Abstract: A load break tool is disclosed. The load break tool includes a main housing; a sleeve having a first end and a second end coaxially mounted in the main housing and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the second end of the sleeve remains in the main housing in the extended position; a clip assembly connected to the main housing for engaging a pull ring of a circuit isolating device; and a hook engaging terminal rotatably connected to the first end of the sleeve, such that the hook engaging terminal rotates relative to the clip assembly.

Abstract: The present application is directed an optical communication method. The method includes a step of receiving a signal at a single-polarization receiver. The method also includes a step of detecting, through the single-polarization receiver, the signal including a symbol with a pulse position modulation pulse and an additional modulation. The method also includes a step of decoding a first portion of bits carried by the symbol based on a position of the PPM pulse. Further, the method includes a step of decoding a second portion of the bits at the position through an additional modulation. The application is also directed to an apparatus for optical communication. In addition, the application is directed to an optical communication method which recovers two polarization components form the signal each carrying independent data. Further, the application is directed to an optical communication method that recovers two frequencies of the detected signal.

Abstract: The present application is directed an optical communication method. The method includes a step of receiving a signal at a single-polarization receiver. The method also includes a step of detecting, through the single-polarization receiver, the signal including a symbol with a pulse position modulation pulse and an additional modulation. The method also includes a step of decoding a first portion of bits carried by the symbol based on a position of the PPM pulse. Further, the method includes a step of decoding a second portion of the bits at the position through an additional modulation. The application is also directed to an apparatus for optical communication. In addition, the application is directed to an optical communication method which recovers two polarization components form the signal each carrying independent data. Further, the application is directed to an optical communication method that recovers two frequencies of the detected signal.

Abstract: A free space optical receiver is provided that can mitigate the detrimental effects of scattering. In an implementation, the optical beam is imaged onto a detector array in the image plane of the receiver telescope. The detector array has a series of two or more concentric zones for detecting optical power, i.e., for converting optical input to electrical output. The electrical output from each of the detection zones is processed by a respective adaptive equalizer, which is operative for compressing the detected signal pulses to counteract the effect of delay spread and thereby to reduce inter-symbol interference. The outputs from the respective adaptive equalizers are then combined for the purpose of signal recovery.

Abstract: A passive optical network is provided that integrates signals carrying broadcast CATV services into a FTTH/C network that also provides high-speed Internet access and telephony. Essentially all residential telecommunications services are provided in a single network, based on a single fiber and a single simple transceiver in an optical network unit. Multiple services (e.g., analog video, digital video, cable-modem based Internet access) are multiplexed using separate rf subcarriers (subcarrier multiplexing or SCM) and the delivered signals are compatible with existing consumer appliances (e.g., TVs, VCRs, cable modems, etc.).

Abstract: A passive optical network for the downstream dense wavelength division multiplexing communication of data between a host terminal complex (HTC) and a plurality of optical network units (ONUs), and for the upstream communication of data from the ONUs to the HTC. The network includes a routing device for distributing downstream data signals contained in a common frequency band among a plurality of fiber drop lines for providing a corresponding wavelength to a corresponding ONU. The routing device also combines upstream data signals contained in a frequency band other than the downstream common frequency band, which are input to the routing device on the plurality of fiber drop lines, to a multi-wavelength signal which is provided to the HTC. In a preferred embodiment, the upstream data signals are output by the routing device to a broadcast port.

Abstract: An optical communication system is disclosed including an all-optical device whose output modulated optical beam is locked to an input modulated optical beam. In a specific embodiment of the system, the device may be a self-electro-optic effect device (SEED), which is operated as an oscillator by means of an associated tank circuit. Such an embodiment permits recovery of a clock frequency from a bit stream which is input into the device. When the output of the device is directed into an optical decision element, an all-optical regenerator may be realized.

Abstract: In external modulation, chirp is reduced by modulating a laser light beam during a modulation period to maintain-light returning to the laser substantially constant. Variations in at least one of the magnitude and phase of light returning to the laser from an external modulator are reduced during the modulation period. An external modulator divides and modulates the light in parallel along separate optical paths. Driving voltages are applied to modulators in each of the optical paths based on first and second parameters. The first driving parameter represents an intensity modulation. The second driving parameter varies depending upon the value of the first driving parameter during modulation to maintain the light returning to the laser substantially constant throughout the modulation period.

Abstract: In external modulation, a modulated light signal is shaped to decrease pulse transition times resulting in less chirp. Accordingly, the modulated signal travels greater distances with less pulse distortion over an optical medium. For an integrated-type of external modulator, chirp is reduced further by using a laser modulator coupled to multiple complementary output ports.

Abstract: A self-amplified communication system or network (SANE) is disclosed in which one or more regions of an amplifying medium are optically pumped by some or all light sources in the system. The light sources serve as both signal light beam sources and as pump sources providing pump light beams for the amplifying regions. The transmission medium may be an optical fiber, or may be a free-space or planar waveguide transmission medium. The amplifying medium may be in a fiber, waveguide or bulk geometry, and may be local to a pump source, remotely located in the system, or even distributed within the transmission medium. Fixed optical paths with or without transmission of some pump light through an optical amplifier are used. Network topology configurations may be provided, such as point-to-point, star, or ring arrangements. Communication uplinks and downlinks may operate at the same or different wavelengths; and gain may be provided for uplink, downlink, or both.

Abstract: Bidirectional, non-interfering transmission of broadband services on a single fiber is accomplished by simultaneously combining wavelength-division, time-division, and subcarrier multiplexing on the downstream and upstream transmissions. High speed electrical data signals are time-division multiplexed at the exchange into a composite signal which modulates a standard diode laser operating at a first wavelength. Data signals from an individual subscriber are modulated onto a subcarrier designated solely for the particular subscriber which, in turn, modulates a laser operating at a second wavelength. Extraction and insertion of the upstream and downstream transmissions at the subscriber and exchange locations is accomplished with wavelength selective couplers.

Abstract: An optical communication system is disclosed including an all-optical device whose output modulated optical beam is locked to an input modulated optical beam. In a specific embodiment of the system, the device may be a self-electro-optic effect device (SEED), which is operated as an oscillator by means of an associated tank circuit. Such an embodiment permits recovery of a clock frequency from a bit stream which is input into the device. When the output of the device is directed into an optical decision element, an all-optical regenerator may be realized.

Abstract: A technique for suppressing mutually induced interference between spatially separate channels which are positioned nearby one another during a first portion thereof to cause interference therebetween, and are positioned relatively far from one another during a second portion thereof to avoid mutually induced interference therebetween. Energy in one of the channels is converted to a signal which is distinguishable by code, frequency, or time, from energy in the other channel. The converted signal is then transmitted in the second portion of one of the channels. Then, any interference in the other channel caused by the converted signal can be suppressed by suppressing the distinguishable energy from the converted signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing carrier bearings, axle bearings, or other types of bearings from a support shaft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of housing sections pivotedly mounted as a controllably positioned platform. The platform defines an aperture therein, through which passes a drive shaft. Each housing section defines a lip on its free end adapted to engage the race of a bearing to be removed. Upon the imposition of a force on a bearing's support shaft by the drive shaft, the housing section lips apply a force against the bearing, eventually disengaging it from its mounting on the axle.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the spherical ball from a support shaft in a joint assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing defining a pair of orthogonally directioned, intersecting channels therein. The channels form a recess well configured to receive a ball to be removed. A drive shaft inserted in a third channel defined in the housing provides a means of applying force to the ball's support shaft, thereby causing the housing to abut against the ball and disengage it from its support shaft mounting.

Abstract: An optical power tap is disclosed which allows effectively nonreciprocal injection and removal of power at each node of a single-mode optical fiber local area network. The power tap uses a wavelength-selective directional coupler to inject and remove power from the bus, and a nonlinear converter in the bus to convert light from one wavelength to another. In the specific embodiment disclosed a neodymium-doped silica fiber is used as a nonlinear material to convert light from one wavelength to another.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical communications system is described using a multiple quantum well structure as both a photodetector and light modulator.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device comprising a sheet of flexible, tear-resistant material, a hypoallergenic adhesive applied to the back face of the material, and a protective backing sheet covering the adhesive back of said material, wherein the device is adapted to cover a user's mouth completely, has sides which converge towards the top to conform to the user's cheeklines, and a top which has a central depression to conform to the user's nose and nostrils.

Abstract: Low-loss coupling between a local feed connection or node, and a multi-mode optical fiber bus is provided by reflective insertion of a relatively small number of modes into the bus fiber. Essentially all input power available at the node is thus inserted into the bus, while but a small portion of power is extracted from the bus.

Abstract: A tool for removing the wheel spindle from a four-wheel drive vehicle and extracting the needle bearings housed within that spindle is disclosed. The tool includes a mounting platform adapted to be mounted on the spindle, a platform retained plunging shaft dimensioned to be inserted into the hollow spindle so as to apply a disjoining compressive force to the wheel axle, and a bearing pushing assembly made collapsibly insertable into the detached spindle. The bearing pusher is adapted to interact with a driving means to forcibly push the bearings from their retaining well.