Abstract: An all optical cross-connect module is described that, in addition to routing optical signals, provides signal monitoring and signal path identification capabilities. In one embodiment, each bidirectional cross-connect module comprises two four-port wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) filters. One filter has a transmit-signal input (Tx-In) port, a transmit-signal (Tx-Out) output port, a transmit-monitor output (Tx-Mon-Out) port, and a path identification output (Path-ID-Out) port. The second filter has a receive-signal input (Rx-In) port, a receive-signal output (Rx-Out) port, a dual function path identification input/receive-signal monitor output (Path-ID-In/Rx-Mon-Out) port, and one port that is optically terminated to prevent signal reflections. Each of the two filters are designed to couple selected frequencies to the appropriate port. In alternative embodiments, a combination of standard couplers and three-port WDM filters are combined to provide substantially the same functionality.

Abstract: A device in accordance with the invention uses a novel four-port wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) filter and a single erbium-doped optical amplifier (EDFA) to implement a dual wavelength bi-directional (single fiber) optical amplifier module. A system using an amplifier module in accordance with the invention, advantageously allows communication network managers to simultaneously reduce the cost of signal amplification hardware across a fiber optic network, increase fiber utilization, simplify field installation and maintenance operations, and maintain adherence to conventional protection philosophies such as "one system per fiber.

Abstract: There is provided an optical circulator (16) for bidirectional communication on a fiber optic communication transmission system. A reflection rhomb (17) includes a polarizing thin film (26) and an inclined, internally reflecting end surface (22). A first birefringent crystal (28) is disposed against the reflection rhomb (17). A quartz rotator (34) is disposed against the opposite side of the first birefringent crystal (28). A Faraday rotator (40) is disposed against the opposite side of the quartz rotator (34). A second birefringent crystal (46) is disposed against the opposite side of the Faraday rotator (40). The components of optical circulator (16) cooperate such that light transmitted into port 1 exits from port 2, and light transmitted into port 2 exits from port 3.

Abstract: An ice cream and fruit confectionery product that is mounted on a stick. A hole is bored in edible fruit to remove at least a portion of the fruit's core. The fruit is mounted on the stick with the bored hole being disposed substantially coaxial to the stick's handle, a seat being provided on top of the stick to hold the fruit in position thereon when the stick is held vertically upright by a user. The seat includes an upstanding annular wall interengaged with the fuit when the fruit is seated on the stick. Thus, the fruit is restrained from axial downward movement relative to the stick when the stick is held upright by the seat`s floor, and is restrained from transverse movement relative to the stick by the upstanding annular wall. The bored-out core of the fruit is filled with ice cream, the ice cream also being supported from underneath by the seat's floor if the hole has been bored completely through the fruit.