Abstract: A system for reducing near-end crosstalk (NEXT) includes a first electrical component contributing to a first NEXT pulse of a first polarity and a second electrical component receiving the first NEXT pulse at a first time delay (td). A circuit couples the first electrical component to the second electrical component to create a second NEXT pulse of a second polarity and delays the second NEXT pulse by an amount equal to the first time delay (td). The first and second NEXT pulses are combined to reduce the first NEXT pulse. A method for reducing NEXT includes coupling a first component contributing to a first NEXT pulse of a first polarity and a second component to create a second NEXT pulse of a second polarity, delaying the second NEXT pulse, and combining the second NEXT pulse with the first NEXT pulse to reduce the first NEXT pulse.

Abstract: A conduction-cooled enclosure comprises a card guide having a card guide channel, at least one controlled-volume cavity in the card guide channel, and a thermal interface material (TIM) in the at least one controlled-volume cavity.

Abstract: A conduction-cooled enclosure comprises a card guide having a card guide channel, at least one controlled-volume cavity in the card guide channel, and a thermal interface material (TIM) in the at least one controlled-volume cavity.

Abstract: A card cage configured to hold a set of electronics cards comprises a set of walls having an input and an output and a set of flow paths formed in the set of walls to enable a fluid to flow therein. The set of flow paths includes a first flow path formed between the input and the output and in first wall from the set of walls and a second flow path formed between the input and the output and in a second wall from the set of walls. The first flow path and the second flow path are substantially the same length and a fluid flowing therein experiences substantially the same pressure drop.

Abstract: A card cage configured to hold a set of electronics cards comprises a set of walls having an input and an output and a set of flow paths formed in the set of walls to enable a fluid to flow therein. The set of flow paths includes a first flow path formed between the input and the output and in first wall from the set of walls and a second flow path formed between the input and the output and in a second wall from the set of walls. The first flow path and the second flow path are substantially the same length and a fluid flowing therein experiences substantially the same pressure drop.

Abstract: A DVD or CD case having a DVD nest which is sized and shaped to hold a DVD optical disc (or any similarly sized disc). The DVD nest is conical in shape and made from a flexible (or semi-rigid) material so that it functions as a bistable cone and therefore rests in either a down position (wherein the cone is directed downwardly) or an up position (wherein the cone is directed upwardly). Located centrally within the DVD nest is a hub assembly which may be conventional and includes a supportive ledge onto which a DVD may rest. The hub assembly is attached to and preferably integrally formed with the bistable cone in such a manner that the hub assembly (and any supported DVD located thereon) moves from a rest position wherein the DVD is recessed within the nest, and a raised position wherein the DVD is raised above the nest so that its edge may be grasped and the DVD removed from the case.

Abstract: In a backplane interconnect configuration for use in a high-speed data processing system, a plurality of connector slots include an array of connector terminals. First conductive traces electrically couple at least two terminals of adjacent slots, the terminals being coupled by the first conductive traces to form multiple clusters. Each of the plurality of the clusters are in turn electrically coupled by separate conductive traces to at least one common node. This configuration allows for a reduction in the propagation delay of signals propagating between connector slots.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for partitioning and packaging a power generation and distribution system, a plurality of power supply modules are distributed along the length of the backplane such that backplane voltage drops are minimized and such that power supply currents flow essentially orthogonal to the signal connections between the backplane slots. In this manner, signal interference is minimized and the need for bus bars on the backplane are substantially reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy apparatus providing improved light distribution with an end fitting for use with clad optical fibers, which apparatus cooperates with an unclad stripped terminal end of the optical fiber that is inwardly tapered towards its end such that light scattering media disposed between a glass tube surrounding at least the tapered portion of the optical fiber provides improved and predictable light distribution, the media being suitably cured to a rigid relationship thereby to continuously provide improved light distribution.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for use in securing the ends as well as other portions of a pair of interlocking straps, laces, filaments and the like is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism is in the form of a generally cylindrical enclosure having a cross-sectional shape which includes flat upper and lower surfaces with semi-circular ends. The closure mechanism may be used to secure a pair of thin planar, elongated strips, each of which has a plurality of ribs positioned transversely along the length thereof. Each of such ribs has a planar side face positioned at an angle of about 45 to 75 degrees relative to the plane of the upper surface of the planar strip to which it is attached. For optimal ease of engagement of the ribs of one strip with those of a second strip, the rear top surfaces of the ribs should be rounded or slightly relieved. The closure device of the present invention provides a high strength mechanism having a quick release feature for easy disengagement of the interlocking members.

Abstract: An automatic circuit tester (10) employs a scanner (20) embodied in a group of interconnected scanner boards (46, 47) that provide switching by means of mechanical relays. The scanner boards plug simultaneously into respective instrument boards (44) and into a common scanner bus (50) separate from an instrument bus (38) that carries the signals that control the instruments on the instrument boards (44). The scanner bus provides a common pathway for signals to travel between instruments or system pins to which one scanner board is connected and those to which another is connected. It also provides scanner-control paths so that the instrument boards to which the scanner boards are connected to not need to provide such paths and thus do not need to be custom-designed for the particular tester in which they are used.