Abstract: A chassis member for carrying at least one circuit board for use in a WDM add/drop multiplexer unit, wherein the chassis member is adapted, in use, to function as a heatsink for a heat generating component mounted on the circuit board.

Abstract: A casing member for a WDM add/drop multiplexer unit, the casing member comprising a backplane for interconnection of components of the WDM add/drop multiplexer unit inserted in the casing member, and at least one heat sink opening formed in a wall of the casing member disposed to, in use, receive a heat sink structure of a component of the WDM add/drop multiplexer unit in a manner such that the heat sink structure is exposed to an ambient around the casing member when the component is mounted in the casing member, for maintaining a controlled temperature environment inside of the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an animated font character based on an initial non-animated font character. Initially, a glyph representative of at least one aspect of the non-animated font character is provided. A first predetermined function is then applied to the glyph, thereby to generate a modified glyph. A second predetermined function is then provided, for generating an output dependent upon a value of a variable parameter having an initial value. A visual appearance of the modified glyph is based at least partly on the output of the second predetermined function. The modified glyph is then rendered and the value of the variable parameter is altered. The rendering and altering steps are then repeated, which results in the generation of a plurality of rendered modified glyphs that together define an animated font character. Finally, the animated font character is displayed or stored for subsequent reproduction.

Abstract: A method of creating a series of font characters (101) on a computer system (150) is disclosed. A series of font outlines (111) and source artwork (112); a series of manipulation tools (116) for the manipulation of aspects of the outlines and artwork. Such an arrangement provides for the creation of substantially arbitrarily complex font structures from the outlines, artwork and manipulation tools. A series of font characters is then formed through the application of the complex font structures to each of a base font outline in the series of font characters. Preferably, the complex font structures can comprise a graphical expression tree of operations (120) to be performed in the creation of a font and the tree includes an outline of a font character. The manipulation tools can include tools for distorting, replacing or compositing the outline of a font and can further include the tools for the application of morphological and non-morphological effects to the font outlines.

Abstract: A card module includes a circuit board with a front panel secured along one edge, and a board extractor catch mounted to the front panel. The front panel includes a keyhole. The board extractor catch mounts in the keyhole so that the board extractor catch completely covers the keyhole to prevent air flow through the keyhole. The outer end of the board extractor catch includes a tool-receiving opening to engage a board extracting tool.

Abstract: An RF emissions shield for grounding a chassis to an associated connector mounted on a backplane includes a shield body, mounting means for securing the shield body to the backplane, and grounding means for electrically connecting the shield body to the connector. At least one spring member is integral with the shield body and is adapted to engage the chassis such that the spring member is biased against the chassis. Preferably, the at least one spring member includes a plurality of curved, resilient fingers extending from an edge of the shield body. The mounting means may include an aperture defined in the shield body, the aperture sized and configured to receive the connector such that at least an engagement portion of the shield body along the aperture engages the connector.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield including at least one entry hole is placed in contact with a circuit board, thereby substantially enclosing a compartment. With the shield and circuit board held together, conformal coating is introduced into the compartment through the entry hole. The conformal coating coats the exposed portions of the circuit board within the compartment, but does not coat the portions of the circuit board contacted by the shield. The circuit board may include ground traces that divide the circuit board into sections. An optional electrically conductive gasket may be used between the ground traces and the shield to provide good electrical contact between the shield and the circuit board. In addition, a connector seal may be used to form a barrier preventing entry of environmental contaminants into critical connector interface areas. The connector seal is inserted into the forwardly facing pin cavity of a male connector so that the male pins pierce through the connector seal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield including at least one entry hole is placed in contact with a circuit board, thereby substantially enclosing a compartment. With the shield and circuit board held together, conformal coating is introduced into the compartment through the entry hole. The conformal coating coats the exposed portions of the circuit board within the compartment, but does not coat the portions of the circuit board contacted by the shield. The circuit board may include ground traces that divide the circuit board into sections. An optional electrically conductive gasket may be used between the ground traces and the shield to provide good electrical contact between the shield and the circuit board. In addition, a connector seal may be used to form a barrier preventing entry of environmental contaminants into critical connector interface areas. The connector seal is inserted into the forwardly facing pin cavity of a male connector so that the male pins pierce through the connector seal.