compartment adapted, in use, to be filled with the material requiring heating, such as epilatory wax, and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment and separate therefrom by a dividing wall. The container has an inlet to the second compartment in the outer wall thereof which is closeable by a plug or stopper. In use, the second compartment is filled with a heated liquid, such as warm water, to heat the material in the first compartment, so that it can be applied to a site through an applicator.

Abstract: A convertible surface contacting implement having a head member and a long handle. The head member has a base, and a surface contacting member carried by the base. The head member forms a short-handled implement with the base acting as a short handle. A first connector is provided on the base and a second connector is provided on one end of the long handle. The second connector cooperates with the first connector to detachably connect the long handle to the base to form a long-handled implement. The implement may be a brush or an applicator. Preferably, the base of the head member is hollow to carry a liquid dispersed to the surface contacting member.

Abstract: The telescopic writing instrument has adjustable length for comfortable writing when extended and ease of transport when contracted. It consists of a pen or pencil cartridge fixed inside the inner substrate of three concentric substrates that slide within each other. In its extended length, the instrument is standard length with the fingers holding one end of the instrument, and the other end leaning comfortably against the base of the hand. In its contracted configuration, the instrument is about half-length with the outer substrate extended over the pen or pencil cartridge to prevent unintended markings. The instrument is simple and easy to use, reconfiguring in about one second.

Abstract: An applicator brush for liquid or pasty media, especially for decorative cosmetics such as mascara. The brush comprises a rod-shaped support (11) which is provided with a plurality of injection-molded projections (12) on the outside thereof. The projections (12) are made of synthetic material, protrude radially in different directions and are arranged at a mutual distance from each other. The aim of the invention is to reliably obtain a good combing effect and equal appliance of the means to be applied. To this end, the projections (12) are provided with a cross-section which tapers towards the free end of the projections (12). The projections (12) and the support (11) are made from a flexible synthetic material, especially an elastomeric synthetic material.

Abstract: A position adjusting apparatus for a back of a stroller includes an engaging rod, a controlling slide member, and a positioning block. The positioning block is fixedly connected to at least one handle support rod of the stroller, and has several engaging protrusions each having a positioning gap formed adjacent thereto. The engaging rod is movably received in a lower tube portion of a frame of the back, and is connected to the controlling slide member movable along an outer side of the lower tube portion. A pivotal rod is connected to the positioning block and the lower tube portion, and passes through an elongated hole of the engaging rod to pivot the back frame on the positioning block. The engaging rod is biased by a spring to extend outward from the lower tube portion such that an engaging lower part thereof engages a selected one of the engaging protrusions to fix the back frame in position.

Abstract: A traffic barricade includes a base which supports an upright member. The base includes two removably interlocking sections, each having an enlarged portion. The enlarged portions defines a socket for closely receiving a tab extending from the upright member. A deformably resilient material surrounds the socket, permitting the upright member to deflect slightly and return to a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base. The upright member incorporates integral structural supports which permit the barricade upright member to maintain an upright member orientation without additional external support mechanisms.

Abstract: An impact recovery delineation quick connect/disconnect adapter system having studs and an alignment pin that enables an operator to connect and/or disconnect a delineation panel, support post and load cell from the supporting base (fixed or portable) without the use of any tools. The load cell provides for radially aligned slots in a shoulder portion to allow the load cell to engage and lock with studs that are connected to the supporting base when the load cell is rotated about its vertical axis. The studs are particularly geometrically configured and have shoulders that are larger than the stud barrel and have heads that are larger than the shoulders which results in a mechanical locking between the slots and the studs upon rotation of the cell with respect to the stationary studs. A quick release detent pin passes through aligned passages in the lower load cell element and supporting base to prevent rotation of the load cell with respect to the horizontal axis of the base after connection is achieved.

Abstract: Method and assembly for inspecting the contents of a connection box or a utility system such as a sewer, telephone electrical, gas etc. via an inspection plug. The inspection plug provides an inspection port and is insertable into a hole in a panel and is attachable to the panel by fixing elements such as a nut assembly, a locking mechanism, prongs, etc. The inspection plug may include a body, a peripheral shoulder, and a resiliently braced cap pivotally mounted in the body to close the inspection port. The peripheral shoulder supports the plug in place in the panel. The cap normally closes the inspection port, but is yieldably openable to allow an inspection probe or other device to gain access to the internal atmosphere for testing within the utility system or electrical connection box. The interior space of the body may contain a gel material, and the cap can be substituted with a resilient closure member having self-sealing openings therein for receiving an inspection probe.

Abstract: A cover for in-ground meter enclosures used in traffic loading conditions employs a relatively thin plate member formed of a ductile iron alloy and is dimensioned to extend laterally across a top opening of an in-ground meter enclosure. A plurality of relatively thick rib members of the ductile iron alloy are formed with and extend generally normal from the bottom side of the plate member. The plate member and the rib members together have sufficient strength and ductility to withstand total loads on the order of at least about 20,000 pounds on the top side of the plate member.

Abstract: A kit of components and a process which combines the use of water cutting and computer software to create design art images for insertion in interlocking pavers that can interlock with pre-manufactured pavers.

Abstract: A boat launching device. The boat launching device is portable and attaches to the front of a vehicle so that the driver has a front view while launching the boat into the water. The boat launching device includes a first link member that is connected to a second link member. The link members are attached to the front of a vehicle and to a boat trailer. The link members are detachable from each other after use and may be stored on the boat trailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire assembly for irrigation systems that prevents the formation of ruts caused by repeated travel along a path by tires of a mobile vehicle or structure. The tire assembly includes dual tires with a flexible belt member wrapped around the outer periphery of the two tires having a plurality of cleat members located on the outer surface of the flexible belt member. The cleat members direct water away from the center of the travel path. The flexible belt member further includes plural center guides to keep the belt in place. The tire assembly reduces soil compaction by providing a greater ground engaging surface area to more evenly distribute the weight of the equipment and by directing water away from the center of the travel path.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in a drain water system having a main drain conduit which is designed as a closed ring conduit (19), and pump members (17, 18) are arranged to pump drain media emanating from different buildings (6) to and into the ring conduit for transport therein through pumping action. Devices (27-31) for taking care of drain media are connected to the ring conduit through a branch (12, 13) each. Valve members (24, 25, 32) are arranged in each connection to the ring conduit and optionally controllable so as to either open in the case of a feed connection and allow pumping of drain media into the ring conduit and in the case of a device connection allow drainage of drain media from the ring conduit, or close to stop drain media from flowing into or out of the ring conduit.

Abstract: A flexible, waterproof bag is used to contain a iceberg. The bag has an opening that can be closed and an edge around the opening. At least one float is attached to the edge of the bag and a drain is located away from the edge. One end of a conduit is attached to the drain and the other end of the conduit is attached to a buoy. A portion of the edge is sunk with a weight and is pulled under the iceberg. The sunken portion is re-floated by releasing the weight, which results in the edge surrounding the iceberg. The opening of the bag is closed over the iceberg.

Abstract: A coupler device for joining together two segments of a tunnel or shaft lining ring, the device being characterised by a double ended male dowel having an externally grooved cylindrical portion adjacent to both ends. This dowel engages in recesses cast into the segment. A reverse tapered sleeve is cast in the recesses retaining an expandable collar formed of a plurality of arcuate segments, these arctuate segments having complimentary grooves on their inner surface to mate with the grooves on the dowel and a tapered external circumferential portion to abut the reverse tapered sleeve. As the dowel is inserted the arcuate segments, being retained elastically within the reverse tapered sleeve, lock the male part of the device into the recess preventing the device from pulling out.

Abstract: A device (6) for attachment to a pipe (7) to be installed in the ground has load cells (17) for detecting a pulling force applied to the pipe (7), as the latter is pulled through the ground, an inclinometer (18), for detecting the inclination of the device (6), and a pressure transducer (20) for detecting the pressure surrounding the device. Data representative of the pulling force, inclination and pressure is stored in the device (6) and protected against unauthorised access by a security code or procedure, so that a verifiable record of the pipe installation process is available.

Abstract: A bracing structure is provided in the form of an elongated bracing member having first and second ends, the first end having a pile sleeve for engaging the bottom, the second end having a doubler plate or the like for engaging a caisson above the water line. A pulley may be provided on the caisson above the water line, in the vicinity of where the doubler plate is to be mounted on the caisson. A cable having first and second ends is provided, the first end affixed to the bracing member in the vicinity of the doubler plate, the second end engaging the tugger or winch. In use, the tugger draws the cable so as to urge the doubler plate to the caisson above the water line in the vicinity of the installation area.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a subterranean structure, having a continuous ribbon slab having a plurality of flights fabricated from concrete. The ribbon slab defines periodic openings therein which generally align between adjacent flights. Another embodiment provides for a method of fabricating a subterranean structure. The method includes excavating soil to form a downward sloping ramp, and forming a concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp. The method further includes continuing to excavate soil to extend the downward sloping ramp to a location under the concrete slab, and continuing to form the concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp so that a subterranean structure is formed having an essentially continuous concrete slab with a first portion which is above and spaced-apart from a second portion.

Abstract: An anti-jacking pile solution particularly suited for use in permafrost or cold regions. The pile includes bond breaking material for preventing frozen soil from directly gripping a pile near the surface of the soil and pulling the pile upward. A collar is attached to the pile to prevent damage and/or displacement of the bond breaking material during driving of the pile. The pile may be attached to a building by way of an adjustable connection system allowing for future adjustments in the event of vertical movement.

Abstract: The present invention includes block molds and manufacturing processes as well as a composite masonry block comprising a block body having an irregular trapezoidal shape and comprising a front surface and a back surface, an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second sidewalls. Both the first and second sidewalls have a first and second part, the sidewall first part extends from the block front surface towards the block back surface at an angle of no greater than ninety degrees in relationship to the block front surface, the sidewall second part surfaces adjoins and lies between the sidewall first parts and the block back surface. The block also has a flange extending from the block back surface past the height of the block. Also disclosed are landscaping structures such as a retaining wall comprising a plurality of the composite masonry blocks of the present invention.

Abstract: A sediment control barrier, comprising a ground contacting surface having a length suitable for controlling fluid flow across ground, barrier material extending perpendicularly from the ground contacting surface, means for securing the ground contacting surface to the ground; and the barrier material being structured to conform to a ground contour. A sediment control barrier is proposed that has slots to enable flexing of the barrier material. Another sediment control barrier is proposed having a graded permeability from a first, lower, non-zero permeability adjacent the ground contacting surface to a second, higher, permeability away from the ground contacting surface.

Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.

Abstract: A method of transporting solid material pieces in the liquid phase of a mass-exchanging apparatus comprises forming pneumatic pulses in the apparatus, converting said pulses into reciprocal motion of the liquid phase by applying the pulses to the liquid phase and movement of the solid material pieces upwardly along a sloping ramp. The method is characterised in that the reciprocal motion of the liquid phase is directed via slits in the ramp at an acute angle to the direction of the movement of the solid material pieces upwardly along the ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading thin-walled, elastic, tubular members having a single closed end, such as finger cots, condoms, balloons or the like, onto elongated rod or finger elements for subsequent placement onto a mandrel for processing or testing, where the tubular member is drawn in inverted manner onto the finger elements by suction and where separable finger element alignment blocks are provided to properly align and position the finger elements to receive the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved slot-drilling cutter has a tool body with plate seats at the end, which are arranged symmetrically in respect to each other. Cutting plates are arranged on the seats, whose cutting edges, as well as possibly cutting edges 41, 42, are set identically, i.e. which cover each other completely in the circumferential direction. Because of this, respectively two cutting edges are active for the drilling operation, as well as for the milling operation, which increases the metal cutting yield and allows the same advancement when drilling, as well as when milling. The slot-drilling cutter is free of lateral forces because of the symmetrical design, which permits a high degree of working precision in spite of large advancement moves.

Abstract: An improved transport bed for use with trailers or the like and having improved clamp-down and tie-down structures is disclosed. A telescoping clamp-down device operable in conjunction with a retention channel mounted in the bed provides variably positioning capabilities of clamp-down. Slidable tie-down mechanisms can be utilized in the same retention track. Improved structural members for supporting and protecting the bed material are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a freight compartment for a motor vehicle, with a cargo net for holding transported goods on a freight compartment floor, at least one sectioning device is provided for dividing the freight compartment into at least two spaces. Such construction can be used in passenger cars of the sedan type.

Abstract: A nut includes an extended flange and a center hole. A shoulder is formed onto the edge of the center hole to achieve an easier and faster assembly. The shoulder has an essentially tubular shape and is provided with a thread on its inside wall.

Abstract: A fastener for use in conjunction with plastic lumber is provided with an undercut head and radially projecting helical flutes on the shank which combine to contain plastic lumber material displaced by the shank and head beneath the head, permitting a single step installation to produce a finished appearance. The helical flutes have an opposed helical orientation to the screw threads. This opposed relationship causes the flutes to push displaced plastic lumber material away from the screw head while the flutes bore a space for plastic lumber material displaced by countersinking the screw head. The undercut head may be provided with a series of teeth around the underside of the head periphery. The teeth aid in penetrating the surface of the plastic lumber. The teeth also resist backing out of the screw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the throughput of a rotary turret heat-sealing machine, without changing the rotational speed of the rotary turret. An indexing clutch is controlled to feed cans into the rotary turret such that only a predetermined number of sealing heads are used to seal cans fed therein. The predetermined number of cans is calculated based on a desired throughput rate. Dwell times, temperatures, and pressures can remain constant while varying radically the can throughput.

Abstract: Movement of rollers used for reforming an inner wall of a metal container bottom such as an aluminum beverage container is controlled at least partially using a rigid link coupled to other components of a reformer apparatus by a pin having a stepped profile. The stepped-profile pin preferably defines first and second shoulder regions. Undesired spaces or gaps in the pin-axial or thrust direction are reduced or eliminated by closely-positioning bushing flanges or thrust washers adjacent the shoulders.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for wafer processing. A wafer processing apparatus includes: a first wafer transporter; a process station coupled to the first wafer transporter, the process station including: a first plurality of wafer processing stacks, each of the plurality of wafer processing stacks including a plurality of wafer processing modules, and a second wafer transporter coupled to the plurality of wafer processing modules, each of the plurality of wafer processing modules adjacent, and accessible by, the second wafer transporter; and a third wafer transporter coupled to the process station, wherein any of the plurality of wafer processing modules in any of the plurality of wafer processing stacks can be accessed by at least two adjacent wafer transporters from among the first, second and third wafer transporter.

Abstract: Springing for support wheels of low lifting trucks arranged below the forks includes a common spring device arranged in the transfer mechanism of the lifting movement to the support wheels. The spring device includes a cylinder, a piston, a spring package of cup springs and an extending push rod that in the cylinder is connected a ring shaped element located between the spring package and the cylinder end through which the push rod extends. The piston is arranged in the other end of the spring package and the cylinder is via a return valve coupled in parallel with the load lifting hydraulic system of the truck so that the pressure in this pretensions the ring shaped element towards the cylinder end proportionally to the load, so that springing does not take place until the dynamics forces overcome the pretension.

Abstract: A motor vehicle mounted ramp for loading and unloading a personal mobility vehicle such as a wheelchair or a three-wheel scooter. A storage platform is removably attached to a floor of the motor vehicle, e.g., a van, and provides both a support surface for the personal mobility vehicle and a storage area for a ramp used during loading and unloading. The ramp is pulled from its storage area and pivots along an axis formed by its connection with the storage platform, such that the leading edge of the ramp rests against a ground surface. A winch attached to the storage platform is then used to move the personal mobility vehicle up or down the ramp.

Abstract: A portable hoist system and method of use in combination with the rear bed and ball hitch of a pick-up truck. All of the system components may be contained in a portable bag about four feet long. The system components include plural boom sections, plural cables or support lines and a chain element. Two of the boom sections contain eyelets for support and lift purposes. The top side walls of the pick-up truck bed include eyelets for upward support of the boom sections.

Abstract: A lift boom assembly includes a pair of lift arm assemblies. Each of the lift arm assemblies include a main lift link with a rear end portion and a second lift link. The second lift links each have a first end portion, a second end portion pivotally connected to a frame of a work machine to define a first pivot, and a central portion pivotally connected to the rear end portion of a respective main lift link to define a second pivot. A pair of control links each having a first end portion that is pivotally connected to the frame of the work machine to define a third pivot. A second end portion of the control links being pivotally connected to a respective one of the main lift links to define a fourth pivot with each of the first, second, third, and fourth pivots being located above the lower portion of the frame. The pivots of the components are located on an upper portion of the work machine so that the components cooperate together to achieve a simple and efficient lift boom design.

Abstract: An improved gripping arm assembly including a two-piece gripper arm body construction which includes an arm clamp having alignment pins, and an arm main body with corresponding alignment holes for receiving the clamp pins, and a means for securably attaching the main body with the clamp. This two-piece gripper arm construction is simpler to remove than one-piece standard gripper arms. To replace a broken gripper arm with a new gripper arm only requires unscrewing fasteners holding the two-piece old gripper arm together allowing detachment of the broken gripper arm from the shaft, and clamping the two pieces of the new gripper arm together around the shafts and securing the screws and re-clipping an operating rod. The two-piece construction eliminates the need to remove a shaft from the machine or other gripper arms from the shaft when repairing or replacing one gripper arm or replacing or repairing a shaft having gripper arms mounted thereto.

Abstract: A method, and system, for refuse removal from a collection site. The method comprises transporting multiple containers in an inverted stack to the collection site. Engaging a first container of the multiple containers with a rotating fork lift truck. Lifting the first container from the inverted stack with the rotating fork lift truck. Rotating the first container with the rotating fork lift truck.