Abstract: Optical communications systems including grooming, protection, restoration, and migration on a unified network platform, and using a unified control plane. The systems may include combinations of optical bypass and mesh restoration, may include combinations of shared mesh and dedicate protection, and may be combinations of long haul, extended long haul, and ultra long haul systems. The systems may also include a configurable DWDM tier to accommodate dynamic traffic patterns, thereby allowing for increased operational flexibility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating fiber dispersion in an optical communication system including transmitting an optical signal carrying a unique word along an optical communication path, receiving the optical signal carrying the unique word from the optical communication path, producing an electrical signal corresponding to the received unique word, and processing the electrical signal corresponding to the received unique word to produce an estimate of the fiber dispersion in the optical communication system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices utilizing port dimensioning strategies for supporting, for example, bandwidth-on-demand (“BoD”) services in networks. At a given node, the traffic load consists of several components, such as an access component, which is generated by demands terminated at that node, and a transit component, which is generated by demands that transit electronically through the node. Given the BoD load at a node, as well as a target BoD average blocking probability, a desired static allocation of the ports is provided between ports of a first type (such as client-side ports) and ports of a second type (such as network-side ports). In addition, a dynamic sharing strategy of the ports is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of receiving optical channels including providing an optical band filter configured to filter at least one optical channel from a multiple channel optical signal and provide a band filtered optical signal. A periodic filter is configured to filter and/or shape one channel from the band filtered optical signal and provide the periodic filtered, shaped signal to a receiver and other optical system. The invention also relates to corresponding systems and apparatuses.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling an increased number of subsystems having an onboard locomotive control unit (LCU) and two associated operator control units (OCUs) on a single wireless channel. A time slot is assigned to each subsystem for making two-way transmissions to control the locomotive. A signal from an external timing source synchronizes each subsystem to minimize interference between transmissions from different subsystems. Time slots are assigned manually or automatically over a wireless network or by the LCU after monitoring the channel. The LCU automatically selects the direct or repeater transmission path depending upon whether or not it receives polling message responses from its associated OCUs. A GPS receiver in each subsystem receives the synchronization signal and provides geographic positioning data so the LCU can determine when to execute predefined, position-based commands. The secondary OCU may be turned off and rejoined to the subsystem without ceasing operation.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling an increased number of subsystems having an onboard locomotive control unit (LCU) and two associated operator control units (OCUs) on a single wireless channel. A time slot is assigned to each subsystem for making two-way transmissions to control the locomotive. A signal from an external timing source synchronizes each subsystem to minimize interference between transmissions from different subsystems. Time slots are assigned manually or automatically over a wireless network or by the LCU after monitoring the channel. The LCU automatically selects the direct or repeater transmission path depending upon whether or not it receives polling message responses from its associated OCUs. A GPS receiver in each subsystem receives the synchronization signal and provides geographic positioning data so the LCU can determine when to execute predefined, position-based commands. The secondary OCU may be turned off and rejoined to the subsystem without ceasing operation.

Abstract: A method of irreversibly immobilizing an enzyme in a polyurethane and an enzyme-containing polyurethane having a degree of immobilization of the enzyme of approximately 100%. The synthesis of waterborne polyurethanes in the presence of enzyme has enabled the irreversible attachment of the enzyme to the polymeric matrix. The distribution of immobilized enzyme as well as activity retention are homogeneous within the polyurethane. Decreasing ECC hydrophobicity, via the use of a less hydrophobic polyisocyanate prepolymer during polymerization, significantly enhanced the intrinsic activity of the ECC.

Abstract: Optical systems of the present invention include first and second optical amplifiers that are operated individually to provide gain profiles that do not conform with a desired composite, or overall or total, gain profile, e.g., substantially flat, but to produce a desired composite noise figure profile, e.g., substantially flat or otherwise, for the amplifiers. Generally, the desired composite noise figure profile is produced, while attempting to minimize the deviation of the composite gain profile from the desired composite gain profile.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing amplified Rayleigh backscatter at a Raman pump. A pump assembly for an optical amplifier includes a set of pump radiation sources for Raman pumping an optical transmission span. Each pump radiation source is adapted to produce radiation having a pump wavelength and a pump power. The optical transmission span is adapted to provide Raman amplification of an optical data signal when pumped by the set of pump radiation sources. At least one optical isolator is selectively located between at least one selected pump radiation source and the optical transmission span to reduce amplified Rayleigh backscatter at the pump wavelength of the selected pump radiation source from feeding back into the selected at least one pump radiation source.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for using proximal probes. A method includes measuring motion of an oscillating probe, producing a signal indicative of motion of the oscillating probe, and filtering the signal indicative of motion of the oscillating probe. In one embodiment, filtering includes performing signal decomposition to produce a filtered signal. In another form, filtering includes performing a Fourier transform, comb filtering in the frequency domain, and performing an inverse Fourier transform to produce a filtered signal. In another embodiment, filtering includes amplifying specific frequencies of the signal indicative of motion of the oscillating probe. Apparatuses according to the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for transmitting traffic in an optical communication system comprising separating the input traffic into a plurality of data signals, parameter encoding the data signals, transmitting each of the data signals on a separate optical channel, receiving the data signals on the channels, parameter decoding the data signals, and combining the plurality of data signals from the channels into output traffic corresponding to the input traffic.

Abstract: A system for delivering optical signals to and from an undersea optical cable may include a cable landing station connected to the undersea optical cable and configured to convey a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal from the undersea optical cable. The system may also include a point of presence that includes wavelength division multiplexing equipment configured to convert the wavelength division multiplexed optical signal to a number of optical channels. At least one terrestrial optical fiber may be coupled between the cable landing station and the point of presence to transport the wavelength division multiplexed optical signal from the cable landing station to the point of presence.

Abstract: A multi-function bundle having all of the basic support functions integrated therein can be used as a basic building block component, for example, in a fuel cell engine. The multi-function bundle is modular, easy to assemble, and able to withstand the physical and thermal shocks encountered in mobile applications. The multi-function bundle utilizes fully distributed fuel and oxidant supply systems which help to reduce temperature gradients throughout the array of fuel cells. The multi-function bundle may be comprised of a plurality of fuel cells, an oxidant supply system, a fuel supply system and a support structure which integrates the fuel cells, oxidant supply system, and fuel supply system into a single unit. The oxidant and fuel supply systems may be fully distributed. The fuel supply system may include one or more fuel feed tube assemblies which allow distributed internal fuel reformation and reduce temperature gradients throughout the array of fuel cells.