Abstract: A switch is provided wherein a piezoelectric bimorph element is used to provide many separately controllable, closely spaced switchable contacts. The element includes at least two oppositely extending fingers connected by a common spine. The element spine is mounted to a case with the fingers spaced from an inner case surface. Electronic circuit means are mounted on the element spine for applying a separate electrical potential to each of the element fingers. A separate movable electrical contact is disposed on each of the element fingers spaced from the spine and insulated from the means for applying the separate electrical potentials to the fingers. A separate stationary contact is provided on an inner case surface opposite each of the movable contacts. In operations, a separate electrical potential is applied to each of the element fingers for selectively causing each finger to deflect and force its movable contact into electrical connection with the opposing stationary contact.

Abstract: A process for photoselective electroless plating is disclosed in which a semiconductor substrate (e.g. barium titanate) capable of absorbing light having a wavelength greater than 300 nm is coated with a solution containing the salt of tin, titanium, or lead (e.g. SnCl.sub.2). The coated substrate is then selectively exposed to light having a wavelength of 300-390 nm in a negative pattern; the light energy absorbed by the substrate is transferred to the coating, changing the oxidation state of the metal ion of the metal salt rendering it incapable of reducing palladium ions in a palladium chloride solution. Coating with a precious metal salt (e.g., PdCl.sub.2) and nickel disposition follow the light exposure step.

Abstract: A multiplexer for use in a telephone system in which a plurality of subscriber locations are connected to a central office by a single subscribe loop is described. The multiplexer unit of the invention includes a voice interfacing circuit for converting between voice encoded digital signals and analog signals for operatively connecting to at least one subscriber voice communication apparatus. Data interfacing circuits are provided for routing data encoded digital signals to at least one subscriber digital communication apparatus. A frame processor is connected to each of the voice interfacing circuits and the data interfacing circuits for assembling and disassembling frames of voice encoded digital signals and data encoded digital signals. A transceiver is connected to the frame processor for transmitting to and receiving from a central office frames of voice encoded and data encoded digital signals.

Abstract: An information transfer system is described for use in a telephone system wherein full duplex digital signal bursts containing a plurality of different types of information are transmitted between a central office and selected locations outside the system which may or may not be subscriber locations. Signal processing circuits receive and disassemble the digital signal bursts into digital information words each comprised of one of the types of information. Gateways are provided for each type of information for converting digital information words into a signal format for transmission to the selected locations. A digital switch couples the signal processing circuits to the gateways for routing the digital information words from the signal processing circuits to the gateways.

Abstract: A gate circuit is described for use in a telephone system which includes one or more ports located on a subscriber's premises for connecting equipment on these premises to a specified vendor of services having equipment at a remote location. The gate circuit simulates a hard wired connection between the ports on the subscriber's equipment and the vendor's equipment.

Abstract: A patch unit is disclosed for use in a fiber optic distribution system or the like for selectively providing user access to one or more optical fibers while maintaining continuity in remaining optical fibers. The patch unit includes first and second fanouts for respectively receiving and separating opposite ends of the plurality of optical fibers, optical fiber connectors each including first and second opposed ports for respectively receiving optical fibers and establishing communication access therebetween, the fibers from both fanouts being arranged in the first ports of the connectors, the second ports of the connectors being disposed in accessible alignment for facilitating selectively arrangement therein of user fibers for establishing communication access with selected fibers from the fanouts, the second ports associated with remaining fibers from the fanouts being interconnected with each other by jumper fibers for maintaining continuity for those fibers through the patch unit.

Abstract: A bunching block and method of operation is disclosed wherein the bunching block is adapted for use in a public utility central office to interconnect a plurality of user loops in series with a supervisory McCulloh receiver, the bunching block including separate connectors for respective connection in series with the receiver and with the respective user loops, separate switches having a normal operating position for connecting the user loops in series with the receiver, the switches being selectively operable at the public utility central office for facilitating rapid location of a fault in the series interconnected user loops. With a number of bunching blocks being employed in series at different central offices, additional switches are preferably provided which operate similarly for selectively isolating all of the user loops in a respective central office from the series connection with the McCulloh receiver.