Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, provided is an extremely compact, simple, and cost-effective approach for aligning optical fibers in an optical fiber fusion splicer. The basis of this alignment method is an “S”-Curve Piezo Bending Actuator. The device comprises a thin strip of elastically flexible material (such as spring steel, beryllium copper, or fiber reinforced polymer) that is coated in four areas with a piezoelectric material (such as barium titanate or other known compounds).

Abstract: A method of generating an electrical arc includes steps of providing a first electrode and a second electrode, determining a dielectric strength of a gap region between the electrodes, determining a desired dielectric strength change based on the determined dielectric strength, injecting an amount of ions into the gap region, wherein the amount of ions is controlled based on the desired dielectric strength change, and providing a voltage to the first electrode, the voltage causing the electrical arc to be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Preferably, the amount of ions injected into the gap region causes the dielectric strength of the gap region to be changed by an amount substantially equal to the desired dieletric strength change. The method may be implemented in an apparatus employing an electrician arc, such as, without limitation, a fusion splicer or an apparatus for preparing an optical fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the gap resistance between two electrodes, such as the electrodes used fusion splicing one optical fiber to another, by injecting negative ions into the gas or gasses that are located between the electrodes. As a result, the voltage that is required to cause dielectric breakdown and initiation of the electrical arc is drastically reduced.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the present invention applies short bursts of a high temperature fluid to a hydrogen-loaded fiber to relocate the hydrogen within the fiber in the proximity of the fiber's core—to achieve a fiber having significantly improved photosensitivity. A stronger fiber grating is realized when the fiber is subsequently exposed to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for stripping one or more optical fibers having multiple coatings, accomplished with multiple stripping steps or passes. As an example, each coating may be stripped relatively independently. Such stripping may be accomplished with multiple bursts of a fluid or gas heated to a temperature sufficient to remove the coating.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the present invention applies short bursts of a high temperature fluid to a hydrogen-loaded fiber to relocate the hydrogen within the fiber in the proximity of the fiber's core—to achieve a fiber having significantly improved photosensitivity. A stronger fiber grating is realized when the fiber is subsequently exposed to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for stripping one or more optical fibers having multiple coatings, accomplished with multiple stripping steps or passes. As an example, each coating may be stripped relatively independently. Such stripping may be accomplished with multiple bursts of a fluid or gas heated to a temperature sufficient to remove the coating.

Abstract: A handheld stripper includes a handheld housing having a chamber configured to hold a volume of pressurized combustible gas. Combustion of the gas occurs at an output nozzle. A filter is disposed between the output nozzle and fiber and is configured to radiate heat in the direction of the fiber, while preventing a combustion flame from contacting the fiber.

Abstract: A system for stripping an optical fiber includes a source of air and means for generating very short bursts of air. A heater heats the bursts of air to a temperature sufficient to remove the outer coating from an optical fiber, while maintaining the air isolated from the heat source. A single burst of heated air removes the outer coating of an optical fiber, within less than about one second. A series of closely spaced bursts or a prolonged burst of heated air may be used to remove an expanded length of fiber coating. Stripping may include translation of the fiber or the heater or portions thereof. The stripper may be configured to strip several loaded fibers or a single fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly heating a shrinkable casing around a relatively non-shrinkable object. As one example, the present invention may be used to shrink a sleeve around a strand, such as fiber or copper. A contact approach to heating the a loaded sleeve is used wherein a predetermined temperature profile is applied to prevent the trapping of air during shrinking. The thermal profile may be selectively controlled by the application of a fluid to the junction where heat is applied to the loaded sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable focus lens apparatus includes a transparent lens body having a periphery, and a relatively rigid outer ring extending about the periphery of the lens body and a plurality of micromotor devices spaced equally about and coupled between the ring and the periphery. Each of the micromotor devices is responsive to an externally generated control signal for selectively changing the circumference and/or axial position of an associated portion of the periphery to adjust the lens for power and astigmatism correction. In several embodiments, the periphery includes an inner ring coupled to the outer ring by the micromotor devices. In another embodiment, the ring is formed of segments and the micromotor devices are included in overlapping portions of the segments.

Abstract: An intraocular lens has a flexible lens body center portion formed from an optically clear material surrounded by an outer ring which is sensitive to an external force, such as a magnetic force. Utilizing the external force, the shape of the outer ring can be changed to elongate the lens body along a predetermined axis for correcting astigmatism. The outer ring can also be used to change the power of the lens by altering the spherical shape or curvature of the lens. Attached to one of the lens body and the ring is a plurality of actuator bodies of ferromagnetic material which are either permanently magnetized by the external force or are temporarily magnetized and the altered shape is retained by a shape retainer attached to the ring.

Abstract: An adjustable focus lens apparatus includes a transparent lens body having a periphery, an attachment device adjacent to the periphery of the lens body for mounting the lens apparatus in an eye, and a plurality of micromotor devices spaced equally about and connected between the periphery of the lens body and the attachment means, each of the micromotor devices being responsive to an external control signal for selectively changing the position of an associated portion of the lens body with respect to the cornea and retina so that the functional power and astigmatism of the lens can be appropriately adjusted.

Abstract: A variable focus lens apparatus includes a transparent, generally circular envelope, a transparent gel having a relatively high resistance to flow encased in the envelope, and a plurality of light refractive particles suspended in a predetermined orientation in the gel. When an external force field is applied to the lens apparatus, the selectively focusable particles are responsive for changing to a new orientation with respect to said envelope for selectively adjusting characteristics of the lens apparatus including at least one of the characteristics of power and astigmatism correction, whereby upon removal of the external force, the particles remain in the new orientation within the gel. A control system for controlling at least one of the strength and duration of the force field applied to the particles is connected to coils and a power supply for generating the force field.