Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking apparatus with a spectacle structure, arranged between a spectacle lens having assembling holes and a frame, between a lens and an accessory, between different accessories, and between an accessory and a frame, and including a bolt connected rigidly with said frame, a hollow slotted-head pin, said hollow slotted-head pin having a tapered outer surface and an inner hole screwed on said bolt, and a T-shaped pellet, said pellet is provided with a tapered inner hole, said pellet is sheathed on the outside of said hollow slotted-head pin and is in close contact with the inner wall of the assembling hole of said accessories. The present invention has, relatively fewer components and is easy to assemble and disassemble. All the combined accessories for fixing lenses are located within the assembling hole of the lens after the assembly, the whole assembly has a concise and beautiful appearance with the lenses fixed stably on position.

Abstract: What is described here is a method of manufacturing spectacles comprising individual progressive ophthalmic lenses, including the following steps: selection of a spectacle frame, detection of the shape of the lens rings with a precision better than ±0.

Abstract: A method for designing a surface of an optical element includes the steps of prescribing initial wavefronts, selecting an initial parameterized representation of the surface, choosing a cost function in the parameters, and optimizing the cost function with respect to the parameters. The step of optimizing includes the steps of calculating a refracted wavefront for each of the initial wavefronts and analytically computing derivatives of the cost function. The method may also include the steps of precomputing eikonal functions between points in the vicinity of the initial wavefronts. Then the refracted wavefronts are calculated from the precomputed eikonal functions. A method for designing at least one surface of a multifocal optical element includes the step of concurrently considering in a design of the at least one surface any combination of an astigmatism distribution, a progressive power distribution and a prism distribution.

Abstract: A method for coloring contact lenses comprises storing a generally annular-shaped initial iris image in a computer. The initial iris image comprises a plurality of color elements. The method further comprises applying a filtering process to the initial iris image in a manner to replace at least portions of at least some of the color elements with generally uncolored regions to form a filtered iris image, and using a printer apparatus, in communication with the computer, in a manner to print the filtered iris image on a contact lens substrate.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus comprising a first input unit with which plural measurement data concerning an eye to be examined are inputted, a second input unit with which images of the eye including an anterior eye segment are inputted, each of the image is photographed at the time of measuring each of the inputted measurement data, and a calculation and control unit which detects and corrects two-dimensional displacement or deviation between each of the measurement data based on each of the inputted images of the eye.

Abstract: An automatic optical lens sun shield comprises an elastic clip cartridge, a rotary connector and a tinted transparent optical lens screen. The elastic clip cartridge is constructed with spring clamp frames which can be pulled outward and clipped on an original padded visor as well as detached from the original padded visor without using any hand tool. The rotary connector is constructed with a positioning pivot shaft which drives the positioning pad to rotate. Thereby, the radiating teeth at the bottom of the positioning pad is engaged to the radiating positioning teeth of the rotating connector. Therefore, the rotary connector can rotate under the clip cartridge and is securely positioned thereon. The lower part of the rotary connector is formed with at least one pivot groove. The tinted transparent optical lens screen is engaged to the pivot groove via a rotary shaft.

Abstract: An extensible outside rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a spring-clamped slide mechanism that ensures a zero clearance fit between sliding components to avoid vibration. Bearing members between the sliding components reduce friction and provide a consistent reaction force to ensure smooth operation of an actuator mechanism which extends or retracts the mirror assembly along a support arm. The slide mechanism includes V-shaped guiderails vertically aligned with opposing V-shaped guiderails on the mounting bracket assembly. Rod-like bearing means are interposed between the opposing guiderail pairs. A cantilever clamp jaw with spring means biases one guiderail toward the other with a high spring force which provides superior rigidity and thus enhanced mirror image clarity.

Abstract: A focusing-device for the radiation from a light source, in particular a laser plasma source, has a collector mirror which collects the light from the light source at a second focus in virtual or real terms, in particular for micro-lithography using EUV radiation, and a routing unit and downstream beam formation in an illuminating system. The collector mirror can be displaced in the z-direction (optical axis) and is designed and/or mounted in such a way that the position of the second focus remains unchanged in the event of temperature changes.

Abstract: There is provided a spread illuminating apparatus which is improved in terms of compactness. A light guiding member (15) provided with a curve (20) is disposed between an end (5a) of a light conductive member (5) and a spot-like light source (6). Light beams from the spot-like light source (6) which travel in the direction orthogonal to an electric wiring board (17) are directed toward the end (5a) of the light conductive member (5) (in the direction parallel with the electric wiring board (17)) to be properly guided while reflected at the curve (20). Since the light beams from the spot-like light source (6) are properly guided, the light beams from the spot-like light source (6) can enter the light conductive member (5) with the spot-like light source (6) and the light conductive member (5) not disposed on the same plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backlight unit for liquid crystal displays, etc.; and its object is to provide a backlight unit not involving the problem that the emitted light leaks out of the optical waveguide, even when the space around the cold-cathode tubes in the light source unit for it is filled with a liquid of which the refractive index is nearly the same as that of the glass material that forms the outer wall of the cold-cathode tubes. The backlight unit comprises a housing 6 which houses cold-cathode tubes 2, 4 therein and of which the inner surface is coated with a light reflector 10; a transparent liquid filled in the housing 6; and an optical waveguide 1 made of a transparent substance and having a light-emitting surface S.

Abstract: A theft-proof removable door handle illumination device having a base, a door handle illumination assembly, and a case supporting the assembly. The base is operable to be mounted on a mounting surface. The door handle illumination assembly is operable to provide illumination. The case and base are removably interconnected such that disconnection of the case from the base requires movement of the case in a disconnect direction that is at least substantially parallel to the mounting surface. The case and base cooperate when interconnected to prevent movement of the case in a direction generally perpendicular to the disconnect direction. With this arrangement, the device is easily associated with a door assembly so that movement of the case in the disconnect direction is permitted only when the door is open. The case, once removed, can be used for illumination purposes apart from the door (e.g., a flashlight).

Abstract: A decorative flashing light system designed to float in ponds, pools and swimming pools that is independent of wiring harnesses and external power supplies. The system consists of a buoyant, translucent shell 16 that encloses a light array circuit assembly 20, and a battery(s) 24, which is kept in place by a waterproof reseal-able cap 28. The flash pattern of the light sources as well as the intensity, frequency, duration and duty cycles are all pre-programmed into the electronic circuitry 10. An anchoring tether 30 allows the display to be held in position rather than free-floating if desired.

Abstract: A recessed light fixture includes a housing, a cap affixed to an upper edge of the housing, and a cover plate having an aperture formed therein and affixed to a lower edge of the housing. A junction box and transformer having associated wiring are affixed to the cap. Mounted within the housing of the recessed light fixture is a reflector having opposing first and second reflector surfaces, a first end, a second end, and a prism having at least one diverging lens. The prism is slidingly moveable within the second end of the reflector. A bulb is electrically connected to the transformer and mounted within the housing and protruding through an opening in the first end and thereby into an upper portion of the reflector. The first and second reflector surfaces are formed having a preselected parabolic geometry so that a light beam is narrowest at a preselected limit of travel of the prism closest to the bulb, and widest at a preselected limit of travel of the prism farthest away from the bulb.

Abstract: A light emitting block of this invention includes, mounted in a main block body (1), solar batteries for (2) for generating light emitting electric power, an electric double layer capacitor (3) for storing the electric power, a planar light emitting member (4), and a light emission control circuit for controlling lighting of the planar light emitting portion (4). In the daytime, the solar batteries (2) receive ambient sunlight through a block surface portion (1A). The electric power of solar batteries (2) accumulates in the double layer capacitor (3). At nighttime, a light emitting surface (4A) of planar light emitting portion (4) automatically emits light with the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor (3), to make the block shine.

Abstract: A system of a first luminaire (1) and a second luminaire (11) for lighting an object (V). Each luminaire has a housing (2; 12) provided with a plurality of tubular lamps (3, 3′, 3 ″; 13). The housing (2; 12) has a light emission window (4; 14) and a side wall (5, 5′; 15) which is perpendicular to the light emission window (4; 14). In the system, the first and the second luminaire (1; 11) abut one another with their side walls (5, 5′; 15) and/or with their light emission windows (4; 14), such that an edge (6) of the light emission window (4) of the first luminaire (1) abuts an edge (16) of the light emission window (14) of the second luminaire (11). Said light emission windows (4; 14) and said side walls (5, 5′; 15) are made from an optically transparent material. Preferably, the light emission window (4; 14) is provided with a diffusor (7; 17).

Abstract: A do-it-yourself lamp comprises a seat, and a lamp rod arranged on the seat. The seat has a plurality of penetrated stepped holes and a positioning disk having a plurality of through holes. A receptacle passes through one of the through holes. A plurality of locking holes are arranged between the through holes. A bottom of the lamp rod is inserted with a joint and one end portion of the joint is slightly protruded from the bottom end of the lamp rod. After inserting the lamp rod, the end portion of the joint is exactly inserted into the receptacle. In packaging, transferring, or storage, the lamp rod and seat can be separated for reducing the space. It is only necessary to insert the lamp rod into the seat for use. Thereby, users can assembled the lamp rod and seat by himself (or herself).

Abstract: A remote-control modular lighting system allows users to select individual lighting modules for adjustment by momentarily pointing the remote control at the lighting module to be adjusted. Subsequent adjustments may be done without aiming at the lamp, allowing the operators attention to be on the subject being lit. Control functions may include aiming of the light, power on/off, dimming, etc. In one preferred embodiment, individual lamps broadcast an identifier code to be stored in the remote. This allows the remote to adjust groups of lamps, or change a group of lamps to a particular stored configuration. This functionality is achieved without the requirement of special set-up procedures during installation.

Abstract: A structure of twisted flexible lights mainly includes a flexible light with pearlescent or other color pigments and a connector buried vertically; wherein, a plurality of strands of flexible lights are twisted together to make a colorful flexible light and that is further formed into an arcuate shape, an arch or crisscrossed arcuate shapes to be mounted onto the vertically buried connector thereby to make the style of the flexible light variable and the features thereof colorful, gorgeous and not easy to fade so as to achieve the practical and beautiful effect.

Abstract: A luminaire having a tube-shaped gas discharge lamp (1) contains at least one concavely curved reflector (2) arranged—seen from the region to be illuminated—neighboring the lamp (1), and at least one partially light permeable diffusor (3) arranged—likewise seen from the region to be illuminated—neighboring the lamp (1) but before the reflector (2). The diffusor (3) and the reflector (2) bound next to the lamp (1) at least one light entry surface and run together at their ends away from the lamp (1) such that they enclose at least one light chamber (4), the ratio between the width (a) of a light chamber and the height (b) of a light entry surface being at least 4:1. Further, there may be provided means for the attainment for a uniform light density over the width of the reflector.

Abstract: An illumination system for a display apparatus is capable of reducing electric power consumption and lengthening a life span by minimizing a loss of marginal rays that are spaced away from a main optical axis. The minimum loss of the marginal rays is obtained by a light reflective surface of a predetermined degree of curvature formed on an optical device for diffuse-reflecting and altering an optical path of a light from a light source.

Abstract: A lamp connection port connected to a ceiling fan assembly includes an open end which is enclosed by a skirt portion of the connection port. A plurality of flexible protrusions extend inward from an inside of the skirt portion and a first end of a lamp shade is engaged in the open end of the lamp connection port. The first end of the lamp shade has a flange and a groove is defined in an outer periphery of the lamp shade. The flexible protrusions are engaged with the groove of the lamp shade.

Abstract: Decorative trailer hitch covers protect and block a vehicle trailer hitching socket from view in a decorative manner. Decorative trailer hitch covers prevent water, dirt, and other debris from accumulating in the vehicle trailer hitching socket when it is not in use. Furthermore, the normally unattractive trailer hitching socket can be covered with an attractive, illuminated graphic or sign. In this manner, the driver can personalize his or her vehicle.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for an exhaust tail pipe includes an outer duct, an inner duct located in the outer duct, an illuminating means located between the outer duct and the inner duct, and a conductive wire linking the illuminating means to brake lights to enable the illuminating means to emit light synchronously with the brake lights. The illuminating means includes a front anchoring lid, a front insulation pad, at least one LED panel, a rear insulation pad, a rear anchoring lid, an asbestos heat insulation pad and a plug lid. Because the LED panel is sandwiched by the insulation pads on the front and the rear side, the front anchoring lid and the inner duct form an interval therebetween, and the plug lid and the outer duct have radiation openings formed on the periphery thereof and form a radiation space, the LED panel and the conductive wire may be prevented from damaging in high temperature.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for illuminating of objects or equipment including, for example, vehicles, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper to help provide a level of protection to the objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse.

Abstract: A white light is provided for backlighting a liquid crystal display by directing red green and blue light into the first end of a color mixing optical fiber, mixing the red green and blue light in the color mixing fiber to produce white light, and conducting the white light out of the second end of the color mixing fiber to the liquid crystal display. The color mixing optical fiber and sources for generating the red green and blue light may be located remotely from the liquid crystal display, and the white light produced in the color mixing optical fiber coupled to the liquid crystal display by coupling optical fibers, thus simplifying and facilitating construction and operation of the backlighting system, and allowing for more convenient removal of heat remotely from the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A device treats liquids such as water by mechanical vibration. This vibration reaches a useful frequency by the harmonics of the primary vibration, for the destruction or inhibition of microbiological organisms contained in the water. This primary vibration is obtained by the passage of the liquid through a helix that carries the liquid, which in turn impacts and displaces a plurality of rods or elongated elastic bodies in order to obtain a mechanical vibration. This vibration is preferably controlled by the action of the electrical capacitance between the vibrating rods and the helix vanes that conduct the liquid, for which purpose the rods are connected to a pulsating electric energy source. This primary vibration is also controlled by the action of a permanent magnetic field produced by semi conducting media arrayed on a central tubular support of the helix, in such a way that the harmonics of the vibration that affect the incompressible liquid are transmitted to the biological contents of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing viscous liquids with a reactant, catalyst or coagulant and then finishing such mixture is described which involves forming a viscous first fluid into a thin film by passage through an annulus, then injecting a second fluid into the flowing liquid to form a mixture which is thereafter finished downstream of injection of the second fluid. The mixture from the mixer is finished using a finisher associated with and downstream of the mixer. Injection may be through either annulus-forming surface or both in various patterns. The particular mixer and finisher described are adapted for use in the uniform mixing of rennet and precheese. The mixer and finisher are adapted for modification and facile disassembly for cleaning to maintain sanitary standards.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing device has a canister which is modular in design and constructed from a transparent material. The mixing device further has a mixing head assembly having a crank that is operatively coupled to a mixing blade via a gear train. The gear train is configured to drive the mixing blade in a reciprocating manner including the varying of the angular velocity, direction of travel, and angular distance of travel of the blade while the crank is rotated at a constant velocity and direction. The mixing blade has a fluid passage defined therein which allows the liquid cement component to be delivered at various locations within the mixing chamber of the canister. A method of mixing bone cement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel mixing apparatus and process for mixing at least two fluids are disclosed. Excellent mixing and superior pressure drop characteristics are achieved in a device comprising at least two supply channels to feed a mixing chamber and create a vortex. The alignment of the supply channels is such that fluids are introduced into the chamber at both tangential and radial directions. In the case of gas/liquid mixing, particularly advantageous is the injection of the liquid stream tangentially and the gas stream radially. When two liquid streams are mixed, it is desirable to distribute them into fine, interdigitated channels prior to introduction into a supply channel and finally into the chamber. The mixed stream is generally withdrawn from the center of the swirling vortex and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the vortex.

Abstract: A tank agitator connects to a low head feed and causes agitation by discharging through a port that might rotate, oscillate, or otherwise issue a pulsing stream. This agitator has a housing with a turbine plenum and an exhaust plenum. A turbine in the turbine plenum spins by the flowthrough of the feedwater and exhausts to the exhaust plenum. A hollow drive shaft is spun by the turbine and extends through the exhaust plenum and to terminate outside the housing. It has an aperture that allows water in the exhaust plenum to flow into its lumen. A nozzle caps the shaft and is bent such that the discharge issuing therefrom sweeps in circles with the spinning of the drive shaft. A variant form of the agitator includes a drive train that incorporates a drag link to convert the spinning input of the turbine into an oscillating output in the drive shaft. In another variant form, the discharge is pulsed.

Abstract: The watch case includes a middle part (2) and a removable back cover (3). The back cover (3) is held under the middle part by means of at least one rail (5), this rail having a first portion (7) arranged to be slid into a groove (9) made in the middle part (2) and a second portion (11) arranged to cap an edge (13) of the back cover (3). Without using tools, the user can remove the rail, take off the back cover and change the battery or batteries powering the movement.

Abstract: A structural component made of hard material for a wristwatch, characterised in that it includes a hole fitted with an inner threading which is integral with said component, said threading being directly obtained by injection and thus without removing any material of said component for example by machining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement (1) for calculating the temperature T in a driver's compartment (2) of a vehicle. The arrangement (1) incorporates a temperature sensor (4) arranged in a duct (5) and means (6) designed to allow an air flow from said driver's compartment (2) to pass through said duct (5), and said temperature sensor (4) is designed to measure a first temperature level T1 of said airflow. Said means (6) are also designed to halt said air flow for a period of time and said temperature sensor (4) is designed to measure, towards the end of said period of time, a second temperature level T2. The temperature T is calculated on the basis of said first temperature level T1 and said second temperature level T2.

Abstract: A sensor, in particular thermal sensor, having a silicon element and a largely self-supporting membrane layer equipped with at least one sensor element, is proposed. The membrane layer is furthermore spaced away from the silicon element by way of at least one contact column and is at least largely supported thereby. The contact column moreover makes electrical contact to the sensor element. Also proposed is a method for manufacturing a largely self-supporting membrane, a polymer layer first being deposited on a base element, patterned, and equipped with at least one cutout. The cutout is subsequently filled with a filler material, and a membrane layer is applied onto the polymer layer. Lastly, the polymer layer is removed again. The proposed method for manufacturing a largely self-supporting membrane layer is suitable in particular for constructing a sensor, in particular a thermal sensor or a thermal sensor array.

Abstract: The apparatus which is located separately from the RTD includes means for measuring the resistance of a plurality of RTDs present at a selected site, the RTDs being those of a number of different RTD types. The module includes means for storing the resistance/temperature map for each of the plurality of RTDs and for determining the temperatures associated with said resistances from the resistance/temperature maps. The resulting plurality of temperatures for each RTD, respectively, is then transmitted in a known order to a remote protective relay which determines the correct temperature for each RTD connected to the module.

Abstract: In an X-ray diagnostic installation and correction method wherein comet artifacts in the unprocessed image can be corrected, a geometrical analysis of the comet artifacts is implemented, an estimated reference value is determined from the original signal using the analysis result, an estimated detail signal is determined from the original signal using the analysis result, and the comet artifacts are corrected on the basis of the estimated reference value and the estimated detail signal.

Abstract: At least one branched chamber extends and diverges from a side wall of a pouch body. The branched chamber has an optional pouring spout at its distal end to permit the removal of the contents of the pouch. A readily unsealable seal member is optionally included to partition the branched chamber from the pouch body, thus providing a pouch wherein two or more different materials are mixed prior to removal from the pouch. A pouch having this structure provides excellent rupture protection of the readily unsealable seal member caused from, for example, handling, shipping, or dropping of the pouch.

Abstract: Apparatus for allowing nearly frictionless relative motion between bearing elements in prescribed directions while providing high stiffness against motion in other directions has a bearing guide with one or more bearing guide surfaces. A bearing carriage with one or more bearing lands is constructed and located so that the bearing lands are parallel to, in proximity to, and oppose the smooth surfaces of the bearing guide. The assembly of bearing carriage to bearing guide allows the bearing carriage to traverse along the length of, or rotate about the bearing guide while preserving the nominal bearing gap between bearing land and bearing guide surfaces. The bearing carriage has a number of recesses or bearing pockets, which oppose the bearing guide surfaces and are hydraulically connected to a shuttle body, which has an internal cavity which houses a shuttle.

Abstract: A linear guide device in which a rate of change expressed as “Dmax−Dmin”, becomes extremely small where Dmax and Dmin are respectively a local maximum and a local minimum of D, expressed as (dx2−dx1)/dx, which is produced when a steel ball B moves a distance corresponding to a rolling element-to-rolling element span, dx1 is a minute movement quantity of a steel ball B when it moves from one space defined between rolling element rolling grooves 3 and 31 of an element endless circulating raceway 7, to one of curved element circulating R parts 6, and dx2 is a minute movement quantity of another steel ball B when it moves from the other curved element circulating R part 6 to the space while the former steel ball is moved by the minute movement quantity dx1.

Abstract: A translation table with a pair of bearing assemblies located between a first element and a second element. Each bearing assembly has a pair of roller bearings located at one end of a bearing separator strip, and another pair of roller bearings located at an opposite end of the separator strip. There are no bearings located between the outer pairs of roller bearings. Providing a roller bearing assembly with no roller bearings in the inner portion of the separator strip creates a relatively stiff bearing assembly.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing cartridge includes a shaft or sleeve adapted to be fixed in place has at least one fluid dynamic bearing supporting the shaft and one or more seals at either end of the shaft. The seal arrangements may include a pair of centrifugal capillary seals at either end of the shaft. Alternatively, a grooved pumping seal or centrifugal capillary seal at one end may be used in combination with a static capillary seal, especially where a journal bearing defined along the shaft near the capillary seal has an imbalanced groove section.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding bearing having an excellent initial conformability and seizure resistance as well as desired durability and heat resistance required particularly for high speed engine. The present invention provides a sliding bearing having a resin coating layer comprising a thermosetting resin being soft and having a good elongation at high temperature and a solid lubricant formed on a bearing alloy layer.

Abstract: A core member has a core member side journal portion and a core member bolt hole on both sides of the core member side journal portion and is provided in a separation state from a surface of a casting mold through a cast-off pin including a step portion in a vertical direction in the casting mold. A radius of curvature of the core member side journal portion of the core member is made greater than a radius of curvature of the cap side journal portion of the bearing cap in such a manner that a clearance between the cap side journal portion and the core member side journal portion is larger than a clearance between the core member bolt hole and the cast-off pin. A pouring gate is provided on a side surface of the casting mold to inject a base material along the bonding portion of the bearing cap.

Abstract: The invention concerns a roller bearing including an outer ring, an inner ring, at least a row of rolling elements arranged between two raceways of the outer and inner rings, a seal between the outer and inner rings, and a data sensor assembly comprising a non-rotatable sensor unit borne by one of the rings and a rotatable encoding element borne by the other ring. An seal is provided on the side of the data sensor assembly to isolate the assembly from the inside of the roller bearing by co-operation with the rotating ring in a zone axially located between the encoder active part and the rolling elements.

Abstract: Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.

Abstract: A ball bearing (6) and a bearing assembly are proposed which are intended especially for high-speed devices such as dental turbines, dental angle handpieces, turbomolecular pumps, etc., with balls (4) which are arranged between an inner ring (7) and an outer ring (8), which has substantially better anti-friction properties in rotating operation, especially during a startup phase, while simultaneously preventing the ball bearing or the bearing assembly being overloaded by the prestress or due to deviations in the geometry and and/or imprecision in assembly. This is achieved, according to the invention, by providing a device (4) to produce a tension force that is dependent on the speed (n).

Abstract: A pivot bearing assembly comprises a shaft having a main body portion and a reduced portion integrally and coaxially formed therewith, an outer ring-sleeve member coaxially surrounding the shaft, a first bearing arranged between the reduced portion of the shaft and the outer ring-sleeve member, a second bearing arranged between the main body portion of the shaft and the outer ring-sleeve member and a tolerance ring mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring-sleeve member. The inner ring of the second bearing is a part of the main body portion of the shaft. The outer ring-sleeve member can comprise an outer ring and a sleeve tightly mounted on the outer ring or an outer ring portion and a sleeve portion surrounding the outer ring and integrally formed therewith.

Abstract: A three dimensional optical circuit featuring an optical manifold for organizing, guiding and protecting individual optical fibers is shown. One aspect of the present invention is a three dimensional manifold which may be constructed using a rapid prototyping process such as, but not limited to, stereolithography (“SLA”), fused deposition modeling (“FDM”), selective laser sintering (“SLS”), and the like. The manifold has a number of input openings in a first ordered arrangement at one end connected by passageways to a number of output openings in a second ordered arrangement at the opposite end. A plurality of optical fibers may be directed through the passageways of the manifold to produce a three dimensional optical circuit such as a shuffle. Moreover, the optical manifold may be used in conjunction with a number of connections or terminations to form a various optical modules. These modules may be configured for rack mounting within enclosures for electrical components.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical fibre connector (15, 18) for high pressure (P) environments. Said connector comprises means for maintaining (1, 2, 19b) the respective ends of the fibres, facing one another. The invention is characterised in that it further comprises a sleeve (3) enclosing the fibre ends, and a translucent gel (4), provided in the sleeve to soak the space (4b) separating the fibre ends (15, 18). Moreover, by maintaining itself by capillary action in said space (4b) the gel seals off the connection with environment. The ambient pressure (P) then acts on one free end of the sleeve (3) while maintaining the gel (4) in the sleeve.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber expanded beam connector and methods for making and using the hybrid fiber expanded beam connector are described herein. Basically, the hybrid fiber expanded beam connector can be used to connect dissimilar fibers such as single mode fibers that have different mode field diameters (MFDs) or different effective areas. In particular, the hybrid fiber expanded beam connector includes a first lensed optical fiber that is optically coupled to a second lensed optical fiber but physically separated from the second lensed optical fiber. The first lensed optical fiber including one type of fiber is capable of expanding a light beam traveling therein and outputting a collimated light beam. The second lensed optical fiber including another type of fiber is capable of receiving the collimated light beam and focusing the received light beam such that the light beam travels from the first lensed optical fiber to the second lensed optical fiber.