Abstract: In an automatically switched optical network operating according to a wavelength plan, the wavelengths are assigned to an optical path based on availability, performance and SRS wavelength coupling reduction. First, the wavelengths are grouped in static bins based on their reach versus cost performance, and each bin assumes a ?Q of a middle wavelength. Then, the bins are moved into subsets of dynamic bins, constructed using bin constraints that account for the particulars of the respective optical path. The path is characterized taking into account the wavelength currently accessing at the end nodes, and the wavelength tandeming through the end nodes. Wavelength selection starts with the bins that satisfy the maximum number of constraints, and the wavelengths are checked sequentially against wavelength constraints; relaxed constraints are also applied when it is not possible to exactly satisfy one or more constraints.

Abstract: In an automatically switched optical network operating according to a wavelength plan, the wavelengths are assigned to an optical path based on availability, performance and SRS wavelength coupling reduction. First, the wavelengths are grouped in static bins based on their reach versus cost performance, and each bin assumes a ?Q of a middle wavelength. Then, the bins are moved into subsets of dynamic bins, constructed using bin constraints that account for the particulars of the respective optical path. The path is characterized taking into account the wavelength currently accessing at the end nodes, and the wavelength tandeming through the end nodes. Wavelength selection starts with the bins that satisfy the maximum number of constraints, and the wavelengths are checked sequentially against wavelength constraints; relaxed constraints are also applied when it is not possible to exactly satisfy one or more constraints.

Abstract: A creep feeder features a frame having an enclose defined thereon and a trough supported within the enclosure, the enclosure including end walls disposed at opposite ends of the trough and blocking access to the trough from three sides thereof while defining an open side of the feeder through which the trough is accessible. A panel assembly having opposite ends pivotally supported on the frame proximate the end walls features a plurality of panels pivotally interconnected between the opposite ends to allow folding of the panel assembly. The panels are foldable from a deployed condition, in which the panel assembly extends from the opposite ends thereof away from the trough to enclose a feeding area spanning from the trough past the open side of the feeder, to a stowed condition in which the panel assembly extends between the end walls in proximity to the open side to effect closing thereof.

Abstract: The method of pre-configuring the optical protect paths in an agile photonic network establishes a protection trail for each optical working path that may be set-up in the network. The pre-configuration is based on building an electrical layer (EXC) graph that takes into account all the connection demands in the network, and finding on this EXC graph a plurality of cycles. Next, the EXC cycles are validated at the optical layer, and are further validated against constraints. The method attempts to find an optimal cycles solution, without exhausting all possible variants.

Abstract: The path selection and wavelength assignment to a selected path are performed by mapping the wavelength reach to the demand distribution (agile reach) resulting in a 50-60% increase in the network reach. The network reach is further increased (about 2.2 times) when on-line measured performance data are used for path selection and wavelength assignment. The connections may be engineered/upgraded individually, by optimizing th eparameters of the entire path or of a regenerator section of the respective path. The upgrades include changing the wavelength, adjusting the parameters of the regenerator section, controlling the launch powers, mapping a certain transmitter and/or receiver to the respective wavelength, selecting the wavelengths on a certain link so as to reduce cross-talk, increasing wavelength spacing, etc.

Abstract: A n×n transparent photonic switch TPS for an optical communication network uses wavelength selective elements connected in the switch fabric, to allow channels to pass, or to block channels from passing according to a network-wide routing connectivity data. The WSE may be a two-port blocker, in which case all input and output ports of the TPS are provided with 1:(n−1) splitters/combiners for providing internal routes between all pairs of input I(i) and output O(j) ports. The WSE may be assembled using wavelength selective switches WSS, or combinations of WSSs, splitters/combiners and circulators.

Abstract: An electrical panel for particularly supporting and supplying electrical connections for a plurality of electrical components comprises a sandwich formed by a central conducting layer computer design to form a plurality of conducting paths which are laser cut from a sheet of cooper and a pair of covering plastic layers of insulating material. Mechanical anchoring points extend through the sandwich missing the conducting paths into an optional supporting steel sheet. Electrical connecting points comprise screw threaded pins which engage into female screw threads formed in the front insulating layer and into the conducting layer.

Abstract: A building system includes a plurality of building panels which are connected together to form a wall structure and are then connected to roof panels to form a roof structure. Each of the panels is formed by rotational molding to form a hollow body. The hollow body can be filled with a foamed insulation material. Side edges of the hollow body include either a projection or a correspondingly shaped recess which has a web and a bulbous part of increased width on the outer end of the web so that the panels can be connected only by longitudinal sliding movement. Metal plates are embedded in the top and bottom surfaces for connection to metal plates in the roof panels and to a footing respectively.

Abstract: A clam shell rotational moulding machine of a type including a housing having a base portion with a flat base and four upstanding sides and a cover portion with a top and four depending sides can be moved from a fully closed position in which the top and base co-operate to form an enclosed housing to an open position in which the cover portion is lifted and a front one of the side walls of the base is opened to a horizontal position above a pivot axis across the bottom of the front wall. A spindle arm assembly normally mounted during the moulding process within the housing and extending into the housing through the side walls can be moved from the normal position to an unloading position. The spindle arm assembly is mounted upon a cantilever arrangement carried by a rigid frame mounted on the front door. Opening of the front door thus moves the spindle arm assembly and attached moulds to the unload position substantially vertically above the horizontal surface of the front door.

Abstract: A rotational molding machine having an oven enclosed by a pivotable top clam shell cover, front entry doors for interior oven access, and a spider arm and drive spindle which is supported by bearing members on opposite walls of the oven for removable mounting thereon.

Abstract: A rotational molding machine having an oven enclosed by a pivotable top clam shell cover, front entry doors for interior oven access, and a spider arm and drive spindle which is supported by bearing members on opposite walls of the oven for removable mounting thereon.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a spindle arm for use in batch-type rotational plastic molding machines. The invention herein includes two cylindrical arms, one end of each arm attached to a gear housing and extending therefrom in a common axis. The gear housing contains gears for providing connection between and transmission of rotation from, a driving shaft, extending from the gear housing, to a driven shaft, extending through the gear housing in an axis perpendicular to the driving shaft. The end of the driving shaft extending from the gear housing is attached to a drive sprocket, the sprocket providing for releasable connection to a drive motor of the molding machine. The driving shaft is contained within one of the cylindrical arms and is rotatably supported therein. The other cylindrical arm is attached, on the end extending from the gear housing, to a second drive sprocket for providing releasable connection to a further drive motor of the molding machine.

Abstract: A casing is secured to the front of the radiator air intake of a tractor and a cylindrical screen assembly is journalled for free rotation to the casing. A fan blade assembly is secured to the inner end of the cylindrical screen assembly so that air drawn through the radiator by the engine cooling fan, passes through the fan assembly of the screen assembly and rotates the screen assembly. A blanking plate is supported within the screen assembly which blanks off part of the screen as it passes thereby, so that no air passes into the screen assembly in this area. This releases chaff or other debris normally held on the surface of the screen by suction.