Abstract: An alignment mechanism for establishing line-of-sight alignment between a transmitter (100) and a receiver (102) has, a laser pointer (300) that emanates a laser beam along a line-of-sight to illuminate the receiver (102) with a bright spot. An unmodulated reflector (304) at the receiver (102) reflects the emanated laser beam for return path transmission toward the laser pointer (300) to confirm alignment of the line-of-sight with the receiver (102). The transmitter (100) is aligned substantially along the line-of-sight and is fixed in position. A shutter in the form of a chopping wheel (400) modulates the emanated laser beam. The receiver (102) is linked to a communications apparatus (500) having an external antenna (502).

Abstract: A solar tracking system has a first set of solar heat gain transducers (700) that produce respective first output signals to drive a reversible first motor (300) for changing a vertical angle of a solar collector (200); and a second set of solar heat gain transducers (700) that produce respective second output signals to drive a reversible second motor (608) for changing a horizontal angle of the solar collector (200); each of the transducers (700) having a thermistor (702) in thermal contact with a thermal mass (706); and a communications apparatus (900) receiving output voltage from solar cells (202) on the solar collector (200).

Abstract: Optical fiber bend limiter that prevents contaminates from entering an optical fiber closure is described. The optical fiber bend limiter has an arcuate portion having a bend radius for limiting a minimum bend of an optical fiber. The bend limiter has a central recess for inserting a wall of an optical closure therein and limiting the minimum bend radius of an optical fiber. The bend limiter also includes peripheral recesses. When desired, the bend limiter is secured to a wall of the optical fiber closure via the peripheral recesses thereby closing the aperture and protecting the optical fibers from contaminants.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield structure (100) has an elongated conductive wall (102) that continuously or discontinuously defines a shielding perimeter and has a flange (104) laying over laterally to form a J-shaped hook (106) in cross section. A conductive cover or lid (108) engages over the standing wall (102) and has a depending side wall skirt (110) that has a flange (112) and forms a J-shaped hook (114) facing opposite from the hook (106) of the elongated wall (102). The cover (108) is pressed onto the wall (102) for assembly, causing the flanges (104) and (112) to deflect and snap over one another in the space between the overlapping skirt (110) and wall (102). The shield enclosure (122) can be disassembled without damage by applying a tool (116) through an opening (118) in the outer one of either the skirt (110) or wall (102), to deflect and disengage the flanges (104) and (112) in the space between the overlapped skirt (110) and wall (102).

Abstract: A system having a steerable antenna coupled to a temperature-dependent driver. The driver has a shape-memory element fabricated using a shape-memory alloy (SMA) and having the ability to change its shape as a function of temperature. The element is adapted to steer the antenna to improve signal reception and is controlled by a control circuit, which resistively heats the element while using the strength of the electrical signal generated by the antenna in response to a received radio-frequency signal as a feedback signal. The temperature of the element is adjusted to optimize the signal strength. Systems of the invention may enable customer-performed antenna alignment and are relatively simple and inexpensive to implement.

Abstract: A packing tape containing an integrated slicing means and an apparatus for dispensing the packing tape is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the dispensing apparatus comprises a cutting blade operable to cut the packing tape perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, a roller operable to deliver the packing tape to the cutting blade. In another aspect the apparatus includes a notch creating means that forms a tab and/or notch in the packing tape. In still another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes at least one protrusion creating means between the cutting blade and the roller operable to create a plurality of protrusions a fixed distance from an edge created by the cutting blade.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding structure has conductive parts for blocking propagation of electromagnetic interference, whereof at least one has an appendage or an edge configuration that is shaped so as to bite into the edge of the other of the conductive parts, such as along a narrowing groove. The appendage or edge can have a structure resembling an insulation displacement connector, but is arranged to engage the edge of a sheet-like or planar shielding element, as opposed to biting into an insulated wire. The connection achieves both electrical and mechanical connection between the parts, preferably thereby completing at least part of a shielding enclosure.

Abstract: An optical fiber routing apparatus includes at least one optical fiber splice tray for retaining optical fibers therein, and at least one rack. Each rack includes at least one shelf extending from a rear wall for respectively supporting the at least one optical fiber splice tray. At least one retaining flange is respectively coupled to a front edge of each shelf, and a retaining means is respectively coupled to the rear wall proximate a rear edge of each shelf for retaining an optical fiber tray between the rear wall of the rack and the at least one retaining flange on the front edge of a shelf.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and mechanisms for measuring transmission loss of a cable comprising the steps of disabling an antenna connected to a second end of the cable, feeding an input signal having an energy level into a first end of the cable for transmission of the input energy toward the second end of the cable, measuring a reflected energy, reflected back toward the first end of the cable from the second end of the cable, and comparing the reflected energy to a input energy to determine a cable loss. Directional couplers may be used to sample the input and reflected energy to be measured. The information derived from the comparison of input and reflected energy measurements can then be used to calibrate a transmitter thereby optimizing performance.

Abstract: An optical fiber closure includes a housing having opposing walls, each of the opposing walls having an aperture defined therein. Each aperture is adapted to receive an optical fiber therethrough. A bend limiter is proximate each aperture. Each bend limiter includes a proximate edge, a distal edge, and an arcuate surface. The arcuate surface extends between the proximate and distal edges and has a radius of curvature greater than a predetermined minimum bend radius. The distal edge of each bend limiter is substantially aligned with an outer edge of a respective one of the opposing walls of the optical fiber closure.

Abstract: Apparatus for enclosing a plurality of fiber optic cables in a sealed environment includes a housing, a lid, a hollow body projecting from the housing, at least one grommet disposed in the hollow body for securing one or more fiber optic cables in an orifice accessed by a slit provided therein and a cap disposed in front of the hollow body to compress the grommet and seal components passing through the grommet into the housing. The grommet is a single body with a plurality of orifices for receiving a plurality of fiber optic cables or a plurality of individually formed grommets each having one orifice.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a heat sink of the invention includes a corrugated plate and a deformable membrane, attached to each other at the periphery to define an enclosed volume. The membrane has a metal foil layer, due to which it can be deformed to conform to a complicated surface geometry of the electronic module to be cooled. To mate the heat sink with the module, air pressure is applied to the enclosed volume through a fitting to force the membrane into close contact with heat generating components of the module. When the air supply is disconnected, the membrane retains its shape due to the malleability of the foil layer. The enclosed volume is then filled with an appropriate heat-conducting fluid, which may optionally be circulated to facilitate heat removal from the module.

Abstract: Optical fiber closure having a biased door adapted to cover a portion of an aperture not occupied by an optical fiber. The optical fiber closure has a wall. The wall has an aperture defined therein for receiving optical fibers. The wall also has a biased door adapted to cover a portion of the aperture not occupied by optical fibers.

Abstract: A portable solar apparatus is described. In one exemplary implementation, the apparatus includes a solar energy collector cell, and a portable substrate. The solar energy collector cell converts light energy received from a light source into electrical current for transfer to a device. The portable substrate supports the solar energy collector cell. In one exemplary implementation, the portable substrate is a sun shield for a vehicle.

Abstract: An optical connector assembly is described. In one example, a panel includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. A plurality of receptacles are respectively supported within the plurality of apertures. Each of the plurality of receptacles is adapted to communicate with an optical connector. In addition, each of the plurality of receptacles is disposed at an angle with respect to a plane of the panel, where the angle is less than 90 degrees. In another example, a housing includes opposing side walls. A panel is mounted within the housing. The panel includes a plurality of apertures for supporting optical connectors. A spool is mounted to one of the opposing side walls of the housing.

Abstract: An optical connector assembly is described. In one example, a panel includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. A plurality of receptacles are respectively supported within the plurality of apertures. Each of the plurality of receptacles is adapted to communicate with an optical connector. In addition, each of the plurality of receptacles is disposed at an angle with respect to a plane of the panel, where the angle is less than 90 degrees. In another example, a housing includes opposing side walls. A panel is mounted within the housing. The panel includes a plurality of apertures for supporting optical connectors. A spool is mounted to one of the opposing side walls of the housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber routing apparatus includes at least one optical fiber splice tray for retaining optical fibers therein, and at least one rack. Each rack includes at least one shelf extending from a rear wall for respectively supporting the at least one optical fiber splice tray. At least one retaining flange is respectively coupled to a front edge of each shelf, and a retaining means is respectively coupled to the rear wall proximate a rear edge of each shelf for retaining an optical fiber tray between the rear wall of the rack and the at least one retaining flange on the front edge of a shelf.

Abstract: Optical fiber bend limiter that prevents contaminates from entering an optical fiber closure is described. The optical fiber bend limiter has an arcuate portion having a bend radius for limiting a minimum bend of an optical fiber. The bend limiter has a central recess for inserting a wall of an optical closure therein and limiting the minimum bend radius of an optical fiber. The bend limiter also includes peripheral recesses. When desired, the bend limiter is secured to a wall of the optical fiber closure via the peripheral recesses thereby closing the aperture and protecting the optical fibers from contaminants.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and mechanisms for measuring transmission loss of a cable comprising the steps of disabling an antenna connected to a second end of the cable, feeding an input signal having an energy level into a first end of the cable for transmission of the input energy toward the second end of the cable, measuring a reflected energy, reflected back toward the first end of the cable from the second end of the cable, and comparing the reflected energy to a input energy to determine a cable loss. Directional couplers may be used to sample the input and reflected energy to be measured. The information derived from the comparison of input and reflected energy measurements can then be used to calibrate a transmitter thereby optimizing performance.

Abstract: Optical fiber closure having a biased door adapted to cover a portion of an aperture not occupied by an optical fiber. The optical fiber closure has a wall. The wall has an aperture defined therein for receiving optical fibers. The wall also has a biased door adapted to cover a portion of the aperture not occupied by optical fibers.