Abstract: A button which is removable from and insertable into a keypad from the exterior of a housing containing the keypad. The button fits within an opening of the keypad and is formed with resilient fingers in its side walls. The fingers have interfering flanges at their lower ends. The flanges are chamfered to provide a camming action to deflect the fingers when the button is removed or inserted.

Abstract: A novel PDLC film composition that contains a mixture of acrylate monomers that provide certain advantages when combined with a liquid crystal. The mixture of acrylate monomers contains one monofunctional monomer that gives rise to a homeotropic anchoring condition, and one monofunctional monomer that gives rise to homogeneous anchoring condition in the PDLC film made from the composition of the present invention at a selected temperature. The monomer mixture also contains a polyfunctional acrylate monomer. PDLC films made from these compositions have advantages over films made from compositions that have only one monofunctional acrylate monomer. Also, by using the process of the present invention, one can prepare a PDLC film that exhibits a low switching voltage in a desired temperature range.

Abstract: Optical fiber according to the invention comprises a core, with an inner cladding surrounding the core, and an outer cladding surrounding the inner one. The fiber comprises preform-derived glass. The outer cladding comprises a first outer cladding region between the inner cladding region and a second outer cladding region. The first outer cladding region is selected to have an effective refractive index less than 1.35, and such that the optical characteristics of the optical fiber are essentially independent of the second outer cladding, and/or such that the fiber is re-coat insensitive. The first outer cladding typically comprises elongate features extending in the fiber axial direction, with a web material joining the inner cladding to the second outer cladding. The elongate features are filled with a low-index material, exemplarily air, but could of course be evacuated. Fibers according to the invention have many uses, e.g., cladding-pumped optical fiber or fiber with a long period grating.

Abstract: A system and method controls an encoder data buffer. The system includes an encoder for encoding input data as a first bit sequence in a bitstream; a processor having a predetermined size for converting the first bit sequence to a sequence having the predetermined size; and a decoder for decoding the modified bit sequence. The processor generates a set of modified bit sequences for facilitating editing thereof, in which the set of modified bit sequences, assembled in an arbitrary order, are decodeable by the decoder to generate a decoded output signal free of editing artifacts. The modified bit sequences are generated by inserting bits to the first bit sequence. The encoder encodes the input data at a rate such that a final capacity of the data buffer is less than a function of the predetermined size, a desired decoding rate, and an initial capacity of the encoder buffer. The data buffer has a total buffer capacity which is less than a function of the actual rate and the desired decoding rate.

Abstract: The specification describes a metal contact material optimized for diffused contacts to the buried emitter-base junction in DHBT devices. The metal contact material is a multilayer structure of Pd-Pt-Au which gives the required critical diffusion properties for low resistance contacts to the buried base layer without shorting to the collector layer.

Abstract: A racetrack grommet of resilient material for use in providing a seal between two flanged closure members has first and second spaced sides thereon adapted to be positioned between the flanges, and transverse end sections having insert receiving members having bores therein. Insert members are configured to fit within the bores in end to end butting relationship to provide a seal between a cable entering or leaving the assembled closure and the insert receiving members which, in turn, provide seals for end openings in the assembled closure. The bores in the insert receiving members have holding and sealing means therein and each insert has mating means thereon for mating with the holding means to provide a seal between each of the insert members and the insert receiving member. One or more port plugs seal the unused bores in the insert receiving members.

Abstract: Improved radio receiver designs can be used in the operational environment of wireless telephone communications. The radio receiver includes a variable attenuator, a variable-current RF signal amplifier, and a controller. The controller controls the amount of attenuation provided by the variable attenuator, and/or the current consumed by the variable-current RF signal amplifier, in response to signals received by the RF signal amplifier. The controller adjusts the variable attenuator, and/or the RF signal amplifier, to achieve a minimum symbol error rate and/or to maximize the signal-to-noise and interference ratio for a desired signal, irrespective of the levels of any interfering signals received by the RF signal amplifier. In this manner, the variable attenuator, and/or the variable current RF signal amplifier, are adjusted to obtain just the right amount of intermodulation performance for a given set of receiving conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining error in a manufacturing system by providing a substrate having first pattern disposed thereon. An energy source such as electromagnetic radiation or particle beams is projected through a shaping member having a second pattern incongruent with the first pattern to form a shaped energy source. The shaped energy source impinges on the first pattern such that a portion of said shaped energy source is reflected, scattered, or transmitted by the first pattern. The portion of the shaped energy source that is reflected, scattered or transmitted by the first pattern is detected to determine the presence or absence of an error in the manufacturing system.In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for constructing an error detection system. A waveform representative of at least one manufacturing system parameter is selected. Associated with the waveform is a mathematical function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and remotely displaying the audio and visual portion of a person speaking so that the audio and visual signals are synchronized. The audio signal is constantly transmitted to the receiver and is also used to create a predicted image of the lips of the talking head. The actual lip image is compared to the predicted lip image. Based upon this comparison, it is determined which of three signals is to be transmitted to the receiver: no signal corresponding to the video signal, a signal corresponding only to the differences between the actual lip image and a predicted lip image, or the actual lip image. The receiver reconstructs a lip image based upon the audio signal received and the signal received, if any, corresponding to the video image and inserts it into the previously received video frame or modifies the previous frame accordingly.

Abstract: Using dynamic learning techniques by a system controller to determine a subset of neighboring cell sites to which an activity transfer should be attempted. An activity transfer can be a handoff or registration. The neighboring cell sites that should be chosen for an activity transfer are specified for each cell site. The specified neighboring cell sites are determined by the dynamic learning process. In a first embodiment, the dynamic learning is accomplished by accumulating statistical data that defines the average call duration of each of the selected neighboring sites after an activity transfer to each. Advantageously, this average duration can include the total call duration for two subsequent activity transfers. In a second embodiment, the dynamic learning is accomplished by accumulating statistical data that defines the maximum transmission power from the base station to which a handset was transferred.

Abstract: An enclosure, such as a building entrance protector (BEP) enclosure, has a base, a mid layer pivotally connected to the base, and a cover pivotally connected to the mid layer. A mounting plane mounted to the mid layer divides the enclosure into two chambers--an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The mid layer provides at least two different mounting positions for the mounting plane, in order to provide different sets of volumes for the two chambers. In particular, by moving the mounting plane from the lower mounting position to the upper mounting position, the volume of the inner chamber is increased, while the volume of the outer chamber is decreased. The enclosure is designed such that the mounting plane can be reconfigured from one mounting position to the other in the field and without disturbing any of the hardware, including any electrical connections, housed within the two chambers, including any hardware mounted directly to the mounting plane.

Abstract: A passive optical network is provided that spectrally slices optical signals transmitted in both upstream and downstream directions utilizing wavelength division multiplexing routing. The passive optical network preferably includes a broadband optical signal source at both ends to provide signals that are spectrally sliced according to optical frequency. The downstream information may be transmitted in a conventional data format. The upstream transmissions may be segregated by subcarrier multiplexing, time scheduling or wavelength division multiplexing. At the subscriber end of the network there is an optical network unit which includes a device coupling the downstream fiber to the upstream fiber. Such coupling allows the passive optical network to perform enhanced diagnostic tests.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector cleaning process that is both field deployable, and achieves optical reflectance levels of -60 dB and lower. Specifically, the cleaning process according to the instant invention uses electrostatic dissipative (ESD) cleaning wipes along with an acidic detergent and deionized water to remove metallic and metal oxide particles bound to the connector by an electrostatic charge. Advantageously, the acidic detergent is both biodegradable and phosphate free and is therefore environmentally safe. Inasmuch as the instant invention avoids the use of lasers or other machinery, the process can easily be applied in a field setting.

Abstract: A selected positive coefficient resistor is connected in parallel across a laser, Light Emitting Diode (LED) or amplifier LED (ALED) to adjust the bias current, respectively, to the laser, LED or ALED as a function of temperature so as to maintain a more regulated optical power output therefrom.

Abstract: In accordance with a specific deposition/etching sequence, a multi-layer metallization system is formed on the non-planar top surface of a semiconductor wafer. In an electrophoretic deposition step, a conformal uniform-thickness layer of a resist material is then formed on the top surface of the metallization system. In turn, the layer of resist material is lithographically patterned to provide an etch-mask for defining features in the underlying metallization system.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an optical switch employs a long-period grating for switching light between alternative optical paths. In essence, the device comprises a variable intensity light source, a length of optical waveguide dimensioned for co-propagating light in two distinguishable modes, and a long-period grating in the waveguide for coupling between the two modes. The waveguide is nonlinear so that the effective refractive index is a function of intensity. As a consequence the coupling produced by the grating is a function of intensity. Thus different levels of light intensity can switch between the separate modes. Advantageously a mode separator is provided for directing light in the two modes onto respectively different optical output paths. A variety of two-mode switches and optical limiters are described, as well as an optical system using the switch.

Abstract: A coin telephone instrument is provided with a string cutter positioned to intercept and cut the string of a tethered coin deposited by a fraudulent user. The deposited, tethered coin follows the usual serpentine path of the coin chute, along a coin chute guide. However, a "cusp" in the coin path facilitates the cutting of the string, when it is pulled back by the fraudulent user. Pulling back on the string causes it to leave the serpentine coin chute path and to enter a gap between the coin chute path and the door of the telephone instrument. The tethered coin remains in the coin chute. Once the string has entered the gap between the door of the telephone instrument it encounters the jaws of the string cutter where any further pulling of the string will cause it to be cut by a scissoring action of the jaws.

Abstract: The interface between a telephone station device and a telecommunications system/network is digitized at a point at which a telephone call is originated such that signals generated by the device and other intelligence, e.g., voice or data signals, are formed into respective data packets. The data packets are then sent to the telecommunications system/network via a data network as they are so formed. Similarly, the intelligence contained in data packets received from the telecommunications system and destined for the telephone station device is converted into a form acceptable to the telephone station device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing of semiconductor chips. The method and apparatus having a fixture which includes electrical contacts and thermal contacts. The electrical contacts are configured to drive each of the chips in an operating or stressed condition. The thermal contacts are configured to maintain the chip at a desired temperature during testing.

Abstract: An update block for an adaptive RAM-based equalizer filter configuration includes a multiplier, an adder, and a plurality of delay units. The multiplier, adder, and delay units are coupled in an manner so as to have the capability to perform full-rate equalizer filter coefficient adaptation. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of updating a coefficient signal for an adaptive RAM-based equalizer filter configuration is provided. The method selectively variably delays an error signal sample produced by the adaptive RAM-based equalizer filter configuration and an equalizer filter input signal sample and computes with selectively variably error signal sample and the selectively variably delayed equalizer filter input signal sample. Finally, the coefficient signal is updated by adding the product to the coefficient signal.