Abstract: In one embodiment, a media converter comprises a power interface that extracts power from a communication medium coupled to the media converter for powering the media converter. In another embodiment, a connector comprises a first media attachment interface to physically attach a first communication medium to the connector and a second media attachment interface to physically attach a second communication medium to the connector. The connector further comprises a mounting interface to physically attach the connector to a structure. The connector communicatively couples the first communication medium and the second communication medium. The connector processes management data communicated over at least one of the first communication medium and the second communication medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a media converter comprises a power interface that extracts power from a communication medium coupled to the media converter for powering the media converter. In another embodiment, a connector comprises a first media attachment interface to physically attach a first communication medium to the connector and a second media attachment interface to physically attach a second communication medium to the connector. The connector further comprises a mounting interface to physically attach the connector to a structure. The connector communicatively couples the first communication medium and the second communication medium. The connector processes management data communicated over at least one of the first communication medium and the second communication medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a media converter comprises a power interface that extracts power from a communication medium coupled to the media converter for powering the media converter. In another embodiment, a connector comprises a first media attachment interface to physically attach a first communication medium to the connector and a second media attachment interface to physically attach a second communication medium to the connector. The connector further comprises a mounting interface to physically attach the connector to a structure. The connector communicatively couples the first communication medium and the second communication medium. The connector processes management data communicated over at least one of the first communication medium and the second communication medium.

Abstract: A single fiber passive optical network (PON) wavelength division multiplex (WDM) overlay includes a central office, a fiber optic network, and a plurality of optical network termination (ONT) units. The central office has a baseline optical link that receives a baseline communication signal and converts the baseline communication signal into a downstream baseline optical signal within a first optical bandwidth, and has an additional optical link that receives a second type of communication signal and converts the second type of communication signal into a second downstream optical signal within a second optical bandwidth. The downstream baseline optical signal generated by the baseline optical link is combined with the second optical signal generated by the additional optical link to generate a broadband optical signal. The fiber optic network is coupled to the central office and receives the broadband optical signal on at least one optic fiber.

Abstract: A single fiber passive optical network (PON) wavelength division multiplex (WDM) overlay includes a central office, a fiber optic network, and a plurality of optical network termination (ONT) units. The central office has a baseline optical link that receives a baseline communication signal and converts the baseline communication signal into a downstream baseline optical signal within a first optical bandwidth, and has an additional optical link that receives a second type of communication signal and converts the second type of communication signal into a second downstream optical signal within a second optical bandwidth. The downstream baseline optical signal generated by the baseline optical link is combined with the second optical signal generated by the additional optical link to generate a broadband optical signal. The fiber optic network is coupled to the central office and receives the broadband optical signal on at least one optic fiber.

Abstract: An adjustable skate boot has an adjustable boot shell of multiple, rigid pieces, and an adjustable liner adapted to provide an inner cushion for the shell. The soft, padded tricot liner has a fore portion and a heel portion which are adapted to be overlapped in use, the amount of overlap being adjustable for accommodating feet of different sizes. Hook-and-loop fasteners provide a releasable engagement for connecting the fore and heel portions of the liner. Methods of adjusting the liner are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective pad for a joint surface of a wearer's limb during athletic activity such as skating and skateboarding has a cushioning element and a shielding element mounted thereto. The cushioning element has a body with a first surface to overlie the joint surface and an opposite second surface. The shielding element has a primary wall forming a domed central region surrounded by a peripheral flange engaged upon the second surface of the cushioning body. In the central region, the primary wall defines an outer, obstruction-engaging surface and an inner wall surface. The shielding element also has a plurality of interengaged support wall segments extending from the inner wall surface toward, but spaced from engagement with, the second surface of the cushioning body.

Abstract: An in-line skate has a wheeled chassis and a detachable boot for walking. The chassis has an elongated frame and a multiplicity of wheels mounted to the frame. The frame has a projection extending from it, the projection having a stem and an overhanging head at the distal end of the stem. The frame also includes an elongated rib, with a cantilevered extension, extending from the frame in spaced relation to the projection, along the length of the frame. The boot is adapted for releasable attachment to the chassis, and has an upper attached to a flexible sole with a tread for walking upon. The sole defines a slot adapted to receive the rib of the frame. The slot has an undercut at one end for retaining the cantilevered extension of the rib to resist separation of the attached boot and chassis. The sole also contains a movable clip positioned to receive and releasably engage the projection to resist separation of the attached boot and chassis.

Abstract: The apparatus and method includes a backplane (14) and a plurality of cable connectors (16) arranged orderly on the backplane (14) to which the cables (12) are connected. A plurality of conductive groomer fingers (30) extend generally perpendicularly from the backplane (14) along at least one edge of the backplane (14), where slots of a predetermined width are defined therebetween. Each cable (12) has an EMI termination zone (32) packed in the groomer finger slots to achieve good electrical contact with the groomer fingers (30). A rear cover (34) is used to substantially enclose the backplane (14).

Abstract: A rack lift assembly (10) includes a side mount plate (12) that can be connected to an equipment rack holding telecommunication equipment. A caster plate (14) connects to the side mount plate (12) by a loose pin hinge (26) and by a latch pin (18). The latch pin (18) has two apertures (22 and 24) that can receive a deadbolt (20) from caster plate (14). Caster plate (14) includes a wheel (34) that is placed in contact with the floor or ground when the deadbolt (20) is secured within the first aperture (22) of the latch pin (18), placing the caster plate (14) in its operating position. The caster plate (14) is placed in an inoperational position by securing the deadbolt (20) into the second aperture (24) of the latch pin (18). The side mount plate (12) includes rollers (16) that allow for transportation of telecommunication equipment during low clearance situations while the caster plate (14) is placed in its inoperational position.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (120) is provided with adaptive gain control (AGC) of the voice signals in network (120). Network (120)includes an input (12) for receiving a voice signal, an output (14) for receiving the voice signal, and a coupling between input (12) and output (14) including at least one switch (124) or (126). Network (120) also includes voice enhancer (10) including power averager (18) for measuring and determining the average power of an input signal. Voice enhancer (10) also includes bass band equalizer (16) to attenuate a predetermined portion of the input signal to provide an equalized input signal. From the average power of the input signal is determined a scaling factor from a gain/attenuation look-up table (28). Voice enhancer (10) also includes output scaler (30) coupled to output (14), output scaler (30) scales the equalized input signal with the scaling factor and provides the scaled signal to output (14).

Abstract: An in-line wheeled skate includes a boot, a chassis attached beneath the boot, a plurality of wheels mounted thereupon and arranged in tandem, and a toe stop. The toe stop is fixedly mounted at the front of the chassis and defines a toe stop surface having a first, upper portion positioned relative to a chassis axis for engagement with a travel surface during movement to brake or slow motion of a skater and a second, lower portion positioned relative to the chassis axis for engagement with a travel surface during movement to impart push-off motion to a skater.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (120) is provided with adaptive gain control (AGC) of the voice signals in network (120). Network (120) includes an input (12) for receiving a voice signal, an output (14) for receiving the voice signal, and a coupling between input (12) and output (14) including at least one switch (124) or (126). Network (120) also includes voice enhancer (10) including power averager (18) for measuring and determining the average power of an input signal. Voice enhancer (10) also includes bass band equalizer (16) to attenuate a predetermined portion of the input signal to provide an equalized input signal. From the average power of the input signal is determined a scaling factor from a gain/attenuation look-up table (28). Voice enhancer (10) also includes output scaler (30) coupled to output (14), output scaler (30) scales the equalized input signal with the scaling factor and provides the scaled signal to output (14).

Abstract: A multi-terrain in-line skate chassis has at least one base plate for supporting a skate boot and a single, vertically oriented wheel support plate having an upper edge. The base plate has a side edge and defines a base plane, and the upper edge of the wheel support plate is joined to the base plate along the side edge. The wheel support plate defines at least a first set of apertures and a second set of apertures. The first set of apertures is located at a first set of predetermined distances below the base plane. The second set of apertures is located at a second set of predetermined distances below the base plane, the second set of predetermined distances being different from the first set of predetermined distances.

Abstract: An exercise device for has a rigid body defining a chamber, at least one first fluid mass disposed to move within the chamber in response to movement of the rigid body during exercise, thereby increasing the effective mass of the device by dynamic movement of the fluid mass during rhythmic exercise, one or more handles for gripping of the device during exercise, and a set of one or more weight adjusting elements that can be removably attached in order to adjust the static base weight of the exercise device. Exercise devices may be constructed for use of one hand or two hands.

Abstract: The specification discloses a powder process in which metal or ceramic particles are mixed with a binder such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene powder and are compacted. The compacted shape is heated to a temperature near the melting point of the binder to consolidate the binder and produce a green shape. The green shape is formed and the binder is removed. Thereafter, the shape is sintered to form a final part.