Abstract: Method and apparatus for protocol pattern identification in protocol data units (PDUs). Techniques disclosed utilize the concept of stages. Within each stage, a protocol identification apparatus attempts to find a pattern match between the bits of the protocol data unit and the predefined bits of search patterns for a particular layer of protocol encapsulation. Once found the apparatus resets itself and begins the search anew for the next layer of encapsulation. The user is provided the ability to look for a particular pattern in a higher layer protocol without having knowledge of which lower layer protocols were used. Both hardware and software implementations of this apparatus provide for very fast identification of the protocol data units. Information regarding which encapsulations are present in a particular protocol data unit are provided saving software routines time when they process each packet.

Abstract: At least one column of a latch array includes a tri-state buffer in the upper portion of the column that receives the output of the uppermost group of latches of the column as its input, and which is enabled by a dump signal when a latch in the upper portion is addressed. When the dump signal that triggers the tri-state buffer is active, whatever is at the input of the tri-state buffer is driven by the buffer to the bottom of the latch array column, thereby providing the driven signal with sufficient strength to obviate transition timing and signal integrity problems. When the dump signal that triggers the tri-state buffer is not asserted, the tri-state buffer output exhibits high impedance, which isolates the lower portion of the latch array column from the upper portion of the latch array column, thereby preventing the capacitance associated with the line connecting the tri-state buffer to the output of the uppermost latch from affecting the driving ability of the latches in the lower portion of the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching optical signal is disclosed. An optical signal switch array includes a plurality of optical switches, each optical switch having a first trench adapted to hold index-matching fluid, and a second trench adapted to hold the index-matching fluid, but initially containing gas, the second trench connected to said first trench. A first expansion chamber is connected to the first trench, the first expansion chamber adapted to hold gas. A second expansion chamber is connected to the second trench, the second expansion chamber adapted to hold gas. To effect switching, the first expansion chamber is heated expanding gas in the first expansion chamber, the expanding gas shifting the index-matching fluid in the first trench to the second trench. Bistability is achieved by the use of capillary action, which passively holds the droplet of working fluid in either of two stable states until actuation.

Abstract: An electrical relay that uses a conducting liquid in the switching mechanism. In the relay, a pair of moveable switching contacts is positioned between a pair of fixed electrical contact pads. A surface of each contact supports a droplet of a conducting liquid, such as a liquid metal. An actuator is energized to move the pair of switching contacts, closing the gap between one of the fixed contact pads and one of the switching contacts, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to coalesce and form an electrical circuit. At the same time, the gap between the other fixed contact pad and the other switching contact is increased, thereby causing conducting liquid droplets to separate and break an electrical circuit. The actuator is then de-energized and the switching contacts return to their starting positions. The volume of liquid metal is chosen so that liquid metal droplets remain coalesced or separated because of surface tension in the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting parts. The apparatus includes an x-ray source for illuminating a part from a plurality of locations with respect to the part and an imaging detector for forming a plurality of measured x-ray images of the part, one such measured x-ray image corresponding to each of the illumination locations. A controller compares each of the measured x-ray images with a corresponding calibration image. The controller provides a defective part indication if one of the measured x-ray images differs from the corresponding calibration image by more than a threshold value in part of the measured x-ray image. The controller localizes defects on the part by comparing two or more of the measured x-ray images with two or more corresponding calibration images. The calibration images can be constructed from measured images of defect free parts.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode with which the LED chip will not be destroyed comprises an LED chip 40 mounted on plate-shaped wiring means 60 inside a light-emitting diode. Wiring means 60 comprises conductive paths 61 and 62 that electrically lead to a pair of opposing surfaces. The top surface is used for mounting the LED chip. Part of the conductive paths 61, 62 are connected electrically to LED chip 40, extending from the position where the LED is mounted to leads 21 and 22, to which they are connected by soldering. LED chip 40 is supported by being held inside concave part 23 in one lead 21 at this time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronizer for receiving an incoming data signal of a first clock domain and for outputting a data signal of a second clock domain. The synchronizer comprises an input stage, a master latch, a transfer stage and a slave latch. The input stage receives the data signal of the first clock domain and outputs the data signal to the master latch when the input stage is clocked with a master clock signal. The master latch stores the data signal at a storage node of the master latch. The master latch has a resolve time associated with it during which the master latch seeks to resolve the data signal to a logic 0 or a logic 1. The transfer stage transfers the data signal stored in the master latch to the slave latch when the transfer stage is clocked with a slave clock signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of carrying out a computer assisted analysis function on a hierarchical circuit model. The method is carried out by inputting the hierarchical circuit model, specifying at least one circuit block within the hierarchy as a target of the function on the target block, and simplifying the hierarchical circuit model by deleting circuit blocks not affecting the analysis function, to produce a simplified hierarchical circuit model. A computer assisted analysis function can then be carried out on the simplified hierarchical circuit model.

Abstract: Methods to correlate call data records in a telephone or other communication system. A combination of parameter values in the data records and timestamps associated with some of the parameters can be used for such correlation. The information available within a single call record has limitations due to the fact that critical routing information may be (a) missing or (b) incorrect. Correlation of call detail records obtained from various communication segments provides the ability to mutually enrich the records so as to increase billing accuracy, as well as to enhance the detection of call mis-routing and perform traffic analysis.

Abstract: A substrate, a method for producing a substrate, and a switch incorporating a substrate are disclosed. In one embodiment, the substrate has a first layer, a first electrode deposited on the first layer, and a second layer mated to the first layer. The second layer defines a duct leading from the first electrode to a surface of the second layer opposite the first electrode. A liquid electrode fills at least a portion of the duct.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program, for use in fabricating a chemical array. The method may use an apparatus which includes a head system, a transport system, and a processor. The head system has multiple groups of drop dispensers which move in unison, each group having multiple dispensers. The transport system can move the head system with respect to a substrate with different dispensers of the groups following respective paths. The processor can dispense droplets from dispensers during operation of the transport system, in a pattern along a selected path for each group so as to form the array. The method includes identifying an error in one or more dispensers. When a dispenser of a first group is in error, then a second dispenser of each group is moved along the selected path for its group while dispensing droplets from at least the second dispenser of the first group in at least part of the pattern for the selected path of the first group.

Abstract: A system and a general method estimate figures of merit based on nonlinear modeling and nonlinear time series analysis. Terms in a nonlinear behavioral model that depend on nonlinear combinations of a fixed input signal value are precomputed, optimizing the behavioral model such that figures of merit are evaluated from a single short stimulus vector. The optimized nonlinear behavioral model can then be applied to evaluate figures of merit for multiple devices under test (DUTs) in a manufacturing line. A process continually verifies and adjusts the nonlinear behavioral model based on sub-sampling multiple DUTs in a manufacturing line and comparing their figures of merit based on nonlinear modeling with those based on conventional measurement procedures.

Abstract: A piezoelectric relay is disclosed in which a liquid metal droplet is moved within a switching channel formed in relay housing. A signal path passing through the switching channel is blocked or unblocked by motion of the liquid metal droplet that coalesces with one of two additional liquid metal droplets. Motion of the liquid metal droplets is controlled by piezoelectric pumps that control the flow of actuation fluid between a fluid reservoir and the switching channel. The liquid metal droplets are held in place by surface tension acting on wettable contact pads within the switching channel. The surface tension of the liquid provides a latching mechanism for the relay.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring optical transmitter signals are described. In one aspect, an optical transmitter system includes a feedback block, an optical substrate, a source of input light within an operative wavelength range, and a detector. The feedback block is substantially transparent to light within the operative wavelength range and includes an optical fiber side having a light output and one or more reflectors, and an optical substrate side. The optical substrate is substantially transparent to light within the operative wavelength range. The optical substrate includes a device side having a light input, and a feedback block side that is coupled to the optical substrate side of the feedback block. The feedback block side has a splitter that is operable to split light that is received from the device side light input into an output beam that is directed toward the light output of the feedback block and a light sample that is directed toward a feedback block reflector.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an array of biopolymers provides a shield for biochemical reactions and biochemical reactants and is particularly useful for those reactions and reactants that are susceptible to reaction with a component of the ambient environment during the fabrication of the array. The method is applicable to the conventional fabrication and synthesis methods used to fabricate a biopolymer array, such as in situ synthesis of biopolymers on an array and the attachment of pre-synthesized biopolymers on to an array. The method comprises applying a non-miscible fluid (NMF) to the array surface where the biopolymers are being synthesized or attached. The NMF is inert and insoluble with the biochemical reactants and other ancillary materials in solution used in conventional synthesis or attachment of biopolymers.

Abstract: Materials and methods of manufacturing radiation shielded enclosures is presented that may replace the use of lead, granite and other heavy, expensive, toxic, environmentally unfriendly or otherwise undesirable materials and manufacturing methods. The present invention provides a high-density radiation shielding enclosure manufactured by cold casting a liquid refined iron ore or taconite composite material into a mold of an enclosure of an appropriate shape and size to house an x-ray imaging system. The method of manufacture may include applying an iron ore or tungsten composite caulking compound to the radiation shielding enclosure in order to seal any radiation leaks in the radiation shielding enclosure.

Abstract: A method for determining a condition of the laser system includes determining a change in a laser current from an initial value. A method for measuring a laser current includes determining a difference between the values of a power supply current, which is the value of the laser current. A method for measuring a transmitted power includes generating a first control signal that sets a magnitude of a bias current supplied to a laser, generating a second control signal that sets a of a modulation current supplied to the laser, and determining a difference between values of a high and a low transmitted powers. A method for measuring a received optical power includes determining a received OMA corresponding to the power signal, which is the transmitted OMA minus a known loss through a calibration fiber that couples the laser transmitter to the laser receiver.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for using the same is disclosed. The imaging system includes an x-ray detection array or plurality of detection arrays, a point x-ray source, and a controller. The point x-ray source moves relative to a detection array, each of the x-ray detectors subtending a solid angle at the point source that depends on the relative position of the point source and the detection array and on the location of the detector in the detection array. The signal generated by each x-ray detector depends on a calibration parameter that is independent of the solid angle subtended by that x-ray detector at the point source. The controller stores a table of calibration values that determines the calibration parameter for each of the x-ray detectors. The controller corrects the signals generated by the x-ray detectors for solid angle and for variations in the calibration parameter.

Abstract: Optical systems such as, for example, optical switches, are disclosed comprising a solid component and a refractive index-matching liquid composition interfaced with the solid component. The liquid composition has a refractive-index that is substantially equal to that of the solid component. In one approach the liquid composition is a saturated cyclic compound consisting essentially of carbon and hydrogen and optionally oxygen such as, e.g., cyclic alkanes, alcohols or ketones. In another approach the liquid composition is benzene substituted with one or more electron-donating groups attached directly to the ring and one of more fluoro groups attached to the ring or to the electron-donating groups. In yet another approach the liquid composition is a combination comprising one or more of benzene or substituted benzene and optionally at least one of an alkane or substituted alkane having a boiling point less than about 130° C.

Abstract: A laser mounted in a casing is driven by and mounted close to its driving circuit. To reduce the effect on the laser of heat generated by the driver circuit, the casing includes a passive heat sink element on which the driver circuit is mounted whereby heat generated by the driver is dissipated by the passive heat sink element.