Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose has a rigid cleaning wand (21) with a valve (26) and a flexible hose (30) that can be retracted by suction pressure when the valve (26) is closed. The hose (30) extends within the wand (21) and is secured at its forward end (31) adjacent the forward end of the wand. A flexible sleeve (40) is joined at one end with the vacuum cleaner (1) and extends along the rear part of the hose (30) so that it can be attached to the rear end of the wand (21) when the hose is retracted, to retain it in a retracted state.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose (2) has an inner flexible section (25) slidable within an outer flexible section (20). A rear end fitting (28) on the inner section prevents it being pulled from the outer section and seals with a coupling (24) at the forward end of the outer section (20) when fully extended. The inner section (25) has a natural extended length and is retracted for storage by closing a valve at the forward end of the hose (2) so that suction from the cleaner (1) causes a reduced pressure within the hose sufficient to retract the inner section. The inner section (25) is retained within the outer section (20) by engaging a coupling (33) at the forward end of the inner section with the coupling (24) at the forward end of the outer section.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose assembly (3; 3?; 3?, 3??) has a flexible hose (5) that can be retracted by suction applied by the vacuum cleaner (1). The forward end of the hose (5) extends within a rigid cleaning wand (6, 6?, 6?, 6??) and is attached to it close to its forward end so that a part of the hose can be stowed within the wand. The wand has two sections (64 and 65, 64? and 65?), (64? and 65?, 64?? and 65??) telescopically slidable one within the other so that the wand can have an extended length or a shorter retracted length. Both sections of the wand have an open wall structure with one or two longitudinal struts (66 and 67, 72) and (73, 66?, 73?, 66?, 73?) and one or two open windows (70, 76, 70?, 76?) in order to reduce the weight of the wand.

Abstract: The manufacture of optical devices by reversing domains in specific patterns in ferroelectric crystal material is practiced using a segmented electrode rather than a continuous electrode on at least one of the surfaces of the ferroelectric crystal material. Independent poling voltages are selectively applied to the segments to create various electric fields inside the ferroelectric crystal material. In this manner, portions of the desired domain-reversed pattern are individually established in the ferroelectric crystal material in high fidelity with their respective electrode segments so that upon completion of poling, the entire domain-reversed structure is established in the ferroelectric crystal material in high fidelity relative to the entire electrode. Parameters of the electrode segment that may be varied singly or in combination to achieve a desired degree of fidelity include the overall size of the electrode segment, as well as the shape and size of the features included in the electrode segment.

Abstract: A method of attaching electrodes to optical substrates with embedded waveguides includes applying the electrode pattern to a separate superstrate from the electro-optic material containing the waveguide. This allows for the change of the index of refraction and/or the dipole moment of an electro-optic material using low voltages. In0 addition, the electrode superstrate can be detached from the waveguide substrate and repositioned and aligned to different waveguides. Removable electrodes add flexibility and increase yield by allowing the electrodes to be re-aligned to the waveguides when improper alignment occurs.

Abstract: A method of attaching electrodes to optical substrates with embedded waveguides includes applying the electrode pattern to a separate superstrate from the electro-optic material containing the waveguide. This allows for the change of the index of refraction and/or the dipole moment of an electro-optic material using low voltages. IN addition, the electrode superstrate can be detached from the waveguide substrate and repositioned and aligned to different waveguides. Removable electrodes add flexibility and increase yield by allowing the electrodes to be re-aligned to the waveguides when improper alignment occurs.