Abstract: A method authenticates at least one of a media and data stored on the media in order to prevent at least one of piracy, unauthorized access and unauthorized copying of the data stored on the media. At least one predetermined error is introduced with the data resulting in mixed data. The mixed data is optionally stored on the media. The at least one predetermined error includes at least one authentication key or component thereof, for authenticating whether the media and/or data is authorized. The method includes the following sequential, non-sequential and/or sequence independent steps: reading the mixed data from the media, detecting the at least one predetermined error from the mixed data, and comparing the at least one predetermined error to the at least one authentication key or component thereof.

Abstract: Fiber optic devices are manufactured in an automated environment using a combination of clamps to secure the optical fibers and movable gripping devices that transport the optical fiber during the fabrication process while maintaining control of the ends of the optical fibers. An optical fiber from a spool is removed by a despooling arm having a gripping device, and moveable grippers thread the optical fiber into a set of clamps and place the end of the optical fiber in a clamp designed to splice the fiber optic end to a lead of a testing device. The fiber optic device is formed by dynamically controlling the heating and pulling process based on detected coupling ratios, and hermetically sealed while secured within the clamps. The sealed fiber optic device is moved for testing or packaging using a transport arm having a series of clamps to maintain the position of the fiber optic device and the ends of the leads of the fiber optic device.