Abstract: A self-propelled cutting machine has one cutting unit positioned in front of each forward wheel and one cutting unit positioned behind the common transverse axis of the forward wheels so that the three cutting units cut a single swathe. Each cutting unit has a cutting element with a driven shaft and a plurality of flail elements spaced along the length of the driven shaft and each rotatable with respect to the drive shaft axis about a flail element axis that is parallel to and spaced from said axis. The flail cutting element in each cutting unit can be replaced by a helical cutting reel.

Abstract: An alignment and fixing apparatus for positioning and securing an optical fibre in alignment with an optical source, in which the optical fibre is coupled, at two longitudinally separated points along the fibre, to respective ones of a pair of cantilever arms. Lateral movement of one of the cantilever arms induces a smaller lateral movement of the other cantilever arm, thereby enabling precision lateral displacement of an end of the fibre proximal to the optical source.

Abstract: An alignment and fixing apparatus for positioning and securing an optical fibre (11) in alignment with an optical source (9), in which the optical fibre (11) is coupled, at two longitudinally separated points along the fibre (11), to respective ones of a pair of cantilever arms. Lateral movement of one of the cantilever arms induces a smaller lateral movement of the other cantilever arm, thereby enabling precision lateral displacement of an end of the fibre (11) proximal to the optical source (9).

Abstract: An interconnect system for a butterfly package e.g. a laser package is provided on at least one feedthrough wall of the package through which extends a plurality of electrical connectors. A ceramic or glass circuit block is disposed on the inner side of the wall or of a feedthrough insert. The circuit block has an insulating surface and an electrical circuit disposed on said surface, the circuit being in electrical connection with at least some of the electrical connectors. The block abuts the electrical connectors on the inner side of the feedthrough wall to provide a support for the connectors.