Abstract: A magneto-resistive read/write tape head is provided for reading and writing to tape media along a tape head face. The tape head comprises a plurality of modules, each module comprising a read element and a write element spaced apart and terminating at the tape head face and formed over a substrate. The read element comprises a soft film bias layer and a hard film bias layer butted against the SFB layer. The write element comprises two pole tips spaced apart by a gap. The tape head further includes a plurality of activating conducting coil turns operatively associated with the write element and covered by a cross-linked photoresist and positioned between the gap and one of the pole tips and set back from the tape head face.

Abstract: A method is provided for fusion-splicing with a laser beam two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a lens) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than a surface of the other optical component (e.g., an optical fiber).

Abstract: A 1.times.N fiber optic switch (12) is used to interface a service unit (14) which includes a single fiber optic connection (16) with a serviced unit (20) that includes multiple fiber optic connections (22). The switch (12) includes a first ferrule (24) for receiving at least one optical line on a first side of the switch (12) and a second ferrule (26) for receiving N optical lines on a second side of the switch (12). The switch (12) further includes a closed loop, servo alignment control system (30) for selectively aligning fiber ends at the switch interface. The first ferrule (24) and second ferrule (26) are preferably arranged in nearly contact in relationship and an index matching fluid or gel may be provided at the interface. Also disclosed are certain compact packing arrangements for the switch fibers, and various offset fiber arrangements for enhanced alignment control.

Abstract: Gradient refractive index elements are fabricated from the melt, using two or more molten glass compositions, to prevent bubble formation in the elements. The individual glass compositions are melted in separate containers, and then added as appropriate to a single crucible. The more dense glasses settle to the bottom of the crucible, while the less dense glasses float on top of the melt layer. As a consequence of using molten glass, no bubbles appear. Batching of the process can be done by the level of the free melt surface, which means that one can control the batched volume of the melted glass by controlling the level of the free melt surface in the crucible.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for depositing a polymeric element having a gradient in index of refraction that traverses the element from one surface to an opposite surface (axially graded refractive index). Two (or more) monomers are mixed in varying proportions and spray-deposited onto a substrate to form a layer. Each layer is then exposed to light to form a polymeric layer, and another layer deposited. Where the light is UV radiation and a light-sensitive catalyst that is also sensitive to the ambient atmosphere is used, then an inert gas dispenser, which provides an inert gas over the monomer layer, may be employed in conjunction with the UV radiation. Several layers are thus spray-deposited and exposed to light, each layer comprising a different mix of the two monomers, thereby providing each layer with a different index of refraction.

Abstract: Contaminants are detected optically at concentrations below 100 part-per-million (ppm) and extending to a level approaching 1 part-per-trillion (ppt) by using intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) techniques. An optically-pumped solid-state laser (the ILS laser) is employed as a detector. The ILS laser comprises an ion-doped crystal medium contained in a linear laser cavity. A gas sample containing gaseous contaminant species is placed inside the laser cavity and on one side of the ion-doped crystal. The output signal from the ILS laser is detected and analyzed to identify the gaseous species (via its spectral signature). The concentration of the gaseous species can be determined from the spectral signature as well. One preferred embodiment of the present invention employs a linear cavity formed between two mirrors separated from the ion-doped crystal laser medium, wherein both ends of the ion-doped crystal are cut at Brewster's angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a specific concentration of gaseous species within a calibrated range in a gas sample is disclosed. The ILS gas detection system of the present invention simply comprises an ILS laser, a wavelength-selective optical element, and an optical detector. However, the potential or operational wavelength bandwidth of the ILS laser is preferably entirely included within one of the absorption bands or regions assigned to the intracavity gaseous species being monitored. Thus, within the calibrated range, the presence of the gaseous species changes the output laser wavelength or output intensity at a specific wavelength of the ILS laser. Consequently, only the wavelength of the output or the output intensity at the specific wavelength of the ILS laser need be monitored in order to quantitatively determine the concentration of the absorbing gaseous species within a calibrated range when using the ILS method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical device having a profile of refractive indices along its optical axis. A desired volume of each of a plurality of types of optical material are dispensed into a mold of known plan area in the form of a frit or a melt and the mold is heated to cause the materials to melt and fuse together to define a contiguous body of optical material having a desired profile. As the optical materials melt, the different types of material separate out so that they are arranged with the most dense material closest to the bottom of the mold and the least dense material closest to the top of the mold. To enhance this effect, the optical materials are layered in the mold in decreasing order of density of the materials from the bottom to the top so that the layers of optical material with the greater densities are closer to the bottom of the mold than the layers of materials with lesser densities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a specific concentration of gaseous species within a calibrated range in a gas sample are disclosed. The ILS gas detection system of the present invention simply comprises an ILS laser and an optical detector. However, the potential or operational wavelength bandwidth of the ILS laser is preferably entirely included within one of the absorption bands or regions assigned to the intracavity gaseous species being monitored. Thus, within the calibrated range, the presence of the gaseous species changes the output laser intensity of the ILS laser. Consequently, only the intensity of the output of the ILS laser need be monitored in order to quantitatively determine the concentration of the absorbing gaseous species when using the ILS method of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for producing fluidic jet perturbations for controlling a fluid stream and mix of fluids. The invention is especially applicable to aerodynamic bodies for delaying separation and increasing the maximum angle of attack. The teachings of the invention can easily be converted to produce mechanic or mechanical fluidic effects. The apparatus provides simultaneous perturbations applicable for successive perturbations in the longitudinal direction as well as for segmented requirements. However, the invention may be advantageously used in other applications, such as increasing the angle of divergence in diffusers, controlling and increasing the mixing rate of fluids in the mixing process without adding any mass, and vectoring fluid streams. It can also be applied, among others uses, for a windshield defogger or a vortex generator.

Abstract: A reference voltage circuit is disclosed that is independent of the voltage supply as well as substantially insensitive to process and temperature variations. The reference voltage circuit includes an intrinsic transistor circuit which includes a plurality of intrinsic transistors of equal size. The intrinsic transistor circuit is coupled to a current mirror circuit, and a plurality of threshold transistors. In so doing, a reference voltage circuit is provided that is substantially independent of process and temperature variations. In addition, by grounding the source connections of the plurality of threshold transistors, the reference voltage circuit output voltage also is substantially independent of supply voltage variations.

Abstract: A high voltage connection assembly for connecting a high voltage source to a high voltage device and inhibiting ionic conduction between a first and second points. The inventive system includes a first mechanism for providing a voltage potential between the first and second points and a second mechanism for providing discrete segments of insulation against the ionic conduction between the first and second points. In a particular embodiment, the high voltage connection assembly of the invention uses a plurality of equally spaced square grooves on the insulation of a high voltage cable to receive a plurality of O-rings. These O-rings, located between a cable well housing the insulated high voltage cable and the insulated high voltage cable, provide discrete segments of insulation between a first point and a second point thereby inhibiting the occurrence of high voltage arcing and leakage.

Abstract: The belt includes a yieldable flat foam core tapering inwardly from narrow attachment ends outwardly to a wider portion which is positioned adjacent a wearer's back. The foam core serves to provide a measure of back support for the wearer while preventing abrasion of the wearer's hip bones due to the weight of objects suspended from the belt. The narrower portions of the belt which are positioned adjacent the wearer's abdomen provide additional comfort by preventing restriction of movement due to the belt in bending situations. The foam core is covered entirely with a fitted fabric cover for appearance and durability of the foam core. In addition, the fabric cover is trimmed with an abrasion resistant material such as nylon to prevent wear of the fabric cover. The fabric-covered foam core is secured to a strip of webbing material, typically by longitudinal and transverse stitching. The utility belt includes an infinitely adjustable attachment means affixed to the webbing material.

Abstract: An optical coupler is provided that comprises a single lens component, comprising two axially-graded index of refraction elements, each having a low refractive index surface and a high refractive index surface and joined along their respective high refractive index surfaces. As configured, the optical coupler is useful as a solar concentrator for concentrating solar radiation onto a solar cell or other solar-receptive medium.

Abstract: In the field of golf equipment, a new shaft design incorporates passive damping to suppress the vibrations excited in the shaft before and after impact. The design comprises a viscoelastic material sandwiched between multiple layers of composite plies which induce large shear strains in the viscoelastic when the shaft is subjected to bending, extension, or twist, thus increasing damping losses over conventional golf shafts. In one embodiment, the sandwiching layers are of opposing orientation. In another embodiment, the layers are oriented in an opposing V-shape laminate.

Abstract: Accordingly, a method is provided for concentrating precursors to vertebrate connective tissue in foodstuffs to be ingested by humans and pets as part of their daily sustenance. The present method comprises the following steps: (a) providing raw vertebrate connective tissue; (b) disintegrating the raw vertebrate connective tissue into an aggregation of particles having a substantially homogenous particle size, preferably via an emulsification process, thereby forming liquefied connective tissue; and (c) thermally processing the liquefied connective tissue, resulting in a readily-edible foodstuff rich in chondroitin sulfates, glucosamine, and other connective tissue building blocks.

Abstract: Contaminants are detected optically at concentrations below 100 part-per-million (ppm) and extending to a level approaching 1 part-per-trillion (ppt) by using intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS) techniques. A diode laser-pumped solid-state laser (the ILS laser) is employed as a detector. The ILS laser comprises an ion-doped crystal medium contained in a laser cavity optically pumped by a diode laser pump laser. A gas sample containing gaseous contaminant species is placed inside the laser cavity and on one side of the ion-doped crystal. The output signal from the ILS laser is detected and analyzed to identify the gaseous species (via its spectral signature). The concentration of the gaseous species can be determined from the spectral signature as well.

Abstract: A method is provided of manufacturing an optical element having an optical axis, and including a plurality of definable adjacent zones of optical material, each zone having a definable refractive index different from the refractive index of an adjacent zone and an Abbe number, the zones of optical materials being arranged parallel to each other to define a profile of refractive indices which is symmetric about a plane of symmetry along the optical axis of the element and parallel to the zones.

Abstract: Metal-polymer nanolaminate products are fabricated from a bulk nanolaminate material composed of thousands of alternating metal and polymer layers. The nanolaminate material is produced by a prior art ultra high speed vacuum nanotechnology process that forms metal layers separated by radiation cross linked multifunctional acrylate polymer materials. The polymer to metal ratio in the nanolaminate composite can be successfully controlled. The polymer chemistry in the nanolaminate can be varied to incorporate a broad range of functional groups. The nanolaminate products are safe to handle and are environmentally and chemically stable at least up to 250.degree. C. A change in polymer chemistry can be used to lower or enhance the thermal degradation point of the polymer material.