Abstract: A system comprises a docking station and a robot. The docking station includes a first dock and a second dock. The first dock is configured to removably-receive a first plate. The first plate is configured to removably-receive a first plurality of parts. The second dock is configured to removably-receive a second plate. The second plate is configured to removably-receive a second plurality of parts. The robot includes an end effector configured to engage the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A fiberoptic endoscope scanning system with multiple scanning modes. The first mode is a multifiber scanning along its longitudinal axis and a second scanning mode is a chromatic scan comprising a prism and/or grating at the distal end of the endoscope. The multiple scanning modes result in superior improvement in the image scan. The superior improvement in the clarity of the image scanned.

Abstract: A surgeons headlight system which comprises a short arc xenon lamp in optical communication with a proximal end of a light pipe. The light pipe having beam shaping optics located at a distal end thereof. The light pipe also having a first long section which is fixed in an elevated manner and a second tethered section which defines, at least in part, an umbilical. The distal end of the light pipe which comprises the beam shaping optics being supported solely by the surgeons cap. The headlight system delivering illumination of not less than 2500 foot candles over a three inch diameter circle, and causing less than 10 grams of pull to the surgeons cap.

Abstract: An endoscope having a sleeve-like drape secured in a retracted position at the proximal end of the endoscope. The proximal end of the endoscope is secured to a CCD camera, the drape is extended to telescope over and envelope the camera such that the resulting outer surface of the drape in its extended position remains sterile.

Abstract: A double-crystal X-ray monochromator includes entrance and exit crystal assemblies mounted on a support structure to provide full parallelism of the crystals while one crystal is rotated and the other rotated and translated with respect to the first, allowing selection of the wavelength of X-rays to be passed through the monochromator. The monochromator is mounted in an ultra-high vacuum chamber by supports which pass through the vacuum chamber to support the monochromator independently of the vacuum chamber. Bearings supporting the monochromator provide very low friction to linear movement and rotation to allow high precision to be obtained. To compensate for the heating of the entrance crystal due to impingement of high energy X-rays on the crystal, the entrance crystal is cooled using a radiation heat transfer system which provides no physical contact between the radiator connected to the entrance crystal assembly and the heat transfer structure on the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A fiberoptic endoscope scanning system with multiple scanning modes. A first mode is a multifiber scanning about its longitudinal axis and a second scanning mode is a chromatic scan, comprising a prism and/or grating at the distal end.

Abstract: A fiber optic scanning system having a multifiber. The multifiber having a first group of cores having an index of refraction N1 and a second group of cores having an index of refraction N2. The cores being positioned in a matrix. The cores of the groups being arrayed so that the adjacent cores of any core are members of the other group. The index difference between N1 and N2 being great enough to produce substantial mismatch in the cores and to substantially reduce cross talk between any core of one group and any core of the other group.

Abstract: A multi-fiber for use in an endoscope having a plurality of fiber optic bundles. Each bundle comprises cores A, B, C and D, each core having a different index of refraction. The index difference between cores is at least 0.02 to produce mismatch in the propagation constants in the cores and to substantially reduce crosstalk among the cores.

Abstract: A novel vacuum tube type of electric apparatus preferably utilizes cold cathode emission to provide an electron source. A grid element is employed to vary path direction for the particles, which are directed to alternative positions of an anode element. Secondary electron emission from a portion of the anode is utilized to permit the anode potential to rise upon electron impingement, while a second portion of the anode retains electrons to drive the anode potential in the negative sense. The structure allows both positive and negative states to be maintained, and has value in both rapid switching and memory application. The tube is advantageous manufactured on an insulating substrate which may be drawn to microscopic dimensions. This permits a dense pack to be accomplished, with low power requirements and high operating speed.

Abstract: An optical communications systems, e.g. a telephone system, comprising means to accept even electrical communication signals from transmitting stations, modulate an optical signal with said signal from the transmitting station and, using time-division-multiplexing (TDM), provide a resultant optical communication signal to a central station which utilizes a frequency-division-multiplexing (FDM) system for handling incoming optical signals before passing the optical communication signals on to a receiving station which utilizes time-division-demultiplexing means and, where necessary, reconverts the optical signal to an electrical communication signal.

Abstract: A fiber optics communications network system that is adapted for operation with either electrical or optical central office functions, i.e. switching and routing functions, is adapted for connection to electrical or fiber optic conduits for subscriber entrance sites, and which is composed of passive and inert components except for optical modulating devices at communications-transmission stations. The system is characterized by use of a train of pulses supplied to receiver lines and, most advantageously, use of an ancillary pulse in selection and amplification of individual signals for reception by receiver stations and time-division-demultiplexing. In preferred embodiments, the transmission side of the system is assigned a fixed optical frequency address and a fixed time slot is assigned to each transmission station.

Abstract: An optical communication cable includes an elongated flexible strip or tape, one or more optical fibers affixed to the tape, and an adhesive on a surface of the tape. The optical cable is utilized for interconnecting points within a building by applying the adhesive to an interior wall, ceiling, floor or partition. When a transparent tape is utilized, the optical cable is nearly invisible on a wall. The cable can include protective stands that run parallel to the optical fibers. Various fixtures are provided for interconnecting and installing the optical cable. Applicator tools for installing the optical cable on a surface are disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber laser differential sensor measures changes in a selected parameter by means of several single fiber laser sensors which are sensitive to both changes in the selected parameter and changes in other parameters which are not of interest. Each single sensor is comprised of two fiber lasers which are each optically coupled to a third fiber so that energy is exchanged between each of the laser fibers and the third fiber. The single sensor structure is arranged so that it operates with least loss when the two lasers oscillate at a common frequency. The common frequency is, in turn, sensitive to changes in the optical path length of either of the fiber lasers. The single sensors are arranged so that their optical path lengths change in response to changes in the selected and other parameters. The outputs of the sensors are beat together to eliminate variations due to parameters other than the desired parameter.

Abstract: An electronic camera tube includes a transparent envelope enclosing an evacuated cavity, a photocathode layer on a first internal surface of the envelope and an array of storage electrodes on a second internal surface of the envelope. The first and second surfaces are parallel and closely spaced. The photocathode layer emits electrons in response to an incident light intensity pattern. The storage electrodes in the array receive the electrons from the photocathode layer and emit secondary electrons, thereby accumulating a charge pattern representing the light intensity pattern. The camera tube further includes a readout device associated with each storage electrode for reading out the charge pattern during a readout phase. The readout devices operate by generating a readout current through an evacuated region adjacent to each storage electrode. Each readout current is a function of the charge accumulated on the adjacent storage electrode during the exposure phase.

Abstract: An electronic camera tube includes a transparent envelope enclosing an evacuated cavity, a photocathode layer on a first internal surface of the envelope and an array of cells on a second internal surface of the envelope. The first and second surfaces are parallel and closely spaced. The photocathode layer emits electrons in response to an incident light intensity pattern. The cells in the array receive the electrons from the photocathode layer and emit secondary electrons, thereby accumulating a charge pattern representing the light intensity pattern. The camera tube further includes readout devices for reading out the charge pattern during a readout phase. The readout devices operate by electron tunneling and inject electrons perpendicular to the cell array through the evacuated cavity to readout electrodes on the photocathode layer. The electron currents injected through the evacuated cavity by the readout devices are controlled in response to the charge on the respective cells in the array.

Abstract: A single mode optical fiber of stepped index of refraction. Both core and cladding are fabricated of pure fused silica doped with a small base percentage of fluorine to substantially eliminate hydroxyl ions and reduce viscosity. In addition to the base amount of fluorine, the cladding contains a further amount for lowering its index of refraction relative to that of the core and for further reducing viscosity.

Abstract: An optical modulator for modulating a light beam includes a laser diode having an active region with optically flat faces at opposite ends thereof. The modulator is constructed so that oscillation of the laser diode is suppressed and a time-varying electrical modulation signal is applied to the active region. An optical isolator includes a first electronically controlled optical switch coupled to the isolator input, a second electronically controlled optical switch coupled to the isolator output and means for optical coupling between the first switch and the second switch and having associated delay T.sub.0. Square wave actuation signals are applied to the first and second switches. The square wave signals each have a cycle time T.sub.p =4T.sub.0 and the square wave signal applied to the second switch is delayed relative to the square wave signal applied to the first switch by a time T.sub.0.

Abstract: Communications Systems particularly suited for manipulating stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), or similar tunable laser amplification effects, to acheive improved means for selecting an optical signal from many such signals carried on a single fiber. This disclosure also describes means for producing a tunable, spectrally-narrow line to power this laser amplification. The disclosure also describes an improved polarization-sweeping device which allows the system to handle variable polarization of signals, when necessary. It also discloses other subsystems and apparatus facilitating the optimum signal-tapping process, including heterodyning procedures, a low-band-width channel-indentification means, and a new laser, all particularly useful in the system described. The laser is also useful in other systems where a tunable, spectrally narrow, stable source is required.

Abstract: A filter tap for optical communication systems includes an optical resonant cavity comprising generally parallel, facing dielectric mirrors spaced to permit resonance in a selected band of channels. Optical signals from an input portion of a main trunk line carrying optical signals on a plurality of bands are coupled to one of the mirrors at an end face of the resonant cavity and are coupled from the one mirror to an output portion of the main trunk line with minimal reduction in optical signals in nonselected bands. Optical signals in the selected band are coupled from the other of the mirrors on the other end face of the resonant cavity to a branch line. In one preferred embodiment, the cavity is a finer optic resonant cavity and trunk line optical fibers are coupled directly to one of the mirrors of the cavity. Power is coupled from the input portion to the output portion of the trunk line by evanescent coupling.

Abstract: An optical communication system suitable for wide area communications includes a plurality of local networks each having a communications bus and a plurality of terminal devices coupled to the respective local network communications bus for intranetwork communications with other terminal devices within the local network or internetwork communications with terminal devices in other local networks. Each terminal device includes a channel selecting device for selecting one of a plurality of frequency distinct communication channels. Each local network is assigned a common set of communication channels for communications within the local network and also assigned a unique subset of communication channels for internetwork communications. Each local network is coupled to every other local network through a frequency selective coupling means that passes only information signals at frequencies corresponding to the unique subset of communication channels for that local network.