Abstract: A method and system for improved material processing using a laser beam. The method and system includes directing a laser beam above, at or below the surface of the material in one or more preferred patterns and with preferred laser pulse characteristics specific to the material to reduce or mitigate the accumulation or effects of gas, debris, fluid, or other by-products of photodisruption either at the location where additional laser pulses are being placed or in other sensitive locations in the material.

Abstract: An optical fiber clamp comprises two clamping portions with rounded fiber clamping surfaces for clamping an optical fiber therebetween. Each clamping portion includes a semicylindrical projection which extends normal to the axis of the clamped fiber and is complimentary to the projection of the other clamping portion to form a laterally extending support stud when a fiber is clamped. The stud is inserted in a mounting block to secure the fiber a fixed distance above and parallel to the upper surface of the mounting block. A cantilevered fiber support extends from the first and second clamping portions and comprises a three-quarter round cylindrical section extending from one side of the first clamping portion and a reversed three-quarter round cylindrical section extending from the opposite side of the second clamping portion. The clamping portions are preferably interconnected by a hinge portion in a unitary structure to facilitate wrapping the clamping portions about a fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a housing having a mating end for intermating with an array containing optical fibers, for example a second fiber optic connector. A fiber clamp for holding an optical fiber is mounted in a mounting block with the combination movable toward and away from the mating end of the housing. A resilient member forces the combination of the mounting block and the fiber clamp toward the mating end while allowing movement away from the mating end in response to an overriding opposite force. A rigid fiber encompassing member extends from the fiber clamp to the mating end of the connector for receiving and transmitting the force which overrides the force of the resilient member.

Abstract: A device for disconnectably linking a plurality of force producing or recing means such as a mechanical control system. The device comprises a coaxial array of a plurality of positive locking clutches, each clutch including two clutch halves. A single shaft passing through all clutch halves disengages and engages all clutches together as a motor connected thereto is actuated. The shaft is fail-safe spring loaded to the disengaged position, so that the spring will disengage all clutches if there is a power or motor failure.

Abstract: A steering and braking system for aircraft while ground borne with remote d pilot-override control modes. In the remote mode, a single command controller operates both rudder and differential brakes of the main landing gear. The rudder is provided with a fast-response electro-hydraulic actuator for right, neutral and left positions while the brakes are provided with slow-response pulsating hydraulic actuators for right, left and unison braking. Above a predetermined air speed, the brake control is inactivated. In the pilot-override control mode, the rudder and differential brakes are independently controlled.