Abstract: Partial optimization systems and methods of wavelengths or spectrum in an optical network include, based on current services in the optical network each having a route and wavelength assignment and based on a ratio of services that can be changed in the partial optimization, preforming a first stage optimization to determine which of the current services are changed for one or more of the route and the wavelength assignment to attain a reduction of a number of wavelengths; performing a second stage optimization to determine an order of implementing changes from the first stage optimization that with the order minimizing one or more of conflicts and step counts; and causing implementation of the changes in the optical network.

Abstract: In a push-to-talk communication system, frames are sent by a talking device before confirmation that the device has the floor. These are flagged, sent for a limited duration and buffered in a listening device. Playback is triggered either by receipt of frames flagged as ‘confirmed’ or by receipt of the ‘receiving talk burst’ message from a server.

Abstract: On receipt of a request for a communication session over a communications network, such as an Internet Protocol communications network, a path for the session is established. In a preferred example the communications network is an MPLS network and the method uses a modified version of the SIP messaging protocol. Bandwidth along a chosen path is reserved and a messaging protocol such as CR-LDP used to establish this reserved path for the communication session. This creates a delay in the time taken to establish a communication session because the process of choosing a path and reserving bandwidth must be completed before the CR-LDP protocol is used. This delay is reduced by using modified SIP Protocol to perform the CR-LDP function too.

Abstract: A telecommunications system comprises an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network having uncommitted bandwidth, and a plurality of adaptive grooming routers (AGR) coupled to the network. The AGRs comprise a group adapted to function as a virtual transit exchange whose fabric and control are distributed over the group. The visual comprising the AGRs incorporates independent connection control and call routing functions and has means for determining the current system status whereby to set up narrow band connections across the ATM network based on that status determination.

Abstract: A telecommunications system comprises an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network having uncommitted bandwidth, and a plurality of adaptive grooming routers (AGR) coupled to the network. The AGRs comprise a group adapted to function as a virtual transit exchange whose fabric and control are distributed over the group. The visual comprising the AGRs incorporates independent connection control and call routing functions and has means for determining the current system status whereby to set up narrow band connections across the ATM network based on that status determination.

Abstract: A telecommunications system comprises an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network having uncommitted bandwidth, and a plurality of adaptive grooming routers (AGR) coupled to the network. The AGRs comprise a group adapted to function as a virtual transit exchange whose fabric and control are distributed over the group. The visual comprising the AGRs incorporates independent connection control and call routing functions and has means for determining the current system status whereby to set up narrow band connections across the ATM network based on that status determination.

Abstract: A lid liner for a chemical vapor deposition chamber includes an annular portion having an inner surface for surrounding a reaction volume within the chemical deposition chamber; a mounting tab formed on an outer surface of the annular portion; and a hole formed in the mounting tab for receiving a fastener wherein the hole does not penetrate the inner surface of the annular portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting contact between a wafer blade of a wafer-handling robot and a component in a wafer-handling system. The robot moves the wafer blade within the system while the wafer blade is maintained at an electrical potential, which is different from an electrical potential of the component. Contact between the wafer blade and the component is detected by sensing a change in the electrical potential of the wafer blade during the contact.

Abstract: In a label switch communications network, a third level of label is employed in conjunction with a dynamic multiplex constraint-based routed label switched path (CR-LSP) in order to achieve implicit switching at nodes within the network. Implicit switching occurs when a switching function takes place at a node without the need for any control function being required at that node. A three-layer label stack provided at the edge of the network achieves end-to-end connection oriented behaviour with guaranteed Quality of Service. The use of the three-layer label stack concentrates the control of the network to the two edges of the network and a single central switching stage of the network.

Abstract: A lid liner for a chemical vapor deposition chamber includes an annular portion having an inner surface for surrounding a reaction volume within the chemical deposition chamber; a mounting tab formed on an outer surface of the annular portion; and a hole formed in the mounting tab for receiving a fastener wherein the hole does not penetrate the inner surface of the annular portion.

Abstract: On receipt of a request for a communication session over a communications network, such as an Internet Protocol communications network, a path for the session is established. In a preferred example the communications network is an MPLS network and the method uses a modified version of the SIP messaging protocol. Bandwidth along a chosen path is reserved and a messaging protocol such as CR-LDP used to establish this reserved path for the communication session. This creates a delay in the time taken to establish a communication session because the process of choosing a path and reserving bandwidth must be completed before the CR-LDP protocol is used. This delay is reduced by using modified SIP Protocol to perform the CR-LDP function too.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting contact between a wafer blade of a wafer-handling robot and a component in a wafer-handling system. The robot moves the wafer blade within the system while the wafer blade is maintained at an electrical potential, which is different from an electrical potential of the component. Contact between the wafer blade and the component is detected by sensing a change in the electrical potential of the wafer blade during the contact.

Abstract: A substrate processing chamber of the type adapted for processing a substrate having edges and a surface at a reduced pressure and elevated temperature relative to ambient. Typically, a combination of the elevated temperature and the reduced pressure tends to produce spallation of the substrate near the edges, which spallation produces chips that are redeposited across the surface of the substrate. Such chips inhibit proper operation of subsequent processing of the substrate. The improvement is a shield disposed in proximity to the surface of the substrate, but not touching the substrate. The shield forms a perimeter barrier at a circumference of the substrate that is interior to the edges of the substrate where the spallation occurs, and the shield prohibits the chips from redepositing across portions of the surface of the substrate that are interior to the perimeter barrier.

Abstract: A communications multi-service network arrangement for transporting information packets from a user station to a destination comprises a label switched core network constituted by a plurality of abstract nodes interconnected by tunnels. Each abstract node comprises one or more real nodes. An access network provides user access to the core network. A route across the core network comprises a plurality of label switched path sections specified in terms of a sequence of abstract nodes, the route being identified by a label stack identifying a quality of service capable connection from the end station via the access network to the core network and across the core network to a destination.

Abstract: A silica trap for a PSG deposition tool includes an expansion chamber, an inlet coupled to the expansion chamber to conduct an exhaust stream carrying silica powder from the PSG deposition tool into the expansion chamber so that the silica powder settles out of the exhaust stream to a bottom wall of the expansion chamber, and a discharge coupled to the expansion chamber to conduct the exhaust stream out of the expansion chamber.

Abstract: On receipt of a request for a communication session over a communications network, such as an Internet Protocol communications network, a path for the session is established. In a preferred example the communications network is an MPLS network and the method uses a modified version of the SIP messaging protocol. Bandwidth along a chosen path is reserved and a messaging protocol such as CR-LDP used to establish this reserved path for the communication session. Internet protocol and MPLS communications networks typically only support uni-directional flows. Several methods for establishing bi-directional communication sessions over internet protocol communications networks that use MPLS connections are described. This is particularly useful for telephony applications using internet protocol communications networks. In a preferred example, the established connection provides a guaranteed level of quality of service.

Abstract: A system for indicating an amount of a process liquid contained within an interior of an ampoule. A first conduit is in selective fluid communication with the interior of the ampoule, and has a first opening configured for disposal below an upper surface of the process liquid. The first conduit introduces a carrier gas into the interior of the ampoule. A second conduit is also in selective fluid communication with the interior of the ampoule, and has a second opening configured for disposal above the upper surface of the process liquid. The second conduit receives the carrier gas from the interior of the ampoule. A pressure differential sensor is disposed between and is in selective fluid communication with the first conduit and the second conduit. The pressure differential sensor senses a pressure differential between the first conduit and the second conduit.