Abstract: An improved interconnect and cross-connect equipment panel for telecommunications apparatus holds jack panel modules (20) with connections to their rear and connector modules (20) with interconnected front and rear connectors. Patch cords (52) are utilized at the rear of the panel to interconnect a jack panel module with a connector module so that telecommunications apparatus connected to the rear of a jack panel module is accessible from the front of a connector module.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a tunable laser uses magnets to apply mechanical strain on fiber Bragg grating reflectors or laser cavities in order to induce a change in lasing wavelength. The strain can be tensile or compressive. The tunable laser comprises a laser cavity including a laser material for emitting light in response to stimulating light and two end reflectors one or more of which can be a Bragg grating. In preferred embodiments, latchable programmable magnets vary the grating periodicity and/or cavity length in a controlled, accurate manner so as to achieve desired tuning of the laser over a broad range of wavelengths. The latchable magnets hold the wavelength in the shifted position without the need for sustained power.

Abstract: A processing system which acts as a participant in the collaborative dialogue is first trained using a training algorithm. The training algorithm computes, in conjunction with a current turn of the training dialogue, a task initiative index and a dialogue initiative index for a next turn of the dialogue, using cues observed during the current turn, probability assignments associated with the observed cues, and current values of the task initiative index and the dialogue initiative index. The algorithm then predicts a task initiative holder and a dialogue initiative holder for the next turn of the training dialogue, using the task initiative index and dialogue initiative index computed for the next turn. The probability assignments associated with the observed cues are adjusted if the predicted task and dialogue initiative holders do not agree with corresponding respective actual task and dialogue initiative holders for the next turn.

Abstract: A battery backed-up power supply and a method of operating the same to test a battery therein. In one embodiment, the power supply includes: (1) a transformer having a main power primary winding, an auxiliary power primary winding and a secondary winding, (2) a main power converter, coupled to the main power primary winding, that provides main power received from a main power source to the main power primary winding and (3) an auxiliary power converter, coupled to the auxiliary power primary winding, that provides auxiliary power received from a battery to the auxiliary power primary winding when the main power source is interrupted and is further selectively activatable while the main power source is operational to discharge the battery through the transformer and thereby test the battery.

Abstract: A system and method that controls a wireless call from a home system regardless of its current serving system. In this system, when a wireless telephone is roaming, the serving system sets up a transmission path to the home system. The home system performs all of the origination functions as if the wireless unit were in the local area and communicates via the transmission path, with the wireless unit using the serving system as an extension of the home system.

Abstract: An add/drop multiplexer (ADM) 100 includes an optical demultiplexer 200 and an optical multiplexer 300 that are connected in series. The optical multiplexer and the optical demultiplexer each include a number of corresponding passbands, which means that the central wavelengths of the multiplexer's passbands are approximately equal to the central wavelengths of the demultiplexer's passbands. The performance of the ADM is improved by making the edges of corresponding passbands complementary to each other. In one illustrative design, the transmission of the demultiplexer decreases at its passband edges as the wavelength moves away from its central wavelength, whereas the transmission of the multiplexer increases as the wavelength moves away from its central wavelength. The resultant cascaded passband of the pair is wider than the passband of the demultiplexer alone, thereby increasing the number of ADMs in a chain for the same performance.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in an anisotropic, soft magnetic thin film article comprising a cobalt-iron-chromium-nitrogen (Co--Fe--Cr--N) alloy. The thin film is formed such that the alloy has a relatively high saturation magnetization (4.pi.M.sub.s), e.g., greater than approximately 8 kilogauss (kG), a relatively low coercivity (H.sub.c), e.g., less than approximately 2.0 oersteds (Oe), a relatively high squareness ratio (M.sub.r /M.sub.s), e.g., greater than approximately 0.90, and a relatively high anisotropy field (H.sub.k), e.g., greater than approximately 20 Oe, in an as-deposited condition or, alternatively, with a relatively low temperature treatment, e.g., below approximately 300.degree. Celsius. The inventive films are suitable for use in electromagnetic devices, e.g., in microtransformer cores, inductor cores and in magnetic read-write heads.

Abstract: A new scheduling method and policy for shared (server) resources, such as the CPU or disk memory of a multiprogrammed data processor. The scheduling is referred to as Move-To-Rear List Scheduling and it provides a cumulative service guarantee and well as more traditional guarantees such as fairness (proportional sharing) and bounded delay. In typical operation, a list is maintained for a server of processes seeking service from the server. Processes are admitted to the list only when maximum capacity constraints are not violated, and once on the list, are served in a front-to-back order. After receiving service, or upon the occurrence of other events, the position of the process on the list may be changed.

Abstract: A trough for separately retaining different types of cables and/or wires to facilitate identification and handling of the cables and/or wires. The trough comprises at least two compartments. An upper compartment comprises a base having a pair of arms extending upwardly therefrom, enclosing a space for retaining a first type of cables and/or wires. A lower compartment comprises an integral arm and a pivotable arm downwardly extending from the base, enclosing a space for retaining a second type of cables and/or wires. A locking mechanism comprises of a screw, a countersink at the pivotable arm for the head of a screw and a receptacle at the integral arm for the shank of the screw is provided to maintain the pivotable arm in a closed position and in contact with the integral arm.

Abstract: An integrated circuit differential amplifier with a digitally controllable gain. In a preferred embodiment, the differential amplifier employs first and second transconductance (gm) amplifiers and a digital to analog converter (DAC). The first gm amplifier converts a differential input voltage into a differential output current and the second gm amplifier converts the differential output current into a differential output voltage. A digital input code is applied to the DAC to generate an analog output voltage that is applied to one of the gm amplifiers to control its transconductance to thereby control the gain of the differential amplifier. The second gm amplifier employs a pair of low impedance feedback paths between input/output terminals of opposite polarity. The gain of the differential amplifier is thus a function of the ratio of the transconductance of the first gm amplifier to that of the second gm amplifier.

Abstract: A device (100) has a base (112). The base (112) has a first jack (161) on its bottom and a second jack (153) on its top. The first jack (161) may be a standard 645-type jack, and the second jack (153) may be a standard RJ11 jack. The base (112) has a bearing surface (114) for engaging a mounting surface (198) of a standard sheet metal panel. A first plug (160) (such as a 645-type plug) is shaped to fit into the first jack (161). The first plug (160) has terminals (164) which are conductively coupled to the second jack (153). The terminals (164) are shaped so as to directly connect to a printed circuit (199a) when the bearing surface (114) of the base (112) engages the mounting surface (198) and the mounting surface is positioned between the bearing surface and the printed circuit. A second plug (152), which may be an RJ11 plug, is shaped to fit into the second jack (153).

Abstract: A self-assembling micron-sized mechanical device is described. The device comprises hinged plates attached to a support. A beam having a first end free to move in an upwardly-directed arc is associated with each hinged plate comprising the device. The beam has a first engagement member, including a first angled edge, disposed at its freely-movable first end. Each hinged plate includes a second engagement member, including a second angled edge. In the unassembled state, at least a portion of the first engagement member lies beneath the second engagement member on the support. Actuation force is applied to the beam by an actuator, the force causing the first end of the beam to lift. As it does so, the first and second angled edges slide over another, and the hinged plate is rotated upwardly about its hinges away from the support. The mechanical advantage provided by the angled edges allows a hinged plate to be rotated fully ninety degrees away from the support.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for determining values for data reproduced or retrieved from data storage media such as in holographic memory systems. The method includes initially approximating the value of data members retrieved initially from the data storage medium of interest (e.g., by their intensity levels based on an absolute scale), using those approximations collectively to establish one or more threshold levels for defining ranges for the data values to be determined, and determining values for the retrieved data members by comparing the initial data value approximations of the retrieved data members to the established threshold levels. Alternatively, the threshold level(s) are set initially and adjusted iteratively based on the initial approximations of the individual data members until a final established threshold level is established.

Abstract: The omnidirectional work table fixture for printed circuit board repair that enables the operator to both laterally and rotationally position the printed circuit board. This is accomplished by providing a mounting plate on one major surface of which is affixed a printed circuit board fixture to hold the printed circuit board in place. On the other major surface is mounted a plurality of omnidirectional rollers which enable smooth movement of the omnidirectional work table fixture in any direction, both laterally (X-Y direction) as well as rotationally.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector has a pivotably attached cap with a centrally positioned latch positioned between the lead wire receiving holes of the connector. The connector has two terminals. Each terminal has an upper portion including a pair of upwardly projecting members. The terminals each have a lower portion connectable to respective first and second plug wires. The connector has a housing. The housing has a lower portion. The lower portion has first and second openings in which the terminals are seated. An upper portion is pivotably attached to the lower portion of the housing. The upper portion of the housing includes two lead wire receiving holes. The upper portion of the housing has an open position for insertion of lead wires in the holes, and a closed position for connecting the upwardly projecting members of the first and second terminals to the respective lead wires.

Abstract: A mass fusion splice tray assembly increases the capacity of a splice closure which has support members thereon for supporting the assembly. The assembly include a splice tray which latches to a support member and which has locating slots to contain two splice holder inserts. A cover member has latching legs which latch to wedge shaped latches on the splice tray. The cover member is adapted for pivotally mounting a discrete splice tray on the top surface thereof so that the total splice capacity of the splice tray assembly is increased.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a magnetic device and a manufacturing tool employing the methods. One of the methods includes the steps of: (1) applying an adhesive between opposing end faces of first and second core-portions of a magnetic core of the magnetic device, (2) placing the first and second core-portions proximate a permanent magnet during a cure-time of the adhesive, the permanent magnet causing the first and second core-portions to be magnetically attracted to one another to fix the first core-portion relative to the second core-portion and (3) separating the permanent magnet from the first and second core-portions following expiration of the cure-time, the adhesive thereafter fixing the first core-portion relative to the second core-portion.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) device comprises a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device and a silicon optical-bench (SiOB) device or system. The MEMS device interacts with the SiOB mechanically or electromagnetically. In one embodiment, the MEMS device is operable to provide a switching function for the SiOB device. The MEMS device comprises an actuator that is mechanically linked to an optical interruptor that prevents at least a portion of an optical signal incident thereon from propagating therethrough. In an actuated state, the actuator causes the optical interrupter to move into an optical path of an optical signal traveling through an SiOB device. The signal is at least partially reflected or absorbed such that only a portion of the signal propagates beyond the point of contact with the optical interrupter.

Abstract: A hybrid standby power system for producing regulated DC electrical power, a method of producing such power and a telecommunications installation that employs either the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a primary power input, couplable to a primary power source, that accepts primary electrical power subject to interruption, (2) a standby power input, couplable to a standby power source, that accepts unregulated standby electrical power and (3) a power converter, couplable to at least one of the primary and standby power inputs, including a rectifier that rectifies at least one of the primary and standby electrical power to provide unregulated DC electrical power and a DC--DC converter that converts the unregulated DC electrical power into the regulated DC electrical power.

Abstract: A self-orienting optical component advantageous for assembling sub-optical assemblies in which the components must be precisely aligned comprises a component having a magnetic film deposited on a portion of its outer surface so that a magnetic field applied adjacent the optical component will induce the optical component to move to a pre-determined orientation. Advantageously, the optical component also has further layers deposited on portions of its outer surface for aiding in adhesion, soldering, or light transmission. An improved method of assembling an optical subassembly comprises depositing a film of magnetic material over a portion of the outer surface of the optical component and applying a magnetic field to the optical component to induce it to move to a pre-determined orientation to aid in positioning it on a submount.