Abstract: A modular optical router/switch construction system and method are described. In one aspect of the present invention, the modules provided are basic 1×N optical components and/or pass-through 1×N optical components, both of which have input/output (I/O) ports which are capable of detachably interconnecting. Pass-through 1×N optical components are like the basic 1×N optical components but include extra ports so that input light may “pass through” the component. In another aspect of the present invention, a bi-directional optical component capable of modular construction is provided. The bi-directional optical component has the same I/O ports as the basic 1×N optical component, but the bi-directional I/O ports are built to engage a duplex optical link (i.e., a link comprised of two optical fibers with signals going in two opposite directions).

Abstract: A sleeve article which is made out of a rigid and durable material, e.g., varied metals, high-grade polyvinyl chloride, wood, which has a first portion which is to be removably affixed, substantially flat against the wall or ceiling intended to be covered or formed by the sheetrock, etc. The sheetrock sleeve article of the invention is to, further, include a second portion which is preferably attached to one side of the first portion and is offset from the first portion by an angle of from greater than 0.degree. to less than 90.degree. relative to the surface to be covered by the sheetrock to be installed, i.e., the second portion is offset from the first portion by an angle of from greater than 90.degree. to less than 180.degree.. Preferably, the angle existing between the first portion and second portion of the inventive article, as defined in the previous paragraph, should be from greater than 0.degree. to about 45.degree., with such angle most preferably being approximately 20.degree., i.e., about a 20.