Abstract: A single-piece multi-fiber ferrule interconnect assembly including a ferrule body having a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame includes a front face and a back face; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame, wherein inside edges of the well are curved and wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule bod

Abstract: An optical interposer for optically coupling light between an OED supported on a substrate and an optical fiber, the interposer comprising: (a) an interposer of an optically-clear moldable material comprising at least the following features: (b) a port for receiving a ferrule containing at least one optical fiber, the port comprising an interface surface positioned to optically couple with an end face of the optical fiber; (c) an active lens adapted to optically couple with an OED, the active lens and the interface surface optically coupled along an optical path in the interposer; (d) a protrusion extending backward from the port, the protrusion defining a first register surface, the first register surface being a certain distance from the optical path such that, when a second register surface of a ferrule containing the optical fiber contacts the first register surface, the ferrule is aligned with the port such that the port can receive a front portion of the ferrule if the ferrule is pushed forward.

Abstract: A single-piece multi-fiber ferrule interconnect assembly including a ferrule body having a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame includes a front face and a back face; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame, wherein inside edges of the well are curved and wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule bod

Abstract: A body is configured for alignment to a substrate having an alignment feature. The body includes an alignment structure defining a viewing surface, and a dedicated lens adapted to focus an image of the substrate's alignment feature through an optically-clear material of the body and onto the viewing surface. In the fiber optic context, a lens body is provided for optically coupling a substrate's OED to a corresponding optical fiber. The lens body further includes at least one active lens adapted to cooperate optically with a respective OED. The dedicated lens is positioned externally to any optical path. An optical subassembly includes a substrate having at least one perceptible alignment feature provided in a predetermined spatial relationship to the OED, and a lens body secured to the substrate such that the image of the substrate's alignment feature appears aligned relative to the viewing surface.

Abstract: A core pin assembly is provided that includes a core pin insert comprising a core pin body and at least one pin member, and a core pin support defining a passageway for receiving the core pin member. The core pin support, when assembled to the core pin insert, retains the core pin members in desired positions and resists unintended flexing of the core pin members during the molding process. When used to create a lens body, the presence of the core pin support in the mold during the molding process causes formation of a void, or “window,” in the molded lens body. The window of the lens body may be used to advantage in fixing optical fibers to the lens body by applying epoxy within the window directly to the fiber's glass core/cladding, and in close physical proximity to the fibers distal end within the lens body's passageway.

Abstract: A body is configured for alignment to a substrate having an alignment feature. The body includes an alignment structure defining a viewing surface, and a dedicated lens adapted to focus an image of the substrate's alignment feature through an optically-clear material of the body and onto the viewing surface. In the fiber optic context, a lens body is provided for optically coupling a substrate's OED to a corresponding optical fiber. The lens body further includes at least one active lens adapted to cooperate optically with a respective OED. The dedicated lens is positioned externally to any optical path. An optical subassembly includes a substrate having at least one perceptible alignment feature provided in a predetermined spatial relationship to the OED, and a lens body secured to the substrate such that the image of the substrate's alignment feature appears aligned relative to the viewing surface.

Abstract: An optical interposer for optically coupling light between an OED supported on a substrate and an optical fiber, the interposer comprising: (a) an interposer of an optically-clear moldable material comprising at least the following features: (b) a port for receiving a ferrule containing at least one optical fiber, the port comprising an interface surface positioned to optically couple with an end face of the optical fiber; (c) an active lens adapted to optically couple with an OED, the active lens and the interface surface optically coupled along an optical path in the interposer; (d) a protrusion extending backward from the port, the protrusion defining a first register surface, the first register surface being a certain distance from the optical path such that, when a second register surface of a ferrule containing the optical fiber contacts the first register surface, the ferrule is aligned with the port such that the port can receive a front portion of the ferrule if the ferrule is pushed forward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an orthodontic retainer system wherein pairs of magnets are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth. The retainer system may include a carrier portion having a recess which contains an adhesive material. The magnets may be embedded in the adhesive material. Once positioned on adjacent teeth, the adhesive material is cured and the carrier is removed to reveal an envelope or shaped profile of the adhesive material. The shaped profile of the adhesive material obviates the need to post-form adhesive material around the magnets after attaching the magnets to the adjacent teeth. Furthermore, the shaped profile may include a smooth surface. The adhesive material may also be aesthetically colored to match the coloring of the adjacent teeth. The carrier may be formed of a water soluble material or may be a flexible material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an orthodontic appliance is provided wherein pairs of mutually attracted members are applied to adjacent teeth in a mouth. The pairs of mutually attracted members are delivered via a thin strip of material and applied to adjacent teeth. The mutually attracted members facilitate retaining the adjacent teeth in a fixed, nonremovable relative position by the attractive force of the mutually attracted members. The orthodontic appliance allows the flossing of teeth unencumbered by wires or other orthodontic appliances.

Abstract: An electrical connector for terminating flat cable comprises a housing which holds a plurality of contacts, and a cover which is attachable to the housing. The cover is relatively movable on the housing from an initial position wherein the flat cable can be inserted between the cover and the housing, to a final position wherein the flat cable becomes terminated to the connector. The cover has latch arms receivable in wells in the housing, and the housing has protuberances which extend into the wells from side walls thereof. The protuberances serve as stops which are abutted by the latch arms when the cover is in the initial position, thereby temporarily preventing movement of the cover beyond the initial position.