Abstract: A method for publishing relational data as XML by translating XML queries into queries against a relational database. Conversion of the relational database into an XML database is not required. Each relational table is mapped to a virtual XML document, and XML queries are issued over these virtual documents. An XML query is parsed and transformed into a language-neutral intermediate representation, which is a sequence of operations describing how the output document is derived from the underlying relational tables. The intermediate representation is then translated into an SQL query over the underlying relational tables. The intermediate representation is also used to generate a tagger graph, which the tagger runtime ‘walks’ to generate the tagged, structured XML output. Each of the nodes of the tagger graph are operators which perform processing on the results of the SQL query. The SQL query is executed, and the SQL query results are then provided to the tagger.

Abstract: Encrypted e-mails that reside in e-mail service providers servers or a gateway machines can be compromised and deciphered with advances in technology for breaking encryption codes. Significant security can be achieved by encrypting the message, splitting message, and transmitting the individual fragments via a set of unique e-mail servers. At the receivers end, the message can be reconstructed from the individual pieces and then decrypted and displayed to the recipient.

Abstract: An electronic calendaring system that automatically predicts calendar entries based upon previous activities. The system presents a user with an intelligent sequence of forms which query the user about events such as hotels for travel, attendees for meeting, etc. The initial information contained within the forms is generated by looking at previous records generated by the user; or in the case of a first time use, either selected defaults or blanks for data entry. Furthermore, the system automatically presents the user with an option to select a new activity or maintain the previous one. By presenting a structured sequence of appropriate forms and event history, the calendaring system simplifies planning for the user, or refreshes the user's memory, thereby intelligently assisting the user in the entry of event data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispersion compensating optical fiber which is connected to an optical fiber having a positive dispersion value at wavelength band of 1.55 &mgr;m and concurrently has a function of compensating dispersion of optical fibers having a positive dispersion value and a function acting as an optical transmission line, and relates to a wavelength division multiplexing optical transmission line using the dispersion compensating optical fiber. The refractive index profile of the dispersion compensating optical fiber is determined to be W-shaped. 1.0%≦&Dgr;1≦1.4% and −0.45≦&Dgr;2/&Dgr;1≦−0.285 are established where the relative refractive index difference of said center core (1) with respect to said cladding (3) is &Dgr;1, and the relative refractive index difference of said side core (2) with respect to said cladding (3) is &Dgr;2, and further 0.4≦Ra≦0.

Abstract: Unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI) are useful for a number of applications including wavelength filters, gain flattening or gain equalization elements, and band splitters or combiners. A MZI is comprised of two couplers surrounding a phase shifting region, which consists of two arms with differential propagation constants. We disclose a means of using light exposure to unbalance a symmetric MZI consisting of substantially the same lengths of substantially the same fiber. In particular, the index of refraction of a fiber can be increased by exposure to ultraviolet light, and the magnitude of the change can be increased by using higher germanium doping or by hydrogen loading the fiber. The magnitude of the phase shift can be controlled accurately by varying the fiber length exposed, the light exposure intensity, the light exposure time, and the hydrogen loading or fiber composition.

Abstract: A light receiving/emitting element module is provided by the invention, in which a light receiving/emitting element of a face light receiving/emitting type can be easily aligned and fixed with precision, and whose cost is low. At element loading surface (10) side of element loading substrate (1) onto which face light emitting laser array (8) is loaded, substrate side fitting parts (5) are provided, and ferrule side fitting parts (4) are provided in ferrule (2). Element loading surface (10) of element loading substrate (1) and connection end face (9) of ferrule (2) are disposed opposite each other, common micro balls (6) are fitted in the substrate side fitting parts (5) and ferrule side fitting parts (4) opposite each other to fix ferrule (2) and element loading substrate (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for hermetically sealing a semiconductor laser element, by which the cleanness of a package can be maintained extremely satisfactorily in a stabilized state, in order to prevent organic substances from being adhered to the end faces of high output semiconductor laser elements due to photochemical actions. The method comprises the first step of introducing oxygen into a chamber of a hermetical-sealing apparatus and irradiating ultraviolet rays onto an unsealed package having a semiconductor laser element mounted, in the chamber, and the second step of purging the chamber with an inert gas and hermetically sealing an unsealed package in the inert gas atmosphere without being exposed to the outer atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of forming a grating in waveguide uses an ion exchange process to provide a waveguide region within and clad by a surrounding substrate and through an ion exchange process diffusing into the substrate an ion, such as such as Ag+, that is photosensitive and that provides a refractive index difference from adjacent non-diffused regions of the substrate. After the diffusion process, the step of exposing at least some of the waveguide region to light having a suitable intensity and duration to provide a permanent index change within regions of the waveguide region to form a grating is performed.

Abstract: A thin transparent envelope is used to hold compact discs, case liners and liner notes. The envelope is thinner than a traditional jewel case to allow denser storage of multiple disks. An extended portion of the envelope securely holds the case liner and intact spine labels and allows a clear view of the spine label to allow for easy identification of the envelope's contents. In addition, the pocket portion of the envelope has side flaps and a shape which allow the pocket to easily accommodate insertion and removal of discs and literature.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a thermo-optical switch comprising a cascade of 1×M optical switches, gates for selectively blocking and unblocking the output paths of the cascaded switch, and means for driving the 1×M switches and the gates, which means are arranged to switch a data signal from an input path of the cascaded switch to one of the output paths, wherein the said means are also arranged to switch an unwanted signal, by means of a number of the remaining 1×M switches, to at least one of the remaining output paths. In the cascaded switch according to the invention, the generated heat is distributed evenly over the area of the switch and the overall amount of heat generated is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention effectively compensates gain wavelength dependency of optical amplifiers by a simple method. That is, a value smaller than the minimum value of gain, in the range of usage wavelengths, of gain wavelength dependency data of the optical amplifiers is predetermined as a reference gain value. A loss wavelength characteristic which counterbalances the gain greater than the reference gain value is provided as an ideal loss wavelength characteristic which completely compensates the gain wavelength dependency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor laser module and a method for driving the same, wherein an overcurrent limiting means which suppresses the overcurrent to the thermomodule is provided, and it is possible to prevent abnormally high temperature heat being generated from the thermomodule, originating from the overcurrent flow in the heating direction to the thermomodule. Therefore, it is possible to avoid various problems which include thermal breakage of the thermomodule itself, thermal breakage of components such as semiconductor laser elements, etc., thermally connected to the thermomodule, a slip in optical coupling due to a positional deviation of the components originating from high temperature heat, an optical coupling loss, etc. Therefore, the reliability of optical coupling and durability of the semiconductor laser module can be further improved.

Abstract: A keyboard or keypad or other electronic assembly is adjustably suspended from an individual at waist-level and extends to a position which is comfortable and ergonomic for operation by a standing operator. Height adjustment of the keyboard assembly is provided by a band of semi-stiff material which attaches at one end to an individual's belt and attaches at the other end to a rotatable take-up roller located within the keyboard assembly; and two fold-out legs with a flexible strap stretched between them create a thigh stand-off assembly to angle the input device for better viewing during use. Extension and retraction of the band from the take-up roller, by manual operation, allows varying the height of the keyboard assembly according to to each individual's bodily requirements.

Abstract: An polarization compensator is disclosed for passing light in a predetermined wavelength range. The compensator has unequal output orthogonal polarizations for light launched into the device within a specific wavelength range. A waveguide having a blazed grating having a blaze angle &thgr;bl of between 20° and 45° with respect to the optical axis of the waveguide exhibits a tap efficiency difference for orthogonal polarizations for offsetting and lessening a polarization dependence of the device. This waveguide is optically coupled with the optical device requiring polarization compensation. The grating is oriented about its optical axis to lessen the inequality in output orthogonal polarizations for light launched into the optical device.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cross-linkable fluorinated polymer comprising the carbonate moiety having formula (I) wherein n=1-10 and m=0-9. Preferably, the polymer further comprises a cross-linkable moiety derived from a diol selected from (II) and (III) wherein A, A1, and A2 are independently a bond or C1-12 alkylene, or together with the carbon atoms to which they are bonded form a 5- or 6-membered ring; B is independently O or C1-4 alkyl; Q is —CO—C(=E)D, wherein D is H or C1-4 alkyl, and E is C1-6 alkylidene; and each of the alkyl, alkylene, and alkylidene groups may be halogenated. The polymers of the invention can be used in cladding layers or waveguides, in particular for thermo-optical devices.

Abstract: An optical intensity modulator is disclosed which comprises a waveguide containing a core adjacent to at least one cladding layer and exhibits a refractive index n(core) different from the refractive index n(cl) or the cladding layer, where the waveguide is a bent channel waveguide and the intensity modulator contains a heater or cooler for altering the temperature at or near the bend. The core and the cladding layer exhibit different thermo-optic coefficients at the bend such that the contrast between n(core) and n(cl) can be changed by altering the temperature. The optical intensity modulator is more compact in size and more efficient with regard to energy consumption. The invention also pertains to thermo-optic switches and thermo-optic cascaded switches comprising the optical intensity modulator and to the use of the optical intensity modulator as a tunable attenuator.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a polymeric phased array comprising an MMI input coupler with N inputs and an MMI output coupler with M outputs, N and M being natural numbers greater than or equal to 1, wherein the couplers are optically connected by means of an optical array comprising a series of optical waveguides, each of which differs from its nearest neighbour, in optical path length by a predetermined fixed amount, wherein the physical length of all the waveguides is substantially equal. The said phased arrays are less sensitive to changes in temperature and physical aging.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator is described. A special profile blocker is rotated across a large angel (e.g., 180° to 360°) to provide a variable amount of attenuation. In one embodiment, the special profile blocker is an eccentrically driven wheel. The special profile blocker is driven by a stepper motor via a gear assembly. In one embodiment, the variable optical attenuator includes a beam splitter for the input and/or the output signal for monitoring of signal strength and/or feedback control of the attenuator.

Abstract: An optical switch having a TEMC fiber and a displacement plate. The TEMC fiber having an input core and a plurality of output cores. The displacement plate coupled to the TEMC fiber to receive a light beam from the input core. The displacement plate to direct the light beam to one of the plurality of output cores by rotating the displacement plate a predetermined angle.