Abstract: A method and apparatus for tapping fiber optic devices is provided. An input optical fiber is connected to a graded index lense which will collimate light from the input fiber. A second graded index lense is provided in optical alignment with the first lense, which receives and decollimates the light collimated by the first lense. A sensor, such as a photodiode, is interposed between the lenses to intercept a minor portion of the light being transmitted to the second lense, and convert the sensed light to a signal indicative of a selected characteristic of the light.

Abstract: An advanced display system controller is described for use in automotive vehicles. The controller has electronic circuitry to allow it to be programmed to display monochrome or color graphics and text on an all-points-addressable display device such as a CRT or an Electro-Luminescent (EL) Flat panel. The display resolution and scan rates may be programmed differently depending on the display type and size. The vehicle operator controls the display system via a reconfigurable switch system (RSS), such as an Infrared Touch Panel or Mylar Touch Switch Matrix mounted over the face of the display. In addition, external discrete switches may also be attached to the controller. The controller includes a master microprocessor and a slave microprocessor with preferred partitioning of functions and communicates with other parts of the vehicle via two serial data communication links, a Random Access bus and a Poll/Response bus.

Abstract: An optical data is transmitted from station to station through an optical T-coupler attached to each station. The optical T-coupler splits the data signals into two paths with identical data being transmitted to the attached station and also the succeeding station. An optical to electronic conversion takes place as the data enters the station. Electronic digital switching within each station selects a "normal" mode of receiving data from the preceding station when data is valid or a "bypass" mode of receiving data from the station which precedes the preceding station. Switching from normal to bypass mode is performed by electronic switching and requires no optical switches.

Abstract: A fiber optic scanner system for reading coded patterns is provided having a single optical fiber extending from the reading end of the scanner tip to a remote terminal. The remote terminal includes an optical signal generator for generating and driving light pulses along the single optical fiber to the reading end of the scanner member so as to illuminate a bar code and obtain reflected pulses therefrom which are carried to the remote terminal receiver and decoded.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is provided having identical connector halves including mating surfaces which are made of a soft metal and the surface configuration is coined or stamped therein by the same die to provide minimum manufacturing tolerance errors between fiber holding rails located in a channel on each surface. Locating holes and projections are likewise located in said mating surfaces so that, when one surface is reversed with respect to the other and mated thereto, the optical fibers placed between the rails and precisely cut with respect to a limit line will mate end to end coaxially with the end surfaces in the same plane.

Abstract: An optical coupler for optically coupling an LED to an optical fiber includes a transparent spherical shell surrounding a transparent spherical core. The index of refraction of the core is greater than of the spherical shell. A surface is formed on the opposite side of the coupler for coupling the optical fiber to the optical coupler, and a cylinder is used to mount the optical coupler at a predetermined distance from the LED in an orientation maximizing the amount of light entering the optical fiber.

Abstract: A phase-locked-loop circuit configuration is described which eliminates the statistical nature of the acquisition process, thereby improving or decreasing the acquisition or lock-up-time of the loop. The circuit configuration is such that given an input signal, that occurs at time T.sub.0, the loop error signal is reduced to a level where the lock-up-time is substantially reduced and predictable to a degree of certainty heretofore unattainable. In addition, by eliminating the statistical nature of the acquisition process, lock-up-time becomes a function of controllable system parameters, such as bandwidth, gain and circuit time constants.

Abstract: A phase-locked-loop circuit configuration is described which eliminates the statistical nature of the acquisition process, thereby improving or decreasing the acquisition or lock-up-time of the loop. The circuit configuration is such that given an input signal, that occurs at time T.sub.0, the loop error signal is reduced to a level where the lock-up-time is substantially reduced and predictable to a degree of certainty heretofore unattainable. In addition, by eliminating the statistical nature of the acquisition process, lock-up-time becomes a function of controllable system parameters, such as bandwidth, gain and circuit time constants.