Abstract: A system includes a tray (44), a printing assembly (22), an axis mechanism (10), a coupling mechanism (88) and a cover (54). Tray (44) configured for placing thereon a sample (70) including a first flowable-matter substrate (FMS) (69). Printing assembly (22) configured to print an image of edible substance on a second FMS layer (68) formed on first FMS (69). Axis mechanism (10) configured to control a distance (41) between sample (70) and printing assembly (22) by moving tray (44) with sample (70) along a vertical axis. Coupling mechanism (88) configured to couple between axis mechanism (10) and tray (44). Cover (54) configured to cover axis mechanism (10). Cover (54) has a front surface (77) that faces sample (70), and configured to block a spillage of at least one of the first and second FMSs (69, 68) from wetting the axis mechanism (88).

Abstract: A method for handling communication failures in a network, which includes provisioning first and second multipoint-to-multipoint communication services over respective first and second alternative sets of links that connect the endpoints in a network. Each of the sets connects network nodes which provide physical layer resources for the links. The communication service is provided to the endpoints over the first set of links using the first service. Upon detecting a failure in the first set of links, the physical layer resources of the links in the first set are deactivated by the network nodes, in order to lose their connections. Responding the loss of connection, the communication service automatically transfers communication to the second set of links.

Abstract: A method for communication includes provisioning different first and second instances of a multipoint-to-multipoint (MP-MP) communication service over respective first and second alternative sets of links (44A . . . 44D, 48A . . . 48D) that connect a plurality of endpoints (24A . . . 24C, 28) in a network (20), each of the sets traversing network nodes (32A . . . 32D), which provide physical layer resources for operating the links. The communication service is provided to the endpoints over the first set of links (44A . . . 44D) using the first instance. Upon detecting a failure in the first set of links, the physical layer resources of one or more of the links in the first set is deactivated by at least one of the network nodes, in order to cause a loss of connectivity in the first set of links. Responsively to sensing the loss of connectivity, the communication service is resumed over the second instance by automatically transferring communication among the endpoints to the second set of links (48A . . .

Abstract: A performance monitoring system for a digital network is installed in network elements having performance monitoring responsibilities. Apparatus is provided for network elements, in which a bitmap representation of performance primitives detected during an acquisition interval is used as a control in the tracking and updating of network performance parameters. Immediate access to states that enable and inhibit the evaluation of individual performance parameters is available.

Abstract: A performance monitoring system for a digital network is installed in network elements having performance monitoring responsibilities. Apparatus is provided for network elements, in which a bitmap representation of performance primitives detected during an acquisition interval is used as a control in the tracking and updating of network performance parameters. Immediate access to states that enable and inhibit the evaluation of individual performance parameters is available.