Abstract: Compressors are provided which include a motor having a drive shaft; a compression chamber, having an inlet and an outlet; a diaphragm, disposed within the compression chamber such that when the diaphragm is deflected back and forth between a first position and a second position air is drawn in through the inlet and forced out through the outlet; a crankshaft, operatively connected to the drive shaft; a shuttle, configured to be displaced transversely by rotational movement of the crankshaft, and positioned to deflect the diaphragm by its transverse movement; and a guide configured to inhibit non-transverse motion of the shuttle. In some implementations, the compressor occupies a total volume of less than about 15 cubic inches.

Abstract: Compressors are provided which include a motor having a drive shaft; a compression chamber, having an inlet and an outlet; a diaphragm, disposed within the compression chamber such that when the diaphragm is deflected back and forth between a first position and a second position air is drawn in through the inlet and forced out through the outlet; a crankshaft, operatively connected to the drive shaft; a shuttle, configured to be displaced transversely by rotational movement of the crankshaft, and positioned to deflect the diaphragm by its transverse movement; and a guide configured to inhibit non-transverse motion of the shuttle. In some implementations, the compressor occupies a total volume of less than about 15 cubic inches.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon cable includes at least two optical fibers with their centers maintained in spaced relationship by at least one spacer fiber in abutting relationship with and between the optical fibers. The optical fibers and the at least one spacer fiber are maintain together and protected by an encapsulation layer. The optical fibers are made from a material that is relatively insoluble in at least one solution in which the encapsulation layer and the spacer fibers are relatively soluble. The optical fiber cable is connectorized to a multifiber terminal connector by dissolving the encapsulation layer and the spacer fibers along a some length of the ribbon cable, inserting the remaining optical fiber segments into corresponding fiber-receiving channels within the terminal connector and securing the fiber segments within the fiber-receiving channels.

Abstract: An optical fiber bundle having an aligned fiber array includes a plurality of optical fibers each of which has first and second ends and an axial fiber center. The optical fiber bundle has a first common end proximate to which the optical fibers are secured in place by a first array fixture such that a fiber segment adjacent the first end of each optical fiber protrudes from the first array fixture. Each fiber segment of a selected plurality of fiber segments belongs to at least one microspacer neighborhood that includes at least two fiber segments secured in contacting engagement with a precision microspacer installed between the at least two fiber segments such that the axial fiber centers at the first ends of the at least two fiber segments are maintained in predetermined array positions with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method for selective controlled etching of a material particularly by sequentially switching between two (2) or more modes of radiofrequency waves and/or by distance from a source of the microwaves. The modes and/or distance are selected depending upon the surface of the material to be etched. The etching is rapidly conducted at 0.5 mtorr to 10 torr, preferably using microwave plasma etching.

Abstract: A method for ablating a synthetic diamond having a pitted surface includes applying a colloidal graphite to the surface of the diamond and subjecting it to an oxygen plasma so that preferably approximately 50 microns are removed from the surface of the synthetic diamond. The resulting surface of the diamond is virtually pit free. Preferably, the diamond is then mechanically lapped for finishing.

Abstract: A blade sharpener for a pocket knife is in the form of an appendage which can be removably secured to the knife handle and which carries a superabrasive layer sharpening surface, such as an electroplated diamond grit. The appendage may take the form of a pair of tweezers, such as those commonly found on Swiss army type knives, with the superabrasive layer being attached to its inside surfaces.

Abstract: The use of a conductive reactive braze material, loaded in via holes of a diamond substrate and heated in a suitable temperature range, results in conductive vias with excellent adherence to the via hole in the diamond material. Cracking of the diamond substrate, and loose or lost via elements, are minimized. A form of the disclosure is directed to a method for producing a circuit board having a multiplicity of conductive vias. A generally planar diamond substrate is provided. A multiplicity of via holes are formed through the substrate. The holes are loaded with a conductive reactive braze material. The braze material and the substrate are heated to a temperature which causes the braze material to melt and to react with the inner surface of the via holes and bond thereto.

Abstract: The use of a conductive reactive braze material, loaded in via holes of a diamond substrate and heated in a suitable temperature range, results in conductive vias with excellent adherence to the via hole in the diamond material. Cracking of the diamond substrate, and loose or lost via elements, are minimized. A form of the disclosure is directed to a method for producing a circuit board having a multiplicity of conductive vias. A generally planar diamond substrate is provided. A multiplicity of via holes are formed through the substrate. The holes are loaded with a conductive reactive braze material. The braze material and the substrate are heated to a temperature which causes the braze material to melt and to react with the inner surface of the via holes and bond thereto.