Abstract: A coupling device has a first focusing element positioned on a first optical axis. The first focusing element is couplable to receive output light beams from a plurality of optical fibers, and has a first focusing power selected to direct the light beams to intersect the first optical axis at a first intersection position. A second focusing element is spaced apart from the first focusing element by a first separation distance along the first optical axis and is positioned to receive the light beams from the first focusing element. The second focusing element has a second focusing power and the first separation distance is selected to parallelize the light beams received from the first focusing element. A system for providing access to light beams propagating through a plurality of fibers uses two of the coupling devices.

Abstract: The communication system includes a hybrid fiber/coax distribution network. A head end provides for downstream transmission of telephony and control data in a first frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network and reception of upstream telephony and control data in a second frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network. The head end includes a head end multicarrier modem for modulating at least downstream telephony information on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the first frequency bandwidth and demodulating at least upstream telephony information modulated on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the second frequency bandwidth. The head end further includes a controller operatively connected to the head end multicarrier modem for controlling transmission of the downstream telephony information and downstream control data and for controlling receipt of the upstream control data and upstream telephony information.

Abstract: The communication system includes a hybrid fiber/coax distribution network. A head end provides for downstream transmission of telephony and control data in a first frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network and reception of upstream telephony and control data in a second frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network. The head end includes a head end multicarrier modem for modulating at least downstream telephony information on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the first frequency bandwidth and demodulating at least upstream telephony information modulated on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the second frequency bandwidth. The head end further includes a controller operatively connected to the head end multicarrier modem for controlling transmission of the downstream telephony information and downstream control data and for controlling receipt of the upstream control data and upstream telephony information.

Abstract: An adjacent channel combiner combines an analog television channel with an upper adjacent digital television channel using practical filter designs. An aural signal of the analog television channel is combined after both a visual signal and a digital signal have been combined. A directional filter combines the visual and digital signals and a diplexer or other means is used for combining the aural signal with the combined visual and digital signal.

Abstract: A bidirectional multipoint-to-point communications system for sending payload information over a distribution network is provided. The system includes a head-end terminal coupled to the distribution network to a plurality of service units. The head-end terminal includes a head-end controller for sending payload data to and from an external communications network and for producing and processing control messages at the head-end terminal, a head-end multicarrier transmitting modem coupled to the head-end controller for modulating downstream payload information and downstream control messages onto multiple orthogonal carriers spread throughout substantially all of a first frequency band, and a head-end multicarrier receiving modem coupled to the head-end controller for demodulating multiple orthogonal carriers spread throughout substantially all of a second frequency band and carrying upstream payload information and control messages.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for forming a raised structure on a semiconductor wafer. In the method, a patterned masking layer is formed over a wafer layer. The patterned masking layer typically includes a first mask covering a first region of the wafer layer and at least one side mask adjacent to the first mask, covering a side region of the wafer layer. After forming the patterned masking layer, exposed portions of the wafer layer adjacent the masks are removed using the patterned masking layer. This leaves a first raised structure (relative to an adjacent removed area) in the first substrate region and a sacrificial raised structure in the side region adjacent the first raised structure. After removing the exposed portions of the wafer layer, the sacrificial raised structure is selectively removed while leaving the first raised structure intact.

Abstract: A testing apparatus that comprises an electrical device. A first circuit is in electrical communication with the electrical device. The first circuit including an amplifier. First and second couplers are electrically connected to the first circuit and arranged in series with the amplifier. The amplifier is positioned between the first and second couplers. A second circuit has a first end in electrical communication with the first coupler and a second end in electrical communication with the second coupler. The total gain of the first coupler, the second coupler, the portion of the first circuit between the first and second couplers, and the second circuit is approximately zero.

Abstract: An enhanced telephone service system including a subscriber service manager and a customization module. The subscriber service manager is configured to receive subscriber transaction-ID requests, supply transaction identifiers and respond to queries for subscriber profile data. The customization module is configured to receive customization messages. When a customization message includes a transaction identifier, the customization module compares the transaction identifier in the customization message with the transaction identifiers generated by the subscriber service manager. Only if there is a match between the transaction identifiers does the customization module register the customization data. Alternatively, if the customization message does not contain a transaction identifier but does contain a subscriber identifier, the customization module temporarily stores the customization data.

Abstract: A MEMS-based optical switch having improved characteristics and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an optical switch includes a single comb drive actuator having a deflecting beam structure and a mirror coupled to the actuator. The mirror is capable of being moved between an extended position interposed between waveguide channels and a retracted position apart from the waveguide channels. The actuator applies a force capable of deflecting the beam structure and moving the mirror to one of the extended positions or the retracted position and the beam structure returns the mirror to the other of the extended position or the retracted position in the absence of the application of force.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable management device includes a housing and rotatable trays. The trays include a base, and various upstanding wall portions for defining cable guideways. Inner walls include curved segments. Four crescent shapes are provided for cable winding and cable protection. Various tabs extend from the wall portions and are spaced from the base to assist with cable positioning. The trays are symmetrical about a central axis extending parallel to the base. The housing further includes tray supports to support a free end of the trays during storage, and rotation out of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting heat from electrical devices mounted on a circuit board is disclosed. A heat sink for conducting the heat is provided that includes a pair of substantially parallel vertical legs and a horizontal member coupled between the pair of substantially parallel vertical legs to form a “U” shape. The horizontal member includes an outer surface and an inner surface both having a layer of thermal interface material. The heat sink is surface mountable to a heat sink mounting pad on a surface of a printed circuit board. The heat sink mounting pad is adjacent to and thermally coupled to a heat transfer pad of an electronic device. The heat sink is thermally coupled to the electronic device.

Abstract: An optical circulator has a single focusing element to couple light between the circulator components and two optical fibers. The optical elements The input face of the first birefringent element of the circulator is adapted for the non-parallel light paths resulting from the single focusing element, while maintaining an essentially in-line geometry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for fastening an inner conductor of a resonator structure and to a method for fastening an inner conductor of a resonator structure to a fastening surface structure. The arrangement comprises a fastening surface structure, which in turn comprises an edge of an opening and the opening defined by the edge, the opening being formed through the fastening surface structure. In addition, the arrangement comprises an inner conductor of a resonator structure arranged at the opening formed through the fastening surface structure, the inner conductor comprising an inner space at least on the portion of the conductor that faces the fastening surface structure, which inner space is defined by the wall of the inner conductor which extends into the opening formed through the fastening surface structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an inner conductor of a resonator, and an inner conductor of a resonator comprising a first end and a second end, which is free. The inner conductor is deep-drawn from a uniform, electrically conductive blank. (FIG.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rack for mounting telecommunication chassis each adapted for receiving cross-connect modules. The rack includes a frame defining a bay formed between two spaced-apart, vertical end walls. The bay is sized for receiving the telecommunication chassis. The rack also includes a cable management structure connected to the frame. The cable management structure defines first and second separate vertical channels. The first vertical channel defines a first passage area sized for receiving a plurality of cross-connect cables from the telecommunication chassis. The second vertical channel defines a second passage area sized for receiving power and ground wires from the telecommunication chassis. L-shaped tie brackets are positioned in vertical channels defined by the vertical end walls. The tie brackets assist an installer in installing and tying the input and output cables to the rack.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for forming a raised structure on a semiconductor wafer. In the method, a patterned masking layer is formed over a wafer layer. The patterned masking layer typically includes a first mask covering a first region of the wafer layer and at least one side mask adjacent to the first mask, covering a side region of the wafer layer. After forming the patterned masking layer, exposed portions of the wafer layer adjacent the masks are removed using the patterned masking layer. This leaves a first raised structure (relative to an adjacent removed area) in the first substrate region and a sacrificial raised structure in the side region adjacent the first raised structure. After removing the exposed portions of the wafer layer, the sacrificial raised structure is selectively removed while leaving the first raised structure intact.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insert for a jack. The insert includes a connector mount having a main body including a first side positioned opposite from a second side. The connector mount also includes a snap-fit connection structure positioned at the main body for securing the connector mount to the jack, a divider positioned at the first side of the main body, and an insulation displacement terminal housing positioned at the first side of the main body. A plurality of contact springs are separated by the divider, and a plurality of insulation displacement terminals are housed by the insulation displacement terminal housing. The insert further includes a circuit board that provides electrical connections between the insulation displacement terminals and the contact springs. The circuit board is mounted at the second side of the main body.

Abstract: A fiber optic module includes front adapters for connection to fiber optic connectors, and rear adapters for connection to fiber optic connectors. The module includes two circuits having passive optical couplers inside, and adapters exposed along the front and the rear of the module. The module is usable in cross-connect applications with itself or with other modules. The adapters are selectively connectable to fiber optic connectors. The front adapters of the module include two receive input ports and two transmit output ports. The front of the module also includes two visual indicators, one for each circuit. The visual indicators include a lens cap at least partially transparent to visual light in light communication with an optical fiber. The rear adapters of the module include two transmit input ports and two transmit output ports. Monitor ports are also located on the rear for both the transmit and receive signals.

Abstract: A resonator filter comprising a housing formed with a conductive material. The housing defines a first cavity, a second cavity, and an intermediate wall positioned between the first and second cavities. The housing defines an opening between the first and second cavities. First and second center conductors are positioned within the first and second cavities, respectively. A coupling wire is connected between the first center conductor and the housing. The coupling wire and the center conductor have substantially equal thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: An angled mounting plate is provided for mounting a connector at a bulkhead in an angled manner, such as for a coaxial or triaxial connector system. The angled mounting plate mounts to a yoke mounted around the connector. The yoke includes identical mounting halves held in place by fasteners. The yoke is held to the mounting plate by further fasteners. Vertical mounting plates can also be provided for mounting to the connectors. The bulkhead can be provided with mounting structure for mounting directly to the yokes.