Abstract: An improvement of a digital wireless receiver comprises a processing circuit for processing a plurality of received signals, and providing a processed signal having an amplitude; and an adjusting circuit for adjusting the amplitude of the processed signal, the adjusting circuit coupled to the processing circuit, where the adjusting circuit adjusts the amplitude as a function of distortion of the plurality of received signals. The processing circuit can weight and combine the plurality of received signals. The distortion can be estimated from a squared error of the plurality of received signals, which can be averaged over a sliding window. The function can comprise multiplying the processed signal by square root of the averaged squared error. Such amplitude adjustment is useful to maintain the soft decision information for the processed signal that is fed to a base station having soft decision decoding, or can be used in the base station with soft decoding.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical node, e.g., a so-called add/drop site, that receives an optical carrier signal formed from a plurality of component optical signals of respective wavelengths and a plurality of different identification signals which identify respective ones of the wavelengths. As is typically the case, the node includes a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the optical carrier signal and outputs the demultiplexed component optical signals to respective optical paths. Disadvantageously, each of the demultiplexed optical component signals includes all of the identification signals as a result of such demultiplexing. However, we dispose an optical translator unit in at least one of the optical paths to remove all of the identification signals from the one component optical signals and also reset the power level of that signal.

Abstract: A portable slurry distribution system comprising a first liquid tank containing a first liquid; a second liquid tank containing a second liquid; the first and the second liquid tanks being fluidly connected to a product mixing tank for receiving and mixing the first and the second liquids into a slurry; the product mixing tank being fluidly connected to a valve box having a valve for receiving the slurry; a means connected to the valve for distributing the slurry to a tool; and wherein the first liquid tank, the second liquid tank and the product mixing tank are on a wheeled cart.

Abstract: A three port filter device is formed from a thin film filter element and a pair of lensing devices. A focusing lensing device is used, with a dual-fiber termination disposed at the object plane of the focusing lensing device. A collimating lensing device is disposed between the focusing lens image plane and the thin film filter element. The third optical port is coupled to the collimated signal passing through the filter element. The focusing lens may be moved along the optical axis to modify the spacing of the dual-fiber termination image appearing at the image plane. The change in spacing results in changing the angle of incidence of the optical signal propagating toward the thin film optical element. Since the pass wavelength of the thin film element is a function of the angle of incidence, the movement of the focusing lens may be used to "tune" the pass wavelength of the thin film optical device.

Abstract: A process is provided for the formation of a thin film of gate dielectric or similar material on a silicon semiconductor substrate from an organic precursor by atomic layer epitaxy, wherein the organic precursor is introduced to react with the treated surface to form a bonded monolayer of reactive species. A second reactant is introduced to react with the surface to form the desired dielectric. After each step in the cycle, the reaction chamber is purged with an inert gas to prevent reactions except on the surface. The cycle is repeated tens to hundreds of times to achieve a desired final film thickness. No less frequently than every third cycle, the film undergoes a discrete treatment step wherein ozone is introduced into the chamber to oxidize carbon contaminants therein to form volatile products which are removed from the reaction chamber by purging with the inert gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of a material containing a polymerizable monomer or oligomer, the material exhibiting desirable shrinkage compensation upon polymerization. The material contains an expansion agent having a cleaving moiety with the capacity to be cleaved or fragmented by a catalytic reaction, e.g., acid catalysis. The cleavage, by increasing the number of molecules in the material, causes expansion that compensates, at least in part, for shrinkage induced by polymerization of the monomer or oligomer. The expansion agent is capable of providing compensation such that no more than 0.4%, advantageously no more than 0.2%, volume shrinkage per molar concentration of polymerized monomer functional groups occurs, where such compensation is performed at relatively low temperatures of less than 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A stress relief apparatus for a conductor has two bodies, at least one of which pivots so as to grip the conductor. The bodies have first and second contours, respectively. The contours face each other, so that the smallest distance between the first and second contours changes as the pivoting body pivots. First and second elastic members bias the first and second bodies, respectively, so that each of the first and second bodies engage a cable positioned between the first and second bodies. The bodies may both be pivoting bodies, and may be mirror images of one another. The contours of the bodies may have an elliptical shape. Alternatively, the bodies may have a circular shape, in which case each body pivots about a pivot point that is located at a non-zero distance from the center of that body.

Abstract: A power delivery apparatus and method which calibrates a voltage delivered from a central unit to a remote unit to compensate for losses in the supply lines between the central unit and remote unit is disclosed. The impedance of the supply lines is determined utilizing a reference voltage conducted by a calibration line, a sweep tone transmitted down the supply line, or a time domain reflectometer technique. Based upon the determined impedance of the supply lines, the voltage delivered from the central unit can be calibrated accordingly. Alternatively, the impedance can be determined and the voltage calibrated based on the measured input voltage to the remote unit or the measured power level of a signal transmitted from the remote unit.

Abstract: A system for handling semiconductor and electronic elements secured to an adhesive surface is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a vacuum is applied through holes in a loading base. Under the influence of the vacuum, the adhesive film is pulled down toward the loading base and stretched around a pick rod so that the adhesive film is peeled away from the element. Thus, adhesive contact between the film and the element is reduced and a vacuum pick or collet is able to lift the element from the adhesive film with minimal force applied to the surface of the element.

Abstract: Assigning a wireless terminal as the only piece of telecommunication equipment for providing an individual user with full business telephone operations. The wireless terminal can be inserted into a plurality of different types of auxiliary desktop units, recognize the type of auxiliary desktop unit, and customize the displays of the auxiliary desktop unit to be that designated by the user of the wireless terminal. Each type of auxiliary desktop unit has a plurality of programmable buttons and indicators. The labels for the programmable buttons and indicators are LCD displays. The wireless terminal utilizes these LCD displays to customize the programmable buttons and indicators of the user interface for each individual user when the user's wireless terminal is in communication with the auxiliary desktop unit. This allows the user to receive the same label information regardless of the auxiliary desktop unit they are utilizing.

Abstract: Bubble-free core glass can be deposited at relatively high rate (e.g., >0.3 gm SiO.sub.2 /minute, preferably 0.6 gm SiO.sub.2 /minute or more) by MCVD if the deposition conditions are appropriately selected. For instance, a relatively high torch traverse speed, a relatively low sintering temperature, and/or relatively low gas flow rates can facilitate high rate deposition of bubble-free glass. By way of example, conditions are disclosed that yielded essentially bubble-free core glass (.DELTA.=0.35%) at a rate of 1 gm SiO.sub.2 /minute.

Abstract: A terminal strip with an integrated strain relief mechanism is deployed in an insulation displacement connector that contains a cap section, a base section including at least one terminal strip, and a latch member. The cap section is movable between an open position and a closed position and has therein at least one terminal strip receiving portion and at least one wire insertion channel for holding a wire. The channel has an entrance aperture for entry of the wire. The open position facilitates entry of the wire into the channel. When the cap section is in the closed position, the terminal strip is contained within the cap in the terminal strip receiving portion. The terminal strip includes a first arm having a first arm recess and a second arm having an offset tab. The latch member is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position such that when the latch member is in the engaged position, it maintains the cap section in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides, for use with a polishing apparatus, a carrier structure comprising a first magnetic body, a second magnetic body, and a retaining ring. In one advantageous embodiment, the first magnetic body has a first side coupleable to the polishing apparatus, and a second side. The second magnetic body has a first side proximate and juxtaposed the second side of the first magnetic body. The second magnetic body is coupled to the first magnetic body to allow undulant motion with respect to the first magnetic body. The first and second magnetic bodies are configured to have a like polarity. The retaining ring is coupled to the second side of the second magnetic body and forms a retaining cavity configured to receive an object to be polished. Thus, the first and second magnetic bodies may cooperate to form a frictionless gimbal.

Abstract: A method, technique, and apparatus proof test an optical fiber interconnect by applying an ends off-set stress on the optical fiber until the optical fiber fails or breaks, either immediately (short-term strength), or as a result of the delayed-fracture/"static-fatigue" phenomenon for the given off-set, and, hence, for the given stress (long-term strength), imposed for the measured period of time. If, for instance, the short-term strength is addressed, the off-set is measured at the time of the failure, and the corresponding critical strain of the optical fiber is then predicted. In predicting the critical strain, the method and apparatus iteratively determine the total strain, including non-linear components thereof, for an optical fiber interconnect experiencing the measured ends off-set. The analytical model/method includes the steps of iteratively processing characteristic parameters associated with the optical fiber, and determining the non-linear strain associated with the optical fiber.

Abstract: A telephone according to the invention includes an indicator adapted to provide an indication of the presence of an incoming call, and a sensor adapted to sense an environmental condition and adjust the indicator based on the sensed condition. For example, the sensor can sense an ambient light level and adjust a ringer to not ring or a speaker to mute when the ambient light level is below a threshold and/or based on an ambient noise level. In an alternative embodiment, a method of responding to a ringing signal includes the steps of sensing a level of ambient light, and adjusting an audible indicator based on the sensed level of ambient light.

Abstract: The invention is a method and resulting device which provides a strong bond between a silicon substrate and an oxide component mounted within a cavity in the substrate. A layer of titanium, for example, is deposited on the walls of the cavity, followed by deposition of a layer of aluminum. The structure is preferably annealed to form titanium silicide and titanium-aluminum interface layers. The component is then bonded to the aluminum layer.

Abstract: A bidirectional waveguide tap is disclosed. The tap comprises an appropriately blazed grating in the waveguide, with coupling means in optical co-operation with the waveguide causing transfer of light from a guided mode in the waveguide to a radiation mode. Radiation mode light of a given wavelength and propagation direction is brought to a focus on a predetermined region of utilization means, e.g., an array of photosensors.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for reducing skew-group blocking in a CDMA wireless system, or similar such blocking in any information transmission system characterized by packet arrivals associated with a given connection occurring at multiples of a fixed timing interval (frame), and where packet arrivals associated with different connections need to be dispersed within that interval. The system assigns competing connections to sub-intervals within a timing interval for such an information transmission systems, and causes a request from an information source for assignment to a specific sub-interval to be acted on pursuant to an evaluation of the impact that the grant of such a request for the specific sub-interval assignment will have on a transmission delay for packets assigned to succeeding sub-intervals in the timing interval.

Abstract: A programmable and latchable device for wavelength shifting and chromatic dispersion compensating is disclosed. An optical grating such as a Bragg grating, a nonchirped grating, or a linearly or non-linearly chirped grating, is magnetostrictively strained to alter the dispersion compensator characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a gradient magnetostrictive body is bonded along its length to the fiber grating. In yet another preferred embodiment, a magnetostrictive body is bonded onto the length of the fiber grating, and a gradient generating, programmable and latchable magnet component is placed adjacent the magnetostrictive body. The body is then latchably strained to a desired level by controlling the extent of magnetization in the magnetostrictive material and the magnet so as to induce or enhance chirping characteristics in the grating. Various optical applications using such are disclosed.

Abstract: A multiplier generates an array of partial products. The partial products are reduced in a converter having cells defining rows and columns. Cells adjacent to adders alternate between a cell that provides non-inverted outputs and a cell that provides inverted outputs, such that alternate rows of cells operate on non-inverted data and the intervening rows of cells operate on inverted data. A multiplexer for receiving the outputs from a row of cells may be an inverting multiplexer or a non-inverting multiplexer depending on the cell arrangement.