Abstract: A ferrule mold having a reverse-image of a through-hole array for optical fibers is formed. A non-polymeric ferrule material is deposited in the reverse-image mold, followed by removing the mold to create a multi-fiber connector ferrule having at least two fiber through-holes. An optical fiber is inserted in each through-hole until each fiber endface is positioned approximately even with a connection surface of the ferrule. A fiber recess for each of the optical fibers is formed such that each fiber is recessed from the multi-fiber ferrule connection surface by a distance of at least 0.1 micron. The recess may be formed by differential polishing of the non-polymeric ferrule and endfaces of the optical fibers. Alternatively, a layer of spacer material may be deposited over the multi-fiber ferrule connection surface. An antireflection coating is deposited over the ferrule connection surface and ends of the recessed fibers.

Abstract: An electronically controlled power supply rail provided with only three conductors, such a rail enables a number n of utilization channels to be supplied, and this to be independently of one another, comprising a transmitter positioned at the end of the rail which emits, as a function of the instructions which are given, a control signal which is transmitted by one of the three conductors to a plurality of receivers associated with each of the channels, each receiver couverting said control signal into a triggering signal capable of selectively actuating a power switching-member, thus causing a supply to be applied to the utilization channel selected.

Abstract: A set of connecting accessories for an electrical supply rail with an asymmetrical profile, comprising a first main accessory called a "line connector" enables the conductors of two rails to be connected electrically, no matter whether the link be on the right or the left of the rail, without it being necessary to have a fool proofing device, a second accessory called "universal supply box," and a third accessory called "connecting block". The combination of such a set of accessories making it possible with a minimum number of elements of different kinds to produce, with an asymmetrical type rail, all the assembly figures : straight line, T shape, L shape, cross shape.

Abstract: An electrical supply device including a conductor rail on which a sliding adapter providing a connection between the conductors of the rails and an user apparatus is readily positioned, the rail having an asymetrical profile with slideways situated in two different and parallel planes in which the adaptor, by means of a system of guides, may slide. The adaptator has a head carrying contacts, whose dimensions and geometry allow it to be introduced into the rail at an angle of 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the rail, and to pivot only in a given direction. Before pivoting that, the whole adapter is slidable along the rail and can then be locked in any selected position.