Abstract: A modular apparatus for data communication between a distribution network and a residential network is disclosed. The apparatus has a first device adapted to interface a distribution network, at least one second device adapted to interface a residential network and to be mechanically and electrically connected to the first device, and at least one interconnecting lock adapted to keep the first device and the at least one second device firmly secured to each other and to activate electrical supply between the first device and the at least one second device.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for data communication between a distribution network and a residential network is disclosed. The apparatus has a first device adapted to interface a distribution network, at least one second device adapted to interface a residential network and to be mechanically and electrically connected to the first device, and at least one interconnecting lock adapted to keep the first device and the at least one second device firmly secured to each other and to activate electrical supply between the first device and the at least one second device.

Abstract: A modular expandable gateway has at least one base module, including a broad-band data communication device for handling communications with an external broad band data communication network, at least one local network port for the connection to a local communication network, a local network interface device adapted to handle communications with the local data communication network and coupled to the local network port through a local network communication bus, the local network interface having a media independent interface and a disable input, a data processing unit interacting with the broad-band data communication device and, through a media independent interface bus connected to the media independent interface, with the local network interface device, so as to enable intercommunication between the local network and the external network; a disable signal line coupled to the disable input of the local network interface device and adapted to drive the local network interface device into a disabled state in

Abstract: A polarimetric directional field sensor comprises an emitter and receiver (1) of measurement signals, connected by optical fibers (2, 2a, 2b) to a portable probe (3). The probe (3) comprises an optical element (11, 13) sensitive to the field to be measured and means (9, 20) for polarizing the measurement signal. The optically sensitive element (11, 13) is in the form of a birefringent crystal having a crystalline structure which provides at least one plane in which the induced birefringence is modified by a single component of the field to be measured. The crystal is cut and oriented in the probe so that the direction of propagation of the optical measurement signal inside the crystal is normal to this plane, the polarizing means (9, 20) being oriented at 45.degree. to the orthogonal axes in which the crystal's refractive indices are modified by the desired component of the field.

Abstract: Optical connectors adapted to join optical fibers to an optical component, each connector having an outer support to be fixedly secured to the component and provided with a housing receiving a movable element having a spherical-surface portion to which an optical fiber-holding body is connected. The spherical surface of the movable element is in contact with a mating surface of the outer support and permits pivoting or rotation of the movable element and the body housing the fiber about any axis passing through the center of the spherical surface itself. Tightening means for locking the movable element against the housing surface is provided, and such tightening means is adapted to prevent pivoting or rotation of the movable element itself by friction. The connector can be made entirely of dielectric materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of a mobile body which is movable along a rectilinear path relative to a fixed reference body in which the position of the mobile body is independent of any spurious movements of the body or variations in the intensity of the source of radiation.