Abstract: Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, computer-storage media, mechanisms, and means associated with content-addressable memory lookup operations with error detection. Lookup operations are performed on two identical sets of content-addressable memory entries to identify two lookup results. An error detection operation is performed on the highest-priority matching entry of each set of content-addressable memory entries. An overall lookup result is determined based on the lookup and error detection results.

Abstract: A network interface device (NID) for a fiber optic communications network is provided for housing optical, electrical and/or coaxial connections and active and/or passive components. The NID includes a base and a movable panel defining a connections area and a components area. In one embodiment, a first base defines a first compartment for housing the panel and a second base defining a second compartment for storing drop cable slack, the first base being movably attached to the second base to provide access to the drop cable slack without disturbing the connections. In another embodiment, the panel defines a first compartment for optical and electrical connections and a second compartment for active and passive components, the second compartment being accessible to only the service provider. In another embodiment, the panel is removable and interchangeable to permit the service provider to upgrade the services or to expand services provided to a subscriber.

Abstract: A connector port is adapted for a (NID) to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized drop cable from outside the NID. An exterior connector port includes a base positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a mount on the base and a connector receptacle secured to the mount adjacent the external wall. An interior connector port includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a bracket mounted inside the NID and a connector receptacle secured to the bracket. A connector port also includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by a wall of the NID and a connector port secured to the insert. The connector port permits a field technician to readily connect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connections between the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable in the field.

Abstract: An optical termination pedestal defines an interior cavity for interconnecting an optical fiber of a distribution cable and an optical fiber of a drop cable. The pedestal includes a base, a housing positioned over the base, and a plate secured to the housing or the base. The plate separates the interior cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment and has at least one cable port for routing the distribution cable into the first compartment. At least one connector port may be provided on the plate for receiving a connectorized optical fiber of the distribution cable from the first compartment and a pre-connectorized drop cable from the second compartment. The plate is provided with an O-ring to seal the first compartment relative to the second compartment. As a result, a sealed splice closure is created within the interior cavity without the need for a separate enclosure.

Abstract: The invention is a fire protection system and method to protect a building against airplane fuel fires. The components of the fire protection system include a central annunciator panel, a supply line network tied into a plurality of fire retardant reservoirs to transmit extinguishing material throughout the fire protection system, an exhaust system to expel harmful smoke and fumes coming from an airplane fuel fire and a standpipe system with a fire hose to extinguish localized airplane fuel fires. The fire protection system can also be controlled either by personal computer or microprocessor.

Abstract: A locking wedge interposed between insulating material and masonry spaced from a wall structure for biasing the insulating material against the wall structure, said locking wedge having a generally U-shaped body with a pair of spaced-apart arms joined at one end by a web, said arms defining therebetween a tapered slot increasing in width towards the distal ends of the arms, said body being uniformly tapered in thickness at the said distal ends of the arms, and a plurality of equispaced transverse notches forming a serriform pattern on one face of the body substantially along the length of the arms for receiving a longitudinal rod in said notches.