Abstract: Unexpectedly good transfer of electrophotographically-produced images using small toner particles occurs when the image is developed on an electrostatographic recording member, preferably an organic photoconductive element, which has been overcoated with a thin (about 10 nm to about 10 .mu.m thick) layer of a material having a Young's modulus greater than 10 GPa and preferably greater than about 100 GPa. The image is then transferred to an intermediate member which is comprised of an elastomeric blanket between about 0.1 and about 3 cm thick, having a Young's modulus between about 0.5 MPa and about 50 MPa, and preferably between about 1 and about 10 MPa, and having an electrical resistivity between about 10.sup.6 ohm-cm and about 10.sup.12 ohm-cm, by applying an appropriate electrostatic potential between the transfer intermediate member and the photoconductive element.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical monitoring and test access interconnection module especially adapted for use with a fiber optic distribution frame for a fiber optic communications system. The interconnection module provides a combination of monitoring and test access for two fiber lines, typically a transmit/receive pair, where wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) test access is provided to both the transmit and receive fibers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnection module monitors only the receive fiber line where a power monitoring circuit receives a monitor level optical signal via an optical tap and converts the optical signal to an electrical output. Processing electronics and firmware within the module are operable to generate alarms and other control signals when changes in the power level of the received signal are detected. A test access path is provided on the module for use, for example, with an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).

Abstract: Unexpectedly good transfer of electrophotographically-produced images using small toner particles occurs when the image is developed on an electrostatographic recording member, preferably an organic photoconductive element, which has been overcoated with a thin (about 10 nm to about 10 .mu.m thick) layer of a material having a Young's modulus greater than 10 GPa and preferably greater than about 100 GPa. The image is then transferred to an intermediate member which is comprised of an elastomeric blanket between about 0.1 and about 3 cm thick, having a Young's modulus between about 0.5 MPa and about 50 MPa, and preferably between about 1 and about 10 MPa, and having an electrical resistivity between about 10.sup.6 ohm-cm and about 10.sup.12 ohm-cm, by applying an appropriate electrostatic potential between the transfer intermediate member and the photoconductive element.

Abstract: An electrical backplane assembly for interconnecting a plurality of connection modules in a fiber distribution shelf to the central controller of an optical fiber administration system. The electrical backplane assembly mounts upon a bracket assembly within the confines of the shelf structure of the fiber distribution shelf. The bracket assembly retains the electrical backplane assembly in a small previously unused area of space in between the tops of the connection modules and the interior top panel of the fiber distribution shelf. By having the electrical backplane assembly entirely contained within the shelf structure of a fiber distribution shelf, a unique configuration is provided that greatly reduces the size and complexity of the overall fiber administration system.

Abstract: Magnetic carrier particles are removed from a photoconductive image member by subjecting the carrier particles to a magnetic field while or after exposing the photoconductive image member to erasing radiation in the absence of a substantial electrical field affecting the carrier particles.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a distributed intelligence optical fiber communications system capable of fully automated and continuous monitoring and testing of the optical fibers and their connections within the optical fiber distribution frames therein. In particular, it is an optical communications system having an optical distribution frame including interconnection modules having actively intelligent microcontrollers thereon. Also, the distribution frame includes inventive electrical and optical interconnection fabrics between the distributed intelligence located on the interconnection modules and a host located outside of the distribution frame. The distributed intelligence interconnection modules allow monitoring, testing and/or related activities of the overall optical communications system to be performed locally at the interconnection modules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic operations center intended for use in a central office which is responsible for the administration, monitoring, testing, and repair of a multiplicity of fiber optic cables entering the central office from subscribers. The operations center is housed in a bay which is arranged to protect fiber optic cables and route then to an optical switch which connects one or more selected cables to a test device which launches and receives optical signals. The test device is under the control of a system controller which has a variety of input and output means which enable craftpersons in the central office and in remote locations to access the operations center.

Abstract: Xeroprinting is performed without fusing a master toner image. A master toner image is made by conventional electrophotography, for example, by charging, imagewise exposing and applying toner to a photoconductive imaging member to create a first toner image. The first toner image is charged with charges of a first polarity opposite that of the toner image and the member is erased with erase illumination through its base. This creates a toner image with a charge opposite that of the original toner image which is tightly held by opposite charges which have migrated to the portion of the electrophotosensitive member just under the toner. The imaging member is then toned again with toner of the same polarity as the original toner to create a second toner image that overlies the first toner image. The imaging member is again erased through its base, and the second toner image is transferred to a receiving sheet without disturbing the first toner image.

Abstract: A metal load bearing beam for floors and the like has support elements secured on each end of its base plate. Such support elements are L-shaped to comprise bent portions projecting outwardly on opposite ends of the beam in substantial coplanar relationship with the base plate.

Abstract: A metal U-channel shaped element for reinforcing floor joists in building floors made of concrete and light material filling blocks, such as tiles, is made of a continuous metal section with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The legs of the channel are symmetrically bent inwards so that the cross-section has rather the sahpe of an isosceles trapezoid and their free ends are also bent on itself in an overlapping relationship thus forming two upper stringers having a resisting moment not less than that of the channel bottom. Rigid U-shaped stiffening members are also provided in a spaced apart relationship, being fixed to the upper stringers and channel bottom.