Abstract: A network element connector assembly including stacked connector interfaces is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus is provided which includes a first connector interface to couple a first network connector with a mounting surface and a second connector interface to couple a second network connector with the mounting surface, where the first connector interface and second connector interface are vertically aligned with one another with respect to the mounting surface, the first connector interface includes a fixed connector interface module, and the second connector interface includes an aperture to receive a removable connector interface module.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a housing having a front side and a bottom side adjacent the front side. The apparatus also includes a plurality of light generating devices each operable to generate light in response to operation of a particular component of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a plurality of light pipes each associated with a respective ones of the light generating devices and operable to display light generated by the respective light generating device such that the light is visible on the front side and on the bottom side of the housing. According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing having at least one heat sink disposed therein and overlying a component of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes at least one heat sink having a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base.

Abstract: A network element connector assembly including Stacked electrical and optical connector is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus is provided which includes an optical connector interface to couple an optical network connector with a mounting surface, an electrical connector interface to couple an electrical network connector with the mounting surface, where the optical connector interface and electrical connector interface are vertically aligned with one another with respect to the mounting surface, and where the optical connector interface and electrical connector interface are associated with a network element port.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a line card and backplane combination for reducing EMI emissions includes a backplane, a printed circuit board and a printed circuit board carrier attached to the printed circuit board. The bracket has a first leg and a second leg. The first leg electrically contacts the backplane. The combination also includes a clip electrically engaged with the second leg, the carrier and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a housing having a front side and a bottom side adjacent the front side. The apparatus also includes a plurality of light generating devices each operable to generate light in response to operation of a particular component of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a plurality of light pipes each associated with a respective ones of the light generating devices and operable to display light generated by the respective light generating device such that the light is visible on the front side and on the bottom side of the housing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for coupling a communication signal to a communication device includes a backplane, having first and second sides, and a connector, adapted to receive the communication signal, coupled to the backplane on the first side. The connector has a first set of conductive pins that extend through the first side of the backplane and protrude out the second side of the backplane. A portion of the first set of conductive pins is adapted to receive a line card connector formed with a plurality of contact cavities. The system further includes a guide member operable to guide a line card into the line card connector.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling a card shelf includes a backplane, a plurality of side support members disposed proximate the backplane, a top support member disposed proximate the backplane, and a bottom support member disposed opposite the top support member. The plurality of side support members, the top support member, and the bottom support member form a shelf area configured to receive electronic cards. At least one of the electronic cards includes a cover plate having an inlet operable to receive an airflow to dissipate thermal energy generated by the electronic card. The system may also include a filter to filter the airflow entering the inlet and a diffuser to diffuse the airflow about the electronic card in a desired pattern.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.