Abstract: An array of pneumatic stimulating nodes with integral pneumatically operable ANDing is disclosed. These stimulating nodes may be used to convey spatial orientation information to an individual in an attitudinally ambiguous situation via direct stimulation of his skin. The stimulating nodes of the instant invention may be arranged orthogonally in an array if this is convenient, or in a wide range of other configurations. The pneumatic stimulating nodes of the invention are comprised of three layers, and upper layer, diaphragm layer, and a lower layer which may be separately injection molded from suitable materials, for example, urethane thermoplastic elastomer, and fused together using radio-frequency welding techniques to form the complete stimulating array.

Abstract: An optical switching core is disclosed that includes a plurality of input optical tiles and output optical tiles for directing optical beams between various input and output ports coupled to optical fibers. Each of the optical tiles includes a collimating optics array for transmitting a plurality of incoming optical beams and a transparent beam directing array optically coupled to said collimating optics array for redirecting said plurality of incoming optical. Two or more optical tiles are rotated about an optical axis with respect to one another to provide a compact, modular design. Drive electronics may be incorporated on tile or off tile to control the beam directing devices.

Abstract: An optical switching core is disclosed that includes a plurality of beam directing devices coupled to a substrate for redirecting a plurality of incoming optical beams to at least one of a plurality of output ports. The substrate includes a plurality of electrical conductors electrically coupled to the plurality of beam directing devices.