Abstract: A system cleans a set of optical connectors. The system includes a fluid source, a vacuum source, a support member which defines a cleaning device edge, and a set of cleaning devices. Each cleaning device includes (i) a fluid intake member which connects to the fluid source, (ii) a fluid output member which connects to the vacuum source, and (iii) a cleaning head which connects to the fluid intake member and the fluid output member. Each cleaning device is disposed along the cleaning device edge of the support member. The set of cleaning devices is configured to (a) align over a set of optical interfaces of the set of optical connectors, (b) direct fluid (e.g., gas, gaseous snow, etc.) from the fluid source toward the set of optical interfaces, and (c) draw the directed fluid away from the set of optical interfaces and toward the vacuum source.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method and apparatus for producing high-purity metals (such as, for example, high-purity cobalt), and also encompasses the high-purity metals so produced. The method can comprise a combination of electrolysis and ion exchange followed by melting to produce cobalt of a desired purity. The method can result in the production of high-purity cobalt comprising total metallic impurities of less than 50 ppm. Individual elemental impurities of the produced cobalt can be follows: Na and K less than 0.5 ppm each, Fe less than 10 ppm, Ni less than 5 ppm, Cr less than 1 ppm, Ti less than 3 ppm and 0 less than 450 ppm.

Abstract: A device to monitor light output from a light source, including a V-groove substrate with a reflective coating deposited on at least one surface, an optical fiber, a light source positioned so that an amount of the light emitted, which is less than 100%, enters the optical fiber, a light intensity or source detector positioned so that at least some of the light emitted from the light source, that did not enter the optical fiber impinges upon the light intensity detector, and feedback circuitry. A method of producing a device including the steps of coating a surface of a V-groove substrate with a reflective material, placing a light source in said V-groove substrate.

Abstract: A system cleans a set of optical connectors. The system includes a fluid source, a vacuum source, a support member which defines a cleaning device edge, and a set of cleaning devices. Each cleaning device includes (i) a fluid intake member which connects to the fluid source, (ii) a fluid output member which connects to the vacuum source, and (iii) a cleaning head which connects to the fluid intake member and the fluid output member. Each cleaning device is disposed along the cleaning device edge of the support member. The set of cleaning devices is configured to (a) align over a set of optical interfaces of the set of optical connectors, (b) direct fluid (e.g., gas, gaseous snow, etc.) from the fluid source toward the set of optical interfaces, and (c) draw the directed fluid away from the set of optical interfaces and toward the vacuum source.

Abstract: A device to monitor light output from a light source, including a V-groove substrate with a reflective coating deposited on at least one surface, an optical fiber, a light source positioned so that an amount of the light emitted, which is less than 100%, enters the optical fiber, a light intensity or source detector positioned so that at least some of the light emitted from the light source, that did not enter the optical fiber impinges upon the light intensity detector, and feedback circuitry. A method of producing a device including the steps of coating a surface of a V-groove substrate with a reflective material, placing a light source in said V-groove substrate.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method and apparatus for producing high-purity metals (such as, for example, high-purity cobalt), and also encompasses the high-purity metals so produced. The method can comprise a combination of electrolysis and ion exchange followed by melting to produce cobalt of a desired purity. The method can result in the production of high-purity cobalt comprising total metallic impurities of less than 50 ppm. Individual elemental impurities of the produced cobalt can be follows: Na and K less than 0.5 ppm each, Fe less than 10 ppm, Ni less than 5 ppm, Cr less than 1 ppm, Ti less than 3 ppm and O less than 450 ppm.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method and apparatus for producing high-purity metals (such as, for example, high-purity cobalt), and also encompasses the high-purity metals so produced. The method can comprise a combination of electrolysis and ion exchange followed by melting to produce cobalt of a desired purity. The method can result in the production of high-purity cobalt comprising total metallic impurities of less than 50 ppm. Individual elemental impurities of the produced cobalt can be follows: Na and K less than 0.5 ppm each, Fe less than 10 ppm, Ni less than 5 ppm, Cr less than 1 ppm, Ti less than 3 ppm and 0 less than 450 ppm.

Abstract: A rigid alignment of a fixture connection to a chip having the rigidity of the connection transferred from the chip to a chip holder. The chip has an alignment feature that has a specific position relative to a device on the chip to which another device of a fixture is to be aligned. An alignment fixture has an alignment feature and a device site which aligns with the alignment feature and the device on the chip, respectively. The alignment fixture has a fastener on the chip holder. The chip is moveable on the holder and is moved until the alignment features of the fixture are aligned, which also results in the alignment of the device site with the device. The chip is attached with glue or solder to the holder. The alignment fixture is removed and substituted with a connector interface fixture having no alignment feature relative to the chip but rather an alignment mechanism to the block that the chip is attached.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical transmission system comprising an optical source, a first lens and a second lens, a multimode optical waveguide, and a phase-only filter. The optical source generates an optical signal having a predetermined wavelength which is received by the first lens. The signal is then sent from the first lens through the phase-only filter and then to the second lens. The second lens then focuses the signal into the multimode optical waveguide. The multimode optical waveguide has predetermined dimensions and has multiple modes. The phase-only filter excites a plurality of modes in the optical waveguide to approximate equilibrium modal power distribution as the optical signal is received into the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly (10) for use in converting a motorcycle into a tricycle is described which includes a rear axle assembly (12) and a swing arm (14) having a first end (16) and a second end (18). The first end (16) is adapted for pivotal attachment to a motorcycle chassis. The swing arm (14) is detachably secured to the rear axle assembly (12). A pair of axle engaging members (22) are secured in spaced relation to the rear axle assembly (12). A pair of telescopically extendable/retractable members (24) are provided having a first end (26) and a second end (28). The first end (26) of each telescopic member (24) is telescopically received in one of the axle engaging members (22). The second end (28) of each telescopic member (24) is attached to the second end (18) of the swing arm (14) after a continuous belt for a belt drive is slid loosely into position. The telescopic members (24) are telescopically extendable once the continuous belt is in position to place the belt in proper operating tension.

Abstract: All improvement in a kit for converting a motorcycle to a tricycle is described. The kit includes a pair of swing arms having a first end and a second end. Axle couplings are provided at the first end of each swing arm whereby the swing arms are secured to an axle which supports two wheels. Pin receiving couplings are provided at the second end of each swing arm whereby the swing arms are pivotally secured by pins to a motorcycle frame. The improvement is characterized by swing arms having a top surface and a bottom surface. The axle coupling and the pin receiving coupling extend vertically from the top surface of the swing arms. The top positioning of the axle couplings and the pin receiving couplings leaves the majority of the top surface of the swing arms dropped below the level of the original floor boards of the motorcycle. The swing arms can pivot as intended without their movement being impeded by the original floor boards.