Abstract: A reel for winding a paper roll including: a frame supporting a reel drum and a pair of rails; a reel spool supported for translation by the rails and upon which a paper roll is wound; an endless flexible belt wrapping a portion of the periphery of the reel drum and a portion of the periphery of the paper roll; and a loading member for loading the paper roll against the reel drum and the endless flexible belt.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a paper splicing apparatus that can improve workability of an operator and splicing accuracy at low cost with a simple construction. Thus, a paper splicing apparatus that carries out paper splicing by sticking together a tip of a new web pulled out from a rolled web to an old web drawn out from another rolled web comprises a first reciprocating member provided to freely reciprocate in an approaching/departing direction to/from a surface of the old web, a second reciprocating member provided to freely reciprocate in the approaching/departing direction independently of the first reciprocating member, a first roller pivotally supported to freely rotate with respect to the first reciprocating member, and a second roller pivotally supported to freely rotate with respect to the second reciprocating member with the new web fastened between the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: The invention provides a paper roll, a bushing for a paper roll and a combination of a paper roll with a dispenser. The paper roll comprises a hollow paper roll core with two opposite extremities. The bushing has a cylindrical body press-fitted into at least one of the extremities of the paper roll core and the bushing further comprises a circular end wall frangibly fixed to a first end of the body and closing the extremity of the paper roll core. The end wall is provided with a central pin-receiving hole. The end wall is designed to breaks off when removing the paper roll from the dispenser. Thus, the bushing cannot be reused. Therefore, this invention participates in the enhancement of a quality control system.

Abstract: A tape guide that has textured surface over which the tape passes. The textured surface has a surface roughness exceeding the flying height of the tape above the surface. This new irregular surface topography reduces the air bearing and allows limited contact between the tape guide and the tape while minimizing tape distortion that can occur with other surface topographies.

Abstract: An agile, high-power, reliable DIRCM system that is easily extended to address sophisticated UV or UV-visible capable multi-band threats includes a missile warner having missile warning receivers (MWRs), one or two-color suitably in the mid-IR range, that detect likely missile launch and pass the threat coordinates to a pointer-tracker having a Roll/Nod gimbal on which the IR laser transmitter is mounted. The pointer-tracker slews the gimbal to initiate tracking based on the threat coordinates and then uses its detector to continue to track and verify the threat. If the threat is verified, the pointer-tracker engages the laser to fire and jam the missile's IR seeker. By slewing the gimbal based on unverified threat coordinates to initiate tracking the system is highly agile and can respond to short and near simultaneous MANPADS shots.

Abstract: A wing arrangement (10), which can be pushed onto a structure, such as a missile, and which includes a number of tubular segments (14) and a number of wings (16) which are arranged on the tubular segments (14). In order to allow the wing arrangement (10) to be pushed on over a missile, it includes structure for expandable connection of the tubular segments (14). Also provided is a missile having a wing arrangement (10) of that kind.

Abstract: A propulsion assembly for attachment to the enclosing material of an airship which includes a base which is positioned proximate to the enclosing material. An extension member having opposed ends projects away from the base and includes opposed ends. A motor assembly is attached to the end of the extension member opposed to the base. A mounting assembly is attached to the enclosing material and a plurality of pre-tensioned guy cables connect the mounting assembly to the extension member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch.

Abstract: An airship with a lifting gas cell system comprises an airship that contains a plurality of partitions and a plurality of diaphragms, wherein the partitions and diaphragms are configured to form a number of gas cells that contain a lifting gas such as helium, and a single air cell that contains air. As a result, during the ascent and descent of the airship the number of gas cells ensures that the lifting gas is uniformly distributed over the entire length of the airship, whereas the air cell allows a large amount of air to be retained during a descent.

Abstract: A window frame for installation in the exterior shell of an aircraft, which comprises one outer flange, an inner flange, and a vertical flange extending between between flanges. A window frame is fixed in its position via a plurality of holder elements being arranged substantially equidistance from each other over the periphery of the window frame, being distributed on the outer flange of the window frame. Each of the holder elements comprises a base plate having a face, a pin, a pin extending outwardly from the face of the base plate and a pin to, a downholder clip. The clip may be adapted for a press fit engagement with the pin. The outer surfaces of the pin include a sawtooth-like structure, which engages with hook-shaped clamping elements flexibly formed on the downholder clip and over which an annular locking element is displaced. The holder elements may include a thermoplastic material, which may be provided with reinforcement fibers and may be die cast.

Abstract: An electro-thermal ice protection system for an airfoil comprises: a metal foil heater including an integral parting strip, the metal foil heater configurable to cover at least a portion of a leading edge of the airfoil with the integral parting strip disposed along an air-stagnation zone of the leading edge; and a controller coupled electrically to the metal foil heater for controlling electrical energy from a power source to the metal foil of the heater in accordance with a pulse duty-cycle and for controlling power to the parting strip of the heater to maintain the air-stagnation zone virtually free of ice formation.

Abstract: A parachute system has a canopy, suspension lines that extend from the canopy skirt to a confluence point, and a center line that is attached to and between the apex of the canopy and the confluence point. A single reefing line cutter is attached to the center line and is activated after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. A first reefing line extends through a first group of reefing rings wherein one end of the first reefing line is attached to the single reefing line cutter and the opposite end is attached to the canopy skirt at a first predetermined location. A second reefing line extends through a second group of reefing rings that is opposite the first group of reefing rings. The second reefing line has one end attached to the single reefing line cutter and an opposite end attached to the canopy skirt at a second predetermined location that is across from the first predetermined location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a space propulsion device capable of continuous operation using a solid propellant having high density and excellent handleability.

Abstract: A combination model train sensor and signal includes a train proximity sensor, a signal such as red yellow and green signal lights, semaphores, wig-wag signals and the like together with a controller connected to the proximity sensor and the signal and the controller activates the signal appropriately when the proximity sensor indicates the absence of a train, and when the train proximity sensor indicates the presence of a train. A light source, preferably an infrared light source, and a light detector, preferably an infrared light detector, are arranged to reflect and detect from a passing train to indicate its presence. An output connected to the train proximity sensor for producing an output signal when the sensor indicates the presence of a train, which output can be used for controlling a remote signal. An input, responsive to a signal received from a remote sensor, controls the signal and synchronizes two signals.

Abstract: An improved maintenance, inspection, and/or measurement solution is provided. An embodiment of the invention includes a handheld measurement device for measuring an object, such as a railway wheel on a train. The handheld measurement device can comprise a single unit to provide one handed operation and can include various features, such as onboard evaluation, a graphical user interface, and/or a self-health monitor. Additionally, aspects of the invention provide an inspection environment that incorporates preliminary measurement data, wireless communications, and/or historical data into the measurement and evaluation process.

Abstract: A lock bar for controlling the position of a railroad warning gate includes an elongated body portion extending between a first end and a second end, a clutch mechanism disposed in the elongated body, the clutch mechanism permitting rotational movement in one direction but restricting rotational movement the opposite direction and means disposed in the clutch mechanism for engaging a portion of a motor drive mechanism for a railroad warning gate such that the gate is permitted to move in one direction but is restricted from movement in the opposite direction. Indicia are preferably disposed on the opposing edges to indicate the position that the warning gate will be retained in. An oblong aperture defined through the lock bar receives a pin to hold the lock bar in engagement with the motor drive mechanism. A lanyard secures the lock bar to the motor drive mechanism.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for holding a storage device defining at least a mounting hole in a bottom thereof, the mounting apparatus comprises a bracket and a locking member. A support plate is arranged inward from a sidewall of the bracket. The storage device is disposed on the support plate. The locking member is movably connected to the bracket, and comprises at least one locking portion. The at least one locking portion is inserted in the at least one mounting hole to hold the storage device.

Abstract: An exemplary flat panel display (20) includes a supporting member (23), and a display panel (21) having a display surface (211), and a rear surface (210). The display panel is pivotably attached to the supporting member, and the rear surface of the display panel includes a reflective member.

Abstract: In a suction base for an apparatus holder comprising a housing with an opening formed by a lower wall edge of the housing and a cylindrical wall forming a cylindrical cavity in the housing, a piston, sealed against the cylindrical wall, is axially movably supported in the housing and an operating mechanism is provided on the housing and connected to the piston via an opening of the housing for moving the piston out of a release position adjacent the lower edge of the housing into the cylindrical cavity so as to generate a vacuum between the piston and a support surface on which the suction base is disposed in order to firmly retain the suction base on a support surface.

Abstract: A mount for a phone holder (17) which has a rear projecting housing part (19) with an extension (20) provided with contacts (23) and, on its front side, an accommodating pocket (18) for a cell phone, having a recess (2) which is adapted for accommodating the rear housing part (19) and is adjoined by a contact chamber (15) which is open on one side, contains mating contacts (16) and into which the extension (20) of the housing part (19) can be pushed for the contact-connection between the contacts (23) of the latter and the mating contacts (16), the housing part (19) being inserted into the recess (2), having a displaceable wall component (5) which bounds the recess (2) on the side located opposite the contact chamber (15), which allows the housing part (19) to be introduced into the recess, such that the housing part (19) butts against a base (3) of the recess (2), only once the wall component (5) has been displaced counter to a spring force and which can be blocked in terms of displaceability by a locking de

Abstract: A U-shaped holding element for securing gratings (50) on supports (40) has a connection web (13), a first leg (11) projecting from the connection web (13) and having an opening (15) for passing a threaded fastener (30) therethrough, and a second leg (12) projecting from the connection web (13) and having a counter-thread (24) for a thread (31) of the threaded fastener (30), and a retaining element (26) facing the first leg (11) for securing the holding element (10) on a support (40).

Abstract: A wire sideplate (102) is disclosed for use with various shelving assemblies, including use within a wire sideplate frame (100). The wire sideplate (102) includes a ladder connector (114) having a flattened configuration. The sideplate (102) also includes an upper sideplate arm (116) and a lower sideplate arm (118). The sideplate (102) is composed of a single piece of wire which is formed and then pressed or stamped so as to be releasably interconnected into a number of different types of cantilever ladders (194).

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for holding a storage device with a plurality of mounting holes thereof. The mounting apparatus includes a bracket for accommodating the storage device therein and a fastener. The bracket includes a first sidewall. The first sidewall has a pair of installing plates and a securing portion opposite to the pair of installing plates. A plurality of through holes is defined between the pair of installing plates and the securing portion, corresponding to the mounting holes. The fastener has a pivot end pivotally attached to the pair of installing plates and a free end forming a locking portion engagable with the securing portion. A plurality of locking pegs projects from the fastener. When the locking pegs are passed through the through holes and inserted into the mounting holes of the storage device, the storage device is secured in the bracket.

Abstract: A supporting bracket assembly for supporting a base unit of a portable computer includes a base, a supporting bracket, a locking member, and an operation portion. The supporting bracket is pivotably engaged with the base. The supporting bracket includes a supporting arm with a locking ring. A plurality of locking holes is defined in the locking ring. The locking member is slidably arranged in the base. The locking member includes a positioning post. The positioning post is selectively inserted in one of the locking holes of the supporting arm to lock the supporting bracket. The operation portion is connected with the locking member, and the locking member is driven by the operation portion to slide for locking or unlocking the supporting bracket.

Abstract: An improved system and method for mounting audio equipment to a support structure is provided. The invention provides a system and method for using a unique bracket system that may allow for rotation and positioning of a speaker housing relative to a support structure by mounting a speaker housing to a fixed surface including a wall and allowing for adjustment and/or rotation of the speaker housing without necessitating the removal of the speaker housing from the bracket and/or excessive manipulation of the bracket to properly rotate or adjust the positioning of the speaker housing relative to the support structure. The invention provides an appendage and an arm portion of the mounting bracket that may be rotated to allow for positioning of the speaker housing coupled to the appendage to be rotated in conjunction with the appendage movement relative to the arm of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A cat litter scoop holder comprising a support member and a receptacle removably attached to the support member. In an embodiment, the receptacle is open at its top, and has three sides. When the receptacle is mounted on the support member, a pocket is formed, the pocket adapted to hold a cat litter scoop prior to and after use of the scoop. Flanged knobs extend from the lateral sides of the receptacle, and the flanged knobs removably extend into a corresponding number of apertures in the support member to hold the receptacle in place on the support member to form the pocket. To clean the pocket from litter and other debris, the flanged knobs are lifted upward and outward from their respective apertures in the support member, and the receptacle and support member can be readily cleaned.

Abstract: A portable holder for use with hand-held appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, straightening combs and the like. The holder can be removably mounted to wall and medicine cabinet mirrors to allow the user to style their hair using the appliance while looking into a mirror. The holder includes two support members, wherein each support member has an upper hook, lower hook and an intermediate portion. The upper hooks are adapted so that the holder can hang from mirrors and the lower hooks are adapted to support hand-held appliances. The holder also includes at least one connecting member that attaches to both the first and second support members. One holder embodiment includes two adjustable connecting members that allow the holder's width to be reduced and conveniently stowed away. The holder may be manufactured using a metal alloy, synthetic material or wood.

Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle is mounted in the vehicle for supporting a cup. The cup holder includes a housing mounted on a wall portion of the cup holder, which has a receiving groove for receiving a cup. The housing includes a first guide groove formed therein, a guide movably mounted in the housing so as to enter and exit from the first guide groove, the guide having a second guide groove corresponding to the first guide groove, and a spring for restricting the guide from entering and exiting from the first guide groove of the housing. Even if excessive force is applied to the cup guide when the cup is inserted into the cup holder, an upper portion of the guide is prevented from departing from the housing, so that the cup holder can safely support the cup.

Abstract: A bar hanger assembly is provided for supporting a recessed electrical device in a ceiling support. The bar hanger includes first and second telescoping support arms that are slidably connected together for adjusting the length of the bar hanger. The support arms having an elongated body with first and second ends and a mounting plate coupled to the first end. The mounting plate is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the body. An attachment member is coupled to a bottom edge of the mounting plate for attaching to the bottom edge of a ceiling joist. The attachment member includes a detent extending from one side thereof. The attachment member can be bent from a first position perpendicular to the mounting plate to a second position parallel to the mounting plate for attaching to a T-bar support.

Abstract: An electrical connector bracket (50) comprises a base plate (51), a first sidewall (52) and a second sidewall (53) connecting the first sidewall (52) extending upwardly from two pairs of lateral sides of the base plate (51), a transverse inner wall (54) and a lengthwise inner wall (55) perpendicular to the transverse inner-wall (54) extending from inner base plate (51). The first sidewall (52) and the second sidewall (53) form cooperatively a closed section. The transverse inner wall (54) and the lengthwise inner wall (55) divide the closed section into several small rectangular carrying sections, and each rectangular carrying section can receive an electrical connector therein. In each rectangular carrying section, each second sidewall of the carrying portion defines an opening adjacent to the lengthwise inner wall (55).

Abstract: A supporting stand for supporting an object includes a hinge coupler, a prop plate and a coupling member. The hinge coupler is fixed onto a back plate of the object. The prop plate is coupled to the hinge coupler and permissible for multi-angle rotation. When the prop plate is rotated to a desired position where the center of gravity of the object reaches static force balance, the object will stably stand on a platform in an upright manner. The coupling member includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element, which are respectively arranged on the prop plate and the back plate. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are magnetically coupled to each other when the prop plate is collapsed onto the back plate. In response to a specified operation, the first magnetic element is detached from the second magnetic element such that the prop plate is rotated to the desired position to have the object stand on the platform in the upright manner.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an easel for holding an article that includes a plurality of support members. Each of the support members has a proximal end, a distal end and a central portion. The easel also includes an elongated post member. The post member includes a top end, a bottom end, and a guide surface. The post member is defined generally by an axis, and the post member is pivotally coupled to each of the support members adjacent the proximal end. The easel further includes a first linkage member having a first post end, a first support end, and a first middle portion. The first post end is pivotally coupled to one of the support members. Additionally, the easel includes a lower support selectively coupled to at least one of the central portions. The lower support selectively supports a lower portion of the article.

Abstract: A display stand is made from continuous bending of a piece of metal round wire or flat stripe. It is configured in a compact storage size prior to usage. By a simple unfolding method, it is expandable to a self-standing full size display stand in an adjustable inclined position during usage. It is adaptable to a base for attaching the display stand to a horizontal or vertical flat surface.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger is adapted to be secured to a surface to support and object. The hanger includes a support member with a longitudinal channel defining a raceway that is mountable to the surface. A slide member is slideably received in the raceway. Cooperative ratchet structures in the raceway and on the slide member engage one another to permit sliding movement in one direction but to resist sliding movement in the opposite direction. A hook is formed on the slide member to mount the object. A kit is disclosed to include a plurality of hangers, a level device and a flexible tape measure. Fasteners may also be included. A chart may be provided that is correlated to the width of the object, and the tape measure may be is color-coded to correspond to the chart.

Abstract: A tool holder for use with an ATV comprises an attachment base, attachable to a portion of the ATV, and a holding member extending from the attachment base. The holding member is configured to receive and hold a tool therein and includes a pair of generally upright arms which collectively define a containment area therebetween. At least one of the pair of generally upright arms includes at least one stress relief section formed therein, the stress relief section including a cross section relatively more narrow than remaining cross sections of the at least one of the pair of generally upright arms.

Abstract: A holding element for a grating has a first leg (11) at least one free end of which is hook-shaped and a second leg (12) having an attachment section (20) provided with a through-opening (23) for a fastening element (60). The first leg section includes a first leg section (14) carrying the hook-shaped end (13), a second leg section (15) along which the first leg section (14) is telescopically displaceable in a longitudinal direction (L) of the first leg (11), and a locking mechanism (30) provided between the first leg section (14) and the second leg section (15) for retaining the first leg section (14) on the second leg section (15).

Abstract: A multiple height mounting assembly is provided for installation of a drinking fountain at a selected one of multiple different mounting positions spaced vertically above a floor or ground surface associated therewith. The mounting assembly includes a mounting plate adapted for secure affixation to a wall structure at a selected vertical elevation position thereon. The mounting plate defines a central aperture for passage of plumbing lines. A set of bolt-receiving mounting holes is formed in the mounting plate in surrounding relation to the central aperture for accommodating subsequent drinking fountain installation onto the mounting plate at a selected one of multiple different vertical elevation positions. In one preferred form, the mounting plate includes multiple apertures each with associated bolt-receiving mounting holes to accommodate installation of multiple drinking fountains thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical receiver circuit protection includes a bias source, a bias monitor, and a comparator. The bias source is to provide a bias voltage to an optical receiver. The bias monitor is coupled to measure a current through the optical receiver, where the current changes responsive to received optical energy. A comparator is coupled to the bias monitor, where the comparator has a first state if the current is less than a threshold current level and where the comparator has a second state if the current is greater than the threshold current level. The bias source is coupled to be enabled responsive to the comparator switching to the first state and disabled responsive to the comparator switching to the second state.

Abstract: A microscope which comprises: an optical system for magnifying a sample; a focus adjuster for adjusting a focus of the optical system on the sample; an optical detector for detecting light through the optical system; a position estimator for estimating a position of the focus of the optical system, which stays with respect to the sample, based on the light detected by the optical detector while the optical system is vibrating with respect to the sample; and a controller for controlling the focus adjuster based on the position of the focus estimated by the position estimator, is disclosed. An auto focusing method for a microscope is also disclosed.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a base, a light source unit, a light guide unit, a light sensor unit, and a controller. The base confines a receiving space. The light source unit is disposed in the receiving space. The light guide unit extends into the receiving space for guiding a portion of light emitted by the light source unit outwardly from the receiving space. The light sensor unit is disposed outside the receiving space to receive the portion of the light guided by the light guide unit, and is operable so as to generate an electrical output signal corresponding to the light sensed thereby. The controller is disposed outside the receiving space and connected electrically to the light source unit and the light sensor unit, and controls operation of the light source unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing an optical image of an object comprises an imaging device having a multiplicity of pixels, each pixel including a light sensor and a multiplicity of storage cells coupled to the sensor. A lens system focuses light from the object onto the imaging device. Within each pixel a first one of its storage cells is configured to store data corresponding to a first exposure of its sensor to light from the object, and a second one of its storage cells is configured to store data corresponding to a second exposure of its sensor to light from the object. In a preferred embodiment, the pixels are arranged in an array extending along a first direction, and during the time interval between the first and second exposures, a translator is configured to produce, in a second direction, a relative translation or shift between the imaging device and the focal point of the lens system. In one embodiment, the second direction is traverse to the first direction.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor circuit includes a sensor, a reset transistor, a source-follower transistor, and a row-selector transistor. A gate of the row-selector transistor is electrically connected to a drain of the reset transistor. A method for controlling the active pixel sensor circuit includes turning on the row-selector transistor and the reset transistor when resetting the sensor, and turning on the row-selector transistor and the reset transistor when reading a reset signal. In this way, parasitic capacitance at a gate of the source-follower transistor when resetting the sensor is the same as when reading the reset signal.

Abstract: The manufacturing method uses a substrate including an SOI layer (112), a SiO2 layer (114) and a Si layer (116). A lens surface (118) is formed on the surface of the SOI layer (112) of the substrate. A lens region including the lens surface (118) and an edge section (120) there around is formed by removing the SOI layer (112), with the exception of a section corresponding to the lens region, until the SiO2 layer (114) is exposed, such that the SOI layer (112) only remains in the lens region. A lens holding section (122) that holds the lens region is formed by removing the Si layer (116), with the exception of a section of the Si layer (116) corresponding to the lens holding section (122), until the SiO2 layer (114) is exposed at the rear surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a photodiode disposed in a semiconductor substrate and a first device isolating layer formed having an impurity with a conductivity type in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the photodiode. The image sensor further includes a second device isolating layer composed of an insulating layer that covers the first device isolating layer. In addition, the image sensor further includes an interlayer insulating layer formed on the second device isolating layer and which is composed of a material with refractivity greater than that of the second device isolating layer.

Abstract: A photocurrent amplifier circuit which can be realized as a simple and downsized photocurrent amplifier circuit is capable of selectively amplifying, in an amplifier circuit in an output stage, one or more of current signals which are respectively obtainable from light receiving circuits. The photocurrent amplifier circuit includes: light receiving circuits; amplifier devices associated with the light receiving circuits; device selector switches which apply input voltages, which deactivate the amplifier devices, to the associated amplifier devices; and a differential amplifier circuit having an inverting input unit configured of the amplifier devices which are connected in parallel. The inputs of the amplifier devices and the output of the differential amplifier circuit are connected by gain resistors. The differential amplifier circuit amplifies, into voltage signals, current signals flowing from the light receiving circuits which are respectively associated with the gain resistors.

Abstract: A light-receiving amplifier circuit in which diodes 105 and 106 having a differential amplifier circuit 118 in common are connected in series between an NPN transistor 109 of differential input stage that is inverting input unit, and PDs 101 and 102 in a forward direction with respect to a direction of the photocurrent, and current supply switch NPN transistors 103 and 104 are connected in parallel between the differential input NPN transistor 109 and the respective PDs 101 and 102. When the light enters into the PD 101, the NPN transistor 103 is ON while the NPN transistor 104 is OFF, and a diode 106 is biased in a backward direction, so that the current generated due to the light having entered into the PD 102 is prevented from flowing into the differential amplifier circuit 118.

Abstract: A two-colour radiation detector (2) comprises a mesa-type multi-layered mercury-cadmium-telluride detector structure monolithically integrated on a substrate (6). The detector (2) is responsive to two discrete wavelength ranges separated by a wavelength range to which the detector (2) is not responsive.

Abstract: A chemical sensing device comprises a fiber core and a fiber cladding. The fiber core comprises an index-modulated grating region having an apodized profile configured for increasing shedding of light into the fiber cladding, and the fiber cladding of the chemical sensing device is configured for reflecting at least some of the deflected light back towards the fiber core. The sensing device is applicable in methods and systems for sensing chemicals.

Abstract: A system and a method emit and/or detect light within a compartment via one or more lenses. A light source emits the light in an interior of the compartment via one or more lenses and/or an optical fiber. Further, the system and the method may provide a light sensor for measuring and/or for detecting an intensity of the light within the interior of the compartment via one or more lenses. A movable element is located within the interior of the compartment which moves inwardly and/or outwardly with respect to the light source, the light sensor and/or one or more lenses. A surface of the movable element, a shaft attachable to the movable element and/or the compartment absorbs an amount of the emitted light. The amount of the emitted light absorbed by the surface of the movable element, the shaft of the movable element and/or the compartment is based on the position of the movable element within the interior of the compartment.

Abstract: A system and a method detect that a movable element within an interior of a compartment is at an end of a stroke and/or a beginning of the stroke within the interior of the compartment. A switch and/or an electrical circuit is connected to the compartment for detecting that the movable element may be at the beginning of and/or at the end of the stroke. A microprocessor is connected to the switch or to the electrical circuit for detecting that the movable element is at the end of and/or at the beginning of the stroke within the interior of the compartment. An end cap having a light detector is connected to the compartment to measure an intensity of the light within an interior of the end cap which is attenuated by and/or is diffused by a surface of the movable element and/or of the compartment. The intensity of the light within the interior of the end cap corresponds to a position of the movable element within the interior of the compartment.