text:
|Numéro de publication
|Type de publication
|Numéro de demande
|Date de publication
|14 nov. 2000
|Date de dépôt
|28 sept. 1998
|Date de priorité
|28 sept. 1998
|État de paiement des frais
|Numéro de publication
|Sungho Jin, Hareesh Mavoori
|Cessionnaire d'origine
|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Exporter la citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Citations de brevets (2), Référencé par (27), Classifications (27), Événements juridiques (10)
|Liens externes: USPTO, Cession USPTO, Espacenet
The present invention relates to passively temperature-compensated optical grating devices and to communication systems using them. In particular, it concerns grating devices packaged such that the resonant wavelength of the grating is substantially temperature-independent.
Optical fiber gratings are key components in modern telecommunication systems for con- trolling the paths or properties of traveling light. Basically, optical fibers are thin strands of glass capable of transmitting an optical signal containing a large amount of information over long distances with very low loss. They are small diameter waveguides comprising a core having a first index of refraction surrounded by a cladding having a second (lower) index of refraction. Typical optical fibers are made of high purity silica with minor concentrations of dopants to control the index of refraction.
Optical gratings are important elements for selectively controlling specific wavelengths of light within optical systems. Such gratings include Bragg gratings, long period gratings and diffraction gratings. Such gratings typically comprise a body of material and a plurality of substantially equally spaced optical grating elements such as index perturbations, slits or grooves.
A typical Bragg grating comprises a length of optical waveguide, such as optical fiber, including a plurality of index perturbations substantially equally spaced along the waveguide length. Thee perturbations selectively reflect light of wavelength λ equal to twice the spacing Λ between successive perturbations times the effective refractive index, i.e. λ=2neff Λ, where λ is the vacuum wavelength and neff is the effective refractive index of the propagating mode. The remaining wavelengths pass essentially unimpeded. Such Bragg gratings have found use in a variety of applications including filtering, adding and dropping signal channels, stabilization of lasers, reflection of fiber amplifier pump energy, and compensation for waveguide dispersion.
Waveguide Bragg gratings are conveniently fabricated by doping a waveguide core with one or more dopants sensitive to ultraviolet light, e.g., germanium or phosphorous, and exposing the waveguide at spatially periodic intervals to a high intensity ultraviolet light source, e.g., an excimer laser. The ultraviolet light interacts with the photosensitive dopant to produce long-term perturbations in the local index of refraction. The appropriate periodic spacing of perturbations to achieve a conventional grating can be obtained by use of a physical mask, a phase mask, or a pair of interfering beams.
A long-period grating typically comprises a length of optical waveguide wherein a plurality of refractive index perturbations are spaced along the waveguide by a periodic distance Λ' which is large compared to the wavelength λ of the transmitted light. In contrast with convention Bragg gratings, long-period gratings use a periodic spacing Λ' which is typically at least 10 time larger than the transmitted wavelength, i.e. Λ'>10λ. Typically Λ' is in the range 15-1500 micrometers, and the width of a perturbation is in the range 1/5Λ' to 4/5Λ'. In some applications, such as chirped gratings, the spacing Λ' can vary along the length of the grating.
Long-period fiber grating devices selectively remove light at specific wavelengths by mode conversion. In contrast with Bragg gratings in which light is reflected and stays in the waveguide core long-period gratings remove light without reflection, as by converting it from a guided mode to a non-guided mode. (A non-guided mode is a mode which is not confined to the core, but rather, is defined by the entire waveguide structure. Often, it is a cladding mode.) The spacing λ' of ti e perturbations is chosen to shift transmitted light in the region of a selected peak wavelength λp from a guided mode into a nonguided mode, thereby reducing in intensity a band of light centered about the peak wavelength λp. Alternatively, the spacing Λ' can be chosen to shift light from one guided mode to a second guided mode (typically a higher order mode), which is substantially stripped off the fiber to provide a wavelength dependent loss. Such devices are particularly useful for equalizing amplifier gain at different wavelengths.
Diffraction gratings typically comprise reflective surfaces containing a large number of parallel etched lines of substantially equal spacing. Light reflected from the grating at a given angle has different spectral content dependent on the spacing. The spacing in conventional diffraction gratings, and hence the spectral content, is generally fixed.
A common difficulty with all of these grating devices is temperature sensitivity. In Bragg gratings, for example, both neff and Λ are temperature dependent, with the net temperature dependence for a grating in silica-based fiber exemplarily being about +0.0115 nm/° C. for λ=1550 nm. he temperature-induced shift in the reflection wavelength is primarily due to the change in neff with temperature. While such a temperature-induced wavelength shift can be avoided by operating the grating device in a constant temperature environment, this approach requires an oven/refrigerator system. In addition, it requires accurate temperature-control and a continuous use of power.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,898 by W. W. Morey et al. discloses apparatus that can provide temperature compensation of a fiber Bragg grating. The apparatus comprises two juxtapose compensating members that differ with respect to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Both members have a conventional positive CTE. The fiber is rigidly attached to each of the members, with the grating disposed between two attachment points. The apparatus can be designed to apply tensile or compressive stress to the grating. In the latter case the grating is confined in a small tube, exemplarily a silica tube. The prior art designs are typically considerably longer than the grating, e.g. at least 40% longer than the grating device, thus making the temperature compensated package undesirably large. In addition, temperature compensating packages can have a substantial variation of reflection wavelength from one package to another because of the variability in the grating periodicity, minute variations, during package assembly, in the degree of pre-stress applied to each grating, and minute variations in the attachment locations. Accordingly, there is a need for compact temperature compensating fiber grating devices. There is also a need for simple fine adjustment of such device.
In accordance with the invention, a passively temperature-compensated tunable optical grating device comprises a grating, which is fixed at both ends to a support frame, and is mechanically or magnetically flexed so that a tensile strain induced in the grating reconfigures the resonant wavelength of the grating. Preferred embodiments include at least one waveguide grating, a flexing mechanism capable of inducing a latchable change in grating periodicity and at least one negative thermal expansion component which, upon heating, reduces the strain in the grating so that the temperature-induced wavelength shift is substantially cancelled out. The device can reduce the temperature-dependent wavelength change to less than 0.5 nm/100 deg. C, and preferably less than 0.05 nm/100 deg. C. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging assembly also includes a fine-wavelength adjusting mechanism for post-assembly corrective tuning. The device is especially useful in WDM communication systems, particularly for adding or dropping channels, for dynamically gain-equalizing optical amplifiers, for tunable lasers, and for dispersion compensation.
The advantages, nature and additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments described in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
FIGS. 1(a) and (b) schematically illustrate exemplary temperature-compensated wave-length-tunable fiber grating devices;
FIGS. 2(a) and (b) schematically illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 3 shows an N channel add/drop WDM communication system using temperature-compensated tunable gratings;
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a wide band tunable loss filter using tunable gratings;
FIG. 5 shows a dynamically gain-flattened optical amplifier using tunable gratings; and
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an optical WDM communication system which can employ the add/drop device of FIG. 3 and the amplifier of FIG. 5.
It is to be understood that these drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not to scale. The same reference numerals are used to designate similar elements throughout the drawings.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1(a) schematically illustrates an exemplary temperature-compensated wavelength-tunable fiber grating device 10 comprising a length of optical fiber 11 including a grating 12 of index perturbations, a fiber-flexing moving body 13, and a temperature-compensating support frame 14. The fiber in the region of the grating is secured to the support frame as by bonds 15 or on either side of the grating 12. The bonds 15 can be epoxy, glass solder, alloy solder, or screws.
The optical fiber grating 12 can be a Bragg grating having a desired Bragg reflection wave length for dropping or adding a wavelength component or a long period grating with a periodicity for a desired peak wavelength of coupling. For a median light beam wavelength of 1550 nm, he Bragg grating periodicity Λ in a SiO2 based fiber (with a refractive index n˜1.45) is about 500 nm. The length of each optical fiber grating to be incorporated into the grating assembly is typically in the range of 5 mm to 200 mm and preferably in the range of 10-100 mm. For a short fiber grating, the region of the regular fiber outside the grating can be used for attachment to either the magnetic components or the support frame.
The fiber 11 is pressed down (or pulled up) by body 13, preferably slightly outside the active grating region 12, so that a tensile strain is induced in the grating and the resonant wavelength is altered. It is preferred that the induced strain and the wavelength shift are made latchable as by using a latchable magnetically attractive or repulsive force. The moving body 13 can be a movable magnet which is connected to the support frame 14 by a spring arm 16. Body 13 is magnetically attracted, partially released, or fully released depending on the magnetization of an adjacent programmable magnet 17. While the use of non-latchable wavelength shift is also possible, one or more latchable programable magnets 17 are utilized if the retention of shifted wavelength without the use of continuous power is desired. By altering the electrical current in one or more solenoids 18 surrounding the programmable and latchable magnet 17, the altered magnetic field produces different levels of latched magnetization (M) in the magnet 17 and corresponding different fiber strain (ε) after the field is removed. Hence the device produces different levels of latched wavelength shift in the grating.
In operation of the FIG. 1(a) device, the fiber flexing moving body is magnetically (or mechanically) actuated and latched. If a simple operation in a wavelength bistable mode is desired, the moving body is either completely pressed against the support to drop to a predetermined strain, frame to obtain a fixed fiber strain, or released to a prearranged stop or released completely so that the fiber is not strained at all, thus providing predetermined strain, fixed levels of grating wavelength. The magnetically-actuated fiber flexing is effected by magnetic pole interactions. The loving body 13 is made of a magnet (soft, semi-hard or hard, depending on specific designs) which is attracted or repelled by the pole from a programmable and latchable magnet 17. For wavelength channel add/drop operation in dense WDM systems, it is sometimes desirable to place the fiber Bragg grating wavelength at the in-between-channel position, and operate with a fixed Λλ shift (e.g., by one-half the channel spacing to the nearest optical signal) to activate or deactivate the filter. Alternatively, the device can be actuated and latched at any intermediate position of the moving body or the movable magnet so that any desired, intermediate grating wavelength can be latchably obtained.
Since the rise in the temperature of the grating results in the increase of the Bragg wavelength λ primarily due to the temperature-dependent increase in neff, it is necessary to reduce the grating periodicity Λ to compensate the effect and make λ temperature-independent. This is accomplished by pre-stressing the fiber grating by tension, and then relaxing the tension as the ambient temperature is increased (or causing the tension to be stronger as the temperature is lowered). For this purpose, the temperature compensating package needs a structural component the length of which contracts upon heating, i.e., a structure with a net negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). For typical silica-based optical fiber gratings with a germanium doped core, the extent of the required thermal contraction strain upon heating for maintaining the temperature-insensitive Bragg wavelength is about 900×10-6 for a temperature change of 100° C., i.e., an effective CTE of about -9×10-6 ° C.
Examples of desired negative CTE materials for the support frame include ceramic materials such as ZrP2 O7, ZrV2-x Px O7, and ZrW2 O8. See articles by C. Martinek et al., J. Am. Ceram. Soc., Vol. 51, p. 227, 1968, T. A. Mary et al., Science, Vol. 272, p. 9, 1996, and V. Korthuis et al., Chem. of Materials, Vol. 7, p. 412, 1995. Instead of ceramics, metallic negative CTE materials such as Ni--Ti alloys (with 48-64 wt % Ni), Cu--Al--Zn alloys (with 1-10% Al, 20-40% Zn, bal. Cu), Cu--Al--Ni alloys (10-20% Al, 1-5% Ni, bal. Cu), Cu--Zn--Si alloys (30-40% Zn, 0.5-1.5% Si, bal. Cu), and Cu--Sn alloys (20-30% Sn, bal. Cu). See U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/957,953, by Fleming et al., filed on Oct. 27, 1997. The material chemistry and processing of metallic, ceramic, or composite materials can be controlled to obtain a desired level of the negative CTE.
FIG. 1(b) shows an alternative embodiment wherein a net negative CTE structure can be obtained from a combination of three, positive- or zero-CTE materials placed in a compact zigzag configuration. The programmable magnet and the solenoid are not shown. The effective thermal contraction on heating is obtained by utilizing a differential negative CTE of two linear bodies 14A, 14B in a parallel configuration attached onto a third linear body 14C (which can be thought of as a substrate). These bodies can be round or rectangular rods, tubes, strips or any arbitrary shaped bars. Upon heating, the substrate 14C (CTE=α3, length=L3) expands to the right, the high CTE component 14B (CTE=α1, length=L1) expands to the left and the low CTE component 14A (CTE=α2, length=L2) to the left. The overall effective CTE of the composite structure, αoverall (or the effective CTE imposed on the fiber grating with length L8) is calculated by a relationship of αoverall ·Lg ={(α2 L2 +α3 L3)-α1 L1 }. If the FIG. 1(b) structure is simplified by keeping the lengths of all the components the same (L1 =L2 =L3 =Lg), then αoverall =α2 +α3 -α1. In an even simpler case, one can use a zero expansion material such as Invar alloy as the substrate (α3 ˜0), in which case the effective CTE αoverall =α2 -α1, the differential CTE between the two components. For example, if Cu (α1 =16.5 ppm) is the high CTE component and Nb (α2 =7.1 ppm is the low CTE member, αoverall =7.1-16.5=-9.4 ppm/° C. . If a brass alloy (α1 =19.2 ppm /° C.) is the high CTE component and Mo (α2 =α3 =5.1 ppm/° C.) is the low CTE component and also t e substrate, αoverall =5.1+5.1-19.2=--9.0 ppm/° C. Some examples of various materials combinations and the resultant overall CTEs are given in Table 1. The desired value of αoverall for the fiber grating can be obtained not only by the selection of suitable materials for the structure of FIG. 1(b) but also by controlling relative lengths of the high CTE body, low CTE body, substrate body and the fiber grating.
TABLE 1______________________________________Some examples of negative overall CTE obtained in the FIG. 1 structure.(αoverall = -α1 + α2 + α3 forL1 = L2 = L3) αoverallComponent 1 Component 2 Component 3 (ppm/(α1, ppm/° C.) (α1, ppm/° C.) (α1, ppm/° C.) ° C.)______________________________________Al (α1 = 22.4) Invar (α2 = 0.3) Invar (α3 = 0.3) -21.8Al--Cu (22.2) W(4.6) Invar (0.3) -17.3Brass (19.5) Mo (5.1) Invar (0.3) -14.1304 Stainless St. (18.1) Invar (0.3) Mo (5.1) -12.7Alumel (16.7) Invar (0.3) Ta (6.5) -9.9Brass (19.5) Mo (5.1) Mo (5.1) -9.3Monel (14.2) W (4.6) Invar (0.3) -9.3Brass (19.5) Hf (5.9) W (4.6) -9.0Al--Cu (22.2) W (4.6) Ti (8.5) -9.1Co (12.5) Invar (0.3) Nb (7.1) -5.1Nichrome (13.1) W (4.6) Ti (8.5) 0Fe--52Ni (10.2) Mo (5.1) Mo (5.1) 0Brass (19.5) Al2 O3 (9.2) SiO2 (0.7) -9.6______________________________________
It should be noted that the coefficient of thermal expansion of many metals and alloys can be altered as by texture formation, cold working, and variation in alloy composition by as much as a fee to several per cent. The αoverall can be altered by 0-10% through changing the relative lengths (L1, L2 and L3).
The advantages of the temperature-compensating package are that i) the length of the package can be compact, essentially as short as the length of the fiber grating itself, ii) the desired negative CTE value can be obtained by a wide choice of various commercially available, low-cost metallic or non-metallic materials as well as by slightly altering the lengths of the device structure components, and iii) the bonding of most of the structural components can easily be accomplished by high-speed or low-cost processing such as spot welding, riveting, soldering or brazing.
For reliable packaging of optical fiber gratings, it is important to have a capability to finely adjust ("tweak") the Bragg reflection wavelength (or the peak coupling wavelength in long-period gratings) after the packaging is nearly completed. This is because there is some grating-to-grating variation in the periodicity (Λ) and hence in the reflection wavelength, which needs to be corrected by finely adjusting the tensile strain applied to the fiber grating. In addition, some package-to-package variation in the amount of tensile strain applied during industrial assembly and packaging is unavoidable, which needs to be corrected as well. A typical pre-strain on the fiber grating is in the range of 200-2000×10-6, most typically about 500×106. This is equivalent to about 0.001 inch elongation for a 2" long grating, and a 0.6-0.8 nm shift (increase) in the reflection wavelength for communication light wavelength of, e.g., 1550 nm. Since the optical fiber gratings are relatively expensive, a means for post-assembly correction and salvaging of the packaged grating is highly desirable. An additional need for fine adjustment is so that the required pre-strain on the grating can conveniently be applied after the assembly instead of maintaining a constant tensile stress (stretching) during the fiber bonding processes.
The FIG. 1(b) embodiment also contains a mechanism 20 for fine adjustment of the wavelength. In essence, the mechanism adjusts strain which, in turn, finely adjusts the wavelength. A solid stud 21, preferably made of relatively strong metal, alloy or ceramic, is firmly bonded to one of the thermally expanding/contracting components, in this particular case, onto the low CTE component 14C. The bonding can be done preferably by spot welding, brazing, soldering. The use of epoxying, riveting or bolt-and-nut clamping is not excluded. In the bent-up portion 22 of component 14C, a threaded hole is drilled and a threaded screw 23 (preferably with a fine pitch threading for better movement control) is inserted and pushed against the fixed stud 21. As the threaded screw 23 is turned to an optimum position, the distance between the bent-up strip portion 22 and the stud 21 increases primarily by elastic bending of the bent-up strip. This in turn increases the tension on the fiber grating 12 and the grating 12 resulting in the optimally corrected ("tweaked") reflection wavelength of the grating. The materials used for the "tweaker" device, the stud and the screw, are preferably chosen, for the sake of simplicity, to be the same material as the component onto which they are attached. However in principle, any materials can be employed for the screw or the stud as long as their CTE values and the thermal expansion/contraction behavior are taken into consideration.
The wavelength adjusting scheme 20 (tweaker) is capable of straining the fiber grating by at least 0.0005 inch and shifting the wavelength by at least 0.5 nm with a wavelength tweaking resolution of better than 0.05 nm and preferably 0.01 nm or better. Instead of using the screw mechanism for the tweaker, other alternative configurations for altering the spacing between the bent-up portion and the stud can be utilized, for example, an insertable tapered wedge or replaceable pacer stacks.
The force transmitted from the movable magnet to the grating produces a strain which changes the wavelength response of the grating. The force between two attracting magnets is approximately proportional to the square of the magnetic induction (M) multiplied by the cross-sectional area (A) of the magnets at the gap (F∝M2 ·A). Thus stronger magnets (higher M) or large magnets (larger A) give stronger force. However, strong magnets with high coercivity are difficult to magnetically switch. When the fiber grating is stretched or compressed, e.g., 1% in length (ε=Δl/l=0.01), the grating periodicity Λ will also change. However, the resonating Bragg reflection wavelength λ will not change by exactly 1%, since the interatomic distance in the glass is also affected by the elastic strain and as a result the refractive index n is altered. This strain effect on the refractive index can be represented by a photoelastic constant P. which is typically about 0.22 for the SiO2 fiber. The wavelength change induced by the magnetically applied strain ε (ε=Δl/l) is thus expressed as Δλ/λ=(Δl/l)(1-P.sub.ε)=ε(1-P.sub.ε). The strain ε is determined by the applied stress (σ) and the elastic modulus (E), ε=σ/E, and the stress on the fiber is the force (F) divided by the cross-sectional area (πr2) where r is the radius of the fiber grating.
Since optical fiber tends to break at a tensile strain of about 6%, and since such a failure would be disastrous, it is highly desirable to have a tunable grating design that automatically provide an upper limit in total tensile strain. The assembly configuration of FIG. 1 offers such an advantage because the pre-set gap between the unstrained fiber and the support frame serves as the upper limit for the extent of fiber flexing and tensile elongation of the fiber. The desired gap in FIG. 1 (the upper limit in vertical flexing of the fiber) is typically less than about 10% of the fiber length being stretched (with the corresponding maximum strain in the fiber grating of less than about 2%), and preferably less than 5% of the length of the grating-containing fiber. For example, for a 2" long grating, the vertical gap is set below about 200 mil, preferably below ˜100 mil.
The preferred materials for the programmable magnet 17 are those whose magnetic properties are modifiable by a pulse magnetic field. They can be magnetically soft materials with very low coercivity (e.g., below ˜10 Oe) such as Ni--Fe based permalloys, Fe--Co based permendur type alloys, or Si-steels. However, for a latchability of shifted wavelength without a continuous use of power, semi-hard magnetic materials are preferred, for example, low-coercivity (e.g. below ˜200 Oe) Fe--Cr--Co, Fe--Al--Ni--Co (Alnico), Cu--Ni--Fe (Cunife), Co--Fe--V (Vicalloy), Fe--Mn, Fe--Mn--Ni, Fe--Mo--Ni. The desired range of the coercivity for the semi-hard magnet is typically below 500 Oe aid preferably below 100 Oe for the ease of polarity switching using solenoid pulse field. The coercivity is typically above 10 Oe and preferably above 30 Oe for maintaining the stability of the remanent magnetization and also for stability against demagnetization due to stray magnetic fields. For the semi-hard magnetic materials it is desirable that the switchable magnet have a relatively square magnetization hysteresis loop with the squareness ratio (remanent magnetization/saturation magnetization) of at least 0.85, preferably at least 0.90, even more preferably at least 0.95. Mechanically ductile and easily formable or machineable magnet alloys such as Fe--Cr--Co, Cu--Ni--Fe, Co--Fe--V are particularly desirable for shaping into desired rod-like geometry. Stable permanent magnets with high coercive forces (e.g., Hc >1000 Oe), such as Sm--Co, Nd--Fe--B or Ba-ferrite are less desirable as the programmable magnet (unless modified to exhibit lower coercive forces) because of the difficulty in switching using desirably low magnetic field.
The programmable magnet 17 is operated by adding at least one solenoid winding 18 around it and applying a programmed pulse or a short-duration field to switch the polarity or alter the magnitude of magnetization in the magnet. This adjustment alters the force and the strain on the fiber grating, and hence optical signal wavelength (or amplitude in the case of long period grating). The desired duration or speed of the pulse field is typically in the range of 10-10-6 seconds and preferably 10-1 -104 seconds. For a thick magnet geometry, the use of pulses that are too fast is not desirable because of the eddy current loss. The shape of the current pulse can be rectangular, rectified sinusoidal or irregular as long as the maximum field needed for the desired magnetic switching is accomplished.
Since a sharp (small curvature) bending of an optical fiber or a grating is not desirable, it is advantageous to minimize such a deformation when the fiber is flexed. One convenient way of achieving such a goal is to utilize a rounded post in the support frame and place the fiber-to-frame bonding spots slightly outside the peak of the rounded post. When the fiber is flexed, the gentle curvature of the post allows a smooth transition in fiber bending, and prevents the undesirable sharp bending of the fiber. Low-friction coating materials such as teflon or diamond-like-carbon may be applied on the surface of the moving body or the curvatured post to reduce possible friction-related problems after repeated fiber flexing operations.
FIGS. 2(a) and (b) show alternative embodiments of temperature-compensated, tunable grating devices. In these devices, a length of the moving body 16 is magnetically (or mechanically actuated and latched to a certain position, thus causing the attached fiber grating 12 to be flexed and elastically strained for a desired wavelength shift. The grating can be attached via a supporting body 33. The moving body 16 is attached to the support frame 14 by a spring 30. The moving body 16 can be a magnetic component or it can have an attached magnet 31 which is controllably and latchably attracted or repelled by the programmable magnet 17. For temperature compensation, the moving body 16 is made of a negative CTE material described earlier, preferably with a CTE in the range of -8 to -12×10-6/ deg. C, specifically with a CTE of close to -9×10-6 /deg. C in the case of SiO2 fiber.
The FIG. 2(b) embodiment utilizes the effective negative CTE structure described in connection with FIG. 1(b), with preferred CTE of -8 to -12×10-6 /deg. C to achieve the desired temperature-compensating effect.
In a real-life situation, unavoidable variations in device dimensions, assembly procedures, component materials, and the magnitude of pre-straining in the fiber grating may cause the base-wavelength (λo) of the grating as well as the intended amount of the wavelength shift (Δλ) to deviate from the desired, preset values. A post-assembly correction or tweaking of λo and Δλ is often desirable. Such a tweaking capability is particularly useful for a bistable mode device in which only two stable positions and hence only two stable wavelength states are available.
There are three novel approaches of fine adjusting (tweaking) λo and Δλ which are applicable to the magnetically wavelength-tunable grating devices described herein:
(1) The use of surface collapsible spring(s) on the moving body or a grating surface which it contacts. In bistable, wavelength-tunable devices, a certain minimum magnetic force is required to actuate the shifting of the magnetic body from one stable position to the other. If the magnetic force is increased beyond that required for the switching, e.g. by increasing the latchable magnetization in the programmable magnet, the collapsible spring can allow a slight additional displacement of the movable magnet, and hence, a slight additional wavelength change in the grating, as desirable.
(2) The use of magnetostrictive support frame or magnetostrictive programmable magnet material. Here, a slight change in the length of the support frame or the magnet by magnetostriction is utilized to tweak λo or Δλ, or both. In positive magnetostrictive materials such as Fe, Co, and their alloys, the magnetization causes the length to increase, while the opposite is observed in negative magnetostrictive materials such as Ni, and some of its alloys. The magnitude of magnetostriction is typically 10-1000×10-6, and the remnant (or latchable) magnetostriction is somewhat smaller than these values. As an example, a magnetostriction-induced length change of say, 20×10-6 inch per inch in a fiber grating with λo of say 1500 nm would produce about 30 picometers shift in λo, a reasonably fine control capability for λo or Δλ.
(3) The use of mechanical adjustment of the support frame. As illustrated in FIG. 1(b), the pre-strain in the fiber grating of the assembled tunable grating structure can be altered and hence λo and Δλ, by using a screw-based adjusting mechanism which can apply or release the tensile strain the fiber grating. Instead of the screw mechanism, one or more of spacers with preset thicknesses can be inserted into an appropriately designed slot in the support frame to induce a similar fine wavelength-adjusting effect.
The temperature-compensated gratings disclosed herein are not restricted to bistable or continuously tunable devices. A tri-stable or higher-order digital tuning is also possible. For example, by adding more than one moving bodies or movable magnets in the device of FIG. 1, multi-state devices can be constructed.
The desired temperature dependence of grating wavelength in the temperature- compensated gratings described herein is preferably less than 0.0010 nm/deg. C, and more preferably less than 0.0003 nm/deg. C.
The described temperature-compensated gratings are especially useful in wavelength division multiplexed communication systems which employ multiplexer/demultiplexer devices. In such systems, a "trunk" fiber carries optical signal channels at several wavelengths λ1, λ2, . . . λn and it is desirable to extract a single wavelength channel from the trunk fiber or to add a single wavelength channel onto the trunk. A wide variety of such devices can be made by interconnecting optical circulators and fiber gratings. Typically the channel reflected by the grating is dropped to the trunk fiber or is added to the trunk. Gratings as described herein permit selection at the grating of which channel is dropped or added.
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) communications system comprising a transmitter 101, an improved N-channel ADD/DROP multiplexer/demultiplexer 102 and a receiver 103, all connected by trunk fiber 11. The input on fiber 11 consists of optical signals at several wavelengths, λ1 to λn.
The improved multiplexer 102 comprises one or more pairs (here 1 pair) of circulators, corn rising an upstream circulator 110 and a downstream circulator 111. A series of bistable temperature compensated tunable gratings 10 are placed between the circulators, with their grating wavelengths located at between-channel wavelengths. Actuation of a desired grating for one-half channel shift in wavelength drops or adds the adjacent communication channel.
If a selected group of channels needs to be dropped (or filtered), the magnetic tuning devices for those gratings are activated by a magnetic pulse field so as to strain the fiber gratings by 1/2 channel, e.g., Δλ/λ of roughly 0.4 nm/1550 nm≈0.025%. To cancel the DROP operation of a channel reverse-polarity magnetic field (or a demagnetizing field) is applied to the magnet element to switch to the other stable position and shift back the wavelength by 1/2 channel. The ADD operation is performed in a similar manner but with a backward transmission through a circulator and Bragg reflection in the forward direction. The temperature-dependent shift of the grating wavelength is less than 0.0001 nm/deg. C.
The magnetically switchable fiber grating assembly provides advantages for a variety of optical fiber communication devices and communication operation systems. For example, a chirp Bragg grating (e.g., a grating with a gradient periodicity covering λ1 through λ4 along the length of one grating, or with the four distinct grating structures written in series in one grating length) can be made magnetically switchable between two strain positions. In this case, the four channels are dropped or added simultaneously as a group. A plurality of chirped gratings can be connected so that the group-wise add/drop operation of channels can be performed covering a wide bandwidth.
The grating 12 in the temperature-compensated tunable grating devices can be a long-period grating. FIG. 4 illustrates tunable loss filter 130 covering a bandwidth wider than a single long period grating device. It is constructed by concatenating magnetically tunable temperature compensated long-period gratings 10 along a single fiber 11. A desired loss spectrum can be obtained by selectively activating the gratings with different Δλ shift capabilities. Long-period gratings or flattening the response of an amplifier are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,817 issued to A. M. Vengsarkar on Jul. 4, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference
FIG. 5 illustrates a dynamically gain-flattened amplifier 140 made by including the temperature compensated tunable loss filter 130 in a fiber rare earth doped amplifier (such as an erbium-doped fiber amplifier). The amplifier 140 preferably comprises a plurality of rare-earth fiber amplifier stages (e.g. two stages 141 and 142) with the tunable loss filter 130 advantageously preferably disposed at the output of the first stage. This arrangement gives the highest power and the lowest noise figure. For applications where noise is less important, the filter 130 can be placed in front of the first stage 141. For applications where power is less important, it can be placed at the output of the last stage 142. Such devices 140 can be used in WDM optical communication systems to ensure equalized amplification under a wide variety of conditions.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an optical WDM communication system using the gain-flattened amplifier 140. The system comprises a source 150 of modulated WDM optical signal channels λ1, λ2, . . . λn along a trunk fiber 151. The channels pass through one or more gain equalized amplifiers 140, which can comprise the amplifier shown in FIG. 5, and through one or more ADD, DROP devices 102, which can comprise the ADD/DROP device shown in FIG. 3.
It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the invention. The magnetically or mechanically switchable and latchable devices described here are also useful for making various other types of non-fiber optical gratings for the purpose of reconfiguring or tuning wavelength, amplitude or phase of optical information. For example, slitted gratings, transmission type or reflection-type grooved gratings, or phase gratings can be made magnetically tunable, according to the invention, for various optical applications such as for producing fresnel lenses, holographic images, and optical memory devices. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
|Brevet cité
|Date de dépôt
|Date de publication
|22 sept. 1998
|7 déc. 1999
|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Magnetically tunable laser with wavelength latchability and optical communication system comprising such laser
|23 sept. 1998
|25 avr. 2000
|Lucent Technologies Inc.
|Tunable grating device and optical communication devices and systems comprising same
|Brevet citant
|Date de dépôt
|Date de publication
|21 déc. 1999
|28 aoűt 2001
|The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University
|Tunable, mechanically induced long-period fiber grating with enhanced polarizing characteristics
|31 janv. 2001
|19 mars 2002
|Pin Long
|Tunable optical fiber gratings device
|10 sept. 2001
|16 avr. 2002
|Sparkolor Corporation
|Channel-switched tunable laser for DWDM communications
|9 mars 2000
|21 mai 2002
|Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
|Erbium-doped optical fiber having gratings formed therein and fabrication method thereof
|1 aoűt 2000
|28 mai 2002
|Rich Key Technologies Limited
|Bimetal-based temperature stabilized multi-FBG package with tunable mechanism
|23 janv. 2001
|29 avr. 2003
|Industrial Technology Research Institute
|Electric optical fiber grating filter with switchable central wavelength
|22 juil. 2002
|14 déc. 2004
|Optical fiber having high temperature insensitivity over a temperature range centered on a selected temperature and method of making same
|13 nov. 2002
|8 févr. 2005
|Hsi-Hsun Tsai
|Apparatus and method for compensation of central wavelength shifting of a fiber grating
|11 juil. 2002
|24 mai 2005
|Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
|Optical device, optical module, optical amplifier, and optical transmission system
|13 mai 2003
|7 juin 2005
|Method of providing an optical fiber having a minimum temperature sensitivity at a selected temperature
|1 juin 2004
|13 sept. 2005
|Southhampton Photonics Ltd
|Optical fiber thermal compensation device
|1 avr. 2004
|30 janv. 2007
|Lxsix Photonics Inc.
|Package for temperature sensitive optical device
|14 juil. 2003
|1 mai 2007
|Fitel U.S.A. Corp.
|Temperature-compensated fiber grating packaging arrangement
|28 janv. 2000
|7 oct. 2008
|Ciena Corporation
|Temperature-compensated grating package and method of making the same
|13 mars 2002
|9 janv. 2003
|Optical filter device, method for tuning and communication system
|12 juil. 2002
|23 janv. 2003
|Samad Talebpour
|Random access optical add/drop switch
|1 aoűt 2002
|6 févr. 2003
|Skull Paul Andrew
|Optical fiber thermal compensation device
|11 juil. 2002
|20 mars 2003
|Masayuki Shigematsu
|Optical device, optical module, optical amplifier, and optical transmission system
|13 nov. 2002
|15 mai 2003
|Uconn Technology Inc.
|Apparatus and method for compensation of central wavelength shifting of a fiber grating
|13 mai 2003
|12 févr. 2004
|Julia Farroni
|Method of providing an optical fiber having a minimum temperature sensitivity at a selected temperature
|1 avr. 2004
|4 nov. 2004
|Vincelette Andre R.
|Package for temperature sensitive optical device
|1 juin 2004
|4 nov. 2004
|Skull Paul Andrew
|Optical fiber thermal compensation device
|14 juil. 2003
|20 janv. 2005
|Henry Huang
|Temperature-compensated fiber grating packaging arrangement
|30 juin 2006
|2 nov. 2006
|Lxsix Photonics Inc.
|Package for temperature sensitive optical device
|13 juil. 2004
|9 mai 2007
|Temperature-compensated fiber grating packaging arrangement
|12 juil. 2002
|30 janv. 2003
|Novx Systems Inc.
|Optical add/drop switch
|2 aoűt 2002
|24 juil. 2003
|Matthew Roy Hill
|An optical fiber thermal compensation device
|Classification aux États-Unis
|385/37, 372/20, 385/16, 398/1, 359/337.21, 385/19
|Classification internationale
|Classification coopérative
|Classification européenne
|2 nov. 1998
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New Twists on Grilled Vegetables
Grill like a pro
It's grilling season, and we're all enjoying the ease and pleasure of cooking outdoors. Though we usually associate the grill with burgers and chicken, there's no reason why you can't use it to whip up your whole meal.
Whether you toss on some vegetables to serve as a side dish or make greens the main event, all it takes is a bit of know-how. Read on for tips, tricks and simple recipes to turn that abundant summer produce into your new grilled favorites.

subset: commoncrawl


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I bought a brand new Logitech web cam which came in nice box that was easy to open. I also bought a brand new Logitech microphone that didn't came in such a nice box. In fact, the mic was put in such box that probably even bullets could not pierce it or something.
Why do I need army of undead swordsmen (not to mention a medikit) or something to get the stuff out from the box?
Oh well, gotta be careful when opening packages like this one.


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Hey everyone,
Our you a beginner Flatland rider....We have just started a new flatland video contest called Endle$$ Population. You have 3 months to ride and tape your riding and tricks...the cost to enter is $5.00 all the info is on the website http://www.downboyz.com....It is being put on by Problem Child Clothing....go to the site for all the info....There is a store there but, we do not require anyone to purchase clothing unless they want....we just want to promote our new contest.....There is also a best trick video comp open to all skill levels...it is free.....Prizes for the comps our clothing items....read the site!!! Thanks
Problem Child


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In preparation for the opening of his new restaurant Chicken N Beer, Ludacris has announced that he will be closing his first foray into the food industry, Straits Atlanta.
Luda decided to close up shop after winning the contract to open Chicken N Beer at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with Atlanta Restaurant Partners. Straits was first opened in 2008.
"As I continue to learn and evolve as a businessman, I am extremely excited to put my restaurateur footprint into a new venture inside the busiest international airport in the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport," said Luda. "Straits was a great segue into the industry and with Chicken N Beer I can create my own concept. I look forward to expanding my creativity and driving to a much higher plane."
RELATED: Ludacris Announces "Chicken & Beer" Restaurant To Open In Atlanta's Airport


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Prüftechnik To Partner With IHC Merwede
The Belgium subsidiary of Prüftechnik recently announced a partnership agreement with IHC Merwede for vibration measurements in dredger operations. IHC Mehrwede is a leading manufacturer of special dredging equipment and of complex, custom-built vessels for offshore construction.
Through its IHC Life Cycle Support service, IHC Merwede is involved with the entire life cycle of a dredging vessel. Periodical monitoring is part of the IHC Condition Monitoring Program, based on eight measurement technologies, including vibration measurements, which prevents both unnecessary maintenance work and unplanned shut-downs.
Vibration measurements are conducted with special equipment placed on the main rotating parts of a vessel, such as pumps and gearboxes. This allows the sensors to detect possible anomalies in the tolerances of the high-grade rotating parts at an early stage and analyze them.
The combination of IHC Merwede's expertise in the design, production and maintenance of ships with Prüftechnik's know-how in condition and vibration measurements will benefit each in their respective industries.
For more information: www.pruftechnik.com


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Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce General Membership Luncheon
By Wicomico County Tourism | Oct 04, 2013
Join the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce for their General Membership Luncheon on October 17 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Guest speakers will include Jake Day, President of the Salisbury City Council and Matt Holloway, President of the Wicomico County Council.
Learn more and register at http://www.salisburyarea.com/Calendar.aspx.


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Andy gets his TDF win
Andy gets his TDF win
A hollow victory
It is the Tour the one to be banned for this. Poor chap. Go Contador!.
"I ate tainted meat!" C'mon Really? If your gonna deny doping atleast do it right, the lance way, hire an army of lawyers and start a cancer benefit to cover it all up.
Well, if this week with Armstrong exonerated and Contador hung has not proven the golden rule, I don't know what will. Golden rule? THAT WITH THE GOLD MAKES THE RULES!!
BTW, you might as well hand him the Vuelta title right now because it is as if they knew he was coming!!
Arguing with ignorant people is an exercise in futility. They will bring you down to their level and once there they will beat you with their overwhelming experience.
Horrible for the sport. If no result is ever final, there is little point to watching the event.
The powers-that-be have got to find a way to conclude this stuff within a few days of the finish -- the fewer the better. The multi-year process leaves far too much room for politics and money to alter the outcomes. And coming in second (with the accompanying lack of scrutiny) appears to be the best way to end up the winner!
Yes, I am feeling hateful today LOL...........
Arguing with ignorant people is an exercise in futility. They will bring you down to their level and once there they will beat you with their overwhelming experience.
lol..Andy won't win...not with such a flat tour....get ready for all the powerhouse sprinters to crush it this year/
I say this because I wont recognize any win with an asterix
I for one, like Contador
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinsonWhere else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdonTitanium Division
Two years is to long!
It also took way to long for the ruling.
Are you guys seeing the brief? In para 274 sections d and e, they tracked down the actual farmer who sold the veal to the butcher, had him pull his tags and records for the exact animal! That's some good work right there by the prosecution.
HA! They nailed him because of veal! Conti's handlers bought a special, expensive type of meat, and tried to argue it was from South America. The panel rejected that a meat such as that would have been imported. Conti was sentenced for his fine taste!
"each animal has a passport showing where it was born, raised, and slaughtered, according to McDonald's France. That's called traceability, and we don't yet have such a national system in place."
Never go full ******.
It was cheap enough he attacked while Andy had mechanical issues, hes a prick and a cheater and got what he deserves


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« Trouble In Paradise? Nick Cannon's Grandfather Dishes On Nick And Mariah's Relationship Issues | Home | Can Teen Mom Survive Without Farrah Abraham's Drama? »
Dancing With The Stars Casting Rumors Are In Full Force
August 27, 2014 04:00 PM by Lisa Princ
It's almost time for the season 19 premiere of Dancing With The Stars! And if you're one of the many Facebook and Twitter fans anxiously awaiting the news of who will join the cast, you're in luck! The rumors of the new cast are flying, and we've got all the details inside…
With the new season of Dancing With The Stars right around the corner, the official cast announcement is reportedly going to made next week on GMA. But for those of you who are as impatient as I am, we've got some of the latest rumors of who will join the cast….you're welcome!
So far, the names that have been floating around the web are: Country singer Jessie James Decker, American Ninja Warrior star Kacy Catanzaro, and Bachelorette star Andi Dorfman. And it gets better! Rumor has it that not only has Andi Dorfman been asked, but her fiance Josh Murray has also been asked to compete…now that would be interesting if it proves true.
And for all of you ladies out, E! claims that General Hospital hottie Antonio Sabota Jr. will also shake his money maker on the show this season. Oh La La! And TMZ also reports that all of the above will be competing, as well as ex-UFC fighter Randy Couture and Olympic track star Lolo Jones. The site also claims that DWTS is trying to get a huge YouTube star on the show – any guesses who that could be?
The pro dancers rumored to be competing on season 19 are: Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burk, Val Chmerkovsky, Karina Smirnoff, Tony Dovolani, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvinstev, Allison Holker, Keo Mostepe, Peta Murgatroyd and Emma Slater.
What do you think about about the rumors of the new cast for Dancing With The Stars? Is there someone that you'd love to see compete? We know you have an opinion and we want to hear from you. Feel free to share your opinion in the comments section below!
Abby Lee Miller Trashes Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Is Maksim Chmerkovskiy Retiring From Dancing With The Stars?
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Tired Of Being Typecast As A Bad Boy
Photo Credit: WENN
Topics: ABC Reality TV Shows, Dancing With the Stars |
« Trouble In Paradise? Nick Cannon's Grandfather Dishes On Nick And Mariah's Relationship Issues | Home | Can Teen Mom Survive Without Farrah Abraham's Drama? »


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Good Morning!
This past weekend was gorgeous in Toronto; sunny and 20 to 25 degrees, and the humidity has not set in quite yet. I tried to be outside as much as I could. I started some planters, cleaned off my patio furniture and soaked in the rays. Today's post is inspired by that bright sparkling sun….
Have a great Monday!


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Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
We are ITB Co., Incorporated and we are the North American distributor for the company Birchmeier out of Switzerland. We offer the most complete selection of backpack, compressed air, and specialty sprayers available anywhere. Therefore if you need quality, value, and performance, you will find what you are looking for here. If you do not find what you are looking for on this site, please feel free to contact us.
We follow a simple, but effective, philosophy: we strive to sell the finest products on the market and continue to improve it by listening to our customers. ITB Company has been supplying high-quality industrial sprayers and more to professionals and homeowners throughout the US since 1995.
About Birchmeier
In a modern industrial building in the heart of Europe Birchmeier manufactures and distributes its products which are in high demand throughout the world. Dependable and independent specialists are responsible for a perfect finish, and hence also for the longevity of Birchmeier products. In close collaboration with international forwarders our shipping department accomplishes all logistic tasks right on schedule. Rational manufacture on production installations with the latest robot technology in conjunction with autonomous working groups and distinct approach to quality with contemporary workplaces has led to their success.


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You can make your computer speak whatever you type with a simple vbs trick you're gonna love. It's nothing serious, just a little piece of trick tomake your computer speak to you. You just need to copy the code below and make a VBS file with it and you're good to go!
message=InputBox("What should I say? www.doncaprio.com","Talk to me!")
Set sapi=CreateObject("sapi.spvoice")
sapi.Speak message
You have need to create a new text file and paste the code above in it.
Save the text file as speak.vbs. You can do this by going to File > Save as on your text editor. Run the .vbs file and type in whatever you want your computer to say.
Type whatever you want your computer to say and hit OK. If you don't know how to create a .vbs file, just download this file, unzip, run it, type what you want your computer to speak and hit Enter on your keyboard. You can make your computer speak some real nonsense if you're the naughty type. lol. 🙂 It's a cool trick though! Please share!


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29 Days to a Healthier Relationship
Turn up the heat
Dig into a dish made with chiles—they contain capsaicin, a substance that stimulates nerve endings, triggers the release of endorphins, and ramps up heart rate. Next date night, try these chile-infused Salmon and Scallop Skewers.
Get the latest health, fitness, anti-aging, and nutrition news, plus special offers, insights and updates from Health.com!


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August 14, 2012 - 10:30pm -
Four democratic candidates are battling for the U.S. House, District 2 spot on the November ballot.
District 2
326 of 326 precincts - 100 percent
x-Al Lawson 46,955 - 55 percent
Leonard Bembry 22,447 - 26 percent
Alvin Peters 11,951 - 14 percent
Mark Schlakman 4,667 - 5 percent
This race is being declared.
That means Lawson will face GOP Incumbent Steve Southerland in November.
Representative Steve Southerland, II issued the following statement tonight following the conclusion of the primary election for Florida's Second Congressional District:
"Tonight marks the next step in our fight to clean up Washington's mess. We've made a lot of progress, but so much work remains. Trillion dollar deficits, taxes that are too high, and a Medicare system on the brink are clear indications that the battle to advance freedom has yet to be won. I remain committed to fighting for the people and the land that I love, working with Republicans and Democrats alike to achieve real solutions for the challenges facing America."
Transcript of Lawson Victory Speech
Thank you all very much.
We worked hard, stayed clean and gave the people of North Florida a vision and plan for the future in this campaign and they have responded.
Tonight, I am humbled and blessed by all of you and all of the voters tonight!!! (pause)
Have fun and enjoy yourself tonight because were going right back at it tomorrow
Because now it's on to the real race for America and North Florida's future.
Not one Congressman, Senator, DC lobbyist, or National Party person voted for me tonight. You all did…The voters of North Florida.
At some point folks who go to D.C. forgot who it is that they represent, and then they wonder why Washington is broken.
They forgot that it doesn't matter who you work with as long as you are working for the people of your district.
They forgot that no road or bridge was ever built by just Democrats or just Republicans.
They forgot that no War was ever won by just Democrats or just Republicans.
Social Security….Medicare…
Putting a man on the moon….None of this, was done by just Democrats or just Republicans.
Congress has been taken over by partisanship,
And Tea Party extremists that would rather score political points than do the work you sent them to do and we are going to change that!!!!!
In my 30 years in the legislature, I represented most of you in this Congressional District.
It didn't matter if you were white or black.
Rich or poor.
Fisherman or Farmer.
Rural or Urban.
Republican or Democrat.
I worked with my good friend Lawton Childes and with Jeb Bush…
Thankfully I was gone when Rick Scott got here…That would have been tough…But I still would have done it for you! (Joke)
It's that kind of common sense thinking that has left Washington long ago and I intend to bring back.
Abraham Lincoln once said…
"The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew."
What he was saying then, in a much more dangerous time, apply today…
The old ways of blind partisanship must stop…
Although it seems like Washington is forever broken, we must work to save it….
We must think differently, act differently and change it, by sending people to Congress who will.
With your help, I hope to do just that.
Thank you very much and God Bless!!!
FDP Chair Rod Smith Congratulates Al Lawson on CD-2 Primary Election
Following the results of tonight's primary election in which Al Lawson was elected as the Democratic nominee in Congressional District 2, the Florida Democratic Party released the following statements:
"I'd like to congratulate Al Lawson on his victory tonight -- Florida Democrats are looking forward to doing all we can to win this race and elect him to Congress. Al is a proven champion for middle class families who will stand up the extremists who are trying to end Medicare as we know it and be a strong voice for the people of north Florida. With Al Lawson as our candidate, this is a seat Democrats can and will win in November."
"Steve Southerland said he'd change Washington, but all he's done is gone Washington. He's voted in lockstep with Paul Ryan to end Medicare as we know it, slash millions in agriculture funding and give tax breaks to billionaires and millionaires — prioritizing an extreme agenda that does nothing to help businesses create jobs or grow our economy. Florida voters are tired of these broken politics from Republicans like Southerland, and Democrats are committed to running an aggressive campaign to elect Al Lawson."


text:
Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Queer Theory, Gender Theory: An Instant Primer
by Riki Wilchins
No current Talk conversations about this book.
I finished reading Queer Theory, Gender Theory: An Instant Primer by Riki Wilchins. As I have said previously, I don't read a lot of non-fiction so a lot of what was being said in this was new to me. Postmodern theory, Derrida, Foucault. Nothing I had heard of. Despite that the book was accessible enough for me to follow.
The applications of postmoderism Wilchins presents though are ideas that have been floating, rather informally, in my mind for a while. The idea of man and woman being a gender binary which should be broken apart seems to me to match some of my ideas around identifying as "queer" rather than "gay". Wilchins presents the boxes "man" and "woman" (as only ever defined as a derivative of "Man") in the same way I do "gay", "lesbian" and "bi" and uncovers similar problems with identifying within them. Of course, my definition of queer cannot stand without the definition of straight and is presented as it's opposite and derivative - a superb way to put forward an air of inferiority.
I'm going to read some other, similarly veined books and have a go at re-examining some of my beliefs and working them into essays. The book must be good to inspire me back onto this track 8-)
This might come off as pompous or something, but it just isn't heavy enough for me. It's incredibly readable. Too readable. In the beginning it focuses very heavily on Foucault, which sort of irked me because there's more to queer theory than Foucault, but towards the end it branched out and I enjoyed that more. I have a great deal of affection for Riki Wilchins.
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|Department of Public Works (DPW)
Department of Public Works / Water and Sewer
Roads/Facilities Fax: 973-334-9243
Water & Sewer Fax: 973-316-1261
The DPW is subdivided into four divisions, all located at 143 River Road, Montville.
Fleet Division - Dave Durkin, Supervisor The Division is responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of all departmental vehicles, trucks, lawn and field equipment, mowers and specialized DPW apparatus.
Roads Division - Herb Ackerman, Jr., Supervisor. The Division is responsible for maintenance of all municipal roads, snow plowing, ice salting, tree trimming, signs, storm drains, road sweeping, curb repair and stump grinding on public rights of way.
Facilities Division - Herb Ackerman, Jr., Supervisor The Division is responsible for the maintenance of all municipal buildings, general grounds, recreational athletic fields and parks.
Water & Sewer Division - Lars Darling, Supervisor The Water and Sewer Division is responsible for the maintenance of all potable water facilities and sanitary sewer facilities within the municipality.
|Last Updated ( Wednesday, 26 February 2014 )


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O'Neill Tamara Wedge Sandal - Women'sView Larger Image
- Detail Images
When the sun goes down and it's time to vacate the beach and head to the clubs, complete your hottest outfit with the O'Neill Tamara Wedge Women's Sandal. The cork-wrapped wedge and faux leather upper are sure to get you noticed when you step onto the dance floor.
- Faux leather upper features an adjustable ankle strap for a secure fit
- Cork-wrapped wedge adds height
- Rubber sole provides traction and is durable


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As the trades adjust to more competition and squeezed ad revenues, there's a whole lot of jockeying going on.
It's not a three-trade universe anymore (Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Screen International). Now online sites such as Deadline.com, The Wrap and indieWIRE encroach on the entertainment trade space. But they aren't the only interlopers. The LAT and NYT reporters and blogs are breaking what used to be trade news stories. Not to mention the entire spectrum of film sites, plus New York Vulture, MTV.com, EW.com, SciFiWire and the like.
The trades are fighting for their lives.
But which one is in the best position to survive the inevitable transition from print to online? Is it the once-dominant, print-and-ad oriented Variety, carrying huge overhead, sequestered behind a pay wall? (Which let me go a year ago during its first round of lay-offs.) Or the leaner daily The Hollywood Wood Reporter, with new deep-pocketed owners, a Reuters deal and burgeoning online traffic? Or the trades plowing their resources into online content (Screen, The Wrap, Deadline, and indieWIRE)? Variety lost its star news-breaker Mike Fleming to Deadline.com. And when The Hollywood Reporter offered a film beat reporter job to Daniel Frankel, he stayed at The Wrap.
[Nikki Finke illustration by Jaime Hernandez courtesy of The New Yorker]
The LAT and NYT have the advantage of not only being read by the entertainment industry, intelligentsia and media, but consumers as well. That is the direction the studios are leaning with their premium seasonal awards advertising.
With Nikki Finke revealing that she was in talks with The Hollywood Reporter's new owners, and Sharon Waxman's insider knowledge of those talks, it looks like ex-THR-blogger Roger Friedman may not be the only one needing to look for a job.
Clearly, THR's new owners are impressed with Finke's online traffic, but that focus is foreign to editor-in-chief Elizabeth Guider. The Hollywood Reporter may be talking to ex-NYT reporter Waxman, who has shown that she can run an online trade, even if she's tough to work for. That merger could yield productive results. (One commenter at The Wrap, "Anita Busch," writes: "Is it true that your financial backers pulled out and you have been scrambling to find funding? That's the word around town. Might want to address those rumors before starting some of your own about your biggest competitor. How many times have you approached The Hollywood Reporter looking for a deal for The Wrap?")
UPDATE: While Waxman is not commenting on any talks, she declares that "The Wrap is not for sale. I built this to grow and thrive. I'm proud of what we we've built in a year. The Wrap is in strong financial health, my investors are pleased by our rapid growth, both on the side of traffic (1 million monthly uniques) and revenue. I run a company. I have investors. I can't take a job elsewhere. I've heard in the past week so many crazy and ill-intentioned rumors about us, none of which are remotely true. That is the nature of this business and I'm prepared to live with that."
I doubt (as with Finke's discussions with Variety more than a year ago) that any real offer was made to Finke. Richard Beckman, CEO of THR's parent company e5 Global Media, denies that the paper made her an offer, saying: "There is no truth to the report that the site's editor has been offered the job of editor-in-chief. We have great ambitions for The Hollywood Reporter and all its properties and intend to create the most powerful platform in the entertainment industry." UPDATE: Late Thursday night, Finke refused to comment, saying "I'm posting in 15 minutes, wait for my post." At 1:19 AM, she posted details of a $450,000 a year offer from Beckman's boss, with a Malibu home thrown in. Throwing that kind of money around is not how the THR is going to stay in business!
As much as everyone respects and envies Deadline's readership and news savvy, Finke is a maverick entrepreneur with little patience for taking over an outdated news model. She lives and breathes fast journalism that thrives on the internet. Whether it's good journalism or not doesn't seem to matter these days. Everyone wants the secret of her traffic.
It's not hard to fathom how it works. She has the town running so scared that many folks tip her ahead of the rest of the pack with the handout stories that the trades all thrive on. She couldn't possibly track down and nail every story on that site. Often it's just about who gets the rewrite of a press release up first. Deadline New York's Mike Fleming also has relationships that pay off with early feeds. Of course they hear and chase things, but a lot comes to Finke and Fleming, and it's driving the other trades nuts.
Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Screen all want agents, studios, producers and managers to stop tipping Deadline first. Wisely, Variety took Pamela McClintock off the box office beat (now being covered by a former intern) to compete head-to-head with her former colleague Fleming. As Variety editor Tim Gray told the LAT's Patrick Goldstein:
"We simply said that if you give any of these show business websites the story first, then we'll put the story on the Web -- for the record -- but we won't put it in the print edition."
What Gray doesn't seem to understand is that many entertainment newshounds don't care about or even read the print edition. Deadline's readers aren't worrying about good placement on page one. They want to read the news first, preferably via Tweet or text alert--something The Wrap and indieWIRE are particularly good at. And they want to to engage directly with Waxman and Finke: commenting, complaining, and feeding. It's about talk-back, linking and networking. Not about an insular Beverly Hills/Burbank corridor.
MCN's David Poland is right: Complacent top-dog Variety has no idea what its real competition is. And at a time when the paper desperately needs to get hip to the online universe, they're running the other way. Their new daily editor comes from the LAT and doesn't know the film world. The new online editor comes from the Philadelphia Inquirer and isn't up to speed either. And ever since Peter Bart ceded his role to Gray, numbers-cruncher publisher Neil Stiles has been calling the shots.
The future of advertising online is already upon us. It's the iPad --and the NYT and Reuters are already beating off advertisers with a stick. Have the trades cut their deals yet?


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Supergravity as generalised geometry
Seminar Room 1, Newton Institute
AbstractWe show how extensions of conventional differential geometry, so called "generalised geometry", give a natural way of formulating type II and eleven-dimensional supergravity theories, unifying the bosonic fields and symmetries. There is a natural action of the U- and T-duality groups E_d(d) and O(d,d) and the formalism shows that the supergravity theories have an enhanced local symmetry. By introducing the analogue of the Levi-Civita connection we find that the action and equations of motion simplify, writable in terms of a generalised Ricci tensor. The connection also encodes the supersymmetry variations and fermionic equations of motion. There are interesting implications for describing supersymmetric backgrounds and connections to the embedding tensor formalism.
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More questions than answers on US drone program
WASHINGTON President Barack Obama promises to explain in greater detail U.S. policy on the use of armed drones. But the administration's statements so far have only raised more questions about the controversial counterterrorism program, particularly the president's legal authority to kill American citizens.
Frustration over the ambiguity has resulted in unlikely political alliances on Capitol Hill, with liberal Democrats like Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden joining forces with conservative Republicans like Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. And pressure from Congress is leading the White House to consider whether to disclose more information about the top-secret program, the existence of which the government only publicly acknowledged last year.
Three Americans were killed in strikes in Yemen in 2011. The target of the first strike was U.S.-born al-Qaida leader Anwar al-Awlaki. American Samir Khan, an al-Qaida propagandist, was killed in the same attack, and al-Awlaki's son, Abdulrahman, was killed the following month.
Here are some questions and answers about the program:
Q: Why do Wyden and Paul object to the program?
A: "Every American has the right to know when their government believes it is allowed to kill them," Wyden said at a George Washington University panel on government secrecy. "The laws ought to be public all the time." He said there is no stated, public law authorizing the White House to target Americans. Paul raised similar objections when he launched a 13-hour Senate filibuster aimed at holding up the nomination of John Brennan to run the Central Intelligence Agency. Brennan previously served as Obama's top counterterrorism adviser and ran the drone program from the White House.
Q: What is the administration's legal rationale for killing U.S. citizens overseas?
A: Administration officials say the basis for the armed drone program derives from the president's constitutional power to protect the U.S. from imminent attack. The administration has also cited the Authorization for Use of Military Force, which Congress approved shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, as legal backing for strikes against al-Qaida and its affiliates.
Q: Where is the administration's case documented?
A: The Justice Department, through its Office of Legal Counsel, has written memos more specifically outlining the case for targeting U.S. citizens. But the top secret memos have never been made public and were only recently shared with select congressional lawmakers.
Q: So, it's all a secret?
A: A declassified version of the OLC memos, leaked to the media last month, offered the broadest glimpse at what the administration sees as its legal case for targeting Americans overseas. The government must determine that a suspect poses an imminent threat, that capture of the suspect is "infeasible" and that the strike must be conducted according to the "law of war principles."
Q: Are there any loopholes or conditions?
A: The memo leaves plenty of wiggle room. For example, it notes that the U.S. can determine a person poses an imminent threat even without having "clear evidence that a specific attack on U.S. persons and interests will take place in the immediate future."
"What appears to be limitations are in actual fact latitudes," said Hina Shamsi of the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the leading critics of the drone program.
Q: Can the courts order the government to release information about the drone program?
A: A federal appeals court on Friday rejected the CIA's assertions that it could not disclose any information about records it has on the drone program or even acknowledge that it has such records. However, the court did not rule that any specific information must be shared. Friday's ruling sends the case back to the lower court, where the agency can argue that the records it has on drones are exempt from Freedom of Information Act disclosure requirements.


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Hi all,
I was recently viewing a video recorded at Dulles D.C; I noticed AA MD80's using reverse thrust to get off the ramp. Is this common practice? Do any other types of aircraft or airlines use this procedure?
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Brilliant news from the world of film, and according to the London Guardian, "Partridge co-writer Armando Iannucci has told Empire magazine that filming on the feature-length adventure will start this year, with Steve Coogan returning as Norfolk's favourite son. 'It's just about all come together now," Iannucci said. '[The script] is written [but] we're always rewriting, rewriting and rewriting." Iannucci followed up the interview by tweeting: 'Mr Alan P is going cinemasurroundsound'."
Tags: Alan Partridge, citrus report, on demand, skyou, steve coogan, Upper PlaygroundPosted at 8:09 pm
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Optimal approximation of linear systems using Taguchi-sliding-based differential evolution algorithm. Appl. Soft Comput. 11(2): 2007-2016 (2011)
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Improved differential evolution approach for optimization of surface grinding process. Expert Syst. Appl. 38(5): 5680-5686 (2011)
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από Brigadere General Franklin P. Pussycock III 18 Οκτώβριος 2003
N. The split bulge in a mans pants caused by wearing jeans that are too tight. More often than not, these jeans are manufactured ny Wrangler.
Holy crap! That dude has hella Mosse Knuckle!
από Craig 28 Οκτώβριος 2002
a rather large women who has the whole front orb ass. with her said vag crumpled and tangled in her pants.
camel toe for fat women.
camel toe for fat women.
mrs. blocker reached into her moose knuckle and pulled out a bag of fritos.
από joytoy 5 Μάιος 2007
the male genetals purtruding from from thier pants
did you see franks moose knuckle? it was huge.
από tiffany 19 Φεβρουάριος 2005
a camel toe on steroids, usually found on obese women
backens told me the teacher at fremont high had a nasty nasty moose knuckle
από A Ras 29 Μάιος 2008
A very severe camel toe that actually exceeds what a camel toe should be and resembles that of a moose's knuckle. Best seen in severly overweight women in spandex and brightly colored denim.
"Shit, that bitch got a mean Moose Knuckle"
από Caitrin 25 Ιανουάριος 2008
NOOOO! It has nothing to do with women! It's the male version of a camel toe, a large unsightly bulge in a man's pants be they spandex, blue jeans or business!
Did you see the moose knuckle on that guy shopping for $2 country CDs at Goody's?
από DEMON CHILD MEGS 4 Οκτώβριος 2005


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Home » Interviews » Genetic Algorithms » Music
Al Biles
John Al Biles is well-renowned on the computer/music scene for his work with GenJam, the computer jazz improviser. Mr. Biles works at the Rochester Institute of Technology as a professor and the undergraduate program coordinator. We were certainly grateful that Al Biles could give us the opportunity to interview him.
G5: Why did you chose GAs to use for GenJam?
I began playing with GAs in graduate school in the late 70's. I had one of John Holland's students, Al Bethke, as an advisor for my MS thesis, and his course on "Adaptive Systems" was my first exposure to GAs. I think that GAs are a terrific approach to searching large, ill-defined spaces, in this case the space of "nice" melodic ideas. There is also an analogy to the "population" of licks that most jazz players have in their heads. These licks come and go over time in a manner similar to evolution; ideas that were cool in the past become overused or cliched, so I stop playing them. The real key to GenJam's success is the hierarchical chromosome representation I come up with for four-bar phrases. This representation works very well for training "stored" soloists, and it has been a perfect target representation for the interactive stuff I've added in the last year. My paper covering the real-time interactive evolution of what I play into what it will play will appear on my web site after the conference at which I will present it, in early October.
G5: Do you think you will see similar programs appearing over the next few years? Do you think AI will be used more and more in the music business?
Undoubtedly. There already is a market niche for systems that generate original (and therefore royalty-free) music for use in multimedia production. The quality of the music produced is not awesome, but it's suitable for background "ear candy." There currently are not too many people useing GAs in music (maybe a dozen or so that I'm aware of), but there likely will be more in the near future. Recently Bill Gates even got a patent for something that smacks of algorithmic composition, although a doubt that the patent could be broadly enforcible.
G5: GenJam is a step towards dynamic music creation - how long do you think it'll be before computers will be able to autonomously creates compositions?
It's been done. Algorithmic composition dates back to the Illiac Suite in the 1950's. You said two things in your question, however, "dynamic" and "autonomous," and they are different. GenJam is dynamic in that it responds interactively, both to a mentor who is training it and to a performer who is playing with it. Most "autonomous" composition systems, like David Cope's EMI, are not as dynamic. They listen and learn from examples, but they compose from a stored base of compositional knowledge, which is not dynamic during the actual compositional process.
G5: What other applications do you see GA fit for?
GAs have been used for a wide variety of applications. Many are configuration problems like IC or chip layout, network topology and design, and all kinds of messy optimization problems.
G5:Do you feel that computers will also start to branch out into other fine art fields - such as painting?
Actually, computer art is at least as well developed as computer music, and has received much more media attention. If by painting you mean actually wielding a brush on canvas, I'm not aware of anyone doing that robotically, but I'd be surprised if nobody is. I've seen robots playing bagpipes and drums, so moving a paintbrush shouldn't be that hard, as long as you're not trying to imitate Van Gogh or Renoire.
Submitted: 01/08/1998
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Two in a row my man!!! You go James! Your fans have been waiting for this for a couple of years, so glad you made the bike change. So, when you pass Ricky on the win list, is he still the GOAT? Rock on brother!
Great job James. You took my advice and gapped those fools. Go get you some in the ATL.
Were happy and proud of ya Bubbs!!! You are fulfilling the next chapter in your life and its equally inspiring as it was when you dominated the field. Your tenacity and character is one that will more define you than championships and wins. You have the biggest fan base and it isn't only that you are such an incredible rider, its also that we love the person you are. So when you have success in your sport we share your joy cuz we love who you are! Congrats to you and your family..
(Form is temporary class is permanent) congrads on the vic James Vintage Stewart. That win was great but your consistency is even greater. According to the stats your average is second only to RV. Had the result @ A1 gone the other way you would be current points leader. With that said ,keep it on 2 and you will be the three time 450cc SX champ. When I first saw you this year @ A1 I thought you may haved over trained but I was wrong. You look great like a pitbull in fighting shape. My advise for the team is when you guys have a pretty good bike setup for practice/qualifiers & heats don't get greedy and tweek more for the main. Tell pops I still got dat BDA gold , and I'd like to give it to him peronally when I'm able to get back States side. Just be in position down the strech JVS and capitalize. Consistency,Consistency,Consistency=Win
great job james. don't make it so close this weekend in dallas. gap those fools.
Whooooo! There you go Stewart!!
Congratulations to you and the family on a victorious weekend of racing! Congratulations to you personally for showing the resolve, FAITH, and tenacity to work your way back up to that top podium…especially after such a frustrating and challenging start to the season. Congratulations to Malcolm too on that podium finish. I always knew that if he could pull out a decent start that he would be able to hang with those guys up front. Awesome!
But back to that 450main … man I don't know where to start. Yes I do. I'll start by first saying THANK THE LORD! This weekend I decided to just relax and trust that you were in His hands. I was much more calm and assured while you were out front that you would stay there. Secondly, I have to say that you are a true artist on that bike…something very special. I don't know if other people can see the difference between you and the other fastest guys … but I can. Only a true great with a true gift can make it look as effortless as you did this weekend. Smooth as butter and flowing like water on that (slippery) track. I could tell that you had it all together under that helmet and especially under that chest protector. You had such as peaceful confidence that radiated in your composure and consistent speed. It was awesome to watch. I mean, this is the first race I've seen where you could hold you and Villopoto side by side and get a good look. When you and your team have it all together like that, it's game over. You're technique is just too good over the obstacles and turns … you set that bike down gently and put that torque to work immediately. It's like you're driving a v12 Bentley around the track.
What I loved most was watching your elation and thanks to God on your victory lap. Your hands didn't know whether to make a fist or keep your pointer fingers to the sky. I can tell which one you wanted to do more because you couldn't stop pointing. Then that heart felt prayer, heart tap and point to the sky … that was visibly sincere. You two working together like that equals classic victories like this race. To come back from rd1 and ride like that in front of the #1 plate is a truly classic ride.
All you have to do is keep doing what you just did. Make it your #1 priority to stay in that head and heart space… be resolved to remain patient and confident no matter what, with nothing to prove to anyone but yourself, and KEEP THE FAITH. Now you can race a little relieve but don't dare get too relaxed. The same focus and mental alertness you had to have to climb back up to this point will be needed to keep climbing and clinch this thing. You have to have that focus, faith and patience all the way to the last race. You can man! Talk to you later. PS – I've probably watched that race more times than you did up to today. My prayers always. I see you at that top podium more often than not from here on out. Peace.
I do not understand why so few appreciate such a legend still at work.
What other riders can match James innovative style and. Still. Speed above all else when he gets to show it.
Give JS the opportunity and he is still the fastest mx rider on the earth. And being a thrill to watch.
RV or RD can't match that.
Rained Yellow I'm super Dungey pumped for ya….King james!!!!!!!
Solid win James!!! Been feeling it for the last few weeks, great to see you back on the top spot. Keep in the top 3 and the title could be back in your hands.
Way too go Bubba!! The only way those other riders could beat you is when you're hurt or when you're lacking confidence due to some of the stuff you've been through. Outside of that there is no doubt in my mind that you would earn what is rightfully yours and that's the title of G.O.A.T !!!
Great job James! Awesome whip too!
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Season to Share: Help local families
Palm Beach County Police shootings
Private Prisons: Profit, Politics, Pain
Florida's Death Penalty Unconstitutional
The week's highlights and newsworthy images: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama celebrates a birthday by leading worshippers; Royal Air Force skydive to deliver a game ball; the running of the bulls commences in San Fermin; food prices rise in the United States; bomb explosions in Gaza City.
An eclectic look at daily life, tragedies, celebrations and celebrities around the world during the 28th week of 2014, July 6th to July 12th.
Photo Edit by Thomas Cordy
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May 29, 2016
The Mississippi Republican Party has endorsed Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller, Justice Mike Randolph, and Josiah Coleman for seats on the state's highest court.
Gov. Phil Bryant said in a new release that he also supports the candidates.
Waller was first elected to the Supreme Court in 1996. He has served as chief justice since January 2009.
Randolph was appointed by then-Gov. Haley Barbour in April 2004 and won a full-term that November.
Josiah Coleman is a candidate for the seat currently held by retiring Justice George Carlson.
Candidates for judicial seats in Mississippi run in non-partisan races.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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In the crush of releases late in the year, it's bound to happen that one or two might miss your attention, so if you didn't get a chance to catch up with "The Sopranos" creator David Chase's feature directorial "Not Fade Away" last December, now's your shot to give it another go.
Rock 'n roll comes front and center in the movie that follows four young New Jersey men -- John Magaro, Jack Huston, Will Brill, Brahm Vaccarella -- who are inspired by the rising sounds of the 1960s and set out to form a band. But of course, their wild hair, loud sounds, and a generational clash of cultures don't make things easy. And in this exclusive scene, we see how that battle plays out as James Gandolfini warns his young son to show up for a dinner date at a restaurant looking presentable.
"Not Fade Away" is available today on DVD and Blu-ray today.


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Hutchinson ready for return
WILKES-BARRE - Having never been sidelined more than a few weeks at a time in his first eight pro seasons, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defenseman Andrew Hutchinson didn't know how he'd handle an extended absence from the lineup when he went down with a knee injury Dec. 1 in Albany.
He knows now.
He doesn't like it at all.
"Everybody wants to play. You don't sign up to practice and sit out for two months. It's not fun," Hutchinson said Tuesday at the Ice Rink at Coal Street. "Guys go on the road and it feels like they're gone for two weeks. You're just sitting around town."
Thankfully for Hutchinson, his unscheduled vacation is about to come to an end. He expects to be back in the lineup within a week, maybe even as soon as tonight when the Penguins host the Syracuse Crunch.
"To jump back in, for anyone, it's going to be hard," he said. "Sitting and watching games, it's always easy to pick things apart in video or maybe watching on TV or from the press box or the stands. Being on the ice, it's completely different. Getting out there and getting comfortable making simple plays is what I have to do personally and hopefully I can help our power play."
Immediately after Hutchinson took the hit to his knee Dec. 1, season-ending surgery was a possibility. He avoided going under the knife, though, opting for rest, rehab and a knee brace instead.
Hutchinson has been skating for about three weeks and said he now trusts the knee is structurally sound. The only question is how it will respond to contact.
"You want to kind of almost just get hit that first time so you know that it's going to be OK," he said. "It's just getting in there, getting that first hit, getting that first game, playing solid and getting your confidence back. It shouldn't be hard. Our team is 31-9. It's almost like with me coming back and if we lose a game, it's like, 'Why'd we put this guy in?' I'd be more (worried about) that than worried about my knee."
Hutchinson's return couldn't come at a better time for the Penguins.
They're 4 for 43 on the power play in their last eight games, including a 1-for-9 showing in a 6-3 loss to Connecticut on Sunday, and it just so happens that creating offense on the power play is Hutchinson's specialty.
"He has a big impact on the power play," coach John Hynes said. "He's an older player. He's got great skill. He's got good vision. One of the reasons the organization brought him here is his offensive abilities and his ability to run a power play. He's a guy that should help."
While Hutchinson said it takes more than one player to get a power play humming, the stats might indicate otherwise.
In the 16 games the Penguins have played with Hutchinson in the lineup this season, they're 15 for 66 with the man-advantage (22.7 percent). In 25 games without him, they're 15 for 125 (12.0 percent).
"We've been getting chances," Hutchinson said. "If I can come in and maybe get a couple goals - not personally, but maybe we get a couple - maybe it gives everybody confidence and pucks start going in."
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FCX-V3 Now Powered with New Honda Fuel Cell
Honda FCX-V3 fuel cell vehicle outfitted with a new Honda-designed fuel cell stack has joined the fleet of vehicles taking part in the California Fuel Cell Partnership's (CaFCP) public highway demonstration program.
Some versions of the Honda FCX are powered with fuel stacks developed by Ballard Power Systems, Inc. The on-road evaluation of the latest FCX-V3 hydrogen-fueled prototype will help conform the performance and dependability of Honda's own fuel stack design.
"Honda believes the fuel cell offers tremendous potential as a high efficiency automotive powerplant," said Ben Knight, vice president of Honda Research and Development and the company's CaFCP representative. "We will continue to pursue the development with fuel stacks of Honda's own design and others."
The CaFCP is based in Sacramento, Calif., and is a joint-participation project that includes the California and federal government agencies, energy companies, auto manufacturers and fuel cell stack manufacturers. The goal of the project is to work cooperatively to lay a foundation for future fuel cell commercialization. This includes the advancement of fuel cell technology, developing fueling and infrastructure approaches, and educating the public about the benefits of fuel cells.
|A Honda FCX-V3 equipped with a new Honda-designed fuel cell stack is currently participating in the California Fuel Cell Partnership's public freeway demonstration program.


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MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association (MVAA) has announced it will cease requesting Town Meeting Day donations from the 10 communities it serves in light of "improved business practices" and a steady increase in calls that have helped solidify the nonprofit organization's operating budget.
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