Abstract: A lenticular lens array for creating a visual effect for an image viewed through the lenticular lens array comprises a plurality of lenticules disposed adjacent to each other. Each lenticule comprises a lenticular lens element on one side and a substantially flat surface on an opposite side. Each lenticular lens element has a vertex and a cross section comprising a portion of an elliptical shape. Alternatively, the cross section can comprise an approximated portion of an elliptical shape. The elliptical shape comprises a major axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface of each respective lenticular lens element. The vertex of each respective lenticular lens element lies substantially along the major axis of the elliptical shape.

Abstract: Producing a tool for creating a mandrel for forming elliptically-shaped lens elements of a lenticular lens array comprises the steps of providing a base member having a radius b corresponding to a minor axis of an elliptical shape, the elliptical shape corresponding to a desired elliptical shape for each lens element of the lenticular lens array, and cutting the base member along a plane that forms an angle k with the minor axis of the desired elliptical shape. The elliptical shape comprises a major axis perpendicular to the minor axis, a vertex of the desired elliptical shape lies at a point a along the major axis, and the angle k is given by the formula cosine(k)=b/a.

Abstract: A lenticular lens array for creating a visual effect for an image viewed through the lenticular lens array comprises a plurality of lenticules disposed adjacent to each other. Each lenticule comprises a lenticular lens element on one side and a substantially flat surface on an opposite side. Each lenticular lens element has a vertex and a cross section comprising a portion of an elliptical shape. Alternatively, the cross section can comprise an approximated portion of an elliptical shape. The elliptical shape comprises a major axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface of each respective lenticular lens element. The vertex of each respective lenticular lens element lies substantially along the major axis of the elliptical shape.

Abstract: A lenticular lens array for creating a visual effect for an image viewed through the lenticular lens array comprises a plurality of lenticules disposed adjacent to each other. Each lenticule comprises a lenticular lens element on one side and a substantially flat surface on an opposite side. Each lenticular lens element has a vertex and a cross section comprising a portion of an elliptical shape. Alternatively, the cross section can comprise an approximated portion of an elliptical shape. The elliptical shape comprises a major axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface of each respective lenticular lens element. The vertex of each respective lenticular lens element lies substantially along the major axis of the elliptical shape.

Abstract: A connector for forming a connection with at least one electrically conductive cable using a mechanical tool having an engagement portion includes a tubular shell having a connector axis and defining a receiving opening and an interior cavity communicating with the receiving opening. The receiving opening is adapted to receive the cable. The interior cavity tapers inwardly along the connector axis toward the receiving opening. A jaw member is disposed in the shell and is adapted to grip the cable when the cable is disposed in the interior cavity and the jaw member is driven along the connector axis toward the receiving opening. The connector is adapted to removably receive at least the engagement portion of the tool such that the tool may be used to forcibly drive the jaw member along the connector axis to grip the cable, the jaw member being configured to retain its grip on the cable upon removal of the engagement portion from the connector.

Abstract: A system of reflectors is used to form a beam-expanding and collimating terminus and coupler for fiber-optic cables. Preferably, the reflector system is of the Cassegrainian or Ritchey-Chretien type. Alignment of optical conductors or “cores” of fiber-optic cables is provided by coupling a magnetic member to one core end and applying a controllable magnetic field from outside of the terminus to move the core into alignment position, and then fixing the core in place by the use of means such as light-curable epoxy resin. Use of this process in termini, couplers and splices is described.

Abstract: Reflections from an air-to-solid interface in a multiple reflector optical device are suppressed by giving the output surface of the device a slightly curved refractive surface so as to deflect the reflections away from the optical axis of the device. The device is shown in use as a transducer input/output device, and as a fiber-optic cable terminus and coupler.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for the management of a business organization's customer-related communications. One system is described that includes a central server computer, at least one originator terminal connected to the central server computer, at least one owner terminal connected to the central server terminal, and a database accessible by the central server computer. The originator terminal receives from an originator a submission containing customer-related information and transmits the submission to the central server computer. The submission includes a designation of a category of the submission, customer information, and an identified business issue. Based upon the submitted information, the system automatically assigns an owner to the submission, stores the submission in the database, and informs the owner of the assignment. The owner then develops a response to the submission and documents the response by using the owner terminal to access and updating the submission.

Abstract: A bi-component link for making a modular papermaking fabric has a link base component capable of interconnecting to at least one other link and a surface plate component attached to the link base forming a paper support surface. Each component is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. The surface plate component is attached to the link base component for combined effect on fabric characteristics. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected bi-component links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of a pattern of open and contact areas on each component of each link.

Abstract: A link for making a modular papermaking fabric by interconnecting with other links is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of open and contact areas on each link.

Abstract: A system of reflectors is used to form a beam-expanding and collimating terminus and coupler for fiber-optic cables. Preferably, the reflector system is of the Cassegrainian or Ritchey-Chretien type. Alignment of optical conductors or “cores” of fiber-optic cables is provided by coupling a magnetic member to one core end and applying a controllable magnetic field from outside of the terminus to move the core into alignment position, and then fixing the core in place by the use of means such as light-curable epoxy resin. Use of this process in termini, couplers and splices is described.

Abstract: A lenticular lens array for creating a visual effect for an image viewed through the lenticular lens array comprises a plurality of lenticules disposed adjacent to each other. Each lenticule comprises a lenticular lens element on one side and a substantially flat surface on an opposite side. Each lenticular lens element has a vertex and a cross section comprising a portion of an elliptical shape. Alternatively, the cross section can comprise an approximated portion of an elliptical shape. The elliptical shape comprises a major axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface of each respective lenticular lens element. The vertex of each respective lenticular lens element lies substantially along the major axis of the elliptical shape.

Abstract: A bi-component link for making a modular papermaking fabric has a link base component capable of interconnecting to at least one other link and a surface plate component attached to the link base forming a paper support surface. Each component is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. The surface plate component is attached to the link base component for combined effect on fabric characteristics. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected bi-component links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of a pattern of open and contact areas on each component of each link.

Abstract: Reflections at an air-to-solid interface in a multiple reflector optical device are suppressed by giving the output surface of the device a slightly curved refractive surface so as to deflect the reflections away from the optical axis of the device. The device is shown in used as a transducer input/output device, and as a fiber-optic cable terminus and coupler.

Abstract: A system of reflectors is used to form beam-expanding and collimating electro-optic transducer devices, including radiation sources and/or detectors. Preferably, the reflector system is of the Cassegrainian or Ritchey-Chretien type. Radiation such as light signals can be conducted to or from the transducers by fiber-optic cables. Alignment of optical conductors or “cores” of the fiber-optic cables or the reflector system with a transducer is provided by coupling a magnetic member to the conductor or reflector system and applying a controllable magnetic field from outside of the device to provide alignment, and then fixing the components in place by the use of means such as light-curable epoxy resin.

Abstract: A link for making a modular papermaking fabric by interconnecting with other links is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of open and contact areas on each link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for plasma modifying a substrate are disclosed along with associated techniques for applying coatings to the substrate. Particular utility has been found using a hollow cathode to generate the plasma along with magnetic focusing means to focus the plasma at the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for plasma modifying a substrate are disclosed along with associated techniques for applying coatings to the substrate. Particular utility has been found using a hollow cathode to generate the plasma along with magnetic focusing means to focus the plasma at the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: A thermal cell has an infrared source element for producing an infrared signal and a spatial decorrelator element which spatially decorrelates the generated infrared signal to increase the fill factor of the thermal cell. The infrared source element includes an infrared generating cell, with a resistive element. The spatial decorrelator element is disposed above and spaced apart from the infrared source element and has an aperture formed therein and through which the infrared signal radiates. The aperture extends substantially orthogonal to the primary surface of the source element and between primary surfaces of the decorrelator element, which are in turn substantially parallel with the source element primary surface. The side walls of the aperture reflect the infrared signal.

Abstract: A seam construction for a papermakers fabric wherein mating seam components are molded onto opposite ends of the fabric. The seam is assembled by matingly engaging the seam components molded onto the respective fabric ends. Preferably, the seam components are male and female and become positively locked when the seam ends are joined together.