Abstract: The invention related to a Bearing and Bushing assembly where the operational mating surfaces of the bearing and bushing components are each formed with grooves, longitudinally extending the length of each component. The grooves formed in the bushing to be attached to a shaft are spiral, at least two in number, one being a reverse spiral to the other. The bearing assembly has a number of longitudinal, parallel grooves again extending the length of the bearing members. In the preferred embodiment the bearing member is of composite construction. The inner component carrying the grooves being of hard rubber.

Abstract: A fine nitride layer comprising a compound layer and a diffusion hardened layer of hardness being Hv900 or higher is formed, through a low temperature nitriding method at temperature in the range of 300 to 400° C., in a guiding part. The guiding part guides the circumferential surfaces of retainers 7a to 7c and is formed at any one part of inner ring raceways 3a to 3c and outer ring raceways 4a to 4c as well as the inner circumferential surfaces of the outer rings 5a to 5c, to thereby realize such rolling bearings at low cost, having excellent abrasion resistance, and good corrosion resistance, if needed.

Abstract: An inline fiber optic polarization combiner/divider is proposed for use in fiber optic communications. It utilizes a polarizing beam splitting cube (PBSC) or a birefringent displacer located between a pair of collimating lenses. A reflecting film (either external or directly applied to one of the faces of the PBSC or birefringent displacer) is used to completely reflect one of the two polarizations and is positioned such that the optical path length between the lens and the reflecting film is equal to one focal length in order to accomplish an optical path where the input and output optical fibers are in-line with the package.

Abstract: An optical switching apparatus comprises an optically resonant system (3, 12) and a pulse source configuration (1, 2) to direct first and second pulses (P1, P2) of optical radiation into the resonant system, the first pulse (P1) being configured to produce a coherent excitation of the resonant optical system so as to change its optical characteristics and the second pulse (P2) being of a phase to thereafter de-excite the coherent excitation produced by the first pulse. According to the invention, a device (13, 34) driveable externally of the resonant system such as an optical amplifier or a laser, maintains the coherence of the excitation produced by the first pulse until de-excited by the second pulse. The optically resonant system may comprise an optically responsive medium (3) which is capable of being switched into a state of coherent resonance or a resonant cavity.

Abstract: A two-dimensional scanner consists of a rotatable gimbal structure with vertical electrostatic comb-drive actuators and sensors. The scanner's two axes of rotation may be controlled independently by activating two sets of vertical comb-drive actuators. The first set of vertical comb-drive actuator is positioned in between a outer frame of the gimbal structure and the base, and the second set of vertical comb-drive actuator is positioned in between the inner part of the gimbal structure and the outer frame of the gimbal structure. The inner part of the gimbal structure may include a reflective surface, and the device may be used as a mirror. Furthermore, the capacitance of the vertical comb-drives may be measured to monitor the angular position of the mirror, and the capacitive position-monitoring signal may be used to implement closed-loop feedback control of the mirror angle. The two-dimensional scanner may be fabricated in a semiconductor process.

Abstract: An optical switch is provided for selectively coupling outputs of one or more fibers of a first array to one or more inputs of fibers of a second array. The first array includes a first groove disposed within a front face of the first array. The second array optionally includes a second groove disposed within a front face of the second array. The first and second fiber arrays are oriented so that their respective front faces are disposed in a facing relationship. A roller element is located within at least the first groove, permitting the first array to translate relative to the second array upon the roller element along the direction of the first groove. In addition, detents may be formed within the grooves of each array to create areas in which the roller element may at least temporarily seat. The location and number of detents are arranged to correspond to the location and number of rows of fibers in the respective arrays.

Abstract: In an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits connected in multistage, the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits each have two input ports and two output ports, an optical path, through which input optical signals with predetermined wavelengths are output after multiplexing and demultiplexing, varies depending upon the input port; the optical paths in each of the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits have mutually opposite wavelength dispersion characteristics, and one of the optical paths in a first optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit is connected to one of the optical paths, in a second optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit, having wavelength dispersion characteristics opposite to the optical path in the first optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit.

Abstract: An optical signal generator suitable for high capacity multi-fiber optical data transmission or switching applications is disclosed. An optical signal generator, adapted for use in a fiber optic network, comprises a plurality of optical fibers respectively coupled to plural nodes of the fiber optic network. The optical signal generator includes an input optical channel providing a light beam and an acousto-optic modulator receiving the light beam and providing a plurality of separate output light beams. Each of the output light beams is independently optically coupled to a respective optical fiber. An acousto-optic modulator controller circuit is coupled to receive a data input and drives the acousto-optic modulator to independently modulate the plural output beams based on the input data.

Abstract: Techniques for using a nonlinearly-chirped fiber Bragg grating to produce tunable dispersion-slope compensation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a diffraction grating device having a refractive index modulation formed in an optical waveguide region in a predetermined region in the longitudinal direction of the optical waveguide. In the diffraction grating device, a refractive index modulation is formed in the core region in a predetermined region in the longitudinal direction of the optical waveguide. In this diffraction grating device, the optical period of the refractive index modulation is substantially constant, the phase of the refractive index modulation is inverted at a phase inversion portion, and the number of phase inversion portions is one or two. In this diffraction grating device, the absolute value of a parameter R (equation (22a)) is smaller than 0.25. According to this invention, a diffraction grating device capable of shortening the region where the refractive index modulation is formed and flattening the reflectance characteristic in the reflection wavelength band is provided.

Abstract: An adapter comprising: (a) a housing having a front and a rear orientation and walls to define a port configured for receiving a mating plug assembly and an opening through the rear of the port, the walls comprising at least two opposing walls; and (b) two shutters, each shutter having a proximate end and a distal end, each shutter being attached at its proximate end to one of the opposing walls with its distal end extending rearwardly, the shutters being biased inwardly toward the interior of the port such that, when the adapter is unmated, the shutters meet at an angle a to at least partially shield the opening and, when the adapter is mated with a plug, the plug contacts the shutters and pivots them outwardly.

Abstract: Even when the V groove pitch is different from the pitch of sheathed portions of optical fibers, the optical fibers can be avoided from receiving any significant stress in bias.

Abstract: An optical transmission module or an optical module has a receptacle attached adjacent to an optical component module or package, and a plug configured to connect vertically with the receptacle from above the module. The outer peripheral shape of the housing is designed to fit within an area of the receptacle that faces upwardly to receive the plug in an insertion direction extending vertically downwardly. In the housing of the plug, a ferrule is attached to an end of an optical fiber and a sleeve covers the optical fiber and the ferrule. A knob is used for moving the optical fiber, the sleeve and the ferrule in the lightwave propagation direction, which is transverse to the plug insertion direction. Before connecting the plug, the knob is retracted to pull the ferrule and the sleeve within the plug housing.

Abstract: Multiple board fiber optic modules and methods related thereto. Fiber optic modules include one or more vertical printed circuit boards and/or one or more horizontal printed circuit boards and/or one or more slanted printed circuit boards. The one or more printed circuit boards are parallel to optical axis of one or more optoelectronic devices such as a receiver or transmitter. The one or more printed circuit boards may include a ground plane to minimize electrical cross talk. A shielded housing or cover provides shielding for electromagnetic interference. The base or shielded housing or cover may include a septum to separate the fiber optic modules into a first side and a second side and provide additional shielding to minimize crosstalk. Horizontal, vertical, and N×N arrays of fiber optic channels in fiber optic modules. Fiber optic modules including a mini back plane for edge connecting printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An optical module according to the present invention has a stem having an interconnection terminal; an optical device positioned on the stem and electrically connected to the interconnection terminal; a cap fixed onto the stem so as to enclose the optical device within the cap; and a lens for optically coupling the optical device with an optical member positioned outside the cap. As a feature of this optical module, the cap is manufactured with a high degree of precision so that the height of the cap with respect to the stem can be used as a positional reference in the direction of the optical axis of the optical system, which consists of the optical device, the lens, and the optical member extending outside the cap. In addition, the shape of the side wall of the cap is designed so that it can function as a reference for maintaining the coaxiality between the photo detector and the lens. The stem is fixed to the cap at the proper position a high precision.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing a method for producing an optical fiber cord or an optical fiber cord tape, whereby it is possible to produce optical fiber cords or optical fiber tape cords in a highly efficient manner, whether their bore is large or small.

Abstract: An optical flat cable with two optical waveguide elements and at least two tension/compression elements is described, the optical waveguide elements and the tension/compression elements being arranged in a common sheath. The optical waveguide elements (are arranged in the sheath spaced from one another, and in each case at least one tension/compression element is arranged extending in parallel to, and in the direct vicinity of, each optical waveguide element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-curable composition comprising, in the uncured state, at least one monomer or oligomer having a radiation-curable functional group which can form free radicals in the presence of actinic radiation, a photoinitiator for said monomer or oligomer present in an amount sufficient to effect radiation cure of said monomer or oligomers and a contrasting agent which causes an observable change in the cured composition upon exposure to energy from a high energy tunable light source.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a chromatic dispersion compensating module which realizes signal transmission at a high bit rate by its simple constitution, and an optical transmission system comprising the same. The chromatic dispersion compensating module according to the present invention comprises a chromatic dispersion compensator which compensates for the chromatic dispersion of an optical fiber transmission line at a predetermined wavelength, and a temperature controller which controls the temperature of the chromatic dispersion compensator in such a manner to set the chromatic dispersion of the chromatic dispersion compensator at a desired value. By this constitution, the dispersion compensation control in correspondence with the chromatic dispersion fluctuation in the optical fiber transmission line caused by the temperature fluctuation and the like is made possible.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which enables an n channel system to be upgraded into at least an (n−1)+p channel system wherein p>1, and wherein the n−1 channels are substantially wider channels than the p channels. n uncooled inexpensive lasers not requiring optical isolators provide optical signals to the n broad channels, and p temperature compensated cooled lasers having optical isolators provide optical signals to the p channels. Advantageously, the system can be installed at a reasonable cost to the first n users and be upgraded in number of channels and cost as the need for the system to evolve and grow arises. Furthermore, the upgrade accomplished with disruption to only one user whereas the remaining n−1 are not disturbed and can continue to use the system during the upgrade. This obviates the problems associated with justifying the cost of providing p channels for only n subscribers, wherein the p channels require more expensive cooled lasers.

Abstract: There is provided an alloy-coated optical fiber and a fabricating method thereof. In the alloy-coated optical fiber, a core is formed of a light transmitting material, a clad surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the core, and an indium-tin-silver coating layer is formed around the outer circumferential surface of the clad.

Abstract: A projection display composed of a plurality of tiles is illuminated by a plurality of projectors, one for each tile. The light from a common light source is transmitted to a light separation unit over a first set of fiber optic cables, the separation unit separating the light into individual primary colors either spatially or sequentially. The individual primary colors are then transmitted over a second set of fiber optic cables to the individual projectors.

Abstract: A workload on a user for selecting and arranging images used for album generation is reduced. Images necessary for generating an album are photographed and image data sets representing the images and accompanying information thereof are recorded in a recording medium. Data reading means reads the image data sets and the accompanying information. A template to be used for album generation is also read from template storing means. The images can be inserted in image insertion areas of the template in photographing order. With reference to the accompanying information, the images are inserted in the image insertion areas in photographing order and composite image data are generated. A printer prints the composite image data as the album.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an encoded data stream representing a number of pictures or frames and having a number of layers including a picture layer in which time code information attached to the original data is described or inserted therein for each picture. Such time code information may be inserted into a user data area of the picture layer of the encoded data stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating and recording management information for searching recorded digital data streams is described. When a digital data stream is recorded on a recording medium, index information for pointing to the location of the time information corresponding to the first stream object unit of each stream object on a time information table is created and recorded. Alternatively, the index information contains the number of start stream object unit for the selected stream object. When reproducing or searching the recorded digital data stream, a stream object is found using the time information of stream objects and the recording location corresponding to a requested search time is found using the index information.

Abstract: A method for regenerating the original data of a digitally coded video film is described, in which a specific picture type of a number of picture types (I, B, P) has been allocated to each of the individual pictures during coding and the coding order (DEO) does not correspond, at least in part, to the display order (DIO). This method provides for an independent time base to be used in order to recover the display order, which time base is obtained from internal information items in the decoder, the information items having been stored during the preceding decoding of a number of pictures. This method has the advantage that even with the omission of a header of a Group of Pictures (GOPH), the correct display order can still be achieved, even if the otherwise customary temporal reference codes in the bit stream signal an incorrect display order.

Abstract: A storage medium which stores catalog information and a catalog information recording and/or playback apparatus and method therefor. Using the method, catalog information including a still picture and additional information together with audio data are recorded on a storage medium such as a digital versatile disk (DVD), which is an optical record storage medium, and the catalog information is played back during playback of the audio data, to thereby provide various information on the audio data. Also, the apparatus includes a buffer memory for catalog playback which maintains a predetermined standard and compatibility, and is capable of real-time reading during playback of the audio data, and automatically plays back the catalog content, corresponding to the playback state of the audio data, when there is no additional selection of a user.

Abstract: A storage medium which stores catalog information and a catalog information recording and/or playback apparatus and method therefor. Using the method, catalog information including a still picture and additional information together with audio data are recorded on a storage medium such as a digital versatile disk (DVD), which is an optical record storage medium, and the catalog information is played back during playback of the audio data, to thereby provide various information on the audio data. Also, the apparatus includes a buffer memory for catalog playback which maintains a predetermined standard and compatibility, and is capable of real-time reading during playback of the audio data, and automatically plays back the catalog content, corresponding to the playback state of the audio data, when there is no additional selection of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing video and audio includes a video decoder which receives video data coded by a unit of a first time length, an audio decoder which receives audio data coded by a unit of a second time length different from the first time length, and a synchronization control unit which suspends video output of said video decoder and audio output of said audio decoder, and resumes the audio output a certain time period after resuming the video output where the certain time period corresponds to a period from the suspension of the video output to the suspension of the audio output.

Abstract: An optical disk recording/reproduction apparatus includes a semiconductor laser, an objective lens provided opposite an optical disk, an optical system for supplying a laser beam from the semiconductor laser to the objective lens, an aperture for not intercepting the laser beam in reproducing from a digital video disk and intercepting an outermost portion of the laser beam in reproducing from a compact disk, and a tracking servo mechanism for moving the objective lens in a tracking direction orthogonal to the running direction of a track of the optical disk. The aperture has an oblong opening that is longer in the tracking direction than in the track running direction.

Abstract: A hot air blowing gun includes a housing, an inner barrel mounted inside the housing and holding a high-impedance resistance type heating element around the inside wall thereof, a tapered, hollow, cylindrical nozzle fastened to the front side of the housing and spaced around the front side of the inner barrel, the nozzle having a slotted outward positioning flange fastened to the front side of the housing and spaced around the periphery of the inner barrel by a gap for ventilation, a fan motor assembly mounted inside the housing behind the inner barrel and controlled to blow air through the inner barrel and the nozzle, and a hollow, tapered protective cap fastened to the front side of the housing and suspended around the nozzle, the protective cap having an inside wall spaced from the periphery of the nozzle by a gap through which a part of the currents of air from the fan motor assembly passes to the outside of the hot air blowing gun via the protective cap to lower the temperature of the protective cap.

Abstract: A remote control tankless water heater system that obviates the need to mix hot and cold water in a sink, faucet, shower, etc. In one embodiment, there is a key pad control system, including preset buttons which serve as a memory for storing optimal user temperatures, automatic troubleshooting, and scald protection. In another embodiment conventional-appearance mixing knobs are employed. In addition to controlling the water temperature, the knobs also control the flow of water in the system, but they do not control temperature and flow in the conventional manner. The user thinks that he or she is mixing hot and cold water when turning knobs to obtain the desired temperature and flow rate. In actuality, the temperature and flow rate are guided by a microprocessor, and they are based upon the ratio of rotation between the two knobs and the aggregate rotation of the knobs, respectively.

Abstract: A first stop plate with a small stop opening is disposed behind a taking lens, and a second stop plate with a middle stop opening is disposed between a first and second lens, which comprise the taking lens. Upon moving a changeover knob to an ON position, a flash unit and the second stop plate are actuated such that the middle stop opening is retracted from an photographic light path PL. The small stop opening is retracted from the photographic light path PL when subject luminance is less than a predetermined value. In high-luminance condition, the small stop opening and the middle stop opening are set on the photographic light path PL, and in middle-luminance condition, the small stop opening is retracted. In low-luminance condition, the middle stop opening is retracted by operation of the changeover knob, so only a large stop opening is set on the photographic light path PL.

Abstract: A focus detection device is provided with a pupil dividing system, an intensity distribution pattern forming system, a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a direction where the pupil is divided, a focus detection area defining system having an focus detection opening, the focus detection area defining system being arranged on or in the vicinity of a plane equivalent to a focal plane of the photographing lens, the light passing through the pair of focus detection areas passing through the focus detection opening, a deflection prism arranged between the focus detection opening and the pupil dividing system, and an optical element provided in the vicinity of the pupil dividing system, the optical element having an anamorphic refractive power. A refractive power in the pupil dividing direction is greater than a refractive power in a direction perpendicular to the pupil dividing direction.

Abstract: A photographic image acquisition device is disclosed including a light source in the form of an LED chip array having a plurality of LED chips, a photographic medium positioning member for positioning a photographic medium at a predefined position, a projecting lens for projecting the image information on the photographic medium onto a detecting member and for exposing said detecting member, and a light transmitting and averaging member positioned between the LED chip array and the predefined position. The device provides faster image acquisition with a relatively simple mechanical construction.

Abstract: Recommended composition data, which represent composition images recommended at locations of photography, are stored in a recommended-composition storage medium in correlation with positional information which represents the photography locations. A GPS section receives radio waves from GPS satellites and inputs GPS information to a read-out section. Based on the positional information in the GPS information, the read-out section retrieves the recommended composition data stored in the recommended-composition storage medium. If recommended composition data is desired, it is read out and input to a superposition section. The image data obtained by an imaging section is also input to the superposition section. The desired, recommended composition data and the image data are superposed and displayed on a display unit. The image data is displayed on the display unit in real time so that photographing can be performed with the image data coincident with the desired, recommended composition data.

Abstract: The camera apparatus includes a camera main body and a convex mirror. A picture reflected by the convex mirror is taken by the camera main body. Even if the angle of view of a camera lens is set small and the camera main body is made compact, a picture having a wide angle of view can be taken through the convex mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a single digital image file from multiple digital images while minimizing cost, complexity, and/or size of the system. A single imaging station is used to generate a plurality of digital images from a medium, each digital image representing the same source image on the medium. The plurality of digital images are combined to create a single digital image which represents the source image. In one exemplary embodiment, the medium is moved a plurality of times in a continuous unidirectional path through the imaging station to create the digital images. The medium can be applied to a transport structure, such as a wheel, which can be rotated to recirculate the medium through the imaging station. The medium can comprise developing film, and the imaging station can comprise a front source, a front sensor, a back source, and a back sensor.

Abstract: A method of developing a latent image on an exposed photographic element by applying a developer solution to the photographic element and scanning the photographic element with at least two different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation while the latent image is developing. A method of electronically developing a latent image on exposed film, and a digital film scanning apparatus for use in electronic film development are also provided.

Abstract: Method of processing photographs in a photographic laboratory by means of a photographic processing system, comprising the steps of: receiving customer orders and processing information, respectively assigned to the customer orders, each order comprising at least one photographic image and each processing information defining processing tasks, wherein a number of processing tasks is assigned to at least one processing site based on the processing skills of a number of operators available at the processing site, and if particular processing information of said received processing information, which is assigned to a corresponding order, requires the execution of at least one of said assigned processing tasks, the corresponding order is processed at the at least one assigned processing site for said execution.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an LED array for performing exposure according to an input image signal, a photoconductive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure with the LED array, a developing device for making the electrostatic image visible, a transfer charger for transferring the visible image onto a transfer material, and a fixing device for fixing the image on the transfer material. When the operating speed in an image forming process equals the image forming speed, and the image forming speed can be switched among a plurality of levels, the image forming condition is changed in accordance with the image forming speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image bearing members, a plurality of image forming portions for forming images on the plurality of image bearing members, a plurality of primary transfer portions for transferring the images on the plurality of image bearing members onto an intermediate transfer member, secondary transfer portions for transferring the image on the intermediate transfer member onto a transfer material, and a controller for controlling the primary transfer portion to operate until an image area on the image bearing member on which an image is being formed at the point when an image formation stop instruction is issued passes a transfer region in the primary transfer portion opposing to the image bearing member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fixing apparatus and an image-forming apparatus. The fixing apparatus and the image-forming apparatus include a heating roller; a heating element disposed in the heating roller; a pressing roller pressure-contacting the heating roller to fix an image onto a transfer sheet passing through a pressure-contacting section between the heating roller and the pressing roller; and a cooling device to cool the heating roller. In the fixing apparatus, the cooling device is activated during a predetermined time period after consecutive fixing operations are completed. While, the image-forming apparatus further includes a control section to activate the cooling device during a predetermined time period after consecutive fixing operations are completed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an input portion for receiving different kinds of jobs; a storage portion for storing a job; an image forming portion for forming images of an input job; a control input portion for providing content display of input jobs and control display; a radiocommunication portion for reading the user identification ID recorded in an information recording medium; a controller for controlling these portions. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus determines the user identification ID of a user so as to provide a display of the operational state best for the user.

Abstract: A seal structure comprising a seal member for preventing toner from leaking out of a casing, the seal member adhesively provided and compressively deformed between an interior floor portion of the casing and a lower outer edge portion of a cylindrical member disposed so as to rotate freely above and parallel to the interior floor of the casing, the seal member being made of an elastic material and disposed so that a degree of compressive deformation of the seal member is greater toward a longitudinal center of the cylindrical body than at the outer edge of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A corona generator including a body and a first support secured to the body is provided. The corona generator also includes a second support secured to the body and spaced from the first support. The corona generator also includes an electrode mounted to the first support and to the second support.

Abstract: A toner supply container detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes (a) a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner; (b) a toner supply opening or port for discharging toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion; (c) a toner feeding member for feeding the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion toward the toner supply opening by rotation thereof, wherein a center of rotation of the toner feeding member is in an opening region of the toner supply port as seen in the longitudinal direction of the toner feeding member.

Abstract: In a developing roll, grooves of a length direction of a developing roll are formed on a surface of the developing roll on conditions that a ratio of a groove depth to a groove width is set to one or more and a ratio of a groove pitch to a groove width is set to two or more and a groove depth is set to three times or more a carrier particle size, and a magnetic pole of the inside of the developing roll is provided in a position of a doctor blade for regulating the amount of carriage of a developer roll, and further a magnetic force on the surface of the developing roll of the position of the doctor blade is set to 0.06 T or less.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatus which can obtain a stable toner charging amount even if a developer charging member is contaminated by toner and reduce reversal fog to reduce toner consumption, and which has a developer carrying body for carrying a developer to a developing position, and a developer charging member contacted with the developer to charge the developer, wherein the developer includes toner and conductive particle.

Abstract: A back-up roller for use in the fusing portion of an electrophotographic process is disclosed. This back-up roller comprises an inner cylindrical metal core, an outer hollow cylindrical metal shell surrounding the core, and a plurality of metal ribs running lengthwise between and attached to the core and the shell. The outer surface of the shell is coated with a layer of a rubberized material. This back-up roller, when used in the fuser portion of an electrophotographic process, reducing the condensation of moisture on its surface, thereby effectively eliminating fuser stalls.