Abstract: Hybrid imaging systems incorporating conventional optical elements and metasurface elements with light sources and/or detectors, and methods of the manufacture and operation of such optical arrangements are provided. Systems and methods describe the integration of apertures with metasurface elements and refractive optics with metasurface elements in illumination sources and sensors.

Abstract: A multi-layered lens comprises a plurality of metasurface layers. At least some layers of the plurality of metasurface layers include features that exhibit angular phase controls. The angular phases of the at least some layers cause an angular aberration correction or an angle convergence that focuses light onto a focal point regardless of angles of incidence.

Abstract: An optical system comprises an optically transmissive substrate comprising a metasurface which comprises a grating comprising a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell comprises a laterally-elongated first nanobeam having a first width; and a laterally-elongated second nanobeam spaced apart from the first nanobeam by a gap, the second nanobeam having a second width larger than the first width. A pitch of the unit cells is 10 nm to 1 ?m. The heights of the first and the second nanobeams are: 10 nm to 450 nm where a refractive index of the substrate is more than 3.3; and 10 nm to 1 ?m where the refractive index is 3.3 or less.

Abstract: A meta-lens includes a first layer that is arranged on a substrate and that includes a plurality of first nanostructures and a second layer including a plurality of second nanostructures separately arranged from the first nanostructures. The meta-lens may focus light of a plurality of wavelengths or light of a wide wavelength bandwidth due to the arrangement of the nanostructures in a multilayer structure.

Abstract: An illustrative example spring includes a curved shape body having a length. The body includes a cavity that extends along at least a majority of the length. The body has a cross-section across the length that is different at a plurality of locations on the body along the length.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an engine, an exhaust manifold fluidly coupled thereto, and an auxiliary system positioned downstream of and fluidly coupled to the exhaust manifold. A slip joint assembly fluidly couples the exhaust manifold to the auxiliary system and includes a slip joint male portion fluidly coupled to the exhaust manifold which includes a plurality of lobes positioned on an outer surface of the male portion. The male portion defines a first passageway in fluidic communication with the exhaust manifold. The assembly also includes a slip joint female portion fluidly coupled to the auxiliary system and including a second passageway. The male portion is insertable into the female portion for fluidly coupling the male portion to the female portion. Only the plurality of lobes contact an inner surface of the second passageway. Moreover, the male portion is axially slidable within the second passageway while maintaining the fluid coupling therebetween.

Abstract: Aircraft support structures, systems, and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes a rotating component and a support (e.g. strut) that supports the rotating component. The support includes a locking assembly (P1) that is configured to lock, automatically, an inner member (214) of the support with respect to an outer member (208) of the support for stiffening the support in response to reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold amount of displacement, load, stress, or rotation. The aircraft support structures, systems, and methods herein utilize self-locking and self-unlocking supports (e.g. struts) for increasing or decreasing a stiffness of the support.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector sub-assembly optical fiber connector sub-assembly for an optical fiber connector includes a gimbal configured to hold a ferrule at a front portion of the connector. The gimbal is configured to provide articulated relative movement between the front portion of the connector and a rear portion of the connector such that the ferrule is isolated from movement of the rear portion of the connector.

Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a front cover and an impeller shell including an axially extending section fixed to the front cover. The impeller shell includes a connector on the axially extending section. The connector is configured for connecting to an engine drive plate assembly. A method for forming a torque converter is also provided. The method includes providing connector on an axially extending section of an impeller shell, the connector being configured for connecting to an engine drive plate assembly; and fixing the axially extending section to a front cover.

Abstract: A polygonal wrench tool has a stick body, a mounting tube, a positioning ball and a spring. The stick body has an insertion end, a first positioning trough, a first distance, a second positioning trough, and a second distance. The first distance is defined between a center of the first positioning trough and the insertion end. The second distance is defined between a center of the second positioning trough and the insertion end. The mounting tube is slidably mounted around the stick body and has a ball hole and a third distance defined between a center of the ball hole and a tube end of the mounting tube. The third distance is larger than the first distance and is shorter than the second distance. The positioning ball is accommodated in the ball hole and abuts the engagement portion. The spring presses the positioning ball.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a bushing assembly having a tubular inner metal, a tubular outer metal, a tubular rigid cup disposed over an outer portion of the tubular inner metal, and a tubular pad disposed between the tubular rigid cup and the tubular outer metal. The tubular pad may have a first wall section and a second wall section at least partially circumscribing the first wall section. The first wall section may be configured to be compressed and to expand along an axis parallel to an axial center of the tubular pad, to thus fill the tubular rigid cup and enhance a stiffness of the bushing assembly when the tubular outer metal of the bushing assembly is moved towards a limit of a range of radial travel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a socket-engaging tool set having a plurality of elongated socket-engaging tools assembled together in a concentric arrangement. Each socket-engaging tool may generally have a constant outer cross-sectional size and shape along most or all of its length, and the outer cross-sectional shape may be hexagonal such that the socket-engaging tools are a plurality of concentric hex keys. Biasing springs may be provided to bias the positioning of one or more concentric socket-engaging tool(s) in the absence of an external force that might overcome such biasing. An external force may be used to cause selective retraction/extension of one or more socket-engaging tool(s) to create a common distal end of desired size. A device may include an adjustment mechanism(s) to manually affect the positioning of the one or more socket-engaging tool(s). Methods are also provided for the assembly and operation of a device of the present invention.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, may include a chassis, an engine coupled to the chassis, a generator coupled to the engine, and a rotary screw compressor coupled to the chassis independent from the engine. The engine may be configured to drive both the generator and the rotary screw compressor. A method, according to another embodiment, may include isolating a rotary air compressor from an engine and a generator in a common chassis. The isolating may include separately mounting the rotary air compressor and the engine with a resilient or distance adjustable connection in between. The isolating also may include resiliently mounting the engine, or the rotary air compressor, or both.

Abstract: A method of constructing a container, comprising disposing a primary lid over a storage cavity, the primary lid including a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed, pivotally attaching a dispenser lid to the primary lid, the dispenser lid including a first biasing pin anchor and one of the dispenser lid and the primary lid having a second biasing pin anchor, connecting a first longitudinal end portion of a biasing pin to the first biasing pin anchor, and connecting a second longitudinal end portion of the biasing pin to the second biasing pin anchor, such that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards an open position.

Abstract: A shaft seal includes a radially outward flange area and a radially inward sealing lip connected to the flange area. An annular spring with a U-shaped or V-shaped cross section is arranged on a radial outer face of the sealing lip, wherein an outer limb bears on the flange area and an inner limb bears on the sealing lip, and wherein a surface of the spring exposed to an exterior of the shaft seal is coated with an elastomer. The invention also relates to a method for producing a shaft seal.

Abstract: An air venting valve and method for removing air from a vulcanizing mold of a vehicle tire by the aid of an air venting valve having a body functioning as an air channel and an inner part movable in a longitudinal direction. The body includes a stem and a valve disc disposed at an inner end of the stem on the side of a mold surface, the diameter of the valve disc is larger than the inner diameter of the body. A spring member is arranged in the air venting valve for forcing the inner part in a predetermined position for opening the valve when a blank is removed from the vulcanizing mold. The lower part of the inner part of the body includes an outer thread and in the lower part of the body a respective inner thread for screwing the valve stem in the body.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a glass cooktop panel and a cooktop frame. A radiant heating element is positioned between the cooktop frame and the glass cooktop panel. The heating element has an upper surface biased toward a lower surface of the glass cooktop panel. A screwless spring clip is coupled to both the heating element and the cooktop frame so as to secure the heating element to the cooktop frame.

Abstract: A locking system for connecting a handle and an implement is provided. The locking system includes a handle having a first thread and a first locking member and an implement having a second thread and a second locking member. The first and second threads are threadably engaged so that the first and second locking members selectively lock the handle to the implement.

Abstract: Described are track adapters for snap-fitting within a recess of a track, the track adapters including at least one manually-releasable spring tab comprising a lip and a release tab; and at least one slidably-releasable spring tab comprising a lip, wherein the at least one manually-releasable spring tab and the at least one slidably-releasable spring tab are adapted to deflect inwardly to permit snap-fit insertion of the track adapter into the recess. Also described are light fixtures including a fixture head comprising at least one lamp housing, wherein the at least one lamp housing supports at least one lamp; and a curved arm connecting the fixture head to a support surface.

Abstract: A method for installing a spring-assisted liftgate in opposition to the gravity force includes temporarily fixing a coupling rod in a defined position corresponding to an installation position of the liftgate, and holding the in an open position or in an intermediate position above the installation position and placing the apparatus in the vehicle. After lowering the liftgate from the open position or intermediate position into the installation position, the coupling rod is connected to the hinge lever and then released.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a glass cooktop panel and a cooktop frame. A radiant heating element is positioned between the cooktop frame and the glass cooktop panel. The heating element has an upper surface biased toward a lower surface of the glass cooktop panel. A screwless spring clip is coupled to both the heating element and the cooktop frame so as to secure the heating element to the cooktop frame.

Abstract: A handlebar coupling and adjustment unit comprises a housing, a pivot pin, a manual grip and a retaining pin. The housing receives an end portion of a handlebar. The pivot pin joins the housing to the handlebar and pivotally supports the handle relative to the handle bracket. The retaining pin is connected to the manual grip and is linearly translatable in a first direction from an extended positioned projecting beyond the housing to a withdrawn position within the housing. The manual grip is rotatable while the retaining pin is in the withdrawn position between a locked position in which the housing holds the manual grip with the retaining pin in the withdrawn position and an unlocked positioned in which the manual grip is linearly translatable in a second direction to return the retaining pin to the extended position.

Abstract: The present application discloses a damping member that can be used during mounting of a plow blade edge to a moldboard. In one exemplary embodiment, a plow blade comprises a plow blade edge, a damping member, and at least one fastener. The plow blade edge has at least one aperture extending therethrough for mounting the plow blade to the moldboard. The damping member is positioned between the plow blade edge and the moldboard such that no portion of the plow blade edge contacts the moldboard when the plow blade is mounted to the moldboard. The at least one fastener extends through the at least one aperture of the plow blade edge and at least one aperture of the damping member to mount the plow blade to the moldboard.

Abstract: A wiper arm assembly and method of assembly thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an equipment engine mounting system and method for mounting an equipment engine to an equipment frame using dampers, elastomeric and nonelastomeric components to inhibit the a transmission of vibrations of the equipment engine to the equipment frame.

Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.

Abstract: A vibration damping bushing including: an inner axial member; an outer cylindrical member through which the inner axial member is inserted; a main rubber elastic body elastically connecting the two members; and a stopper member that is fitted onto the inner axial member as a component of a first stopper mechanism that limits relative displacement of the inner axial member against the outer cylindrical member to one side in an axial direction. The inner axial member is formed with a latching depression that opens toward an outer periphery thereof, and the stopper member is provided with a latching piece that protrudes outward in the axial direction. The latching piece is engaged with the latching depression so as to provide a slipping out prevention mechanism for preventing the stopper member from slipping out from the inner axial member.

Abstract: A torque transmitting apparatus may include a cover portion generally defined by a first axis, and a flywheel coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. A pressure plate may be coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith and be axially moveable relative to the cover portion. An intermediate plate may be coupled to the cover portion for rotation therewith. The intermediate plate is axially moveable relative to the cover portion and the pressure plate. A first clutch disk may be at least partially interposed between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate, and a second clutch disk may be at least partially interposed between the flywheel and the intermediate plate. The apparatus may include an axially acting biasing element for exerting an axial force between the pressure plate and the intermediate plate, and a support member extending through the biasing element.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for resisting pivoting movement between an outer member and an inner member of a universal joint includes engaging the outer member with the inner member in a chamber for pivoting movement through a first range of movement with a plurality of balls disposed in a plurality of inwardly facing grooves of the outer member and a plurality of outwardly facing grooves of the inner member to transmit rotation between the outer member and the inner member. The method includes enclosing the chamber portion with a boot having a plurality of convolutions defined by roots extending radially inward and resisting pivoting movement of the inner member relative to the outer member with an inner surface of a root contacting a shaft portion of the inner member upon the inner member and the outer member pivoting beyond the first range of movement.

Abstract: An aircraft door includes a seal that integrates a flexible silicone seal portion and a rigid blade seal portion into a single continuous seal around the mold line gap between the door and frame. The arrangement allows for the use of space saving piano hinges to mount the door. The seal includes a rigid blade seal around three edges of the door and a flexible hinge cover seal adjacent to the hinge edge of the door. The flexible hinge cover seal is bonded to terminal blocks which in turn can be mounted to the door edge and to the door frame such that the flexible hinge cover seal covers the mold line gap adjacent to the hinge.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting equipment and a method for the manufacture of the apparatus are disclosed. A damping assembly configured to dampen movement of a first item relative to a second item may include an arm and a shock absorber. The arm may be configured to be located between the first item and the second item and may be configured to pivotally couple to the first item and configured to slidably couple to the second item. The shock absorber may be configured to couple between the first item and the arm, such that the shock absorber dampens rotation of the arm to dampen movement of the first item relative to the second item.

Abstract: A X-structure of a key and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The X-structure comprises a first frame and a second frame. The first frame comprises a bar. The first frame is connected and pivoted to the second frame via a fold located on the bar. The key comprises a keycap, a base and the X-structure installed between the keycap and the base. The manufacturing method of the X-structure comprises: providing the X-structure and pressing the bar to generate a fold until the first engaging portions are connected and pivoted to the second engaging portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball bat with improved shock and vibration dampening. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ball bat with a handle, a barrel, and a socket assembly interposed between the handle and barrel. The socket assembly allows the barrel and handle to move relative to each other, which dampens shock and vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clamping and subsequently machining a disk- or ring-shaped workpiece, wherein the workpiece is set down on a contact surface of a contact member made from elastomeric material. The workpiece is axially pressed against the contact surface with an elastomeric-material clamping member of a clamping device and simultaneously fixed in place perpendicular to the workpiece axis. Subsequently, the workpiece is machined with a tool.

Abstract: A X-structure of a key and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The X-structure comprises a first frame and a second frame. The first frame comprises a bar. The first frame is connected and pivoted to the second frame via a fold located on the bar. The key comprises a keycap, a base and the X-structure installed between the keycap and the base. The manufacturing method of the X-structure comprises: providing the X-structure and pressing the bar to generate a fold until the first engaging portions are connected and pivoted to the second engaging portions.

Abstract: An equipment engine mounting system/method for mounting an equipment engine to an equipment frame. The equipment engine mounting system includes a first engine mount disposed between the equipment engine and the equipment frame, including a first engine mount nonextensible inner member having an outer bonding surface. The first engine mount including a first engine mount nonextensible outer member, the first engine mount nonextensible outer member having an inner bonding surface. The first engine mount includes an intermediate elastomer between the first engine mount nonextensible inner member and the first engine mount nonextensible outer member, the first engine mount intermediate elastomer bonded to the first engine mount nonextensible inner member outer bonding surface and the first engine mount nonextensible outer member inner bonding surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly of sheet materials in which a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are disposed in an overlapping relationship, with a plurality of joint portions being formed therebetween by drawing an overlapping part of the first and second sheets of materials at a plurality of positions. The plurality of joint portions includes at least one first joint portion in which the first sheet of material is laterally extruded into the second sheet of material and at least one second joint portion in which the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material are in contact with each other in a cup-like surface configuration.

Abstract: A method for assembling a bakeware having a metal frame and at least one flexible member is provided. The method includes forming a first hole in a metal sheet, forming a sidewall extending from the first hole, the sidewall having a lower lip, bending the sidewall and lower lip partially towards the metal sheet, placing a flexible member in the first hole, and pressing the sidewall and lower lip towards the metal sheet to secure the flexible member to the metal sheet. A bakeware including a metal frame and at least one flexible member is also provided.

Abstract: A shaft is held in place within the bore of a housing by means of a band of resilient material that is located between the shaft and the housing and has a series of projections extending radially inwards. The shaft surface has a first part that lies closer to the longitudinal axis of the bore than a second part, when the shaft and housing are assembled. The shaft is initially inserted into the resilient band, which is held within the bore, such that the first part of the shaft surface is oriented towards one of the projections of the resilient band. In this orientation of the shaft, the projection is not compressed. By orienting the second part of the shaft surface the projection, the projection is brought under compression and the shaft is held firmly within the bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vibration isolating bushing, for example, built into a suspension system, an inside diameter of one edge (4) of an inner cylinder (1) being made larger than that of the other edge (6). The outside diameter of the thinner edge (4) is enlarged by applying pressure with a pressure forming jig (26) to the thicker edge surface (25), with the thinner edge surface (20) of the inner cylinder (1) abutted on a base (23). After completion of enlargement of the outside diameter of the thinner edge (4), the outside diameter of the thicker edge (6) is enlarged by further pressure with the pressure forming jig (26), this process thus capable of enlarging the outside diameter of both edges (4), (6) with one continuous working step.

Abstract: An arrangement for clamping a flat plate to a flat surface includes juxtaposing the plate to the flat surface. An axially-movable wedging element defining a surface fitted with wedges is fixed against motion in other than a direction of elongation, and is forced to move in the direction of elongation. The wedges are forced against a first spring beam to impart forces thereto. The forces are coupled from the first spring beam to a second spring beam by intermediary supports. The second spring beam bears against a surface of the flat plate to force the plate against the flat surface.

Abstract: A connecting structure is provided. The structure includes a post with a first end, middle portion, and a second end, a plurality of prongs flexibly connected to the first end, extending toward the second end in a V-shape.

Abstract: A keyless chuck is provided, comprising a generally cylindrical body having a forward and rearward portion with respect to an axis, the forward portion including a radially outwardly projecting portion of the body. The body further includes a plurality of guides extending obliquely to the axis and converging toward the forward section, and a groove extending around the body. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably disposed within a respective guide and includes a thread section along an outer surface thereof. A jaw-engaging mechanism is configured to operably engage the groove so as to be rotatable around the body, and includes a thread section configured to complementarily engage the thread sections of the jaws. A sleeve extends over the jaw-engaging mechanism. A retaining member is disposed substantially within the sleeve, and is operably engaged with and extends between the body and the sleeve, rearwardly of the radially outwardly projecting portion of the body.

Abstract: A wafer container for supporting semi-conductor wafer disks and for interfacing with processing equipment and methods for constructing the same. Wafer supports are positioned within an enclosure portion, the wafer supports having a plurality of vertically stacked shelves for defining slots. The wafer supports are secured within the enclosure portion rigidly at the bottom margin and resiliently at the top margin. In preferred embodiments resilient plastic spring members extend between the closed top and the wafer supports to substantially constrain lateral or forward-back movement of the wafer supports with respect to the closed top and to permit some vertical movement of the wafer support with respect to the closed top. The spring members may be configured as a leaf spring integral with an extending from the top margin of each wafer support.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an expendable alignment ring is adapted for centering opposing conical surfaces of a transmission torque converter and an engine crankshaft. The ring has an annular body formed of a thermoplastic such as high density polyethelene. The body has first and second ends formed by axially spaced inner and outer coaxial conical surfaces extending between inner and outer peripheries. The ring is installed over a pilot of the torque converter so that the conical ends of the ring align the conical surfaces of the torque converter and the crankshaft during assembly to center the torque converter relative to the crankshaft. Upon assembly of the torque converter to the crankshaft, the alignment ring is slightly compressed and provides the mechanism for precise alignment of the torque converter to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a blow-molded plastic storage tube and a blow-molded plastic cup pushing member or follower positioned within the tube. The pushing member is optionally spring-biased toward an open first end of the tube away from a closed, second end of the tube. A resilient diaphragm is positioned over the open end of the cup storage tube or another suitable cup retainer is employed for releasably retaining a telescopically interfitted stack of cups in the storage tube. An annular collar is arranged coaxial with and fitted to the storage tube in the region of the open end. The cup storage tube and the cup pushing member are preferably blow-molded together in a single operation as a one-piece construction. The cup pushing member is separated from the cup storage tube for use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembling method facilitating building-in work of a door and tensile coil spring in a cartridge case. In an assembling of a magnetic tape cartridge, hold the door and coil spring with a component holding jig, grip a part of the door with a robot hand of an assembling apparatus, engage the other end of the coil spring in a spring engaging portion, elongate the coil spring with moving the spring engaging portion in a closing direction, make a state in which the coil spring can be attached to the case-side spring hooking portion as it is when fitting the door in a closing position of the guide groove, then fit in the door, and attach the other end of the coil spring to the case-side spring hooking portion, thereby being able to simultaneously build the door and coil spring in a lower half.

Abstract: Vehicle cockpit assemblies and methods of installing same within vehicles are provided. A vehicle cockpit assembly includes a dash insulator that is configured to be attached to a vehicle firewall, an instrument panel attached to the dash insulator, and a floor covering also attached to the dash insulator. A plurality of apertures are formed through the dash insulator, each of which is configured to overlie a respective opening in a vehicle firewall when attached thereto. Each aperture is configured to sealably receive an item extending therethrough such that substantially no gaps exist between the item and the substrate. Polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the dash insulator to reflect and/or absorb sound.

Abstract: A bracket for pivotally mounting a handle adjacent to an opening of a vehicle includes a handle receiving portion adapted to receive an end of the handle, a pivot pin for pivotally mounting the end of the handle at the handle receiving portion, and at least one mounting hole or aperture. The handle receiving portion is configured to retain the end of the handle such that the handle is in an in use position or a stored position. The pivot pin extends downward from the handle receiving portion and includes a biasing member to bias the handle at either position. The mounting aperture is accessible for securing the bracket to a surface of the vehicle when the pivot pin and the handle are assembled to the bracket. The bracket and the handle thus may be mounted to the wall of the vehicle as a pre-assembled unit.