Abstract: A system for developing photographic film which is ecologically friendly includes a tray holding a pair of film cassettes. One cassette includes negative film sheets which is inserted into a camera where the negative sheets are exposed. The exposed sheets are delivered to a developing apparatus. A second cassette from the tray includes positive film sheets and it is delivered to the same developing apparatus. The empty tray is mounted on the developing apparatus. Each positive film sheet includes a rupturable pod of developer liquid for spreading between mated positive and negative film sheets. Exposed negative sheets and positive sheets are mated and the pod ruptured to spread liquid between the two as the mated sheets move in a first path into an imbibition chamber. A pick at the exit end of the imbibition chamber strips the evacuated pod, negative film sheet and residual developer liquid from the positive sheet and delivers them to the face of a ram.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of finishing or smoothing the surface of an optical start rod through the use of plasma heat in an atmosphere which prevents contamination of the rod by residual water. Also there is disclosed a method of fabricating an optical waveguide wherein the start rod has deposited thereon silica soot and which is subsequently consolidated by a plasma.

Abstract: Mixtures of liquid crystal compounds from among different classes of liquid crystal ester compounds are disclosed. The mixtures exhibit freezing points substantially lower than the freezing point of either ester compound alone, so as to provide a substantially improved (widened) smectic C mesomorphic temperature range and protection against freezing or crystallization of liquid crystal material over a range of temperatures at which an electrooptic display device would typically be operated.

Abstract: Melt-processable polyesteramides capable of exhibiting melt-phase anisotropy at temperatures of approximately 360.degree. C. and lower are disclosed. The polyesteramides contain certain essential 2,2'-substituted biphenylene radicals and repeating units which provide ester and amide linkages. The polyesteramides exhibit melt processability suitable for processing into films and fibers.

Abstract: A hologram is fabricated by opening a volume phase reflection hologram formed in a recording medium such as a positive photoresist. The opening occurs by forming a second hologram, such as an off-axis hologram, in the same recording medium. The opened hologram can be replicated in metal and the metal can be used to emboss the fringe pattern of the opened hologram into plastic. A full range of colors in the visible spectrum may be obtained by metallizing the embossed plastic structure and then by overcoating it with appropriate clear dielectric layers.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition method which utilizes a rare earth chelate vapor as a source of rare earth ions for producing an optical fiber having a core with a high rare earth content.

Abstract: Light polarizers stabilized against effects of temperature and humidity are provided by a silylation method whereby a polyvinyl alcohol light-polarizing sheet is treated with an organosilane and is heated to bond the organosilane to the polyvinyl alcohol surface and to thereby silylate the surface thereof.

Abstract: An electrical power interrupting tether system for a multiple-joint, anthropomorphic robot arm that substantially improves robot arm operational safety. The tether system includes a robot arm and auxiliary equipment power-interrupting electrical robot arm member by a set of braided steel wires. A pair of conventional robot arm and auxiliary equipment power-interrupting limit switches actuated by excessive rotational robot arm movement are also provided. Movement of the robot arm beyond a predetermined safety zone defined by each arm-member-tethering wire and the limit switch pair will cause electrical power interruption to both the robot arm and to auxiliary equipment associated therewith to thereby preclude potentially unsafe movement of the robot arm beyond the above-defined safety zone.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display is disclosed having silylated polyvinyl alcohol polarizing layers.