Abstract: A process for preparing polyurethane composites includes (i) providing a dispersion of nanocrystalline cellulose in (a) one or more polyols, (b) one or more isocyanates, or (c) one or more polyols and one or more isocyanate, mixed together; wherein the amount of water in the nanocrystalline cellulose is less than about 1% w/w; (ii) mixing the dispersion of (i)(a) with an isocyanate or (i)(b) with a polyol and a catalyst to allow polymerization; or mixing the dispersion of (i)(c) and a catalyst to allow polymerization; and (iii) isolating the polyurethane composite. A method for improving properties of polyurethanes includes dispersing nanocrystalline cellulose into one or both parts of a two part polyol/isocyanate precursors prior to allowing polymerization of the precursors, wherein the amount of water in the nanocrystalline cellulose is less than about 1% w/w; mixing the dispersion with a catalyst; and polymerizing the precursors to provide the polyurethane.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to polyurethane composites comprising nanocrystalline cellulose and method for improving properties of polyurethanes thereof.

Abstract: A passive optical network (PON) comprises an Optical Line Termination (OLT), an Optical Distribution Network (ODN), and a plurality of Optical Network Terminations (ONTs), wherein the OLT includes an OLT Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) multiplexer, an OLT CWDM demultiplexer, and a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) filter, wherein the OLT DWDM multiplexer and the OLT CWDM demultiplexer are coupled to the WDM filter, wherein the ODN includes a WDM filter, a DWDM demultiplexer, and a plurality of fanout splitters, wherein the DWDM demultiplexer is coupled to the WDM filter, wherein the WDM filters are coupled to one another and wherein a portion of the plurality of ONTs that are associated with a wavelength are coupled to one of fanout splitters that is associated with the wavelength.

Abstract: Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) troubleshooting of a passive optical network (PON) can be enhanced by deploying cascaded splitters, at least some of which have multiple inputs. That is, at least some of the splitters in the PON have not only a first input coupleable to the optical line terminator (OLT) or output of another splitter but also a second input directly coupleable to an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). Optical time-delay reflectometry can be performed upon a selected portion or segment of the PON by selecting a splitter and transmitting an optical test signal from the OTDR directly to the input of the selected splitter and analyzing the reflected signal.

Abstract: A multi-dwelling unit (MDU) module is configured for providing telephony communicating services and non-telephony services. The MDU module includes a motherboard and a plurality of service units connected to the motherboard. Each one of said service units and the motherboard are jointly configured for providing non-telephony service and telephony service to a plurality of service subscribers. The motherboard is configured for providing overload power management to limit power consumption associated with said telephony services during an overload condition and for providing lifeline power management to limit power consumption associated with said non-telephony services during a power outage condition. The MDU module optionally includes lightning primary surge protection blocks configured for being connected to the service units.

Abstract: A passive optical network (PON) comprises an Optical Line Termination (OLT), an Optical Distribution Network (ODN), and a plurality of Optical Network Terminations (ONTs), wherein the OLT includes an OLT Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) multiplexer, an OLT CWDM demultiplexer, and a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) filter, wherein the OLT DWDM multiplexer and the OLT CWDM demultiplexer are coupled to the WDM filter, wherein the ODN includes a WDM filter, a DWDM demultiplexer, and a plurality of fanout splitters, wherein the DWDM demultiplexer is coupled to the WDM filter, wherein the WDM filters are coupled to one another and wherein a portion of the plurality of ONTs that are associated with a wavelength are coupled to one of fanout splitters that is associated with the wavelength.

Abstract: Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) troubleshooting of a passive optical network (PON) can be enhanced by deploying cascaded splitters, at least some of which have multiple inputs. That is, at least some of the splitters in the PON have not only a first input coupleable to the optical line terminator (OLT) or output of another splitter but also a second input directly coupleable to an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). Optical time-delay reflectometry can be performed upon a selected portion or segment of the PON by selecting a splitter and transmitting an optical test signal from the OTDR directly to the input of the selected splitter and analyzing the reflected signal.

Abstract: A multi-port optical block system comprises a multi-port block assembly and an optical-to-electrical conversion apparatus. The multi-port optical block assembly is configured for having a connector of the optical-to-electrical converter apparatus attached thereto. The connector of the optical-to-electrical conversion apparatus is configured for being selectively attached to and detached from the multi-port optical block. The optical-to-electrical conversion apparatus includes a photo diode and signal amplification electronics connected to the photo diode. The photo diode is mounted on the connector of the optical-to-electrical conversion apparatus. The photo diode and said signal amplification electronics are jointly configured for providing optimized signal performance for a prescribed bandwidth specification.

Abstract: A fiber optics network has a physical layer that can accommodate HFC type CATV communications or G.983.1 type communications. Downstream communications are performed using HFC to take advantage of the multiple simultaneous broadcast capability. Upstream communications are performed using G.983.1 to take advantage of the resistence to ingress noise and the more standardized approach offered by G.983.1.

Abstract: For fiber-to-the-curb program switching, which is done at the central office, the same fixed frequency slot is always used for distributing the TV program selected for a video recording device at the subscriber's premises; for its related display, another selected slot is always used for distributing another selected TV program; the set-top converter is provided with two narrow band filters, one for each dedicated slot, instead of expensive tuners; the same set-top converter can be used in other rooms of the subscriber premises, except using a plug-in tuner for placing additional selected TV programs received from remaining, nondedicated slots into the same filter band used for the TV associated with the video recording device.

Abstract: An artificial haemodialysing kidney and method of operation in which the haemodialyser has one chamber connectable to a blood stream and another chamber on the opposite side of its membrane forming part of a constant volume closed vessel for dialysis liquid. The system can be operated as a closed circuit during which time a fraction of the dialysis liquid is withdrawn from the constant volume closed vessel at a desired flow rate and the reduction in pressure then existing in the vessel near the membrane is noted. The system is then switched to open circuit with the dialysis liquid being fed from a source thereof and the used liquid is dumped, the pressure during this period being adjusted to the noted value.

Abstract: A method of ultrafiltration and an artificial kidney therefor, in which a membrane which is capable of simultaneous ultrafiltration and dialysis of blood is arranged to form a portion of the wall of a constant volume, closed loop vessel. A dialysis liquid is circulated in the vessel, while blood is passed on the opposite face of the membrane, and a fraction of the dialysis liquid is withdrawn from the vessel at a predetermined rate. The remainder of the dialysis liquid is kept at a constant temperature and is regenerated.