Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for communication over a network. The System comprises a network application, a protocol stack and a Medium Access Control layer. Further, the system is functionally and physically divided into a network application device and a network interface device. The network application device comprises the network application and the network interface device comprises the protocol stack and the MAC layer. A physical interface for bidirectional communication is arranged between the two devices. Also, the invention relates to the network application device and the network interface device separately and to a method for transmitting and receiving information via the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) system with both uniform and non-uniform sampling rates. The system includes a digital portion in which samples of a set of “N” digital samples are obtained from a digital input stream. Each set of samples is evaluated with various test decimations which may include various combinations of uniform and non-uniform timing intervals between the selected members of each decimation. Each test decimation includes substantially the same number “M” of digital samples where “M” is less than the number of samples “N” in each sample set. Each test decimation is digitally evaluated to determine which is the optimum test decimation. The optimum test decimation exhibits the best fit with the original set of “N” samples using a reduced set of “M” digital samples.

Abstract: A memory channel means transferring data streams between different blocks and an internal memory means on a data chip, wherein said memory channel means comprises several memory channels. Each channel has source and destination data stream interfaces, wherein each interface is connectable to different blocks, and a flexible address generator generating source and destination addresses for the internal memory means, wherein the order of the data being transferred is changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing/de-multiplexing optical signals is disclosed. The disclosed devices do not require active components. The devices may be used on their own or as part of a larger system such as a multi-stage mux/demux, an optical switch, or router. The optical device includes a linear polarizer, wave plates and a beam displacer/combiner. The wave plates optically couple to the linear polarizer. The wave plates rotate both odd and even channel components of an optical beam between a linear and an orthogonal relationship depending on the propagation direction. Each wave plate has a selected length and index of refraction determinative of a free spectral range which correspond to a spacing between adjacent gridlines of the selected wavelength grid. Each of the wave plates is tuned to even symmetry with the selected wavelength grid.

Abstract: An integrated circuit comprises a CPU, ports for external communication, a memory means and a switching means for converting the circuit between a working mode and an initiating mode. The circuit is in itself, in the initiating mode, adapted to receive an initiating signal, comprising external instructions, and to bring the CPU to execute said instructions. According to a method for bringing the integrated circuit to execute instructions, the integrated circuit is in a first step brought into the initiating mode. Thereafter the circuit receives said external signal and uses the integrated CPU to execute said instructions.

Abstract: A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is disclosed which allows a single positioning element to be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. The motion module includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface on which a first interconnector is located. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is rotary or linearly positionable with respect to the base The second interconnector is located on the exterior surface of the mobile stage, The first and the second interconnector are mutually engagable With second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: A method and a multiprotocol network CD-ROM server for providing computer network users possibility to share information on CD-ROM, regardless of other file servers and their locations. The CD-ROM server is a self contained piece of hardware. It provides users connected to different computer networks, using various network protocols, shared access to information of any CD-ROM disc inserted into a connected CD-ROM drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical signal generator for use in calibrating and testing optical components. The optical signal generator utilizes a tunable laser in conjunction with a novel modulation circuit to output an analog/digital optical signal. The modulator circuit combines a low-frequency, closed loop power control with a separate digital modulator. The output beam of the tunable laser may be modulated over a wide range of frequencies, duty cycles and amplitudes. Circuitry is also provided for modulation of an analog signal onto the output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for A/D conversion is provided. The apparatus provides for multi-path multi-channel (MPMC) pipelined A/D conversion. Unlike prior art designs in which the handling of multiple channels requires a linear increase in the associated circuitry and components, the current design scales for multiple channel A/D conversion with less than linear scalability. The A/D converter comprises a plurality of stages and interfaces between adjacent columns of the stages. The stages each include an input, a first output, and a second output. Each of the stages is responsive to an input signal applied to the input to output at the first output a bit signal corresponding to at least one significant bit of the input signal and to output at the second output a residue signal corresponding to a difference between the input signal and the bit signal. The stages are arranged in columns.

Abstract: In-code context data used for exception handling is incorporated into a special call instruction which is recognized by the processor. The information is skipped at the time of the function call and read at the time of the stack unwinding. This special call instruction may be implemented to run at no extra cycle costs compared to normal instructions, except for the external execution time dependencies from such machinery as a cache involved in the instruction fetching, since it would never be necessary during normal execution to actually access the information. The information is only accessed during exception handling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuously-tunable external cavity laser (ECL) with a compact form factor and precise tuning. A novel interference filter which may be used to tune the ECL provides an absence of mode-hopping and reduced feedback from both spurious interference and reflections in the external cavity. A novel tuning mechanism is disclosed which provides for mechanical FM tuning of a wide range ECL tuning elements such as: an interference filter, a diffraction element, and a retroreflector. A novel feedback circuit is disclosed which provides closed loop feedback for selecting output wavelength in a laser.

Abstract: A multi-position optic mount is disclosed which provides for automatic movement of an optic element between an engaged position, in which the optic element intersects an optical path, and a disengaged position, in which the optic element avoids an optical path. The optic mount may be used for a broad range of optical elements including: lenses, filters, etalons, gratings, retroreflectors, wave guides, fiber optics, lasers, photo-detectors, etc. A unique activation capability is provided in which an active actuator and passive actuator are utilized to move the mount between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: The smart card drive of the present invention includes a smart card device having a microprocessor and a smart card adapter serially connected to a local, dedicated modular computer circuit having a network interface circuit. The combination of these components creates a smart card drive that is able to initiate a network connection and communicate with any peer node in a local area network also equipped with a network interface circuit and network listening software.

Abstract: A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is provided. Thus, a single positioning element can be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. In an embodiment of the invention a motion module is disclosed which includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface and a first interconnector located on the exterior surface. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is positionable with respect to the base. The second interconnector is located on the exterior surface of the mobile stage. The first and the second interconnector are mutually engagable in releasable frictional engagement with second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: An actuator for a PCMCIA DASD incorporates a tie bridge for stabilizing the support arms of the actuator while at the same time not increasing the largest radial dimension of the actuator drive motor beyond that of the radial dimension for the exterior of the coil. The tie bridge is disposed above, below, or both above and below the coil of the actuator drive motor. This space otherwise unused is now advantageously utilized, while additionally creating benefits in the design and the operation of the DASD. A crash stop and latch surface are incorporated into the structure of one of the support arms supporting the coil in such a way that the forces encountered by the actuator upon forcible engagement with a rigid structure within the DASD housing are absorbed and thereby reduced to values less than critical failure values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk drive having a spindle motor, a disk that is rotated by the spindle motor, and a movable actuator arm that carries a read/write head. The head physically engages a parked, or home, position at the Inner Diameter (ID) of the disk when the spindle motor is not energized and the disk is stationary. The electrical energization that must be applied to the spindle motor in order to breakaway the head from the disk (i.e., the breakaway current), and the energization that is necessary to cause the motor to achieve a stable spinning state (i.e., the spin current) are monitored. Possible future failure of the disk drive is predicted as a function of any changes in these two electrical parameters, as these parameters may change over a period of time; i.e., may change over a number of disk drive stop/start events.

Abstract: Parking for vehicles is facilitated, monitored and controlled by using sensors to determine the availability of vacant parking spaces and by indications to alert vehicle operators at a substantial distance of the availability a vacant space. A computer controlled system monitors the sensors and controls the delivery indicator signals. Data regarding parking occupancy is used to inform drivers entering the facility and prospective users, via a telephone interface, of the availability of parking. The telephone interface further allows users to reserve parking spaces and charge the cost of the reserved space.