Abstract: A system and method for transporting data packets in a ring network includes a plurality of network nodes having a protection switching agent and at least one fast downstream path circuit that provides a low-latency packet cut-through function for forwarding packets from an upstream node to a downstream node. The network nodes include three interfaces, two interfaces for coupling the network node to other network nodes in the ring network, and a third interface for coupling the network node to a local node. A plurality of virtual paths are provided between a data packet gateway, such as an Internet gateway, and the local nodes that are coupled to the network nodes of the ring network. A virtual channel identifier is embedded within data packets transported on the network so that the protection switching agent in each network node can determine whether to route received data packets to the local node, or to the low-latency cut-through downstream path circuit.

Abstract: A switch of a network, which services a contract, for switching frame relay frames having a variable size. The switch includes ports through which frames are received from and sent to the network. The switch includes a memory in which data of the frames is stored, the memory in communication with the ports. The switch includes a processor which sends traffic contract conforming frames within a first time interval having a bandwidth to the network and adds unusable bandwidth from the first time interval to a second time interval in which the processor sends data to the network. A method for switching frame relay frames having a variable size in a network, which services a contract.

Abstract: An Ethernet protection system includes an Ethernet communication device operable to be connected to first and second Ethernet lines forming a parallel connection. The Ethernet communication device is able to select the first Ethernet line and transmit and receive data over the first Ethernet line, and upon detecting a failure in the first Ethernet line, automatically select the second Ethernet line and transmit and receive data over the second Ethernet line.

Abstract: A digital laser driver circuit is provided in which a digital synthesizer synthesizes a modulation index signal for precisely setting the modulation level of the laser, and a pair of feedback loops control the average power level and modulation index of the laser diode. The laser diode includes a back-facet photodiode that is used to monitor the laser's average and peak optical power levels. The average power level is measured by an analog feedback loop and compared to an externally supplied reference voltage in order to maintain the laser at a particular average optical power level. The peak power is measured by a digital feedback loop and compared to a pair of threshold levels based on a ratio of the average power level using digital comparators. The comparators provide signals to the digital synthesizer in order to indicate that the modulation level is too low or too high.

Abstract: A telecommunications system. The system includes a first area. The system includes a second area connected to the first area to form a single physical network for routing connections and in which there is selective propagation of information between each area in the network. A split switch. The split switch includes a first node adapted to be disposed in a first area. The split switch includes a second node adapted to be disposed in a second area. The second node is in communication with the first node. The first node prevents information from propagating into the first area from the second area which was provided to the second area from the first area or arose from the first area. A method for routing connections. The method includes the steps of propagating information concerning a connection from a first area of a physical network to a second area of the physical area. Then there is the step of preventing the information from forming a routing loop back to the first area.

Abstract: A system for sending data. The system includes a telecommunications network which supports connections. Each connection has a first attribute. The first attribute is that the connection has unspecified traffic. The network includes switches, and links which connect the switches. The system includes a routing module connected to the switches. The routing module has a mechanism for attributing a second attribute associated with transmission to each connection on the network. The second attribute is different than the first attribute. The routing module forms connections on the network based on the first attribute and the second attribute. A method for sending data. The method includes the steps of defining a telecommunications network which supports a connection having a first attribute. The first attribute is that the connection has unspecified traffic which travels on the connection. Then there is the step of attributing a second attribute associated with transmission to the connection on the network.

Abstract: A microscale chip cooling system for a heat dissipating item, such as Intel's Pentium brand microprocessor. The system includes a 40 millimeter by 40 millimeter thermally insulated housing including a base and a cover. The system also includes a thermally conductive evaporator. The evaporator is adapted to be attached to a heat source such as the microprocessor. The cover includes inlet and outlet ports and the base includes a capillary passage. A refrigerant or heat transferring fluid is pumped or past through the passage before making a sudden expansion in an expansion zone just before passing to an evaporator chamber. Pool and flow boiling and forced convection may occur in the evaporator chamber as heat is transferred from the microprocessor through the thermally conductive evaporator to the refrigerant. The refrigerant then returns to a compressor to repeat the cycle. The system is extremely small and very efficient.

Abstract: A modular terminal block assembly including modular shells having channel shaped and walled ends, multiple housings for insulation displacements connectors and slotted partitions. A universal connector with extending parallel arms connect abutting modular shells, and barrier strips are located within the modular shells abutting the housings. End shells are also attached to the modular shells. Grease is placed in the housing and in activators mounted to the housings. The shells are filled with potting compound where the arms and partitions integral with the shells act as reinforcing elements in the compound. Thereafter the compound hardens so as to strengthen and stiffen the connected shells. This results in a robust assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining balanced communication channels evenly even with heavy increases in service demands are disclosed. The apparatus uses an arrangement of jumpers and unique connection panes which allow rapid changes in the distribution of similar circuits to achieve balanced loads.

Abstract: A process for making inner and outer ducts for a simple but effective plastic heat exchanger by a simple blow molding or thermoforming technique. Seals are formed by providing initially closed inner ducts which are stacked on one another and the end portions of the inner ducts are placed in a mold. A castable adhesive sealant is placed in the mold and around the stacked inner ducts. After curing, the mold and the stacked inner ducts are separated and a portion of the stack and a portion of the seal material are cut and removed. Thereafter, the outer duct is positioned about the stacked inner ducts so that two different flow paths are formed. Instead of molding the seal, a preformed seal may be press fitted to the stack of inner ducts.

Abstract: A packet switch. The switch includes a plurality of port cards. Each port card has an unstriper which reassembles stripes of a particular packet. The switch includes a plurality of fabrics. Each fabric operates on only a same respective fragment of a packet received from one of the plurality of port cards at any one time and allows the same respective fragments to be reassembled at one of the plurality of port cards. Each of the plurality of fragments is connected to each of the plurality of port cards. A method for switching packets. The method includes the steps of sending a sync signal from a port card to a plurality of fragments. Then there is the step of sending fragments of a packet as stripes to the respect plurality of fabrics. Next there is the step of operating on the fragments after they are received at each respective fabric by each respective fabric only after the respective fabric has receives the sync signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication device that attaches using magnetic force in whole or part to an article of manufacture, or other material having a magnetic surface portion. The wireless communication device contains a form of a magnet to provide magnetic force and attraction. A magnet can be a natural magnet, electromagnet or other type of material having magnetic properties. The wireless communication device may be detached from the article by altering the magnetic force created by its associated magnet. Altering is accomplished by using an external device or a device internal to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is also operable to receive and communicate information regarding the article to which it is attached remotely for identification, informative, and tracking purposes.

Abstract: A switch for switching traffic from N sources to M destinations, where M and N are each an integer greater than or equal to 2. The switch includes K segments, where K is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer. Each segment receiving traffic from R of the N sources, where 1≦R<N and is an integer, and all K segments in total receiving traffic from the N sources. Each segment collecting and queuing traffic from the respective R sources. The switch includes an arbitrator which receives information from the destinations regarding if they can receive data or not, and from the K segments about the traffic they have for different destinations. A method for switching traffic from N sources to M destinations, where M and N are each an integer greater than or equal to 2. The method includes the steps of receiving traffic from the N sources at input ports of K segments, where K is greater than or equal to 2 and is an integer.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method for identifying a container, or communication information about a container, using a slot in the container as an antenna. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. The container includes an outer wall forming a rim and a slot between the rim edge and the outer wall that is circular and continues without boundaries. The wireless communication device is coupled to the slot to provide the slot antenna for communications. An impedance matching network is additionally provided to make the operating frequency of the slot substantially the same as the operating frequency of the wireless communication device. Alternatively, shorting posts may be placed in the slot to define boundaries of the slot to match the operating frequency of the slot to the operating frequency of the antenna. Variable impedance matching is provided between the wireless communication device and the slot.

Abstract: A clock system includes a provisioning layer corresponding to a plurality of input clocks, and a plurality of layers arranged according to a hierarchy. The first layer in the hierarchy is operable to arrange the input clocks into groups and for each group select a corresponding group output clock. The remaining layers in the hierarchy are operable to arrange the group output clocks from a next layer higher in the hierarchy into groups and for each group select a corresponding group output clock. The lowest layer in the hierarchy is operable to select one of the group output clocks from the next layer higher in the hierarchy as a selected clock.

Abstract: A telecommunications system. The system includes M terminating nodes which receive switched permanent connections, where M is greater than or equal to 1 and is an integer. The system includes N originating nodes which request switched permanent connections, where N is greater than or equal to 1 and is an integer. Each originating node has a mechanism for manipulating the order in which the switched permanent connections are attempted to be established with the terminating nodes. The system includes a switch fabric which establishes the switched permanent connections between the originating nodes and the terminating nodes. The originating nodes and terminating nodes are connected to the switch fabric. The mechanism for manipulating the order in which SPVx connections are attempted to be established between originating nodes and terminating nodes through a switch fabric. A method for establishing switched permanent connections between originating nodes and terminating nodes through a switch fabric.

Abstract: A coaxial transmission line surge protector assembly is provided which includes a connector housing having an outer conductor surface for electrically coupling with the outer conductor of a coaxial transmission line. A housing inner conductor, for electrically coupling with the inner conductor of a coaxial transmission line, which includes a fuse link that becomes an open circuit when the current through the fuse link is greater than a current threshold. The protector assembly may further include a gas tube having first and second electrodes for electrically coupling with the outer and inner conductors of a coaxial transmission line. In addition, the protector assembly may include a fail-short clip having a first portion that is electrically coupled to the first electrode of the gas tube and a second portion that is electrically insulated from the second electrode of the gas tube by a dielectric.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes a display means for displaying an image. The apparatus includes a camera means distributed throughout the display means to take images of objects in view of the display means. A screen. The screen includes a display for displaying an image. The screen includes a plurality of pinholes distributed in the display. The screen includes a plurality of sensors with at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors in alignment with and corresponding with one pinhole of the plurality of pinholes to receive light passing through the pinhole to image a ray of a specific size and a specific direction out from the display. A method for imaging.