Abstract: Thermally stable hot applied plastisol compositions are especially useful in the assembly of metal parts. The compositions have adhesive and sealant qualities which allow them to be used in automotive assembly plants. Compositions of the invention comprise as major ingredients finely divided polyvinyl chloride resin, plasticizer, thermoplastic polymeric resin which is solid at room temperature but softens to a flowable state at application temperature, and an adhesion promotion system. Optionally a filler, wax, heat stabilizer, pigment, wetting agent, or mixtures thereof may be added. The individual components work synergistically to get good application properties, metal adhesion, wash-out resistance, and paintability.

Abstract: An electro-optical converter has at least three optical or electrical ports at least one of which is optical and one of which is electrical. The converter includes an essentially rigid support, a fiber-optic lateral coupler secured to the support including at least two length-wise continuous optical fibers juxtaposed along a portion of their length to provide lateral transfer of optical energy therebetween, and an electro-optical device also secured to the support in close relationship to the coupler. The device has at least one optical port and at least one electrical port. One of the coupler fibers communicates within the converter with the optical port of the electro-optical device, to serve as an internal signal link therebetween. The length of the link between coupler and electro-optical device is of the order of 10 centimeters or less. Protective means associated with the optical fibers, the electro-optical device and the internal link serve to protect the components from outside physical disturbance.

Abstract: An electronic computer disposed in an explosion-proof casing of a hydrocarbon distributor has its operating mode controlled by a portable box external to the distributor which includes apparatus for emitting a coded infrared beam representative of the desired operating mode. Inside the casing of the computer there is provided decoding apparatus for generating information in response to the infrared beam emitted by the external box. The casing is provided with a window allowing the passage of the infrared beam.

Abstract: An optical fiber unit consists of one or more optical fibers configured to provide an optical function, a preformed internal protective body having a preformed space into which the fiber(s) extend with a relatively close fit, the internal protective body being of a material of hardness and coefficient of thermal expansion substantially matched to that of the fiber(s) and the fiber(s) being bonded thereto, an outer protective body surrounding the internal protective body, at least a portion of the outer protective body having a preformed recess shaped to receive and support the rigid internal protective body, a mass of relatively soft uniting material disposed in a manner to secure the internal protective body to the preformed portion of the outer protective body, an injection-molded portion of the outer protective body, of substance less brittle than the internal protective body, effectively surrounding and protecting the internal protective body and the fiber(s) therewithin from the environment in which the

Abstract: A ball universal joint for wave guides comprising a package of plates, each of which having therein a rectangular cross-section hole a quarter-wave length, the plates being compressed on one another by interposing balls separating and restraining the plates and being rotably carried in a rigid framework. Intermediate these plates, a rigid body is positioned and is fast with the framework and provides a curved intermediate step, in which a curved rectangular cross-section hole of average half-wave length is formed. The two end faces of the rigid body lie on planes forming a 90.degree. angle therebetween, so that the axes of the end plates in the plate package form a 90.degree. angle therebetween.