Abstract: A logging system for use in a borehole formed in an earth formation, comprising a tubular element to be installed in the borehole, and a logging member including a conduit having an inlet opening and being movable in radial direction of the tubular element between a retracted position in which the logging member is substantially arranged within the tubular element and an extended position in which the logging member extends beyond the tubular element so that said inlet opening is in fluid communication with the earth formation when the tubular element is installed in the borehole, the logging system further comprising an activating device for moving the logging member between the retracted position and the extended position thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to washpipe assemblies for use in well bores and provides a washpipe assembly (2) comprising a washover shoe (10) attached to a washpipe (18), wherein a washpipe stabiliser (22) is provided on the washpipe (18) so that, when in use, deflection of the washover shoe (10) from a desired position is substantially prevented. The washpipe assembly of the present invention has the advantage over the prior art assemblies of providing means for supporting the washpipe off the wall of a well bore or well bore casing (52), and thereby reducing the torque required to rotate the washover string and the tendency of the washover shoe (10) to deviate from its preferred path down the well bore.

Abstract: A centralizer for use in centralizing casing or other tubulars such as tubulars in an oil or gas well comprising an annular body with a bore extending through the body and one or more blades, the centralizer being adapted to fit around a tubular to be centralized, and comprising a tempered metal such as austemperized ductile iron (ADI).

Abstract: A hand-guided drilling machine or percussion drilling machine has a machine housing, a drilling spindle, a drive motor for rotatably driving the drilling spindle, a tool holderformed as a drilling chuck and screwed with the drilling spindle through a thread, the drilling spindle during exchanging a tool or exchanging the tool holder receiving a releasing or tightening moment, an arresting device non-rotatably coupling the drilling spindle relative to the machine housing, an intermediate shaft non-rotatably connected with the drilling spindle, a component connected with the machine housing, the arresting device being arranged between one element selected from the group consisting of the drilling spindle and the intermediate shaft and another element selected from the group consisting of the machine housing and the component, the arresting device automatically opening during a torque transmission from the drive motor to the tool and automatically closing during the torque transmission from the tool holder in an

Abstract: An improved mast lighting system of the type including at least one mast having a proximate end and an opposite distal end, the distal end capable of supporting an electrical component and the proximate end mounted to a foundation that has at least a portion extending into the ground, an electrical cable within the mast connecting the electrical component to a distribution component assembly through an electrical connector, and a power source connected to the distribution component assembly. The foundation has a chamber therein of sufficient dimensions to receive the distribution component assembly. The distribution component assembly is disposed within the chamber. The mast defines an opening therein adjacent the proximate end, in communication with the chamber. Thus, the distribution component assembly is protected from collision damage by the foundation, but is accessible to the user through the opening in the mast.

Abstract: A chip size package is disclosed herein, as well as a method for fabricating the same. A recess is formed in a surface of semiconductor chip. Bonding pads are formed on a bottom center of the recess and insulating pads 30 are formed on both lateral sides of the recess. The respective pads are connected to each other with metal wires. An epoxy compound is filled in the recess. Herein, midway portions of the metal wires are exposed from the epoxy compound. Bumps are formed on the midway portions of the metal wires being exposed from the epoxy compound and solder balls are mounted on the bumps. Therefore, the epoxy compound is not protruded from the semiconductor chip, thickness of the package is equal to that of the semiconductor chip. The thickness of package is minimized.

Abstract: A device for spacing, positioning and holding multiple telephone and/or electric lines is disclosed. More particularly a device for spacing, positioning and holding multiple telephone and/or electric lines for use with computer equipment and accessories is disclosed.

Abstract: At least two coated electric wires W1 and W2 are superposed. Resin chips 53 and 55 are disposed above and below the superposed connection portion S. These resin chips 53 and 55 have been compressed from above and below and ultrasonic vibration has been applied thereto, thereby melting resin coats 3 in the coated electric wires W1 and W2 to pressure weld conductive wires 1, the resin chips 53 and 55 and the resin coats 3 have been melted and jointed to each other, and the resin chips 53 and 55 have been also jointed to each other by melting. A pair of resin sealings 4 are provided between the upper resin chip 53 and the coated electric wires W1 and W2 and between the lower resin chip 55 and the coated electric wires W1 and W2. Each resin sealing 4 has rubber elasticity and is formed such as to annularly surround conductive wires 1, which are exposed from the resin coats 3 and pressure welded.

Abstract: An electric wire or flat cable is provided. The electric wire includes a core wire and the flat cable includes an array of parallel conductors. The core wire or the conductors are formed from a high electro-conductive resin. A terminal part is integrally molded at an end of the core wire of the electric wire or at the ends of the conductors of the flat cable. The core wire or the conductor are covered by an insulating resin.

Abstract: A method 10, 80, 81 for making multi-layer electronic circuit boards 77, 137, 139 having metallized apertures 18, 20, 34, 40, 104, 106, 120.

Abstract: A method for making a multi-layer circuit board 116 having apertures 96, 98 which may be selectively and electrically isolated from electrically grounded member 46 and further having selectively formed air bridges and/or crossover members 104 which are structurally supported by material 112. Each of the apertures 96, 98 selectively receives electrically conductive material 114.

Abstract: A meander line antenna (MLA) is fabricated by using printed circuit techniques to form a one-piece meander line. Previous MLAs so constructed required hand assembly. The present method of the invention utilizes photolithographic methods and plated through hole construction to fabricate the antenna without the need for hand assembly. A conductor trace is etched on both sides of a printed circuit board, and slotted vias are milled into the board, wherein the vias are plated through to form the continuous meander line circuit.

Abstract: An article and method for making and repairing connections between first and second circuits, such as flex circuits. The article 10 includes: a flexible dielectric substrate 12 having first and second edges 14/16, and a plurality of conductive circuit traces 18 arranged on or within the substrate, wherein each of the traces extends from proximate the first edge 14 to proximate the second edge 16. Each of the circuit traces 18 includes: a first connection feature 20 disposed proximate the first edge 14; a second connection feature 22 disposed proximate the second edge 16; and at least one third connection feature 24 disposed between the first and second edges 14/16. Each of the first, second, and third connection features 20/22/24 is a plated through hole, a plated blind via, or a mounting pad. This article 10 may be used to connect together the first and second circuits 50/60 using the first and second connection features 20/22, such as by soldering.

Abstract: A dual function drag bit is used in a method for both milling well casing or liner and subsequently drilling rock formation without the sequential removal of a milling assembly and replacement with a drilling assembly. The method employs a cutting tool that is capable of both milling steel pipe casing in a well bore and subsequently drilling rock formation outside the well bore after passing through the casing. In one embodiment an insert embedded into the surface of the cutting tool comprises at least an outer layer, such as cemented tungsten carbide, capable of milling steel casing, and at least a second layer, such as polycrystalline diamond, capable of drilling formation, the two layers being bonded together and to a carbide substrate. In another embodiment, inserts with a polycrystalline diamond cutting face for drilling rock formation are in parallel with cemented tungsten carbide cutters for milling steel casing.

Abstract: A motion control system for controlling the motion of a crawler having a left and right track. The system comprises a pivotally mounted controller; a steering control system hydraulically communicable with a pressurized fluid supply, a brake of each of a left and right track of a crawler and a clutch of each of a left and right track of a crawler, a direction control system hydraulically communicable with a pressurized fluid supply, a forward and a reverse transmission signal input, a steering speed controlling system for controlling the speed of a left track and a right track, and a transmission gears controlling system. The steering speed controlling means includes at least one selector. The transmission gear controlling means includes at least one transmission gear selector. The steering control means is positioned so that pivoting the controller in a first series of planes operates the steering control system.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for displacing manure from the floor of a stable of the type used for dairy cattle. The vehicle comprises a steering unit and a frame to which are attached two wheels driven by separate motors at different control speeds for steering the vehicle as well as propelling and supporting it. Attached to the frame forward of the two wheels is a manure displacing member for displacing manure on the floor and which also serves the purpose of supporting the vehicle. Forward of the manure displacing member is a coaster. The vehicle also includes orientation apparatus for determining the relative position of the vehicle and guidance apparatus for determining and controlling the course which the vehicle follows for displacing manure from the stable floor. It further includes an anti-bumping device which senses obstacles and controls the vehicle to avoid them and prevents the vehicle from moving away from the area of the stable floor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom in laying out vehicle parts by decreasing a space in which a brake pipe is laid out. A control unit of a foot parking brake in accordance with the present invention is installed to an attachment bracket fixed to a dash panel, a connection joint is provided in a space between the dash panel and the foot parking brake, and the connection joint is installed to the dash panel. A cabin-side connector of the connection joint is disposed so as to face to the direction in which the dash panel extends. An outside connector of the connection joint is disposed so that one end of an outside brake pipe is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the surface of the dash panel extends.

Abstract: An oil-pump drive for an internal-combustion engine, in particular for a motorcycle. The drive includes an oil pump, in the housing of which is arranged at least one rotor member for supplying a volumetric flow of oil, wherein the rotor is driven via the crankshaft of the internal-combustion engine. It is proposed that the rotor of the oil pump is connected to a shaft driven directly by the crankshaft. In this way, the oil pump is directly driven in a simple manner.

Abstract: An electric-powered scooter is disclosed having a chassis with a platform upon which the rider stands, a front wheel mounted to provide steering control and a rear wheel rotatably mounted at the rear section of the chassis. A pedal is pivotably mounted at the rear section of the chassis and is attached to the motor and drive wheel. The pedal, in an inactive position, holds such drive wheel in a position where it does not contact the rear wheel. When the pedal is depressed by the foot of the rider, the motor is turned on and the drive wheel contacts the rear wheel, propelling the scooter forward. When released, the pedal returns automatically by spring means to its inactive position, breaking the contact of the rear wheel with the drive wheel, and automatically turning the motor off.

Abstract: To provide a two-wheel drive/four-wheel drive switching device for a vehicle capable of applying both rear braking and engine braking to front and rear wheels even when the vehicle is in a two-wheel drive mode. In a vehicle capable of running while switching between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, when the rear wheel speed becomes lower than the front wheel speed in the two-wheel drive mode, switching to four-wheel drive mode is carried out.

Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus, a torque transmission body made of an elastic body is interposed between an output shaft of an electric motor and a drive shaft of a drive gear.

Abstract: An integrated ocean bottom towed four-component array for seismic data acquisition consists of a four-channel electronic section for seismic data collection, a gimbaled three-component geophone and a hydrophone in a housing. The array connects with a submarine cable through a cable joint in order to acquire four components of data consisting of seismic P wave, shear wave and hydrophone in total. Through cable data transmission and processing in a central station, ocean bottom oil and gas structure information can be obtained. Because of the high SNR acquisition in the ocean bottom seismic data acquisition of the present invention, and the waterproof cable interconnections between each of the sections of the present apparatus, data acquisition of high quality can be gained to realize highly efficient and easy ocean bottom towing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.

Abstract: An attachment for the top rungs of a ladder which has two U-shaped channels that fit over two rungs of the ladder and a bracket with a V-shaped brace attached that can fit around corners. A lower attachment portion is used to level the ladder on uneven ground.

Abstract: Corresponding to the operating system, the hall call button image is changed to a destination floor button, sector button, up/down button, etc.

Abstract: An elevator drive has a traction sheave over which ropes are passed to move an elevator car and a counterweight up and down in an elevator hoistway. An elevator control in a control cabinet on a landing is connected with another elevator control in the hoistway and with the elevator car, and controls how the elevator car moves. The control cabinet also has a handle that is part of a Bowden cable acting on a brake of the elevator drive. The handle can be used to manually release the brake which permits the elevator car to move up or down depending on the difference in weight between the elevator car and the counterweight. The position of the elevator car in the hoistway is of significance to the elevator control. A tensioned toothed belt spanning the height of the hoistway is in contact with an encoder that detects the absolute position of the elevator car for the elevator control. For evacuation, a signal device is provided which allows evacuation of the car without looking into the elevator hoistway.

Abstract: A wear detection probe for detection of wear of a braking member is mounted in or adjacent to the braking member. The wear detection probe includes a holder having a detection wire in a wiring path. The detection wire has a folded portion, and two portions extending from the folded portion in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the brake rotor. An apex of the folded portion of the detection wire is nearer than the straight portions to the wear surface of the holder, so that after a predetermined amount of wear, the folded portion is broken without breaking the straight portions. The probe is compact, and the wire remains securely in position during use.

Abstract: A damping force control type hydraulic shock absorber includes a plunger having a small-diameter main body portion slidably guided by a first fixed core made of a magnetic material. The plunger has a large-diameter attracted portion at an end thereof closer to a second fixed core. The diameter (D2) of the attracted portion is set larger than the diameter (D1) of the main body portion (D2>D1), thereby increasing the area of the mutually opposing surfaces of the attracted portion and the second fixed core. Accordingly, attraction force acting on the attracted portion can be increased without reducing the magnetic flux density at the main body portion.

Abstract: A wheeled caster assembly engages a carrying case at the handle thereof, but the assembly is easily removed from the case. The caster assembly has a base on which the case rests. The base is supported by a wheeled caster at one end and a strut at the other end. A keel on the underside of the base is disposed between the caster and the strut. The keel contacts the crossbar of the handle such that the upper side of the base faces against the case. A corner of the case fits with a complementary corner formed by the base and an upright flange at the one end of the base.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed that will consolidate several separate bags and compartments for a traveler or student into a single mobile unit. The present invention would preferably be designed for a career person or a student constantly on the move, allowing such a person to have virtually everything at their fingertips without the need for excessive searching. The present invention would be in the shape of a “pilot's suitcase,” having a set of wheels and a handle for easy mobility. The present invention would include compartments for a purse/wallet, an organizer, business documents, lunch, a laptop computer, a pair of shoes, and various other accessories.

Abstract: A luggage article including first rollers and selectively deployable or nondeployable second rollers. The luggage article includes a handle that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The user can selectively deploy or not deploy the second rollers even when the handle is in the extended position. An improved detent device and also an improved caster system are also disclosed. Also, a wheeled panel mechanism by itself for use not only with luggage but also other articles such as carts, dollies and baby carriages, is disclosed.

Abstract: A damper structure is constructed of a core plate, a retainer plate fixed on the core plate, a spring assembly carried on the retainer plate and having at least one spring, and a driven plate arranged coaxially with the spring assembly and having a flange engageable with the spring. The retainer plate is composed of an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate is provided with a lug portion formed by slitting a part of the upper plate and bending the slit part. The driven plate is provided with a stopper engageable with the lug portion. The damper structure is suitable for use in a lockup clutch for a torque converter.

Abstract: A freewheel arrangement, in particular for a guide wheel of a hydrodynamic torque converter, permits a relative rotation between two elements in essentially only one relative rotational direction with respect to one another about an axis of rotation. At least one pawl is pivotably supported on a first of the two elements and has a pawl section which can come into contact with a blocking surface of the second of the two elements. At least one pawl is formed by a plurality of pawl plate elements which can be stamped from sheet metal.

Abstract: The hydraulic coupling according to the present invention generally includes a multi-plate clutch assembly operatively connecting a pair of rotary members, an actuator assembly for actuating the clutch assembly, and a fluid control system operable for controlling actuation of the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a hydraulic pump and a piston mounted in a piston chamber for movement relative to the multi-plate clutch assembly. The fluid control system regulates the fluid pressure supplied to the piston chamber by the hydraulic pump to control the clutch engagement force exerted by the piston on the clutch assembly. The fluid control system includes an electrically-controlled flow control valve operable for regulating the fluid pressure delivered to the piston chamber. Preferably, the flow control valve is a pulse-width modulated (PWM) valve having a moveable valve element.

Abstract: A driving force distribution device which controls the engagement forces of electromagnetic clutches and which govern the torque distribution between the driving wheels of a vehicle by calculating a target magnetic flux density and converting the same into a target excitation current. Since the relationship between the target magnetic flux density and the target excitation current changes according to a decrease in the air gaps accompanying wear of the frictional engagement members of the electromagnetic clutches, a relationship between the magnetic flux density and the excitation current is determined by applying current to the electromagnetic clutches when torque distribution control is not being carried out such as when the system is started, and the target excitation current is calculated from the target magnetic flux density based on the determined relationship.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a synchronizer sleeve and a method of manufacturing a synchronizer sleeve for a change speed gear. The synchronizer sleeve comprises in a known manner a shift fork recess opening towards the outer peripheral surface and a toothing formed at its inner peripheral surface. The synchronizer sleeve according to the invention, which can be manufactured at a low price without affecting the wear to resistance, is characterized according to the invention by a surface hardness of the shift-force recess, which is set by cold rolling, wherein the toothing is hardened locally, in particular it is hardened inductively. In the method of manufacturing the synchronizer sleeve according to the invention the shift fork recess is ready worked by cold rolling.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism (17) includes an internal gear (10) and a plurality of cylindrical pins (26) pressed rearward against a front end surface of the internal gear (10) by a coil spring (25) via a flat washer (24). Provided on the internal gear's front end surface are a plurality of cam protrusions (28) corresponding in number and position with the pins (26). Each cylindrical pin (26) has at its rear end surface a circumferentially chamfered edge (27) and each cam protrusion (28) has a pair of guide slope surfaces (29) with same inclination as the chamfered edge (27) of the pin (26).

Abstract: A clutch-actuating device includes a master cylinder actuated by depression of a clutch pedal, an operating cylinder actuated by fluid pressure fed from the master cylinder through a conduit which is connected to the master cylinder or the operating cylinder via a coupling member, and a restriction mechanism for restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid returning from the operating cylinder to the master cylinder, the restriction mechanism being incorporated in the coupling member. The operating cylinder (or master cylinder) of this clutch-actuating device can be commonly used regardless of whether a torque shock protection valve should be incorporated.

Abstract: A clutch device for an automatic transmission includes an input member, a first output member, a second output member, a first clutch mechanism formed between the input member and the first output member, a first piston movable in a first axial direction for engaging the first clutch mechanism to transmit rotation torque from the input member to the first output member by receiving oil pressure, and a second clutch mechanism formed between the input member and the second output member radially outwardly of the first clutch mechanism. The first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism are located in axially overlapping relation to each. A second piston is movable toward the second axial direction that is inverse to the first axial direction for engaging the second clutch mechanism to transmit rotation torque from the input member to the second output member by receiving oil pressure.

Abstract: The bill counter has thickness detection units 31, 32, and 33 for detecting the thickness of a bill passing through a transport passage. The thickness detection units 31, 32, and 33 are separately placed on the transport passage Waveform outputs from the thickness detection units 31, 32, and 33, provided by detecting the thicknesses of predetermined parts of bill passing through the transport passage are compared with waveform data previously stored in a storage unit and the number of bills passing through the transport passage is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for harvesting agricultural products, in particular fruit, such as capsicums, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers, etc., from plants which are cultivated in greenhouses. The product-bearing plants are cultivated in parallel rows. Between the said rows, processing passages which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are provided, in such a manner that each row adjoins a said processing passage. Between the said rows, harvest conveyor tracks which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are arranged, in such a manner that each row adjoins said harvest conveyor track. The product to be picked from a specific row is harvested from the processing passage which adjoins this specific row, is laid onto the harvest conveyor track which adjoins this specific row and by the said harvest conveyor track is removed to a delivery point at one of the ends of the said specific row. The invention also relates to a device for using the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A multi-head robotic system capable of delivering numerous robotic devices to a task site is disclosed. A number of robotic devices perform tasks simultaneously, thus tasks can be completed quickly. Each individual robot does not need to move at an extremely fast speed. The sequence in which the robotic devices arrive at or leave a task site is unlimited. The robotic delivery system is capable of “leapfrogging” robotic devices, or placing them randomly, at locations where they are most needed.

Abstract: A conveyor induct system includes a control point subsystem for measuring the point at which control of an article transitions from one conveyor to another. The induct system also includes a subsystem for accurately creating or controlling the gaps between articles on the conveyor system. The control point subsystem monitors the location, and changes in the speed, of an article as it passes between two conveyors operating at different speeds. The gap control subsystem provides real time monitoring and measuring of the package gaps. The measured package gaps are fed into a feedback control system which alters the speed of a conveyor in order to change the gapping as desired.

Abstract: A key switch including a plurality of key tops coupled with each other in an independently movable manner and a switching mechanism arranged close to the key tops and including plural sets of electric contacts. The switching mechanism is capable of opening and closing any one of the plural sets of electric contacts in connection with individual movements of the key tops. A keyboard having a plurality of key switches includes a casing for accommodating the key switches with the key tops thereof being at least partially exposed, and a connecting section joined to the casing and capable of electrically connecting the key switches with a portable information apparatus. The casing is capable of detachably supporting the portable information apparatus through the connecting section.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device, said keyboard comprising a front plate (2) and at least one key (1) extending through an aperture in the front plate (2), said key (1) having a shoulder (8) that is wider than one aperture in the front plate (2). The keyboard further comprising a dome foil (3) having a carrier part (11) and at least one collapsible dome (4) connected to the carrier part (11) by an elastically deformable portion hat is more liable to deformation than the dome (4) itself when a pressure is applied to a top surface of the dome (4). The dome (4) is positioned underneath the key (1) that abuts the dome (4). When no external pressure is applied to the key (1), the dome foil (3) is arranged in such a relationship with the key (1), that the elastically deformable portion is elastically deformed, such that the key (1) is forced against the front plate (2) by the dome foil (3).

Abstract: A switch subassembly (10) having a switch mount (16), the switch subassembly further including at least one switch contact (50) for providing a switch function and switch terminals (48, 50) for electrically connecting the switch to an electric circuit (74), in which the at least one switch contact and the switch terminals are provided on the switch mount such that when the switch mount is abutted again a further component (12), the further component and switch mount defining a volume (28) such that the at least one switch contact and the switch terminals are enclosed in the volume and the switch terminals are connected in use to electrical terminals of an electric circuit (FIG. 2).

Abstract: The invention concerns a modular steering column mounted switch system for motor vehicles which is organized according to the internal functions of the switch. The steering column mounted switch system contains a plurality of functional modules which correspond to the internal functions. Should the demands for operation and/or design of a particular module change, the associated module can be easily replaced. All other functional modules remain unchanged, to thereby permit simple adaptation of the steering column mounted switch to the given operation and design demands. When there is a defect, the modular steering column mounted switch can also be easily repaired and in an economical fashion by simple replacing the defective functional module.

Abstract: A multifunction switch pod or controller for controlling electronic vehicular features such as the windshield wipers and headlamps. The multifunction switch pod or controller comprises at least one circuit board having a front surface and at least one solid state rotatable dial attached to the circuit board. The multifunction switch pod or controller may further comprise push-button switch cells attached to the circuit board for controlling additional electronic vehicular features. A cover covers the circuit board for protection from the environment.

Abstract: A thin film circuit includes a thin film switching circuit with an upper circuit layer including at least one upper joint, and a lower circuit layer including at least one lower joint corresponding to the upper joint. The lower circuit layer is set under the upper layer, and an air-filled space is disposed between the upper joint and the lower joint. The thin film switching circuit further includes at least one first air conduit set between the upper circuit layer and the lower circuit layer and connected to the air-filled space, and at least one bus structure connected to the thin film switching circuit and extending out of the thin film switching circuit to transmit electrical signals of the thin film switching circuit. The bus structure includes at least one second air conduit.

Abstract: A method for controlling an index of refraction of silica glass, and in particular quartz glass, is disclosed. The method for controlling the index of refraction of silica glass includes the use of a vacuum ultraviolet laser beam having the same or shorter wavelength absorbable by the silica glass. The vacuum ultraviolet laser beam is irradiated to the silica glass to cause photodissociation of a Si-O bond at the point of irradiation. An index of refraction may also be altered using a vacuum ultraviolet laser beam having a longer wavelength absorbable by the silica glass.