Abstract: A clock is provided for synchronizing with a master time service. The clock includes a microprocessor configured to obtain time code data from the master time service, process the time code data, and initiate a time keeping function. The clock further includes a time indicator connected to the microprocessor. The time indicator displays a time corresponding to the time code data.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fiber (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fiber members containing the optical fibers into the bores. The optical fiber members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: An Interactive Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis Clock Radio wherein the voice recognition circuitry is trained to recognize a number of predetermined phrases spoken by one or more specific users. The speech synthesis circuitry includes a number of predetermined phrases generated in response to verbal utterances by a user.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fiber (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fiber members containing the optical fibers into the bores. The optical fiber members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: A transformerless LED digital display clock circuitry using AC line voltage as a primary source of power is disclosed. The AC line voltage is substantially reduced to around 10 volts or less and then rectified to provide DC power to the quartz analog clock. Also included is a NiCad battery circuitry used as a power backup and to allow for occasional but high current using devices. The LED digital display is made up of four separate "digit" displays each independently controlled by four separate cathode outputs from a microprocessor.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fibre (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fibre members containing the optical fibres into the bores. The optical fibre members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fibre (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fibre members containing the optical fibres into the bores. The optical fibre members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fibre (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fibre members containing the optical fibres into the bores. The optical fibre members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: A sheath for optical fibres comprises a compound sheath having an inner sheath of high modulus and density, and an outer sheath layer of low density material. The outer sheath layer may be of foamed polyethylene and the inner sheath of polypropylene, both conveniently formed by extrusion. Such fibre members are installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting the flexible, lightweight optical fibre members containing the optical fibres into the bores. The optical fibre members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: A coupling device couples low power levels of optical radiation out of an optical fibre (3) for maintenance and fault-finding purposes. The assembled coupling device acts to clamp a fibre (3), with its primary plastics coating still in place, against the inner side of a gently curved silica rod (1). The rod (1) is strongly waveguiding and, picking up radiation leaked from the fibre (3), directs it to a photodetector (6). The device finds particular application in optical communications systems.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fibre (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fibre members containing the optical fibres into the bores. The optical fibre members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: An optical fibre has a coating of, for example, liquid crystal polymer which causes temperature-dependent stress-induced changes in the optical fibre such as to counteract temperature-induced changes in the transmission delay of the fibre.

Abstract: An optical fibre transmission line is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fibre members containing the optical fibres into the bores.The optical fibre members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: An optical fibre transmission line is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fibre members containing the optical fibres into the bores.The optical fibre members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: A pair of optical fibres which are to be joined are located with their end portions in coupling elements one of which is transparent to light. The coupling elements are located such that the ends of the fibres are in approximate alignment. Light is transmitted along one fibre so that it is received by the fibre in the transparent coupling element. Light which is not coupled into the core of the fibre is sensed by a sensor and the relative position of the fibres is adjusted until the level of sensed light is a minimum. The sensing of the light is carried out at positions spaced angularly about the waveguide so that an indication of the direction of any misalignment is obtained. The coupling elements are then secured in this position. The adjustment of the fibres can be carried out using a linear translation stage and a microprocessor which controls the stage in accordance with signals from the sensor.