Abstract: A switch for coupling and uncoupling a first waveguide from at least a second waveguide characterized by the switch having a member holding the first waveguide in a fixed position in a switch housing and a movable support part for supporting the second waveguide and being movable from a position with the waveguides in a coupling relationship to a position with the waveguides being uncoupled, the support part being connected to the switch housing by at least one flexible web having a bending axis extending parallel to the axis of the second waveguide. Preferably, each of the flexible webs is connected to a second flexible web extending at right angles thereto so that the movable support part can be moved relatiive to the first waveguide in two planes extending at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A coupling device for releasably coupling a first optical waveguide to a second optical waveguide with an end-to-end alignment characterized by a first coupling part having a seating surface with a longitudinally extending channel, at least one second coupling part having a support part with an end of a first waveguide being secured to a longitudinally extending undersized groove provided on the support part. The second coupling part further comprises flexible webs for mounting the support part in the second coupling part for movement transverse to the axis of the first waveguide and to press the end of the first waveguide into the channel when the second and first coupling parts are assembled together so that the first waveguide is received in the channel aligned with the end of the second waveguide to couple the waveguides together.

Abstract: A wire for making steel wool has, in cross-sectional profile, a straight top, a pair of sides extending down from said top, and a downwardly and outwardly concave bottom. The sides either taper regularly down from said top toward said bottom so as to impart to said wire a trapezoidal cross-section, or lower portions of otherwise parallel sides taper inwardly at an angle of approximately 20.degree. so that the wire is much narrower at the bottom than at the top. The corners between the sides and the bottom are rounded so as to reduce waste in the production of steel wool. Such a wire is received in a capstan of a steel-wool making machine having wire-holding grooves with central outwardly convex ridges receivable within the concavity in the bottom of the wire.