Abstract: A hairbrush is provided that combs and/or dries hair during brushing and/or styling while also producing an air bearing effect that reduces friction between the hair and the bristles of the hairbrush. Each bristle receives, in an interior space of the bristle, air from a flow of air generated by an air flow generator of the hairbrush. Each bristle is made of a highly-porous material. Air received in the interior space of the bristle exits the bristle through the pores and creates an air bearing effect between the bristles and the hair being brushed or styled that reduces or eliminates friction between the bristles and the hair.

Abstract: A ferrule of an optical communications module is allowed to float to a limited degree within the module housing. Consequently, if a force is exerted on the connector that mates with the optical communications module, the mated ferrules of the module and of the connector moves, or floats, within defined limits so that the ferrules move together rather than relative to one another. In this way, the end faces of the ferrules remain in precise alignment to prevent wiggle losses from occurring due to movement of the connector relative to the module housing.

Abstract: An optical connector includes a connector housing, a retaining plate, and two pins. The connector housing has two bores extending between rearward and forward ends of the connector housing. The retaining plate has a central opening with notches in two of its sides. Each pin extends through one of the notches, which engages the respective groove. The pins extend through the respective bores in the connector housing.

Abstract: A ferrule of an optical communications module is allowed to float to a limited degree within the module housing. Consequently, if a force is exerted on the connector that mates with the optical communications module, the mated ferrules of the module and of the connector moves, or floats, within defined limits so that the ferrules move together rather than relative to one another. In this way, the end faces of the ferrules remain in precise alignment to prevent wiggle losses from occurring due to movement of the connector relative to the module housing.

Abstract: An optical connector includes a connector housing, a retaining plate, and two pins. The connector housing has two bores extending between rearward and forward ends of the connector housing. The retaining plate has a central opening with notches in two of its sides. Each pin extends through one of the notches, which engages the respective groove. The pins extend through the respective bores in the connector housing.

Abstract: A stiffener assembly which provides for improved performance of a movable stage arrangement. Often, it is desired to provide a movable stage arrangement in which a stage moves linearly with respect to a stationary base. In many applications, it is necessary for the stage to move to successive rest positions, with movement of the stage inhibited at each of the reset positions. The stiffener of the present invention allows for controlled movement of a stage along its direction of travel, with the stiffener inhibiting undesired movement when the stage is at a rest position. In one form, a stiffener extends in the direction of travel of the stage, with one end of the stiffener assembly mounted to the stationary base, and the other end urged into frictional contact with the movable stage by a force applicator. As a result, the stiffener is placed in frictional contact with the movable stage.