Abstract: A system and method for twisting together two fibers to create an optical fiber coupler is disclosed. In one embodiment, the two optic fibers are threaded through a chuck, which is rotated by a motor to create an amount of twist in the two optical fibers necessary to cause a light signal transmitted through the twisted fibers to have a desired polarization state. A heater applies heat to the twisted fibers while rotating the chuck to create an optical fiber coupler.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the housing incorporates an enclosure defining an interior cavity. A thermal bed is supported within the cavity and is configured to retain an optical integrated circuit within the cavity. First and second fiber members also are provided that each include a circuit end for engaging and optically communicating with the optical integrated circuit, and a coupling end for engaging a coupling. Preferably, the couplings are mounted to the enclosure so that an external fiber member can engage a coupling and optically communicate with the optical integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting surface qualities on an optical fiber. The system comprises a light source for projecting a beam of light onto the outer surface of an optical fiber. An optical detector positioned adjacent the optical fiber receives light reflected from the outer surface of the optical fiber and generates an electrical output signal which is delivered to a signal processing device. The signal processing device analyzes the electrical output signal to determine whether one or more surface qualities exist on the outer surface of the optical fiber. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical detection system is used to detect surface qualities that include ink skips, i.e., locations on the outer surface of the optical fiber that do not contain any ink.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting defects in an optical fiber. The system includes a light source for coupling light into the secondary coating of an optical fiber at a preselected angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber and an optical detector positioned adjacent the fiber at a preselected distance from the point at which the light is coupled into the fiber coating. In accordance with one embodiment, the light is coupled into the fiber coating at a sufficiently shallow angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber to cause the light to travel through the coating in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the optical fiber for some distance before exiting the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting defects in an optical fiber. The system includes a light source for coupling light into the secondary coating of an optical fiber at a preselected angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber and an optical detector positioned adjacent the fiber at a preselected distance from the point at which the light is coupled into the fiber coating. In accordance with one embodiment, the light is coupled into the fiber coating at a sufficiently shallow angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fiber to cause the light to travel through the coating in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the optical fiber for some distance before exiting the coating.

Abstract: A vehicular surveillance system comprising a video recorder and monitor in a housing mounted within the passenger compartment of the vehicle to a bracket and a small camera rotatably mounted to the windshield of the vehicle. An FM microphone transmits audio signals to the vehicle's antenna whence it is carried to the recorder by a cable and added to the video images. Date and time information is superimposed on the video image on the top right of the image so as to interfere as little as possible with the image being recorded. The video recorder has a locking mechanism to prevent ejecting the video cassette by unauthorized personnel and its on/off switch is combined with the start record/stop recording function so that one button applies power to the system and starts the recording after a short delay. The housing may be removed from the vehicle for portable use in presenting recorded events as evidence and both video recorder and monitor may operate on the car battery or standard household current.