Abstract: A flexible tactile sensor, comprising a flexible distributed array of force sensors that generate electric signals in response to an applied load, a flexible, electrically-insulating matrix having outer faces, one face against the array of force sensors, and a plurality of spaced electrically conductive pathways through the matrix between its faces, with insulating matrix material between the pathways, to carry the electric signals generated by the force sensors to the other face of the matrix.

Abstract: An electrical connector for separably, electrically interconnecting an electrical device to a main circuit board using anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) as part of the interconnect, the electrical connector comprising an adapter board coupled to the main board on one side, the other side of the adapter board defining connecting lands; a layer of ACE on the other side of the adapter board, the other side of the ACE in contact with the device; and a mechanical compression structure coupled to the adapter board, and that provides a compressive load on the device, the ACE and the adapter board, to accomplish a separable electrical connection between the device and the main board, through the ACE and the adapter board.

Abstract: An interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising a connector frame and an elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) integrally coupled to the connector frame, the ECPI defining a series of spaced conductive columns through its thickness. Also described is a method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN); enabling the ATMs to read access cards and accept PINs; in response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, displaying at the ATM information relating to the vote to be cast; allowing the user to cast votes using one or more ATM functions; identifying a particular ATM function as an indication of finalization of the vote; and in response, automatically tallying the finalized vote.

Abstract: A massive parallel (MP) connector is provided which includes a fiber optic connector having a polymer female having multiple fibers mounted in V-grooves of the ferrule and beveled edges of the ferrule providing for alignment of the ferrule when the MP fiber optic connector is mated to a receptacle having an alignment assembly and an alignment member mounted within the alignment assembly to provide for precision alignment. A receptacle assembly is provided having a first receptacle half for receiving a fiber optic connector having a first form factor and a second receptacle half for receiving a fiber optic connector having a second form factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides in improved Transmitting Optical Subassembly (TOSA) for coupling an optical output signal from an optical transmitter to an optical fiber sheathed within a fiber optic connector ferrule. The TOSA includes a housing formed of precision molded plastic or machined metal. A first end of the housing includes an optics cavity configured to receive an optical element for emitting an optical signal. A second end of the housing is configured as a long bore configured to receive an optical fiber connector ferrule. The housing further defines a lens cavity for retaining a focusing element between the optics cavity and the ferrule receiving bore. Finally, the housing also includes an attenuator receiving aperture between the optics cavity and the ferrule receiving bore. The plug receiving aperture is configured to removably receive an attenuation plug whereby the optical output of the optical element passes through the attenuator plug and is attenuated.

Abstract: A massive parallel (MP) connector is provided which includes a fiber optic connector having a polymer ferrule having multiple fibers mounted in V-grooves of the ferrule and beveled edges of the ferrule providing for alignment of the ferrule when the MP fiber optic connector is mated to a receptacle having an alignment assembly and an alignment member mounted within the alignment assembly to provide for precision alignment. A receptacle assembly is provided having a first receptacle half for receiving a fiber optic connector having a first form factor and a second receptacle half for receiving a fiber optic connector having a second form factor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic coupling is provided having an optoelectronic device such as a VCSEL attached to and aligned with a flexible substrate mounted to the end face of an optical waveguide between the optoelectronic device and the optical waveguide. The flexible substrate may provide the function of carrying components for controlling the optoelectronic device and may easily be oriented within the housing of an optoelectronic receptacle. A method of aligning the optoelectronic device with the optical fibers of the optical waveguide is provided via use of automatic alignment machinery.

Abstract: A massive parallel (MP) connector is provided which includes a fiber optic connector having a polymer ferrule having multiple fibers mounted in V-grooves of the ferrule and beveled edges of the ferrule providing for alignment of the ferrule when the MP fiber optic connector is mated to a receptacle having an alignment assembly and an alignment member mounted within the alignment assembly to provide for precision alignment. A receptacle assembly is provided having a first receptacle half for receiving a fiber optic connector having a first form factor and a second receptacle half for receiving a fiber optic connector having a second form factor.

Abstract: A massive parallel (MP) connector is provided which includes a fiber optic connector having a polymer ferrule having multiple fibers mounted in V-grooves of the ferrule and beveled edges of the ferrule providing for alignment of the ferrule when the MP fiber optic connector is mated to a receptacle having an alignment assembly and an alignment member mounted within the alignment assembly to provide for precision alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the optical interconnection of circuit packs and components mounted on circuit packs, and a method of manufacture. Optical fibers are bonded to a flexible substrate. The substrate includes tabs that can be terminated by standard V-groove silicon chip connectors for optical connection to the edges of circuit packs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector which permits optical connections between a circuit pack and backplane. The optical components are mounted on a major surface of a circuit pack near the edge. Optical fibers are mounted within a housing which is secured to the backplane. The use of springs within the housing gives sufficient tolerances so that the fibers are aligned with the components when the circuit pack is inserted within a shelf.

Abstract: Described is a method for assembling multi-fiber array connectors. V-grooved silicon chips are placed in a holder which allows the chips to "float" with respect to each other and adjust to varying fiber diameters. Once the fibers are inserted, the chips are clamped and cemented together with the fibers fixed in the grooves.

Abstract: A high frequency modular connector (1) for use with a circuit board (2) to interconnect the circuit board with a backplane (3) of equipment mounting apparatus. The connector apparatus comprises connector modules (10, 12) each having a row and column configuration of first contacts (1014) for engaging the backplane with each first contact connected by a shielded conductor path (1010) with a corresponding second contact (1013) for engaging the circuit board. A conducting member (13) surrounds the first contacts and engages a spring conducting member (11) positioned between and electrically engaging the connector modules. The spring conducting member is biased in engagement with grounding apparatus of the backplane to provide a common ground for shielding the connector apparatus.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for determining the wear of a drill bit in real time. At a predetermined point prior to engagement of the drill bit with the workpiece, a first rotational speed of the drill bit is ascertained. Upon exit of the drill bit from the workpiece a second rotational speed is determined. Measurement of these two rotational speeds enables a determination to be made of the loss of energy resulting from the drilling operation. This loss in energy is used to produce a measure of drill bit wear.