Abstract: The invention is a system that provides a means to using passing air to turn on an electronically powered device that is removably attached to an exterior portion of a vehicle as the vehicle travels betweens two locations. The invention is also embodied as a device that provides a means to turn on an incandescent light bulb that illuminates an ornament that is attached to an automobile window using passing air caused a moving automobile.

Abstract: An orthogonal array backlight module includes multiple fluorescent tubes paved on both inner sides of a light box, and a display panel comprised of diffuser plate, optical film and liquid crystal panel being provide on the top of the light box; and each fluorescent tube being significantly shorter than that of the prior art of same size to effectively provide consistent luminance and allow easier assembly.

Abstract: An optical material of the present invention includes a resin having a luminous transmittance of about 70% or more and a filler mixed therein having a thermal conductivity of about 3 W/m·K or more.

Abstract: A light emitting device having two stacked light generators mounted in a reflector cup. In one embodiment the light generators emit complementary colors that mix to form white light.

Abstract: A light source apparatus including: a solid state light source that includes a pair of electrodes and emits light in response to power being supplied with from the electrodes; a liquid medium that removes heat that is generated in the solid state light source; and a mounting unit which is provided a flow path in an interior thereof in which the liquid medium flows, including: a base that defines the flow path; and a placement member which defines a remainder of the flow path and on which the solid state light source is mounted.

Abstract: A display device includes a backlight having a discharge tube and a reflector. A heat conduction member is attached to the reflector in contact with the discharge tube, so that a part of the discharge tube is locally cooled by the heat conduction member. Liquid mercury is collected at a first position in the discharge tube, and the backlight is assembled so that the heat conduction member or other cooling device is located at the first position. Also, the display device includes an optical sheet having a diffusion portion having projections containing scattering material particles.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a body, a flashlight head assembly, and a switch assembly. The body includes a first end securable to the flashlight head assembly, a second end, and a substantially cylindrical portion between the first end and the second end. The switch assembly, which is located at the substantially cylindrical portion of the body adjacent the second end, electrically connects with the flashlight head assembly to regulate the delivery of power thereto. The flashlight head assembly includes a first end and a second end securable to the body, a lens disposed in the flashlight head at the first end, a reflector disposed in the flashlight head adjacent the lens, a heat sink disposed in the flashlight head adjacent the reflector, and an LED assembly disposed within the heat sink such that the heat sink substantially completely surrounds the LED assembly.

Abstract: A prism sheet, a backlight assembly having the prism sheet, and an LCD device having the prism sheet, the prism sheet includes a first surface, a second surface and a reflecting member. A light is incident upon the first surface. The second surface includes a prism pattern. The incident light exits through the second surface. The reflecting member is provided on the first surface to partially reflect irradiated light that is received on the first surface.

Abstract: A hanger or bracket for hanging light strings. The hanger or bracket holds a light bulb of the light string and the adjoining conductor. The light bulb and conductor can be quickly and easily placed within the hanger, and the hanger mounted to a building, or other structure, or to a plant, such as a tree.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light emitting panel includes a base panel and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted to the base panel. Each of the light emitting elements produces an illumination pattern having a region of substantially uniform intensity that extends over a radiation angle of at least about 60°. One or more light conditioners are positioned adjacent the base panel to receive and condition light produced by the light emitting elements.

Abstract: A light source structure of a backlight module comprises: a bar-shaped light source; and a group of complementary color light emitting diodes mounted at both ends of the bar-shaped light source. The bar-shaped light source is composed of several light emitting diodes having complementary light colors. The luminous intensity of outermost light emitting diodes of the bar-shaped light source is 30 to 70% of average luminous intensity of the other equal color light emitting diodes. The complementary color light emitting diodes have light colors complementary to that of the outermost light emitting diodes of the bar-shaped light source. The luminous intensity of the complementary color light emitting diodes is 10 to 50% of average luminous intensity of the other equal color light emitting diodes of the bar-shaped light source. Consequently, the non-uniform mixing of lights on edges of the backlight module and the producing of bright point can be avoided.

Abstract: Light guide plate 4 is provided with an emission-directivity-giving-means (such as projection rows on a back face) to modify directivity of emission from emission face 10. L light control member 11 disposed on emission face 10 is provided with a plurality of prismatic projection rows 15 running in a direction inclined anticlockwise (or clockwise). Each of incidence control portions 12 formed on incidence face 5 has an asymmetric configuration providing first and second side face (convex face) 13, 14 different from each other in curvature. Light emitted by LED 6 enters into light guide plate 4 through each incidence control portion 12, generating inner propagation light which spreads like a sector having a center axis inclined clockwise (or anticlockwise). The first and second side faces may have other configurations such as “concave faces different from each other in curvature”, “flat slopes different from each other in inclination” or “flat face and curved face”.

Abstract: A surface light source device for illuminating a displaying member of a display comprises a light guide plate and primary light source. Primary light enters into a first guiding portion through an end face (incidence face) thereof extending in an extending direction, then inner-propagating and entering into any second guiding portion gradually meantime. A major part thereof is inner-reflected by an inner-reflection face (first side face) to be directed to a guiding-emitting-portion, then being outputted from an emission face gradually. The first side face makes a sharp angle ? with respect to the extending direction at a portion connected to the guiding-emitting-portion. Second guiding portion has a second side face which is located on a side nearer to the incidence face and makes a sharp angle greater than ? at a portion connected to the first guiding portion.

Abstract: A mixing system and valve(s) are provided for a tank or other container of liquid to be mixed. A directional flow control valve is secured within the tank. The directional flow control valve includes a plate secured adjacent an inlet supply opening or an outlet supply opening in the tank. The valve plate has openings for enabling controlled maximum liquid flow into or out of the inlet supply opening or the outlet supply opening, respectively. A floating disc is also provided within the valve and located in an aligned position to enable sealing engagement of the floating disc over the plate openings when the flow control valve is in a closed position, and to enable movement of the floating disc away from the plate openings when the flow control valve is in an open position. An inlet and outlet supply is also provided to supply liquid into and out of the tank. The directional flow control valve is secured adjacent either an inlet and/or outlet supply and the tank.

Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.

Abstract: A circuit for temperature sensing provides a bias current to a PN junction, and the PN junction provides a PN junction voltage in response to the bias current. Also, a parasitic resistance may be coupled in series with the PN junction. The circuit for temperature sensing is configured to determine the temperature of the PN junction based on the PN junction voltage. Further, the circuit includes registers which store ?trim, which is based on the difference between the non-ideality of the PN junction used from a reference PN junction; ?I, which is based on the difference between a reference bias current and the bias current for the part; Rtrim, which is based the parasitic resistance; and Ntrim, which includes other offsets. The registers may be set during trimming and/or calibration to provide accurate temperature sensing for the parameters employed.

Abstract: A protector for a digital dental x-ray sensor reduces damage to the sensor and pain to a patient associated with the placement of the sensor into a patient's oral cavity. The protector has two flexible, substantially rectangular wall members secured to one another by a perimeter wall member and having a perimeter slot adapted to receive the sensor and to contain the sensor entirely within the wall members.

Abstract: In a radiation imaging apparatus having a radiation generator, an imaging unit including a detecting unit for detecting radiation to generate a radiation image data, a carriage for carrying the radiation generator, and an operating unit for providing an interface to a user, it is decided whether the radiation imaging apparatus is in a moving state or not. When it is decided that the radiation imaging apparatus is in a moving state, the operation function of the operating unit for the radiation detector and the imaging unit is limited.

Abstract: In order during an x-ray examination, despite a variable foreign magnetic field at the location of an x-ray tube to still enable x-ray images with image sections giving the same coverage to be generated, there is provision in accordance with the invention to compensate for the previously determined change to the foreign magnetic field at the location of the x-ray tube by a correspondingly controlled opposing magnetic field; Advantageously at least one compensating magnet is provided for this purpose which can be assigned to the x-ray tube and is controllable by a processing unit depending on this change.

Abstract: The magnification Mref for a line scan camera can be found by exploiting a difference in the way Mref affects the notion of ‘focus’ in the x and y directions. Mref enters into the calculations for selecting z while focusing in the y direction, but not in x. A thin opaque calibration target is provided at a convenient height in z called the reference plane, and has straight edges aligned parallel to the x and y directions. To find Mref the line scan camera forms images of the calibration target over a range of trial z values known to include the height of the calibration target. An arbitrary and possibly incorrect trial value Mi of Mref is then assumed and many slices of the calibrations target are calculated. Within these slices the edge parallel to the x direction will be sharply defined for some zx, while at some other zy the edge parallel to the y direction will be sharply defined. Make a note of ei=zy. Repeat these steps for some number different trial Mi that cover the plausible range of Mref.

Abstract: In a linear guide, a separator is interposed between each pair of adjacent balls. The separator has a separator main body interposed between the adjacent balls, and arm portions provided at end portions of the separator main body, which are arranged in the direction of width of each of rolling element rolling grooves for rolling the balls. The separator also has a guide groove which guides the arm portions of the separator along a circulating direction of the balls when the balls circulate along a passage formed by the first and second rolling element rolling grooves, a direction changing passage, and a rolling element passage.

Abstract: A thrust bearing configuration for rotary applications includes a shaft (12) having an external surface (14) and a housing (16) having an internal surface (18). The housing and the shaft are adapted for relative rotational movement. Inner bearing support members (22) extend radially outwardly from the external surface of the shaft in axially spaced relation. Outer bearing support members (26) extend radially inwardly from the internal surface of the housing. A bearing pad (24, 28) is disposed between each one of the inner bearing support members and an adjacent one of the outer bearing support members. With the described configuration an axial force exerted upon the shaft is transmitted from the shaft through each of the inner bearing support members and bearing pads to the outer bearing support members and the housing. This thrust bearing acts like a bearing stack. It is possible to stack any number of these bearing pads to withstand anticipated axial loads.

Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying an adjustable load to internal rotating components of the hybrid transmission to maximize efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A hub joint for supporting bearings adapted to rotatably receive a shaft. The joint includes an upper annular portion having a radially inner boundary and an upper bearing mount attached to the inner boundary of the upper annular portion. The upper bearing mount has a radially inner surface forming a conical upper bearing seat. The joint further comprises a lower bearing mount attached to and positioned below the upper bearing mount. The lower bearing mount has a radially inner surface forming a conical lower bearing seat. The joint also comprises a lower annular portion having a radially inner boundary attached to the lower bearing mount.

Abstract: A ferrule and method are presented that fuses optical fibers, capillaries and the like to ferrules while reducing deformation of the fused component and the ferrule and minimizing stresses within the assembly. Reduced deformation and stress is accomplished by providing high contact angles in a symmetrical, short section of fusion in fusing the component carried by the ferrule to the ferrule. It is particularly applicable to hermetic terminations of polymer clad fiber optics where irregular glass fusion joints cause irregular light leakage at the fiber launch but benefits are significant when used for other fiber and capillary architectures as well.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable, comprising a cable main unit with an optical fiber covered by a sheath and terminal units mounted on end portions of the cable main unit, wherein each of the terminal units has a transparent cover member with a refractive index approximately equal to the optical fiber, the cover member of at least one of the terminal units and the optical fiber are welded under such condition that the cover member is brought closer to or into contact with the optical fiber, and the cover member and the optical fiber are integrated with each other.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of fiber-optic communication devices known as transceivers, used in the aeronautical field for ensuring that on-board electronic computers can converse with one another, or in civil telecommunication. The subject of the invention is a single-channel transceiver comprising essentially a transmitting optoelectronic part, a receiving optoelectronic part, and a specific optical configuration for transmitting and receiving optical signals on a single optical port in real time and using the same wavelength. The optical architectures according to the invention include no semireflecting components, thus making it possible to reduce light energy losses at transmission and reception of the optical signals. These transceivers are particularly well suited for the construction of single-fiber full-duplex optical communication networks allowing simultaneous transmission and reception of signals.

Abstract: In one example, an optical transceiver is provided that includes a ROSA and a TOSA received within a block portion of an OSA block. The OSA block also includes two groups of adjustable elements, one group for each of the ROSA and the TOSA. The adjustable elements of the first group engage the block portion so as to contact the ROSA, and the adjustable elements of the second group engage the block portion so as to contact the TOSA. The position of the adjustable elements in each respective group can then be varied as necessary to locate and/or maintain the ROSA and TOSA in desired positions and orientations relative to, for example, respective optical connector ports of the optical transceiver.

Abstract: Optical bond-wire interconnections between microelectronic chips, wherein optical wires are bonded onto microelectronic chips. Such optical connections offer numerous advantages compared to traditional electrical connections. Among other things, these interconnections are insensitive to electromagnetic interference and need not be located at the edges of a chip but rather can be placed for optimal utility to the circuit function. In addition, such interconnections can be given the same or other pre-specified lengths regardless of the placement in the module and they are capable of signal bandwidths up to 20 Gigahertz without causing a cross-talk problem. A method of fabrication of such optical interconnections using optical fiber, a laser or photodetector and etched mirror and etched V-shaped grooves.

Abstract: An optical transmitter-receiver module has a structure in which a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device are coupled with an optical fiber through a wavelength-selecting filter. In the above structure, part of the lightwave of the light-emitting device is reflected from the wavelength-selecting filter, is reflected again from a wall in the opposite direction, and enters the light-receiving device, causing optical crosstalk between the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device. An object of the invention is to prevent the crosstalk between the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device. An inverted conical hole is provided in a wall at which the lightwave of the light-emitting device arrives after it is reflected from the wavelength selecting filter. The hole has a size larger than the spread of the reflected lightwave of the light-emitting device. The hole has a vertical angle of 72 to 80 degrees or 100 to 160 degrees.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an XFP optical transponder module includes a dual board flexible circuit. In embodiments, the dual board flexible circuit includes two printed circuit boards coupled together via a connector. In one embodiment, the connector is a flexible printed circuit. In an alternative embodiment, the connector is a plug-socket assembly.

Abstract: An optical subassembly is provided that includes an optical component mounted to a substrate. In addition, the optical subassembly includes a lens package having a lens that is optically coupled with the optical component. The lens package cooperates with the substrate to define a hermetic chamber within which the optical component is disposed. The optical subassembly can be made as an integrated subassembly having both transmit and receive components within the hermetic chamber. Methods in accordance with the present invention include techniques for producing hermetically sealed optical subassemblies in mass-production.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mounting an optical fiber for coupling to a high power light source, the fiber being secured to its mount with a low refractive index adhesive. The low refractive index adhesive serves to reduce the coupling of light traveling within the fiber to the fiber mount, thereby reducing undesirable, potentially destructive heating in the fiber mount. The adhesive preferably comprises sol gel.

Abstract: A lens barrel including a base and a collapsible barrel provided so as to collapse into and expand out of the base, the barrel including a lens constituting an image-capturing optical system for introducing an image of an object, a lens frame for holding the lens, and an operational unit provided in the lens frame for performing an operation relating to image capture based on a control signal supplied thereto, the lens barrel including a flexible substrate provided within the lens barrel for supplying the control signal from an electric circuit provided outside the barrel to the operational unit; wherein the flexible substrate has a first interconnect section to which the control signal is supplied; and a second interconnect section provided separately from the first interconnect section and having an end connected onto the lens frame and another end electrically connected to a ground potential.

Abstract: A camera riser has a centering ring that engages an inner surface or diameter of the raised ring on a camera head. As a result, camera riser can automatically and securely center most camera heads. This saves time in setting up the camera. Even if the castle ring holding the camera head onto the camera riser becomes loose, the camera head remains centered on the head. The centering ring may also be used to center two or more risers joined together.

Abstract: An image formation device (facsimile machine, printer, copier, etc.) is provided, which is capable of reducing the amount of ink ribbon rolled up for the removal of slack of the ribbon. When a ribbon roll-up process is started, the operation mode of the image formation device is first set to a ribbon roll-up mode in which a ribbon roll-up spool is driven without driving a platen. The slack of the ribbon is removed by driving the ribbon roll-up spool to roll up the ribbon without driving the platen, which can reduce the amount of ribbon rolled up for the removal of the slack (the amount of ribbon wasted).

Abstract: A media advancing device for a hardcopy apparatus comprising: a platen having at least one slot and a top surface, whereby a medium advances on the top surface; and a plurality of openings connecting the top surface to at least one zone of negative pressure; and a revolving overdrive roller having an outer surface, the outer surface emerging above the top surface through the slot, the overdrive roller being substantially sealed in a housing below the top surface, the housing separating the overdrive roller from the zone of negative pressure.

Abstract: A combination back scratcher, washer, lotion warmer and applicator includes an elongated, hollow ergonomically designed shaft having a handle at an upper end and any one of a plurality of interchangeable pivotal heads at the lower end. A heated lotion tube is received within the shaft. A reciprocal trigger operates an air pump to deliver heated lotion from the tube to one of the interchangeable heads.

Abstract: A dry eraser is disclosed including an eraser body having an upper region and a lower region, a layer of erasing material having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion affixed to the lower region of the eraser body, at least one socket on the upper region for accommodating at least a portion of a writing utensil, and a magnetic member operatively engaged to the eraser body between the top portion of the layer of erasing material and the upper region of the eraser body.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a substrate with outward projecting bristles. The substrate may be mounted on a support which may carry a handle or on a media dispensing container. The handle is hollow to carry a dispensable media from a dispenser mounted on the handle or has an open end to receive an aerosol or media dispensing container.

Abstract: A cosmetic unit, especially a mascara unit, comprises a storage container for a mascara liquid, a closing cap for placing onto the storage container, an applicator rod incorporating an applicator and extending away from the inside of the closing cap through an orifice, and a wiper means placed in the orifice of the container, wherein the wiper means extends sufficiently far from the edge of the orifice into the interior of the container so that the wiper orifice or the wiper lips of the wiper means, when the applicator is in the inserted condition, extend to the region of the proximal edge of the applicator.

Abstract: A dispenser for fluid materials, such as cosmetic products, having a hollow housing to store the product. The housing has apertures from which the product may be dispensed upon actuation of a piston, which may be accomplished in a one-handed operation. The piston forces the product out from within the housing to dispense the material into a compliant pad having apertures forming reservoirs for application by the consumer.

Abstract: A twist up pen type dispenser comprising a brush applicator that is capable of receiving material from a reservoir.

Abstract: A frame for a work machine includes first and second wall portions having an axially aligned bore positioned therein. A boom is positioned between the first and second wall portions and has a bore that is alignable with the bores in the first and second wall portions. A first insert is disposed within the bore of the first wall portion of the frame and a second insert disposed within the bore of the second wall portion of the frame with each insert having a bore therethrough. A pin cartridge assembly is positioned in the bores of the first and second inserts and the boom. The pin cartridge assembly includes a pin having first and second end portions and an outer surface. A first collar having a through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A second collar having through bore and a counter bore at one end, the collar is disposed about the outer surface of the pin. A bushing has a stepped bore that is rotatably disposed about the outer surface of the pin.

Abstract: A releasable self-centering keyless bushing assembly connects two machine elements, such as a hub to a shaft. The assembly includes an outer ring having two tapered inner peripheral surfaces, wherein each of the tapered surfaces has a different taper angle, and an inner cone having two tapered outer peripheral surfaces that have identical taper angles to the tapered peripheral surfaces of the outer ring. The outer ring and the inner cone are drawn together by screws that expand and contract the assembly to connect the hub to the shaft.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of one or more layers of void-maintaining synthetic drainable base courses (“VMSDBC's”) are provided as incorporated into landfills and other waste containment facilities.

Abstract: A fluid injection and removal system to inject or remove fluids from a landfill or contaminated area. The system allows for treatment of waste in the landfill or the contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system includes a permeable layer and at least one perforated pipe. The permeable layer enables essentially uniform distribution of the fluid into the underlying waste or contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system can be combined with a leachate collection system to create a leachate recirculation system for use in a landfill. The leachate collection system includes at least one perforated collection pipe embedded in a drainage layer. Sensors can be provided in the permeable layer to enable the change in the physical characteristics of the waste adjacent the permeable layer to be monitored.

Abstract: A shoring device is disclosed comprising a piston and a cylinder. The piston is axially expanded by compressed gas, whereby the shoring device engages two opposing surfaces. Removable swivel sideplates comprise détente sphere attachments by which the sideplates reversibly attach to the piston and cylinder. These attached removable swivel sideplates contain set screws which engage the sides of trenches and excavations which are lined with timbers or other materials.

Abstract: This shoring system enters in the category of slide rail shoring systems, including rails, panels and strutting assemblies. It applies on shoring of excavations of various shapes such as trenches, rectangular and polygonal pits of great or lesser depth. Rails are of two types, linear or corner rails. Pairs of linear rails are spaced apart along excavation so that a strutting assembly keeps opposite rails of a pair of rails pressing against wall of excavation; corner rails are placed on the corners of any polygonal shaped excavation. Shoring panels slide vertically between adjacent rails creating a shoring wall on two or more sides of excavation. Rails have opposite sides provided with an outer and an inner guide for sliding vertically panels. The outer guide runs the full length of rail while inner guide is halfway from the bottom up reducing the weight of rail and easing installation and removal of panels.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.