Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a retainer having a contact end biased towards the sweep. The sweep includes two or more spaced end-receiving areas to accommodate changes in the mounted sweep position. In one embodiment, the retainer is a wire made of spring steel having a contact end biased against the underside of the sweep. In one embodiment, the underside of the sweep includes a series of stepped portions. As the sweep is forced on the adapter on the shank, the contact end springs into retaining position on the stepped portion that aligns with the spring end when the sweep is in the mounted position. The sweep can be attached loosely by hand in an initial position with operating forces moving the sweep to a wedge locked position.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a retainer having a contact end biased towards the sweep. The sweep includes two or more spaced end-receiving areas to accommodate changes in the mounted sweep position. In one embodiment, the retainer is a wire made of spring steel having a contact end biased against the underside of the sweep. In one embodiment, the underside of the sweep includes a series of stepped portions. As the sweep is forced on the adapter on the shank, the contact end springs into retaining position on the stepped portion that aligns with the spring end when the sweep is in the mounted position. The sweep can be attached loosely by hand in an initial position with operating forces moving the sweep to a wedge locked position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for amplifying an optical signal in an optical network is provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, an optical amplifying module is disclosed for use in an optical network. The optical amplifying module comprises a variable optical attenuator (VOA), an optical amplifier and a controller. The VOA, optical amplifier and controller are coupled to each other and the optical network. The VOA attenuates the optical input signal to produce an attenuated output signal. The optical amplifier amplifies the attenuated output signal to produce an amplified output signal. The controller receives network operating parameters and also monitors the power levels of the attenuated and amplified signals. Based on the measured power levels and the received operating parameters, the controller adjusts the VOA such that the optical output power per channel is maintained at a constant value.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a retainer having a contact end biased towards the sweep. The sweep includes two or more spaced end-receiving areas to accommodate changes in the mounted sweep position. In one embodiment, the retainer is a wire made of spring steel having a contact end biased against the underside of the sweep. In one embodiment, the underside of the sweep includes a series of stepped portions. As the sweep is forced on the adapter on the shank, the contact end springs into retaining position on the stepped portion that aligns with the spring end when the sweep is in the mounted position. The sweep can be attached loosely by hand in an initial position with operating forces moving the sweep to a wedge locked position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for amplifying an optical signal in an optical network is provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, an optical amplifying module is disclosed for use in an optical network. The optical amplifying module comprises a variable optical attenuator (VOA), an optical amplifier and a controller. The VOA, optical amplifier and controller are coupled to each other and the optical network. The VOA attenuates the optical input signal to produce an attenuated output signal. The optical amplifier amplifies the attenuated output signal to produce an amplified output signal. The controller receives network operating parameters and also monitors the power levels of the attenuated and amplified signals. Based on the measured power levels and the received operating parameters, the controller adjusts the VOA such that the optical output power per channel is maintained at a constant value.