Abstract: The invention provides a hermetic fiber-optic seal, such as in an optical fiber ferrule or feedthrough, having an optical fiber, a glass solder for encasing at least a portion of the optical fiber, a first glass sleeve for encasing at least a first portion of the glass solder, a second glass sleeve for encasing at least a second portion of the glass solder, and an outer sleeve for encasing at least a portion of the first glass sleeve and the second glass sleeve. A gap filled with glass solder may be provided between the first glass sleeve and the second glass sleeve. The hermetic fiber-optic seal is made by an extrusion process.

Abstract: The invention provides a hermetic waveguide seal, such as in an optical fiber ribbon feedthrough, or in an optical fiber ferrule or feedthrough, having an optical waveguide, a glass solder for encasing at least a portion of the optical waveguide, a first glass sleeve for encasing at least a first portion of the glass solder, a second glass sleeve for encasing at least a second portion of the glass solder, and an outer sleeve for encasing at least a portion of the first glass sleeve and the second glass sleeve. A gap filled with glass solder may be provided between the first glass sleeve and the second glass sleeve to form a compressive seal. The hermetic waveguide seal is made by an extrusion process.

Abstract: A drive towards automation, particularly in the fiber optics industry, has necessitated the use of materials and methods better suited for use by machines. The present invention takes advantage of the magnetic properties of these materials to create a strong magnetic bond between separate elements while they are being connected. Two independently controllable chucks are used to align the elements in accordance with design requirements. After proper alignment, the elements are magnetically attracted together and then permanently fixed using any one of a variety of standards methods, such as welding. In the embodiment of the invention used specifically in the fiber optics industry, the alignment process includes measuring the light transmitted or reflected by the two elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a hermetic fiber-optic seal, such as in an optical fiber ferrule or feedthrough, having an optical fiber, a glass solder for encasing at least a portion of the optical fiber, a first glass sleeve for encasing at least a first portion of the glass solder, a second glass sleeve for encasing at least a second portion of the glass solder, and an outer sleeve for encasing at least a portion of the first glass sleeve and the second glass sleeve. A gap filled with glass solder may be provided between the first glass sleeve and the second glass sleeve. The hermetic fiber-optic seal is made by an extrusion process.

Abstract: Automated manufacturing in the fiber optics industry has introduced a series of new problems due to the small size of the parts being assembled and the precise optical alignments required. However, processes requiring the manual assembly of parts using glue are slowly being replaced by automated processes involving the laser welding of metallically encased optical parts. Unfortunately, almost every step in the process causes a small degree of misalignment, which may cause the device to fall below transmission standards. The present invention provides a method of assembling an optical device which includes special steps that involve re-aligning the elements in the optical device after other steps in the method have caused a misalignment. In particular, the method of the present invention includes testing the alignment of the optical elements at several stages throughout the assembly process, and applying addition asymmetric welds to the finished product to improve the transmission results.

Abstract: The strength and durability of an adhesive joint between two glass components or a glass component and another element can be improved by preventing or retarding migration of ions present in glass to the glass-adhesive interface. This can be effected by coating the glass surface at the joint with a submicron layer of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), a multi-layer coating containing silicon dioxide or another ion-migration retarding material.

Abstract: Automated manufacturing in the fiber optics industry has introduced a series of new problems due to the small size of the parts being assembled and the precise optical alignments required. However, processes requiring the manual assembly of parts using glue are slowly being replaced by automated processes involving the laser welding of metallically encased optical parts. Unfortunately, almost every step in the process causes a small degree of misalignment, which may cause the device to fall below transmission standards. The present invention provides a method of assembling an optical device which includes special steps that involve re-aligning the elements in the optical device after other steps in the method have caused a misalignment. In particular, the method of the present invention includes testing the alignment of the optical elements at several stages throughout the assembly process, and applying addition asymmetric welds to the finished product to improve the transmission results.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator has a mirror facing an input waveguide end and an output waveguide end. A lens is mounted in the optical path between the waveguide ends and the mirror. The waveguide ends, mirror and lens are mounted on thermally expansible elements, and the position of the mirror with the lens relative to the waveguide ends is linearly displaceable by differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel sensor for a motor vehicle includes a pressure transducer integrated into an end cap for a fuel rail of the vehicle's engine. Further, a temperature transducer can also be included. Fuel sensors according to the present invention facilitate improvements in vehicle packaging and cost.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of liquid crystal elements each having a respective pair of electrodes which are connected in matrix formation for control purposes. Electrodes on one side of the elements are connected in "rows" and electrodes on the other side of the elements are connected in "columns" so that intersections define an element uniquely while reducing the number of control terminals. The "rows" may be formed as a sinuous array crossing and recrossing an elongate array formed by the "columns" so that the display provides a linear progressive illuminable display area. Control signals may be variable in phase, and/or frequency and/or amplitude to effect appropriate selective activation of the elements.

Abstract: In a high speed optical scanning system using mechanical scanning by a rotating polygon, an afocal telescope system images radiation on to the rotating polygon which effects line scanning. Frame scanning is effected by an angularly reciprocating mirror.

Abstract: A liquid crystal analogue display device has a pair of electrodes between which a nematic liquid crystal material is disposed, so that the liquid crystal is switched from a homogeneous to a homeotropic state when the voltage between the electrodes exceeds a given threshold. A potential gradient is established along one of the electrodes, and a variable potential, within this gradient, is applied to the other electrode, for example from a fuel tank contents gauge. The position at which a low voltage or null, below the threshold switching potential, is established between the two electrodes will be dependent upon the magnitude of the variable voltage, so that by suitable illumination of the cell a movable display such as a line is obtained which is a direct analogue of the quantity represented by the variable voltage.