Abstract: A fitting for a fluid-conveying conduit. The fitting includes integrally-formed clamps that can be used to secure the conduit in a locking relationship so that likelihood of leakage and separation of the fitting and the conduit is reduced. In one form, the fitting and conduit can be used as a moisture exchange device. In a more particular form, the conduit wall of the moisture exchange device includes a water-permeable material such that a humidity level in the conduit can be controlled. Since the fitting is formed separately from the end of the conduit to which it is to be attached, fabrication cost and complexity is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastic optical fiber (POF) processes and systems and involves improved non-polishing termination techniques. The techniques provide good physical and optical characteristics, i.e., smoothness, at the termination point, thereby providing lower losses than conventionally obtained. According to one embodiment, POF is cut while the fiber is under compression. According to another embodiment, the POF is notched and then pulled at a relatively high strain rate to induce fracture. The rate is such that the strain remains in the elastic region, i.e., the fiber exhibits brittle, as opposed to ductile, behavior during the strain. The brittle behavior provides a smooth termination surface, as opposed to a plastically-deformed surface.

Abstract: A tube take-up apparatus is provided to handle a length of freshly extruded tube. The apparatus includes an elongated housing in which a pair of parallel, spaced-apart rollers extend lengthwise in a position just below the extruded tubing. The housing is removably mounted on an elongated supporting fin which is secured to the extruder at its near end, extends upwardly between the two rollers and substantially along the entire length of the housing, and is, in turn, supported on a fixed pedestal at its remote end. After the full length of tubing has been extruded, the housing and rollers as a unit are lifted with the tube from the supporting fin and replaced by an empty housing, to extrude the next tube, while the full housing is carried away to a dryer.

Abstract: An optical fiber connection device is disclosed that allows for in situ variable attenuation of a signal transmitted between two optical fibers. The connection device comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently compliant, elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. The elastomeric properties of the attenuator element allow for varying the thickness of the attenuator element and thereby changing the level of attenuation in situ. Silicone elastomers are preferred for fabricating the attenuator element as applicants have discovered they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions.

Abstract: An optical connector assembly includes a connector body having an inner wall defining a bore extending longitudinally through the connector body and shaped to receive an optical fiber. A fiber-retaining mechanism is disposed in the connector body for retention of the optical fiber received in the bore by frictionally engaging an outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber to thereby restrain unintended longitudinal displacement of the optical fiber relative to the bore.

Abstract: A connector for an optical fiber includes a fiber holder for positionally aligning and retaining the end of the optical fiber and a clamp for selectively clamping the optical fiber against movement in and relative to the connector. The connector is insertable into a coupler for optically coupling the optical fiber with another optical fiber held in the connector or with an optical device.

Abstract: The conductive layers corresponding to a patch antenna are formed on a single substrate, as by printing a conductive ink. The substrate is in the form of an elongated, non-conductive, flexible sheet with the consecutive antenna layers printed thereon side-by-side. The layers of the antenna can then be brought into superposed alignment by appropriate folding of the sheet. The non-conductive rectangles can be maintained in spaced alignment to the cut-outs by placing a porous non-conductive block of spacing material therebetween. In a preferred embodiment the assembled structure has the various layers bonded together.

Abstract: A fragile device, such as an integrated circuit chip or a multichip assembly, is packaged by first dispensing a sol surrounding the sides of the device. The sol is laterally confined by means of a rim member typically made of a pre-molded plastic material. The amount of the sol dispensed is not sufficient to run over the top of the rim member. The sol is then heated to form a gel. If desired, a cover member can be put into place onto the top surface of the rim member, for the purpose of additional mechanical protection of the fragile device, for example.

Abstract: A temperature compensating optical waveguide device including an optical fiber in which a grating formed of grating elements embedded within the fiber core reflects fiber-transmitted light within a range about a central wavelength that varies with temperature and with an axial strain applied to the grating. A top surface of a compensating member is affixed to a portion of the fiber that includes the grating and a tension adjusting member is connected to the compensating member. The tension adjusting member and the compensating member are formed of materials selected so that as the temperature of the device decreases, the tension adjusting member contracts more than the compensating member so as to control the deformation of the compensating member and thereby impose an axial strain on the grating.

Abstract: The bottom and side surfaces of an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit chip or a multichip assembly, are surrounded by a soft gel medium. The gel medium is laterally confined by a rigid plastic rim that is epoxy-bonded in place along its perimeter. A plate, made of plastic or metal, can be attached to the top surface of the rim, in order to provide a cover for the package.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a weatherable enclosure having injection molded, die cast, or stamped top and bottom cap portions and a body portion which is extruded. The injection molded portions are fabricated from a polymer, such as polyvinyl chloride, with a higher melt index than the grade of polymer used to fabricate the body portion. The body portion has top and bottom openings adapted to receive the top and bottom cap portions. The network interface electrical components are enclosed within the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an optical connector subassembly provide an improved device at lower cost. The optical connector includes a plastic base member 150 which is overmolded onto a cylindrical ferrule 140 having an axial passageway 145 which extends from one end face 141 of the ferrule to the other 142. A mold 900 includes two parts 910, 960 which are joined together before heated and pressurized thermoplastic material is injected. The ferrule is held within a first channel 914 of the mold and a spring-loaded core pin 950 is held within a second channel 964 of the mold. These channels are coaxially aligned when the mold parts are joined together. The core pin includes a conical point 951 at one end which enters the axial passageway of the ferrule before the thermoplastic material is injected. A third channel 912, 962 receives the thermoplastic material and routes it into the first and second channels.

Abstract: The specification describes a molded plastic package for a surface normal optoelectronic device. The package is designed to passively align precisely the optoelectronic device with an optical fiber. Passive alignment is achieved by forming the optoelectronic device in a pyramid shape, and forming an identical pyramid shape in a mating molded plastic cover for the device. The mating pyramid shapes serve to center the optical fiber core precisely over the active optical region of the surface normal optoelectronic device.