Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a handoff of a cellular telephone call from a calling station to a mobile cellular telephone between an old intelligent cell site and a new intelligent cell site. The handoff is accomplished by using a conference bridge in a switch to connect a call segment to the new intelligent cell site to the call segments from the calling station to the old intelligent cell site. When a talk path to the new intelligent cell site is established, the talk path to the old intelligent cell site is terminated. The handoff is therefore accomplished by utilizing a conference bridge in the switch rather than putting an existing call on hold while a connection to a new intelligent cell site is established. Using a conference bridge to accomplish a handoff results in minimal interruption in the talk path of the call such that the handoff is imperceptible to the user.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for connecting a first contact to a second contact is disclosed including a receptacle member and a plug member. The receptacle member has a recess at one end defined by a resilient wall having an outer end terminating in an inwardly projecting lip and includes means for supporting the first contact in a manner such that the contact extends into the recess. The plug member has a projection at one end defined by a neck portion having an inner end terminating in a contact-receiving face and includes means for supporting the second contact in a manner such that the contact extends within the projection. The plug member also has a collar positioned along the neck portion so that the first contact mates with the second contact prior to engagement of the lip with the collar.

Abstract: The invention is a connector assembly consisting of an elastomeric insert member held within a rigid shell by a retaining ring which engages both the shell and the insert. The assembly includes a passageway between the insert member and the shell permitting access to the retaining ring to allow ready disengagement of the ring and insert from the shell. The retaining ring is composed of two half sections which close about the insert member. The ring includes first retention means for engaging and maintaining the insert member in fixed position within the ring. The first retention means may consist of protuberances extending radially inward from the retaining ring to engage the insert member or it may comprise keying means configured to prevent both axial and rotational movement of the insert member relative to the retaining ring. The retaining ring also includes radially movable second retention means for engaging the shell to maintain the ring and insert member in fixed axial position within the shell.

Abstract: A mating clip is provided for use in securing together the mated halves, i.e., a mated receptacle and plug, of a connector. The mating clip is of one piece tubular construction formed from semi-rigid plastic and incorporates inner shoulders which fit grooves of a mated connector. The clip includes a longitudinal hinge integral to the body of the clip and opposite to a slit through the body. The hinge permits the body of the clip to be opened to receive a connector and closed to retain the connector. Latching means are provided in association with the slit to hold the mating clip in its closed state. The spacing of the inner ridges of the mating clip is such that the clip cannot be closed on a connector in place unless the connector is fully assembled so that its grooves mate with the inner shoulder in the clip. The clip prevents extreme flexure or bending of a supported connector.

Abstract: An integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly is disclosed having a pair of switch terminals each with a shorting end and an opposite contact end isolated from the environment. A conductive member for operatively shorting the switch terminals is mounted to a flexible, water-impervious boot surrounding and sealing the shorting end of the switch terminals, and a connector plug with contacts forms two interference fit seals at the contact end of the switch terminals.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a resilient electrical connector component to another mateable connector component includes a shell engageable about the resilient component. The shell includes a plurality of axially cantilevered, circumferentially spaced fingers at one end thereof which surround the resilient component, the fingers including means for defining a substantially rigid circumferential bearing surface thereabout. An annular coupling member is provided which is engageable with the bearing surface for rotation about the shell and includes means for attachment to the mateable connector component. The coupling member and the bearing surface means are configured and arranged such that the inherent elasticity of the resilient component maintains the coupling member and bearing surface in cooperative engagement.

Abstract: The following specification is directed to an electrical connector assembly including a cam surface on one connector body having recessed contacts and a cam follower on the other connector body having recessed contacts for guiding the connector bodies and contacts into proper engagement. Guide means are also provided on the connector bodies for facilely guiding the insertion of a socket contact into one of the bodies and a boot having improved guiding means is used for sealing and gripping the conductors connected to the contacts.