Abstract: A method for generating and maintaining hierarchical tags with community-based ratings is provided. Tags for media streams are organized into a hierarchical format. Users may select tags from the hierarchical tag database that describes a particular multimedia content. If the user is unable to locate a desired tag, the user may submit a new tag. Upon submission of the new tag, a librarian approves the tag before storing and placing the tag in the hierarchical tag database. Users are also able to rate the quality of the association between the tag and the multimedia content. If a tag is rated low, the tag may be removed from the hierarchical tag database. If the tag is rated highly, display of the tag in a list of tags becomes more prominent.

Abstract: A mechanical splice connector is shown and described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation by rotating a single, multiple-position cam member or multiple cam members from an unactuated position to a first actuated position and a second actuated position. The mechanical splice connector aligns and retains at least one stub optical fiber and the bare glass portion of at least one adjoining field optical fiber, as well as strain relieving a coated portion of the field optical fiber, or alternatively, a buffered portion of the field optical fiber. A method is also described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation, wherein the splice actuation is reversible prior to performing the strain relief actuation in the event that the optical continuity of the splice coupling is unacceptable, thereby avoiding potential damage to the field optical fiber or the connector.

Abstract: A field-installable fusion spliced optical fiber connector including a ferrule, a fiber stub, a splice cover defining a longitudinal passage therethrough, a crimp body coupled to the splice cover, a biasing spring and a connector housing. A ferrule handling block is used for handling the ferrule during connector assembly and a splice cover handling block is used for handling the crimp body, the splice cover and the spring during connector assembly. A fusion splice point of the fiber optic stub and a field fiber is positioned within the longitudinal passage of the splice cover. A method for assembling a field-installable fusion spliced optical fiber connector.

Abstract: A robust nonblocking switch architecture is presented, in the first and final stages made of switch modules which have extra, unallocated, input and output ports beyond those necessary to render the switch architecture nonblocking. Each middle stage has an extra switch module, affording it spare unallocated ports as well. A method of isolating a fault is also presented, given the robust switching architecture. Operating on each stage one at a time, the switching architecture is reconnected so as to bypass either the input, the output, or both the input and the output ports of the switch module in such stage impacted in the faulted signal path. Such method allows the isolation of the faulty switch module, and can be done automatically, with either external apparatus, or integrated fault isolation equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: A field-installable fusion fiber optic connector kit and methods of assembling the same include a ferrule block subassembly and a splice, cover handling block subassembly. The ferrule block subassembly includes a fiber optic stub, a ferrule, and a disposable ferrule handling block. The ferrule has a longitudinal bore therethrough for holding the fiber optic stub so that an end of the fiber optic stub extends beyond the ferrule. The disposable ferrule handling block is used for holding the ferrule during the assembly process. The splice cover handling block subassembly includes a crimp body, a spring, a splice cover, and a disposable splice cover handling block. The disposable splice cover handling block is used for holding the crimp body, the spring, and the splice cover during the assembly process.

Abstract: A press tool for partially assembling a fiber optic connector includes a base, a ferrule door, a sliding portion, and a slide adapter door. The ferrule door is rotatably attached to the base for holding a first portion of the fiber optic connector in a predetermined location during the partial assembly of the fiber optic connector. The slide adapter door is rotatably attached to the sliding portion for holding a second portion of the fiber optic connector during the partial assembling of the fiber optic connector. The invention is also directed to a transfer tool for grasping and moving a partially assembled fiber optic connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: A robust nonblocking switch architecture is presented, in the first and final stages made of switch modules which have extra, unallocated, input and output ports beyond those necessary to render the switch architecture nonblocking. Each middle stage has an extra switch module, affording it spare unallocated ports as well. A method of isolating a fault is also presented, given the robust switching architecture. Operating on each stage one at a time, the switching architecture is reconnected so as to bypass either the input, the output, or both the input and the output ports of the switch module in such stage impacted in the faulted signal path. Such method allows the isolation of the faulty switch module, and can be done automatically, with either external apparatus, or integrated fault isolation equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing signaling for disjoint shared protection in a data network are presented. In a preferred embodiment the method utilizes one or more of the same set of finite optical signals used for maintenance purposes in the network, which can be recognized without regard to bit rate or format. Nodes that share a failed link send an alarm signal that reaches the initiator and terminator node, whereupon the initiator node sends a signal that activates a protection lightpath. When the signal sent by the initiator node arrives at the terminator node, it sends back an acknowledge signal. If the acknowledge signal is not received within a certain time protection is voided. Contention for shared protection resources is resolved via a priority scheme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified intake manifold having short runner valves in the manifold tuning valve. Anti-chatter devices are disclosed for reducing shaft chatter without placing friction on the shafts. A lost motion linkage is used to ensure closure of the short runner valves. Radiused seating surfaces are used for seating of the manifold tuning valve.

Abstract: A three plenum air distribution manifold for intake air to internal combustion engine with long, narrow runners leading from first and second spaced side plenums for delivery of air and recirculating exhaust gases into corresponding combustion chambers of the engine. One end of the spaced side plenums are connected by an acoustically balanced cross over passage selectively closed by a manifold tuning valve for improving engine output torque during low engine speed. A third plenum is positioned intermediate the two side plenums to communicate with the combustion chambers in bypass relation to the side plenums thereby directly supplying air to the combustion chambers through short runners which are selectively opened by valves to optimize engine torque over a higher range of engine speeds. The manifold tuning valve and short runner valves are controlled by an onboard electronic controller responsive to signals from the engine corresponding to parameters such as engine speed.

Abstract: A three plenum air distribution manifold for intake air to internal combustion engine with long, narrow runners leading from first and second spaced side plenums for delivery of air and recirculating exhaust gases into corresponding combustion chambers of the engine. One end of the spaced side plenums are connected by an acoustically balanced cross over passage selectively closed by a manifold tuning valve for improving engine output torque during low engine speed. A third plenum is positioned intermediate the two side plenums to communicate with the combustion chambers in bypass relation to the side plenums thereby directly supplying air to the combustion chambers through short runners which are selectively opened by valves to optimize engine torque over a higher range of engine speeds. The manifold tuning valve and short runner valves are controlled by an onboard electronic controller responsive to signals from the engine corresponding to parameters such as engine speed.