Abstract: A connector port is adapted for a (NID) to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized drop cable from outside the NID. An exterior connector port includes a base positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a mount on the base and a connector receptacle secured to the mount adjacent the external wall. An interior connector port includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a bracket mounted inside the NID and a connector receptacle secured to the bracket. A connector port also includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by a wall of the NID and a connector port secured to the insert. The connector port permits a field technician to readily connect, disconnect and reconfigured optical connections between the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable in the field.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables are disclosed that allow a relatively small bend radius and/or may kink while still preserving optical performance. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, a first strength member, a second strength member, a core material, and a cable jacket. The core material generally surrounds the optical fiber, the first strength member, and the second strength member and the core material is deformable for cushioning the optical fiber. The cable jacket generally surrounds the core material and allows a bending radius of about 10 millimeters or less while maintaining a suitable level of optical performance.

Abstract: An oil separator for use in a vehicle air system includes a recycling valve for removing coalesced oil. The recycling valve may include a piston movable in a cylinder in response to a control air pressure to open the recycling valve and thus drain coalesced oil from a sump under the influence of residual air pressure in the sump. The separator may include a fixture for mounting the separator to a vehicle, including a plurality of ports extending from an inlet port for directing air into the cartridge with a combined flow area at least equal to the flow area of the inlet port. The plurality of ports preferably extend at a right angle to the direction of flow of air through the inlet port. A safety relief valve on the separator releases air when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array.

Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid powertrain system includes a power plant generating a high pressure fluid at an output, at least one drive motor responsive to the high pressure fluid for generating rotary motion at an output, and a mode selection device connected to the power plant output and the drive motor for selecting a mode of operation from a plurality of drive motor modes of operation including at least two of a drive mode, a neutral mode, a reverse mode and a park mode. The system includes a control device connected to the power plant and the drive motor for controlling operation of the drive motor in the plurality of modes of operation, a selectively actuated brake device for interrupting high pressure fluid flow to the drive motor, and a check valve bridge circuit for connecting the drive motor to a low pressure fluid source when the brake device is actuated.

Abstract: A method for assembling an optical fiber connector comprising providing a one piece housing comprising a tailpiece and a body defining a forward first end, a rearward second end and a passage extending longitudinally therebetween, inserting a spring element into the passage through the forward first end, inserting a subassembly comprising a ferrule, a ferrule holder and a lead-in tube into the passage through the forward first end, maintaining the spring within the passage between a shoulder defined by the one piece housing and a flange of the ferrule holder, and inserting a subassembly retainer into the passage through the forward first end.

Abstract: Sensors on a vehicle are used to sense different data corresponding to a plurality of metrics, which are related to a performance of driver while operating the vehicle. Values are determined for the metrics that are thus collected. These values are added together and the resulting total is normalized to produce a driver performance value or performance ranking. The metrics that are collected can include, for example, idle time data, acceleration and deceleration data, times that a speed limit is exceeded, and other metrics of interest to an owner of the vehicle for evaluating driver performance. A weighting factor can be applied to any metric considered of greater importance. The driver performance value can be displayed in real-time to the driver to provide an immediate feedback of performance, or the collected metrics can be transmitted to a remote location for determination of driver performance rankings at a later time.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a connector body having a retainer housing and a separate stem. The retainer housing defines a through bore extending axially rearward from a male member reception end. The retainer housing includes a generally cylindrical spacer portion. The stem defines a through bore extending axially rearward from a housing reception end. The stem includes a spacer housing portion overlying the spacer portion of the retainer housing. The spacer housing portion is crimped or roll grooved radially inward to secure the stem to the retainer housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the wavelength of an input light beam whereby the input light beam is split into two light beams which are directed through two paths of different optical length. The light beams are interfered with each other in order to form a fringe pattern at an observation plane, which fringe pattern is detected and analyzed to thereby determine the wavelength of the input light beam.

Abstract: A tubular carton and blank for forming the carton includes a top, base and a pair of side walls. At least one of the side walls includes a displaceable zone arranged to protrude out of the plane of the one side wall. The displaceable zone includes connected sections each occupying a different plane to a next adjacent section.

Abstract: Secure, verifiable, computer-enabled, LAN/WAN/Wireless networked, facility emergency notification, rapid alert management, and occupant alarm systems for public, private, and government buildings, and outdoor areas for which there is a need for rapid alerts to occupants or attendees of the occurrence of impending or in-progress dangerous or threatening events. The inventive system is a highly flexible rapid alert initiation, management and archival system comprising computer-enabled and network-linked apparatus, software, and methods enabling rapid dissemination from a central station or decentralized location of alerts of the occurrence of threatening or dangerous events in a series of hierarchical, increasing levels of directed action to be taken by the occupants, and permits monitoring and controlling activity of occupants during the event, archiving event data, including audio or/and video recordings until the situation returns to normal and an all clear signal is given.

Abstract: A tether assembly includes a tether cable containing optical fibers and adapted to be attached to a fiber optic distribution cable at a mid-span access location. A furcation at the end of the tether cable separates and transitions the optical fibers into furcation legs terminating in individual connector ports. Each connector port may be a receptacle for receiving a connector mounted upon one of the optical fibers and a mating connector of a drop cable, a plug mounted upon one of the optical fibers that is received within a plug alignment member operable to align the plug with a mating plug of a drop cable, or a connector that is routed to a receptacle disposed within an external wall of a network connection terminal from within the enclosure. The tether assembly provides a distribution cable assembly and method for mitigating a span length measurement difference in a pre-engineered communications network.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and a method of making the same include at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. In one embodiment, the cable includes a first dry insert and a second dry insert disposed within the cavity so that the at least one optical waveguide is disposed between the first dry insert and the second dry insert.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of reward points issuing entities, each of the reward points issuing entities tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a rewards server. A trading server accumulates the user's earned reward points from each of the reward servers interconnected over a network in association with consideration provided by the reward servers to the trading server and credits the accumulated points into a reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase from a merchant computer interconnected to the network. The merchant computer provides the item to the user in exchange for consideration received from said trading server, and the trading server reduces the number of points in the user's reward exchange account in accordance with the consideration provided to the merchant computer.

Abstract: An enabling unit for activating a feature in an electronic control unit on a vehicle includes a port for communicating with an electronic control unit included on the vehicle. A processor, which communicates with the port, includes a message for enabling a dormant feature included on the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers held together by a matrix material is disclosed. The matrix material has a first end with a first shape and a second end with a second shape, where the first shape is different than the second shape. In one embodiment, the first end has a concave end portion and the second end has a convex end portion. The fiber optic ribbon is advantageous as a subunit of a larger ribbon since the first end of a first subunit can interlock with a second end of a second subunit, thereby providing a robust structure. Moreover, the distance between optical fibers of adjacent subunits is reduced so the fiber optic ribbon may allow mass fusion splicing of same using standard splice chucks.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables and assemblies useful for distribution of the optical fibers to a network are disclosed. The fiber optic cables include a first strength component and a second strength component with a cable jacket generally surrounding the first and second strength components. One or more compartments are defined between the first and second strength components for housing one or more optical fibers. The optical fibers of the fiber optic cable are easily accessible by the craft for distribution to the network, thereby allowing the construction of assemblies that are suitable for distribution of the optical fibers to the network.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and methods of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical fiber, and at least one ferrule. The at least one ferrule is attached to the at least one optical fiber before the cable jacket is applied. The cable jacket surrounds the at least one optical fiber and the at least one ferrule so that when the cable jacket is opened the at least one optical fiber having the at least one ferrule attached may be accessed. Consequently, the when opening the cable, the craft is presented with an optical fiber that is preterminated with a ferrule. Optionally, the ferrule can have a cover or be a portion of a fiber optic connector. The cable is manufactured so that one or more of the ferrules are appropriately placed along the length of the fiber optic cable for distribution into the fiber optic network.