Abstract: A charging circuit for charging a battery is disclosed. The charging circuit includes a power transistor having a charging terminal for connection to a charger, and a battery terminal for connection to the battery. Further, the charging circuit includes a shunt transistor connected between the battery and a control terminal of the power transistor. The shunt transistor prevents saturation of the power transistor when the charging source is disconnected from the charging terminal and the battery is in a charged state. This prevents leakage of current from the battery through the power transistor. The charging circuit further includes a diode connected between the charging terminal and a shunt control input of the shunt transistor. The diode, along with a voltage divider which divides the charging voltage, maintains the shunt transistor in a non-conductive state when the charger is connected to the charging terminal.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an improved optical communication system employs light-generating devices comprising a phonon-tuned crystal alloy host doped with an optically active atom. In one embodiment, the crystal alloy host and optically active atom respectively comprise spinel and nickel. The spinel material is typically a solid solution between magnesium aluminate and magnesium gallate.

Abstract: A unique process, i.e., method, is employed to automatically close an open reactive system. This is realized by employing a unique analysis technique to automatically close the open system by eliminating its interface to its environment. This allows the open system being analyzed to be comprised of either a single sequential process or a set of concurrent processes. The effect of closing the system is to make it executable and amenable to analysis. This is because the resulting closed system simulates the behavior of the original open system in its most general environment.

Abstract: An optical adapter 100 includes a pair of cylindrical ferrules 121, 122, each containing an optical fiber disposed along its central axis 101--101. The ferrules are aligned with their central axes being collinear. Moreover, the ferrules are captured within a plastic housing that comprises a plug member 110 and a jack member 140. These members interlock with each other to form an adapter that can be used, for example, for attenuating an optical signal or for interconnecting two ferrules having different diameters. Preferably, the ferrules are identical to each other. Each ferrule includes an optical fiber that is disposed in a bore, which extends along the central axis of the ferrule between its opposite ends, and each ferrule has an end face 126 that is angled at about 82 degrees with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A multilayered printed wiring board (PWB) with improved probing for in-circuit, functional, and prototype testing. The PWB includes a support layer and at least a top layer disposed over the support layer. The top layer has one or more circuits with traces for measuring signals produced by the circuit. A test-layer for routing the signals to the edge of the board is provided between the top layer and the support layer. The test-layer includes long traces extending from a first location substantially beneath the traces to a second location adjacent to the edge of the board. Contacts for measuring the signals produced by the circuit are provided on the top layer adjacent to the edge of the board. A first set of vias may be used to connect the first ends of the long traces to the traces on the top layer and a second set of vias may be used to connect the second ends of the long traces to the contacts.

Abstract: A method for making an integrated circuit capacitor includes forming a first dielectric layer adjacent a substrate, forming a first opening in the first dielectric layer, filling the first opening with a conductive material to define a first metal plug, and forming a trench in the first dielectric layer adjacent the first metal plug. An interconnection line lines the first trench and contacts the first metal plug to define anchoring recesses on opposite sides of the first metal plug. The method further includes forming a second dielectric layer on the interconnection line, forming a second opening in the second dielectric layer, and filling the second opening with a conductive metal to define a second metal plug having a body portion and anchor portions extending downward from the body portion for engaging the anchoring recesses to anchor the second metal plug. A second trench is formed in the second dielectric layer adjacent the second metal plug, and is aligned with the first trench.

Abstract: An optical adapter 100 includes a pair of cylindrical ferrules 121, 122, each containing an optical fiber disposed along its central axis 101-101. The ferrules are aligned with their central axes being collinear. Moreover, the ferrules are captured within a plastic housing that comprises a plug member 110 and a jack member 140. These members interlock with each other to form an adapter that can be used, for example, for attenuating an optical signal or for interconnecting two ferrules having different diameters. Preferably, the ferrules are identical to each other. Each ferrule includes an optical fiber that is disposed in a bore, which extend s along the central axis of the ferrule between its opposite ends, and each ferrule has an end face 126 that is angled at about 82 degrees with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: We have found that the conversion efficiency of a Er/Yb-doped cladding pumped fiber amplifier increases with increasing signal input power. Thus, preamplification of the input signal by means of an Er-doped fiber amplifier can result in increased conversion efficiency of the cladding pumped power amplifier. Such increased efficiency is desirable, lessening heat removal problems and/or facilitating increased reliability.

Abstract: The specification describes a process for making gate electrodes for silicon MOS transistor devices. The gate electrode is a composite of a first layer of tungsten suicide, a second layer of tungsten silicide nitride, and a third layer of tungsten silicide. The absence of polysilicon as a main constituent of the gate electrode eliminates depletion effects. The presence of nitride in the composite gate electrode impedes updiffusion of boron from the source and drain. The layers are preferably formed in situ in an PVD apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing customer telemetering equipment while on a voice connection between an agent of a customer server and the customer. A voice connection is initially established between a customer and an agent of a server such as a utility. The original connection may be established when a customer complains, or in response to receipt of a complaint report at an earlier time. If, during the discussion between the customer and an agent of the server, the agent believes that accessing the customer's telemetering equipment might help to uncover the problem, the agent signals a customer Telemetering Interface Gateway to allow the agent to access the appropriate telemetering equipment. After the agent has obtained information from this equipment, the agent sends another signal to the Gateway and the voice connection to the customer is re-established. Advantageously, problems can be discussed and solved while the customer is still connected to the agent, thus avoiding repeated telephone calls.

Abstract: Pin fraud of battery reversal pulse metered sophisticated coin telephones is detected, an announcement of the detected fraud made, and the fraud is stopped if the detected fraud continues by the method and apparatus of the invention. By carefully monitoring within the switch office the loop current that is flowing in the 48 volt battery circuit, especially in the more positive terminal portion of the 48 volt battery circuit, loss of current to a fraud ground at a remote coin telephone can be detected. Once a fraud ground is detected, an announcement is made to at least the calling station where the pin fraud was detected, which says in effect "The pay telephone you are using is charging improperly for the service provided. If such improper charging continues the present call will be discontinued." A convenient location in the switch office and an inexpensive component configuration make the addition of this pin fraud detection, announcement and prevention apparatus very cost effective.

Abstract: A test system resident in a highly integrated chip having a multi-bus architecture and data transfer protocols among a plurality of modules comprising a plurality of buses, each of the buses having multiple data lines for transferring data based on the data transfer protocols, a multiplexer coupled to the plurality of buses for multiplexing the data onto parallel lines and a CRC signature compactor coupled to the parallel lines for receiving the data. The CRC signature compactor compresses the data and (1) provides a fault-free signature representative of the data in a known fault-free chip, and (2) provides another signature representative of the data in a chip under test, wherein the two signatures are compared to determine whether a fault exists in the chip under test.

Abstract: The photorecording medium of the invention is formed by mixing a matrix precursor and a photoactive monomer, and curing the mixture to form the matrix in situ. The reaction by which the matrix precursor is polymerized during the cure is independent from the reaction by which the photoactive monomer is polymerized during writing of data. In addition, the matrix polymer and the polymer resulting from polymerization of the photoactive monomer are compatible with each other. Use of a matrix precursor and photoactive monomer that polymerize by independent reactions substantially prevents cross-reaction between the photoactive monomer and the matrix precursor during the cure and inhibition of subsequent monomer polymerization. Use of a matrix precursor and photoactive monomer that result in compatible polymers substantially avoids phase separation. And in situ formation allows fabrication of media with desirable thicknesses.

Abstract: For a transmission system in which (a) a received sequence of symbols is processed by an inner decoder followed by an outer decoder and (b) the inner decoder is capable of providing to the outer decoder more than one output sequence corresponding to the received sequence, the decoded sequence released by the outer decoder is screened for errors undetected by the outer decoder, if a predetermined criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protection circuit for, and method of, sensing a transient condition and limiting a current, and a power supply having a filter incorporating the protection circuit or method. In one embodiment, the protection circuit includes: (1) a current-limiting component coupled between the filter and a return node, (2) a bypass switch coupled across the current-limiting component, (3) a load-current return switch series-coupled between an output of the power supply and the return node and (4) a control circuit that senses a transient condition in the power supply and controls at least one of the bypass switch and the load-current return switch.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, apparatus for and method of operating an optical signal monitor is disclosed for providing rapid monitoring of optical signals using a high speed optical modulator. One illustrative optical signal monitor includes (1) a Mechanical AntiReflective Switch (MARS) optical modulator (signal chopper) capable of operating at 10 MHz rates and having a detection bandwidth greater than 100 kHz and (2) a synchronous detector using lock-in detection in a 1550 nm-band WDM optical monitor to enhance detection sensitivity by greater than 30 dB compared to direction detection methods. According to another embodiment, the optical monitor can be used to control adaptive optical amplifier units or equalizer units of a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) system.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for non-contact cleaving a brittle, non-metallic solid material, such as semiconductor material, glass, quartz, ceramic or like material. A pulsating gas jet directs a jet of gas toward a support structure formed of a non-compliant material. The semiconductor material is positioned on the support structure between a pair of film layers. The semiconductor material is scored in at least one location on the material. A plastic buffer material is adhered to the support structure. The semiconductor material and the film layers are moved along the support structure until the score line is at a ledge of the support structure and underneath the source of gas. The jet of gas applies a sufficient force to cleave the semiconductor material as it passes off the ledge of the support structure, while minimizing vibration and/or turbulence. The buffer provides cushioning and inhibits the formation of fractures during the cleaving process.

Abstract: Emergency service calls, such as 911 calls, are routed to specially trained operators at public service answering points (PSAPs). A PSAP switch, a special focus private branch exchange (PBX), is provided for interconnecting incoming PSAP calls to a PSAP position staffed by a PSAP operator. The PSAP position comprises a telephone facility for talking to the caller, and a PC for accessing and displaying data about the caller, i.e., the caller's address, and any special characteristics such as a caller's disability, etc. An ISDN, (Inte-grated Services Digital Network), line connects a tandem access switch used for routing PSAP calls with the PSAP switch. The ISDN facility is used for conveying information about the caller for display at the PC of the answering PSAP position. Advantageously, this arrangement provides an integrated system for communicating both the voice of the caller, and the data describing the caller to a PSAP operator.

Abstract: A network interface unit is disclosed having a plurality of modular layers mountable on each other in a consecutive manner with each layer being hinged and having at least one passageway for passing wires to and from the modular layers.

Abstract: Certain types of modeling problems solvable using object oriented computer programming languages can be solved using standard structure query programming languages (SQL). By appropriately tabulating relationships of these problems, the tables can be operated on using predetermined SQL procedures that can use well-known object oriented computer programming language concepts.