Abstract: Described herein is a computer implemented method for maintaining a plurality of issues, each issue having an associated rank value, the rank values of the plurality of issues defining an order of the plurality of issues. The method comprises receiving a rank operation request to change the rank of a subject issue; determining relevant issues to the rank operation request; and attempting to acquire locks on each of the relevant issues. In response to successfully acquiring locks on each of the relevant issues a new rank value for the subject issue is calculated and saved.

Abstract: An optical module includes an optoelectronic assembly and a heat spreader. The optoelectronic assembly includes a flat, rigid substrate, an array of electrical contacts positioned on a first portion of the substrate, and an optoelectronics assemblage that is electrically connected to the array of contacts and is positioned apart from the array of electrical contacts. The heat spreader is comprised of a thermally conductive material and comprises a second portion that is structurally connected to the first portion and a third portion that is thermally connected to the optoelectronics assemblage.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing oscillations of an oscillating body includes a magnetic base and a magnetic stabilizing mass pivotably coupled to the magnetic base by a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly defines a pivot axis about which the magnetic stabilizing mass is pivotable, relative to the magnetic base, between a first position and a second position. The magnetic stabilizing mass has an equilibrium position between the first position and the second position. The magnetic base produces magnetic fields that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the first position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the first position, and that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the second position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for suppressing oscillations of an oscillating body includes a magnetic base and a magnetic stabilizing mass pivotably coupled to the magnetic base by a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly defines a pivot axis about which the magnetic stabilizing mass is pivotable, relative to the magnetic base, between a first position and a second position. The magnetic stabilizing mass has an equilibrium position between the first position and the second position. The magnetic base produces magnetic fields that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the first position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the first position, and that magnetically repel the magnetic stabilizing mass away from the second position at least when the magnetic stabilizing mass is offset from the equilibrium position toward the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping involuntary hand motions occurring in at least first and second directions is provided, the first direction being opposite the second direction. The apparatus is securable to a hand and a forearm and comprises at least a first body having a terminal movable in an internal space in the body. The body contains a Non-Newtonian fluid. A link connects the terminal to a first portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping involuntary hand motions occurring in at least first and second directions is provided, the first direction being opposite the second direction. The apparatus is securable to a hand and a forearm and comprises at least a first body having a terminal movable in an internal space in the body. The body contains a Non-Newtonian fluid. A link connects the terminal to a first portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for updating a virtual private network (VPN) in a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) network. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management system (NMS) having a controller that manages a communications interface coupled to an MPLS network. The controller can be programmed to generate one or more messages conforming to a border gateway protocol (BGP) for updating a VPN operating in the MPLS network.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to form secure cross-VPN (virtual private network) communication sessions in multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)-based networks are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products simplify installation of terminating plugs to cables. A wiring plug helps a user arrange individual wires on the cable to a wiring diagram of a terminating plug, such as an RJ-56 plug. The wiring plug has individual passages prearranged to the wiring diagram, such that the individual wires may simply be inserted into the correct passages. The passages are also sized in diameter and length, such that each wire may be cut to the correct length for crimping to the terminating plug.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to form secure cross-VPN (virtual private network) communication sessions in multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)-based networks are disclosed.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to form secure cross-VPN (virtual private network) communication sessions in multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)-based networks are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a communication session initiation request from a first device associated with a first MPLS-based VPN, determining whether the communication session initiation request is directed to a second device associated with a second MPLS-based VPN, sending a cross-VPN link setup request to a route reflector to enable a cross-VPN communication path over which the first and second devices are permitted to communicate when the communication session initiation request is directed to the second device associated with the second VPN, and facilitating a communication session between the first and second devices via the communication path enabled by the route reflector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for advertising routing updates are disclosed. An example method includes forwarding a proposed routing update from a provider edge router to first and second customer edge routers when a route reflector determines that the proposed routing update having a first route target represents a desirable routing configuration for the provider edge router; and when the route reflector determines that the proposed routing update represents an undesirable routing configuration for the provider edge router: forwarding a first substitute routing update from the provider edge router to the first customer edge router different from the proposed routing update and including a second route target different from the first route target; and forwarding a second substitute routing update from the provider edge router to the second customer edge router different from the proposed routing update and including a third route target different from the first route target.

Abstract: A set-top box device comprising a recall channel stack module and an output module. The recall channel stack module is configured to store a plurality of last channels displayed. The output module is in communication with the recall channel stack module, and is configured to output a last channel menu listing the plurality of last channels displayed based on a last channel request.

Abstract: A cell-based router comprising a controller to receive provisioning information including a transport rate of at least one frame-based router among a group of frame-based routers in a communication network, adjust cell transmission rate to avoid packet losses at the frame-based routers, where cell-based traffic is routed to a bidirectional cell and frame based switch according to updated bandwidth comprising the adjusted cell transmission rate, where the bidirectional cell and frame based switch is coupled to the cell-based router and the frame-based routers.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to form secure cross-VPN (virtual private network) communication sessions in multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)-based networks are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a communication session initiation request from a first device associated with a first MPLS-based VPN, determining whether the communication session initiation request is directed to a second device associated with a second MPLS-based VPN, sending a cross-VPN link setup request to a route reflector to enable a cross-VPN communication path over which the first and second devices are permitted to communicate when the communication session initiation request is directed to the second device associated with the second VPN, and facilitating a communication session between the first and second devices via the communication path enabled by the route reflector.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products simplify installation of terminating plugs to cables. A wiring plug helps a user arrange individual wires on the cable to a wiring diagram of a terminating plug, such as an RJ-56 plug. The wiring plug has individual passages prearranged to the wiring diagram, such that the individual wires may simply be inserted into the correct passages. The passages are also sized in diameter and length, such that each wire may be cut to the correct length for crimping to the terminating plug.

Abstract: Systems and methods for advertising routing updates are disclosed. An example method includes forwarding a proposed routing update from a provider edge router to first and second customer edge routers when a route reflector determines that the proposed routing update having a first route target represents a desirable routing configuration for the provider edge router; and when the route reflector determines that the proposed routing update represents an undesirable routing configuration for the provider edge router: forwarding a first substitute routing update from the provider edge router to the first customer edge router different from the proposed routing update and including a second route target different from the first route target; and forwarding a second substitute routing update from the provider edge router to the second customer edge router different from the proposed routing update and including a third route target different from the first route target.

Abstract: A method of installing a plug on a cable having insulated wire pairs includes stripping insulation from a cable end to expose the wires and arranging the wires into a plug configuration. A wiring block having a back end leading to a cavity and a front end having pass through holes respectively leading to wire troughs extending between the cavity and front end is provided. The cable end is inserted through the back end such that the wires are inserted into the wire troughs corresponding with the plug configuration and such that the ends of the wires protrude out through the pass through holes. The protruding wire ends are cut off after being pulled until the cable insulation adjacent to the cable end seats itself inside the cavity. The cable is removed from the block such that the cable end can be inserted into a plug to be crimped thereto.

Abstract: A system for advertising routing updates is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a route reflector having a controller element that generates from a routing update a plurality of dissimilar routing advertisements transmitted in whole or in part to one or more provider edge routers operating in a packet-switched communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A teleconference system for coordinating a prearranged teleconference includes a memory that stores established parameters for contacting teleconference participants. The teleconference system also includes a caller that systematically hunts and automatically calls out to designated teleconference participants over a communications network based upon the established parameters, without the need for the designated participants to call in to the teleconference.