Abstract: A network includes multiple nodes interconnected to form a mesh topology. These nodes support working paths for the transmission of data and protection paths to provide for recovery in the event of failures on working paths. To select protection paths, elements of the network consider timing constraints associated with failure recovery.

Abstract: A vehicle display having an LCD display that is employed to communicate a first type of vehicle information and a second set of vehicle information in which the information that is to be communicated can include or consist of symbols. A display light guide is employed to distribute light from two light sources to selectively illuminate portions of the display screen of the LCD display. The LCD display can be employed to generate telltale warning indicators. The LCD display provides flexibility in the display of information so that a relatively large quantity of telltale warning indicators can be handled without specifically dedicating a light source, a light tunnel and space on the vehicle display for each telltale warning indicator that may be employed in a vehicle.

Abstract: A network includes multiple nodes interconnected to form a ring topology. These nodes support data transmissions over the network using tokens. To send and receive data over the network, nodes may process control messages. A node can receive a first token authorizing transmission on one of multiple data channels, generate a transmission control message identifying a destination node and the authorized data channel, and communicate the transmission control message to a next node. The node can also communicate a second token to the next node authorizing secondary transmissions on the authorized data channel, transmit data on the authorized data channel after communicating the transmission control message, and communicate the first token to the next node after communicating the second token to the next node.

Abstract: A stress-indicating rope-tightening apparatus includes a rope-tightening unit and a stress-indicating unit. The rope-tightening unit includes a rotational joint. The stress-indicating unit includes two strain gauges disposed on two opposite sides of the rotational joint for measuring the strain in the rotational joint, a calculator for calculating the stress in the rope based on the strain in the rotational joint and a display for showing the stress in the rope.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument cluster for indicating a value of a vehicle parameter. The vehicle instrument cluster includes a display member formed of a transparent material and display segments integrally formed within the display member. The display segments are configured to diffuse light and the display segments form at least a portion of indicia associated with the vehicle parameter. A first illumination system has a light source and a motor connected to an optical member. The optical member is movable in response to a change in the value of the vehicle parameter. The optical member selectively directs the light from the light source to within the display member to illuminate at least a portion of the display segments that form the indicia to indicate the value of the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: Network traffic may be estimated using samples of network activities to identify traffic parameters. A model of the network may be generated using the traffic parameters, and the model can be used to simulate the network using a modified set of parameters. Network traffic may be managed using the results of the simulation. Network traffic can also be managed by intercepting and modifying a control message on a peer-to-peer network.

Abstract: An instrument cluster generally including a backing material and a plurality of fibers forming indicia that indicate a vehicle parameter. The plurality of fibers is coupled to the backing material. The instrument cluster also includes an illumination device that illuminates at least one of the backing material and the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: Techniques are described for intelligently allocating bandwidth in a wireless mesh network. The wireless mesh network includes a nodes and links interconnecting the nodes. In order to increase capacity and avoid congestion in the network, a network administrator may regulate network traffic by adjusting various parameters that control the operation of network nodes. The network administrator may identify topology information, which indicates a configuration of the nodes and links, and a traffic matrix, which indicates a relative traffic demand weighting for each source node-destination node pair. From this information, the network administrator may calculate a bandwidth assignment for each link. Network administrator may use the bandwidth assignments to calculate a parameter for each node. That parameter may affect the amount of bandwidth used by a node. These parameters may be transmitted to their respective nodes.

Abstract: Inorganic compositions were prepared by melt spinning. An inorganic melt was sent to a spinning wheel. As the melt contacts the wheel, it cools and is converted into a solid composition. A melt prepared from lanthanum halide powder and cerium halide powder was converted to a scintillator product of nanoparticles embedded in a glassy matrix.

Abstract: A predictive scheduling technique in a communication network having a plurality of nodes, the network utilizing tokens to authorize data burst transmissions between the plurality of nodes, includes receiving a control message from a first node at a second node, wherein the control message comprises information regarding a data burst transmission from the first node to the second node. The information in the control message is determined, and a position of the second node with respect to the first node is determined. A prediction algorithm is implemented to predict a token arrival time at the second node from the first node using the information in the control message and the position of the second node with respect to the first node.

Abstract: An optical node for optical burst transport includes optical components operable to transmit and receive optical signals over an optical transmission medium. The optical components include a demultiplexer that is operable to receive a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signal at an input port and to separate the WDM optical signal into two or more constituent wavelength signals, and a switching matrix that includes one or more electro-optic switches. Each electro-optic switch is operable to receive a wavelength signal and switch the signal to one of two outputs, and the outputs include an output port of the optical node and one or more drop output ports of the optical node.

Abstract: Multicast transmission in an optical network includes receiving a primary token at a root node of the optical network authorizing the point-to-multipoint data transmission from the root node to a plurality of branch nodes of the optical network. It is determined whether the root node comprises a virtual output queue associated specifically with the branch nodes included on the point-to-multipoint transmission. The virtual output queue is created that is associated specifically with the branch nodes included in the point-to-multipoint transmission if it is determined the root node does not comprise such a queue. The data is placed in the virtual output queue for transmission to the branch nodes.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention generally include a display device having a surface with indicia formed thereon. The indicia are indicative of at least one vehicle parameter. The display device includes a light guide connected to the surface and a light-reflecting portion formed in the light guide. The light-reflecting portion is disposed at least partially over one of the indicia. The light guide collects light, directs the light toward the light-reflecting portion and illuminates at least one of the indicia. The light guide and the light reflecting portion provide an enhanced or decorative effect for one or more of the indicia.

Abstract: An instrument cluster that is mountable on a top surface of a vehicle dashboard is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a transparent dial that has indicia engraved thereon. A plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned in a center portion of the transparent dial so as to illuminate the indicia for night time driving. The center portion of the transparent dial further includes a high gloss semi-transparent appliqué that provides a mirror finish. Symbols are incorporated on the appliqué so as to provide indicators in the center portion of the transparent dial when a light source illuminates the symbols of the appliqué.

Abstract: A gauge having a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, a bezel, a display and a pointer. The display is coupled to the housing and includes a display surface that is visible through an opening in the bezel. The display is spaced rearwardly of the bezel to define a light transmitting aperture. The pointer is movably mounted to the housing and includes a pointer end that is disposed on a side of the bezel opposite the light transmitting aperture. A first portion of the light produced by the light source can be employed to back-illuminate the display surface, while a second portion of the light produced by the light source can be collected by the pointer and employed to illuminate the pointer end.

Abstract: A stress-indicating rope-tightening apparatus includes a rope-tightening unit and a stress-indicating unit. The rope-tightening unit includes a rotational joint. The stress-indicating unit includes two strain gauges disposed on two opposite sides of the rotational joint for measuring the strain in the rotational joint, a calculator for calculating the stress in the rope based on the strain in the rotational joint and a display for showing the stress in the rope.

Abstract: A method for reusing wireless resources in a wireless network, includes determining the probability of a first communication with a first relay station experiencing interference from a second relay station. The method also includes, upon determining that the probability of experiencing interference from the second relay station is greater than an interference threshold: allocating a first wireless resource to the first relay station and the second relay station; designating the first wireless resource as a primary wireless resource for the first relay station; designating the first wireless resource as a secondary wireless resource for the second relay station; allocating a second wireless resource to the second relay station; and designating the second wireless resource as a primary wireless resource for the second relay station.

Abstract: A capstan includes a frame, a reel for reeling a cable and a bolt for supporting the reel on the frame. The stress in the cable gets larger as the strain in the bolt gets larger. A driving device is operable to rotate the reel on the bolt. A strain gauge is attached to the bolt for measuring the strain in the bolt. A control box calculates the stress in the cable based on the strain in the bolt. A display shows the stress in the cable under the control of the control box.

Abstract: A hydraulic crimping tool with a pressure indicator includes a pump body having a first end connected to a handle and a second end connected to a head. The pump body includes a pressure switch disposed at a side, with the pressure switch having a lever mounted thereto. The head includes a second jaw and a first jaw, with the first jaw comprising a piston, and with the piston being actuated by the pump body. The hydraulic crimping tool also includes a lower die disposed on the piston and an upper die disposed on the second jaw. The head also includes an indicator mounted thereto for displaying a pressure reading. The indicator includes a panel disposed at a side of the head and a strain gauge mounted to the second jaw. The strain gauge is electrically connected to the panel.