Abstract: Interconnect systems for coupling a first system operating in a first type of environment (e.g., a cryogenic environment) to a second system operating in a second type of environment (e.g., a non-cryogenic environment) are provided. An interconnect system includes a first connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the first system operating in the first type of environment. The interconnect system further includes a second connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the second system operating in the second type of environment. The interconnect system may include an optical window configured to couple optical signals between the optical fibers, and the optical window is configured to maintain a vacuum seal between the first type of environment and the second type of environment such that the first type of environment is substantially thermally isolated from the second type of environment.

Abstract: Interconnect systems for coupling a first system operating in a first type of environment (e.g., a cryogenic environment) to a second system operating in a second type of environment (e.g., a non-cryogenic environment) are provided. An interconnect system includes a first connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the first system operating in the first type of environment. The interconnect system further includes a second connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the second system operating in the second type of environment. The interconnect system may include an optical window configured to couple optical signals between the optical fibers, and the optical window is configured to maintain a vacuum seal between the first type of environment and the second type of environment such that the first type of environment is substantially thermally isolated from the second type of environment.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system including a relatively small, microprocessor-controlled machine that assists in the accurate execution of a physician-prescribed medication regimen is disclosed. The correct dose of each medication that is to be dispensed at a particular time is stored in an individual packet defined in a flexible tape. The machine dispenses each packet of medication in the correct dose at the prescribed time by analysis of the information regarding the medications to be dispensed and other patient information which is printed in text and in barcode on the packets of the flexible tape. The machine can be used as a stand-alone unit, or can be integrated into a centrally-controlled pharmaceutical network.