Abstract: A laser flashlight employs an emitter disposed within a housing for emitting a coherent light beam having a gaussian spatial profile along an optical axis toward the exit face of the housing. An optical system disposed within the housing intermediate the emitter and the exit face of the housing includes a laser element pumped by the emitter, a frequency/wavelength converter, and a resonator, to form the coherent light into a laser beam. A beam expander receives the laser beam, disperses the laser beam, and transmits the dispersed laser beam from the light emitting end of the housing into the ambient environment. The dispersion of the laser beam is such that the laser beam is safe for the human eye.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a drive portion having a drive source, and a lamp body that has a light source and that is supported by a rotary shaft operable to be rotated by the drive portion. A rotary contact is provided around the rotary shaft and rotates together with the lamp body. A fixed contact is provided for the drive portion. The rotary contact and the light source are electrically connected through a power supply cord and electric power is supplied to the fixed contact.

Abstract: A sealed flood light, for example, for use outdoors, comprises at least one series of three bulbs each of the three bulbs having a colored filter and an electrical supply in a sealed frame. The sealed flood light is capable of changing color by varying the intensity of each of the bulbs by regulating, independently, the electrical supply system of each of the bulbs, using a regulator, for example.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as an arc lamp, in a collecting and condensing system including a first reflector having a first focal point and a first optical axis, and a second reflector having a second focal point and a second optical axis. The source may be located proximate to the first focal point of the first reflector to produce rays of radiation that reflect from the first reflector toward the second reflector and substantially converge at the second focal point. A sensor, such as a voltage or a temperature sensor, may be placed near the source, and produces an output which may be substantially proportional to an attribute of the source. A comparator compares the output to a predetermined value and produces a difference between the output and the predetermined value.

Abstract: A light assembly having a light source and a ring lens radially surrounding the light source for substantially collimating light from the light source. There is a prism ring having at least two prism bands surrounding the ring lens and receiving light from it. One of the prism bands is defined by a plurality of reflecting prisms and another of the prism bands is a refracting band. In another arrangement a multi-prism ring reflector surrounds the ring lens and is arranged to have total internal reflection except for exit faces formed therein which are substantially at right angles to the substantially collimated light from the light source. The ring prism bands may be of the same vertical height or they may have different vertical heights with respect to each other. In a further arrangement a prism ring includes at least two prism bands surrounding the ring lens and receiving light therefrom.

Abstract: A gobo having linear motion is inserted to the narrow iris slot of a conventional ellipsoidal stage light. The linear moving pattern includes a housing, a drive roller and a motor, a return roller, and an endless pattern loop. The housing has a narrowed end for protruding into the instrument at the iris slot and holding the return roller on one side of the light. The housing has a broad end for mounting outside of the ellipsoidal stage light for holding the drive roller and motor at the other side of the light. The broad end of the housing has two spring-biased hinged clamps for clamping the linear moving pattern into a single unitary linear moving pattern iris insert. A first motor clamp holds the drive roller and motor in place. A second pattern clamp tensions and dimensions the endless pattern loop for extension into and out of the iris slot of the ellipsoidal light. The endless pattern loop is first threaded to the return roller and the return roller mounted to the narrow end of the housing.

Abstract: The luminaire has a lamp housing (1) in which lamps L1, L2 of different color aspect can be accommodated, surrounded by a reflector (11) and a non-transparent, light-transmitting window (10). The window (10) gives access to a reflector housing (3) which is provided with means (31, 32; 33) for screening and directing light. In the lamp housing, light of different color or color temperature is efficiently and effectively mixed. The luminaire may have a compact shape and is suitable for illuminating rooms efficiently with light of a chosen color aspect through dimming of the lamps in relation to one another.

Abstract: An imitation candle is made from a translucent material having light transmissive properties similar to paraffin. The imitation candle is shaped to appear reduced by burning. An LED, or similar high intensity light source, is set in a cavity within the imitation candle. The LED preferably produces amber light to better resemble the color of candle light. The imitation candle diffuses the light emitted from the LED to create a warm, natural looking glow. Light emission levels from the LED are varied in a pseudo-random manner to simulate the flicker of candle light.

Abstract: An adjustable mount lighting system includes a housing for attachment to an anchoring structure, typically a beam within a wall, which is facilitated by the use of adjustable brackets attached to the housing using bolts and attached to the anchoring structure using screws. The housing is preferably of a rectangular shape, at least the end walls of which define a planar portion to which a light-transmitting face plate may be secured using screws. The side walls of the housing have slots therethrough into which the bolts extend, and the adjustable brackets have apertures therethrough into which the bolts simultaneously extend prior to their interconnection with their corresponding nuts. The bolts are translatable within the slots to allow adjustment of the housing with respect to the adjustable brackets, and thus allow depth adjustment of the housing with respect to the anchoring structure and the exterior surface of the face plate with respect to the adjacent structures, which may include a wall or mirror.

Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.

Abstract: Conventionally, in order to downsize the enclosure, there was no other choice than downsizing the enclosure and decreasing the area of the lens plate, or increasing the area of the lens plate and increasing the enclosure as well. However, decreasing the area of the lens plate disadvantageously lowers brightness of illumination. In contrast to this, when the dimensions of the lens plate are increased, the proportion of the area of the lens plate with respect to the roof increases, which leads to a problem in terms of design. Accordingly, the present invention provides an interior light system for vehicles comprising a lamp accommodated in the enclosure, a push switch for turning on and off the lamp fixed in the enclosure, and a lens plate journaled at the ends of the opening of the enclosure for a swinging motion, in which the push switch is turned on and off by pressing the lens plate, thereby turning the lamp on and off.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source attached inside the vehicle, such as to an “A” pillar adjacent a front of a side window of the vehicle, where the light source is oriented to direct light toward a ground area adjacent the vehicle for security and convenience. Variations include also reflecting a portion of the light from the light source off an outside rearview mirror onto the ground area, and also directing a portion of the light toward an area inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting device for attachment to a motor vehicle inside a housing 4. One or more light emitting diodes 9 which emit substantially white light are employed as lighting emitters. On account of the small amount of waste heat of the light-emitting diodes 9 the lighting device can be particularly easily integrated into existing subassemblies of the motor vehicle, in particular into the outside mirrors, inside mirror, trim strips and door handles, and can serve to illuminate the region around the vehicle or the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror element supported by a mirror support of synthetic material. The mirror element is adjustable by a motor that is electrically operable to adjust the rearward field of view of the mirror element. A mirror support incorporates at least one electric strip conductor and provides an electrical connection to the motor. Preferably, the motor is mounted in an actuator module which supports the mirror element. The actuator module is mounted to the mirror support. Electrical connections between the mirror element, actuator module, and mirror support may be made by plug and socket connectors such as jack connectors. At least one of the jack connectors is preferably interconnected to the electric strip conductor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a first reflector (20, 20′) of elliptical shape, at a first focus (F1) of which is located a main light source (10), the light rays emitted by this source (10) and reflected by the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) being directed towards a concentration spot located at a second focus (F2) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′), the first (F1) and second (F2) focuses of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) defining a main optical axis (Oy) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′), a convergent lens (30) being placed such that its optical axis is coincident with the main optical axis (Oy) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) and that the second focus (F2) of the reflector (20, 20′) is located on the focal line (LF) of the lens (30) in order to emit a light beam of rays parallel to the main optical axis (Oy).

Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus combined with a liquid crystal display via a frame has a reduced thickness as a whole, thereby realizing a natural liquid crystal display image. A light conductive plate has its peripheral portion fitted in a groove of the frame, and a lamp disposed on a side surface of the light conductive plate is housed in the frame. A top side portion of the liquid crystal display is fitted into a cut-away portion of the frame by a predetermined dimension, and a space between a bottom surface of the light conductive plate and a top surface of the liquid crystal display is reduced, whereby the thickness of the entire apparatus is reduced by a dimension of the liquid crystal display fitted into the frame compared with that of the conventional configuration in which the frame is superimposed on the top surface of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A remote light source device for generating light which is transmitted to a light emitting device of an illumination system by a fiberoptic cable coupled between the light source device and the light emitting device. The light source device includes a light source and a cover or housing containing the light source, the cover or housing having a light orifice aligned with the light source. A fiberoptic cable coupler assembly is mounted to an exterior surface of the cover or housing adjacent the light orifice. The coupler assembly permits removable coupling of a fiberoptic cable to the device, the coupler assembly also being operative for aligning an end of the cable with the light orifice of the cover or housing so that light generated by the light source is received at the end of the cable for transmission thereby. Structures are provided for preventing the fiberoptic cable coupler assembly from becoming substantially heated by the light source.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing material in a container comprising a base mixing element and an upper mixing element wherein the upper mixing element can be rotatably and reciprocatably coupled to the base mixing element. The base mixing element can be formed by an elongate member that is fixed to a base plate. The upper mixing element can be formed by an elongate member, which can comprise a cylinder, that has a plurality of mixing arms fixed thereto. An aperture can be disposed adjacent to a proximal end of the elongate cylinder of the upper mixing element for allowing material to be exhausted and cleaned from within the elongate cylinder. The mixing arms can have a plurality of apertures therein, and the base plate can have a peripheral rim for maintaining the base plate spaced from the bottom surface of the container. A plurality of angled blades can be formed in the base plate for drawing material through apertures in the base plate.

Abstract: There is provided an infant feeding bottle system having an agitator for mixing a powder substance with a liquid in a non-rigid disposable liner. The bottle system permits a user to mix powdered formula directly inside a non-rigid liner. The bottle system enhances the mixing effect, resulting in improved solubility, and provides for a self-contained uninterrupted mixing and feeding process.

Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.

Abstract: A deflector-mixing head for a reaction molding machine, comprises a mixing chamber with a control piston for regulation of component inflow, an overflow chamber is arranged downstream from the mixing chamber in a perpendicular position thereto and provided with a cleaning piston which controls the opening and closing of the mixing chamber side of the inlet of the overflow chamber, wherein an improved mixing quality is obtained by arranging a connection chamber substantially parallel to the axis of the overflow chamber, between the mixing and overflow chambers and provided with deflector elements positioned in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet side of the connecting chamber, and by arranging a displacement piston parallel to the cleaning piston for emptying the connection chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing liquid in a container, comprises a hollow sleeve member for location in the lower regions of the container, a plurality of circumferentially spaced outlets being provided in the upper regions of the sleeve member, pump means for creating a reciprocating flow of liquid applied to the lower regions of the sleeve member, and in the flow path of liquid from the pump means to the sleeve member, a transducer mechanism cooperating with the sleeve member and subjected to the reciprocating flow of liquid such as to rotate the sleeve member about its central longitudinal axis in dependence upon said reciprocating flow.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus for blending and dispensing food products within a container, which may be disposable. The container 1 is charged with food product through its upper opening which is then sealed with a closure member 2. The closure member 2 may carry a blender 7 when it closes the container. Alternatively, the blender may be admitted through the closure member 2 when blending is required. In each case the blender is moveable up and down relative to the container to blend the product in the container.

Abstract: A food processing appliance such as a blender comprises a container (22) and a base (20) housing an electric motor for driving the tool support assembly (2) which comprises a generally conical support (15) which is open inside and flares out to a enlarge periphral edge part which is removably securable in said opening, the narrow end of the conical support bearing a food processing tool (24). The motor being housed in a compartment (60) in the base space up from the bottom, a storage compartment (70) for storing a tool support assembly (2) of the defined type when the assembly is nit in use, the storage compartment (70) having a recess for receiving therein a tool support assembly placed with its enlarge part down and with its narrow end up.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a material contained in a vessel comprises one or more flow channels and at least one pair of first and second members which are coaxially mounted one within the other about an axis of rotation such that their facing surfaces curve around the axis defining a chamber therebetween. At least one of the first and second members having a non-circular curvature, the first and second members being rotatable relative to one another about the axis to thereby produce a pumping force to force material through said flow channels. The radially outermost of said first and second members moves to a wall of the vessel relative to stress and displace material present between the mixing apparatus and the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: An improved shaft sealing assembly (18) for use with an elongated, axially rotatable shaft (14) typically forming a part of a blender (10) or similar device is provided, which permits rapid, easy seal repair without the need for complete breakdown of the blender (10). The assembly (18) includes a tubular sleeve adapted to be disposed about the shaft (14) at the region of a shaft/blender wall interface, with an annular sealing body (42) disposed about the sleeve (40) in a sealing position and supporting a seal (66) which engages the sleeve (40) at a first sealing location (66a) thereon. A lock device (48) operably to maintain the sealing body (42) in its sealing position is provided, and the sleeve (40) is selectively movable relative to shaft (14) and sealing body (42) so as to change the sealing location from the first location (66a) to a second, different sealing location (66b). The sleeve 40 can also be easily replaced if desired.

Abstract: Fluid transporting fractal devices, which can be employed whenever a controlled distribution and/or collection of fluids is desired, are constructed to position fractal stages of either progressively smaller or progressively larger scales along the direction of flow (Plates #1-#8). A preferred construction assigns generations of recursive fractal pattern to plates arranged in a stack.

Abstract: Accuracy adjustment apparatus for a timepiece has an accuracy adjustment data input control section including a case-mounted switch such as a crown of the timepiece. A crown state detection signal is used to determine the state of the crown. When an accuracy adjustment data input mode is indicated based on the position of the crown, an indicator of the timepiece is driven to provide a visual indication of accuracy adjustment data selectable by operation of the crown. When the proper accuracy adjustment data has been selected, the data is stored to a memory.

Abstract: In a structure in which a rotating bezel is mounted on a case body, the present invention provides the structure which permits the rotating bezel to be mounted and removed without difficulty even if a brittle material and a deformation difficult material is used in the rotating bezel. When the rotating bezel 25 is pushed downward, the lower end of the engaging rib 25a of the rotating bezel 25 is abutted against the upper end of the holding rib 21d of a glass fixing ring 21 and stress is applied thereby so that the elastically deformable section 21b of the glass fixing ring 21 is elastically deformed inward, that is, toward the side where a clearance is formed. As a result, the engaging rib 25a goes over the holding rib 21d and the rotating bezel 25 is kept in a held state as shown in the figure.

Abstract: An automatic humidity step control thermal analysis apparatus has a detector for detecting and measuring a physical property of a sample and for generating a physical property signal corresponding to the physical property of the sample. The sample is housed in a sample chamber which is capable of controlling the temperature and humidity of the sample. A water chamber generates water vapor at a preselected temperature and is capable of controlling the temperature of water in the water chamber in a stepwise manner. A heat insulating pipe directs water vapor from the water chamber to the sample chamber and includes a heater for preventing dew condensation. A signal stability determination circuit receives a physical property signal from the detector and generates a trigger signal when a rate of change of the physical property signal drops below a preselected reference value.

Abstract: A test wafer for use in temperature prediction is prepared. The test wafer includes: first semiconductor layer formed in a crystalline state; second semiconductor layer formed in an amorphous state on the first semiconductor layer; and passivation film formed over the second semiconductor layer. Next, the test wafer is loaded into a device fabrication system and then heated therein at a predetermined period of time. Thereafter, a recovery rate, at which part of the second semiconductor layer recovers from the amorphous state to the crystalline state at the interface with the first semiconductor layer, is calculated. Then, a temperature of the test wafer that has been heated is measured according to a relationship between the recovery rate and a temperature corresponding to the recovery rate.

Abstract: A sensor of a parameter such as temperature includes an indicator encapsulated within a rigid enclosure, wherein the sensor has a characteristic that varies with the parameter that is detectable upon illumination with electromagnetic radiation through a window of the enclosure that is transparent to the radiation. In a specific example, the indicator changes an optical characteristic such as its color as a function of its temperature, and may be of an irreversible type in order to indicate the peak temperature reached. The sensor may include a pattern of such indicators that have different peak temperatures to which they respond, so that the sensor gives a unique visual pattern at each temperature within its measurement range. This pattern may be viewed directly or processed by computer to compare the pattern with those which indicate known temperatures.

Abstract: A flexible package is provided with a shrouded slider fastener closure. A side seal forming the package is enlarged at its upper end to provide a smooth transition of product dispensed from the package, and to shield the slider during dispensing. The enlarged side seal portion is spaced from the fastener tracks. The fastener tracks are deformed to provide a stop, spaced from the side seals, to limit slider movement. A stop of reduced area, enlarging the package opening, is made possible.

Abstract: There is provided a resealable flap or label adapted to be placed in sealing engagement with an orifice of a flexible container. The resealable flap comprises a body having an interior portion and a pair of indented side edges. The flap has at least one hook cut extending from one of the pair of side edges to the interior portion. The body has an adhesive portion that removable connects the body over the orifice. The resealable flap or label has perforations for the at least one hook cut, which allows application of the flap by a blow on type applicator.

Abstract: There is provided a rolling element spacer used in a rolling guide device having an endless circulation passage of balls, arranged alternately with many balls in the endless circulation passage, and circulating together with the balls in the endless circulation passage. It has a pair of ball holding seats each of which is formed in a concave spherical face form nearly approximating a spherical face of the ball and sliding-contacts with the ball and, around each ball holding seat, there is formed an annular dropout prevention portion protruding in a ball arranging direction than an edge portion of the ball holding seat and kept in non-contact with respect to the ball seated on the ball holding seat.

Abstract: A lubrication system for mutually displaceable bodies of a mechanical device, comprises a porous element and a lubricating liquid (11) comprising dispersed particles (12), the size of the pores (10) of the porous element, and the size of the particles (12) being selected such that the pores (10) of the porous element become blocked by the particles contained in the lubricant liquid film (11) in the area of contact of said porous element with one of the bodies.

Abstract: A machine component, which may be a race of an antifriction bearing, contains pockets, the borders of which is defined by side-by-side reflecting surfaces which have free boundaries and intersect at alternating peaks and valleys. Vibration or noise to which the machine component is subjected produces mechanical longitudinal and transverse waves which propagate through the machine component, with the longitudinal waves being more intense and less subjected to attenuation. Some of the longitudinal waves encounter the reflecting surfaces which partially convert them into transverse waves, and the transverse waves rapidly attenuate in the machine component itself. Thus, the pockets reduce noise in the machine component.

Abstract: A bearing for providing the ability to more optimally and evenly share the load among a set of rolling elements to reduce maximum roller load in a cost effective and efficient manner, is provided. The bearing may include an outer race and an inner race, where the inner race includes a first and a second outer radius. The first outer radius of the inner race is radially spaced from the outer race, and the second outer radius forms an eccentric section. Rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races, where a portion of the bearing load is transferred to adjacent rolling elements located at the eccentric section.

Abstract: The roller bearing 10 comprises a plurality of rollers 15 which are respectively interposed between a concave-shaped race surface 12 formed on an outer race 11 and a concave-shaped race surfaces 14 formed on an inner race 13. Each of the rollers 15 is structured such that the central portion of the rolling surface thereof is formed by a first convex-shaped bus 17 which corresponds to the concave-shaped race surfaces 12 and 14, while the two end portions of the rolling surface thereof are respectively formed by second buses 16 which have a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the first bus 17.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel hub with a flange by which a wheel is mounted, the hub being supported by a knuckle and rotated through a universal joint, such as a CV joint, the CV joint having an outer joint member or shell with a cylindrical end having an end face. Axially spaced inboard and outboard tapered roller bearing members are positioned between the hub and the knuckle. The inboard bearing member has a cone with a raceway and a back face but no thrust rib. The shell cylindrical end face abuts the inboard cone back face and is adapted to engage the back faces of tapered rollers of the inboard roller bearing member to serve as a thrust rib for the inboard bearing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring that two guide pins with a centerline in a module (e.g., a fiber optic module) mate with two holes in a connector. A connector guide positioner is provided to position a connector guide in an aligned orientation with respect to the guide pins. When in the aligned orientation, the centerline of the connector guide is in alignment with the centerline of the two guide pins of the module, thereby ensuring that the two holes of the connector mate with the two guide pins when the connector is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for forming a fiber optic connection between a first connection assembly that provides alignment members and a second connection assembly that provides grooves such that a central axis of each groove of the second connection assembly is substantially perpendicular with a central axis of a corresponding alignment member of the first connection assembly. Each alignment member/groove pair can be positioned and oriented to control positioning of the first and second connection assemblies relative to each other in a single direction but allow movement in other directions to prevent physical stressing of the connection assemblies.

Abstract: The optical fiber positioning member in accordance with the present invention comprises a resin composition containing a PPS resin mainly composed of a linear type PPS resin at a content in the range of 24% to 30% by weight, silica particles at a content in the range of 61% to 67% by weight, and tetrapod-shaped whiskers at a content in the range of 6% to 12% by weight.

Abstract: An optical interconnection system for the realization of network elements in optical networks comprises a set of functional optical circuit modules (15) and an interconnection panel (10). The panel is provided with a row of module positions (13.1, 13.2, 14.1, . . . , 14.N) suitable for plugging in circuit modules (15), and with a pair of optical (1:N) splitters (16,17), each pair of corresponding ports of which (16A/17A, 16.1/17.1, . . . , 16.N/17.N) are interconnectable to a pair of a number of pairs of connection ports (11, 12.1, . . . , 12.N) through a module position and a circuit module plugged into that position. The set of circuit modules comprises circuit modules with functions for signal interconnection, for signal transport direction reversal, and for signal manipulation. A number of panels can be coupled together for purposes of, inter alia, expansion and/or protection.

Abstract: Optical or optoelectronic array with an assembly holder and an optical or optoelectronic assembly located on it to position the assembly holder on an assembly surface of an optical bench in a way that is movable only in a first plane of adjustment parallel to the assembly surfacewhere the assembly holder has an assembly base for positioning the assembly holder on the assembly surface as well as a seat which is open the entire distance from one outside surface of the assembly holder to the opposite outside surface of the assembly holder in which the optical or optoelectronic assembly is located and which is formed in such a way that the optical or optoelectronic assembly can be moved relative to the assembly holder only in a second plane of adjustment which is non-parallel to the first plane of adjustment, extending parallel to the directional passage of the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a fiber to an optical device includes a base, a fiber holder mounted on the base, the fiber holder holding the fiber during operation of the apparatus, a first movable stage mounted on the base, the first movable stage holding the optical device during operation of the apparatus, a second movable stage mounted on the base, wherein the second movable stage is configured to move parallel to the first movable stage, a fiber positioner attached to the second movable stage, and a processor programmed to control the movement of the first movable stage and the second movable stage, wherein, during operation of the apparatus, the processor moves the first movable stage and the second movable stage towards the fiber.

Abstract: Ranges of objects are determined using a camera equipped with a rotating optical axis displacement unit (ODU). The ODU receives light about an offset line of sight, and displaces it to a substantially parallel camera line of sight. The displaced light is focussed onto an image sensor. Images of a scene are captures as the ODU rotates. Range information is calculated from the apparent motion of objects in the captured images.

Abstract: A method for operating a redundant optical communication network has at least two network transmission paths, assigns first and second protection protocols to switched signals and secondary signals respectively, adds and drops the switched signals and secondary signals on the at least two network transmission paths, makes the switched signals and the secondary signals to counter-propagate along the at least two network transmission paths, therefore, the redundant optical communication network can support different data types and different protection mechanisms.

Abstract: A two-fiber ring architecture capable of carrying multiple wavelength channels and allowing client self-healing of single point failures. The ring architecture includes a two-fiber optical ring carrying at least one wavelength channel, wherein the wavelength channel has working traffic and protection traffic. The optical ring can include a single ring, two interconnected rings, or multiple interconnected rings. Specifically, the ring architecture includes a first client networking element connected to the optical ring by a first pair of 2×2 add drop matrices and a second client networking element connected to the optical ring by a second pair of 2×2 add drop matrices. At least one interconnect node is also provided when more than one ring is used, wherein the interconnect node has a first 2×2 interconnect matrix and a second 2×2 interconnect matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a local node for use in a synchronous optical network ring. The local node includes a group of working transmission lines and a protection line, for connecting to a remote node. The local node further includes a control unit for monitoring the working transmission lines and, upon detection of a data transmission impairment over a particular working transmission line, invoking a protection switch event causing re-routing of optical signals from the particular working transmission line to the protection line. Should the control unit detect simultaneous data transmission impairments over two or more working transmission lines, the control unit will choose to protect a particular working transmission line on the basis of a user-defined priority scheme.