Abstract: The invention provides analyzers that improve tests for detecting specific cellular, viral, and molecular targets in clinical, industrial, or environmental samples. The invention permits efficient and specific selection and sensitive imaging detection of individual microscopic targets at low magnification. Automated embodiments allow efficient walk-away, on-demand, random-access high-throughput testing. The analyzers perform tests without requiring wash steps thus streamlining engineering and lowering costs. Thus, the invention provides analyzers that can deliver rapid, accurate, and quantitative, easy-to-use, and cost-effective tests for analytes.

Abstract: Optical fiber communication systems include monitor filters that permit OTDR or other monitoring signals to co-propagate or counter-propagate on link fibers. OTDR measurements are periodically triggered, and acquired OTDR signatures are compared with store signatures to locate faults. The monitor filter can be used in single direction, dual OTDR bidirectional, or signal OTDR bidirectional (loopback) monitoring.

Abstract: Optical communication systems include optical time domain reflectometers that are coupled to link fibers to determine link fiber lengths. After length measurement, chromatic dispersion associated with the measured length is estimated. In some examples, the estimated chromatic dispersion is compensated. A single OTDR can be used to assess a pair of link fibers coupling first and second network nodes by injecting a probe pulse at a common end of the link fibers or by routing the probe pulses from a remote end of one link fiber into a remote end of a second fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for managing matrices of connections within digital switching fabrics. The methods and systems include means for defining one or more of sources and sinks in a matrix of connections as one or more of unidirectional connection termination points and novel unidirectional virtual connection points, where each of the unidirectional virtual connection points is a logical object that is maintained in software that defines connections between one or more of network resources and logical objects.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for real-time, in-service latency measurements over optical links that may be further integrated within various optical control planes. The present invention may utilize minimal unused overhead to calculate latency of an optical line through a transport network. The present invention utilizes timers at two end-point nodes associated with the optical line, and includes a mechanism to filter out frame skew between the nodes. Advantageously, the present invention provides a highly accurate latency measurement that may calculate latency on links as small as one meter, an in-service algorithm operable without network impact, and may be integrated with an optical control plane to automatically provide administrative weight variables associated with link costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for rapid circuit provisioning in Optical Transport Networks (OTN) using signaling and routing protocols thereby enabling fast mesh restoration. The present invention utilizes a shim layer between OTN messaging (e.g., GCC or High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC)) and the associated signaling and routing protocol (e.g., OSRP, GMPLS, etc.). If an ODUk Connection CTP or TTP needs to be created, the shim layer runs a fast “OTN Setup” protocol, while buffering out going OTN messages. Incoming messages are still processed and do not require additional buffering. The purpose of the OTN Setup protocol is to allow the OTUk to re-frame on its client ODUk, while buffering out-going messages. When re-framing completes, buffers are released and the OTN messaging resumes without dropping any of the signaling frames.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for parallel multi-core control plane processing with optical networks. This enables optical switches utilizing control planes, such as G.ASON, to meet scalability and performance requirements of evolving networks. The multi-core processing is configured to handle call control for sub-network connections (SNCs) (e.g., requests for creates, failures, restores, routing). Additional control plane functions, such as signaling and related interfaces, routing connection admission control (CAC), naming and addressing, and the like, can also be processed in parallel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for real-time, in-service latency measurements over optical links that may be further integrated within various optical control planes. The present invention may utilize minimal unused overhead to calculate latency of an optical line through a transport network. The present invention utilizes timers at two end-point nodes associated with the optical line, and includes a mechanism to filter out frame skew between the nodes. Advantageously, the present invention provides a highly accurate latency measurement that may calculate latency on links as small as one meter, an in-service algorithm operable without network impact, and may be integrated with an optical control plane to automatically provide administrative weight variables associated with link costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for rapid circuit provisioning in Optical Transport Networks (OTN) using signaling and routing protocols thereby enabling fast mesh restoration. The present invention utilizes a shim layer between OTN messaging (e.g., GCC or High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC)) and the associated signaling and routing protocol (e.g., OSRP, GMPLS, etc.). If an ODUk Connection CTP or TTP needs to be created, the shim layer runs a fast “OTN Setup” protocol, while buffering out going OTN messages. Incoming messages are still processed and do not require additional buffering. The purpose of the OTN Setup protocol is to allow the OTUk to re-frame on its client ODUk, while buffering out-going messages. When re-framing completes, buffers are released and the OTN messaging resumes without dropping any of the signaling frames.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for parallel multi-core control plane processing with optical networks. This enables optical switches utilizing control planes, such as G.ASON, to meet scalability and performance requirements of evolving networks. The multi-core processing is configured to handle call control for sub-network connections (SNCs) (e.g., requests for creates, failures, restores, routing). Additional control plane functions, such as signaling and related interfaces, routing connection admission control (CAC), naming and addressing, and the like, can also be processed in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for managing matrices of connections within digital switching fabrics. The methods and systems include means for defining one or more of sources and sinks in a matrix of connections as one or more of unidirectional connection termination points and novel unidirectional virtual connection points, where each of the unidirectional virtual connection points is a logical object that is maintained in software that defines connections between one or more of network resources and logical objects.

Abstract: A device and associated method for drilling a hole in the center of a broken element that is engaged within a bore, thereby enabling the broken element to be retracted by engaging the newly drilled hole. The present invention includes a collar member that defines an open central channel between two opposite ends. The collar member includes a male region adapted to engage the bore should the broken element be broken within the bore below the surface. The collar assembly also includes a female region adapted to engage the broken element, should the broken element extend out of the bore. Regardless of whether the male region engages the bore or the female region engages the broken element, the collar member aligns the open central channel over the center of the broken element. A drill bit is then advanced through the open central channel, whereby the open central channel acts as a drill guide and prevents the drill bit from wandering away from the center of the broken element.