Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) unit (12) includes a plurality of Input/Output cards (IOCs 14). Each IOC is bidirectionally coupled to I/O specific media (fiber or copper) and to two coaxial cables. Also bidirectionally coupled to the coaxial cables are a plurality of Laser/Receiver Cards (LRC 20). The interface between the IOCs and the LRCs is an Emitter Coupled Logic (ECL) electrical interface that is conveyed over the coaxial cables. Each LRC is bidirectionally coupled by two single mode fibers to an optical multiplexer and demultiplexer, embodied within a grating (24). An input/output port of the grating is coupled to a fiber link (28) that enables bidirectional, full duplex data communications with a second WDM. Each WDM also includes a Diagnostic Processor Card (DPC 28) that receives status signals from the IOCs and LRCs, that forwards the status signals on to an external processor, and which generates control information for the IOCs and LRCs.

Abstract: A cable splice case or other article for environmental sealing comprises a composite material having multifilament fibres therein, which fibres are blocked in order to prevent passage of fluid through the material in a direction parallel to its major surfaces.

Abstract: The duty cycle of the alternating current waveform applied to an electric motor is varied by varying the firing point of an SCR circuit. This firing point is varied by logic circuitry which responds to the largest (or smallest) output of several integrators each of which provides an increasing or decreasing control voltage in response to different error signals. The error signals are related to different control criteria such as motor speed, motor current, etc. Thus the error signal indicating the greatest deviation from a set point controls the firing point. Since the output level of the integrators is slow to vary, a high degree of noise immunity is attained.

Abstract: A vibratory tool in which, to reduce vibration of the handle, a vibration isolation mechanism is provided to connect the handle to the tool body. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism comprises two beams associated with respective torsionally-resistant members which convert translational oscillation of the tool body into forced angular oscillation of the beams about respective induced nodal axes. The tool handle is connected to the beams at these nodal axes.