Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a measuring cell and a system for measuring very small heat changes in a sample. The system comprises a measuring cell 16 for containing the sample during the measurement process, at least one electromagnetic radiation unit 14 for radiating one or several samples with modulated monochromatic or polychromatic radiation 46 inside said measuring cell 16. Said measuring cell 16 comprises at least one acoustic transducer 22 for generating a first output signal V(t) and at least one heat measuring device 24 for generating a second output signal T(t). Both signals are connectable to a combining unit 18 that generates an information signal by means of a reference signal f(t). Said information signal is connectable to a signal processing unit 20 for determining at least one relevant reaction parameter as a function of the measured heat change.

Abstract: An X-ray emission device having an X-ray tube and a protective enclosure filled with an electrically insulating liquid in which the X-ray tube is placed. The device includes at least one chamber connected to the protective enclosure that traps and purges gas bubbles contained or dissolved in the liquid filling the protective enclosure.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an imaging system which detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube and transmitted through an object to be examined and generates X-ray image data, an arm which supports the X-ray tube and the imaging system, an arm support mechanism which rotatably and movably supports the arm, and a bed which holds the object between the X-ray tube and the imaging system. This X-ray diagnosis apparatus further includes a three-dimensional image generating unit which generates three-dimensional image data from volume data concerning the object, a display unit which displays the three-dimensional image data, an input device which designates an interest point on the displayed three-dimensional image data, and a controller which controls at least one of the arm support mechanism and the bed, such that the center of the X-ray image data generated by the imaging system is positioned on a portion of the object which substantially corresponds to the designated interest point.

Abstract: A slide guide device for a press guides a slide in a cycle. The slide guide device eliminates eccentric force misalignment and prevents eccentric contact between the slide and a gib. The slide includes at least a first spherical shoe having at least a first guide surface. The gib includes at least a first sliding surface opposite the first guide surface. During operation, the spherical shoe rotates relative to the slide to provide automatic planar alignment between the first guide surface and the sliding surface. A wedge supports the gib to allow rapid and easy alignment with the slide.

Abstract: A full complement antifriction bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, and rolling elements organized in a circular row between the races without a cage or retainer for separating the rolling elements. While the absence of a cage or retainers enable the bearing to have the maximum number of rolling elements and thus transfer greater loads, adjacent rolling elements contact each other. Each rolling element or every other rolling element is covered with a tribological coating that retards adhesive wear and reduces friction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for use in connecting optical fibers. The assembly may comprise a plurality of housings for housing connections between optical fibers and a guide arrangement for guiding optical fibres into the housings. The guide arrangement may comprise a plurality of guide devices each having one inlet port for the passage of optical fibres into the guide arrangement and one outlet port for guiding optical fibers into the housing. The guide arrangement may also include one further inlet port for receiving optical fibres from another guide device and one further outlet port for guiding optical fibres to another guide device.

Abstract: A flexible multifiber fiber optic jumper is provided with a multifiber ferrule mounted to a first end of optical fibers and at least one ferrule mounted to the second end of the optical fibers. The flexible multifiber fiber optic jumper also has a protective covering over at least a portion of the plurality of optical fibers with the plurality of optical fibers being free to move relative to one another within the protective covering. The flexible multifiber fiber optic jumper may also have a transition boot to bend it through a predetermined angle and a furcation body to allow for multiple connectors at one end.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a receptacle for receiving a fiber optic connector along an optic axis. A housing has an open end for receiving the fiber optic connector. A pair of shutter members are pivotally mounted on the housing at opposite sides of the open end for pivotal movement toward and away from each other to close and open the open end. One of the shutter members is shorter than the other shutter member so that the one shutter member closes before the other shutter member and, thereby, prevents binding therebetween. The receptacle has a bottom mating face, and the fiber optic connector has a plurality of alignment pins insertable into guide holes in the mating face. The fiber optic connector assembly include particular dimensional relationships to prevent the alignment pins from engaging the mating face rather than entering the guide holes.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that includes a ferrule body defining a longitudinally extending groove that can serve as an alignment feature for polishing operations. In this regard, the ferrule body extends longitudinally between opposed front and rear surfaces so that at least the rear surface generally defines a substantially rectangular shape in lateral cross-section. In addition, the ferrule body typically has first and second major sides and first and second minor sides with the first and second major sides being larger than the first and second minor sides. The ferrule body defines the longitudinally extending groove in at least one of the major surfaces. A jig is also provided for engaging the longitudinally extending groove defined by the ferrule body in order to hold the ferrule in an aligned position during polishing operations. In this regard, the jig includes a jig body having an alignment feature for engaging a complimentary alignment feature of the ferrule.

Abstract: A multiple-port optical device uses improved fiber ferrules comprising various capillary designs and shapes to precisely position optical fibers and, in particular, the optical fiber cores. The fibers are screened for geometric characteristics which further aide in precisely positioning the fiber cores. The ferrules, capillaries, fibers, and adhesives are combined to reduce adverse thermal effects and maintain the position of the fibers over a broad range of environmental conditions in which DWDM packages and modules are required to operate.

Abstract: A connector is provided for coupling optic fibers. The connector has a mating end for mating to another connector and a cable end for connection to a fiber optic cable having a jacket. The connector comprises a mating end outer shell, a ferrule, and a cable end outer shell. The mating end outer shell has a cavity for receiving an optic fiber of the cable, the cavity defining an axis through the connector. The ferrule is disposed in the cavity of the mating end outer shell. The cable end outer shell has a body portion and an extension member and is coupled to the mating end outer shell. The extension member extends from body portion, thereby providing an offset for deforming the jacket when the jacket is crimped to the connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved device for housing a planar optical component for use in chemical sensing for example which permits fine temperature control and disposal of heat.

Abstract: A system is described for interconnecting a first optical component and a second optical component in which the first optical component is guided passively into precise alignment with the second optical component. The system includes a base and a guide structure. The base has a first surface exposed for contact with a front surface of the first optical component and a second surface configured to contact a front surface of the second optical component, and defines a transparent optical aperture extending from the first base surface to the second base surface and aligned with respect to the optical axis. The guide structure is supported by the base in fixed registration with respect to the optical axis and is exposed for contact with an exposed peripheral surface of the first optical component at three or more spaced apart discrete locations.

Abstract: A hermetic package having connectors, such as optical fibers or electrical leads, connected and bonded thereto with a bonding material such as epoxy resin, has the bonding material coated with a single layer or multiple layers of sealing material, such as chromium, copper, gold, tungsten, titanium, nickel, or aluminum, to prevent outgased material from the bonding material from entering the hermetic package enclosure. The bonding material may be recessed prior to coating of the sealing material to permit the sealing material to be polished from the optical element and the optical element polished flush with the inside of the package while leaving the sealing material covering the bonding material.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicer includes a pair of retainers for retaining optical fibers to be spliced, a block formed with a groove of V-shaped cross-section, and abutment and pressure-contact mechanism for sliding terminal portions of the optical fibers in mutually opposite directions along the groove, producing substantially equal elastic forces in the terminal portions, bringing the terminal portions into abutment, and bringing the abutted terminal portions into pressure contact. An optical fiber splicing method includes a step of sliding terminal portions of optical fibers to be spliced along a groove of V-shaped cross-section in mutually opposite directions and producing substantially equal elastic forces in the terminal portions, and a step of bringing the terminal portions into abutment and then bringing the abutted terminal portions into pressure contact.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing device has guide grooves for aligning fiber ends. The fibers ends are held in the grooves by hold-down means including cylindrical pressing surfaces which are capable of rotating freely. Due to the free rotation, when lowering the hold-down means to hold the fiber ends, no longitudinal displacement of the fiber ends will occur and the fiber ends maintain their initial positions. The fiber ends are, after the holding operation having been completed, moved linearly, sliding in the guide grooves, an accurate linear movement being obtained from double parallelogram structures. Electrodes between which an electric arc is formed for heating the fiber ends at a splice position to fusion splice them to each other are given accurate, predetermined positions by means of adjustable positioning rings mounted to the electrodes.

Abstract: Body mounted support apparatuses are provided. In an illustrative embodiment, a shoulder harness is coupled to a belly plate, with a hinge provided on the belly plate. The hinge may allow motion about at least a first axis. An elongate member, such as a monopod, is provided having a first end and a second end. The elongate member may have an adjustable length. The first end of the elongate member is attached to the hinge, while the second end of the elongate member is adapted to receive one of several devices. Certain of the devices which may be received are adapted for holding a camera, such as a tilt head or a gimbal head. In further embodiments, the hinge allows motion about a second axis and/or allows rotational movement about the axis of the elongate member.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate processor having an immersion developing tank followed by a developer exit tank in which a printing plate driven through the immersion tank is subjected to a spray of clean developer wherein the exit tank is isolated from the developing tank and there is associated with the exit tank developer spray system a clean developer recirculating loop. The recirculating loop includes a holding tank, a pump and a filter and its elements are isolated, separate and distinct from the developing tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the use of shrinkable print media. Various embodiments generate image data accounting for a desired size of an output image and an expected extent of shrinkage of the shrinkable print media. The image data is adapted for use by an imaging device to produce the output image having a size such that an output image having that size prior to shrinking would be expected to have the desired size after shrinking. Further embodiments provide a shrinkable print media having an adhesive attached to at least a portion of one surface. Still further embodiments provide print media kits having shrinkable print media and one or more templates adapted to impart a texture and/or shape to the shrinkable print media in a softened state.

Abstract: A simple and lightweight torque clutch apparatus capable of freely changing a torque and a printer apparatus capable of tension controlling of ink ribbon in a simplified structure are proposed. A torque clutch apparatus includes a shaft, a first gear rotatably fitted to the shaft, first and second sandwiching members fitted to the shaft so as to sandwich the first gear therebetween and to rotate integrally with the shaft, a second gear rotatably screwed on the shaft, and a spring arranged between the second gear and the first or second sandwiching member opposing the second gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a label dispenser for franking machine comprising, on the one hand, a delivery roller on which a continuous tape of labels is wound and a drive means for conveying this tape along a dispenser conveying path from this delivery roller towards a label inlet of the franking machine, and, on the other hand, first means for measuring a displacement of the drive means, second means for measuring a displacement of the delivery roller and processing means for determining a remaining length of the continuous tape of labels from the first and second displacement measuring means.

Abstract: A sheet guide device, which includes: a branch-off sheet guide path that is branched off from a sheet guide path that guides a sheet; a guide member that is rotatably disposed in a branch-off portion of the branch-off sheet guide path and selectively guides the sheet to respective sheet guide paths that are branched off in the branch-off sheet guide path; and a guide rotary member that is located in the branch-off portion and capable of rotating in a sheet transport direction, in which a rotational surface of the guide rotary member is protruded from a sheet guide surface of the guide member which guides the sheet.

Abstract: A printer with a cutter device is provided with a lid which is open when a paper-feeding magazine is taken out. A receiver for receiving paper dust is disposed next to the lid. The lid and the receiver respectively have an engaging plate and an engaged plate for engaging with each other. If the lid is open when exchanging a recording paper, the engaging plate pushes the engaged plate in association with the operation to open of the lid. Thereby, the receiver is pulled out in a removing direction where the paper-feeding magazine is removed, and then a part of a containing chamber for accumulating the paper dust is exposed. If the containing chamber is full of the paper dust, the paper dust is discarded after the receiver has been completely removed.

Abstract: A writing instrument ink cartridge. Preferred is a coil or wave shaped cartridge in various colors and configurations.

Abstract: A hand-held multipurpose casing, with a functional tipped device housed within the casing so as to be linearly and reversibly extendible relative to the casing. This casing has a cylinder-type or screw-type actuating unit designed to reversibly extend the functional tipped device. The screw-type actuating unit has two spiral screw engagements, with opposite spiral directions. In an embodiment, the hand-held multipurpose casing has a front barrel, a middle barrel, a rear barrel, and a functional tipped device holder having a functional tipped device at its front tip and housed within the casing. A cap is fixedly mounted to the rear end of the rear barrel, with two holding slots formed on the front end portion of the external surface of the cap at diametrically opposite positions. A screw-type actuating unit movably engages with both the functional tipped device holder and the cap through two spiral screw-type engagements with opposite spiral directions.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically adjusting the chamber length in a writing instrument to accommodate refills of different lengths. The mechanism comprises at least first and second elements operably engaged with each other. When contacted by a refill, the second element automatically moves from a first position associated with a first chamber length to a second position associated with a second chamber length. A biasing member may releasably hold the second element in the first position. In one embodiment third element is fitted within the second element, and is operably and movably engaged with the first and second elements. When contacted by a refill, the third element automatically moves from a first position associated with a first chamber length to a second position associated with a second chamber length. A method of using an automatically-adjusting refill seat mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A notebook includes a support structure in the form of a plastic pad case having a support surface in the form of a pad case back wall; a number of pages each having a page binder edge and a page free edge and a page length from the page binder edge to the page free edge, and having at least two page binder holes adjacent to the page binder edge, the pages being stacked sequentially face to face to form a pad so that corresponding page binder holes register with each other; a binder passing through registering the page binder holes and binder axial passageway; a mounting shaft extending through the binder axial passageway; and at least one shaft mounting and spacing structure connected to the mounting shaft and connected to the support surface and spacing the mounting shaft outwardly from the support surface a distance less than the page length and positioning the mounting shaft to be substantially parallel with the support surface, and thereby defining between the mounting shaft and the support surface a pag

Abstract: A binder assembly and manufacturing process thereof includes a front cover, a back cover, a spine, and openings in the assembly for the purpose of placing windows inside the front cover and spine. The front cover, back cover and spine define the space for holding loose-leaf pages. The openings in the front cover and spine define the space for placing loose papers into the front cover and spine. Pockets are included on the inside of the binder assembly for securing additional loose-leaf papers. Manufacturing processes of the binder assembly include methods in which the same material is used for all components and in which different materials are used to manufacture various components in the same process.

Abstract: A protruding part formed on one split end part of a boot is temporarily fixed to a recessed part formed on the other split end part in the state where step-shaped hook portions formed on one-end thereof are engagingly locked to each other, and connected by welding, fusion or adhesion. The protruding part is hooked only in one thickness directional side. An overlapping protruding part formed on the non-hook side (inner side) of the recessed part is connected extending over the inside surface of the protruding part and the inside surface of the split end part continued thereto.

Abstract: A compact and efficient stop for establishing the position of maximum extension in a mechanical joint, which comprises a free-floating piston, a piston-retaining pin, and a resilient bumper positioned to engage one end of the piston. The piston, retaining pin, and bumper are located on one side of the joint. A cross stop bushing on the opposing side of the mechanical joint is positioned to engage the exposed end of the piston when the joint is in its position of maximum extension. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use in orthotic and prosthetic devices wherein a larger tolerance in the range of motion is provided for a locking mechanism to engage as the joint reaches maximum extension, while any unwanted feeling of free movement in the joint at full extension is concurrently dampened. A secondary advantage is a softer extension stop for a user.

Abstract: A connection device in which a hook member is carried in a casing member for both rotation about an axis of the hook member and movement longitudinally of the hook member inwardly and outwardly relative the casing. An actuating member is provided to displace the hook member simultaneously for rotation and axial movement. The connection device is particularly adapted to be used as an element of a releasable joint for modular frame construction of frame members having T-shaped longitudinally extending slots. With the hook member in an unlocked position, the hook member extends from one frame member carrying the hook member and permits passage into a slot of another frame member with the hook member in the slot in the unlocked position, the hook member may be moved to a locked position by rotation and withdrawal of the hook member relative the frame member by which it is carried so as to catch the head of the hook member in the T-shaped slot and draw the two frame members together.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar stem assembly includes a stem with two lugs extending from one of two ends of the stem. A first connection member has an aperture through which the stem extends, and two recesses are defined in an inside of the first connection member so as to receive the two lugs therein. A second connection member has a clamp part on one end thereof and an insertion extends from the other end of the second connection member. The insertion is inserted in the other end of the stem.

Abstract: A plug-in connector (1) for hollow sections (2, 3) of spacers for insulating glass panes. The plug-in connector (1), which has a U-shaped cross section, has stops (13) which are arranged at the transition between the side webs (9) and the middle web (8). The plug-in connector (1) may also have on the inside an elastic sealing body (7), which projects outwardly beyond the contour of the plug-in connector (1) at least in the area of the connector point (6) and is sealingly in contact with the walls of the hollow sections (2, 3).

Abstract: A connector for a portable combination fan and mister in accordance with the present invention has a lock, a hook and a corresponding strongback. The hook is attached to the fan to hold the strongback that is attached to the mister. The connector allows the fan attached to and disconnected from the mister quickly and conveniently.

Abstract: A temporary road maker is provided with one or more transparent protective covers covering a reflection of the road marker, wherein each protective cover is provided with a separate pull-tab located at a unique location with reference to the pull-tabs of other protective covers to facilitate the rapid removal of the outermost protective cover whenever said protective cover is coated with road resurfacing material and thereby is obscuring the reflective portion of the temporary road marker.

Abstract: A method of load reduction on buried culvert using an EPS block is disclosed. A culvert foundation is constructed at a place where a culvert will be buried, and the culvert is put on the foundation, and then, both sides of the culvert are banked with filling earth. EPS blocks are paved in multiple layers on the top surface of the culvert, or geosynthetics and an ESP block are paved on the culvert, and then, filling earth is banked on the geosynthetics or the ESP block and a final ground level is compacted. As a result, compression occurs from the EPS block, deformation of the inside earth is caused artificially, and arching is generated. Accordingly, the method has vertical earth pressure reduction effect, thereby preventing an increase in the section of the culvert due to overburden of the banked earth and an increase in vertical load due to a settlement amount of the culvert buried on the weak ground and a relative settlement difference of surrounding earth, and improving durability of the buried culvert.

Abstract: An anchor formed of a hollow tube and pivotally attached wings with fluid pressure in the tube being used to expand the wings outwardly. A ring encircles the hollow tube and is attached to the outside surface of the hollow tube to allow for securement of cables to the anchor.

Abstract: A retaining wall system having at least one wall section. Each wall section including a base, retaining face and a hinge. The base having a front, rear and sides. The retaining face having a top, bottom and sides. The hinge connecting the front of the base to the bottom of the retaining face. Whereby the hinge allows the retaining face to be folded to and from the base. The retaining face includes an open grid pattern between the top, bottom and sides. The wall section further includes a plurality of receiving elements on each of the sides of both the base and retaining face to allow different angle settings between the base and retaining face. A brace is connected to one of the receiving elements on the base and one of the receiving elements on the retaining face on each side of the wall section between the base and retaining face.

Abstract: In a system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material, a second conduit formed of an impermeable material encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, a plurality of partition walls disposed between said conduits and spaced along the lengths thereof providing a plurality of plenums, means connectable to a first source of gas under pressure for injecting a gas under pressure into said first conduit to impel material deposited therein and second means connectable to a second source of gas under pressure for supplying gas under pressure into said plenums to fluidize material flowing through the first conduit, a system for declogging the second conduit consisting of means connected to a source of gas under pressure operable for selectively supplying the plenums with bursts of gas under pressure for dislodging material deposited in said apertures of the first conduit.

Abstract: A throwaway insert for a pin mirror cutter in which eight corners can be used and which the cutting performance and machining accuracy can be increased by making positive the axial rake angle of the peripheral cutting edge. Side faces of a negative insert of a parallelogrammic shape are formed by two surfaces connecting to each other at an angle so as to have a first included angle and a second included angle. Further, independent arcuate surfaces are provided at the intersections between the arcuate corner sides of each of the side faces and the top and bottom surfaces and the intersections between the obtuse corner sides and the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A cutting tool for machining stainless steel including a tool nose geometry with several facets. The tool includes a nose comprising a leading edge which chips and removes stock from the edge surface, the leading edge bearing adjacent a calibration edge post which the bore is rotated to thereby calibrate the bore. The calibration edge or facet has a length equal to the feed per revolution. This same side has a cutting angle length equal to zero. A hollow cathode discharge method of TiCN coating with no more than three micron thickness is used. This coating method creates a high density of plasma vapor, does not contain micro particles, produces a very dense film which completely replicates the finish of the surface being coated, prevents buildup and increases tool performance. The leading facet preferably has a cutting edge angle with the tool direction of travel through the bore surface equal to 45°.

Abstract: An angle drill includes a housing that accommodates a motor. The angle drill also includes a handle that is adapted to be held by an operator during a drilling operation. The handle is coupled to the housing such that the handle can rotate relative to the housing.

Abstract: A milling tool includes a milling body and a plurality of cutting inserts. The milling body has fastening devices to hold the cutting inserts in a plurality of respective insert pockets each having at least one base surface. Each of the cutting inserts has at least one cutting edge. The tool has a rotational axis and a rotational direction, as well as a feed direction and an end surface. The milling tool is provided to cut a work piece substantially in an axial direction of the tool, which is substantially perpendicular to the feed direction.

Abstract: A positionable vacuum clamp system including a vacuum table and one or more positionable vacuum clamps which can be of various shapes to accommodate differently shaped workpieces. The positionable vacuum clamp(s) align to the vacuum table having a recessed grid. Each positionable vacuum clamp includes a base plate and a positionable center plate and attached top plate slidingly secured by a retainer washer to the base plate. Vacuum passages within and about the positionable vacuum clamp communicate between the vacuum table and the upper vacuum mating structure of the top plate to vacuumingly secure a workpiece to the top plate for subsequent machining by external equipment.

Abstract: Retractable anchor device includes a mounting part which is securable to a surface and a generally U-shaped member to which a tension member can be secured. The U-shaped member is slidably mounted to the mounting part and including a first end and a second end. A retracting system is included that causes the U-shaped member to move to a retracted position when the U-shaped member experiences a predetermined external force sufficient to disengage the locking system. The retracting system has at least one of (a) first and second biasing mechanisms wherein the first biasing mechanism biases the first end towards the retracted position and the second biasing mechanism biases the second end towards the retracted position, or (b) an actuator, wherein the actuator moves the U-shaped member towards at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: Two-piece fastener assembly for securing thermoplastic roof membranes to an underlying roof deck having: a batten bar coated with a thermoplastic coating on its top surface; a plurality of openings in the batten bar; and fasteners positioned in the plurality of openings for securing the batten bar and one thermoplastic roof membrane to the underlying roof deck.

Abstract: A locking device and method for securing a cover as for a catch basin or manhole in position including two elongate members pivotally connected together end to end so as to be able to articulate. The members are held aligned while being inserted through a cover opening suspended in said opening on a flange on the upper member, the lower member then released to be angled by a spring force to wedge against sidewall and an edge of the cover opening. A bolt extending through the top threaded into a trunnion extending across an intermediate space of the lower member draws the lower member up to create a powerful wedging action to prevent cover removal. The bolt head is recessed into the flange and configured with a special shape engageable only with a special tool to be tamper resistant. A protective plastic cap covers the bolt head and has protrusions sheared off when the cap is removed to provide a tamper indication.

Abstract: A fastener having a shank and head, the latter formed with a recess in its lower surface. A gasket is positioned in the recess, which it partially fills until the screw is employed to joint two elements and the gasket is compressed so that it fills the entirety of the recess, thereby preventing the ingress of undesirable materials.

Abstract: A self-threading screw is described which includes a (basically) conical point set at the end of its shank opposite that where the head is housed, and a sunken zone set between the end of the screw shank and the conical point. In addition, an apparatus is described to produce a self-threading screw provided with a point and a sunken zone, in which at least the thread of the self-threading screw, the conical point and the sunken zone are simultaneously produced by rolling.

Abstract: A female screw rod is constructed to include a female screw rod adapted for mounting in a mounting hole of a motherboard to support an object above the motherboard, the female screw rod having an axially extended screw hole for the installation of a screw, and a quick-release cap connectable to the female screw rod to block the screw hole, the quick-release cap having a downwardly extended barrel-like coupling portion for capping on the female screw rod.