Abstract: A multi-mode framer/pointer processor apparatus can selectively accommodate one or more OC-192 data streams and can also selectively accommodate an OC-768 data stream.

Abstract: A combined signalling and PCM cross-connect and packet assembly/disassembly engine includes a cross-connect memory, wherein the memory advantageously includes both a subscriber PCM channel memory that cross-connects bus side PCM channels to optical fiber timeslots, and a separate signalling memory that cross-connects associated signalling data channels to optical fiber timeslots. In particular, the PCM and signalling data memories are substantially the same size and each signalling data channel is mapped to an address in the signalling memory that corresponds to the PCM memory address of the associated PCM channel. Cross-connect information used for the PCM channels is also used to cross-connect the associated signalling channels. Cross-connect and packet engine functions are combined, thereby eliminating the need for a separate buffer to accommodate differences in transmission rates between them.

Abstract: High temperature resistant tubes are described, which are useful as heat insulators for thermocouples. The tubes are made of spirally wound, refractory cements reinforced with non-woven webs of ceramic fibers. The tubes are advantageous in that by the method of their manufacture, they are free of significant proportions of organic binders and adhesives which may be volatilized at high temperatures, releasing gases.

Abstract: An electrical connection insulator comprising an outer tube formed from a mono-layered film of a non-adhesive, heat stable, dielectric, synthetic, polymeric resin enclosing an inner tube formed from a mono-layered film of a non-adhesive, heat shrinkable, dielectric, synthetic, polymeric resin. The outer surface of the inner tube is attached to a selected minor portion of the inner surface of the outer tube by an adhesive strip spirally wound about the body of the inner tube. An electrical connection is covered with the insulator by disposing it within the inner tube, heat-shrinking the inner tube about the connection, and then sealing the outer tube about the heat-shrunk inner tube under heat and pressure.