Abstract: Deployable reflector system includes a support structure and a reflector surface secured to the support structure. The support structure transition from a compact stowed configuration to a larger deployed configuration to deploy the reflector surface. The reflector surface is comprised of a carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet. The sheet is intricately folded in accordance with a predetermined folding pattern to define a compact folded state. This predetermined folding pattern is configured to permit automatic extension of the CNT sheet from a compact folded state to a fully unfolded state. The unfolding operation occurs when a tension force is applied to at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the CNT sheet. In some scenarios, the support structure can comprise a circumferential hoop.

Abstract: Deployable reflector system includes a support structure and a reflector surface secured to the support structure. The support structure transition from a compact stowed configuration to a larger deployed configuration to deploy the reflector surface. The reflector surface is comprised of a carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet. The sheet is intricately folded in accordance with a predetermined folding pattern to define a compact folded state. This predetermined folding pattern is configured to permit automatic extension of the CNT sheet from a compact folded state to a fully unfolded state. The unfolding operation occurs when a tension force is applied to at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the CNT sheet. In some scenarios, the support structure can comprise a circumferential hoop.

Abstract: A buffering system in a communication switch and method therefore is presented that utilizes notification of congested points within the switch to perform intelligent routing decisions such that the congestion is avoided when possible. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by detecting congestion in a transmit queue corresponding to a line card or a link layer processor of the communication switch. Upon detection of such congestion, an indication of the congestion is provided to a central control block that performs call processing and routing for the communication switch. When the central control block performs subsequent routing operations, the central control block considers the congestion indications it has thus far received such that the congested points within the switch are avoided if possible.