Abstract: Systems and methods for electrical component, e.g., brush, manufacture are provided that control grain orientation. The systems and methods utilize hot pressing techniques to enhance the properties and functionalities of the electrical components/brushes. An intermediate work product characterized by a grain orientation is initially formed through a conventional pressing technique. The conventionally-pressed intermediates are positioned within a cavity/die with the grain orientation in a predetermined orientation relative to the hot press force to be applied thereto. The hot pressed final product exhibits superior resistivity, strength and apparent density/durability. Surface features may be formed on the face(s) of the final work product during the hot pressing step that cannot be achieved in conventional processing techniques. Advantageous articles of manufacture, e.g., brushes and brush assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrical component, e.g., brush, manufacture are provided that control grain orientation. The systems and methods utilize hot pressing techniques to enhance the properties and functionalities of the electrical components/brushes. An intermediate work product characterized by a grain orientation is initially formed through a conventional pressing technique. The conventionally-pressed intermediates are positioned within a cavity/die with the grain orientation in a predetermined orientation relative to the hot press force to be applied thereto. The hot pressed final product exhibits superior resistivity, strength and apparent density/durability. Surface features may be formed on the face(s) of the final work product during the hot pressing step that cannot be achieved in conventional processing techniques. Advantageous articles of manufacture, e.g., brushes and brush assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller in an optical switch providing optical coupling of an optical signal between a source port and a target port employs, in at least one axis, gradient control using a feedback loop that compensates for alignment error between a source port and a target port in an optical switch. In at least one other axis, the controller generates a control input according to a control law that results in variable attenuation of optical coupling between the source port and the target port in the optical switch. A dither signal may be applied to the control input in the at least one other axis. Amplitude of the applied dither signal may be varied.

Abstract: A free space optical switch that uses both an open loop control mode and a closed loop control mode. The open loop control mode is used to transition to a state where at least some light is sensed at a destination port. A closed loop control mode is then used, whereby a series of controlled dither signals are adjusted for system dynamics. Modifying the dither signals in this matter allows moving actuators at a rate that is much closer to the natural frequency of the underlying system, and hence speeds up the system convergence process. Variable modulation amplitudes may be employed on the dither signals to maximize convergence speed. In particular, changes in the dither signal can be made in accordance with the change in amplitude as a function of a gradient along a parabola that models the optical system response. According to still further aspects, the dither signals may be compensated for a desired and selectable attenuation level of output optical power.

Abstract: The invention is a method of maintaining a vehicle including the steps of: 1) entering maintenance activity data for a particular type of an vehicle into a data base; 2) entering the maintenance activity data applicable to a particular vehicle of the particular type of vehicle into the database; 3) modifying the schedule for the maintenance activities based upon the severity of current use of the vehicle; 4) accessing the database and identifying items on the particular vehicle, which require maintenance activities 5) scheduling maintenance activities; 6) performing the scheduled maintenance activities; 7) documenting the maintenance activity performed on each item.

Abstract: Two network entities allocate the performance of encryption and compression algorithms amongst each other in a controlled and coordinated manner so as to avoid unnecessary duplication of encryption and compression at different protocol layers and an associated waste of CPU power. For example, a first network entity performs both encryption and compression at the IP layer, and instructs the second network entity to disable PPP-layer encryption and compression. In a wireless networking example of the invention, the first network entity is a home agent (e.g., a router) for a wireless communications device and the second network entity is a foreign agent (e.g., a network access server) providing network access for the communications device. The foreign agent terminates a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) session with the communications device, but implements (or does not implement) PPP-layer compression and encryption algorithms under the supervision and control of the home agent.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable code for delegating authority and authentication from a client to a server in order that the server can establish a secure connection (using SSL or an analogous security protocol) to a back-end application on behalf of the client. This enables the true client's identity to be known to the application on the end-tier server. The proposed solution provides several alternative techniques, whereby the client establishes a secure session with a middle-tier server (MTS), and then delegates authority and authentication to the MTS in order that the MTS can establish a second SSL session to the ETS on behalf of this client.

Abstract: A transfer rate controller (10) allows the originator of the data to determine when the data is transferred on the communications link. A method of regulating the transfer of ATM cells to maintain rate precision and provide flexibility for dynamically adjusting the rates at which cells are transferred has been described. In accordance with information on the chronology of prior transfers, cell loss priority, set of rate parameters, traffic types, and priorities, a scheduler (12) determines and schedules the relative ordering or placement of virtual connections with respect to one another. The finder (14) selects virtual connections for data transfer. Therefore, the transfer rate controller (10) provides individual transfer rates to virtual connections in accordance with the type of data traffic transferred.