Abstract: A fiber collimator device includes polarization controlling optics to simplify the manufacture of fiber collimators that use polarization maintaining fiber. In particular, the use of the polarization control optics in a fiber collimator reduces the need to align the polarization axis of the polarization maintaining fiber, thus reducing the time spent on fabricating the device. This is useful where the collimation device includes a polarization mode combiner.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to a method for aligning collimator sub-assemblies, disposed along a longitudinal axis. The invention arises from a realization that prohibiting the two collimator sub-assemblies from being adjusted in the same rotational degree of freedom leads to faster and easier alignment. In particular, the method includes rotating only one of the first and second sub-assemblies in a first plane defined by the longitudinal axis and a first axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some aspects of the invention, one of the first and second sub-assemblies are rotated in a second plane defined by the longitudinal axis and a second axis perpendicular to the both the longitudinal axis and the first axis. The sub-assemblies may also be translated in a direction parallel to the first axis and/or in a direction parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: Two sub-assemblies in a fiber optic device are fitted to mounting faces of a central section. The mounting faces are typically flat and mutually orthogonal, thus permitting the adjustment of the two sub-assemblies in decoupled degrees of freedom. This results in a simpler adjustment procedure for aligning the two sub-assemblies. Furthermore, the mounting of the sub-assemblies using the orthogonal mounting faces permits the use of relatively thin layers of adhesive that reduce misalignment problems arising from mismatched thermal expansion when the temperature changes.

Abstract: A method and system for performing simultaneous tests and avoiding task collisions using a hardware description language includes designating a timeslot for one or more of the simultaneous tests, associating the designated timeslot with one or more of the tasks to be performed in a test, determining if the designated timeslot is available before executing the tasks associated with timeslots and executing the tasks when the designated timeslots become available.

Abstract: A compact, in-line polarization combiner uses a folded, reflective optical path from a first fiber to a second fiber. The combiner includes first and second fibers at one end of an in-line package, and a third fiber at the other end of the in-line package. A first polarization-dependent optical path is defined between the first and second fibers for light in a first polarization state. A second polarization-dependent path is defined between the first and third fibers for light in a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state. A polarizer is disposed between the ends of the combiner and reflects light on the first path between the first and second fibers and transmits light on the second path between the first and third ports, A reflector is disposed on the first path to reflect light to the polarizer.

Abstract: A cable storage cartridge and assembly for storing an excess length of cable. The cartridge includes a rectangular carriage frame and a spool rotatably disposed inside the carriage frame. The spool is comprised of a first spool member having a radius protection loop channel on its top surface and a second spool member. Together the first spool member and second spool member define a storage chamber. The storage chamber lies in a different plane than the loop channel of the first spool member. The first spool member defines transition openings for allowing the cable to pass from the loop channel to the storage chamber. Carriage frame includes detent and catch tabs for retaining the cartridge inside a cartridge housing.

Abstract: An optical communication system is provided. The optical communication system includes an optical fiber, an optical transmitter, and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter is coupled to the optical fiber. The optical transmitter is adapted to encode a pulse amplitude modulated optical signal based on at least two, independent input signals. The optical receiver is coupled to the optical fiber. The optical receiver is adapted to decode the pulse amplitude modulated optical signal to reproduce the at least two, independent input signals as output signals.

Abstract: A system for managing power from a power source for at least one line powered network element in an access network is provided. The system includes a power manager that establishes at least one power criterion for the at least one network element. Further, the system includes a power controller that is responsive to the power manager. The power controller and the power manager communicate to manage operation of the at least one network element based on the at least one power criterion.

Abstract: A device to audibly verify the activation of a solid state relay. The device includes an audio output device that is coupled to the solid state relay to produce a sound when the solid state relay is activated. The sound produced by the audio output devices emulates the sound of an electromechanical relay when switched.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation controller is coupled to a feedback voltage that is proportional to the power supply output voltage. The controller adjusts a current sense threshold in the controller in response to the feedback voltage. An offset voltage is generated for a predetermined time after the power-up of the power supply. A sum of the offset voltage and a primary current sense node voltage is applied to a current sense input of the controller. The controller generates a switch control signal in response to the sum voltage being less than the current sense threshold. The duty cycle of an output control switch is changed by the switch control signal thus adjusting the output voltage ramp.

Abstract: A thermal microactuator is provided that can be deflected in multiple positions. The actuator has a hot arm and a cold arm coupled together at their distal ends suspended above a reference plane of a substrate. A potential difference is applied across the hot arm so that a current circulates through the hot arm but not the cold arm.

Abstract: A method of operating a processing device is provided. The method includes defining an effective memory address space with a cached address space and a non-cached address space wherein the cached address space and the non-cached address space each translate to overlap a single physical memory space. Further, the method includes accessing a memory address of the physical memory space without accessing a cache memory system from the non-cached effective address space. The method also includes accessing a memory address of the physical memory space from the cached effective address space with the benefit of the cache memory system.

Abstract: An actuator having a hot-arm and a cold-arm wherein the hot-arm and cold-arm are vertically offset from one another. The hot-arm is heated to cause the actuator to move both vertically and horizontally. When used as a relay, an electrostatic force latches the actuator when the electrodes are brought in close proximity to one another.

Abstract: A card guide system is provided. The card guide system comprises a chassis having a top and a bottom frame portion. The top and bottom frame portions each include a plurality of card guide members disposed thereon. The card guide members of the top frame portion are a mirror image of the card guide members of the bottom frame portion. In addition, the plurality of card guide members are adapted to receive a circuit card and secure the circuit card using tension, wherein when the circuit is received by the card guide members the circuit card is bowed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that permit multi-directional fiber optic connections to a device. The multi-directional aspect of the fiber optic connections permit the connections to be aligned closely with the direction of travel of the fiber optic cables that interface with the device. Closely aligning the fiber optic connections on the device with the fiber optic cables' direction of travel maximizes the bend radius of the fiber optic cable near the point of connection or eliminates the bend altogether and reduces the likelihood of a broken fiber or signal attenuation.

Abstract: A chassis and associated telecommunication circuit card are disclosed. The chassis has heat dissipation and flame containment features while accommodating a high density of the circuitry cards. Embodiments include an inner housing with a double-layer middle floor dividing the chassis into top and bottom chambers. Each layer has partially aligned slots, and an air gap is provided between the two layers. Embodiments also include a double-layer mesh cover with an air gap existing between the two mesh layers. Projections and grooves are provided on the inner surfaces of the inner housing to receive circuit cards having a guide on one edge and a fin on another. The guide includes an opening that at least partially aligns with slots on the adjacent surface of the inner housing. The circuit card includes a finger extending from a faceplate that facilitates insertion and removal of the circuit card relative to the chassis.

Abstract: Methods for bit-level control of dynamic bandwidth allocation are adapted for use in multi-node channelized transport systems. A single status bit is used to indicate the desired allocation status of each transport channel for which dynamic allocation is permitted or desired. The status bit has a first logic level indicative of a desire to have a first allocation status, such as allocated for data traffic, and a second logic level indicative of a desire to have a second allocation status, such as allocated for voice traffic. The status bit may be repeated multiple times within a frame to mitigate the effects of transmission errors. The values of the status bit or bits can be maintained across node boundaries without regard to the framing mechanisms or multiplexing techniques used by the transport system, thus permitting dynamic bandwidth allocation beyond the local loop.

Abstract: An electronic circuit card having a central processing unit and a port electrically connected to the central processing unit is provided. The port is electrically connectable to a monitor and control system via a backplane of a housing for containing the electronic circuit card and a panel located externally of the housing. The monitor and control system is located externally of the housing and the panel. The port is adapted to convey signals between the central processing unit and the monitor and control system for at least one of monitoring and altering the operation of one or more software programs of the central processing unit.

Abstract: A fiber distribution frame includes a fixture having a plurality of modules mounted side-by-side within said fixture with each of the modules being individually mounted in a line of travel. Each of the modules can be locked in any one of a plurality of discrete positions within the line of travel. Each of the modules contains a plurality of adapters for receiving and retaining fiber optic connectors. Further, the fixture may be tilted downwardly to provide access to the rear of the fixture.