Abstract: An assembly including a back plate and a circuit board coupled to the back plate with mechanical fasteners is provided. The fastener has an end and a head with a top surface. The top surface of the head is between the top and bottom surfaces of the circuit board, inclusively, such that the head is either below or flush with the top surface of the circuit board. This allows solder to be deposited onto the circuit board with an automated surface mounted assembly system and components to be attached to the circuit board after the circuit board is attached to back plate. The circuit board has an opening that receives the head of the fastener. A portion of this opening has a diameter as large as the diameter of the widest portion of the head and another portion of this opening, located closer to the back plate has a smaller diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic connector and a method for installing a fiber optic connector including a barrel assembly disposed within a housing. The barrel assembly includes a barrel being formed of deformable material and having a barrel body and a barrel extension extending from an end of the barrel body. An opposing end of the barrel body supports a ferrule having a pre-polished fiber stub disposed therein. An insert is disposed within the barrel, the insert being deformable and is arranged and configured to receive at least one fiber. An extender cap engages a portion of the housing fixing the barrel assembly within the housing. The housing includes at least one aperture disposed in a side portion for accessing the barrel assembly. In one aspect of the invention a method for installing a fiber optic connector is provided including the steps of, first, forming a barrel assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning a polishing pad used in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process. The polishing pad is conditioned by the application of a conditioning device to the surface of the rotating polishing pad. The amount of force which is applied to the conditioning device is directly controlled by a force control mechanism so as to make the conditioning process more consistent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of optical communication and particularly to optical communication techniques which compensated for dispersion such as that in optical fibers. Compensation of optical dispersion is achieved with a polarization beam splitter with first, second and third ports, a dispersion compensating fiber, a first return means that changes the mode of polarization of a returned signal and a second return means. One end of the dispersion compensation means is connected to the third port of the polarization beam splitter, the other end is connected to the first return means. The second return means is connected with the second port of the polarization beam splitter, while the first port of the polarization beam splitter forms input and output. As the signal passes through the dispersion compensating fiber four times, the length of the dispersion compensating fiber can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical fiber connector that supports a linear array or ribbon array of optical fibers. The connector includes a pair of intermatable housing members that, when mated, define a connector having a front end suitable for butt coupling to other connectors or compatible connections, a back end for terminating an array of optical fibers, and a plurality of waveguides or optical fiber support grooves extending from the front end to the back end. According to embodiments of the invention, the back end has at least one feature that increases the opening formed by the housing members at the back end of the connector, thus making it easier to terminate an optical fiber or array of optical fibers therein that optically couples to the waveguide or optical fibers terminated in the front end. For example, one or both housing members include a beveled or curvelinear portion, both of which increase the opening between the housing members at the back end of the connector.

Abstract: A low distortion amplifier with an optimization circuit that performs an automated alignment of the amplifier is provided. The optimization circuit includes an extraction circuit designed to extract various signals indicative of the operation of the amplifier under the current operating conditions. A control circuit using information received from the extraction circuit determines the appropriate control settings for key components of the amplifier for the current operating conditions. The optimization circuit ensures that the amplifier output has a desired signal level while also ensuring that the output has minimum or no intermodulation distortion under all operating conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a token passing network, called a Universal BIST Scheduler (UBS), and a method for scheduling BISTed memory elements based on: executing BIST in multiple stages in order to optimize the efficiency of continuous processing and to apply a single waiting period to multiple SBRIC_RSs where, for example, BIST includes retention testing; dividing resource controllers or SBRIC_RSs corresponding to one or more RSB elements into a matrix such that each SBRIC_RS executes the BIST of its memory elements concurrently and/or successively depending on the SBRIC_RS's position in the matrix; and passing a token to initiate processing of a set of SBRIC_RSs in the matrix through a level signal rather than a pulse signal in order to ensure that the signal is not lost.

Abstract: The distributed subscriber adjunct services system functions to implement a distributed presence of the subscriber adjunct service over the extent of a telecommunication network. The subscriber can thereby access the functionality of their home subscriber adjunct services system via a local call connection yet directly obtain access to their subscriber agent in their standard access mode. The telecommunication network service node that the subscriber accesses receives the necessary subscriber data, control messages and the like from the subscriber agent of the subscriber adjunct services system by data networking via a standard telecommunication transfer protocol, such as TCP/IP via the Internet or an Intranet. This data communication connection enables the local telecommunication network service node to realize the functionality of the subscriber adjunct service system without the need for a long distance call connection to the subscriber's home telecommunication network service node.

Abstract: A method for increasing the interrogation range of an RF Tag in a radio communication system using RF Tags with two reflecting antenna elements. The second reflecting antenna element is predeterminately positioned, and preferably aligned, with respect to the first reflecting antenna element in the direction of expected incident RF radiation and is spaced from the first reflecting antenna element at a predetermined fixed distance. The first and second reflecting antenna elements are alternately pulsed on and off such that while the first reflecting antenna element is in a signal reflecting operating state, the second reflecting antenna element is in a substantially non-reflecting state and vice versa. The alternate pulsing and predetermined fixed spacing between the first and second elements generates a known phase difference between the reflected signals of the first and second reflecting antenna elements.

Abstract: An erbium doped fiber amplifier includes a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) which receives a data signal having a first wavelength through a first optical fiber which is single-mode at the first wavelength. Pump light supplied by an energy pump has a second wavelength shorter than the first. The pump light is provided through a second optical fiber which is multi-mode at the pump wavelength. The data signal and the pump light are multiplexed by the WDM. A third optical fiber is coupled to the WDM to receive the multiplexed output. The third fiber is single-mode at the data signal wavelength and multi-mode at the pump wavelength. The third fiber is erbium doped to amplify the input the data signal or is connected to a suitably doped fiber.

Abstract: Techniques for providing enhanced wireless services such as interactive voice services to a serving mobile switching center which is originating a call for a mobile station that requires such services via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The serving mobile switching center has a trigger which causes it to respond to a call from the mobile station by sending a message according to the IS 41 protocols to the enhanced mobile switching center that provides the enhanced service. The enhanced mobile switching center responds to the message by associating the contents of the message with a temporary local dialing number (TLDN) and sending a message to the serving mobile switching center that contains the TLDN. The serving mobile switching center uses the TLDN to set up a call via the PSTN to the enhanced mobile switching center, which then uses the content of the message associated with the TLDN to establish which enhanced service is required.

Abstract: A voltage boost circuit for a write driver includes first and second semiconductor devices, such as Schottky diodes, coupled to respective first and second nodes to conduct write current through respective first or second current switches of the write driver when a forward voltage across the respective first or second semiconductor device exceeds a design voltage. The first and second current switches are responsive to respective complementary first and second input signals to direct write current in opposite directions through the winding between the first and second nodes. First and second storage devices are connected to the respective first and second semiconductor devices, and first and second buffers are responsive to a first state of the respective first and second input signals to operate the respective first or second storage device to increase the forward voltage across the respective first or second semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing packets that enables inter-packet compression thereby achieving greater robustness and increased compression ratios. More particularly, a variable-length coding is used in conjunction with maintaining a separate hash table for each packet. Further, the per-packet hash table indexes particular byte strings in the packet but does not index data in any other packet(s). That is, a respective separate hash table for each packet is employed wherein such hash table is constructed as the particular packet is compressed. As such, the respective hash table is encoded with the particular packet. Employing a per-packet hash table in combination with variable history state inter-packet compression provides for efficient and robust overall compression of the packets.

Abstract: A low-profile radio frequency (RF) shield for utilization on a printed circuit board (PCB) to envelope and shield a RF radiating termination or connector pin. The shield includes of a planar sheet of a conductive material (typically metal) with a cavity depression formed at an intermediate location within the planar sheet of the conductive material. The cavity depression is sized to envelope the RF radiating termination or connector pin to be shielded without directly contacting the termination or pin.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a cable system allows bidirectional digital communication between a plurality of subscriber Digital Video Home Terminals each located at a different subscriber location and a cable headend via a RF Trunk. The cable headend has a processor for calculating and storing a randomized back-off array for each of the plurality of subscriber Digital Video Home Terminals. Each subscriber Digital Video Home Terminal receives the randomized back-off array for controlling through an algorithm when a Digital Video Home Terminal attempts to send a message to a cable headend. If a collision between the two messages is imminent, the last Digital Video Home Terminal to send the message backs-off and then reattempts to send the message a plurality of times after a random back-off interval of time has passed after each reattempt until no collision would occur with another message generated from a different Digital Video Home Terminal.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle location system obviates the need for frequent, scheduled position and movement change messages from field vehicles by having each field vehicle send position and movement update messages only when a change occurs in a monitored vehicle characteristic, and only when that change is accompanied by traversing a decision point on a stored electronic map. Sensors for monitoring such characteristics include, turn signal indicators, brake indicators, back-up indicators, speedometers, compasses and accelerometers. Upon reaching a decision point, and upon one of the signals from a sensor reaching a threshold, the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) box in the mobile unit of the field vehicle causes the Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) to transmit a position update message to a Dispatch Center. The Dispatch Center and the MDT contain identical maps, and extrapolate the vehicle's position between decision points according to identical algorithms.

Abstract: A limitation of using two-dimensional images, such as videos or photographs, to represent portions of a three-dimensional world occurs when the user moves within the world and views the world from a location different than from the original context of the two-dimensional image, i.e., from a location different than the image's ideal viewing point (IVP). View changes result in the image not aligning well with the surrounding objects of the three-dimensional world. This limitation is overcome by distorting the two-dimensional image so as to adjust the image's vanishing point(s) in accordance with the movement of the user using a pyramidic panel structure. In this manner, as the user moves away from the ideal viewing point, the distortions act to limit the discontinuities between the two-dimensional image and its surroundings.

Abstract: A cable modem supports two-way packet-switched traffic and is capable of telephony-type signaling to provide local telephone services over a two-way HFC cable network. The telephony-type signaling is transmitted using the TCP/IP protocol over an HFC distribution plant. This telephony-type signaling includes representations of “off-hook,” “on-hook,” etc. At the customer's premises, the telephony cable modem takes any one of a number of forms. For example, the telephony cable modem comprises terminal equipment ports for coupling to both data terminal equipment such as a personal computer and voice terminal equipment such as a POTS telephone. Alternatively, the telephony cable modem includes POTS functionality and comprises a handset and keypad for dialing. As yet another example, the telephony cable modem includes a terminal equipment port for coupling to data terminal equipment that also functions as a telephone, such as a personal computer equipped with a microphone and speakers.

Abstract: An encoder for coding multiple layers of video signal to provide for efficient use of bandwidth. The encoder produces an error signal based at least in part on criteria considered by a perceptual preprocessor which takes into account limitations inherent in human visual perception. If the error signal generated from a subject frame represents high priority data that would be visually perceptible by a viewer, as determined by the preprocessor, the error signal is coded onto a base layer and an error resilience layer of a coded signal for transmission. In the event that the error signal is determined to be of less priority, such as if it represents only slightly visually perceptible information, then the error signal is coded onto only a low priority layer of the coded signal.

Abstract: A power system plant includes a backplane arrangement including a primary and secondary bus to which intermediate power processing modules are selectively connected to the input and output power control and monitors of the plant. The backplane connections are controlled by the plug-in power processing modules. , the resulting connections are unique to the type of plug-in module placeed placed on an input shelf (i.e. rectifier or converter plug-in module) and determine how the plant is to operated. The connections of these plug-in modules to the backplane connector are such that the plug-in module is designed to have its connectors connect to either primary or secondary referenced control signals. The connectors of the backplane accept both type of plug-in modules so that any plug-in module inserted is automatically connected to respond to the appropriate primary or secondary referenced control signals.