Abstract: A plastic zipper for use in a reclosable package or bag. The zipper includes a pair of fastener strips respectively having male and female interlockable members formed thereon. The male member has a profile with an expanded head. The female member has a profile with a groove for receiving the expanded head of the male member. The female member preferably includes a base, first and second walls extending from the base, first and second hooks respectively extending from the first and second walls toward a center plane of the female member, and first and second wings respectively extending from the first and second walls away from the center plane. The wings have surfaces for guiding an impinging male member toward an opening defined by the hooks of the female member. Preferably, the plastic zipper has a target width to zipper height ratio substantially equal to or greater than unity.

Abstract: A resealable package includes first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom edge, and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. The resealable package also includes a closure mechanism for selectively opening and sealing the mouth. The closure mechanism includes first and second closure profiles, the first closure profile having first and second base strips with first and second interlocking closure members extending from the first and second base strips, respectively, and the second closure profile having third and fourth base strips with third and fourth interlocking closure members extending from the third and fourth base strips, respectively.

Abstract: A stand-up bag of heat-sealable plastic film comprising two opposing side walls (1,2) sealed together along side seams (5, 6) and a bottom wall (4) folded inwards into V-shape and sealed to the first and the second side wall along transverse bottom seams (7,8) and along bottom side seams (9, 10). The bag further comprises a top wall (3) folded inwards into V-shape and sealed to the side wall in the same manner as the bottom wall (4). However, the top wall (3) and one of the side walls jointly form a projecting discharge spout (19) having a discharge passage (20), which is closed by a removable end portion (24) and sideways defined by spout side seams (21, 22).

Abstract: A single journal bearing replaces three bearings in applications where one arm is rotary supported by the inner diameter bearing surface of the journal bearing and another arm is rotary supported by the outer diameter of the bearing surface and the journal bearing is fixed so that it cannot rotate. In a V-shaped piston engine the female piston rod is rotary supported to the inner diameter of the journal bearing for driving the shaft crank journal affixed to the fly wheel and the male piston rod is rotary supported for articulated motion to the outer diameter of the journal bearing. In another embodiment a roller bearing is mounted withing said journal bearing and serves to rotary support the shaft crank journal of the fly wheel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wiper bearing housing having a bearing region (12) and at least one mounting element (14, 16), whereby at least one transitional region (18, 20) between the bearing region (12) and the mounting element (14, 16) is deformable. The invention further concerns a method for producing a wiper bearing housing (10).

Abstract: A windshield wiper system, and a method for producing such a system, in particular for a motor vehicle, having at least one wiper bearing (14) substantially comprising an injection-moldable material, in particular plastic, in which a wiper shaft (16) is supported at least in such a way that it can swing back and forth, and in the region of the wiper shaft (16), the wiper bearing (14) has a substantially hollow-cylindrical segment (24) on whose inner surface (34) at least one groove (40) is provided; at least one, in particular riblike, accumulation of material (38) is provided on the outer surfaces of the hollow-cylindrical segment (24), which accumulation is disposed in the radially outward direction of the groove (40) relative to the axis of rotation of the wiper shaft (16).

Abstract: According to the related art, a bearing is secured in an apparatus by means of an additional attachment means.

Abstract: A ball bearing is described, which comprises an outer ring having on its inner periphery an outer raceway, an inner ring having on its outer periphery an inner raceway, plural balls rotatably disposed between the outer raceway and the inner raceway, a cage holding the plural balls in a freely rotatable manner, and a grease packed in a space between the outer raceway and the inner raceway, wherein the inner peripheral surface of each pocket of the cage contains a spherical part consisting of a spherical concave surface whose radius of curvature is slightly larger than that of each ball and a curved part which has the radius of curvature being larger than that of the spherical part and is smoothly continuous from the end of the spherical part toward the end thereof on the opening side of the pocket.

Abstract: A suspension standard (10) for a motor vehicle has a cylindrical seat (11) for accommodating the outer, non-rotating race (13) of a wheel hub bearing (12). At least one body (16; 16′, 16″; 22) distinct from the standard (10) and the outer bearing race (13) has end portions (16a, 16b) extending in a radially outer direction on opposite sides (10a, 10b) of the standard so as to axially lock the bearing with respect to the standard.

Abstract: A shaped part made from a strip, peripherally contiguous ends of the strip being firmly connected to each other is characterized in that a recess (6) is arranged on one end of the strip (1) and an over-dimensioned projection (7) is arranged on the other end of the strip (1), and after bending round of the strip (1), said ends are fit into each other in axial or radial direction so that through a plastic deformation, an undetachable interference fit results between said ends.

Abstract: A power roller bearing for rotatably supporting a power roller of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, having: an inner ring; an outer ring; a plurality of balls respectively interposed between the inner and outer rings; and, a retainer for holding the balls therein, wherein the retainer includes a plurality of pockets for storing the balls therein at equi-distant positions in the peripheral direction of the retainer, and the inner peripheral portions of the pockets are respectively formed of elastic material that, when the power roller rotates, allows the balls to shift from the equi-distant positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-compensated optical communication interference device. In this device, an optical divider divides light entering an input port into two light beams. An optical coupler superposes these beams and feeds the superposed light to an output port. First and second optical paths are provided between the divider and the coupler. First and second optical components are placed on the first and second optical paths, respectively. The divider, coupler, and optical components are placed on a substrate. The substrate has members with coefficients of linear expansion having different signs. Temperature dependence of an optical path length difference between the first and second paths is reduced due to the difference between the signs of the coefficients.

Abstract: A bi-stable micro-actuator is formed from a first and a second silicon-on-insulator wafer fused together at an electrical contact layer. A cover has a V-groove that defines an optical axis. A collimated optical signal source in the V-groove couples an optical signal to an optical port in the V-groove. A mirror surface on the transfer member blocks or reflects the optical signal. The transfer member has a point of support at the first and second end. The central portion of the transfer member carrying a mirror is displaced from the compressive axis with transfer member in a bowed first or second state. The mirror blocks or reflects the optical axis. An expandable structure applies a compressive force between the first and second point of support along the compressive axis to hold the transfer member in a bowed first state or a bowed second state. A control signal is applied to a heating element in the expandable structure to reduce the compressive force transferring the transfer member to a second state.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a core, a fluid reservoir coupled to the core via a tube, a thermal solution, and an insulating structure. The core includes a base, a matrix controller substrate, and a planar lightwave circuit. The planar lightwave circuit has a plurality of waveguides and trenches for rerouting an optical stream. The fluid reservoir supplies fluid to the plurality of trenches of the core. The core and the fluid reservoir are mounted on the thermal solution, which maintains the fluid reservoir at a higher temperature than the core by removing heat from the core and transferring some heat to the fluid reservoir. The insulating structure reduces any thermal leakage from the fluid reservoir to the core. In addition, the insulating structure can improve the temperature of the planar lightwave circuit and prevent unwanted atmospheric gases from entering the optical switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides switch arrays for use in optical communication systems. The switch arrays are illustrated in relatively simple and relatively complex versions for each of two types. Each switch array is assembled by connecting of plural optical switches to each other and to transmission links and packet switches accordingly. The result enables handling a greater quantity of signal volume.

Abstract: A system for manipulating optical signals in an optical switch utilizes a piezoelectric membrane. The membrane is selectively enabled to switch among an outward position, an inward position and a relaxed orientation in relation to a sidewall of a trench that is provided as part of the switch. The membrane is in fluidic communication with an intersecting gap of the trench that crosses a first input waveguide and a first output waveguide. Displacing the membrane to a first position causes the gap to be filled with an index-matching liquid such that light from the first input waveguide is transmitted to the first output waveguide. Alternatively, displacing the membrane to a second position causes the gap to be filled with a gaseous bubble, resulting in a refractive index mismatch, such that the light from the first input waveguide is diverted at the gap. In another embodiment, there are two membranes utilized for manipulating optical signals.

Abstract: A programmable optical waveguide cross-connection array including a supporting substrate, one or more first waveguides fixed to the supporting substrate, one or more second waveguides fixed to the supporting substrate and disposed to form one or more intersections with the first waveguides, and an optical boundary or cavity in at least one switched intersection; whereby the optical signal entering the switched intersection from a first waveguide is redirected by the cavity to exit the switched intersection by way of the second waveguide. The device embodies a network of intersecting waveguides in which cross-connections between selected waveguide pairs can be permanently programmed at low cost. The programmable optical substrate provides customized local connectivity between a plurality of optical components and may be efficiently and reliably fabricated in large quantities.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a switching matrix configuration to reduce the optical propagation losses and coupling losses. The switching matrix comprises M horizontal waveguides interested with 2N vertical waveguides, where M and N are positive integers and the optical switching system is configured to receive a multiplexed input optical signal from a horizontal waveguide disposed next to an i-th horizontal waveguide where i is a closest integer to a positive real number M/2.

Abstract: A control system for controlling individual mirrors in a MEMS-based optical switching fabric is presented. The control system includes a position sensitive detector positioned to receive a control beam reflected from individual mirrors of a first mirror array. In some embodiments, the control beam can be time-multiplexed with a calibration beam. The position of the control beam corrected in response to the position of the calibration beam can be compared with a position calculated on the port assignment of the individual mirrors in order to provide feedback to a feed-back based control system for the individual mirrors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical switch in which generated bubbles displace a droplet to change the transmission characteristics of an optical path. A structure defines a cavity that is divided into first and second chambers that are in fluid communication with each other. The structure also defines an optical path that intersects the first chamber. The cavity is filled with a combination of liquids including a droplet and a displaceable liquid. Generating a bubble in the chamber containing the droplet moves the droplet to the other chamber, displacing the other liquid accordingly; the bubbles can be generating by heating resistors adjacent to each of the chambers. The index of refraction of the droplet differs from that of the displaceable liquid so that moving the droplet changes the transmission characteristics of the optical path.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed. A lock magnetic field is provided on the sides of a rotator with a magnetic surface. The magnetic field has a potential with two minima as reflective and non-reflective positions. At the reflective position, the reflective mirror on the rotator reflects light beams. The beam goes through when the rotator is at the non-reflective position. At the same time, the magnetic field firmly locks the rotator at its position. When a driving force is imposed on the rotator, it rotates from its current position to the other position and gets locked at the new position.

Abstract: This invention relates to demultiplexing, routing and multiplexing of a number of different optical wavelength channels. The demultiplexer provides a basis for robust designs of multi-channel optical communication receiver, spectrum analyzer and router. The demultiplexer is operationally bi-directional providing a means for multiplexing.

Abstract: Devices (13.1, 31.1) communicate with each other on a wavelength channel using wavelength specific signals on a working WDM fiber (21) having a parallel protection WDM fiber (23). An SDH system (13.S, 31.S) uses one channel of the WDM system of the fibers as one of the fibres of the working pair of the SDH system and has a separate fibre (37) constituting that fibre of the protecting fibre pair for the SDH-system. To provide an unambiguous or predictable protection behaviour for the SDH system for the case of the working WDM fibre being cut the RETs (29.1, . . . , 29.S) have two modes. In the first mode a RET will be on and always carry traffic when the input power is high enough. In the second mode a RET they will not automatically turn on again after it has first lost the input signal and thereupon the input signal has returned. The RET can then be manually restarted or restarted after some suitable delay. Then the sequence of events will always be unambiguously defined.

Abstract: The present invention is a wavelength-selective optical switching system. The switching system includes an input waveguide designated as waveguide WG(0) for receiving a multiplexed optical signal comprising optical signals transmitted over a plurality of wavelength channels represented by &lgr;1, &lgr;2, &lgr;3, , &lgr;N, where N is a positive integer wherein the input waveguide extending over a first direction. The switching system further includes a two dimensional waveguide array comprising a plurality of first direction waveguides WG(i), i=1, 2, 3, , M extending over the first direction substantially parallel to the input waveguide WG(0) where M is a positive integer and a plurality of second direction waveguides WG′(j), j=1, 2, 3, N, extending over a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting with the input waveguide and each of the first direction waveguide WG(i), i=0, 1, 2, 3, ,M, thus forming (M+1)×N intersections.

Abstract: An optical communication system includes an optical transmission line with a pump laser port, a transmitter in communication with a multilevel coded electrical input signal and in communication with the optical transmission line, and a pump laser optically connected to the pump laser port. In the optical communication system, the optical transmission line and the pump laser are adapted to act in cooperation to amplify an optical signal traveling through the optical transmission line over at least a portion of a length of the transmission line.

Abstract: An optical waveguide filter including a multi-mode waveguide having a predetermined width, a predetermined length and a predetermined thickness includes a transmitting light source and a photo detector coupled to one side of the multi-mode waveguide; and a transmission line coupled to the other side of the multi-mode waveguide, wherein one hundred percent of an output optical power having a first wavelength from the transmitting light source is transferred to the transmission line, and one hundred percent of an input optical power having a second wavelength from the transmission line is transferred to the photo detector.

Abstract: When constituting an optical device using an optical fiber having end face slanted with respect to a vertical plane of a core axis, the optical fiber is simply rotation-positioned such that a direction of the end face becomes constant, thereby inexpensively producing the optical device and realizing a miniaturization of the optical device. In the optical fiber having the end face formed at an angle slanted with respect to a plane perpendicular to a core, a plane structure or a concave structure is formed in the optical fiber itself at a predetermined position with respect to a slant direction of the end face, or a holding structure is provided in the optical fiber.

Abstract: A structure facilitating easy assembly of fiber-optic communication components includes a lower and an upper support being provided with small and big V-shaped cuts, respectively, for receiving optical fibers and collimators, respectively. The upper support is inverted to seat on a middle recess of the lower support, such that tangent planes passing top points of the optical fibers and the collimators are contained in horizontal planes passing openings of the small and the big V-shaped cuts, respectively, and axes of the collimators are either in alignment with or horizontally coplanar with axes of the optical fibers. The two supports together define a central positioning cavity between them for receiving different function elements, such as optical isolator, modularized filter, etc., between the collimators, so that fiber-optic communication components with reduced volume and increased reliability could be easily assembled in mass production at reduced cost.

Abstract: An optical fiber collimator which facilitates optical adjustment. The optical fiber collimator includes a gradient index rod lens, and an optical fiber optically connected to the rod lens. An anti-reflection film is formed on one end face of the rod lens. The anti-reflection film has a refractive index which continuously changes from a value substantially equal to that of a center refractive index of the rod lens to a value substantially equal to that of the refractive index of the optical fiber along a film thickness direction of the anti-reflection film. A refractive index matching medium having a refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber bonds the anti-reflection film to the end face of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A semiconductor-based tunable optical dispersion compensation method and apparatus for multiple channels. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor material. An optical path through the semiconductor material is included. The optical path is optically coupled to receive an optical beam. A nonlinearly chirped Bragg grating is disposed in the semiconductor material. The optical path includes the nonlinearly chirped Bragg grating to substantially reduce chromatic dispersion in the optical beam.

Abstract: An optical communication system comprises an optical circulator and an optical component. The optical circulator has first, second, and third ends, outputs from the second end light fed into the first end, and outputs from the third end light fed into the second end. The optical component includes an optical waveguide type diffraction grating device connected to the second end of the optical circulator and provided with a plurality of refractive index modulation forming areas, disposed along the longitudinal direction of an optical fiber, for Bragg-reflecting a predetermined wavelength of guided wave. A predetermined region including the boundary position between two refractive index modulation forming areas adjacent each other in the optical waveguide type diffraction grating device is heated by a thin film heater, so as to adjust the optical path length thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the fabrication of an optical fiber-processing phase mask that is reduced in terms of pitch variations on the mask and stitching errors, and provides a process for the fabrication of a chirped type optical fiber-processing phase mask wherein a grating form of grooves provided in one surface of a quartz substrate is configured as an optical fiber-processing grating pattern. At an exposure step, writing data obtained by arranging and compiling a plurality of data for a repetitive groove-and-strip pattern while the pitch of repetition is modulated are used and an electron beam resist is provided on a phase mask blank, so that writing is carried out all over the writing area on said phase mask blank continuously in a vertical direction to said grating form of grooves.

Abstract: An all optical fiber bit stream reader system for examining the data contents of an optical fiber involving the conversion of a temporal timing signal into a spatially located signal is provided. The invention generally comprises generating and detecting a signal indicating the presence of data, in a manner which is minimally destructive to the data.

Abstract: A high-connector density interface plate comprising a curved outer surface having a plurality of interface connections is described. Each of the plurality of interface connections is adapted to receive a cable at an angle relative to a normal line extending from a normal angle to the curved outer surface. The curved outer surface increases the interface plate surface area available for interface connections relative to an interface plate having a flat outer surface.

Abstract: An insert pipe is fitted on an outer circumferential surface of a front end of a ferrule provided with a core wire receiving bore in an axial center thereof, and a small-diameter tubular portion is insert molded coaxially with the insert pipe 4 around the core receiving bore adjacent to the front end, a thin-walled plastic portion being formed inside the small-diameter tubular portion. A plastic reservoir may be provided in a part of the plastic ferrule remote from the front end of the core wire receiving bore. The provision of the thin-walled plastic portion and/or the plastic reservoir prevents the tapering of the core wire receiving bore due to thermal shrinkage following the injection molding process.

Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module including a first ferrule assembly having a first sleeve and a first ferrule inserted and fixed in the first sleeve, the first ferrule having first and second optical fibers; a first element fixed to the first ferrule assembly, the first element having a first lens and a bandpass filter; and a second element fixed to the first element, the second element having a wedge plate for optical path correction, the wedge plate being formed of glass. The optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module further includes a third element fixed to the second element, the third element having a second lens; and a, second ferrule assembly fixed to the third element, the second ferrule assembly having a second sleeve and a second ferrule inserted and fixed in the second sleeve, the second ferrule having a third optical fiber.

Abstract: A connector subassembly and related connector that are configured to floatingly align and tune mated ferrules are disclosed. The connector subassembly includes a ferrule holder and a plug housing having an inner surface with slanted or sloped alignment features, such as, for example, a radially extending key. In an embodiment, the ferrule holder assembly is configured to hold the ferrule and has an outer surface defining a groove extending axially. The key is slidably disposed in the groove. The connector includes the ferrule holder, the plug housing, a spring element disposed within the plug housing and urging the ferrule holder in a direction axially toward the rearward opening, a crimp body attached to the plug housing so as to compress the spring element, a boot attached to the plug housing via the crimp body and disposed about a portion of an optical fiber, and a tube disposed about a section of the optical fiber and secured to the ferrule holder.

Abstract: A universal optical fiber plug includes a body, a neck formed on the body, a tube extending out from the neck and provided with an annular sealing ring formed on the neck near the joint with the tube to correspond to the recesses in the socket. A cap is further formed at a joint of the body and the neck to prevent contamination of the filament inside the socket.

Abstract: A compact add/drop optical device. The device prevents adhesive material from blocking the light path. The compact add/drop optical device includes a first optical collimator, a second optical collimator, a filter and two spacer rings, wherein the first optical collimator has a pair of optical fibers and the second optical collimator has an optical fiber. The invention is characterized in that the filter is sandwiched between the two spacer rings. Additionally, using a heat-cured epoxy, one spacer ring adheres to the first optical collimator and the filter, and another spacer ring adheres to the second optical collimator and the filter.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for terminating an optical fiber, the connector comprising a housing having opposed first and second ends, the housing receiving the optical fiber at the first end thereof, an elongated member retainable in the housing and extending generally from one of the opposed ends to the other of the opposed ends, the elongated member including a ferrule holding portion proximate the second end of the housing and a crimpable portion distinct from the ferrule holding portion, the crimpable portion being generally aligned with the ferrule holding portion and being closer to the first end of the housing than is the ferrule holding portion, a ferrule disposable within the ferrule holding portion of the elongated member, the ferrule including an aperture running therethrough and being generally aligned with the crimpable portion when the ferrule is disposed within the ferrule holding portion, the ferrule including a polished front face, at least one crimp supporting member disposable within the crimp

Abstract: A system and process is provided for packaging optical-electronic components used in fiber-optics networks. A top lid with an opening covers all the components of the optical-electronic package. A fiber boot with a groove is provided, wherein the opening in the top lid mates with the fiber boot groove. The fiber boot groove is located between plural shoulders. An optical fiber passes through an opening in the fiber boot and is firmly held within the fiber boot.

Abstract: A process and a device for the passive alignment of supports, particularly plates which carry optical components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for aligning optical components in an optical assembly. The method comprises the steps of pre-aligning the optical fibre to the optical device, measuring a coupling efficiency of the optical fiber to the optical device, applying energy to a support means, said energy being sufficient to enable the support means to become ductile, and applying a force to the support means in a direction which increases the coupling efficiency.

Abstract: A laser module platform comprising a snout to support an optical fiber in alignment with a laser. The snout may form a seal with a case surrounding the platform. An optical fiber component is secured to the snout with one or more joints. The joints may be flanges, solder joints or welded joints.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a module including a primary substrate defining a base of the module, wherein the primary substrate is provided with a plurality of vias for electrical connection to a photodetector located within an interior portion of the module; a side wall member joined to the primary substrate to form side walls of the module and to define the interior portion of the module; a secondary substrate positioned within the interior portion of the module, the photodetector being mounted on the secondary substrate; an optical fiber guide extending into the interior portion of the module from outside the module, the optical fiber being arranged to receive an optical fiber and to position the optical fiber so that light emerging from the optical fiber impinges upon the photodetector; and a lid joined to the side wall member to enclose the interior portion of the module.

Abstract: An optical device comprises an optical chip contained in a package formed at least in part of an enclosure wall; the chip provides an optical signal output and an optical monitoring output and the device includes a photodetector responsive to the optical monitor output

Abstract: An optical fiber preform is made by modifying a conventional preform tube having a cladding zone and a core zone, before its thermal collapse normally followed by fiber drawing. The modification is accomplished by depositing, e.g. by MCVD, a thin protective layer of a light-transmissive material, e.g. silica, on the inner surface of the preform tube, over the core zone, before the collapse step. The material of the protective layer has a higher viscosity than the material of the core zone. The protective layer is deposited over the inner (core) zone of the preform tube and its thickness and composition is selected to prevent excessive viscosity drop of the typically alumina-doped core zone during the collapse step. The provision of the protective, viscosity-controlling protective layer is helpful in maintaining good roundness of the collapsed preform tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a preform for an optical fiber, an optical fiber so obtained and methods for making the same. The fiber is characterized in that porous glass doped with at least one dopant is used. Resulting fibers can be used to make high attenuation fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber which enables favorable optical communications in 1.3-&mgr;m and 1.55-&mgr;m wavelength bands, and an optical transmission system including the same. The optical fiber according to the present invention has only one zero-dispersion wavelength within a wavelength range of 1.20 &mgr;m to 1.60 &mgr;m, the zero-dispersion wavelength existing within a wavelength range of 1.37 &mgr;m to 1.50 &mgr;m, and has a positive dispersion slope at the zero-dispersion wavelength, thereby enabling favorable optical communications utilizing each signal light in the 1.3-&mgr;m and 1.55-&mgr;m wavelength bands sandwiching the zero-dispersion wavelength.