Abstract: A Digital Access Systems (DAS) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) comprising: a DAS modem connected to an internal packet switched network having a switch and arranged such that the internal network is coupled to an external packet switched network by a DAS link over an access network; a network-telephony interface connected to the internal network and coupled to a customer premises telephony appliance; a network-data interface connected to the internal network and coupled to a customer premises data appliance; a controller to control the switch for establishing packet transfer paths between the modem and the interfaces to complete calls between the appliances and entities on the external network; and transferring of control and information signals between the controller and a computing function to adapt the controller to provide alternative packet transfer paths dependent on predetermined conditions in order to provide one or more additional CPE services.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device for guiding an optical signal comprising a substrate, a waveguide extending at least partially across the substrate, and at least two slots extending transversely across the waveguide. The separation between the slots, the direction of propagation of the optical signal in the waveguide, is substantially ( n ⁢   ⁢ Δ ⁢   ⁢ λ 2 ) , where n is an odd integer and &Dgr;&lgr; the difference in wavelength of the radiation and guided modes of the optical signal resolved in the direction of propagation.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for delivering hot air comprises a protection structure (2) to be fastened to a wall (4) and a delivery unit (9) set to generate a continuous air flow. The delivery unit (9) is in engagement with the protection structure (2) through a ball joint (12, 13) so that it is movable between a rest position and an infinite number of operating positions. Associated with the bail joint (12, 13) is an electric switch which is switched over to a closed condition when the delivery unit (9) reaches one of its operating positions thereby starting said delivery unit (9).

Abstract: In an optical communication system, a train of optical pulses is transmitted such that each pulse carries a set of multiplexed channels. In a receiver, the error rate for each channel is monitored and a subset of channels having the most favorable rate is selected to carry a first data stream. The remaining channels carry a second data stream. Error rate performance is determined on the basis of error detecting codes carried by the channels in the first and second data streams.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for capacity determination in a telecommunications system, in the presence of Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise. The ratio of Gaussian to non-Gaussian noise is determined utilising a statistical metric. Preferably the metric is Kurtosis or the 3rd Cumulant of the Probability Density of the signal at each frequency. The determination of the ratio of Gaussian to non-Gaussian noise enables a more accurate determination of Noise, which in turn allows greater utilisation of actual available capacity in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for shaping similar sized rectilinear portions of frozen food stuff comprising: a magazine for receiving accurately dimensioned planks of frozen food stuff, a device for dispensing planks from the magazine one at a time, guillotine blades for severing portions of equal size from the leading end of each displaced plank, and a placement device adapted to transfer each portion onto a lower tooling part of relatively displaceable two-part tooling. A drive mechanism is provided for forcibly lowering an upper tooling part towards the lower part so as to trap the portion in the cavity formed when the two tooling parts come together, to cause the portion to spread out within the cavity and adopt the internal shape thereof. The drive mechanism also raises the upper tooling part to leave the shaped portion on the lower tooling part.

Abstract: An equipment architecture for Voice over Digital Subscriber Line (VoDSL) equipment is provided, along with related methods of operation.

Abstract: An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) power line communications system comprising a power line for distributing electricity to a plurality of premises and a communication station coupled to the power line at one of the premises, which station uses a part of the power line external to the premises as a communications medium. The communications station includes a receiver which comprises a clipping system adapted to clip an incoming OFDM data waveform, which includes a regular impulsive noise component, so as to reduce the level of noise on the waveform.

Abstract: A reduction of sample loss from a container open to atmosphere, and including liquid trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), is carried out by a variety of methods each of which reduces creep of TFA up the walls of the container. In one method, particularly applicable to microtitre plates, each container or well is sealed by a cap which is retained by a strap (FIGS. 4 and 5). In another method the top of the container is formed with a downwardly pointing entrance tube, in the form of an unspillable inkwell (FIG. 2), where the container is a screw top vial, the entrance tube is sealed around the top of the neck of the vial (FIG. 9b).

Abstract: In a packet communications network, e.g. an IP network, connection oriented services are carried in user tunnels which are set up in engineering tunnels established across the network. This provides end to end connectivity without the need for individual packet routing at the intermediate network nodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the read clock signal rate of a First-In First-Out data memory is provided. A control signal for controlling the read clock signal rate is derived from an error signal, wherein the level of data contained in the FIFO is used to generate the error signal. The control signal includes an integral element, which comprises the error signal, scaled by a first paramater and integrated over time, and a proportional element, which comprises the error signal scaled by a second parameter. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the first and second scaling parameters is varied in accordance with the absolute error signal level. In a preferred embodiment, the or each parameter is varied as an exponential function of the absolute error signal level. This results in the bandwidth of the apparatus varying exponentially with the absolute error signal level.

Abstract: A telecommunications system comprises an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network having uncommitted bandwidth, and a plurality of adaptive grooming routers (AGR) coupled to the network. The AGRs comprise a group adapted to function as a virtual transit exchange whose fabric and control are distributed over the group. The vitual comprising the AGRs incorporates independent connection control and call routing functions and has means for determining the current system status whereby to set up narrow band connections across the ATM network based on that status determination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for testing the operation of a photonic switch are described. The photonic switch includes switching means arranged to redirect (and hence switch) an incident optical signal. Operation of the switching means can be verified by providing a test optical signal arranged to be incident upon the switching means, the test optical signal path being distinct from the switched optical signal path.

Abstract: An interface arrangement provides interworking between packet (IP), time division multiplex (TDM) and asynchronous (ATM) networks, and incorporates a TDM framer providing an interface to the TDM network, a packet framer providing an interface to the packet network, and ATM adaptation function providing an interface to the ATM network. The ATM adaptation function comprises a set or suite of integrated circuit devices, the devices being partitioned by AAL functions into a first device set arranged to perform a common part sublayer function and a second device set arranged to perform service specific sublayer functions. The composition and nature of the device sets can be chosen to match the traffic types and quality of service requirements.

Abstract: A method of translating source code instructions into target code instructions is described. Prior to translate time, an existing interpreter is analyzed to identify sequences that implement individual source order code instructions. Sub-sequences within each template that implement predetermined sub-functions are identified and eliminated. The sequences are compiled and stored as templates. For each instruction in an input block of source code instructions, the appropriate template for that source code instruction is selected and appended to an output block of target code instructions. The source code block is then analyzed to determine the net effect of the non-implemented sub-functions, and code is planted in the output block to achieve this net effect.

Abstract: A video display unit includes a built-in switched mode power supply and control means, responsive to the presence of one or more active sync signals (Hsync, Vsync), to switch on the display unit from the DPMS OFF mode, in which it consumes a minimum amount of power and to which it is switched in the absence of any active sync signal. Peak sensing circuitry detects that at least one sync signal is active, when switch is closed. A switch disconnects the SMPS controller from the start-up power source until the optocoupler is driven.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for compensating for polarisation mode dispersion in an optical signal. The apparatus includes a chirped Bragg reflector extending longitudinally along an optical waveguide, the waveguide being susceptible to stress birefringence; and at least one tuning element located at a position along the length of the waveguide. The tuning element is operable to, in use, apply a stress to the waveguide so as to alter the magnitude and the orientation of the birefringence of the waveguide for compensation of the polarisation mode dispersion of the optical signal. Higher order PMD compensation can be achieved by providing two such tuning elements along the waveguide.

Abstract: An amplifier arrangement comprising an amplifier for amplifying an input radio frequency (RF) signal to generate an output RF signal. A linear function processor generates a linear function correction signal which is a linear function of previous samples of the input signal in order to compensate for distortion effects of the amplifier related to the history of the input signal. A non-linear function processor generates a non-linear function of the input signal in order to compensate for instantaneous distortion effects of the amplifier. Then a pre-distortion processor distorts the current input signal in accordance with the linear and nonlinear function correction signals in order to compensate for both types of distortion in the output signal.

Abstract: A manometer for measuring fluid pressure having a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor that is inverted with respect to the first pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor generates a first electrical output signal corresponding to a fluid pressure measured by a first diaphragm of the first pressure sensor. The second pressure sensor generates a second electrical output signal corresponding to a fluid pressure measured by a second diaphragm of the second pressure sensor. The first and second electrical output signals are combined into a combined electrical output signal. False readings of a change in/pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and measured by the second pressure sensor in each of the first and second electrical output signals, due to movement of the manometer, are cancelled by one another in the combined electrical output signal to provide an accurate pressure measurement regardless of movement of the manometer.