Abstract: A conductive fiber brush including a brush stock composed of plural conductive fibers or strands of fibers at least some of which may have plural bends along the length of the fibers or strands. The fibers may have a diameter less than 0.2 mm and are arranged in contacting engagement with each other with the touching points among the fibers or strands maintaining elastic tension between the fibers or strands and thereby maintaining voids between the fibers or strands to produce a packing fraction between 1 and 50% and in extreme cases up to 70% but generally between 10-20% depending on the various factors, including the materials used, the current densities to be conducted, and the sliding speeds under operation. The plural bends are implemented by producing fibers or strands having a regular or irregular spiral, wavy, saw-tooth, triangular, and/or rectangular pattern, or other undulating pattern.

Abstract: A conductive fiber brush including a brush stock composed of plural conductive fibers or strands of fibers at least some of which may have plural bends along the leg of the fibers or strands. The fibers may have a diameter less than 0.2 mm and are arranged in contacting engagement with each other with the touching points among the fibers or strands maintaining elastic tension between the fibers or strands and thereby maintaining voids between the fibers or strands to produce a packing fraction between 1 and 50% and in extreme cases up to 70% but generally between 10-20% depending on the various factors, including the materials used, the current densities to be conducted, and the sliding speeds under operation. The plural bends are implemented by producing fibers or strands having a regular or irregular spiral, wavy, saw-tooth, triangular, and/or rectangular pattern, or other undulating pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for coupling a coherent fiber-optic bundle to an electro-optical sensor. This invention provides accuracy and durability of coupling in operating conditions characterized by vibrations, shocks and fluctuating temperatures and pressures. It also reduces the reject rate previously experienced in such assembly work. The apparatus and method of the present invention employ a rigid guide plate for initiating and in most cases preserving transverse and angular alignment of the component bundle and sensor, and a transparent flexible cement to establish the correct proximity between the electro-optical sensor and the fiber-optic bundle and to achieve permanent mating of those two components. In certain applications the rigid guide plate can be dispensed with after assembly and curing of the cement.