Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided which includes plural tape sources from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially even tension under an indexing demand, and a splicing mechanism which is simpler in design and operation and which reliably causes a changeover of tape from one source to another. Once one source is depleted, the apparatus automatically switches to the second source, after which, a new supply can be substituted for the depleted supply and the apparatus made ready for the next subsequent changeover.

Abstract: A connector for coaxial interconnection of optical fibers includes an elastically deformable housing having regions with differing geometries and elastic properties. The geometries and elastic properties in the housing regions are adapted to retain against a channeled mount optical fiber components with widely varying diameters and a wide range of tolerances.

Abstract: A process for producing an array of solid state radiation detectors includes depositing on a substrate one or more layers of silicon-based materials and then depositing a metal layer overlying silicon-based substance. The metal layer is formed into an array of metal layer regions, and then the metal layer is used as a mask to remove exposed adjacent silicon-based substance layers thereby forming an array of silicon-based substance layers that are aligned with the array of metal layers for forming an array of photosensitive sensing devices. The process of the present invention reduces the number of microlithography steps that are used in forming an array of layered amorphous silicon photosensitive devices.

Abstract: An article capable of repeatedly releasing ice from its surface is provided. Also provided is a composition capable of providing such release. The article and composition employ a polysiloxane having terminal ethylenic unsaturation, a polyhydrosiloxane, a platinum- or other metal-containing hydrosilation catalyst, and optionally, a non-functional polysiloxane free from ethylenic unsaturation. When applied to a surface and crosslinked, the article has a coating having a coating weight of at least 3 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A multicomponent ceramic article which can be a fiber or particle comprises a continuous ceramic matrix phase and at least one in situ-generated discontinuous ceramic or metal phase. Particles can include shapes in the form of beads, flakes, granules, and microspheres.