Abstract: A multi-port tunable fiber-optic etalon filter (MTFET) having two spaced partially reflective mirrors, has three or more ports, with at least two on one side and at least one on the other side of the etalon. A single signal can be filtered with the reflected signal being received, forming a wavelength division multiplexor, or a plurality of signals can be filtered, with or without the reflected signals being received. A series of filters can be arranged in a cascade for sequential filtering a series of wave bands. A signal can be processed in two directions sequentially for a higher filter efficiency. A first signal can be monitored and controlled by a second signal. Various other arrangements can be provided. Integral optical processing functions can be incorporated, for example a blocking filter.

Abstract: A moving fiber optical fiber switch is formed by mounting one or more optical fibers on support surfaces of two spaced support members, one or both of which are laterally movable. After mounting of the fiber or fibers, a transverse fine cut across the fiber or fibers produces a conventional gap, but providing extremely accurate positioning. A pivot member moved by a coil mounted on a lever extension, in conjunction with magnets, moves one or both support members via rods or similar members extending between the pivot member and the support members, one on each side of the pivot axis of the pivot member. Adjustment means coactive with the free end of the lever provides easy and accurate control of the pivoting of the pivot member and of the support members and fibers. A large lever differential obtained by the lever provides for the ease and accuracy of control.

Abstract: A games-net support has a flat ground plate with a central threaded aperture. A threaded rod is screwed into the aperture and extends from the bottom surface of the plate, to a variable length as desired. A hollow tube is positioned on and attached to the top surface of the plate, extending up to support a net. Two spaced supports are used for a net.

Abstract: A swimmer protection and pool safety warning device comprises a portable sonic signal generating member worn by a swimmer in a pool, the signal generating member having a switch or similar device which is activated at a predetermined depth. Also included is a timer for detecting immersion at said predetermined depth for a predetermined time. On immersion occurring at the predetermined depth for the predetermined time, a sonic signal is generated, and detected by a receiver mounted in the pool. An alarm signal is generated to operate an alarm device. Calibration of the source signal generating member can be provided.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor comprises a probe containing closely spaced therein an elongate light emitter and an elongate light collector, the housing of the probe permitting light to issue from the interior from the emitter and to return to the collector. A light transmitting medium fills the probe housing. Means are provided for feeding light to the emitter and from the collector. An indicator can be provided, adapted to provide a level indication obtained form the light fed from the collector.

Abstract: In a differential interference contrast microscope, including a beam splitter and a compensator beam splitter, each of the beam splitters and the compensator comprise at least one non-uniformly deformed plastic birefringent component exhibiting linearly graded optical retardation between the ordinary and the extraordinary transmitted rays in one direction across the aperture and constant retardation in the orthogonal direction. The splitter and compensator may comprise a single unit for a reflected light microscope.

Abstract: A telephone handset with static discharge prevention has a dielectric membrane extending over the metal ferrule of the transmitter, the membrane spaced from the ferrule by an annular dielectric spacer. At the receiver, a metal shunt on the front of the receiver has a central aperture for acoustic access. An annular dielectric membrane is positioned in the aperture and a dielectric membrane extends over the aperture, dielectric member and shunt. The membrane has a small hole within the annular dielectric member. The dielectric membrane at the transmitter increases the breakdown voltage to a value which will avoid static discharge to the user. The dielectric membrane and dielectric spacer at the receiver forms a long and sinuous discharge path which raises the breakdown voltage to a value which also avoids static discharge to a user.

Abstract: A telephone handset for use in noisy locations has a noise cancelling electret transmitter which receives a normal acoustic input at the front end and a background noise acoustic input to the rear end. The input to the rear end is via a grill on the back side of the handset. A dielectric shield is positioned between the grill and the transmitter. A resistor is inserted in series with the transmitter to reduce the sensitivity and produce a lower than normal transmit level. Also, a filter is used to reduce the level of high frequency emphasis.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a circuit board while passing round an automated insertion line has a rectangular frame with support members extending in from the inner periphery. In a particular example, the support members on three sides have support surfaces and lateral locating surfaces. Spring retaining members are provided, one above each support surface. On the fourth side, support members only have support surfaces in the example. At each end of the fourth side, a laterally deflectable cantilever spring member holds down the circuit board along the fourth side. An external flange provides a support for the carrier on a conveyor. The inner periphery is shaped to avoid interference with the solder wave and to avoid causing turbulence.

Abstract: A soldering mask for soldering the leads of leaded components to a circuit pattern on a surface of a circuit board also having surface mounted components already soldered to the circuit pattern on that surface, comprises a flat metal plate having a recess in the top surface of the plate for reception of the circuit board. Cavities in the bottom surface of the recess house the surface mounted components. Openings through the plate from the bottom surface of the recess permit passage of leads and also permit access by the solder to solder the leads to the circuit pattern.

Abstract: Fusion splicing apparatus for fusion splicing pairs of single mode optical fibers has a fusion head having two spaced guiding and locating members mounted on hinge members. One hinge member moves a guiding and locating member up and down, the other hinge member moves the other guiding and locating member forward and back. Actuation of the hinge member is by stepping motors and micrometers. The fibers are held in the guiding and locating members by clamping members, one of which can be pivotted to move a holding member at its upper end laterally. The fiber cores can be aligned axially by actuation of the hinge members and the fiber ends can be separated and pushed together by pivotting the pivot clamping member. Light signal input and detecting modules can be positioned either side of the fusion head. Detected light signals can be used to operate the stepping motor to give automatic alignment. Arc electrodes are provided for giving a preclean arc, a softening arc and a fusion arc.

Abstract: A modular jack for a telephone, particularly for use in a handset, has a minimal height or profile by using a circuit board, on which the jack is mounted, as one of the walls defining the aperture into which a modular plug is inserted. The overall height of the jack is reduced by the thickness of the circuit board. The jack and board assembly has the smallest height dimension possible.