Abstract: A light-weight resilient mechanism is used to synchronize server secure keying data with member devices in a highly-scalable distributed group virtual private network (VPN). A server device generates an initial secure keying data set, for the VPN, that includes a first version identifier, and sends, to member devices and via point-to-point messages, the secure keying data set. The server device sends, to the member devices, heartbeat push messages including the first version identifier. The server device generates an updated secure keying data set with a second version identifier and sends, to the member devices, a key push message that includes the updated data set. The server device sends, to the member devices, heartbeat push messages including the second version identifier. Member devices may use the first and second version identifiers to confirm that secure keying data sets are current and quickly identify if updates are missed.

Abstract: Extremely High Frequency (EHF) distributed antenna systems and related components and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a base unit for distributing EHF modulated data signals to a RAU(s) is provided. The base unit includes a downlink data source input configured to receive downlink electrical data signal(s) from a data source. The base unit also includes an E-O converter configured to convert downlink electrical data signal(s) into downlink optical data signal(s). The base unit also includes an oscillator configured to generate an electrical carrier signal at a center frequency in the EHF band. The base unit also includes a modulator configured to combine the downlink optical data signal(s) with the electrical carrier signal to form downlink modulated optical signal(s) comprising a downlink optical data signal(s) modulated at the center frequency of the electrical carrier signal. The modulator is further configured to send the downlink modulated optical signal to the RAU(s).

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods for providing location services for mobile/wireless client devices in distributed antenna systems using additional signal propagation delay are disclosed. The location of a client device communicating with an antenna in the distributed antenna system can be correlated to location within at least the communication range of an antenna. To determine with which particular antenna within the distributed antenna system a client device is communicating, the antennas within the distributed antenna system are uniquely identified. In this regard, additional propagation delays are introduced in the communication paths between some or all of the antennas and the head-end equipment in distributed antenna systems to distinguish communications between different antennas. The additional propagation delay can be correlated with a unique antenna, which in turn can be correlated to distance within the distributed antenna system.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable tracheal stent is provided. The bioabsorbable stent comprises a biodegradable polymer, wherein the “ biodegradable polymer comprises about 0 to 30 wt % glycerol, polyethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, or mixture thereof. A drug is dispersed within or dissolved in the biodegradable polymer. In a second and third aspect, the invention relates to methods of manufacturing a bioabsorbable tracheal stent. The first method includes forming a solution comprising a biodegradable polymer and a drug, the biodegradable polymer comprising about 0 to 30 wt % glycerol, polyethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, or mixture thereof. The method further comprises casting the solution to form the bioabsorbable tracheal stent.

Abstract: A server device initiates a traffic encapsulation key (TEK) re-key sequence for a group virtual private network (VPN), based on an upcoming expiration time for an existing TEK. The server device sends, via a push message during a first time period immediately after the initiating, a new TEK to members of the group VPN. The server device receives, during a second time period that immediately follows the first time period, a pull request, for the new TEK, from one of the members of the group VPN, and sends, to the one of the members, the new TEK, where the re-key sequence transitions all the members of the group VPN from the existing TEK key to the new TEK key before the expiration time for the existing TEK.

Abstract: A light-weight resilient mechanism is used to synchronize server secure keying data with member devices in a highly-scalable distributed group virtual private network (VPN). A server device generates an initial secure keying data set, for the VPN, that includes a first version identifier, and sends, to member devices and via point-to-point messages, the secure keying data set. The server device sends, to the member devices, heartbeat push messages including the first version identifier. The server device generates an updated secure keying data set with a second version identifier and sends, to the member devices, a key push message that includes the updated data set. The server device sends, to the member devices, heartbeat push messages including the second version identifier. Member devices may use the first and second version identifiers to confirm that secure keying data sets are current and quickly identify if updates are missed.

Abstract: Optical network units (ONUs) for high bandwidth connectivity, and related components and methods are disclosed. A fiber optical network ends at an ONU, which may communicate with a subscriber unit wirelessly at an extremely high frequency avoiding the need to bury cable on the property of the subscriber. In one embodiment, an optical network unit (ONU) is provided. The ONU comprises a fiber interface configured to communicate with a fiber network. The ONU further comprises an optical/electrical converter configured to receive optical downlink signals at a first frequency from the fiber network through the fiber interface and convert the optical downlink signals to electrical downlink signals. The ONU further comprises electrical circuitry configured to frequency convert electrical downlink signals to extremely high frequency (EHF) downlink signals at an EHF, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit the EHF downlink signals to a proximate subscriber unit through an antenna.

Abstract: A light-weight resilient mechanism is used to synchronize server secure keying data with member devices in a highly-scalable distributed group virtual private network (VPN). A server device generates an initial secure keying data set, for the VPN, that includes a first version identifier, and sends, to member devices and via point-to-point messages, the secure keying data set. The server device sends, to the member devices, heartbeat push messages including the first version identifier. The server device generates an updated secure keying data set with a second version identifier and sends, to the member devices, a key push message that includes the updated data set. The server device sends, to the member devices, heartbeat push messages including the second version identifier. Member devices may use the first and second version identifiers to confirm that secure keying data sets are current and quickly identify if updates are missed.

Abstract: A method may be performed by a device in a network, the device including multiple security process units (SPUs). The method includes receiving a packet over the network, the packet including a media access control (MAC) address, and assigning one SPU as the MAC address owner. The method also includes sending information about the MAC address to other SPUs within the device, storing the MAC address in a MAC table within each SPU, and initiating a MAC age query to confirm the MAC address has timed out among all SPUs. The MAC age query is passed via a logical ring of the SPUs beginning with the MAC address owner. If the MAC address is aged out at each SPU, the MAC address is deleted from each MAC table. If the MAC entry is still active, a different SPU is assigned as the MAC address owner.

Abstract: Optical transmitters for radio over fiber systems are disclosed. More particularly, the optical transmitters include optically-injection-locked vertical cavity surface-emitting laser devices (OIL VCSELS). The transmitters include a master laser, at least one slave laser injection-locked by the master laser, and an equalizer/filter unit that enables the ratio of the carrier power to the sideband power in the output signal of the transmitter to be varied and optimized independently of the injection ratio of the transmitter.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastener (10) for releasably securing a first element, such as an air bag (12) to a second element such as a bracket (14) located in a vehicle. Fastener (10) has a locking pin (16) which is movable between a locked position and a release position. Locking pin (16) has an engageable head (18). Fastener (10) includes clip (22) for engaging head (18). Locking pin (16) is biased to the release position, for example, by spring (26). Fastener (10) includes an actuator such as spring (32), comprising or including shape memory alloy and adapted to elongate upon application of appropriate energy. When spring (32) is elongated, it causes locking pin (16) to move to the release position. The invention also provides a fastener assembly (130) including at least one post (122) having a groove (124). Fastener assembly (130) includes a bar or latch, for example, in the form of wire (126) adapted to engage the groove (124). Attached to bar (126) is connecting means, such as shape memory spring (128).

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention discloses a releasable fastening system (150) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention discloses a releasable fastening system (150) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that has the ability to protect the undergarment of the wearer from being soiled by menstrual liquid. The sanitary napkin has a main body with panels that originate from its longitudinal side edges. A distal end of each panel that is continuous with the respective longitudinal side edge is folded underneath and affixed to the barrier later of the main body to form a looping member and a freely extending flap. As a result the effective affixation point of each flap is located inwardly of the respective side edge of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that has the ability to protect the undergarment of the wearer from being soiled by menstrual liquid. The sanitary napkin has a main body with panels that originate from its longitudinal side edges. A distal end of each panel that is continuous with the respective longitudinal side edge is folded underneath and affixed to the barrier later of the main body to form a looping member and a freely extending flap. As a result the effective affixation point of each flap is located inwardly of the respective side edge of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that has the ability to protect the undergarment of the wearer from being soiled by menstrual liquid. The sanitary napkin has a main body with panels that originate from its longitudinal side edges. A distal end of each panel that is continuous with the respective longitudinal side edge is folded underneath and affixed to the barrier later of the main body to form a looping member and a freely extending flap. As a result the effective affixation point of each flap is located inwardly of the respective side edge of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sanitary absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin that has the ability to protect the undergarment of the wearer from being soiled by menstrual liquid. The sanitary napkin has a main body with panels that originate from its longitudinal side edges. A distal end of each panel that is continuous with the respective longitudinal side edge is folded underneath and affixed to the barrier later of the main body to form a looping member and a freely extending flap. As a result the effective affixation point of each flap is located inwardly of the respective side edge of the main body.