Abstract: A reel for storing optical fiber is disclosed that significantly reduces the torsional force applied to optical fiber as the fiber is being wound onto the reel for storage. The optical fiber reel comprises two spindles that are offset with respect to the rotational center of the reel. Such an arrangement causes the fiber to be wound onto the reel in a substantially linear fashion, thus preventing the torsional force and resulting twisting that cause micro-cracks to develop. The spindles are of a sufficiently large diameter to facilitate operational use of the fiber while stored on the spindle without increasing the attenuation of signals that could result from the use of a smaller diameter spindle.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring optical transmissions between an optical transmitter and an optical receiver are described. A transmitter monitor is coupled to an optical transmitter and detects light, such as reflected light, conducted into the transmitter by an optical cable conveying light between the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter monitor produces a signal providing information about the light conducted into the transmitter and adjustments are made to the transmitter operation based on the signal. A receiver monitor coupled to an optical receiver detects light conducted into the receiver by the optical cable. The receiver monitor produces a receiver monitor signal providing information about the light and adjustments are made to the receiver operation based on the signal. In addition, an optical signal is sent to the transmitter based on the receiver monitor signal, and the optical signal is used by the transmitter monitor to direct adjustments to the transmitter operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for suppressing interference in a radio frequency (RF) communication system using active shielding techniques. An opposing neutralizing signal is applied to actively neutralize stray signals in a microwave communication environment. An interfering or stray signal is detected using a sensing antenna, and the opposing neutralizing signal is generated in response thereto. The opposing neutralizing signal is applied to a signal neutralizing shield to shield any desired components or devices. The opposing neutralizing signal is approximately 180 degrees out of phase, and of equal magnitude to the detected interfering signal. A phase shifter/null feedback device receives the detected stray signal, if any, and adaptively adjusts the phase and magnitude of the opposing neutralizing signal. In one embodiment, the phase shifter/null feedback device includes an integrator that generates a DC value that is proportional to the energy of the interfering signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that prevents a damaging movement—in any plane—between fiber ends within a connector assembly, where a damaging movement is a movement of the fiber ends with the connector assembly which may give rise to a damaging thermal event while an optical power source is generating a high-optical-power-density signal that is propagated through the fibers. A prevention mechanism is integral to the connector precludes damaging movement. The prevention mechanism includes a) a locking mechanism that precludes any damaging movement while engaged and b) an indication generator that upon being engaged or disengaged generates an indication that can be used to control the on/off state of the optical power source.

Abstract: A patch antenna's resonators are supported by a non-conductive frame. The frame supports the resonators without making holes in the resonators and thereby avoids the problem of creating unwanted electric field polarizations. Additionally, the frame grasps the resonators in areas of low current density and thereby avoids creating additional disturbances in the radiation pattern. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a perimeter lip that snaps over the edges of the feedboard and thereby attaches the frame to the feedboard.

Abstract: An inexpensive, easy to assemble patch antenna is disclosed where unwanted polarizations in the transmitted RF energy are minimized. A feedboard, spacer and resonator are held in a compressed relationship by two halves of the antenna housing. The spacer is a thermo-formed sheet with semi-spherical spacers. The spacers have a height that provides the desired spacing between the feedboard and the resonator.

Abstract: An opto-electric apparatus includes a circuit board, an opto-electric converter module with a plurality of electrical leads, a holder rigidly holding the opto-electric converter module, and a connection structure. The holder is rigidly fixed to the circuit board, and the connection structure is rigidly connected to the holder. The leads of the module protrude into holes in the structure. The structure electrically connects the circuit board to the leads.

Abstract: A cap for protecting an electrical terminal from corrosion having a base which is insertable upon the terminal, a tapered section designed to guide and surround a mate to the terminal as it is being connected, and a removable top which protects the terminal before connection. The tapered section deforms during the connection operation to surround the mating terminal and seal the connection from corroding species.

Abstract: Hermetically sealed electrical leads emanating from the neck portion of a conductive housing extend through a sleeve member that includes conductive and non-conductive parts. The sleeve member is dimensioned to firmly engage the neck portion of the housing. When so engaged, the electrical leads extend through longitudinal openings in the non-conductive part. In that way, a substantial extent of the leads is shielded. Moreover, the extent to which the leads can be laterally moved with respect to their hermetic seals is thereby significantly restricted.

Abstract: The present invention in some embodiments provides for an apparatus comprised of a conductive strap and a lotion dispensing device connected to the conductive strap. The lotion dispensing device is comprised of a lotion storage device such as a reservoir, a permeable membrane, or a sponge. Preferably a person would put on the conductive strap and the lotion dispensing device in order to eliminate or reduce the transmission of static discharge to electronic circuitry and to minimize static discharge events that could interrupt the operation of electronic systems. The conductive strap includes a plurality of holes and the plurality of holes. The permeable membrane may be of a material, which dispenses lotion from the permeable membrane at a rate which is increased with heat. The size of holes in the conductive strap may increase in response to greater heat levels. The lotion dispensing device may be comprised of a reservoir filled with lotion.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for protecting articles from electrostatic discharge (ESD) in which a coating is applied directly onto the article in liquid form and the resulting coating provides a surface resistivity that protects the underlying article from ESD. The composition contains a carrier material, carbon black, and a transition metal. The composition forms a coating on an article when applied as a liquid and dried thereon. The ratio of carrier solids to carbon black is about 100 parts by weight polymer to about 0.5 to about 3 parts by weight carbon black. The ratio of carrier solids to transition metal is about 100 parts by weight about 6 to about 15 parts by weight transition metal.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for protecting articles from electrostatic discharge (ESD) in which a coating is applied directly onto the article in liquid form and the resulting coating provides a surface resistivity that protects the underlying article from ESD. The composition contains a carrier material, carbon black, and a transition metal. The composition forms a coating on an article when applied as a liquid and dried thereon. The ratio of carrier solids to carbon black is about 100 parts by weight polymer to about 0.5 to about 3 parts by weight carbon black. The ratio of carrier solids to transition metal is about 100 parts by weight about 6 to about 15 parts by weight transition metal.

Abstract: A static dissipative shoe which is provided utilizes a polymer material embedded therein, so that the handling, shipping and storage of integrated circuits are protected from electrostatic discharge. A conductive plug in communication with the outsole and static interceptor fabricated from a non volatile material having a conductivity of less that about 10.sup.5 ohms and which is located in the toe region of the outsole, provides a conductive path to the static interceptor layer. The footwear includes a toe and heel region, a conductive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the conductive layer arranged proximate the upper surface of the outsole and upper surface of the conductive plugs for providing a continuous path from the outside of the footwear to the static interceptor means.