Abstract: A method is provided for ensuring the integrity of a stairlift installation constructed from re-used components. Data representative of the form of a stairlift rail is stored in a control facility included in the stairlift carriage and then compared with data sensed in real time. A stairlift carriage may be disabled in the event sensed data varies from stored data.

Abstract: An optical device includes an input array, an output array and a waveguide array. The input array is connected to a first slab structure, while the output array is connected to a second slab structure. The waveguide array is optically coupled to the first slab structure and the second slab structure. The waveguide array includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part and a plurality of waveguide channels. The first connecting part is joined with the first slab structure. The second connecting part is joined with the second slab structure, wherein the second connecting part includes a central portion and at least one flank portion, the central portion is connected to and overlapped with the second slab structure, and the at least one flank portion extends over a side surface of the second slab structure. The waveguide channels are joining the first connecting part to the second connecting part.

Abstract: A system for using free-space optics to interconnect a plurality of computing nodes can include a plurality of node optical transceivers that are electrically coupled to at least some of the plurality of computing nodes. The system can also include a plurality of router optical transceivers that facilitate free-space optical communications with the plurality of node optical transceivers. Each node optical transceiver among the plurality of node optical transceivers can have a corresponding router optical transceiver that is optically coupled to the node optical transceiver. The system can also include a router that is coupled to the plurality of router optical transceivers. The router can be configured to route the free-space optical communications among the plurality of computing nodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments for high performance wireless data transfers. In an example embodiment, laser chips are used to support the data transfers using laser signals that encode the data to be transferred. The laser chip can be configured to (1) receive a digital signal and (2) responsive to the received digital signal, generate and emit a variable laser signal, wherein the laser chip comprises a laser-emitting epitaxial structure, wherein the laser-emitting epitaxial structure comprises a plurality of laser-emitting regions within a single mesa structure that generate the variable laser signal. Also disclosed are a number of embodiments for a photonics receiver that can receive and digitize the laser signals produced by the laser chips. Such technology can be used to wireless transfer large data sets such as lidar point clouds at high data rates.

Abstract: A system comprising a hub transceiver coupled to a first network node; and a plurality of edge transceivers, each configured to be communicatively coupled to a respective second network node, and to the hub transceiver, wherein the hub transceiver is operable to transmit a first message to each of the edge transceivers, the first message comprising an indication of available optical subcarriers and availability to use multiple non-contiguous optical subcarriers; receive, a service request identifying a selected subset of the available optical subcarriers including a non-contiguous first optical subcarrier and second optical subcarrier, transmit a second message to indicate either a success or a failure, and receive, via the selected subset, data from the second network node, and wherein at least one of the edge transceivers is operable to, transmit, using the selected subset of available optical subcarriers, data from the second network node to the first network node.

Abstract: A tunable element for an optical waveguide device, such as an Optical Phased Array (OPA), is described. Tunable element comprises three waveguide sections arranged such that light propagates through the first waveguide section, then through the second waveguide section and then through the third waveguide section, with light being either evanescently or directly coupled from one waveguide section to the next. The tunable element further comprises one or more resistive heating pad formed proximate to the second waveguide section. The first and third waveguide sections are formed from a first material and the second waveguide section is formed from a second, different material and the second material is more thermo-optically sensitive than the first material.

Abstract: A codeset is described in a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) as a format block including a plurality of fields having readily decipherable values, such as ASCII character values. One field is a mark/space information field that includes a sequence of mark time indicators and space time indicators for an operational signal of the codeset. A second field is a signal characteristic information field for the operational signal. Signal characteristic information may include carrier on/off information, repeat frame information, toggle control information, and last frame information. The PCCF is a codeset interchange format of general applicability.

Abstract: The exemplified methods and systems provide hardware-circuit-level encryption for inter-core communication of photonic communication devices such as photonic network-on-chip devices. In some embodiments, the hardware-circuit level encryption uses authentication signatures that are based on process variation that inherently occur during the fabrication of the photonic communication device. The hardware level encryption can facilitate high bandwidth on-chip data transfers while preventing hardware-based trojans embedded in components of the photonic communication device such as PNoC devices or preventing external snooping devices from snooping data from the neighboring photonic signal transmission medium in a shared photonic signal transmission medium. In some embodiments, the hardware-circuit-level encryption is used for unicast/multicast traffic.

Abstract: An optical bench utilizing narrowband optical filters on precision rotary stages that can provide custom tuning of the operational frequencies of the optical bench while maintaining the ability to switch between narrowband and wideband operation thereof. The precision rotary filters may further provide dynamic reconfiguration of the optical bench to alternate frequencies for intersystem compatibility, the enablement of additional self-test capabilities, and easing the manufacturing tolerances thereof.

Abstract: A system comprising a hub transceiver and edge transceivers is described. The hub transceiver is coupled to a first network node via an optical communications network. Each of the edge transceivers is coupled to a respective second network node, and to the hub transceiver. The hub transceiver is operable to form one or more logical partition of optical subcarriers in an optical signal based on connection types. Each logical partition has a first partition boundary, a second partition boundary and a plurality of subcarriers logically between the first partition boundary and the second partition boundary. Each partition boundary is assigned a particular connection type. The hub transceiver assigns a subset of available optical subcarriers of the plurality of subcarriers where each assignment includes a number of optical subcarriers based on the connection type in the service request, and a subcarrier location within the one or more logical partition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a list or restoration paths are provided. A method, according to one implementation, includes obtaining a list of restoration paths used for restoring transmission in a network when a home path between an originating node and a termination node is unavailable. The restoration paths are listed in a specific order based on ongoing transmission costs, where the ongoing transmission cost for each restoration path is based on characteristics associated with transmitting signals along the respective restoration path. The method also includes the step of reordering the restoration paths in the list based on restoration costs and the ongoing transmission costs. The restoration cost for each restoration path is based on a procedure for switching from the home path to the respective restoration path.

Abstract: An example system includes a hub transceiver and a plurality of edge transceivers. The hub transceiver is operable to determine a plurality of optical subcarriers available for assignment by the hub transceiver to the plurality of the edge transceivers for use in communicating over an optical communications network, and assign, to each of the edge transceivers, a respective subset of the optical subcarriers. Each of the subsets of the optical subcarriers includes a respective data optical subcarrier for transmitting data over the optical communications network. At least one of the subsets of the optical subcarriers includes one or more respective idle optical subcarriers. The hub t transceiver is also operable to transmit to each of the edge transceivers, an indication of the respective subset of the optical subcarriers assigned to the edge transceiver.

Abstract: At least two cascaded chains of intelligent support boxes linked by optical cable provide the needed elements to link the electric AC power line and low voltage DC power lines to the many known outlets and switches (wiring devices) and their loads be it AC or DC operated, with the AC and DC lines are separately drawn through separated conduits and ducts safely and accurately controlled by an home controller and/or via a command converter and a distributor.

Abstract: An example system includes a hub transceiver, a plurality of edge transceivers, and a control module. The control module is operable to receive, from one or more of the edge transceivers or the hub transceiver, telemetry data regarding at least one of a transmission or a receipt of data over the optical communications network, and determine, based on the telemetry data, performance characteristics regarding the optical communications network. Further, the control module is operable to transmit, based on the performance characteristics, a command to one or more of the edge transceivers or the hub transceiver to modify an operation with respect to the optical communications network.

Abstract: Cladding removed from a portion of the optical fiber defines a window exposing the fiber core. A grating having a substantially periodic structure defining a wavelength is moveably positioned in the window, where it can interact with the evanescent field present in the window when optical power is propagating through the fiber. An adjustable positioning fixture holds the grating proximate to the window and operates to change the relative spacing of the fiber core and grating, between: a first position in which the grating is held proximate to the fiber core and substantially interacts with the evanescent field, and a second position in which the grating is held apart from the fiber core and does not substantially interact with the evanescent field.

Abstract: A method of loading a fiber optic transport system includes detecting optical power in a frequency sub-band of optical spectrum, wherein the frequency sub-band includes data-bearing channels and at least one control channel; measuring optical power in the frequency sub-band; and adjusting optical power of the at least one control channel based on the measured optical power, wherein the optical power is adjusted through one of changing a current of control channel lasers and controlling a set of fast optical attenuators.

Abstract: An unused path through which actual data is not transmitted in a long-distance redundant network can be appropriately detect, and this function is realized at low cost. A transmission unit 33 of optical transceivers 21a and 21b connected to each other by an optical fiber cable 22 in an optical transmission system 20 includes a laser 37 for emitting a laser beam serving as an optical signal P1 to the optical fiber cable 22, and an optical intensity control unit 35 for performing control to change the optical level of the optical signal of the laser beam.

Abstract: A stabilizing system may be utilized to reduce or eliminate sway of magnetic tape that is suspended in an elevator hoistway and provides a positional reference to an elevator cab. The stabilizing system may include a stabilizing mechanism fixed within a hoistway and a roller cam disposed on the elevator cab. The stabilizing system may include a telescoping member attached to a guide having opposing flanges that restrict movement of the tape. The telescoping member and the guide may be biased in an extended position, where the guide partially surrounds the tape. In a retracted position, the guide is horizontally spaced apart from the tape. When the elevator cab passes the stabilizing mechanism, the roller cam may force the guide and the telescoping member into the retracted position to prevent any contact between the stabilizing mechanism and components disposed on the elevator cab.

Abstract: An audio device includes a casing configured for operation in a first orientation and a second orientation different from the first orientation, an orientation input device disposed on the casing to detect an orientation of the casing relative to the direction of the force of gravity, and a plurality of acoustic drivers disposed on the casing and operable to form a plurality of acoustic interference arrays, each of which is associated with one of a plurality of audio channels. The acoustic drivers of the audio device operate in a first frequency range and modify at least one of the acoustic interference arrays in response to a change in the orientation detected by the orientation input device.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an excitation light source module, a light splitting and combining module, a filter module, and a wavelength conversion module. The excitation light source module provides an excitation beam. The light splitting and combining module is disposed on a transmission path of the excitation beam. The excitation beam includes a first and a second excitation beam which are different from each other in polarization state or wavelength range. The filter module is disposed on the transmission path of the excitation beam. The filter module includes a light passing area configured to allow the excitation beam to pass there-through and a light filtering area. The wavelength conversion module is disposed on the transmission path of the excitation beam reflected by the light filtering area and configured to convert the reflected excitation beam into a conversion beam. A projection apparatus including the above illumination system is also provided.

Abstract: A bandwidth allocation device is included in a communication system having a terminal station device and a terminal device and relaying upstream data, which is received from a communication terminal by a lower device connected to the terminal device, to an upper device connected to the terminal station device. The bandwidth allocation device includes a transmission-permitted period start position determining unit configured to estimate a start position of an arrival period in which the upstream data arrives at the terminal device from the lower device; a transmission-permitted period length determining unit configured to estimate a length of the arrival period based on an amount of upstream data to be transmitted from the lower device to the terminal device; and a bandwidth allocation unit configured to allocate a bandwidth to the terminal device based on the estimated start position and the estimated length of the arrival period.

Abstract: This disclosure describes devices and methods related to multiplexing optical datasignals. A method may be disclosed. The method may comprise receiving, by a dense wave division multiplexer (DWDM), one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise combining, by the DWDM, the one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise outputting, by the DWDM, the combined one or more optical data signals to a first circulator. The method may also comprise combining, by the WDM, the second optical data signal and one or more third signals, and outputting an egress optical data signal to an optical switch. The method may also comprise outputting, by the optical switch, the egress optical data signal on a primary fiber.

Abstract: In an example method, an edge transceiver receives a first message from a hub transceiver over a first communications channel of an optical communications network, including an indication of available network resources on the optical communications network. The edge transceiver transmits, over a second communications channel of the optical communications network, a second message to the hub transceiver, including an indication of a subset of the available network resources selected by the edge transceiver. The edge transceiver receives, from the hub transceiver, a third message acknowledging receipt of a selection by the edge transceiver and a fourth message confirming an assignment of the selected subset of the available network resources to the edge transceiver. The edge transceiver transmits, using the selected subset of the available network resources, data via the hub transceiver.

Abstract: An optical network having a first terminal node, a second terminal node, and a network service system is described. The first terminal node has a plurality of ports and a signal restoration component to create a restored path. The second terminal node has a plurality of ports and a failure monitor to issue a path failure notice. A working path, a protection path, and the restored path are each fiber optic lines optically coupling the first terminal node to the second terminal node to enable a service, each path requiring a quantity of exclusive licenses. The network service system receives a path failure notice indicating a working path failure, calculates the quantity of licenses required by the restored path, releases the quantity of licenses required by the working path and applies at least a portion of the quantity of licenses to the quantity of licenses required by the restored path.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a novel optical network which can be used as an in-vehicle optical backbone network and exhibits high capacity, low delay, low power consumption, low noise and low cost.

Abstract: A laser device includes: a semiconductor laser, at least one driver that supplies the semiconductor laser with a current; a modulator that modulates the current supplied to the semiconductor laser; and at least one electric line for conveying the current from at least one driver to the semiconductor laser. The at least one electric line is a wire in a form of a tape, and includes the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the insulating layer which are extending in the longitudinal direction of the wire. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are stacked, with the insulating layer in between, in the direction of thickness of the wire.

Abstract: High-channel-count optical transceivers can be implemented in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with shared lasers, splitting the light of each laser between multiple lanes prior to modulation. To reduce waveguide crossings in such PICs, transmitter and self-test functionality may be distributed between separate device layers. Various beneficial transmitter circuitry layouts are disclosed.

Abstract: There includes: an optical splitter splitting modulated light into local oscillator light and signal light beams; a phase adjustment unit adjusting phases of signal light beams; an optical amplification unit amplifying signal light beams phase-adjusted; an optical phased array antenna outputting signal light beams amplified to space; a phase control unit synchronizing with a reference signal light beams, output from the optical phased array antenna and multiplexed with the local oscillator light; an acquisition and tracking mechanism adjusting output angles of signal light beams; an angle detection unit detecting arrival angles of received light; and a control unit setting the reference signal to first reference signals having different frequencies, supplementing the received light based on a detection result, setting the reference signal to second reference signals having equal frequencies, and tracking the received light based on the detection result.

Abstract: An example system includes a plurality of hub transceivers and a plurality of edge transceivers. A first hub transceiver is operable to determine that the first hub transceiver is configured to assign a first subset of network resources to a first subset of the edge transceivers for communication over an optical communications network, and determine that a second hub transceiver is configured to assign a second subset of network resources to a second subset of the edge transceivers for communication over the optical communications network. The first hub transceiver is also operable to determine that the first subset of network resources overlaps the second subset of network resources, and in response, transmit a notification of the overlap to a control module of the optical communications network.

Abstract: To provide a remote control device for transmitting a light signal having a pulse pattern capable of reducing the possibility of false detection, a communication device including the remote control device and a sensor, a variable device further including an appliance whose state varies by tracking the remote control device, and a lighting device further including a moving light for illuminating the remote control device by tracking the remote control device. The remote control device transits a light signal having a pulse pattern to be detected by a sensor, in which the pulse pattern includes a first ON period, a second ON period, and an OFF period between the first ON period and the second ON period, the first ON period and the second ON period being repeated alternately, the first ON period and the second ON period are more than twice as long as a sampling time T of the sensor, the first ON period and the second ON period are different from each other, and the OFF period is longer than the sampling time T.

Abstract: An example system includes a hub transceiver and a plurality of edge transceivers. The hub transceiver is operable to transmit, over a first communications channel, a first message to each of the edge transceivers concurrently, including an indication of available network resources on an optical communications network. Each of the edge transceiver is operable to transmit, transmit, over a second communications channel, a respective second message to the hub transceiver including an indication of a respective subset of the available network resources selected by the edge transceiver for use in communicating over the optical communications network. Further, the edge transceiver is operable to receive, from the hub transceiver, a third message acknowledging receipt of a selection and a fourth message confirming an assignment of the selected subset of the available network resources to the edge transceiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a stepped profile for substrates that support “on board” optical subassembly arrangements. The stepped profile enables mounting TOSA modules to the substrate in a recessed orientation to reduce the overall distance between terminals of the substrate and associated components of the TOSA, e.g., RF terminals of the substrate and an LDD of the TOSA. In an embodiment, the stepped profile further simplifies mounting and optical alignment of TOSA modules by providing at least one mechanical stop to engage surfaces of the TOSA modules and limit travel by the same along one or more axis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving an optical signal. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first optical signal comprising time division multiplexed transmissions from a plurality of optical transmitters, and determining that a transmission is not received during a time period from a first optical transmitter of the optical transmitters that is scheduled to transmit during the time period. A second optical signal is inserted into the first optical signal during the time period, the second optical signal having at least a non-zero power portion.

Abstract: A system for using free-space optics to interconnect a plurality of computing nodes can include a plurality of node optical transceivers that are electrically coupled to at least some of the plurality of computing nodes. The system can also include a plurality of router optical transceivers that facilitate free-space optical communications with the plurality of node optical transceivers. Each node optical transceiver among the plurality of node optical transceivers can have a corresponding router optical transceiver that is optically coupled to the node optical transceiver. The system can also include a router that is coupled to the plurality of router optical transceivers. The router can be configured to route the free-space optical communications among the plurality of computing nodes.

Abstract: A TORminator module is disposed with a switch linecard of a rack. The TORminator module receives downlink electrical data signals from a rack switch. The TORminator module translates the downlink electrical data signals into downlink optical data signals. The TORminator module transmits multiple subsets of the downlink optical data signals through optical fibers to respective SmartDistributor modules disposed in respective racks. Each SmartDistributor module receives multiple downlink optical data signals through a single optical fiber from the TORminator module. The SmartDistributor module demultiplexes the multiple downlink optical data signals and distributes them to respective servers. The SmartDistributor module receives multiple uplink optical data signals from multiple servers and multiplexes them onto a single optical fiber for transmission to the TORminator module.

Abstract: An ADD/DROP filter and an optical add/drop multiplexer are disclosed. An ADD/DROP filter includes an input port, an output port, an add port connecting to a modulator, and a drop port. The modulator is configured to load a pilot signal to a first optical signal to obtain a second optical signal, and transmit the second optical signal to the add port. A third optical signal is input to the input port. A wavelength difference between the second optical signal and the third optical signal is an integral multiple of a free spectral range. A power detector is connected to the output port and/or the drop port. The power detector is configured to obtain an output optical signal from the output port or the drop port and detect an optical power of the output optical signal.

Abstract: A novel branching unit provided. The branching unit may include a first port for connecting a first power conductor disposed in a first optical cable, a second port for connecting a second power conductor disposed in a second optical cable, and a third port for connecting a third power conductor and a fourth power conductor disposed in a branch cable. The third port may include a first sub-port and a second sub-port. The first sub-port may be configured to connect the third power conductor of the branch cable. The second sub-port may be configured to connect the fourth power conductor of the branch cable.

Abstract: This disclosure describes devices and methods related to multiplexing optical data signals. A method may be disclosed for multiplexing one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise receiving, by a dense wave division multiplexer (DWDM), one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise combining, by the DWDM, the one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise outputting, by the DWDM, the combined one or more optical data signals to one or more wave division multiplexer (WDM). The method may comprise combining, by the one or more WDM, the combined one or more optical data signals and one or more second optical data signals, and outputting an egress optical data signal comprising the combined one or more optical data signals and one or more second optical data signals.

Abstract: A monitoring device 1 includes an individual alarm reception unit 10 configured to receive individual alarms issued from a plurality of devices constituting an optical transmission network, a table 20 in which a search operator for searching for necessary information, that is information required for treating the individual alarms in the same manner when specifications of the individual alarms are different from each other, is associated with information included in the individual alarms, a search operator extraction unit 30 configured to extract the search operator using the information included in each of the individual alarms as a key, a rule 40 in which the search operator is associated with the necessary information; and a unified alarm information generation unit 50 configured to search the rule 40 using the search operator as a key, compare the information included in the individual alarms with the necessary information corresponding to the search operator, and add information, that is included in the

Abstract: This disclosure describes devices and methods related to multiplexing optical data signals. A method may be disclosed for multiplexing one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise receiving, by a dense wave division multiplexer (DWDM), one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise combining, by the DWDM, the one or more optical data signals. The method may comprise outputting, by the DWDM, the combined one or more optical data signals to one or more wave division multiplexer (WDM). The method may comprise combining, by the one or more WDM, the combined one or more optical data signals and one or more second optical data signals, and outputting an egress optical data signal comprising the combined one or more optical data signals and one or more second optical data signals.

Abstract: A broadband optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer is provided. Two waveguides are arranged such that, in a case where a connection position where one of the two waveguides is connected to a first slab waveguide is set closer to the other waveguide by a channel frequency interval ?f, a central position between the two waveguides aligns with a central position on a connection end surface of the first slab waveguide, and two waveguide groups of an output waveguide are arranged such that a central position between the two waveguide groups aligns with a central position of a second slab waveguide, and an interval between a connection position where the other waveguide is connected to the first slab waveguide and the central position on the connection end surface of the first slab waveguide is set equal to an interval between a connection position where the waveguide groups are connected to the second slab waveguide.

Abstract: A telemetry manager receives, from a network server, global data collection information about network components in an optical network device. The global data collection information includes identifiers for network nodes in the network components from which telemetry data are to be collected, and reporting frequency and encoding format for sending collected telemetry data to the network server. The telemetry manager identifies, from the global data collection information, local data collection information specified for a network component, and sends this information to a telemetry agent in the network component. The telemetry manager receives telemetry data generated by a network node of the network component, where the data is provided according to instructions in the local data collection information. The telemetry manager converts the telemetry data from its native format to an encoding format specified by the global data collection information, and sends the encoded telemetry data to the network server.

Abstract: An optical communication network includes a downstream optical transceiver. The downstream optical transceiver includes at least one coherent optical transmitter configured to transmit a downstream coherent dual-band optical signal having a left-side band portion, a right-side band portion, and a central optical carrier disposed within a guard band between the left-side band portion and the right-side band portion. The network further includes an optical transport medium configured to carry the downstream coherent dual-band optical signal from the downstream optical transceiver. The network further includes at least one modem device operably coupled to the optical transport medium and configured to receive the downstream coherent dual-band optical signal from the optical transport medium. The at least one modem device includes a downstream coherent optical receiver, and a first slave laser injection locked to a frequency of the central optical carrier.

Abstract: An optical network including a processing device configured to receive from photodetectors, information indicative of a time period between loss of light received through a first optical fiber and loss of light received through a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber has a first latency and the second optical fiber has a second latency. The first optical fiber and the second optical fiber extend along a common path through the optical network: a first end of the path being defined by the photodetectors and a second end of the path being defined by a second location in the optical network. The processor is configured to calculate, based on the timing information and a difference in latency between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, a distance along the common path from the photodetectors to an event resulting in the losses of light.

Abstract: A Nuclear Medicine (N-M) imaging system including a gantry having a stationary stator and a rotor rotatably mounted on the stator and including detection units. The rotor is driven by a rotor driving assembly including a linear encoder. The detection units mounted on the rotor include scanning columns having one or more Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPC) mounted on one or more extendable arm. The gantry also includes flat cables connecting the controller with gantry components, e.g., the scanning column Multi-Pixel Photon Counters (MPC). The scanning columns are pivotably moveable by a scanning column driver system including a rotary encoder.

Abstract: A load control system may include multiple control devices that may send load control messages to load control devices for controlling an amount of power provided electrical loads. To prevent collision of the load control messages, the load control messages may be transmitted using different wireless communication channels. Each wireless communication channel may be assigned to a load control group that may include control devices and load control devices capable of communicating with one another on the assigned channel. A control device may send load control messages to a load control device within a transmission frame allocated for transmitting load control messages. The transmission frame may include equal sub-frames and load control messages may be sent at a random time within each sub-frame. Control devices may detect a status event within a sampling interval to offset transmissions from multiple control devices based on detection of the same event.

Abstract: A system for powering a network element of a fiber optic wide area network is disclosed. When communication data is transferred between a central office (CO) and a subscriber terminal using a network element to convert optical to electrical (O-E) and electrical to optical (E-O) signals between a fiber from the central office and twisted wire pair, coaxial cable or Ethernet cable transmission lines from the subscriber terminal, techniques related to local powering of a network element or drop site by the subscriber terminal or subscriber premise remote powering device are provided. Certain advantages and/or benefits are achieved using the present invention, such as freedom from any requirement for additional meter installations or meter connection charges and does not require a separate power network.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for detecting state and sparing of optical Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-Express or PCIE) cable channels attached to an IO drawer. System firmware is provided for implementing health check functions and state detection and sparing functions. One or more optical cables are connected between a host bridge and an PCIE enclosure, each optical cable includes one or more spare optical channels. An identified failed optical channel is rerouted to the spare optical channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a housing linkable with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft operably coupled to the housing, a force transducer on a distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of fiber optic strain gauges on the force transducer. In one example, the plurality of strain gauges are operably coupled to a fiber optic splitter or an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexer. A fiber optic connector is operably coupled to the fiber optic splitter or the AWG multiplexer. A wrist joint is operably coupled to a distal end of the force transducer, and an end effector is operably coupled to the wrist joint. In another embodiment, a robotic surgical manipulator includes a base link operably coupled to a distal end of a manipulator positioning system, and a distal link movably coupled to the base link, wherein the distal link includes an instrument interface and a fiber optic connector optically linkable to a surgical instrument.

Abstract: Information from optical modules can be combined with information from network switches to help detect and pinpoint problems along a network communications path. A control path between a network switch and a microcontroller of an optical module can be used to obtain monitoring and debugging data from a digital signal processor (DSP) of the optical module. The DSP data can be used with performance data from the network switch to separately determine the health of the electrical and optical sections of the communications link. The ability to pinpoint problems with the communications link enables appropriate remedial actions to be determined and taken automatically.