Abstract: A biconic optical fiber connector (20) comprising two plugs (24--24) each having truncated conically shaped end portions (30--30) for terminating optical fibers to be connected and a sleeve (66) in which the plug eng portions are received is provided with an attenuator (70) which results in low reflected power. The attenuator comprises a plate-like element which is disposed between the plug end portions. Advantageously, the plugs are seated in the sleeve and the thickness and mounting of the attenuator cooperate to cause the plug ends to engage the attenuator when the plugs are seated in the sleeve cavities. Also, the attenuator is supported within the sleeve so that it is capable of slight movement in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (91) of the sleeve to self-adjust, if necessary, as the plug end portions are inserted and become seated in the sleeve.

Abstract: A bonded optical fiber array (20) includes a parallel coplanar array of longitudinally extending contacting optical fibers (22--22). Each optical fiber is enclosed in inner and outer layers of coating materials and is provided with a color identifier. The inner layer is comprised of a UV curable bonding material having a modulus in the range of about 1 M Pa. For mechanical protection, the outer layer is a UV curable bonding material having a modulus in the range of about 1 GPa. When the optical fibers are disposed in the parallel array, interstices are created between the fibers and between the fibers and an envelope which is spaced no further than about 25 .mu.m at its closest point to each fiber. A UV curable matrix bonding material which has a modulus having a value less than that of the outer coating layer on the fiber and more than that of the inner coating layer fills the interstices, extends to the peripheral line which defines the envelope and bonds together the optical fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing debris caused during laser rimming of films. A vacuum scoop is attached to a movable head which contains the laser optical components. The scoop removes the debris as it is generated and therefore keeps the trimming apparatus essentially clean.

Abstract: A buffer optical fiber (20) includes an optical fiber (21) comprising a core and a cladding. The optical fiber is enclosed by a plastic buffer layer (50). Interposed between the optical fiber and the buffer layer are a plurality of fibrous strands (25--25) which are strength members for the buffered optical fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the strength members are layless and as such are generally linear and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the buffered optical fiber. The buffer layer has a predetermined compressive engagement with the strength members which allows the stripability of the buffer layer from the fiber to be controlled.

Abstract: An electret microphone (10) comprises an electret diaphragm (11) having a thin metallic layer (13) deposited on one of its major surfaces. A ring-shaped metal washer (20) bonded to the metallic layer (13) of the diaphragm (11) by means of a lightly metal-filled adhesive (21).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying a colorant material to the surface of a plastic insulation material which has been applied to an elongated material such as a metallic conductor (22) or an optical fiber which is being moved at any of a wide range of speeds along a path of travel. The colorant material is applied by nozzles which are staggered along the path of travel and which direct the colorant into engagement with the plastic insulation material at different radial directions. A first plurality of nozzles (46--46) each cause the colorant to be in a spray pattern (45) which is in the area of a plane. Advantageously, those nozzles cooperate to stabilize the conductor and prevent undulations thereof as the conductor is moved along its path of travel. A second plurality of nozzles (50--50) cause the colorant to be in a solid conical pattern (53).

Abstract: In order to provide a substrate such as an optical preform rod (24) which suitable for insertion into a tube and which has a transverse cross section that is substantially circular and disposed concentrically about a longitudinal axis of the substrate substantially along its entire length, a force-applying means such as a graphite roller (52) is adapted to be moved incrementally toward an axis of rotation (35) about which the preform rod is turned rotatably. Movement is discontinued when there is an indication that the force-applying means has been in continuous engagement with the preform rod for at least a predetermined portion of the periphery of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement of the force-applying means and the preform rod is discontinued after a predetermined time whereafter the force-applying means again is moved toward the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading components into a component insertion machine. The aratus comprises structure releasably mounted on component magazine loading apparatus to retain components in component magazines received by and aligned in the component magazine loading apparatus. The structure is removable after installation of the component loading apparatus on the component insertion machine to enable components to be selected by the component insertion machine from the component magazines.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic package for optical devices is disclosed for use in both high and low bit rate applications. A side portion of the multilayer package is formed to provide a multilayer microwave input connection for a high bit rate signal. In an exemplary arrangement, an intermediate ceramic layer of the multilayer structure is defined with an appropriate thickness and metallized on areas of the top and bottom surfaces. This combination thus forms a multilayer microwave connection defined as a microstrip. Other multilayer configurations, for example, a stripline, may also be used. By utilizing a multilayer microwave connection in place of a conventional electrical connection, the impedance of the high frequency input source can be better matched to the optical device.

Abstract: A method has been developed for altering the resistivity of selected regions (tubs) in a dielectrically isolated (DI) wafer. Subsequent to the formation of the conventional tub structure, the wafer is patterned and etched to expose selected tubs. These tubs are then etched and selectively implanted and an epitaxial layer of a new resistivity value is grown in the empty tube regions. The resistivity of the epitaxial material may be chosen to alter the conductivity of the selected tub regions.

Abstract: Spliced end portions (30-30) of two optical fibers are recoated in a manner hich results in the cross section of the spliced length of fiber transverse to a longitudinal axis thereof being substantially constant. This is accomplished without compromising the adhesion of a curable recoating material (51) to an adjacent original coating material (38). In order to provide such a recoated portion, original coating material which is removed to permit splicing is removed in such a manner as to leave a tapered portion (52) remaining on the end portion of each optical fiber. As a result, the interface between the recoating material and the original coating material is increased sufficiently to avoid having to overlap some of the recoating material with original coating material on adjacent portions of the fibers being spliced.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting component magazines on a component insertion machine ncludes a pair of pins extending from one surface of each of the magazines and a pair of corresponding openings in a plate mounted on the machine, the openings being adapted to accommodate the pins. A lever slidably mounted on the plate has openings adapted to engage recessed cylindrical surfaces forming the bottom of annular grooves in the pins thereby locking the magazine in place.

Abstract: An electrooptic or optical parametric device comprises a noncrystalline second order optically nonlinear element and means for providing an optical input to and an optical output from said element wherein said element comprises an organic molecule having second order optical susceptibility incorporated in a directionally oriented manner in an optically clear glassy polymer. When said device is employed in an electrooptic mode it includes means for applying an electric field and/or optical input to said element for altering an optical property thereof.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for winding strand such as optical fibers on altate spools and for storing and protecting from damage coiled end portions of the strand to be wound on the spools in which the coils are clamped laterally of the coils with forces applied parallel to the axis of the coils. The methods and apparatus of the invention may be used for urging portions of the strand being fed to the spools and associated strand storage and clamping devices against the peripheral surfaces thereof to aid in the transfer of the distribution of the strand from one spool to the other spool.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (21) comprising at least one optical fiber (24) which is enclosed in a tubular member (34) and which includes a sheath system (40). The sheath system includes two strength members 42--42 which extend linearly longitudinally along the cable parallel to a longitudinal axis (29) of the cable. The strength members are enclosed in a plastic jacket (46). The strength members have predetermined relative tensile and compressive stiffnesses. The stiffnesses are such that the strength members are capable of withstanding expected compressive as well as tensile loading and are coupled sufficiently to the jacket to provide a composite arrangement which is effective to inhibit contraction and which controls the position of the neutral axis during bending while providing suitable flexibility.

Abstract: Individual components (12) in a tube (14) are successively removed and then riented for pickup by first positioning the tube, whose ends are opened, in a horizontal orientation such that the components in the tube are upside down. Thereafter, a component is at least partially expelled from one end of the tube by directing a stream of gas (e.g., air) into the other end of the tube. The component partially expelled from the tube is then withdrawn from the tube to locate the component between a pair of jaws (124) capable of rotation about an arc of 180.degree.. The jaws then engage the component and thereafter rotate it 180.degree. before positioning the component right side up.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dielectrically-isolated structure is disclosed rein the structure includes a layer of silicide which is selectively doped, preferably using an ion implantation process. The doped silicide is then used as the diffusion source for the subsequent formation (through a heat treatment) of various active portions (collector, emitter, drain, source, for example) of a variety of high-voltage, high-speed active devices. The non-doped silicide is advantageously utilized as a low-resistance contact between the buried diffusion region and the surface electrode. In an alternative embodiment, bottom portions of the silicide contiguous to the tub are removed, leaving only vertical silicide portions adjacent to the sidewalls of the dielectrically isolated tub.

Abstract: A high frequency test fixture (40) comprises an array of Euler column probes (57,58,59) positioned between a circuit board or substrate under test (41) and a routing board or substrate (42) connected to an electronic tester. The Euler column probes are held in a compliant conducting medium (53) interposed between the circuit under test and the routing board. Electrical insulation (67,68) is placed around each alternate probe of the array of probes to isolate it from the compliant conducting medium. Such an alternate probe is to be used as a test signal driving probe. The probes adjacent to and surrounding a test signal driving probe are in electrical contact with the compliant medium and are to be used as ground probes. A high frequency test signal applied to the circuit under test via one of the alternate probes follows a return current path along the outside perimeter of the compliant medium thereby substantially reducing noise and effective lead inductance of the test fixture (FIG. 2).

Abstract: Apparatus for loading components into a component insertion machine. The apparatus comprises structure releasably mounted on component magazine loading apparatus to retain components in component magazines received by and aligned in the component magazine loading apparatus. The structure is removable after installation of the component loading apparatus on the component insertion machine to enable components to be selected by the component insertion machine from the component magazines.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (21) comprising a plurality of units (22--22). Each unit is formed by a plurality of optical fibers (24--24) which are assembled together without intended stranding. The plurality of units are enclosed in a common tube (34) which provides a predetermined packing density and which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable. In one embodiment, a waterblocking material (36) is disposed within the tube to fill the interstices between the optical fibers and between the units. The waterblocking material is such that its critical yield stress does not exceed about 70 Pa at 20.degree. C. and such that it has a shear modulus of less than about 13 KPa at 20.degree. C. The common tube is enclosed with non-metallic or metallic strength members and a plastic inner jacket and by another layer of strength members and by a plastic outer jacket.