Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, memory embodying computer-readable code for installing software stored on a second machine to a first machine in a distributed computing network is provided. The first machine includes at least a display, processor, and user controls. The method includes the steps of displaying available, installable source objects of a second machine embodying software that is installable on a first machine, displaying software bundle objects having software items, wherein at least one software item is in common with one of the software items in the selected source object in response to a selection by user controls of at least one source object, and installing on the first machine an intersection of the first software items and the second software items.

Abstract: A removable core for a pre-stretched elastomeric tube includes a serpentine rather than helical arrangement for break lines around the core which permits the core to be withdrawn in one continuous pulling operation rather than the intermittent, rotating operation required in the past.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice organizer including a fiber optic storage tray having a region for receiving a splice insert, and at least one splice insert having a pad and a plurality of flexible arms attached and extending generally perpendicular to the pad, the arms positioned to form a series of parallel grooves for receiving individual fiber optic components, such as splice elements, and the arms being staggered along a given one of the grooves to provide a multi-point load on any component inserted therein. There are preferably at least three arms on each side of a given groove, and each of the arms advantageously has a hook or other latching element formed thereon for retaining the optical component, with hooks on arms along a given side of one of the grooves alternately facing in opposite directions. In one embodiment, the pad is provided with ears to engage respective cutouts in the tray.

Abstract: A holder for annealing a fiber optic coil uses a silica ring on a silica substrate, or silica tubular coil, either of which may be directly incorporated into a coil subassembly for a Faraday-effect current sensor. The ring may be formed in a silica plate by sandblasting or grinding, or formed separately and adhered to the plate. In the tubular holder embodiment, silica tubes and sleeves are used to protect fusion splices between the ends of the fiber coil and polarizing fibers. Use of silica for most of the subassembly components matches the coefficients of thermal expansion of the subassembly to that of the fiber coil, and also allows the coil to be annealed at extremely high temperatures. Annealing yields fiber coils of lowered birefringence, particularly when used with spun fibers. Ferrules are used to adjust the angular orientation of the fibers with respect to their planes of polarization.

Abstract: A low-profile transmissive overhead projector employs a folded optical path and an off-axis Fresnel lens condensing system which includes a catadioptric lens element. This lens provides a fast condensing system which allows collimation, dispersion, or concentration of light striking the lens at a high angle of incidence, with efficient transmission to the far edge of the lens. This also enables additional reduction in the OHP base height by allowing the single mirror to be mounted at a flatter angle, with the light source still maintained at a position below (and adjacent) the stage. A novel catadioptric lens design further imparts achromaticity to the element, so that it may be constructed of any material, regardless of its index of refraction. The condensing system may have a single or doublet catadioptric lens.

Abstract: An article such as a conduit or cable, or a splice closure for a cable, is provided with improved resistance to animal damage by applying a layer of abrasive material to the article. The abrasive material is not only sufficiently hard and thick to act as a physical barrier, but its abrasive nature creates such a harsh, unpleasant grating effect that the animal tends to not attack it at all. The preferred embodiments of the article use either a plurality of granules to form the abrasive material, or a mesh substrate having an abrasive coating thereon. The material should have an effective grit value of no more than 325, and preferably no more than 100. The abrasive material may be applied using an adhesive or, where the conduit/closure is a thermoplastic polymer, various methods are provided for embedding the abrasive material in the polymeric wall.

Abstract: A tool adapted for use in cleaving an optical fiber installed in a ferrule connector, which can also act as an acutation cap for the connector. The tool comprises a body having a cavity for receiving the ferrule of the connector, and a floor at the extreme end of the cavity which contacts the ferrule end face when the ferrule is fully inserted into the cavity, there further being a hole in this floor, positioned to receive a portion of the optical fiber which has been inserted in the ferrule and protrudes from the end face. When the fiber passes through the hole and beyond the floor, it may be scored and subsequently cleaved. The thickness of the floor is controlled to precisely locate the score with respect to the ferrule end face, to present an optimal length of fiber stub for polishing. Scoring the fiber in this manner allows the buffered portion of the fiber to be secured to the strain relief element of the connector, and any clamping element of the connector secured, prior to scoring and cleaving.

Abstract: A modular, multiple-wire connector has a connector body (10) with insulation displacement contacts (18) or twisted plug contacts to allow the modular interconnection of a plurality of wires, particularly pairs of telecommunications wires, and further includes a cover which is releasable from the connector body to expose the terminal portions of a first set of the wires at their connection points, and a wire retention strip (40) which is separably attached to the connector body along an edge thereof. Variations of the connector body (10) and wire retention strip (40) are disclosed, and several similar or different strips may be used on a single connector body. The wire retention strip (40) may have two rows of wire retention posts (44) along both edges thereof, and the connector body (10) may be designed to receive two such strips (40), one on either side thereof.

Abstract: A fiber optic dome closure has a body with a closed end and an open end, a tubular base releasably secured to the open end, a strain relief member attached to the base, having cable ports therein, and several fiber optic storage trays supported in the body. The trays include a transition tray which receives excess fiber slack, and two or more splice trays hingedly attached at a common end to either the transition tray or to another splice tray. The transition and splice trays being generally flat and lying stacked in a storage position. The splice trays can be inclined without kinking the fibers routed around that end, and the hinges have features formed integrally therewith which releasably secure the tray in the inclined, access position. A split tube for routing fiber from the transition tray to either of the splice trays, or between the splice trays, has a releasable seal along a longitudinal seam to allow the fibers to the secured therein quickly, without threading.

Abstract: A fiber optic, Faraday-effect sensing coil has very low linear and circular birefringence, which remains stable over a wide range of temperatures. The coil is fabricated from a spun fiber having an effective linear beat length of 100 meters or more, and is annealed after being formed into the coil. The coil has improved discrimination for magnetic fields associated with electric current-carrying cables, and may be incorporated into an optical current transducer (OCT), either interferometric or polarimetric.

Abstract: A power supply is provided for a presentation system having a light source which allows for overdriving of the light source, but protects against transient surges on the input line when overdriving the light source. The power supply includes an input line connected to the external ac source, two output lines, and a relay selectively connecting the input line to one of the two output lines. The relay is indirectly controlled by a voltage sense circuit which converts the ac source voltage to a dc output voltage. The dc output voltage is examined to determine whether the input line is in a low- or high-voltage state, the high-voltage state corresponding to a surge on the line.

Abstract: A sonde for tracing an underground conduit has a separable casing which receives a removable inner shell, the transmitter electronics being located in the shell. The electronics may be permanently potted in the inner shell or removable therefrom. The interchangeability of the transmitter facilitates the use of different types of transmission signals without requiring the more expensive casing for each such transmitter. The shell also advantageously supports the battery, and further is free to rotate within the housing such that, as the cap is screwed onto the housing, the shell and battery are free to rotate, precluding damage to the battery leads which may be caused by twisting of the leads.

Abstract: The invention provides a connector for connecting a branch conductor to an insulated double core cable without cutting the cable or stripping the insulation from the cable. The connector includes a connecting element adapted to pierce the cable insulation to contact the conducting core and a insulative wedge adjacent the connecting element which pierces the cable insulation to maintain the conductive cores of the cable apart from one another.

Abstract: An instrument for detecting optical signals in optical fibers of various diameters includes a piston adapted to urge a portion of an optical fiber against a light detector, the piston being movable between open and closed positions, and having at least two piston surfaces, one defining a first precision bend geometry adapted to urge a fiber of a first diameter against the detector, and another defining a second precision bend geometry adapted to urge a fiber of a second diameter against the detector. The piston is biased toward the detector by a spring mechanism which also applies a predetermined amount of pressure against the fiber. The piston includes a mandrel having the two piston surfaces, the mandrel further having a shaft such that it may be rotated about the shaft to present either one of the piston surfaces to the detector. Indicia may be provided on the mandrel shaft, or the body, to visually indicate which piston surfaces has been selected.

Abstract: A circuit tracer for determinating the location of a conductor, such as a wire, which is either an open or closed circuit, and which may lie underground. The tracer includes a transmitter which is connected to the conductor, a hand-held probe, and a receiver which is connected to the probe. The probe has three different sensors: an electric field sensor, primarily for locating the terminus of an open-ended conductor or for distinguishing such a wire in a bundled cable of wires; a differential electric field sensor, for determining the direction to and location of an open-ended conductor located above ground; and an inductive sensor for determining the direction to and location of a current-carrying conductor, including an open-ended conductor lying below ground. A switch selectively provides the output from one of the sensors to the receiver unit, which determines the magnitude of any signal based upon the direction the probe is pointing.

Abstract: A condenser lens for a projection system optimizes the amount of overall brightness directed toward an aperture and the uniformity of illumination at the aperture. The lens, when placed in the projection system, has a marginal ray which starts at the center of the light source, passes through the edge of the condenser lens, and intersects the region to be illuminated at or near its edge. The lens further has a relative zonal ray height which is selected based on the distance from the light source to the aperture. The condensing lens system is particularly useful in the construction of overhead projectors.