Abstract: The present invention provides a performance optimized receiver with a bandwidth adaptive optical filter for high speed long haul wavelength division multiplexed systems, such as 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s wavelength division multiplexed systems. The performance optimized receiver includes: a bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter, wherein the bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter is operable for receiving a plurality of wavelengths associated with a wavelength division multiplexed signal and passing one or more selected wavelengths, and wherein the bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter is operable for adjusting the bandwidth of each of the one or more selected wavelengths; and a receiver coupled to the bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for mitigating polarization changes associated with an optical communication signal caused by mechanical disturbances to an optical fiber dispersion compensation module of an optical communication network. The methods include disposing a first damping material between an optical fiber and a housing associated with the optical fiber dispersion compensation module; wherein the first damping material is selected and positioned such that it mitigates relatively fast polarization changes. Optionally, the methods also include disposing a second damping material between the optical fiber and the housing associated with the optical fiber dispersion compensation module; wherein the second damping material is selected and positioned such that it mitigates relatively slow polarization changes. Thus, frequency range specific optical fiber dispersion compensation module mechanical perturbation isolation methods and systems are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for mitigating polarization changes associated with an optical communication signal caused by mechanical disturbances to an optical fiber dispersion compensation module of an optical communication network. The methods include disposing a first damping material between an optical fiber and a housing associated with the optical fiber dispersion compensation module; wherein the first damping material is selected and positioned such that it mitigates relatively fast polarization changes. Optionally, the methods also include disposing a second damping material between the optical fiber and the housing associated with the optical fiber dispersion compensation module; wherein the second damping material is selected and positioned such that it mitigates relatively slow polarization changes. Thus, frequency range specific optical fiber dispersion compensation module mechanical perturbation isolation methods and systems are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a performance optimized receiver with a bandwidth adaptive optical filter for high speed long haul wavelength division multiplexed systems, such as 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s wavelength division multiplexed systems. The performance optimized receiver includes: a bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter, wherein the bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter is operable for receiving a plurality of wavelengths associated with a wavelength division multiplexed signal and passing one or more selected wavelengths, and wherein the bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter is operable for adjusting the bandwidth of each of the one or more selected wavelengths; and a receiver coupled to the bandwidth and wavelength tunable optical filter.

Abstract: An optical receiver configuration and method of controlling an optical signal receiver adjusts a decision threshold to reduce the bit error rate (BER). The receiver includes a comparator having a data input and a digital data output. An error detection & correction circuit provides an error signal representative of the number of corrected “1”s and “0”s in the data output from the comparator. Based on the error signal, a control circuit modifies the comparator decision threshold in a direction to reduce the BER of the receiver. Dynamic modification of the decision threshold may also be accomplished. A relative percentage error indicator is preferably used as the basis of changing the decision threshold value. The relative percentage error indicator may be used to determine how much to adjust the decision threshold at each iteration of the method to more quickly arrive at an acceptable decision threshold and prevent overshoot.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The apparatus comprises a control pod having a plurality of direct operated solenoid valves in electronic communication with a surface controller through one or more dedicated electronic control wires. The solenoids translate electronic control signals from the controller into hydraulic control signals that are in communication with a hydraulically operated pilot valve to cause delivery of hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a critical function of the blowout preventer stack (i.e., closing of a blowout preventer). The system also provides a plurality of hydraulically operated pilot valves that deliver hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a non-critical function of the blowout preventer stack upon receiving a hydraulic control signal directly from the controller through the umbilical.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The apparatus comprises a control pod having a plurality of direct operated solenoid valves in electronic communication with a surface controller through one or more dedicated electronic control wires. The solenoids translate electronic control signals from the controller into hydraulic control signals that are in communication with a hydraulically operated pilot valve to cause delivery of hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a critical function of the blowout preventer stack (i.e., closing of a blowout preventer). The system also provides a plurality of hydraulically operated pilot valves that deliver hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a non-critical function of the blowout preventer stack upon receiving a hydraulic control signal directly from the controller through the umbilical.

Abstract: A bottom-founded offshore structure in relatively shallow waters is protected against sliding. It uses at least one pile and a suction pump inside the pile. The pile has a length-to-diameter ratio such as to achieve sufficient pile imbedment with the selected suction pump. A dedicated pile lowering and lifting device lowers and lifts the pile as needed. Guides allow the pile's vertical motion and limit its rotational motion during imbedment and extraction. A stop device limits the vertical motion of the pile's top rim during pile extraction. The pile is reusable, light weight, easy to install and to extract, self-contained, and economical in relationship to its high holding power when imbedded.

Abstract: A new trash receptacle for permitting easy removal therefrom of a filled trash bag. The inventive device includes outer and inner portions each having a base and a side wall. The inner and outer portions are spaced apart to define an air space therebetween. The inner base of the inner portion has a plurality of apertures therethrough into the air space between the inner and outer bases to permit air flow from the air space into the interior space of the trash receptacle to help relieve the vacuum formed when a trash bag is removed from the interior space.

Abstract: A compact tensioner/stopper device includes a fairlead which may or may not be part of the device. A set of inboard and outboard pawls are provided. The pawls are spaced and operate in a manner that at least one pari of pawls grabs the chain at any given time. This prevents accidental loss of the chain overboard. The chain is tensioned as the inboard pawls are engaged to the chain and actuated hydraulically to pull the chain inboard. Pulling inboard allows the outboard pawls to slide over at least one link and lock into place behind that link. The inboard pawls are stroked outboard over the next link to be grabbed, with the outboard pawls engaging the chain, the inboard pawls slide outboard to obtain another grip on a subsequent link and the process is repeated to conclude the tensioning. For deployment, the outboard pawls are retracted while the chain is retained by the inboard pawls. The inboard pawls are stroked outboard to pay out the chain.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mooring method and system and includes a process of deploying and retrieving anchors, each anchor being attached by a long mooring line to a floating moored structure.For deploying an anchor at the end of a very long mooring line, a work boat reels out its service line. A remote release hook is attached to the end of the service line. A short pendant line preferably couples the hook to the anchor. A small buoy is desirably attached to the pendant line to maintain it erect. After deploying the mooring line and setting the anchor, the hook is remote released to thereby free the service line from the short pendant line.For retrieving an anchor, a submerged remote-operated catch hook is towed at the end of the service line in a direction intersecting the mooring line. The catch normally closes the hook. When the hook's movable catch engages the mooring line, the catch moves away from its normally-closed position, thereby allowing the hook to capture the mooring line.