Abstract: An inflatable resting device comprises a bell-shaped outer shell having a larger base portion and a smaller upper portion. The base portion is configured for being placed on the lap of a person with the upper portion positioned so as to receive the head of the person as the person leans over the device and rests. The inflatable resting device is comprised of at least one air chamber having a generally bell-like shape. Arm support structures are provided along the sides of the resting device for supporting the arms of the user in a comfortable resting position.

Abstract: A broach tool including a row of longitudinally aligned cutting inserts (22) spaced apart by removable insert support members (25). The insert support members (25) and the cutting inserts (22) each have a root portion captured within the main body of the broach tool. Bracing support is provided to each of the cutting inserts (22) during a broaching operation by one of the insert support members (25).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the attenuation level of a semiconductor VOA relative to an absolute temperature of the VOA without the use of a power monitor is provided. The method includes the step of providing a variable optical attenuator for attenuating the optical signal. The variable optical attenuator is instructed to maintain the desired attenuation level of the optical signal. The temperature of the variable optical attenuator is periodically sensed, and a required voltage level is determined to achieve the desired attenuation level based at least partially on the periodically sensed temperature of the VOA. The method can further include the step of increasing and decreasing a voltage to the VOA to achieve the required voltage level and thus the desired attenuation level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the attenuation level of a semiconductor VOA relative to an absolute temperature of the VOA without the use of a power monitor is provided. The method includes the step of providing a variable optical attenuator for attenuating the optical signal. The variable optical attenuator is instructed to maintain the desired attenuation level of the optical signal. The temperature of the variable optical attenuator is periodically sensed, and a required voltage level is determined to achieve the desired attenuation level based at least partially on the periodically sensed temperature of the VOA. The method can further include the step of increasing and decreasing a voltage to the VOA to achieve the required voltage level and thus the desired attenuation level.

Abstract: A method for improving the bit error rate of a modulated optical signal transmitted over single mode fiber is provided. The modulating voltage supplied to a single arm or alternatively to both arms of a Mach-Zehnder modulator is increased to result in a reduced extinction ratio of the modulated optical signal. This results in an optimum optical signal with a reduced bit error rate at a receiver coupled to the Mach-Zehnder modulator.

Abstract: A broach tool including a row of longitudinally aligned cutting inserts (22) spaced apart by removable insert support members (25). The insert support members (25) and the cutting inserts (22) each have a root portion captured within the main body of the broach tool. Bracing support is provided to each of the cutting inserts (22) during a broaching operation by one of the insert support members (25).