Abstract: The polarization state of a light wave is changed by a fiber polanrzation retardation device constructed by a method including employment of a pair of clamping fixtures, and a series of steps including clamping, cleaving, splicing, releasing, clamping, and cleaving, so as to achieve precise optical fiber lengths to achieve a desired polarization retarding device.

Abstract: The polarization state of a light wave is changed by a fiber polarization retardation device constructed by a method including employment of a pair of clamping fixtures, and a series of steps including clamping, cleaving, splicing, releasing, clamping, and cleaving, so as to achieve precise optical fiber lengths to achieve a desired polarization retarding device.

Abstract: In many optics applications, it is desirable to retard the polarization of a light wave, i.e., to change the polarization state of a light wave. In a method for retarding polarization of a light wave, a first linear polarization-maintaining fiber having a first beat length is spliced to a second polarization-maintaining fiber having a high birefringence and a second beat length. The second fiber is then cleaved to a length which is a fraction of the second beat length. The first fiber and the second fiber may be secured in a removable or permanent capillary. A light wave is transmitted into the first fiber and the polarization state of the light wave is determined. To adjust the polarization state, the second fiber may be lapped against an abrasive substance. The second fiber may be repeatedly lapped until a desired polarization state is achieved.

Abstract: An Integrated Optics Chip (IOC) package for an IOC, including a base having an upper support surface having a first raised surface and a dielectric gel disposed on the first raised surface of the base and adapted to couple to the IOC. The dielectric gel is sufficiently compliant to minimize stresses from structural changes in the base, accommodate a thermal mismatch between the IOC and the base, and reduce vibration. A first adhesive may be applied to a platform integral to the base that is sufficiently rigid to prevent the IOC from separating from the dielectric gel during vibration. A second adhesive may be applied on a second raised surface of the base to provide strain relief to the leads of the IOC. Advantages include the elimination of several components and manufacturing steps, improved strain relief and vibration dampening, as well as manufacturing time and cost savings.

Abstract: A method for transferring an article from a first receptacle to a second receptacle and, optionally, changing the orientation of the article. A contact lens is initially concave side-down within a well containing solution. By freezing the solution containing the lens-shaped article, the frozen solution with the lens can be conveniently transferred between stations without harming the lens. If necessary, the vessel and lens can be inverted as a unit such that the concave surface of the lens is side-up. The frozen solution melts into a second receptacle well with the lens transferring into the second receptacle. The lens remains concave surface up in the second well.

Abstract: A fiber optic gyroscope that includes an improved winding transition section otherwise known as a "jog zone". The improved jog zone reduces losses due to micro-bends and cross-coupling in the fiber optic coil. The reduced losses enable a more accurate measurement of rotation rate of the fiber optic coil, while minimizing unwanted phase-shifts that can cause false readings in the fiber optic gyroscope.

Abstract: A contact lens button and a block are integrally formed together when the contact lens button is cast in a cup having an aperture formed in the center of the bottom wall of the cup. The block has a first elongated end forming a spindle and a second end which is of circular, generally planar configuration. The spindle end is inserted through the aperture in the bottom wall of the cup providing an interference fit with the circular end portion located inside the cup spaced parallel to and slightly upwardly from the bottom wall, and the first spindle end extends exteriorly of the cup. A quantity of liquid lens material is dispensed into the cup, completely surrounding the circular end portion of the block. The material cures around the block second end, with the formed button and block removable from the cup as a single unit. The block first end is secured to a lathe chuck for rotating the button to cut the concave base surface of the lens.

Abstract: Laser radiation can be directed through an aperture to a target surface without causing the expected diffraction groove effect by moving the target relative to the stage to which the aperture is attached in such a fashion as to interrupt the diffraction pattern and minimize the production of diffraction grooves.

Abstract: An improved, automated method and apparatus for molding contact lenses generally comprises the steps of: (1) forming anterior and posterior mold cavities in longitudinally spaced relation in first and second webs of material, respectively; (2) dispensing a liquid, curable, lens material (e.g., monomer) in each anterior cavity of the first web; (3) aligning and bringing the posterior and anterior cavities into sequential, mating, centered engagement with each other; (4) curing the lens material captured between respective posterior and anterior molds; and (5) separating the webs to release the lenses cast therebetween. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mold cavities are vacuum-formed in the respective webs, and packaging receptacles are formed in one or both of the webs used to mold the lenses.

Abstract: A housing for fiber optic components reduces stress on optical fibers and protects the components from environmental shock and vibration. The housing includes a protective body having a receiving space wherein the fiber optic component is positioned. A rigid adhesive applied to the fibers in a specific stress reducing profile near the ends of the receiving space secures the component out of contact with the wall of the receiving space without inducing stress on the jacketless optical fibers. A gel support material fills the receiving space surrounding the component and providing vibration isolation. The invention is particularly uses for housing fiber optic couplers which are subject to shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes first and second mold sections having respective first and second mold cavity defining surfaces, the first mold cavity defining surface terminating in an encircling peripheral rim and the second mold cavity defining surface terminating in a deformable peripheral annulus disposed at a diameter corresponding to the rim, and cooperating tapers depending from each of the first and second molds for relatively centering the molds.

Abstract: A contact lens package made from one of the mold parts used to mold a contact lens, the lens being packaged in a storage cavity separate from a molding surface of the mold part.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupler includes at least two optical fibers having a coupled region and at least one lead portion extending therefrom. The optical fibers have a protective jacket thereon. The protective jacket is removed from the coupled region and from a region of the at least one lead portion adjacent the coupled region resulting in a jacketless coupled region, at least one jacketless lead portion and at least one jacketed lead portion. The fiber optic coupler further includes a protective body having a receiving space therein for receiving the coupled region. The protective body has at least one entrance from which said jacketed lead portion emerges. A rejacket material at least partially surrounds a length of the jacketless lead portion adjacent the jacketed lead portion resulting in a rejacketed lead portion.

Abstract: A mold assembly includes first and second mold sections having respective first and second mold cavity defining surfaces, the first mold cavity defining surface terminating in an encircling peripheral rim and the second mold cavity defining surface terminating in a deformable peripheral annulus disposed at a diameter corresponding to the rim, and cooperating tapers depending from each of the first and second molds for relatively centering the molds.