Abstract: Disclosed is a mode field modifier which can be used in a fiber-to-fiber connector or a source-to-fiber connector. In a downtaper-type mode field modifier embodiment, the modifier comprises a modifier core of refractive index n.sub.1 surrounded by first and second cladding layers having refractive indices n.sub.2 and n.sub.3, respectively. In an uptaper-type mode field modifier embodiment, the modifier comprises a modifier core of refractive index n.sub.1 surrounded by a cladding layer having a refractive index n.sub.2. The refractive indices are such that n.sub.1 >n.sub.2 >n.sub.3. In both embodiments, there is a nonadiabatic taper intermediate the ends of the mode field modifier, whereby a substantial amount of mode coupling occurs therein.

Abstract: A low loss fiber optic coupler is fabricated by forming a coupler preform having a plurality of spaced glass cores extending longitudinally through a matrix of glass having a refractive index lower than that of the cores. The preform is heated and stretched to form a glass rod which is then severed into a plurality of units. Heat is applied to the central region of each unit while the ends of the unit are pulled apart to elongate and taper inwardly the heated central region, whereby the cores of the unit are more closely spaced and are of smaller diameter at the central region than they are at the ends of the unit. The unit is then provided with a plurality of optical fibers, one of which extends from each of the cores at the endfaces of the unit. A preferred method of providing the optical fibers involves forming the coupler preform of a matrix glass that is easily dissolved in a solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mode field modifier for use with an optical fiber having a core and a cladding of outside diameter d. The modifier comprises a modifier core having a refractive index n.sub.1. Surrounding the modifier core is first cladding layer having a refractive index n.sub.2 that is less n.sub.1. On the surface of the first cladding layer is a second cladding layer having a refractive index n.sub.3 which is less than n.sub.2. The modifier is tapered intermediate its ends whereby it has a large diameter end and a small diameter end. The diameters of at least the core and first cladding layer at the large diameter end are greater than the corresponding diameters at the small end. The diameter D.sub.1 of the first cladding layer at the large diameter end is greater than d. An axially disposed hole in the large diameter end receives a fiber which is held in such alignment with the mode field modifier that it is in light coupling relationship with the modifier core.

Abstract: A fuel tank filler neck has a plate that pivots between a position restricting the filler neck and a position permitting introduction of fuel through the filler neck. A vent housing secured on the filler neck has a vapor inlet fitting and a vapor outlet fitting connected through a vent orifice, a pressure relief orifice, and a vacuum relief orifice. A diaphragm vent valve controls flow through the vent orifice. An actuating arm pivoted with the restrictor plate engages the vent valve across the vent orifice when the restrictor plate restricts the filler neck, and permits the vent valve to allow vapor flow from the vapor inlet fitting through the vent orifice to the vapor outlet fitting when the restrictor plate permits introduction of fuel through the filler neck. A diaphragm valve controls flow through the pressure relief orifice, and an umbrella valve controls flow through the vacuum relief orifice.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composite body that is electrically insulating, and that is composed of metal particles dispersed in a continuous glassy matrix as a second phase. The metal particles are directionally anisotropic generally paralleling a predetermined plane through the body. This permits good thermal conductivity, while retaining the electrical insulating character of the glass, thus providing improved packaging for electronic components. A method of forming the composite body is also disclosed, as are methods of creating improved electronic packaging utilizing the composite material body.

Abstract: A fuel rail assembly supports injectors for delivering fuel to an engine and includes a pressure regulator to establish the pressure of the fuel supplied to the injectors. The fuel rail body and the pressure regulator base are fabricated from sheet metal, and the pressure regulator base is secured directly to the fuel rail body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber for operating single polarization, single-mode at wavelength .lambda.. The fiber core is surrounded by cladding having the refractive index lower than the average refractive index of the core. The core is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of transparent laminae, each having a refractive index different from that of the adjacent laminae. The thickness of each laminae is equal to or less than wavelength .lambda..

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to the preparation of glass articles exhibiting excellent polarization in the infrared portion of the spectrum from glasses characterized as containing silver halide particles therein selected from the group of AgCl, AgBr, AgI. The inventive method comprises four general steps:(a) a batch for a glass containing silver and at least one halide selected from the group of chloride, bromide, and iodide is melted and the melt shaped into a glass body of a desired geometry;(b) the glass body is subjected to a heat treatment at least above the strain point but not in excess of 50.degree. C. above the softening point of the glass for a period of time adequate to cause the generation of AgCl and/or AgBr and/or AgI particles therein, said particles ranging in size between 200-5000 .ANG.;(c) the glass body is elongated under stress at temperatures above the annealing point, but below that where said glass exhibits a viscosity of about 10.sup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of polarizing glasses from silver-containing glasses characterized by the presence of metallic silver particles therein and/or by being photochromic through the inclusion of silver halide particles therein selected from the group of AgCl, AgBr, and AgI. The method contemplates extruding the glass at a temperature between the annealing and softening points of the glass at a sufficiently high applied pressure to elongate the metallic silver and/or silver halide particles to an aspect ratio of at least 2:1 and up to 30:1 and greater. The extrudate is cooled in a manner to prevent the elongated particles from resuming their original shape. Dichroic ratios of up to 5.0 are achievable where the elongated particles exhibit an oblate configuration.

Abstract: A hydrolyzing flame technique is used to build up glass soots of at least two different compositions upon a rotating starting member. The process is repeated until the soots define at least one helically-oriented body of soot of one composition completely enveloped by a soot of a second composition. The soot-covered starting member is then subjected to heat to fuse it whereupon the soots are fused into compositions exhibiting different indices of refraction. The member can then be drawn into a elongate structure comprising an optical waveguide extending helically through the body of the structure.

Abstract: A hydrolyzing flame technique is used to build up glass soots of at least two different compositions upon a rotating starting member. The process is repeated until the soots define at least one helically-oriented body of soot of one composition completely enveloped by a soot of a second composition. The soot-covered starting member is then subjected to heat to fuse it whereupon the soots are fused into compositions exhibiting different indices of refraction. The member can then be drawn into a elongate structure comprising an optical waveguide extending helically through the body of the structure.