Abstract: An improved interface for releasably connecting a power control module or battery pack to an electrical appliance or tool. The power control module includes a power control trigger and provides electrical power to a motor of the appliance. The power control switch is located on the appliance, and is actuated by a portion of the trigger extending through the interface. The interface includes a pair of dovetail connections with interlocking flanges, requiring a two-motion procedure for assembly and disassembly. A latch release assembly interacts with the trigger to avoid powering the motor during assembly, and to prevent disassembly with the trigger pulled.

Abstract: A consumable fusion block for fusing optical fibers includes non-conducting substrate with at least one flat surface. A pair of electrodes overlay the flat surface of the substrate and are spaced apart on either side of a passline such that each electrode tip end is adjacent the passline. A space between the electrode tips defines an arc region which can be covered to form a semi-enclosed arc region. A method is also provided for manufacturing a plurality of fusion blocks from a single slab of non-conducting material by overlying the non-conducting material with a length of conducting material, bonding the conducting material to the non-conducting material, and cutting the slab into smaller fusion blocks.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice element is provided that includes a base member having a fusion element for aligning optical fibers for fusion within. A covering member is provided for covering and forming an enclosure with the base member in a closed position. The covering member can be a separate member or alternatively can be in the form of a hinged lid. At lease one of the covering member and the base member include a locking mechanism for maintaining closure in a closed position. The optical fiber splice element in an open position has an opening at either end for accommodating one or more optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cordlock retention mechanism for a power tool such as an automotive polisher. The housing includes a pair of electrical contact blades which may be plugged into an extension cord. The retention mechanism includes a lower stationary latch extending from the polisher housing and an upper latch which is pivotably mounted on the housing above the lower latch. The upper latch may be pivoted between an upper position in which it is out of contact with the lower latch to thereby allow access to the blades and a lower position where it is in contact with the lower latch to enclose a space. The lower latch includes a plurality of upwardly extending off-set ribs. The upper latch includes a downwardly extending transverse vertical plate which is disposed in front of the offset ribs when the upper latch is pivoted to the closed position. In order to provide electrical power to the polisher, the plug of the extension cord receives the blades and is disposed within the enclosed space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing two optical fiber ends or, one optical fiber end and another object, in contact with one another is provided. The method involves moving one of an optical fiber and an object toward one another so that they make contact with one another and apply a loading force upon one another. A load sensing device detects the loading force and provides a signal indicative of the load sensed. The invention is particularly useful for placing two optical fiber ends in contact with one another so that predetermined force applied to the optical fiber ends.

Abstract: A consumable fusion block for fusing optical fibers includes non-conducting substrate with at least one flat surface. A pair of electrodes overlay the flat surface of the substrate and are spaced apart on either side of a passline such that each electrode tip end is adjacent the passline. A space between the electrode tips defines an arc region which can be covered to form a semi-enclosed arc region. A method is also provided for manufacturing a plurality of fusion blocks from a single slab of non-conducting material by overlying the non-conducting material with a length of conducting material, bonding the conducting material to the non-conducting material, and cutting the slab into smaller fusion blocks.

Abstract: A tool for fusing optical fibers is provided. The tool is preferably sized to be hand held and includes a housing having clamps that are positioned to engage recesses within a fusion sleeve placed in a chamber within the housing for holding down the sleeve. The housing includes a current source and conducting terminals for contacting and for providing an electric current to portions of the sleeve so that a heating element within the sleeve can fuse the first and second optical fibers together.