Abstract: Fused biconical tapered couplers formed from the pulling of heated optical fibers have controllable coupling ratios by dynamically adjusting the heat intensity and pull speed during fabrication. Fiber coupler fabrication begins by arranging two optical fibers, heating the optical fibers using a heat source a predetermined distance from the optical fibers, and pulling the optical fibers at an initial pulling velocity as the heated optical fibers soften. The heat source is moved away from the optical fibers and the pulling velocity is selectively reduced in response to a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. Changes in the coupling ratio are controlled by selectively reducing the pulling speed and the heat intensity to a point where the pulling of the optical fibers may be halted, and the heat removed, without a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. The coupling ratio may be monitored at different wavelengths for fabrication of wideband couplers and wavelength division multiplexers.

Abstract: A method for constructing approximate data structures is disclosed in which the operations that define the data structure are relaxed. The operations are specified such that error of approximation in the results of the operations may be traded for speed in executing the operations.

Abstract: In a time-division multiple-access TDMA communication system communication between a hub and a substantial number of mobile terminals is conducted over a plurality of channel groups. Load balancing toward a substantially uniform distribution of traffic loads among the channel groups is implemented by sharing control of the number of mobile terminals logged into each channel group between the hub and the mobile terminals. At login time, each mobile terminal selects the optimum channel group based on a channel group congestion factor broadcast on the forward TDM channel of each respective channel group. In addition, the hub has the ability to move a desired number of the mobile terminals from one to another channel group, based on information communicated in a network management service packet. The mobile terminals initiate moves based on statistical selection of mobile terminals using the communicated information.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game is provided where a player sequentially builds at least two card hands that intersect with each other in at least one card. The at least two card hands define a pattern. The method includes the steps of dealing at least one card to the player, placing the at least one card in an empty place in the pattern until the player has placed a predetermined number of cards that comprise the at least two card hands defining the pattern. The method also includes the steps of comparing individual hands in the at least two card hands to corresponding values in a predetermined winning schedule, totaling the values into a total value, and awarding the player and/or declaring the player a winner, responsive to the total value.

Abstract: A machine for automated fabrication of a fiber optic device includes an interface enclosing an environment substantially adapted for manufacture of the fiber optic device. The interface includes a stationary gripping device securing an end of a first optical fiber. The machine also includes first and second movable stages within the environment, each including a clamp for securing an exposed portion of the first optical fiber. The machine also includes a heat source applying heat to the first optical fiber at a selected intensity, and a plurality of movable gripping devices within the environment configured to successively transport the end of the first optical fiber from the stationary gripping device to a prescribed position. The machine also includes a controller for controlling the movement of the first optical fiber by the movable gripping devices, and for controlling the movement of the first and second stages and the position and intensity of the heat source to form said fiber optic device.