Abstract: A dispersion compensation module (DCM) for compensating dispersion of an optical fiber transmission link is provided. The optical fiber transmission link comprises a transmission fiber and the DCM. The DCM comprises at least first and second dispersion compensating fibers, DCF1 and DCF2, respectively. DCF1 and DCF2 each have a dispersion, D1 and D2, respectively, a dispersion slope, S1 and S2, respectively, and a relative dispersion slope, RDS1 and RDS2, respectively. The transmission fiber also has a dispersion, DTransFiber, a dispersion slope, STransFiber, and a relative dispersion slope, RDSTransFiber. DCF1 and DCF2 are selected based on their respective relative dispersion slopes, RDS1 and RDS2, respectively. DCF1 and DCF2 have particular, lengths, L1 and L2, respectively.

Abstract: A GRIN fiber lens is fabricated by the steps of providing a graded index glass preform, thinning the graded index preform to remove a sufficient thickness of the graded glass to establish a desired &Dgr;n, and drawing a graded index optical fiber from the thinned graded index preform. Thinning, in this context, refers to removal of graded index glass from the outside of the graded index preform so as to reduce its outer diameter. The thinning thus changes &Dgr;n which is the refractive index difference between the center of the preform and its outer surface. The graded index preform can be provided by MCVD deposition followed by removal of the starting tube glass, by OVD deposition, by VAD, or by ion exchange fabrication. The thinned graded index preform is advantageously annealed before drawing in order to minimize ripple. And, in a variation of the process, an overcladding can be applied over the thinned graded preform before draw for further adjustment or control of the &Dgr;n.

Abstract: A transmission fiber for use in a Raman amplified optical communication system is formed to exhibit certain characteristics that limit modulation instability and four-wave mixing in the amplification region, thus reducing the noise component present in the transmission system. In particular, the group-velocity dispersion (denoted as D and measured in terms of ps/nm-km) is restricted to be either non-positive or greater than +1.5 ps/nm-km in the pump wavelength range of interest (a typical pump wavelength range being 1430-1465 nm). Preferably, the magnitude of the dispersion is kept below a value of 10 ps/nm-km in the signal wavelength range of interest (e.g., the “C” band or “L” band). Four-wave mixing is reduced by ensuring that the zero-dispersion frequency of the transmission fiber is not centered between the pump frequency and a frequency experiencing Raman gain.

Abstract: A user selection interface system comprises one or more circular selectors linked to selectable characteristics, and a display linked to the selectors, for display of an image which corresponds to the selected characteristics. The interface is typically linked to a database comprising stored image and other information which corresponds to the selectable characteristics, whereby an image that corresponds to an item which meets a selected characteristic is retrieved and displayed. Information other than the image which corresponds to the selectable characteristics may also be retrieved and displayed. In some embodiments, the stored images comprise a single image, which matches all the selected characteristics. In alternate embodiments, the displayed image comprises a composite image that is based upon stored images which correspond to different selected characteristics. In some embodiments, the user selection interface comprises a graphic user interface.

Abstract: A dispersion compensation module (DCM) for compensating dispersion of an optical fiber transmission link is provided. The optical fiber transmission link comprises a transmission fiber and the DCM. The DCM comprises at least first and second dispersion compensating fibers, DCF1 and DCF2, respectively. DCF1 and DCF2 each have a dispersion, D1 and D2, respectively, a dispersion slope, S1 and S2, respectively, and a relative dispersion slope, RDS1 and RDS2, respectively. The transmission fiber also has a dispersion, DTransFiber, a dispersion slope, STransFiber, and a relative dispersion slope, RDSTransFiber. DCF1 and DCF2 are selected based on their respective relative dispersion slopes, RDS1 and RDS2, respectively. DCF1 and DCF2 have particular, lengths, L1 and L2, respectively.

Abstract: A dispersion compensating fiber and module are described for controlling residual dispersion in a dispersion compensated system. The dispersion compensating fiber is designed with dispersion curve having an inflection point at a wavelength near the optical transmission operating wavelength region. The dispersion curve, having an inflection point near the operating wavelength region, produces a relative dispersion slope that closely matches the relative dispersion slope of the transmission fiber over a relatively wide bandwidth surrounding the operating wavelength region.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit with improved storage and accessibility features has a thermally insulated cabinet and door defining a storage space with a plurality of support elements. The support elements include easily removable door shelves and horizontal cabinet shelves that can be removed or repositioned without the door being fully opened due to dished regions adjacent the shelf supports that allow the shelves to be pivoted and removed rather than slid straight out of the cabinet. Indicia on one of the shelves follows the contour of one of the door shelves to indicate approximately the shelf space occupied by an adjacent door shelf and thus where items can be set without interfering with the closure of the door. The refrigeration unit also includes a cam assembly at the lower door hinge which biases the door closed when open approximately 35 degrees or less. The refrigeration unit also includes features for attaching an overlay panel to the door easily.

Abstract: Sheets (3) have a narrow margin (3a) which are the first part of the sheet to enter nip rollers (5 and 7). This concentrates the pressure of the nip rollers on the narrow margin to assure a firm grip without slippage. Once the sheet is moving, continuing movement without slippage is assured from the momentum. This is particularly useful when the nip rollers are fixing rollers which are oiled to minimize toner transfer and when the sheet is a smooth transparency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS sensor including a sense element and a single anchor that supports the sense element arranged in a central hub-like fashion that reduces the effects of thermal stress. Usually, two or more anchors are required to suitably constrain the sense element's motion. The anchor disclosed herein, however, supports the sense element with connection elements having a connection geometry that substantially limits the motion of the sense element to a single-degree-of-freedom. The connection elements may include, for example, converging flexures, an extender bar, or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS sensor including a sense element and a single anchor that supports the sense element arranged in a central hub-like fashion that reduces the effects of thermal stress. Usually, two or more anchors are required to suitably constrain the sense element's motion. The anchor disclosed herein, however, supports the sense element with connection elements having a connection geometry that substantially limits the motion of the sense element to a single-degree-of-freedom. The connection elements may include, for example, converging flexures, an extender bar, or both.

Abstract: A transmission fiber for use in a Raman amplified optical communication system is formed to exhibit certain characteristics that limit modulation instability and four-wave mixing in the amplification region, thus reducing the noise component present in the transmission system. In particular, the group-velocity dispersion (denoted as D and measured in terms of ps/nm-km) is restricted to be either non-positive or greater than +1.5 ps/nm-km in the pump wavelength range of interest (a typical pump wavelength range being 1430-1465 nm). Preferably, the magnitude of the dispersion is kept below a value of 10 ps/nm-km in the signal wavelength range of interest (e.g., the “C” band or “L” band). Four-wave mixing is reduced by ensuring that the zero-dispersion frequency of the transmission fiber is not centered between the pump frequency and a frequency experiencing Raman gain.

Abstract: A method for coupling electrically conductive bushings in a bus, including alternating layers of dielectric material and patterned, electrically conductive bus bars and having through holes therein with each through hole having a surface exposing a portion of a respective one of the bus bars, includes: applying a polymer mixture to the surface of each through hole; inserting the bushings in the respective through holes; and curing the polymer mixture by positioning the bus and bushings in a curing chamber, applying a vacuum to the curing chamber, and applying pressure to reduce voids in the polymer mixture and minimize further void formation.

Abstract: In a brokering system for items of software or data, submission inputs are made to a database. Each submission input includes a descriptive data set in relation to a unit of data or software, together with an address field. The brokering system loads the submission input to the database and copies it to temporary stores identified in the address field. Each temporary data store is allocated to a respective index management interface and is viewable to that index management interface only. Inputs can be made at the index management interface to transfer the descriptive data sets received to an index accessible by a plurality of search interfaces, or simply to delete the descriptive data set from the temporary data store.

Abstract: A spring connection for a vibratory conveyor having a trough member including a side wall, includes two fasteners which are welded to the side wall. The connection includes a spring connection plate with corresponding fastener holes to receive the fasteners. Nuts are threaded onto the fasteners and torqued down to clamp the connection plate onto the side wall of the trough member. The spring connection plate carries a spring bracket with a mounting hole for connection to one or more springs.

Abstract: An ice maker in which a non-metallic shroud surrounds the metal evaporator plate and has a continuous bulbous edge that engulfs the edges of the plate. The shroud further includes a roof disposed above the plate and slopes toward the front of the plate. The water distributor of the ice maker is mounted on the roof of the shroud.

Abstract: An improved process for determining the presence of water in a material is disclosed. A set of electrodes is placed on the surface of a layer of the material being monitored, and an electric field is established therebetween. The phase angle for the electric field at a pre-selected frequency is measured, and compared with a predetermined phase angle for a dry portion of the material. A significant difference between the phase angle for the material being monitored and the predetermined phase angle is indicative of the presence of water in the material. The material being monitored may be an electrical insulating material, e.g., for conductive components in water-cooled electrical generators. Electrical generators monitored in this manner are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Abstract: An ice maker in which a non-metallic shroud surronds the metal evaporator plate and has a continuous bulbous edge that engulfs the edges of the plate. The shroud further includes a roof disposed above the plate and slopes toward the front of the plate. The water distributor of the ice maker is mounted on the roof of the shroud.