Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispersion compensation module of extremely simple design that does not rely on a spool-and-hub or similar device for holding the optical fiber used in the module, such module being here termed a “Free-Fiber dispersion compensation module”. In the inventive dispersion compensation module the optical fiber therein is in a relaxed coiled configuration having minimal tension. It has also been discovered that while coil tension is relieved by removing it from the winding spool prior to placing it in the dispersion compensation module, the tension can be further relieved by coating the coiled fiber with a finely powdered substance which will not react with or otherwise harm or damage wither the fiber or the module containing it, for example, talcum powder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making n different types of optical amplifiers on one manufacturing line, n being equal to 2 or more. The method includes providing a supply of at least four functional groups of subunits for each of the circuits which comprise each of the optical amplifiers to be made, where at least one functional group contains at least n different types of sub-units, and where each of the sub-units in three of the functional groups includes a pluggable optical connector half and where each of the sub-units of the fourth of the functional groups includes three pluggable optical connector halves. The method further includes selecting a specific sub-unit from each of the four functional groups and plugging together each of the selected subunits to form an optical amplifier having the desired specification.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispersion compensation module of extremely simple design that does not rely on a spool-and-hub or similar device for holding the optical fiber used in the module, such module being here termed a “Free-Fiber dispersion compensation module”. In the inventive dispersion compensation module the optical fiber therein is in a relaxed coiled configuration having minimal tension. It has also been discovered that while coil tension is relieved by removing it from the winding spool prior to placing it in the dispersion compensation module, the tension can be further relieved by coating the coiled fiber with a finely powdered substance which will dot react with or otherwise harm or damage wither the fiber or the module containing it. For example, talcum powder.

Abstract: A component holder has a base and a component holding block extending upward from the base. The component holding block includes a pair of walls, the walls defining between them a channel dimensioned to closely receive an optical component cradled in a resiliently compliant member, such as a pad or a shaped component. An optical component is loaded into the channel by placing the optical component and a resiliently compliant member over the channel and wedging the optical component and the resiliently compliant member into the channel such that the optical component is cradled inside of the resiliently compliant member and such that the optical component and the resiliently compliant member are held in position in the channel by friction.

Abstract: A box for holding optical components comprising a base having an upper surface for receiving a layer of optical components, the base being attachable into a fiber-optic device. A clamping bar attached to the base over the layer of optical components, such that the layer of optical components is held in place, with the optical fiber leads of the optical components extending outside of opposite ends of the box for splicing.

Abstract: A detachable plug-in pump laser card assembly for placement into an optical fiber amplifier, comprising: a printed circuit board, a heat sink, a pump laser, a first half plug-in member of an optical connector, a second half plug-in member of an electrical connector and a reel having an optical fiber wrapped there around. The heat sink is substantially parallel to the printed circuit board and is separated from the printed circuit board by spacers. The pump laser is connected to one side of the heat sink, which has a plurality of fins on an opposite side from where the pump laser is connected. The first half plug-in member of the optical connector and the second half plug-in member of the electrical connector are each secured to the printed circuit board and are located at an insertion end of the pump laser card assembly.

Abstract: An improved heater facsimile temperature detector (47) has an increased dynamic responsiveness in measuring temperature changes. The improved HFTD (47) reduces the amount of mass surrounding the thermocouple tip, thus, reducing the time lag caused by the intervening heating or cooling of this material before the temperature change can affect the thermocouple. The thermocouple (69) is welded to a body (59) extending beyond a machined flat (54) on the outer surface of an intermediate portion (49) of the HFTD. The body does not extend beyond the outer surface (51) of the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A steam generator tubesheet/channel head/centerstay assembly wherein a threaded centerstay is screw-inserted to connect the tubesheet and the channel head. Seals are installed between the centerstay, the channel head and the tubesheet to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A gravity assisted anti-reverse rotation device for preventing reverse rotation of pumps and the like.A horizontally mounted pawl is disposed to mesh with a fixed ratchet preventing reverse rotation when the pawl is advanced into intercourse with the ratchet by a vertically mounted lever having a lumped mass. Gravitation action on the lumped mass urges the pawl into mesh with the ratchet, while centrifugal force on the lumped mass during forward, allowed rotation retracts the pawl away from the ratchet.

Abstract: The pump isolation valve provides a means by which the pump may be selectively isolated from the remainder of the coolant system while being compatible with the internal hydraulic arrangement of the pump during normal operation of the pump. The valve comprises a valve cylinder disposed around the pump and adjacent to the last pump diffuser with a turning vane attached to the lower end of the valve cylinder in a manner so as to hydraulically match with the discharge diffuser. The valve cylinder is connected to a drive means for sliding the valve cylinder relative to the diffuser support cylinder so as to block flow in either direction through the discharge diffuser when the valve is in the closed position and to aid in the flow of the coolant from the discharge diffuser by means of the turning vane when the valve is in the open position.