Abstract: A sensor compares frames of pixels representing a speckle pattern caused by interference of light through an optical fiber to detect magnitudes of deflection of the fiber. A coherent light source illuminates the optical fiber. An image sensor captures the speckle pattern and frames of pixels produced by the image sensor are processed to determine deflection. A baseline frame is generated from frames previously received. Each frame is compared to the baseline frame to determine the cumulative amount of deflection on the fiber. To compensate for drift and large-scale movements of the optical fiber, the baseline frame is updated as frames are received. The processed output from comparing to the baseline frame has larger amplitude signals than from comparing to adjacent frames due to larger deflections over time since the baseline frame. Signal-to-Noise ratio is improved, and the processed output better matches a plot of the actual total deflection.

Abstract: A novel message policy manager and method for such manager. The manager includes a variety of modules such as a parsing module coupled to a data network. The parsing module is configured to identify information in the message. The manager also has a policy engine coupled to the parsing module, where the policy engine determines a processing decision for the message based upon the identified information from the parsing module. A storage module is coupled to the parsing module. The storage module is configured to store the message during a portion of time as the processing decision is performed. An enforcement module is coupled to the policy engine and is coupled to the storage module for performing the processing decision and providing an operation for delivery of the message to through the wireless network.

Abstract: A multi-node server transmits world-wide-web pages to network-based browser clients. A load balancer receives all requests from clients because they use a virtual address for the entire site. The load balancer makes a connection with the client and waits for the URL from the client. The URL specifies the requested resource. The load balancer waits to perform load balancing until after the location of the requested resource is known. The connection and URL request are passed from the load balancer to a second node having the requested resource. The load balancer re-plays the initial connection packet sequence to the second node, but modifies the address to that for the second node. The network software is modified to generate the physical network address of the second node, but then changes the destination address back to the virtual address. The second node transmits the requested resource directly to the client, with the virtual address as its source.

Abstract: A programmable interconnect system includes a two-level hierarchal structure of programmable interconnect chips on a circuit board. The first-level, or "local", interconnect chips are connected to user components. A plurality of second-level, or "global", interconnect chips interconnect the local interconnect chips so that every local chip is connected to every global chip. Such a system allows connecting any pin of any user component to any other pin of any user component by a conductive path passing through at most three interconnect chips. A large number of such paths are provided even in embodiments with a large number of interconnect chips.

Abstract: A chemical bath apparatus is disclosed in which an open topped beaker having a heater mounted to the exterior wall thereof is supported in an open topped surrounding housing or shell by a support assembly, the beaker being in spaced relation to the shell. The support assembly includes a sleeve mounted in sealed relation around the heater so as to isolate the same from corrosive fumes and a resilient pad extending over a substantial area of the bottom wall of the beaker for support of substantially the entire weight of the beaker and chemical substance through the bottom wall. Vent openings for convection cooling between the shell and sleeve are also provided.