Abstract: Modular technologies for servicing telephony systems are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving a user request to service a telephony system of a user, and transmitting a set of available session initiation protocol (SIP) providers to a user computing device for analysis by the user. Responsive to receiving a user input, the example method includes connecting the user computing device to an SIP trunk, connecting to a serviceable call location included in the user request through the SIP trunk, wherein connecting to the serviceable call location initiates a data stream, and executing a servicing task included in the user request. The example method includes recording a portion of the data stream during execution of the servicing task, storing the portion of the data stream, and causing the user computing device to display the portion of the data stream for viewing by the user.

Abstract: The invention is an improved mercury vapor apparatus for developing daguerreotype photographs and modified daguerreotype methods for the production of holograms and etched semiconductor masks, or other types based on the daguerreotype process. The improved mercury vapor apparatus uses 99.99% less mercury by weight than the traditional inverted pyramid apparatus used by those skilled in the art. This is accomplished by replacing liquid mercury with a metal plate amalgamated with mercury to serve as the source for mercury vapor, providing improved convenience for chemical handling and safety. The mercury vapor apparatus is easily transported and eliminates any risks due to spilled mercury. Furthermore, the mercury vapor apparatus is adapted for developing daguerreotype plates, and other types based on the daguerreotype process, while in the camera plate holder, effectively blocking actinic light from spoiling the plate and eliminating the need for darkroom facilities.

Abstract: An aftertreatment system comprises a particulate filter configured to filter PM possessing a predetermined, least effective size range included in an exhaust gas flowing through the aftertreatment system. A PM sensor assembly is positioned downstream of the particulate filter and includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a sidewall and defines an internal volume. A PM sensor is positioned within the internal volume. The housing is configured to redirect a flow of exhaust gas entering the PM sensor assembly around the PM sensor so that small particles included in the exhaust gas flow having a first size within or smaller than the predetermined size range are directed around the particulate matter sensor. Large particles having a second size larger than the predetermined size range impact the PM sensor. A controller is communicatively coupled to the PM sensor.

Abstract: An aftertreatment system comprises a particulate filter configured to filter PM possessing a predetermined, least effective size range included in an exhaust gas flowing through the aftertreatment system. A PM sensor assembly is positioned downstream of the particulate filter and includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a sidewall and defines an internal volume. A PM sensor is positioned within the internal volume. The housing is configured to redirect a flow of exhaust gas entering the PM sensor assembly around the PM sensor so that small particles included in the exhaust gas flow having a first size within or smaller than the predetermined size range are directed around the particulate matter sensor. Large particles having a second size larger than the predetermined size range impact the PM sensor. A controller is communicatively coupled to the PM sensor.

Abstract: An optical receiver signal strength indicator (RSSI) circuit for use in an optical receiver or transceiver module is provided that uses a variable impedance device in the supply voltage filter circuit. The variable impedance device is varied based on the strength of the input current signal produced by the photodiode. At lower values of input current, the variable impedance is increased to improve the accuracy with which the RSSI circuit senses the input current, which improves the accuracy of the RSSI signal output from the RSSI circuit. The increase in impedance also improves supply voltage filtering by reducing the low-pass bandwidth of the supply voltage filter circuit. At higher values of input current, the variable impedance is decreased to ensure that the voltage bias applied to the photodiode is at least equal to a minimum bias voltage needed for proper operation of the photodiode.

Abstract: An optical communication system, circuit, and Integrated Circuit (IC) chip are disclosed. The disclosed optical communication system includes a photodiode configured to receive light energy and convert the light energy into an electrical signal, an amplifier configured to receive the electrical signal from the photodiode and output an amplified electrical signal, and a control circuit comprising a biasing network that generates a modular logic level that scales with a bias voltage of the photodiode.

Abstract: An optical communication system, circuit, and Integrated Circuit (IC) chip are disclosed. The disclosed optical communication system includes a photodiode configured to receive light energy and convert the light energy into an electrical signal, an amplifier configured to receive the electrical signal from the photodiode and output an amplified electrical signal, and a control circuit comprising a biasing network that generates a modular logic level that scales with a bias voltage of the photodiode.

Abstract: An optical receiver signal strength indicator (RSSI) circuit for use in an optical receiver or transceiver module is provided that uses a variable impedance device in the supply voltage filter circuit. The variable impedance device is varied based on the strength of the input current signal produced by the photodiode. At lower values of input current, the variable impedance is increased to improve the accuracy with which the RSSI circuit senses the input current, which improves the accuracy of the RSSI signal output from the RSSI circuit. The increase in impedance also improves supply voltage filtering by reducing the low-pass bandwidth of the supply voltage filter circuit. At higher values of input current, the variable impedance is decreased to ensure that the voltage bias applied to the photodiode is at least equal to a minimum bias voltage needed for proper operation of the photodiode.

Abstract: An optical communications system and method at least doubles the data rate of the optical fiber link without requiring a redesign of the backplane ASIC. This is made possible in part through the incorporation of at least one gearbox integrated circuit (IC) is incorporated into the system that is compatible with the current ASIC design. The gearbox IC receives N lanes of electrical data signals from the ASIC, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of X Gbps, and outputs N/2 lanes of electrical data signals, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of 2X Gbps. The high-speed optical transceiver module receives the N/2 electrical data signals output from the gearbox IC and produces N/2 respective optical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps for transmission over the optical fiber link.

Abstract: A gearbox IC is incorporated into an optical communications system to enable an optical link that incorporates the system to achieve data rates that are at least double that which are currently achievable in optical links. The gearbox IC performs data rate conversion and phase alignment. In the transmit direction, the gearbox IC receives N lanes of electrical data signals having a data rate of X Gbps and outputs N/2 lanes of electrical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps. In the receive direction, the gearbox IC receives N/2 electrical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps and converts the N/2 electrical data signals into N electrical data signals having a data rate of X.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing network capacity in a network comprising multiple wireless communication that overlap at least partly in frequency spectrum. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable device such as a laptop or smartphone having both a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) interface and a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface which each operate with approximately the same frequency range. One variant places the WLAN interface into a power-saving mode as a default, thereby mitigating interference with the PAN interface in cases where the WLAN interface is not in active use. In another variant, an aggressive PAN management algorithm is used to enforce network policy on the PAN interface, thereby mitigating interference between the PAN interface and the WLAN interfaces of other devices in the network (as well as the parent device). AP-based variants are also described. Methods of operation and doing business utilizing the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compensating for the effects of interference between multiple wireless communication apparatus. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a first wireless communication apparatus operating in a first band and a second wireless communication apparatus operating at least partly in the first band, where the second wireless communication apparatus operates according to a different communication protocol than the first wireless communication apparatus. Interference is compensated for between the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus by selecting and operating according to one of a plurality of operational protocols. In another embodiment, the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus operate in a closed-loop relationship to cooperatively compensate for communication interference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively switching one or more antennas in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array so as to mitigate interference with another RF interface within the same space-constrained device, based on radio frequency isolation. In one embodiment, the MIMO interface comprises a WLAN interface having a 2×2 or 3×3 array of antennae which are placed in a wireless device in an asymmetric fashion with respect to the antenna of the second interface, and the other interface comprises a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface operating in an overlapping frequency band (e.g., ISM band). When both interfaces are operating, interference is mitigated through selectively switching off one or more of the MIMO antennae, and using the remaining antenna(e) having the best isolation from the Bluetooth antennae.

Abstract: A gearbox IC is incorporated into an optical communications system to enable an optical link that incorporates the system to achieve data rates that are at least double that which are currently achievable in optical links. The gearbox IC performs data rate conversion and phase alignment. In the transmit direction, the gearbox IC receives N lanes of electrical data signals having a data rate of X Gbps and outputs N/2 lanes of electrical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps. In the receive direction, the gearbox IC receives N/2 electrical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps and converts the N/2 electrical data signals into N electrical data signals having a data rate of X.

Abstract: An optical communications system and method at least doubles the data rate of the optical fiber link without requiring a redesign of the backplane ASIC. This is made possible in part through the incorporation of at least one gearbox integrated circuit (IC) is incorporated into the system that is compatible with the current ASIC design. The gearbox IC receives N lanes of electrical data signals from the ASIC, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of X Gbps, and outputs N/2 lanes of electrical data signals, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of 2X Gbps. The high-speed optical transceiver module receives the N/2 electrical data signals output from the gearbox IC and produces N/2 respective optical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps for transmission over the optical fiber link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analysis of electronic components such as radio transceivers (for example, WLAN, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS). In one embodiment, a “black box” is diagnosed in its final device application and layout, using a series of software test routines or suites. The test suites provide simultaneous monitoring of multiple non-overlapping status indicators. Each test suite can be selectively enabled or disabled, and may also provide runtime modification of one or more parameters, and or intelligent testing of system operation. In another embodiment, multiple black box modules within a single form factor device are simultaneously run; the interference levels between the black box modules (as well as other parameters) are independently measured, displayed and logged to the user. Exemplary embodiments are described in reference to a Bluetooth module and WLAN module operating within a spatially restricted device (such as a desktop/laptop computer, “smartphone”, Bluetooth mouse and keyboard).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compensating for the effects of interference between multiple wireless communication apparatus. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a first wireless communication apparatus operating in a first band and a second wireless communication apparatus operating at least partly in the first band, where the second wireless communication apparatus operates according to a different communication protocol than the first wireless communication apparatus. Interference is compensated for between the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus by selecting and operating according to one of a plurality of operational protocols. In another embodiment, the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus operate in a closed-loop relationship to cooperatively compensate for communication interference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing network capacity in a network comprising multiple wireless communication that overlap at least partly in frequency spectrum. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable device such as a laptop or smartphone having both a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) interface and a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface which each operate with approximately the same frequency range. One variant places the WLAN interface into a power-saving mode as a default, thereby mitigating interference with the PAN interface in cases where the WLAN interface is not in active use. In another variant, an aggressive PAN management algorithm is used to enforce network policy on the PAN interface, thereby mitigating interference between the PAN interface and the WLAN interfaces of other devices in the network (as well as the parent device). AP-based variants are also described. Methods of operation and doing business utilizing the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively switching one or more antennas in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array so as to mitigate interference with another RF interface within the same space-constrained device, based on radio frequency isolation. In one embodiment, the MIMO interface comprises a WLAN interface having a 2×2 or 3×3 array of antennae which are placed in a wireless device in an asymmetric fashion with respect to the antenna of the second interface, and the other interface comprises a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface operating in an overlapping frequency band (e.g., ISM band). When both interfaces are operating, interference is mitigated through selectively switching off one or more of the MIMO antennae, and using the remaining antenna(e) having the best isolation from the Bluetooth antennae.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing network capacity in a network comprising multiple wireless communication that overlap at least partly in frequency spectrum. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable device such as a laptop or smartphone having both a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) interface and a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface which each operate with approximately the same frequency range. One variant places the WLAN interface into a power-saving mode as a default, thereby mitigating interference with the PAN interface in cases where the WLAN interface is not in active use. In another variant, an aggressive PAN management algorithm is used to enforce network policy on the PAN interface, thereby mitigating interference between the PAN interface and the WLAN interfaces of other devices in the network (as well as the parent device). AP-based variants are also described. Methods of operation and doing business utilizing the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.