Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical attenuator from first and second optical fibers includes placing the fibers in closely spaced overlapped relation to define an overlapped portion of the fibers. Energy is initially applied to the overlapped portion to at least partially fuse the first and second fibers at the overlapped portion.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector polishing fixture for polishing optical fibers which are to be connected with other optical fibers includes synthetic ruby balls symmetrically aligned on an aluminum substrate which is configured to permit a ferrule and its outer housing to be inserted for polishing. The ruby balls define a polishing plane axially spaced from the substrate for polishing an optical fiber which is longitudinally disposed within the ferrule. The ruby balls and ferrule are moved along an abrasive material until the ferrule and optical fiber are suitably polished.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water treatment unit and in particular, those having a treatment cartridge, that indicates the end of life of the unit. The apparatus comprises a housing with at least one opening for the passage of liquid to a chamber, formed by the interior of the housing and the water treatment unit. The chamber includes a support member mounted to the housing. A float is rotationally mounted on the support member. The support member limits float movement to a predetermined distance upon each rotation of the float, resulting from each cycle (use) of the water treatment unit. Once the float has made a specific number of rotations and has travelled the complete distance of the support member (as water fills and drains from the chamber), the float rests in a position where it is visible through an opening in the housing, indicative of the end of life of the water treatment unit.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector module includes a beam splitter for directing 10 percent of a fiber optic signal to a monitor connector. The input of the beam splitter is passed through a variable attenuator. By monitoring at the monitor connector, the variable attenuator can be adjusted utilizing the known split ratio of the beam splitter to achieve a desired dynamic range of the optical signal leaving the module.

Abstract: A fiber optic module which includes a framework receiving circuit card cartridges. The cartridges have a plate which extends along the sides of the housing with the first edge extending a differing length than the second edge. The module includes a housing having a framework with spaces for receiving the cartridges. The framework has slots formed therein for receiving the edges of the cartridges. The slots and spaces align the cartridges in the housing so that the cartridges are properly aligned in the housing.

Abstract: A variable attenuator for a fiber optic transmission system includes first and second optical fibers which are axially aligned. The fibers are provided with spherical polishes. The radius of each of the fibers originates at an axis which is offset from an axis of the fiber cores.

Abstract: Light attenuation through a high return loss fixed attenuator is achieved by controlling the offset of two common fiber axes to achieve a controlled transverse misalignment loss while the ends of the fibers are maintained in physical contact under a spring force of the connectors such that a high return loss is achieved.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a fiber end retained in the holder is disclosed. A master is formed having an external geometry substantially identical to the geometry of the holder. A mask is formed by applying a thin coating of a mask material onto the master with a hole formed through the material at a location corresponding to a location of a fiber end on the holder. The master is removed from the mask. The mask is placed on the holder with the hole exposing the fiber end. The coating is applied through the hole and onto the fiber end and the mask is removed from the holder.

Abstract: A patch cord includes a cable having a primary transmission member contained within a protective sheathing. An energy transmission member is carried on the cable and extends from a first end to a second end. First and second couplings are connected to the first and second ends of the energy transmission member. The first coupling receives energy from an external source and transmits the energy along the energy transmission member toward the second coupling. The second coupling receives energy from the energy transmission member and generates a visible signal in response to the received energy.

Abstract: A method of construction is disclosed for an optical switch having a first and second array of optical fibers held in axial alignment and relatively rotatable about an axis of rotation to effect optical coupling and decoupling of fibers of the opposing arrays. The method provides for polishing terminal ends of fibers of the arrays. The method includes holding the array against a complimentarily shaped reference surface while polishing with a polishing medium disposed between the surface and the array.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed including a first and second array of optical fibers held in axial alignment and relatively rotatable about an axis of rotation to effect optical coupling and decoupling of fibers of the opposing arrays. Terminal ends of fibers of the first array are set at a predetermined non-orthogonal angle relative to the axis of rotation. Terminal ends of fibers of the second array are set at an angle which is complementary to the non-orthogonal angle.

Abstract: An assembly includes a face plate and an electrical component that are mounted as a unit within an electrical box by a mounting component that threadably engages the mounting screws of the electrical component and is securable within the electrical box by an adhesive.

Abstract: A page turner device for an open book comprises a support for the book, and a power driven disc configured to rest on the top of the pages of such open book. When the power drive is energized, the disc will start to rotate while in contact with the open pages. The disc has a finger portion which protrudes outwardly from adjacent portions of the disc, and a page curler drive is used for creating a curl or arch in the center portions of an open page, so that when the finger rotates to the proper position, it will go into the recess under the curl, and as it continues to rotate, the finger will pull the page with it. When the disc comes to a rest position, the finger will have completely opened the subsequent page. At the rest position a cam operates a switch to disable the power drive until such time as the person reading again initiates a manual switch to commence the page turning sequence.