Abstract: Fiber optic terminals, systems, and methods for providing differentiated network services to subscribers of a fiber optic network are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic terminals and methods are disclosed for providing more than one network service to subscribers supported by the same fiber optic terminal. In one embodiment, a fiber optic terminal is provided comprising a first optical path connected to a first network-side optical fiber providing a first network service to a first subscriber-side optical fiber. The fiber optic terminal also comprises a second optical path connected to a second network-side optical fiber providing a second network service differentiated from the first network service to a second subscriber-side optical fiber. In this manner, differentiated network services can be provided to subscribers supported by the fiber optic terminal by configuring connections of the subscribers to either the first optical path or second optical path in the fiber optic terminal.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with rotatable shelves for easy food/item access and cleaning. In one embodiment a stationary or fixed shelf includes a rotatable disk mounted on a bearing retainer having bearings therein for manual, three hundred sixty degree (360°) rotation as desired. In another embodiment a quarter-round pivotable shelf is attached to a stanchion to enable the shelf to be manually pivoted ninety degrees (90°) for withdrawing and returning the shelf to the refrigerator food storage compartment as needed.

Abstract: An advanced gray rod control assembly (GRCA) for a nuclear reactor. The GRCA provides controlled insertion of gray rod assemblies into the reactor, thereby controlling the rate of power produced by the reactor and providing reactivity control at full power. Each gray rod assembly includes an elongated tubular member, a primary neutron-absorber disposed within the tubular member said neutron-absorber comprising an absorber material, preferably tungsten, having a 2200 m/s neutron absorption microscopic capture cross-section of from 10 to 30 barns. An internal support tube can be positioned between the primary absorber and the tubular member as a secondary absorber to enhance neutron absorption, absorber depletion, assembly weight, and assembly heat transfer characteristics.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly support grid formed from an array of a plurality of orthogonally arranged straps in an egg-crate configuration with angled trailing and/or leading edges that are designed to break the correlation of vortices shed from the edges of the grid straps by varying the phase of the vortices to avoid resonant vibration of the straps.

Abstract: A method for port mapping a fiber optic network device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a first fiber optic network device and configuring the first fiber optic network device by disposing therein a first plurality of ports and a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to a distribution cable. The method also comprises routing predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers to respective predetermined ones of the plurality of ports. The first plurality of ports may comprise a first drop port and a first pass-through port. At least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers routes to the first drop port and at least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers routes to the first pass-through port. The method may also comprise providing and configuring a second fiber optic network device optically coupled to the first fiber optic network device through the first pass-through port.

Abstract: A handheld knife includes an electric powered heater for raising the temperature of the knife blade for cutting and melting thermoplastics and the like. Two embodiments of the knife are shown, one for standard 120 volt AC current and one which includes a 24 volt battery pack. The method of use describes the steps of selecting an item for cutting, heating the knife blade by depressing a switch thereon and then manually drawing the knife blade across the item to cut selected materials.

Abstract: End cap section (10) for use in the construction of a configurable pressure vessel (80) and the vessel constructed thereof. The vessel having an interior volume and including at least one such end cap section joined to a second section. The end cap section (10) has a tubular wall (12) extending from an enclosed first end (16) to an open second end (18). At least one mounting pad (30) is positioned on the outer surface (20) of the wall on the enclosed first end (16) thereof. Such mounting pad has a base portion (32a-e) supported on the wall (12) and a generally tubular stub portion (34a-e) extending outwardly from the base portion intermediate a proximal end adjoining the wall (12) and a distal end (40a-e) configurable for connection to a fluid component (90). With the stub proximal end being closed by the wall, such end is openable through the wall to provide a port opening into the interior volume of the vessel.

Abstract: Fiber optic terminals, systems, and methods for providing differentiated network services to subscribers of a fiber optic network are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic terminals and methods are disclosed for providing more than one network service to subscribers supported by the same fiber optic terminal. In one embodiment, a fiber optic terminal is provided comprising a first optical path connected to a first network-side optical fiber providing a first network service to a first subscriber-side optical fiber. The fiber optic terminal also comprises a second optical path connected to a second network-side optical fiber providing a second network service differentiated from the first network service to a second subscriber-side optical fiber. In this manner, differentiated network services can be provided to subscribers supported by the fiber optic terminal by configuring connections of the subscribers to either the first optical path or second optical path in the fiber optic terminal.

Abstract: A container device having a paint receptacle allows a user to easily access paint with a brush while working on a ladder. The container device includes one or more fixed brackets for attachment to a desired ladder rung and a pivotable bracket to stabilize the container device on a lower ladder rung. The paint receptacle maintains the paint in a convenient manner during use and includes an interior wipe board for removing excess paint from a paint brush and a brush clamp for storing a paint brush when not in use. A lid and handle are also included for tightly sealing any remaining paint therein during transportation and storage. A fabric cover having a series of pockets can be placed on the lower portion of the container device for carrying various painting tools and accessories.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly support grid formed from an array of a plurality of orthogonally arranged straps in an egg-crate configuration with angled trailing and/or leading edges that are designed to break the correlation of vortices shed from the edges of the grid straps by varying the phase of the vortices to avoid resonant vibration of the straps.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly support grid formed from an array of a plurality of orthogonally arranged straps in an egg-crate configuration with angled trailing and/or leading edges that are designed to break the correlation of vortices shed from the edges of the grid straps by varying the phase of the vortices to avoid resonant vibration of the straps.

Abstract: Methods and devices useful for treatment of lung conditions resulting from dysfunction of normal pulmonary physiology.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable assemblies and fiber optic terminals supporting port mapping for series connected fiber optic terminals are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly is provided. The fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable having a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein between a first end and a second end of the fiber optic cable. The plurality of optical fibers on the first end of the fiber optic cable are provided according to a first mapping. The plurality of optical fibers on the second end of the fiber optic cable are provided according to a second mapping. In this regard, the fiber optic cable assembly provides port mapping of optical fibers to allow multiple fiber optic terminals having the same internal fiber mapping to be connected in series in any order, while providing the same connectivity to each of the terminals in the series.

Abstract: Methods and devices useful for treatment of lung conditions resulting from dysfunction of normal pulmonary physiology.

Abstract: A system and method for determining e-commerce purchase eligibility of product offerings restricted to particular market segments and used in conjunction with an e-commerce system is described. Identifying information provided by the user is compared to a white list of eligibility parameters selected and configured by the vendor. An e-mail confirming eligibility and containing a customized URL is provided to the user; selecting the link automatically logs the user into the account. The system allows limited or unlimited purchases to be made by qualified users. Fraud detection is performed prior to checkout. Once the order has been processed the user may immediately download the product. An e-mail is sent to the user providing delayed downloading instructions and license key. Downloading may inject the license key for automatic software product or application activation.

Abstract: A method for port mapping a fiber optic network device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a first fiber optic network device and configuring the first fiber optic network device by disposing therein a first plurality of ports and a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to a distribution cable. The method also comprises routing predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers to respective predetermined ones of the plurality of ports. The first plurality of ports may comprise a first drop port and a first pass-through port. At least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers routes to the first drop port and at least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers routes to the first pass-through port. The method may also comprise providing and configuring a second fiber optic network device optically coupled to the first fiber optic network device through the first pass-through port.

Abstract: A fiber optic network having a multi-level architecture is disclosed. A first level of the fiber optic network comprises a first branch. The first branch comprises a plurality of first branch optical fibers optically coupled to a distribution cable and a first branch fiber optic network device. The first branch fiber optic network device is configured to optically couple a first predetermined one of the plurality of first branch optical fibers to a respective first predetermined sub-branch optical fiber, and a second predetermined one of the plurality of first branch optical fibers to a second predetermined sub-branch optical fiber. A second level of the fiber optic network comprises a sub-branch. The sub-branch comprises a first sub-branch fiber optic network device and a second sub-branch fiber optic network device.

Abstract: A shelf for a fiber optic network device is disclosed. The shelf comprises a platform having a top side and a bottom side. The platform is adapted to removably affix to a base of an optical connection terminal having a port disposed through the base such that the platform positions above the port. The shelf includes an access opening extending through the platform from the top side to the bottom side. The access opening provides access to the port from the top side. A transition area extends from the access opening. The transition area is adapted for routing optical fibers disposed in the optical connection terminal between a space under the platform and the top side. A component area is located on the top side, and adapted for mounting a component. At least one of the optical fibers disposed in the optical connection terminal extends from the component.

Abstract: A fiber optic network having a branch cable with a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to a distribution cable, and first and second optical connection terminals connected in series is disclosed. The first optical connection terminal is adapted to receive a first segment of the branch cable. The first optical connection terminal is configured such that predetermined ones of a first plurality of ports comprise one or more of a first drop port and a first pass-through port. The first drop port is operable for optically coupling a first respective predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers to a first drop cable. The first pass-through port is operable for optically coupling a second respective predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers to a second segment of the branch cable extending externally from the first optical connection terminal. The second optical connection terminal is adapted to receive the second segment of the branch cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic network device for optically coupling a fiber optic distribution cable with a fiber optic drop cables is disclosed. Disposed within the fiber optic network device is a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the distribution cable. A plurality of ports opens into the fiber optic network device. Predetermined ones of the plurality of ports are operable for optically coupling respective predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers each to at least one drop cable external to the fiber optic network device. At least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of ports is a pass-through port operable for optically coupling at least one of the respective pre-determined ones of the plurality of optical fibers to the at least one drop cable through another fiber optic network device.