Abstract: A portable, collapsible shelf includes a generally rectangular frame with a panel extending across the frame to support a cat or the like. A pair of clips are snapped on to one of the frame members to permit pivotal movement of the frame within the clips. The clips are mounted on a storm door, immediately below a window. A pair of chains are mounted to the door jamb, with lower ends of the chains removably connected to the shelf, to thereby selectively retain the shelf in a horizontal position. The chains may be disconnected from the shelf to permit the shelf to pivot downwardly to a vertical storage position.

Abstract: Overclad fiber optic couplers typically include an elongated glass body having a solid midregion through which at least two glass optical fibers extend in optical signal coupling relationship. At each end of the midregion is an end region containing a bore from which optical fiber pigtails extend. In accordance with the invention, each end region includes a first projecting portion, one surface of which forms a ledge. That end of each bore opposite the midregion terminates at a recessed face that intersects the respective ledge. One end of at least the first fiber extends from the first bore. That portion of the first fiber outside the first bore has a coating that extends along the ledge, the coating terminating outside the first bore. A mass of glue extends between the ledge and the recessed face and encompasses the bare portion of the first fiber that extends along the first ledge and at least a portion of the first coating that extends along the first ledge.