Abstract: The present invention is a module for use in an optical fiber administration system, or a dedicated system. The module contains both an optical transmitter and an optical monitor, wherein the module transmits a test signal over a fiber optic network and receives back that same signal through a different fiber in the fiber optic network. By both sending and receiving the test signal, the integrity of different paths in the optical fiber network can be determined in a space efficient manner. The module contains a microprocessor. The microprocessor reads data regarding the test signal as it is transmitted and that same test signal as it is received. This data may be read to an external shelf controller. The shelf controller utilizes the data from the microprocessor in the analysis of fiber optic loop conditions as well as the laser itself.

Abstract: An integrated cable management and equipment mounting device is disclosed for automatically providing cable management channels or troughs for a mounting surface removably attached to the device. A mounting member extends inwardly from the side walls defining a cable trough plane with the side wall. Additionally, each equipment mounting shelf or bracket has extending arms or members that form one or more “U” channels with the mounting element, thereby providing more cable troughs.

Abstract: A system an method for managing wire leads that extend from a circuit board of a similar electronic assembly. The device includes a support tray having a top surface and a bottom surface. The circuit board is mounted to the top surface of the support tray. A planar element is provided that is positioned below the bottom surface of the support tray. The planar element engages the wire leads extending from the circuit board. The presence of the planar element causes the wire leads to extend along the bottom surface of the support tray between the bottom surface of the support tray and the planar element. As a result, the wire leads conform to the bottom of the support tray and do not occupy the space behind the circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connection system is provided that makes patch cord connections with snap-in jack modules using a hinged plug and jack mating system which results in simple connections with low insertion forces and enhanced side to side stability for the patch cord connectors. The hinged connector keeps the label area clear of cordage while troughs between adjacent rows of connectors accommodate the patch cords and facilitate efficient cable management.

Abstract: A system having a plurality of tracing interface modules that attach to the patch panels of a telecommunications patching system in a telecommunications closet. On the patch panels in a telecommunications closet are located a plurality of connector ports that receive the terminated ends of patch cords. The tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a mechanical sensor that can detect when a patch cord connector has been added to, or removed from, a connector port within the telecommunications closet. Accordingly, by connecting a computer controller to the various mechanical sensors, the computer can monitor and log all changes to the patch cord interconnections in an automated fashion.

Abstract: A method for checking a property of a system modeled with a hierarchical message sequence chart is provided. To check a property of the modeled system, a temporal logic causality specification is defined. The specification is translated to a specification automaton, and an implementation automaton is constructed from the hierarchical message sequence chart. The intersection of the automata are then checked for emptiness.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive devices are mounted within a thermostatic structure that provides temperature compensation by applying compression or tensional forces to stabilize the performance of the device across a significant operating temperature range. In a preferred embodiment, an optical fiber refractive index grating is thermostatically compensated to minimize changes in the reflection wavelength of the grating.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanically or electro-mechanically driven phase shifter for radio frequencies. It is a device for phase shifting a signal propagating through a transmission line by moving a conductive construct between an active line and a ground plane of the transmission line. The conductive construct capacitively couples with either the active line and/or the ground plane, forming a capacitive shunt that reflects a significant part of the signal. The remaining portion of the signal is reflected at a terminated end of the transmission line, resulting in substantially no signal loss. The reflectance of the conductive constructs is determined by its capacitance to active line and ground, by its length, and by the step in the field-distribution at the interface between air-suspended and sledge-suspended sections.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for making patch cord connections that uses a hinged plug and jack mating system which results in low insertion forces and enhanced side to side stability for the patch cord connectors. This system allows the jack and most of the mated plug to be positioned behind the label and have the cordage exit the jack towards the back plane and into the troughs that are between adjacent rows of connectors, instead of out from the connector field. This keeps the label area clear of visual obstructions like cordage and connectors.

Abstract: A single framer engine operates on multiple DS1 lines. The framer engines includes a memory structure for pre-aligning and storing data received from a line interface unit. The memory structure is configurable for compatibility with standard transmission formats. A recognition or comparison unit processes the pre-aligned data to determine the proper pattern sequence.

Abstract: A graphics overlay for displaying the location of a traced connector port in a telecommunications patching system. The graphics overlay is the visible portion of a tracing interface module that is viewed by a technician performing a patch cord tracing procedure. The graphics overlay serves three primary functions. The first function is to provide is a visual indication that can inform a technician as to the location of a patch cord in a telecommunications patch system. The second function is to provide a trace button so that a technician can initiate a trace from any patch cord connect port in the patching system. Lastly, the third function is to identify the patch cord at each connector port in the telecommunications patching system. The present invention provides different embodiments of a graphics overlay that all embody the necessary functions yet are uniquely adapted for use in a telecommunications patch cord tracing system.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining a set of default settings (with respect to a blank image) so that a uniform and high contrast image results when, for example, a finger is present on a sensor device. A background noise image and other diagnostic data, such as non-functional areas, are also automatically determined with respect to the blank image and stored for future reference. The above processing is performed each time the sensor device is initialized. Once the initialization process is complete, the individual places the required biometric feature, for example, a finger on the sensor device. The methodology adjusts the set of default settings to account for the condition of the biometric feature being imaged by increasing or decreasing the sensitivity level of the sensor device. The determination of optimum sets is achieved by analyzing specific regions of the image data rather than the entire image.

Abstract: A removable RF shield cover that snap-fit attaches to RF shield fence walls without special tools or soldering. The RF shield cover engage the interior surface of the shield wall with a tensional force that holds the RF shield cover and provides for a continuous metal-to-metal seal to isolate electronic components to reduce RF emissions or protect against electo-magnetic interference. The snap-fit attachment enables the RF shield cover to be easily removed from the fence, without special tools, to access components within the RF shield enclosure.

Abstract: A bend limiter/strain reliever is provided for maintaining optical fiber bend limits at exit portals of a optic fiber closure for the closure's entire range of motion, from being fully closed to being fully open. Bend limits are maintained as optical fiber is directed on paths through a closure exit portal between the closure interior and wire brackets on the closure exterior. Fibers are retained, organized and strain relieved by the bend limiter/strain reliever such that directed fiber is maintain at a minimum bend radius on such fiber paths. The curved surface of the bend limiter/strain reliever allows the closure to be accessed without excessive bending of so routed optical fibers. In this manner, optical signal degradation and/or total loss is avoided by limiting the bending of routed optical fiber to radii in excess of a predetermined minimum bend radius.

Abstract: Piezoelectric crystals are arranged to function as variable resonators. In one embodiment, three crystals are arranged as an array, with a center crystal between two outer crystals. An electrical excitation of the outer crystals causes a mechanical displacement in the crystals along a common axis. This displacement squeezes the center crystal, resulting in a shift of the crystal's resonant frequency. By this arrangement, signals input to the outer crystals vary the resonant properties of the inner crystal.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the integrity of a pair of optical fibers that are received by a specific customer facility through the optical fiber network of a telecommunications provider. In one embodiment, the system contains a monitor and test access module including a wavelength division multiplexer for each pair of optical fibers that lead to a customer facility and an optical tap and monitoring circuit for monitoring the optical signal transmitted from the customer facility. Monitoring of the optical signal generated from the customer location gives an indication of the general quality of the fiber optic connection. A remote fiber test system that includes an optical time domain reflectometer can be coupled through the monitor and test access module. The optical fibers can be tested one at a time, or the two optical fibers leading to the same customer facility can be looped together and tested at the same time.

Abstract: The use of substituted 5-phenylpentan-1-ols, 5-phenylpentanals, 5-phenylpentanitriles, 5-phenylpentanoic acid and lower alkyl esters thereof and 5-phenylpentanyl esters of C1-C6 aliphatic acids as fragrance materials is disclosed. The subject fragrance materials are, in large measure, novel compounds. The subject materials possess unique fragrance notes and are cost-effective materials.

Abstract: A twenty eight pair cabling system comprises a conductor termination array having twenty-eight pairs of termination ports. The termination array is able to engage seven four-pair cable conductors and seven four-pair connecting blocks. Row marking surfaces have been moved, making room for expanding the prior art termination array by three port pairs. The termination array and cable organizer assembly is the same length as the old wiring block, resulting in increased wiring density.

Abstract: A method and assembly for optically connecting a first grouping of optical fibers with a second grouping of optical fibers. To form the optical connection, the optical fibers in the first grouping and the second grouping are set into two separate arrays. A plurality of collimating elements are positioned proximate both arrays. The collimating elements correspond in both number and orientation to the optical fibers. As a result, any light signal emanating from either the first array or the second array will pass through a collimating element and will become substantially collimated. The first array and the second array are oriented with respect to one another so that each collimated element is at least partially aligned with a collimating element from the opposing array. Accordingly, light emitted from one fiber element in one array will be focused on an optical element in the opposing array without the optical fibers being precisely aligned.