Abstract: A system and method for measuring a level of optical distortion in a transparent material in accordance with the present invention includes an image capturing device, a section with a pattern of substantially uniform features, and a processing system which operates on software programmed in a memory in the processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for outputting images and any associated audio stored on a photo compact disc includes a compact disc reader and a control device. The compact disc reader is adapted to have at least two heads which are able to read multiple video and audio tracks on the photo compact discs. The reader has a first video and audio output representative of one image and any associated audio stored of the photo compact disc and has a second video and audio output representative of another image and any associated audio stored on the photo compact disc. The control device has display video and audio outputs and an first/second switch. The first/second switch is coupled between the first and second video and audio outputs and the display video and audio outputs.

Abstract: An optical waveguide component, with a pigtail attached thereto, is disclosed in which a portion of a surface of the component is bevelled and a portion of the endface of the pigtail is bevelled. The bevelled portion of the pigtail endface is oriented to be substantially parallel to the bevelled portion of the component surface or is oriented to be open with respect to the component surface. The pigtail endface can be continuously bevelled to form a substantially conical shape on the pigtail endface, wherein the substantially conical shape is offset from the optical axis of the pigtail.

Abstract: A process of electrolytic machining holes of uniform diameter in a conductive workpiece, particularly one having a slotted lower portion. Drilling is accomplished electrochemically by providing a conductive tube, passing an electrolytic fluid through the tube to the workpiece, and passing a DC current between the tube and the workpiece through the electrolyte. The DC current causes material from the workpiece to "deplate" into the electrolyte, resulting in the formation of the hole. Hole diameter is made uniform by maintaining the supplied DC current constant, despite sudden changes in the conductivity of the electrolyte, the workpiece or both.