Abstract: An advanced optical fiber communications network comprises a multimode optical fiber connection (one fiber or two) from a central office to an intelligent interface device in the subscriber's premises. The central office includes at least a narrowband switch and a broadband switch. The narrowband switch provides voice grade telephone service routing. The broadband switch provides routing for video services and may comprise an ATM switch, an optical switch or the like. The intelligent interface device provides a connection to the optical fiber and performs two-way wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing as well as any necessary signal format conversions. The network has media access control functionality and utilizes a dynamic media access control procedure. The optical fiber loop to the subscriber's premises has the capacity to carry at least three different wavelengths.

Abstract: A fiber optic network comprises an optical fiber connection (one fiber or two) from a central office to an intelligent interface device in the subscriber's premises. The central office includes a serving node transceiver providing communication links to/from at least a narrowband switch and a broadband switch for providing narrowband and broadband service routing. The network includes at least one passive power splitter/combiner for passing all wavelengths on the optical fiber connection between the serving node transceiver and the intelligent interface devices. All wavelengths are provided to each customer and bandwidth on the optical fiber loop is dynamically allocated for individual services on demand through two-way wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing as well as any necessary signal format conversions. The network has media access control functionality and utilizes a dynamic media access control procedure for allocation of the bandwidth.

Abstract: A power saving method for maintaining synchronization in a power-limited communication system, such as a satellite-based TDMA mobile radiocommunication system. According to exemplary embodiments, the satellite transmits abbreviated bursts containing only synchronization information during intervals when no other control information is required by the receiving mobile unit, reducing power consumption during these intervals.

Abstract: A fiber optic network comprises an optical fiber connection (one fiber or two) from a central office to an intelligent interface device in the subscriber's premises. The central office includes a serving node transceiver providing communication links to/from at least a narrowband switch and a broadband switch for providing narrowband and broadband service routing. The network includes at least one passive power splitter/combiner for passing all wavelengths on the optical fiber connection between the serving node transceiver and the intelligent interface devices. All wavelengths are provided to each customer and bandwidth on the optical fiber loop is dynamically allocated for individual services on demand through two-way wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing as well as any necessary signal format conversions. The network has media access control functionality and utilizes a dynamic media access control procedure for allocation of the bandwidth.

Abstract: In a multitasking data processing apparatus including means for executing processes and including a display adapter for executing functions supporting a display, the display adapter including a first port means for receiving, from the means for executing processes, requests to execute selected functions having a first execution priority, a second port means for concurrently receiving, from the means for executing processes, requests to execute selected functions having a second execution priority lower than the first execution priority, and means, coupled to the first and second port means, for executing selected functions according to the execution priority.

Abstract: A media streamer (10) includes at least one storage node (16, 17) for storing a digital representation of a video presentation. The Video presentation requires a time T to present in its entirety, and is stored as a plurality of N data blocks, each data block storing data corresponding approximately to a T/N period of the video presentation.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and conditioning a plasma processing chamber wherein oxide residues have been previously formed on interior surfaces of the chamber. The method includes introducing a cleaning gas including a fluorine-based gas into the chamber followed by performing a plasma cleaning step. The plasma cleaning step is performed by activating the cleaning gas mixture and forming a plasma cleaning gas, contacting interior surfaces of the chamber with the plasma cleaning gas and removing oxide residues on the interior surfaces. The cleaning step is followed by coating the interior surfaces with silicon dioxide to adhere loose particles to the interior surfaces and a conditioning step wherein uncoated interior surfaces are treated to remove fluorine therefrom. An advantage of the cleaning and conditioning method is that it is not necessary to open the chamber.

Abstract: An accessory mounting apparatus for use on a heavy duty truck engine comprises a unitary bracket having parallel lateral walls defining an interior cavity which securingly receives a side portion of a front engine cover. The lateral walls extend to an outermost ear portion, to which an alternator is mounted in depending relationship, and upwardly to a horizontal plate portion having a mounting pad forward of the ear portion to which a coolant corrosion filter is dependingly mounted, and a mounting platform rearwardly inwardly of the mounting pad to and above which an air conditioning compressor is mounted, and forwardly extending boss attached to a forward wall of the bracket to which a constant tension pulley assembly is mounted to tension a belt which drives the compressor.

Abstract: A device is provided for storing and dispensing a trotline having hooks and consists of a reel rotatably mounted on a U-shaped frame which is mounted transversely to a base that is mounted onto a transom or bow of a boat. A crank handle assembly is rotatably mounted on the U-shaped frame for turning the reel counterclockwise to store the trotline and clockwise to dispense the trotline. A structure is provided on the reel for retaining the hooks of the trotline when it is stored on the reel.

Abstract: Organic vapor and particulate matter resulting from spray painting in continuous painting lines are separately collected and disposed of in a closed painting system that permits access for touch up. The painting line typically includes an automatic painting booth, a touch up booth, a flash off tunnel, and a curing oven, and a conveyer that conveys objects to be painted through the line in that order. The automatic painting booth recirculates air through a filter and through the booth to maintain proper painting conditions, and is tightly closed except for the conveyer entrance. The touch up booth has an opening through which workers have access to the painted objects, and through which a makeup flow of air is drawn to prevent particulate and organic compounds from escaping. The make up airflows to the automatic painting booth. A portion of the flow of organic-laden air is withdrawn from the automatic painting booth to maintain the air within the booth at a safe organic concentration level, and burned.

Abstract: A highway truck having a mobile frame and an engine compartment having a forward facing air inlet at the front of the frame disposed to receive ram air from the travel of the truck, a radiator mounted on the frame adjacent the air inlet, and a charge air cooler mounted adjacently above the radiator and adjacent the engine compartment air inlet for parallel ambient air flow therethrough. The air manifolds or plenums of the cross flow charge air cooler preferably have vertically centered rearwardly facing openings to eliminate bends in the ducts connecting to the engine while providing an optimum manifold design.

Abstract: An improved transverse gas flow RF pumped waveguide laser has been developed utilizing RF discharge waveguide technology in a mid-infrared laser. A potential application has been identified in a continuous wave gas laser. For the laser, the flowing gas provides efficient cooling so that high output power per unit gain length can be achieved.

Abstract: Problems in producing decorative articles having a shrinkable plastic film secured thereto are eliminated by disposing between the article and the plastic film finely divided particulate matter. The particulate matter is of a particle size to form a texture on the article surface which permits escape of trapped air when the shrinkable plastic film is shrunk or to form trapped air cells which are so small and distributed so as to be substantially invisible to the naked eye. The particulate material can be dusted and evenly distributed on the article itself or dusted and distributed over the surface of the shrinkable film which contacts the article. Most preferably, the particulate material is applied in the form of a liquid coating.