Abstract: Techniques for automatic bandwidth optimization of an optical communication channel in an optical network are provided. In one embodiment, a method of automatically optimizing bandwidth includes receiving, at a first optical network element, a first signal transmission transmitted according to a first set of transmission parameters over an optical communication channel established between the first optical network element and a second optical network element. The method includes determining a first quality of signal parameter associated with the first signal transmission and determining whether the first quality of signal parameter is worse than a predetermined quality of signal value. Upon determining that the first quality of signal parameter is not worse than the predetermined value, the method further includes transmitting a second set of transmission parameters to the second optical network element to further optimize the bandwidth of the optical communication channel.

Abstract: Techniques for automatic bandwidth optimization of an optical communication channel in an optical network are provided. In one embodiment, a method of automatically optimizing bandwidth includes receiving, at a first optical network element, a first signal transmission transmitted according to a first set of transmission parameters over an optical communication channel established between the first optical network element and a second optical network element. The method includes determining a first quality of signal parameter associated with the first signal transmission and determining whether the first quality of signal parameter is worse than a predetermined quality of signal value. Upon determining that the first quality of signal parameter is not worse than the predetermined value, the method further includes transmitting a second set of transmission parameters to the second optical network element to further optimize the bandwidth of the optical communication channel.

Abstract: A revolving tree stand system including a hanger-member, a seat, and a shooting rail, a foot platform assembly having a platform plate, a lower support arm assembly, a first-side mounting plate, a second-side mounting plate, and a tree-hugger assembly, and a hanger assembly including an extension arm, a hook, and gripping members. The hanger assembly receives and supports the seat assembly in a suspended position. The seat assembly is configured to support a user on the seat and the platform plate further supports the user. The revolving tree stand system provides a 360 degree rotatable tree hanger.

Abstract: A novelty headgear apparatus made from a formed, three-dimensional paperboard box is presented. The inventive apparatus and method for making the same, includes the use of perforated guides applied to a formed, three-dimensional paperboard box in any headgear configuration selected by a producer. The user tears or cuts along the perforated guides to reveal the selected headgear. Multiple pieces and indicia may also be applied to enhance the headgear apparatus.

Abstract: A battery charge management method and device operable to perform that method. The battery charge management method comprises the steps of determining charge delivered to or from a battery based on Coulomb counting and updating an estimated battery state of charge based on the amount of delivered charge and measuring the battery current. Then comparing the updated estimated battery state of charge with a predetermined state of charge value of less than 100%, such that each predetermined state of charge value being associated with an expected battery current for that predetermined state of charge value. The method also includes modifying the updated estimated battery state of charge when the updated estimated state of charge is greater than the predetermined state of charge value and the measured battery current is greater than the expected battery current associated with the predetermined state of charge.

Abstract: An integrated clip and injector assembly comprises a clip for securing a watering area such as a watering mat in place and an injector clip for securely holding an emitter configured to deliver an adjustable quantity of water to the area. The securing clip comprises a clip for clipping to a mat and one or more mounting features for attaching the clip and the mat to an additional object. The injector clip holds the emitter at a location on the mat so that water is delivered to the desired area. The amount of water delivered to the area is adjusted by a flow restrictor.

Abstract: An automatic drip watering system comprises a waterline and one or more drip watering devices. The one or more drip watering devices each comprise a valve, which is configured to open and drip irrigate an area when weight is applied to the drip watering device. In some embodiments, the one or more watering devices comprise a clip which is configured to accept one or more hanging pots and/or baskets. The clip is pulled down by the weight the hanging pots and/or baskets and the valves open in order to drip irrigate the hanging pots and/or baskets through one or more drip lines.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for distributed temperature sensing along an optical waveguide disposed axially with respect to a conduit using a distributed temperature sensor and an array of temperature sensors. An exemplary method includes performing distributed temperature sensing (DTS) using two ends of a first optical fiber disposed within the conduit and having a return path coupling the two ends, performing discrete temperature sensing based on measured reflections of light from reflective elements having characteristic wavelengths disposed at discrete locations, and determining temperatures at a plurality of locations based on the DTS and the discrete temperature sensing.

Abstract: A scalable, modular optical mesh patch panel includes a multi-slot receptacle configured to receive at least one of a first modular optical interconnect block and a second modular optical interconnect block that enable connectivity among one or more add-drop modules and/or respective degrees of a reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer node (ROADM).

Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first optical switching complex, a second optical switching complex in optical communication with the first optical switching complex, and an optical add/drop module in optical communication with the first optical switching complex and the second optical switching complex. At least one of the optical switching complexes includes a wavelength selective switch that is configured to be arranged in a cascaded configuration that, when so configured, results in an increase in a number of available transmit and receive ports available per degree of the apparatus.

Abstract: A new method of making sky-LOSA measurements (Line-Of-Sight Attenuation measurements of sky-light) of soot mass flux in atmospheric plumes has been developed which enables accurate measurements in the presence of in-scattered light from the sky and sun.

Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.

Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.

Abstract: A reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) with a multiplexer, demultiplexer, and a wavelength cross-connect unit provides directionless capabilities. The ROADM allows a signal not to be limited to a particular direction when added at an optical network node, for example. The signal can be sent to other directions of the optical network node. Furthermore, the ROADM allows the wavelengths of add and drop signals to be changed and hence is “colorless.

Abstract: A novelty headgear apparatus made from a formed, three-dimensional paperboard box is presented. The inventive apparatus, and method for making same, comprises the use of guides applied to a formed, three-dimensional paperboard box in any headgear configuration selected by a producer. The user thereafter tears or cuts along the guides to reveal the selected headgear. Multiple pieces and indicia may also be applied or enabled in the device.

Abstract: A scalable, modular optical mesh patch panel includes a multi-slot receptacle configured to receive at least one of a first modular optical interconnect block and a second modular optical interconnect block that enable connectivity among one or more add-drop modules and/or respective degrees of a reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer node (ROADM).

Abstract: Described is a multi-handled tool that is ergonomically designed to maximize the efficiency of the tool by the use of a handle, optionally rotating, affixed to the shaft of the tool. The rotating handle may be rotated and locked into any desired position so the user can adjust the tool to create maximum efficiency. In addition, a footstep is optionally provided above the tool that allows for a greater digging force. A combination of the first, top handle with the ergonomically spaced handle placement that is completely adjustable combined with the footstep above the head of the tool provides for a tool that is much more efficient than the standard tools used today.