Abstract: A connector is provided which has a ferrule forcibly, intimately connected to a plastic optical fiber by forcibly deforming the ferrule into intimate contact with the plastic optical fiber over a preselected length. The fiber and ferrule are free of adhesive, have a machined planar end oriented 90 degrees relative to the axis of the ferrule and plastic optical fiber and have a preselected, carefully controlled length.

Abstract: A connector is provided which has a ferrule forcibly, intimately connected to a plastic optical fiber by forcibly deforming the ferrule into intimate contact with the plastic optical fiber over a preselected length. The fiber and ferrule are free of adhesive, have a machined planar end oriented 90 degrees relative to the axis of the ferrule and plastic optical fiber and have a preselected, carefully controlled length.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for finishing the terminal end of a connector assembly which has a ferrule fixedly connected to a plastic optic fiber. The apparatus precisely maintains the connector assembly against transverse movement during cutting operations and a diamond cutting element precisely finishes the terminal end of the connector assembly relative to the connector assembly axis.

Abstract: A retainer disposed about a body part such as a limb engages in orthopedic appliance such as a cast or a knee or elbow brace and maintains the orthopedic appliance securely in fixed position on the body part. In the case of a leg or arm brace or cast, the retainer is disposed about and engages a distal portion of the user's leg or arm for preventing the orthopedic appliance from sliding down the limb. The band-like, flexible retainer includes an inner lining engaging the limb and having a high coefficient of friction with skin to securely maintain the retainer in position, an outer layer including a fastening arrangement such as hook and loop fiber portions, and an intermediate layer having sufficient thickness to engage an end of the orthopedic appliance and provide support for the appliance. The retainer prevents the orthopedic appliance from sliding along the limb such as under the influence of gravity and maintains the appliance in fixed position on the limb.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to automate the handling of multiple digital tape cassettes for processing by commercially available cassette tape readers and recorders. A removable magazine rack stores a plurality of tape cassettes, and cooperates with a shuttle device that automatically inserts and removes cassettes from the magazine to the reader and vice-versa. Photocells are used to identify and index to the desired tape cassette. The apparatus allows digital information stored on multiple cassettes to be processed without significant operator intervention.

Abstract: A lower support receives a toroid at a winding station with the axis of the toroid aligned with a slot in the support. An upper guide member applies an axial force to hold the toroid against the lower support. A pair of movable jaws carried by an indexing mechanism engage the outer surface of the toroid to apply a radial holding force. While the toroid is thus held, a wire is placed axially through the toroid, assisted by a funnel-shaped surface in the upper guide member, and is drawn tight about the toroid by a pair of cooperating draw rollers. When operated in the "full cycle" mode, the operator then actuates a switch which energizes a power drive to release the axial clamp and to drive the indexing mechanism and the jaws to rotate the toroid about its axis. At the same time, the wire is ejected from the draw rollers beneath the toroid so that the operator may grasp it to form another loop.

Abstract: Conductance between the sides of a large double sided printed circuit board is provided using a method which eliminates the need for chemical immersion or photographic exposure of the entire large board. A plurality of through-holes are drilled or punched in a substratum according to the desired pattern, conductive laminae are made to adhere to both sides of the substratum covering the holes and the laminae are pressed together and permanently joined within the holes, providing conductive paths.