Abstract: Line termination units having dual ports for accepting communication traffic of two different types facilitate the concurrent transmission of voice traffic, serial data traffic and packetized data traffic across a telecommunication transport system, such as a DSL (digital subscriber line) system. The bandwidth of the telecommunication transport system is allocated between the differing traffic types to permit the full utilization of the available bandwidth.

Abstract: A systems operation module for a telecommunications system gathers all system change event code into one central location, and performs a series of checks and configuration modifications centrally. When the changes have been validated and the system updated, the systems operation module writes a new configuration to the system information database.

Abstract: A communications device apparatus and method is detailed that allows for improved system statistics gathering of network communication links, dataports, and system status. The improved communications device apparatus and method utilizes a relative time reference or clock for the determination of the starting and ending of system statistics gathering time periods. Thus allowing for the contiguous gathering of system statistics without errors or gaps caused by time changes made to an absolute time reference.

Abstract: An echelle grating is used to interleave or de-interleave two combs of signals. In a de-interleaving operation, an optical input signal having a comb of odd channels and an interleaved comb of even channels may be separated into an even-channel optical output signal and an odd-channel optical output signal by an echelle grating. The echelle grating may form an even channel output by diffracting the light in the even channels into respectively different multiple orders at a first angle relative to the input. An odd channel output is formed by diffracting the light in the odd channels into respectively different multiple orders at a second angle that is different from the first angle.

Abstract: A transmission system is provided. The system includes a hardware monitor adapted to collect performance information about associated hardware components, a system information database adapted to refresh based on the collected performance information and to generate system status information, and a hardware controller adapted to selectively communicate alarm change messages to one or more of the hardware components based on the collected performance information and the system status information.

Abstract: A modular telecommunications system architecture creates individual system function modules, and allows a modular architecture supporting a wide array of configurations for the telecommunications system. Each module is operated through an application interface between a driver set and the module, and the application interface is defined so as to accommodate a number of different drivers for each of the modules. This modular architecture allows easy swapping of modules, and modification of modules, without requiring reprogramming of the application interfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide light-pipes having improved alignment and light collection capability. In one embodiment, a light-pipe is provided that has a first end for collecting light from a light source, a second end for outputting the light collected at the first end, and a shaft interconnecting the first and second end for transferring the light from the first end to the second end. The first end has a concavity for receiving a lens of the light source therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in a fiber optic system that may be a communication system, a sensing system or other system using guided-wave optical components. Reducing the number of lenses required to couple the waveguides and the free-space paths in the device offers the dual advantages of a reduced component count and simplified alignment. In an exemplary device having a first and second waveguides, a birefringent optical system defines bi-directional, polarization-dependent free-space paths. One of the bidirectional, polarization-dependent, free-space paths couples at least the first waveguide to the second waveguide. The birefringent optical system includes at least one prism for bending one of the polarization-dependent paths in a clockwise direction and one of the polarization-dependent paths in a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: A connector plug for twisted pair cables includes an insert within the plug disposed around the twisted pairs of wires. The insert include enclosed chambers, each sized for one pair of wires. The insert protects the wires from the crimp of the plug. A cross-over region in the insert allows the wires of certain pairs to cross over for proper positioning adjacent the contacts of the plug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a center conductor insulator with a tapered entry for use with a coaxial cable transmission line connector that provides guiding and centering of a center conductor pin within the connector. The present invention further relates to a front sleeve assembly for use with a coaxial cable transmission line connector which incorporates a center conductor insulator with a tapered entry to guide and center a center conductor pin within the connector. The present invention also relates to a compression ring assembly for mounting a connector to a cable, the assembly having a collet engaging a tapered rear seal to compress the collet about the cable. The present invention further relates to a method of mounting a connector to a cable with a compression ring assembly incorporating a collet and tapered rear seal.

Abstract: A cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly includes an interface plate having a raised outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is adapted to engage with a housing. The interface plate includes a recess having a channel that is adapted to receive a cable and an opening through the interface plate at one end of the channel to allow the cable to pass through the interface plate. The recess is adapted to receive a sealant that covers the cable once the cable is placed in the channel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper. The composite sheet is formed by laminating a first layer of thermoplastic foam to a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The composite sheet is compressed after heating in a mold cavity to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to a fiber optic device that is easier to align than conventional devices, and to a method for aligning such devices. An embodiment of the invention includes a first focusing element having an optical axis and a first focal length, and a first optical fiber optically coupled to a first side of the first focusing element. The first optical fiber is disposed at a first transverse distance from the optical axis so that light from the first optical fiber propagates on a second side of the first focusing element as a substantially collimated beam at a first angle to the optical axis. A wedged optical element is optically coupled to the second side of the first focusing element and deviates the substantially collimated beam so as to propagate in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for tuning a cavity filter is provided. The cavity filter includes a plurality of tuning members. The method includes selecting a stored set of positional values for the tuning members, driving the tuning members of the cavity filter to the stored set of positional values, and further adjusting the position of the tuning members as necessary to achieve a desired frequency response for the cavity filter.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic tap monitor has characteristics that are flatter over the wavelength range of interest. The polarization dependence of the characteristics of the tap monitor is reduced, and the package for the tap monitor is smaller. The tap monitor reduces the amount of light reflected back to the source. The tap monitor is also assembled in a manner to improve temperature stability, so that its characteristics over a range of temperatures are more nearly constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for distributing power in a media converter system. The method involves converting an input voltage to an intermediate voltage and transmitting the intermediate voltage to a downstream converter. The downstream converter converts the intermediate voltage to a usable output voltage that is supplied to the media converter ports. The apparatus includes a main power supply for creating the intermediate voltage and downstream converters located remotely from the main power supply for converting the intermediate voltage to the usable output voltage. Transmission cables are also included for providing the intermediate voltage to the downstream converters. The apparatus may also include a bus with connections for the power supply and a power distribution module. The power supply and power distribution module utilize identical connections thereby providing flexibility in positioning the power supply and distribution module in a chassis.

Abstract: A jack and chassis assembly includes a baluns interface connected directly to the in/out wire wrap pins on the jacks. This helps to convert 75 ohm coaxial signals to 120 ohm twisted pair interface signals for equipment connections. The jack and chassis assembly includes at least one jack, a chassis defining a first frame holding the jack, a circuit board mounted to the first frame and in electrical contact with the jack, and a balun in electrical contact with the jack. Methods for assembling a jack and chassis assembly include mounting a jack onto a frame, providing a second frame holding a balun, and connecting the jack to the balun. A chassis assembly includes a first frame, and a second frame, with the first frame being mounted within the second frame.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a spring mounting body having a clip receiving structure. A plurality of contact springs are mounted on the spring mounting body. A clip is inserted within the clip receiving structure to stabilize the contact springs. Portions of the contact springs are captured between the clip and the spring mounting body. A method for assembling the electrical connector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunications frame is provided including panels having front and rear termination locations, the panels positioned on left and right sides of the frame. The frame includes vertical access for the rear cables. The frame further includes left and right vertical cable guides for the front patch cables. The frame further includes cable storage spools for the patch cables. The frame includes a horizontal passage linking the left and right panels and the cable guides. A lower portion of the frame defines splice tray holders and a central passage from the splice tray holders to the rear sides of the left and right panels. From a front of each panel, access to a rear of the panel is provided by the hinged panels. Alternatively, the panels can form connector modules with front termination locations and rear connection locations for connecting to the rear cables. The modules can house couplers, such as splitters, combiners, and wave division multiplexers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide tools for installing and extracting fuses. In one embodiment, the tool has an elongate handle. A guideway spans the length of the handle, and a pair of jaws, adapted to retain the fuse, protrudes from an end of the handle. A rod is disposed within the guideway and is selectively actuatable within the guideway for releasing the fuse from the jaws.