Abstract: A bi-stable micro-actuator is formed from a first and a second silicon-on-insulator wafer fused together at an electrical contact layer. A cover with a V-groove defines an optical axis. A collimated optical signal source in the V-groove couples an optical signal to an optical port in the V-groove. A mirror surface on a transfer member blocks or reflects the optical signal. The transfer member has a point of support at the first and second end. The mirror blocks or reflects the optical axis. An expandable structure applies a compressive force between the first and second point of support of the transfer member along a compressive axis to hold the transfer member in a bowed first state or a bowed second state. A control signal applied to a heating element in the expandable structure reduces the compressive force, switching the transfer member to a second state.

Abstract: An improved pressure vessel comprises a tubular casing having an internal cavity and a first and second opening at each end. The internal cavity is divided into a first and second cylindrical plug region extending inward from the first and second opening and a hollow interior region. An optical component in the hollow interior has at least a plurality of optical fiber pigtails extending therefrom. A first and second cylindrical plug is force fit into the plug regions. At least one plug has a through-hole for receiving optical fiber pigtails. At least one plug has a ceramic adhesive plug formed by inserting adhesive into the through-hole and preferably filing the void space therein. The adhesive encapsulates the optical fibers passing through the through-hole. The plug has a channel machined into its outer circumference to receive an O-ring. A cap covers over and beyond the outer surface of the plug.

Abstract: A bi-stable micro-actuator is formed from a first and a second silicon-on-insulator wafer fused together at an electrical contact layer. A cover with a V-groove defines an optical axis. A collimated optical signal source in the V-groove couples an optical signal to an optical port in the V-groove. A mirror surface on a transfer member blocks or reflects the optical signal. The transfer member has a point of support at the first and second end. The mirror blocks or reflects the optical axis. An expandable structure applies a compressive force between the first and second point of support of the transfer member along a compressive axis to hold the transfer member in a bowed first state or a bowed second state. A control signal applied to a heating element in the expandable structure reduces the compressive force, switching the transfer member to a second state.

Abstract: A bi-stable micro-actuator is formed from a first and a second silicon-on-insulator wafer fused together at an electrical contact layer. A cover with a V-groove defines an optical axis. A collimated optical signal source in the V-groove couples an optical signal to an optical port in the V-groove. A mirror surface on a transfer member blocks or reflects the optical signal. The transfer member has a point of support at the first and second end. The mirror blocks or reflects the optical axis. An expandable structure applies a compressive force between the first and second point of support of the transfer member along a compressive axis to hold the transfer member in a bowed first state or a bowed second state. A control signal applied to a heating element in the expandable structure reduces the compressive force, switching the transfer member to a second state.

Abstract: A pressure vessel capable of withstanding elevated hydrostatic pressures, and elevated temperature comprises a tubular cylindrical casing capable of withstanding extreme hydrostatic pressures having an internal cavity and a first and second opening at each end permitting access to said internal cavity. The internal cavity is divided into a first and second cylindrical plug region extending inward from the first and second opening and a hollow interior region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing spatially substantially uniform layers of material onto a plurality of substrates positioned upon a rotatable tool within a vacuum chamber. The chamber is generally of the type that includes a sealable volume bounded by six orthogonally-arranged chamber walls. Apparatus is provided within the chamber for generating a flux of the coating material of known spatial character. A mask of predetermined shape is engaged to apparatus, including a linkage and a linear translation stage driven by a programmable stepper motor, for controllably advancing it during deposition with respect to the mounted substrate.

Abstract: A connector includes a pair of connector members for simultaneously contacting a first plurality of optical fibers with a second plurality of optical fibers. A cup for fixing the ferrule-tipped ends of mating optical fibers is wholly contained within each of a plurality of channels through the members. The cup is capable of axial movement within a channel through a body element of a connector member. A spring member is located in the channel between a back plate and the cup to act upon the base of the cup. Aligned dowel channels are provided for receiving a thick external dowel that resides within the aligned dowel channels of the body member of one of the connector members and the holder of the other. An internal dowel is press fit within the body element and holder dowel channels of the other connector member to enhance the ruggedness and durability of the device.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a multichannel fiber optic connector. The seal is engaged to the portion of the connector mounted within a receptacle housing that may be mounted to the turret of the hull penetrator of a vessel. An elongated symmetrical seal housing is sealably secured with the receptacle at the back of the connector. A retainer member having a plurality of channels therethrough is held at a rear portion of the seal housing by an annular shoulder thereof. A plurality of elongated standoff spacers define a strain relief chamber between the rear of the connector and the retainer member. O-rings seal individual optical fibers passing through the channels of the retainer member, which is sealably secured to the seal housing.

Abstract: A readily-serviced junction for a fiber optic telemetry system includes at least one box for receiving cables that communicate with downstream optical sensors. The cables comprise commingled input-path and return-path optical fibers. A manifold-type arrangement of metallic enclosure tubes is arranged to direct the optical fibers, once stripped of the outer jackets of the cables, toward the light source and detectors of the telemetry system. A splice protection box houses couplers of the telemetry system. The boxes of the junction are easily assembled and dissembled to facilitate installation and servicing.

Abstract: The uniformity of individual layers of multiple coating materials deposited on a substrate in a vacuum deposition process (such as for manufacturing mirrors for use in ring laser gyroscopes) is improved by an apparatus and method that include changing the masks placed in front of the substrate upon which the coating materials are to be deposited. Separate masks are tuned for each particular coating material to compensate for the unique plume shape of the material, and provide a uniform deposition of that particular coating material. Each mask is positioned in front of the substrate when the material for which the mask has been tuned is being deposited. The masks are changed when the coating material is changed, without venting the chamber.

Abstract: A solder placement device forms a selected length of a solder wire and delivers it to a pigtailing station where an optical fiber and a crystal diode are to be optically coupled together. The solder placement device includes casing that contains a plunger arranged for reciprocal movement along an axis in the casing. A solder input tube guides solder from a supply spool to a retainer inside the casing. The retainer is mounted to the plunger and arranged to allow unidirectional movement of the wire along the axis such that movement of the plunger toward the output end of the apparatus pulls the solder wire along with the plunger. When the direction of the plunger reverses, the retainer slides along the solder wire, and the apparatus resets to pull in another segment of the solder wire. A cutting mechanism is actuated by movement of the plunger along the axis to cut off a piece of solder of the selected length. An output tube has a first end mounted to the casing adjacent the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A gyroscope assembly (10) includes a ring-shaped fiber optic coil (14) and a coil conforming enclosure (12, 16) of high magnetic permeability ferromagnetic material. The enclosure is ring-shaped to conform with the shape of the coil, and includes a portion (22) extending within the internal hole of the coil ring. Therefore, the coil is intimately and fully encased within high magnetic permeability material. In particular, the enclosure comprises a coil supporting spool (12) and a cover (16) secured to the spool. The spool includes a base (18) which is provided with a central hole (20) and a tubular wall (22) extending perpendicularly from the base. Coil (14) is bonded to base (18). Both the spool and the cover are formed of high magnetic permeability material, and the cover is placed about the fiber optic coil and attached to the spool. The coefficient of thermal expansion material used for the spool is matched to that of the coil pack to minimize stress imposed upon the fiber.

Abstract: A gyroscope component (10) and its variations (10a, 10b and 10c) includes a spool (12, 12a) which supports a ring-shaped fiber optic gyroscope coil (14). The spool has a base (26, 26a) which is provided with a central hole (38, 38a). A perpendicularly extending tubular wall (28, 28a) extends from the base or a cover (16, 16a), and may directly contact the coil or be separated therefrom by a non-adhesive material (29) or a space (30). The cover covers the spools and, with the spool and the tubular wall, forms a ring-shaped enclosure. Each coil has a generally trapezoidal shape and comprises an optical fiber winding wound about an axis and having a cross-sectional configuration that approximates a 45.degree. right triangle whose hypotenuse is formed by the sloped sides to provide a side which is sloped with respect to its axis. Three components (10, 10", 10"') are positioned respectively about three orthogonally disposed axes to form an assembly (50) and are supported within and enclosed by a housing (52).

Abstract: A flexible interlink for joining a first sensor of the type that includes a cylindrical mandrel for mounting a common optical fiber to a second sensor of a hydrophone that includes a cylindrical mandrel for mounting said fiber. The interlink includes an integral molded body of flexible material. Enlarged diameter ends are joined to the link by outwardly-tapered transition members. Resilient metal washers are fixed to the ends for locking onto the sensor. The washer includes radial elements that abut corresponding radial elements of the end. The radial elements of the washer are outwardly inclined, of greater length than the corresponding radial elements of the end and exceed the inner diameter of the sensor from tip to tip.

Abstract: To prevent a supported block, particularly a ring laser block, from translating, rotating, or being stressed with changes in temperature, the block to be supported carries a plurality of, typically four, coplanar radially-outward-extending circularly cylindrical posts. The posts are grasped by compliant axially-split sleeves or mounts which engage posts. The mounts are supported by a surrounding substantially circular frame. The mounts are substantially equiangularly positioned around the frame, and the posts are correspondingly positioned upon the block. The frame is surrounded by a case which is adapted to be fastened to another structure such as a vehicle or gimbal. At points angularly positioned around the frame, substantially equiangularly positioned from the adjacent sleeve fixtures, the frame is rigidly attached to the case. The mounts and the frame are both made of a material, typically Invar, having a known temperature coefficient of expansion.