Abstract: An optical beamsplitter comprises a right angle prism having a hypotenuse and two legs wherein the hypotenuse includes an optically selective coating deposited thereon. An optical element is positioned adjacent the hypotenuse such that the hypotenuse and the optical element form a beamsplitting interface. Various optical elements are utilized to achieve the desired spatial and angular relationships between incoming and outgoing light beams. Several embodiments are disclosed wherein the optical element can comprise a flat plate for providing spatial offset, a wedged plate for producing spatial and angular offset, a lens for adding optical power, or a faceted thin plate.

Abstract: An optical tape cartridge is disclosed that is suitable for playing by an optical tape player. The tape player provides the cartridge with a voltage supply capable of supplying the optical tape with a relatively high voltage. The tape cartridge includes a sealed cartridge housing and first and second tape reels that are disposed within and freely rotatable in either direction within the housing. The reels act as tape supply and tape take up reels. Also included in the cartridge is an optical tape that has a first surface on an optically recordable side. The tape is wound on and couples the two reels with a tape segment. The tape segment is positioned with the optically recordable side facing outwardly from each of the reels. The tape includes a conductive layer that extends substantially the length of the optical tape. The conductive layer is grounded at least one end. The housing includes a sealed window positioned on a housing surface that is located across a portion of the tape segment.

Abstract: An optical beamsplitter comprises a right angle prism having a hypotenuse and two legs wherein the hypotenuse includes an optically selective coating deposited thereon. An optical element is positioned adjacent the hypotenuse such that the hypotenuse and the optical element form a beamsplitting interface. Various optical elements are utilized to achieve the desired spatial and angular relationships between incoming and outgoing light beams. Several embodiments are disclosed wherein the optical element can comprise a flat plate for providing spatial offset, a wedged plate for producing spatial and angular offset, a lens for adding optical power, or a faceted thin plate.

Abstract: A wicketless pack of thermoplastic bags includes a stack of a number of individual thermoplastic bags. Each of the bags has a bottom edge, upper and lower walls, a pair of side edges, and an open top end. A lip segment is provided adjacent the open end of each individual bag. The lip portion is an extension of the material forming the lower wall of a respective bag and includes at least one locating hole. A perforated tear line is formed between the open end of the bag and the lip portion. The lip segments of the stack are bonded together with ultrasonic vibratory energy to form a welded pad of lips as part of the bag pack. The welded pad is formed by moving at least one shaped ultrasonic horn downward through the stack of consecutive lips while activating the shaped horn with ultrasonic vibratory energy to form a continuous tapered weld through the stack of lip portions.