Abstract: A retroreflective coating system and a method of providing the coating system on a substrate are disclosed. The method includes applying a color-providing composition, such as a pigmented basecoat composition, and applying a clearcoat composition. After application and cure, the color-providing composition forms a color-providing film layer, and the clearcoat composition forms a clearcoat film layer. The color-providing composition and the clearcoat composition are cross-linkable. Either one, or both, of the color-providing composition and the clearcoat composition include retroreflective microspheres. The color-providing composition is applied to the substrate to form an uncured film layer of the color-providing composition. Next, the clearcoat composition is applied wet-on-wet to the uncured film layer of the color-providing composition such that an uncured film layer of the clearcoat composition is formed on the uncured film layer of the color-providing composition.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.

Abstract: An optical system having a pair of ellipsoidal shaped reflective surfaces or mirrors which receive light from an object and provide wide field view imaging for the object. The optical system directs the light onto a flat detector to a record a wide field of view image of the object on the flat detector.

Abstract: A mirror device for a vehicle which is equipped with a mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism. In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a load is applied to a rod drive in an axial direction, a claw member elastically deforms, and an engagement valley of the rod drive rides up over an engagement projection provided at a distal end of the claw member and is moved. Here, given that angles of inclination of two surfaces of the engagement valley, at a mirror side and at a side opposite the mirror, with respect to a direction orthogonal to an axis of the rod drive, are respectively &thgr;1 and &thgr;2, &thgr;1>&thgr;2. In this way, two loads for manually moving the rod drive toward a side opposite the mirror and toward the mirror side can be made to approach substantially a same magnitude.

Abstract: A point light source is converted into a plane light source having a satisfactory uniformity. The point light source is converted into a line light source by means of a linear light guiding plate, and further into the plane light source by means of a plane-like light guiding plate. Light from the point light source is reflected at a lamp reflector to be incident on at least two side surfaces of the plane-like light guiding plate.

Abstract: An illuminated assembly that can be configured as a pinwheel, pinwheel bow or decorative bow. The illuminated assembly includes segments of material that are folded over to form looped structures. At least some of the looped structures retain chemical light assemblies that are used to illuminate the folded loop structures when activated.

Abstract: A modular rotatable warning light incorporates a standardized shaft, rotatable sub-assembly, motor and worm gear to form the mechanical core of the assembly. The rotatable sub-assembly includes a rotatable reflector mount supported by two axially spaced bearings for rotation around a hub. The axially spaced bearings significantly improve the function and service life of the rotatable warning light. The standardized parts are combined with a selected base plate, lamp holder, lamp and reflector to produce a modular rotatable warning light having a specified overall configuration. The efficiency of production and maintenance of various rotatable warning light configurations is improved by reducing engineering, production, maintenance and inventory costs.

Abstract: A multifunctional shoe flashing device includes at least one casing, at least one battery, a substrate, a conductive wiring, a lighting device, an oscillation switch, and a control circuit. The conductive wiring has one end connected to the substrate and the other end protruding from the casing and connecting to the lighting device, which includes three lighting chips. When the casing is affected due to external forces, the control circuit is triggered to activate flashing of the lighting device in a sequential and non-overlapping manner within a predetermined time period by setting predetermined mixed color and time ratios.

Abstract: A luminaire having a frame that includes opposite first and second ends with a connecting member extending therebetween. The frame has an opening remote from the connecting member. First and second lamps are supported by the frame adjacent the first and second ends, respectively. A main reflector extends between the first and second ends of the frame and has a reflecting surface directed towards the opening of the frame. First and second reflecting members are disposed adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, of the frame and between the first and second lamps, respectively, and the opening of the frame. Each of the first and second reflecting members includes first and second curved reflectors and a plurality of baffles extending between the first and second curved reflectors. The first and second reflecting members direct light from the first and second lamps, respectively, through the opening in the frame.

Abstract: A road-marking system comprising at least a first (1) and a second road-marking unit (2) each having an emission surface (10; 20), the first unit comprising a first light source (21, 21′ . . . ) and the second unit comprising a second light source (22, 22′ . . . ). Each unit has a shape adapted to a saw-cut recess (9) accommodating the unit.

Abstract: A portable lamp post assembly which comprises a monolithic container and lamp post support, a lamp post attached to the lamp post support, and a fixture attached to the lamp post. The container comprises a bottom, upstanding walls extending from the outer periphery of the bottom, and a boss projecting upwards from the bottom. The fixture may be one or more of several items including a light. The container may be used as a planter or storage container.

Abstract: A dual mode rechargeable flashlight includes a generally rectangular housing sized to be readily carried and operated in one's hand and having a pair of upper and lower frame members that receive and retain generally planar rectangular panels preferably made of anodized aluminum and which may be of selective colors and have indicia imprinted thereon. An integral charging system within the flashlight housing enables recharging of DC batteries connectable in circuit with a high intensity lamp carried within a reflector assembly at a forward lens end of the flashlight. A modular self-storing blade assembly facilitates connection of the charging system to an electrical outlet. A power pack support housing within the flashlight is accessible through an access door to enable insertion of a 6-volt DC battery power pack connectable in circuit with a high intensity long life LED carried within the reflector assembly.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a hand-held flashlight that is telescopically extendable along a concentric axis. The flashlight having a transparent portion which allows light to radiate out of the flashlight in a 360-degree sector when in the extended configuration. The flashlight having an exhaust unit for equalizing pressure between an interior and exterior of the flashlight.

Abstract: In a circular fluorescent lamp unit comprising: a glass bulb 1 which is bent into a ring shape with both ends abutting on each other, has phosphor powder coated on an inner wall thereof, has electrodes provided at the respective ends in an inner space thereof and has mercury and inert gas sealed therein; and a cap which has connection pins used for electrically connecting the electrodes in the glass bulb with the outside and is attached so as to cut across the both ends of the glass bulb, a tube outer diameter of the glass bulb 1 is 13 mm to 20 mm, a ring outer diameter of the ring is 145 mm to 170 mm, lamp wattage is not more than 20 W, and lighting is carried out with a high frequency which is not less than 10 kHz.

Abstract: A stick type of Christmas ornamental light device, which comprises a round pipe is bent into a stick-shaped casing to be connected with a straight second casing having a smaller diameter; the cylindrical holes of the two casings are loaded with a lamp string; the plugs and sockets of the lamp string are left outside the casings; one end of one casing is mounted with a fastening sleeve, of which the center is furnished with a cylindrical hole for receiving a peg so as to facilitate the stick type of the ornamental casing to plant in the ground; then, both sides of a road can be ornamented with the device.

Abstract: An LED backlight system for dual mode operation with an NVIS system which utilizes non-edge lit night mode LED and a thermal conduction path from the day mode array of LEDS to a rearward disposed heat sink which cross the night mode array of LEDS. The system includes first and second LED arrays, the second array being located behind the first array. Light from the second LED array pass through a plurality of apertures located on the circuit card supporting the first array.

Abstract: A cross-shaped beam laser ray device having a housing containing a battery, a laser diode driver circuit, a laser diode, and a convex lens. A transverse columnar faceted lens, respectively, with a cap having an aperture through its center is fastened to the front extremity of the housing. The transverse columnar faceted lens is aligned vertically with the laser rays such that afer laser rays are emitted by the laser diode and converged through the convex tens, the transverse columnar faceted lens refracts them into a cross-shaped beam that is projected through the aperture and appears as cross hairs when directed onto the surface of a targeted object.

Abstract: A backlight module for liquid crystal display includes a casing having a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall extending from the bottom wall to define an open top. A light guide plate is attached to the side wall and spaced from the bottom to define an interior space therebetween. A light diffusion plate and a protection plate are respectively mounted to the top opening of the casing. A plurality of lamps are arranged in the interior space and spaced from each other. First vent holes are defined in the side wall of the casing to allow air to flow in and out of the interior space for removing heat generated by the lamps. Second vent holes are defined in the side wall and are paired of which the second vent holes are opposite to each other. A triangular channel is formed between the second vent holes of each pair by two inclined side walls. Air is allowed to flow into the channel via one of the second vent holes, through the channel and eventually leaving the channel via another second vent hole.

Abstract: A spotlight with locking swivel-join handle includes a lamp head, a handle, a swivel joint for rotatably connecting the handle with the lamp head, and a releasable locking device for selectively locking the handle in a pistol type handle position and a transversal type handle position with respect to the lamp head, wherein in the pistol type handle position, the handle is sidewardly and radially extended from the lamp head, and in the transversal type handle position, the handle is sidewardly extended in parallel with an axis of the lamp head.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus which lights up portions of a pair of bicycle tires on a bicycle when the bicycle is in motion is disclosed. The present invention would comprise a generator and two aluminum disks that light up light emitting diodes (LED's) on both tires of a bicycle while the bicycle is being ridden by a user. The aluminum disks would be located in the center of each bicycle tire, while the LED's would be located on two spokes on each tire. On each tire, the spokes that the LED's would be located would be opposite one another, with the spokes being wide enough the entire length of each spoke to accommodate the placement of a plurality of LED's. Each spoke that has LED's attached would have LED's attached to both sides of that particular spoke. The present invention would be configured such that the forward motion of the bicycle would energize the generator, which in turn, would provide energy to the aluminum discs and the LED's.

Abstract: A light-generating bicycle pedal includes an axle, a pedal body mounted on the axle, and a light-generating unit including a magnet wheel, a coil device and a lamp unit. The pedal body is formed with a board receiving cavity to receive a circuit board of the lamp unit. The coil device includes a set of anchoring lugs to be anchored in a set of anchoring holes in the circuit board. Rotation of the axle relative to the pedal body results in rotation of the magnet wheel relative to the coil device, thereby inducing electrical currents in the coil device that are provided to the lamp unit via the anchoring lugs so as to enable the lamp unit to generate a light output.

Abstract: A peg, for attachment to a motorcycle, has an attachment lug for mounting it to the motorcycle; a hollow cylindrical body portion rotatably mounted on the attachment lug; a high intensity light source within the body; a window in the body portion with a reflective/refractive lens; an end cap adjustably secured by a pair of bolts, enclosing the body outer end; so that the window aperture may be selectively rotated about the polar axis of the body portion, and secured in a selected orientation. The stainless steel peg body has a ridged brass grip inset into its outer surface and glued in place, to provide a grip for the user's foot.

Abstract: A wheel lighting device for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle to increase safety and enhance aesthetics. The device produces the appearance of a “ring of light” on a vehicle's wheels as the vehicle moves. The “ring of light” can automatically change in color and/or brightness according to a vehicle's speed, acceleration, jerk, selection of transmission gears, and/or engine speed. The device provides auxiliary indicator lights by producing light in conjunction with a vehicle's turn signals, hazard lights, alarm systems, and etc. The device comprises a combination of mechanical and electronic components and can be placed on the outer or inner surface of a wheel or made integral to a wheel or wheel cover. The device can be configured for all vehicle types, and is electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system and/or battery.

Abstract: A lamp structure is constructed to include a transparent opencell housing with a predetermined wall thickness, the housing comprising an inner mirror layer and an outer mirror layer respectively coated on the inner and outer surfaces thereof, a light admitting face in the outside peripheral rim thereof neighboring the mirror layers, and a light source installed in a lamp socket formed integral with the housing and controlled to emit light into the predetermined wall thickness, for enabling light rays to be mutually reflected between the mirror layers and guided toward the light admitting face in the outside peripheral rim of the housing to form a light ring.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

Abstract: An improvement to video projectors having a reflector/lamp for compressing light to a focal point at a predetermined f/#, an integrating rod positioned at the focal point to collect and integrate the light, and a detector for sensing light output from the integrating rod, the improvement comprising a converging lens positioned between the reflector/lamp and the integrating rod for compressing the focal point so as to increase the amount of light entering the integrating rod while consequentially decreasing said f/#, and a diverging lens for increasing the focal point within the integrating rod so as to restore said predetermined f/#. Preferably, the diverging lens is fabricated from gradient index glass.

Abstract: A decorative carrier for Halloween candy and the like employs fiber optic members to carry and emit light to the exterior surface of the carrier. Additional light sources may be positioned about the carrier, and flashing or non-flashing lighting is provided. An audible emission may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a handheld or immersion blender including a coupling device (1) for separating the shank provided with a processing tool from the electrically powered drive part, with an upper coupling part (2) arranged on the drive part having locking elements and a lower coupling part (3) arranged on the tool shank having detent elements, which enable the coupling device (1) to be interlocked axially. In this arrangement the locking elements are formed by spring-loaded holding lugs (11) projecting radially outwardly, and the detent elements are formed by recesses (16) on the inner circumference of the lower coupling part (3), with the upper coupling part (2) being twistable relative to the lower coupling part (3), whereby a releasable coupling is obtained. An improved handheld or immersion blender is thereby made available.

Abstract: Vacuum mold making and casting equipment is desirable for producing a higher quality mold when casting small parts in polyurethane resin. Specifically, this equipment is aimed at minimizing entrapped air within such parts by applying suction to create a vacuum. The air could be removed during two steps in the casting process. Initially, air that becomes entrapped in the compound during the mixing phase can be evacuated by sealing the mixing bowl with an airtight lid and applying suction through a hose connected at the top of the lid. After the compound has been poured into the cast, this same equipment can be used to once again remove any entrapped air. By removing entrapped air, higher quality molds and cast materials can be achieved. A supply of disposable mixing cups would be included with the equipment. Although the cups would all feature the same diameter and hemispherical bottom, they would be offered in a variety of capacities and would be marked with volumetric graduations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the vertical mixing of gaseous, liquid, powdery and/or pasty products using, for example, a hollow shaft and inner shaft arranged in a housing, whereby paddle-shaped mixing tools are provided on the hollow shaft and on the inner shaft there is provided a discharge device arranged below an outlet of the mixer. The mixer is thereby completely filled in the operating state and the product and additives are pressed onto the inner wall of the housing by means of the mixing tools. The product flows continuously downwards under the force of gravity and acts against the partly backward-conveying paddles. The continuous product flow is regulated using a rotary slide valve provided at the outlet. The mixer is especially suitable as a dosing device and/or for lubricating extruder and/or expander products.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared thermometer and a temperature calculation method suitable for determining the body temperature at different measurement sites, for example, on a person's forehead or in the ear. The thermometer includes a device for attaching a demountable probe head. Provision is made for different probe heads that are adapted to fit the different measurement sites.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of calculating a static formation temperature in a reservoir penetrated by a wellbore. One embodiment of the present invention comprises estimating the static formation temperature and calculating a formation fluid temperature at the wellbore, the calculation based, in part, on the estimated static formation temperature. The temperature of a sample of formation fluid at the wellbore is measured. The calculated formation fluid temperature at the wellbore is compared with the measured temperature of the sample of formation fluid. The static formation temperature is predicted by altering the estimate of the static formation temperature until an error between the calculated formation fluid temperature at the wellbore and the measured fluid formation temperature is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for removing build-up on such measurement gauges. The inventive device and method involve a movable scraper that fits around a cylindrical shield of a measurement gauge and continuously removes the build-up on the shield. Movement of the scraper is accomplished by a magnetic coupling between a magnetic core attached to the scraper, which is inside a pipe or other piece of equipment, and solenoids that are installed on the outside of the pipe. The device and method of the invention ensure instantaneously correct readings from the measurement gauge and improve control and operation strategies of heat exchanges, with significant economic advantages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature sensor having a first FET transistor circuit and a second FET transistor circuit and also to a method for operating a temperature sensor. Both FET transistor circuits are operated at an operating point that lies outside the temperature-independent operating point. The difference between the voltages at the first and second FET transistor circuits is evaluated as a measure of the temperature at one of the FET transistor circuits. The invention enables the temperature sensor to provide a relatively large output signal even in the case of only small changes in temperature.

Abstract: A multi-functional X-ray examination has a base, a guide rail attached to the base and two trucks that are attached to the guide rail and are movable along the guide rail. An X-ray exposure system is movable in the longitudinal direction with the first truck, and a patient support mechanism is movable in the longitudinal direction with the second truck. The two trucks can be driven along the guide rail independently of one another.

Abstract: A dual C-arm angiographic device for flat panel x-ray receptor (“dual C-arm gantry”) comprises: a base attached to the floor; an outer C-shaped track non-movably attached to the base; a crawler carriage that moves along the outer track; and a counterweighted, inner C-shaped instrument bracket (“inner C-arm”) pivotally attached to the crawler carriage. A detector/counterweight housing, flat-panel x-ray receptor, and x-ray tube and collimator are attached to the inner C-arm. The bottom end of the outer track terminates at the base, such that the outer track arches over the side and top of a separate patient support table. Additionally, the outer track, crawler carriage, and inner C-arm are mutually configured such that the dual C-arm gantry is capable of full spherical angulation and of providing a full range of clinical positioning, while minimizing interference with clinical use patterns (i.e., the head end of the table is left clear for all angulations).

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable brake for use with a C-arm x-ray apparatus is generally comprised of a brake handle and an eccentric shaft support which, when rotated using the handle, actuates a cam and presses a brake pad into the C-arm. Movement of the C-arm is thus restricted when the brake is applied. The brake mechanism specifically includes a brake handle, a brake shaft, a cam mounted on the brake shaft, a plunger having a first end engaged with the cam and a second end having a brake. The brake handle is used to rotate the brake shaft and the cam, the cam pushes down on the plunger and the brake engages the C-arm. The brake mechanism further comprises a plunger support, a spring that is compressed when the brake is actuated and is decompressed when the brake is released thus permitting movement of the C-arm. The brake shaft is connected to the brake handle using an eccentric shaft support.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for scatter measurement and correction. The method includes performing a calibration scan using a phantom to measure a scatter signal ratio between scatter x-rays impacting a first detector ring and scatter x-rays impacting a second detector ring. The scatter signal ratio is used to determine a scatter scale factor. The method further includes positioning a collimator such that the first detector ring is occluded from a path of primary x-rays generated by a target. The method also includes executing a low exposure scan to obtain x-ray scatter data using the first detector ring and the second detector ring and applying the scatter scale factor to the scatter data to produce scaled scatter data. The method further includes obtaining image data using the first detector ring and/or the said second detector ring and adjusting the image data using the scaled scatter data.

Abstract: In a bag configuration, a sanitary cover of clear plastic construction material to be placed over a handgrip of a dentist's overhead light that has an imprint, such as an arrow, on a rear bag panel in the middle of unsealed edges that in use bound an opening through which the handgrip is projected into the bag, in which the user is instructed to rub apart the unsealed edges at the observed site of the arrow, and thus neutralizes a static electricity clinging together of the unsealed edges that otherwise would be difficult to separate.

Abstract: A three-sided pouch formed from a sealable foil comprises two parallel longitudinally extending tubular chambers. A longitudinal bendable sealing seam separates the chambers. Transversely extending sealing seams close the opposite ends of the tubular chambers. In order to enable such pouches to be easily opened, one of the transversely extending seams has a widened portion straddling the longitudinally extending sealing seam and extends to both tubular chambers. A tearing aid for facilitating the tearing open of the two tubular chambers is arranged in the widened portion.

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: There are disclosed a plastic zipper with a slider, comprising a pair of male hook and female hook formed on plastic films and a slider by which the zipper is opened and closed, wherein the zipper is equipped with protrusions serving as a guide for the slider which are installed parallel to the male hook and female hook respectively on the side of an opening portion of the zipper, and the slider is equipped with an inside guide which engages with the protrusions so that the inside guide is positioned between the protrusions and the hooks on the side of the opening portion of the zipper; a bag body equipped with the above plastic zipper; and a process for effectively producing the bag body. The plastic zipper with the slider and the bag body equipped with the plastic zipper are each excellent in hermetic sealing performance, and are well suited for packaging liquid without causing leakage.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic encoder that has an increased detecting sensitivity, can be thin-walled, have an increased reliability and an increased durability, can easily be handled during manufacture and assembly and is excellent in productivity, the magnetic encoder (10) includes a multi-pole magnet element (14) having opposite magnetic poles alternating with each other in a circumferential direction, and a core metal (11) for supporting the multi-pole magnet element (14). The multi-pole magnet element (14) is made of a sintered element prepared by sintering a powdery mixture of a powdery magnetic material and a powdery non-magnetic metallic material.

Abstract: A tapered roller bearing in which tapered rollers are interposed between an inner ring member and an outer ring member and a large diameter flange having a guide surface guiding a large diameter side end face of a tapered roller is provided in an end portion in an axial direction of the inner ring member. Microscopic streaked grinding trails are arranged in multiple directions on the large diameter side end face of the tapered roller.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector system for connecting at least one optical fiber cable mounted near the edge of a planar substrate to a backplane, each optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fibers and a terminating ferrule, the longitudinal orientation of the optical fibers within the terminating ferrule defining a longitudinal axis and a forward direction, the ferrule having a first longitudinal range of motion x1 and a ferrule spring element having a longitudinal ferrule spring force fn,. The optical connector system includes a substrate housing assembly and a backplane housing assembly. The substrate housing assembly is designed to be mounted on the planar substrate and includes at least one ferrule receiving cavity for receiving the optical fiber ferrule, and a substrate housing assembly spring.

Abstract: A connection device (1) for optical fibers, for use in a polluted environment includes a first connector (2) designed to be associated with at least a first optical fiber (16) and a second connector (3) designed to be associated with at least a second optical fiber (25) to be connected to the first fiber, wherein one of the connectors (2, 3) carries a fluid reserve (36) having a refractive index equal to that of the optical fibers, and at least pumping means (37) connected to said fluid reserve and which, in operation, can be actuated in response to connecting and disconnecting movements of the two connectors (2, 3) to inject, at each connecting/disconnecting movement, the fluid into a space (58) encompassing the front ends of the two fibers bringing them closer together or spacing them apart.

Abstract: An optical coupler is provided with two receptacles for receiving connectors mounted at a predetermined angle relative to one another with a light guiding element disposed therebetween. The light guiding element may be a reflective surface, a length of optical fiber, a planar waveguide, or a polymer waveguide. The optical coupler of the present invention is preferably used in combination with an optical backplane to interconnect the backplane with a daughtercard.

Abstract: A pull-proof optical fiber connector for use with robust optical fiber has a housing and a ferrule bearing barrel member therein having a first outside diameter over a front portion thereof and a second, lesser outside diameter rearward portion, and a bore extending therethrough forming an optical fiber passage. The barrel member and, hence, the ferrule are rearwardly movable under axially pulling stress, and a stop member prevents further rearward movement prior to any disengagement of the ferrule with an associated ferrule or other apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, the stop member is a fiber retention member having a front face and a bore extending therethrough of lesser diameter than the outside diameter of the second portion, thereby halting rearward movement when the end of the second portion butts against the front face of the cable retention member.

Abstract: A fiber-pigtailed assembly for an optical detector with low back reflection and minimal polarization-dependent responsivity has a detector surface mounted adjacent a beveled end of a fiber pigtail such that the detector surface is tilted and rotated with respect to the beveled end of the fiber pigtail. Also an external optical fiber may be coupled to the fiber pigtail with low back reflection and minimal polarization-dependent responsivity by having an input ferrule at the end of the external optical fiber, the end being beveled; by having an intermediate ferrule at a coupling end of the fiber pigtail, the coupling end being beveled while the other end of the ferrule is beveled by the same amount but approximately orthogonal to the coupling end; and by having an output ferrule on the fiber pigtail adjacent to the intermediate ferrule, the end of the output ferrule adjacent to the intermediate ferrule being beveled.