Abstract: Managing optical network alarms and events reported by multiple network nodes is described. In some embodiments, alarms or events of the same, similar, or different types are monitored and consolidated into a consolidated alarm or event. The consolidated alarms or events may be forwarded to another network node. An alarm or event storm in an optical network or other type of network can be significantly reduced, resulting in less consumption of network resources and simplified operation for a service provider. Details of the alarm storm can be retrieved on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to restore default settings in an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) prevents the ONT from retaining previous ONT settings after the ONT is removed from a network. One example embodiment notifies a management system that an ONT is removed from the network and updates settings of the ONT with default settings via an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) in operative communication with the management system. The default settings disable at least one service, such as voice, data, or video service, between the OLT and ONT. Through use of the example embodiment, ONTs can be properly deleted from a network prior to or after removal from the network, which simplifies redeployment of ONTs and control over the ONTs.

Abstract: An apparatus or corresponding method of managing Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines in a Passive Optical Network (PON) to prevent an alarm system from generating an alarm during a software upgrade or maintenance of an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), Optical Line Terminal (OLT), or PON while maintaining the effectiveness of the alarm system. The ONT may store data related to a POTS line in nonvolatile memory. The ONT may activate the POTS line based on the data from the nonvolatile memory in an event of interruption in communications with an OLT prior to reestablishing communications with the OLT. The interruption in communications may be caused by an ONT reboot to complete an installation of a software upgrade. The ONT may energize the POTS line with a voltage in response to activating the POTS line to prevent the alarm system from generating the alarm.

Abstract: A Position Sensor comprises: one or more excitation windings; a signal generator adapted to apply excitation signals to the or each excitation winding; tag means displaceable relative to said excitation windings; one or more sensor windings electromagnetically coupled to said excitation windings such that in response to said excitation signals being applied to said excitation windings, there is generated sensed signal in the or each sensor winding; and a signal processor adapted to process said sensed signals to determine the position of said tag means in any location in the X, Y and Z planes essentially in accordance with phase values or in accordance with phase values and amplitude values.

Abstract: A Position Sensor comprises: one or more excitation windings; a signal generator adapted to apply excitation signals to the or each excitation winding; tag means displaceable relative to said excitation windings; one or more sensor windings electromagnetically coupled to said excitation windings such that in response to said excitation signals being applied to said excitation windings, there is generated sensed signal in the or each sensor winding; and a signal processor adapted to process said sensed signals to determine the position of said tag means in any location in the X, Y and Z planes essentially in accordance with phase values or in accordance with phase values and amplitude values.

Abstract: The invention provides a toilet flushing system comprising a water reservoir provided with a water inlet, and a water outlet for directing water into or towards an associated toilet bowl; a discharge chamber communicating with the discharge outlet of the toilet bowl, the discharge chamber having at a downstream location thereof an exit opening provided with closure means; and air conduit extending between an upper end of the water reservoir and the discharge chamber such that reductions in air pressure within the upper end of the water reservoir caused by a fall in water level in the water reservoir are transmitted to the discharge chamber to produce temporarily a partial vacuum therein thereby to draw water from the toilet bowl through the discharge chamber.