Abstract: An actuator may include a housing, a ball screw engaged with the housing, a tie rod disposed in the ball screw, a plurality of friction springs in the ball screw and around the tie rod, and a bearing having an interference fit with the tie rod and a clearance fit with the ball screw.

Abstract: An actuator may include a housing, a ball screw engaged with the housing, a tie rod disposed in the ball screw, a plurality of friction springs in the ball screw and around the tie rod, and a bearing having an interference fit with the tie rod and a clearance fit with the ball screw.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a waveguide assembly (250) for providing an interface to a surface module (260). The waveguide assembly comprises an embedded waveguide (204) embedded in a substrate material (224) and a waveguide connector (200) coupled to the embedded waveguide (204). The waveguide connector (200) has a neck portion (202) disposed transverse to the embedded waveguide (204) and a waveguide channel (214) passing though the neck portion (202) forming a channel between the embedded waveguide (204) and the surface (226) of the substrate material (224).

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for providing a connection between an embedded fibre optic (124) and a surface connector (144). The method comprises providing a substrate (100) comprising an embedded fibre connector component (120), forming a trench (110) to expose the embedded fibre connector component (120), and forming a fibre abutment connection between the embedded fibre connector component (120) and a fibre optic (142). The fibre optic (142) is suitable for guiding radiation between the embedded fibre connector component (120) and the surface connector (144).

Abstract: One aspect of the intention provides an optical connector arrangement (100). The optical connector arrangement (100) comprises a connector component (114) embedded in a substrate material (130). The embedded connector component (114) includes a fibre optic grating (110) optically coupled to a reflector (116) for directing radiation emitted from the fibre optic grating (110) to a surface (140) of the substrate material (130). The optical connector arrangement (100) also comprises a surface connector component (120) for collecting radiation emitted from the surface (140) of the substrate material (130).

Abstract: A composite (40) for use in the aircraft construction industry comprise an optical transmission means (42), such as an optical fiber, embedded within a carrier. The optical transmission means is provided with a high-quality optical interface surface (50) which provides a means for optical connection to the optical transmission means (42) from outside the carrier. The optical interface surface (50) is provided as part of a micro-optical component (44) which processes the optical signals to improve light extraction from and supply to the optical transmission means (40). The buried optical transmission means is acessed by a passageway (56,66) formed in the carrier to the interface surface (50). If the passageway (56,66) is formed prior to completion of finishing processes on the composite, a protective plug (48) is provided to close the passageway (56,66) until the optical connection is required.