Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector to connect a first tubing section and a second tubing section together. The connector that includes a body that includes a first opening to receive the first tubing section, a second opening to receive the second tubing section, and a passageway. The apparatus includes a member that is adapted to be moved from a retracted position to an extended position to form a sealed connection between a tubular member that is connected to the first tubing section and the passageway.

Abstract: A system for tuning the wavelength of a beam from a tunable laser. A tunable etalon assembly includes a Fabry-Perot etalon with paired reflectors to filter the laser beam. The tunable etalon also includes a thermal unit to thermally adjust the separation of the paired responsive to an etalon tuning signal. A photodetector receives the laser beam after filtering the etalon and generates a detected signal based on intensity. A controller generates the etalon tuning signal, and receives the detected signal and generates a laser tuning signal based on it. Optionally, additional Fabry-Perot etalons, photodetectors, and one or more beamsplitters permit extending wavelength range and determining relative wavelength difference with a beam from a second laser.

Abstract: An a thermal fiber Bragg grating assembly. A platform provides two attachment locations and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A stick provides two ends and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. A fiber Bragg grating provides two ends and has effective third coefficient of thermal expansion. One stick end is fixed to one grating end, the other stick end is fixed to one attachment location, and the other grating end is fixed to the other attachment location. The stick has a same cross-section area along its length that is equal to or less than the cross-section area of the grating. And the coefficients and lengths between respective locations and ends are such that the assembly exhibits an effective overall coefficient of thermal expansion approaching zero.

Abstract: A structure analysis and defect detection system in which a laser light source provides light via optical fiber to fiber Bragg gratings that change resonant frequency as stresses change in the structure. Light at the resonant frequencies of the fiber Bragg gratings is reflected and light of other frequencies is passed. The respective reflected light is directed through a Fabry-Perot interference filter or a fiber interferometer and detected by a photodetector. If the Fabry-Perot interference filter is used, the intensity of the reflected light indicates current stress at a fiber Bragg grating. If the fiber interferometer is used, a beat frequency due to heterodyne interference in the light indicates current stress at the respective fiber Bragg grating. Comparison data for the respective characteristic in the detected light over time permits stress analysis, and comparison of such data with pre-determined limit values permits defect or failure detection.

Abstract: A haptic reconfigurable dashboard system for controlling and monitoring vehicle subsystems is disclosed. The haptic dashboard system comprises (a) a computer for controlling the haptic reconfigurable dashboard system, (b) a virtual device panel for displaying a virtual control device or indicator, the virtual control device or indicator corresponding to one of the subsystems to be controlled or monitored, (c) a haptic device for manipulating the virtual control device or indicator displayed on the virtual device panel, and (d) a haptic feedback mechanism for providing a force effect to the haptic device when it manipulates the virtual control device or indicator. According to virtual controls being carried out in the dashboard system, the subsystems can be controlled or monitored through an interface between the dashboard system and the subsystems, and a user can feel a sense of touching or force through the haptic device while controlling or monitoring the vehicle subsystems.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional optical gratings (600, 700) of a background material (602, 702, 802) having a first refractive index and cells (604, 704, 804) of at least one different refractive index. The cells (604, 704, 804) may occupy two-dimensional or three-dimensional grids, defining the optical gratings as planar gratings (600) or cubical gratings (700), and thus providing two or three sets of surface-to-surface separations, or thicknesses, and cell-to-cell separations. The respective sets of surface-to-surface separations and cell-to-cell separations used may particularly be selected according to Bragg's law to selectively scatter respective light wavelengths.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional optical gratings (600, 700) of a background material (602, 702, 802) having a first refractive index and cells (604, 704, 804) of at least one different refractive index. The cells (604, 704, 804) may occupy two-dimensional or three-dimensional grids, defining the optical gratings as planar gratings (600) or cubical gratings (700), and thus providing two or three sets of surface-to-surface separations, or thicknesses, and cell-to-cell separations. The respective sets of surface-to-surface separations and cell-to-cell separations used may particularly be selected according to Bragg's law to selectively scatter respective light wavelengths.

Abstract: A multiplexing and de-multiplexing system that may both use the same wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device. For multiplexing, light sources provide a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths and the WDM forms a single light beam. For de-multiplexing, a light source provides a light beam having a plurality of different light wavelengths and the WDM forms a plurality of output light beams each having respective of the wavelengths. The WDM devices may particularly be formed from optically multi-dimensional planar gratings and cubical gratings which may diffract single wavelengths, sets of wavelengths, and ranges of wavelengths each with respect to one optical dimension present. The gratings may be discrete or integrated in the multiplexing or the de-multiplexing devices. Complex embodiments of the multiplexing system, such as an interleaver, and complex embodiments of the de-multiplexing system, such as a de-interleaver, can be formed using blocks of the gratings.

Abstract: A multiplexing and de-multiplexing system that may both use the same wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device. For multiplexing, light sources provide a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths and the WDM forms a single light beam. For de-multiplexing, a light source provides a light beam having a plurality of different light wavelengths and the WDM forms a plurality of output light beams each having respective of the wavelengths. The WDM devices may particularly be formed from optically multi-dimensional planar gratings and cubical gratings which may diffract single wavelengths, sets of wavelengths, and ranges of wavelengths each with respect to one optical dimension present. The gratings may be discrete or integrated in the multiplexing or the de-multiplexing devices. Complex embodiments of the multiplexing system, such as an interleaver, and complex embodiments of the de-multiplexing system, such as a de-interleaver, can be formed using blocks of the gratings.

Abstract: An interference filter (10) and a process (100) by which it may be fabricated. A substrate (12, 52, 82) is provided and a working region (56, 84) is defined therein or thereupon. Relative to the horizontal substrate (12, 52, 82), a plurality of vertical layers having differing refractive index are then constructed by applying material into the working region (56, 84) or altering material already in the working region (56, 84). Photo masking and etching processes may be used to selectively remove material in the working region (56, 84) for applying additional material having a differing refractive index. Photo masking and impurity doping processes may be used to selectively change material to have a differing refractive index.

Abstract: An electronic package assembly where a low profile integrated circuit chip package is soldered to an organic (e.g., epoxy resin) substrate, e.g., a printed circuit board or card, the projecting conductive leads of the integrated circuit chip package and the solder which substantially covers these leads (and respective conductors on the substrate) having been substantially covered with ultraviolet photocured encapsulant material (e.g., polymer resin) to provide reinforcement for the solder-lead connections. The encapsulant material is dispensed about the solder and lead joints following solder reflow and solidification so as to substantially surround the solder and any portions of the leads not covered with solder.

Abstract: A system for tuning the wavelength of a beam from a tunable laser. A tunable etalon assembly includes a Fabry-Perot etalon with paired reflectors to filter the laser beam. The tunable etalon also includes a thermal unit to thermally adjust the separation of the paired responsive to an etalon tuning signal. A photodetector receives the laser beam after filtering the etalon and generates a detected signal based on intensity. A controller generates the etalon tuning signal, and receives the detected signal and generates a laser tuning signal based on it. Optionally, additional Fabry-Perot etalons, photodetectors, and one or more beamsplitters permit extending wavelength range and determining relative wavelength difference with a beam from a second laser.

Abstract: A structure analysis and defect detection system in which a laser light source provides light via optical fiber to fiber Bragg gratings that change resonant frequency as stresses change in the structure. Light at the resonant frequencies of the fiber Bragg gratings is reflected and light of other frequencies is passed. The respective reflected light is directed through a Fabry-Perot interference filter or a fiber interferometer and detected by a photodetector. If the Fabry-Perot interference filter is used, the intensity of the reflected light indicates current stress at a fiber Bragg grating. If the fiber interferometer is used, a beat frequency due to heterodyne interference in the light indicates current stress at the respective fiber Bragg grating. Comparison data for the respective characteristic in the detected light over time permits stress analysis, and comparison of such data with pre-determined limit values permits defect or failure detection.

Abstract: A wavelength locker having a first beam splitter to receive a light beam and separate out a portion as a sample beam; a confocal etalon to receive the sample beam and filter it into a filterization beam; a filterization photodetector to receive the filterization beam and produce a filterization signal representative of the light intensity in the filterization beam, and thus also of the light frequency in the filterization beam, sample beam, and original light beam; and a link to communicate a control signal, based on the filterization signal, to the light source producing the light beam to lock the wavelength or the frequency.

Abstract: A completion assembly for use in a lateral well bore has a base pipe with a plurality of holes through the sidewall of the base pipe. Flow through the holes is regulated to produce an influx difference between the ends of the base pipe. Flow can be regulated by variably spacing or sizing the holes. Flow can also be regulated by selectively inserting a rod between adjacent splines located on the base pipe to cover and block the flow through certain holes in the base pipe. Flow can also be regulated using a rotatable sleeve adjacent to the base pipe such that rotation of the sleeve brings the holes and openings in the pipe and sleeve, respectively, into and out of alignment. A filter can be used to filter sand and other particulates. An erosion inhibitor can be used to extend the useful life of the assembly.

Abstract: A process (400) to construct single- and multi-dimensional optical gratings (100, 800) of interlayers (110, 230, 310 808) of differing refractive index, either in or atop a non-fiber substrate material (104, 202, 302). The optical gratings (100, 800) may particularly be Bragg type gratings, and thus suitable for receiving a laser beam (102, 240, 802) and forming there from one or more reflected beam portions (118, 248, 810) having one or more narrow wavelengths and a passed beam portion (120, 250, 812) of other wavelengths.

Abstract: A frequency locker (100) for working with external light sources or frequency locked light sources (200, 300, 400) having integrated laser light sources (214, 414). The locker (100) provides multi-channel frequency tuning and stabilization with common components, particularly including common beam splitters (114, 118), an interferometer (128), and a processing circuit (138). The locked light source (200) integrates a light source (214) and single channel frequency tuning and stabilization capabilities. The locked light source (300) integrates multiple instances of the locked light source (200) within a single housing (312) to provide multi-channel capability. And the locked light source (400) provides multi-channel frequency tuning and stabilization with common components, particularly including a single beam splitter (420), an interferometer (426), and a processing circuit (434).

Abstract: A frequency processing system for detecting, tuning, or stabilizing light frequency or wavelength in a light beam produced by a light source. A grating block receives the light beam and may produce diffracted beams and a passed beam. The diffracted beams are received by respective detectors which produce measurement signals that are communicated to a processor. The processor then produces control signals that are communicated to the light source where they are usable for detecting, tuning, or stabilizing the light frequency or wavelength. The grating blocks particularly employ planar or cubical gratings, or gradient versions of these, to produce the diffracted beams.

Abstract: An integrated or hybrid-optical device (10) able to perform the functions of both a beam splitter and an etalon. A splitter interface (72), front-cavity interface (74), and rear-cavity interface (76) are provided and separate regions (78, 80, 82, 84) which may be of “air” (gas or vacuum) or solid materials. The front-cavity interface (74), the rear-cavity interface (76), and the interposed third region (82) define a Fabry Perot etalon, which may be either solid or air-spaced. In particular, the integrated optical device (10) has only the second region (80) interposed between the splitter interface (72) and the front-cavity interface (74).

Abstract: A process (400) to construct single- and multi-dimensional optical gratings (100, 800) of interlayers (110, 230, 310, 808) of differing refractive index, either in or atop a non-fiber substrate material (104, 202, 302). The optical gratings (100, 800) may particularly be Bragg type gratings, and thus suitable for receiving a laser beam (102, 240, 802) and forming there from one or more reflected beam portions (118, 248, 810) having one or more narrow wavelengths and a passed beam portion (120, 250, 812) of other wavelengths.