Abstract: Parallel optical coupling apparatus for coupling a connector attached to one end of a parallel optical cable to a receiver or transmitter array. A parallel fiber optic assembly includes a receiver or transmitter array subassembly that houses a parallel optical coupler for transferring optical signals from an array of sources (e.g., lasers) in the assembly to the connector, or from the connector to an array of receiving elements in the assembly. A connector shell is provided that properly aligns the connector with respect to the optical coupler array.

Abstract: An optical coupler. The coupler has an optical element for transferring an optical signal from an entrance region, external to the optical unit, to an exit region, also external to the optical unit. The coupling element has a first substantially planar transmitting surface lying in a first plane, a second substantially planar transmitting surface lying in a second plane not coplanar with the first plane, a first substantially planar reflecting surface substantially perpendicular to the first transmitting surface, and a second substantially planar reflecting surface substantially parallel to the first reflecting surface, and a shaped reflecting surface substantially perpendicular to and adjoining the first and second reflecting surfaces.

Abstract: Parallel optical coupling apparatus for coupling a connector attached to one end of a parallel optical cable to a receiver or transmitter array. A parallel fiber optic assembly includes a receiver or transmitter array subassembly that houses a parallel optical coupler for transferring optical signals from an array of sources (e.g., lasers) in the assembly to the connector, or from the connector to an array of receiving elements in the assembly. A connector shell is provided that properly aligns the connector with respect to the optical coupler array.

Abstract: A solar energy collector and process for its preparation are disclosed in which the collector comprises spaced apart wall members in which one wall member is adapted to face solar radiation, and the other wall member is spaced on the remote side of the first wall member and adapted to contact a heat-absorbing medium. A foil, disposed between the wall members, has coatings on its opposite sides. The side of the foil facing the wall member receiving solar radiation has a solar selective coating, and the other side of the foil facing the other wall member has an emissive coating providing relatively high emissivity in the infrared spectrum. Preferably, the foil is metallic and precoated prior to assembling with other parts of the solar collector.

Abstract: A solar energy collector and process for its preparation are disclosed in which the collector has a solar selective layer of overlying, multiple coatings. The first coating is a reflective metal; the second coating is a semiconductor material being absorbent in the solar spectrum; and the third coating being the coating exposed to solar radiation is a dielectric material defining an anti-reflection guard. The dielectric coating is transparent to radiation in the solar spectrum and has a relatively low refractive index. The thickness of the dielectric coating is of a magnitude to decrease reflectance from the semiconductor coating by destructive interference. The solar selective layer may be prepared by depositing the various coatings in sequence as by thermal evaporation techniques.

Abstract: A method for braze-assembling metal components having low softening temperatures is provided, whereby selective cooling of specific regions of stabilized dimensions with the aid of heat sinks prevents softening of the metal components at and proximal to the specific regions of stabilized dimensions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of melting laser glass compositions that includes double melting steps as follows:I. melting the glass composition in a ceramic container in an oxidizing atmosphere in which the partial pressure of oxygen is greater than about 10.sup.-.sup.3 atmospheres; andIi. melting the resultant melt of Step I in a platinum container containing at least about 50% by weight of platinum in a reducing atmosphere in a buffered gas mixture in which the partial pressure of oxygen is less than about 10.sup.-.sup.3 atmospheres for a time sufficient to obtain a homogenization of the glass with stirring and still have the ingredients of the glass composition in an oxidized state to thereby produce a laser article substantially free from detrimental, lower-valence state ingredients, such as Fe.sup.+.sup.+, and a minimum of platinum inclusions in the glass.The method may also include double steps as follows:I.

Abstract: A food service tray which allows selective heating and/or cooling of meal components carried thereby. A base member of a thermally insulating material has a plurality of compartments divided into serially connected flow chambers having inlet and outlet openings. Food receptacles made of a thermally conductive material carry the meal components and are inserted into the compartments. Thermally insulating lids then cover the food receptacles. A refrigerated fluid under pressure may be passed through all or part of the flow chambers to thereby maintain the contents of the food receptacles therein in a chilled condition. A heated fluid under pressure can then be passed through selected flow chambers to thereby rethermalize or heat the contents of the food receptacles in the heated flow chambers to a proper serving temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control of flow and temperature of a working gas to allow temperature control of meal components carried by a two-compartment tray. The components of a meal are carried in an insulated, two-compartment tray. Both compartments are cooled by refrigerated air introduced thereto until a short time before serving. Then, hot air is introduced to one compartment to heat the contents thereof while the cool air flow to the other compartment is maintained. A flow distributor has two inlet and two outlet manifolds. One inlet and outlet manifold pair always receive cool air for supply to one compartment of the tray. The other inlet and outlet manifold pair can selectively receive either cool or hot air to allow heating or cooling of the contents of the other tray compartment. The trays are held in a uniform vertical array. Nozzles are connected to the air flow within the manifolds.

Abstract: A food service tray which allows selective heating and/or cooling of meal components carried thereby. A base member of a thermally insulating material has a plurality of compartments divided into serially connected flow chambers having inlet and outlet openings. Food receptacles made of a thermally conductive material carry the meal components and are inserted into the compartments. Thermally insulating lids then cover the food receptacles. A refrigerated fluid under pressure may be passed through all or part of the flow chambers to thereby maintain the contents of the food receptacles therein in a chilled condition. A heated fluid under pressure can then be passed through selected flow chambers to thereby rethermalize or heat the contents of the food receptacles in the heated flow chambers to a proper serving temperature.

Abstract: A laser assembly and a novel glass laser disc having an annular lead borate glass coating for use in the assembly is disclosed, the annular coating being capable of absorbing energy at a wavelength of 1.06 microns to thereby absorb parasitic oscillations. The outstanding glass coating has an index of refraction not substantially less than the index of refraction of the glass disc, the glass coating containing an effective energy-absorbing amount of a heavy metal oxide, such as Sm.sub.2 O.sub.3 and CuO, for absorbing energy at a wavelength of about 1.06 microns. The heavy metal oxides includes oxides of transition metals of the 3d, 4d, 4f and 5f orbital series.