Abstract: This application describes techniques for testing fiber optic telecommunication systems, such as undersea fiber optic cable systems. Testing terminals may be deployed at a location of terminating equipment for a fiber optic cable. The testing terminals may be operated remotely. The testing terminals may be configured to programmatically test the cable by loading one or more tests and automatically configure the cable's transmitters and receivers based on predetermined loading schemes selected based on the tests to be performed. The testing terminals may iterate over channels and fiber pairs of the cable and may use back-to-back tests to remove artifacts from test results. Using the described techniques, a cable's channels and fiber pairs can be fully characterized in the amount of time afforded for a typical testing schedule, which was not generally possible using conventional testing.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing particulate material from the surface of an article of flat or hollow ware comprises spaced endless belt members adapted to engage the opposite edges of the article, mechanism for driving the belt members at the same peripheral speed alternately in the same direction and in opposite directions whereby to deliver the article to a brushing position and rotate the article in the brushing position, and mechanism for brushing the opposite surfaces of the article during rotation of the article in the brushing position.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles from a plurality of input lines to a single independently drive output line includes a device for lifting articles from each input line in turn and transferring them to a position adjacent the output line, and a control mechanism for controlling deposit of the articles on the output line dependent on the rate of movement of the output line, whereby articles transferred from the input lines are placed on the output line in equi-spaced relation.