Abstract: The present invention contemplates an apparatus and a method for limiting the number of specified messages placed onto a network thus to improve network performance. An element management system, upon detecting that a defined threshold has been exceeded for specified types of messages, determines which network element is generating the greatest number of such messages. Thereafter, the element management system instructs the network element that is generating the largest number of alarm messages to cease transmitting a specified type of alarm message. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, if the event flow rate is still too high, the element management system may instruct the cross connect network element to stop sending all threshold types of alarms. Finally, if the event flow rate is still too high, the element management system may cause all QoS alarms from the one network element to not be transmitted.

Abstract: A bomb deactivator is formed in a self-contained unit that is able to deactivate a bomb by rendering it inert and then, in one embodiment of the invention, by cutting it into a plurality of pieces with a vertically adjustable band saw. The bomb deactivator includes a push shoe for pushing the bomb through a fingered aperture that securely grips the bomb. Moreover, a drill bit assembly is formed to be actually driven by a pneumatic source towards the secured bomb to push it against the fingered aperture to secure it firmly in place and to drill a hole therein while injecting fluid through a telescoping sleeve. The fluid is injected for a period of minutes according to fluid composition and/or according to length of the bomb. Thereafter, once the bomb is certain to have been rendered inert, in one embodiment of the invention, a band saw is used to cut the bomb into multiple pieces.

Abstract: A transmit line driver with selectable slew rates and a common mode idle state comprises a capacitor array of selectable capacitors coupled between a line driver and a pre-driver wherein a slew rate may be selected by the selectable capacitors. A common mode idle state is provided by coupling a selectable switch (MOSFET in the described embodiment) to a mirror device that provides a bias current to the pre-driver wherein, when the bias current is removed by the switch, the pre-driver produces an output signal that is equal to the supply voltage for the circuit. Accordingly, a differential pair of the line driver are both biased on and provide a common mode idle state. The common mode idle state is equal to one half of an output signal magnitude for a logic one.

Abstract: The pet training device comprises a handheld wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the used of one-touch digital switches located on the device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on a LCD. The stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or both. When the wireless receiver is placed in the no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: A base station controller includes circuitry for determining whether a transmitter is transmitting in a DTX mode or operation for a supplemental channel in a CDMA network. The invention includes the steps of determining frame quality metrics for data received on a fundamental and a supplemental channel. If the frame quality metric is good, meaning that the number of errors is below a defined threshold, on the supplemental channel, then the mobile station is not, by definition, within a DTX mode of operation. However, if each of the base stations that are on the active list of base stations for the mobile station report that the mobile station frame quality metric is not below or within a specified threshold, then the base station performs a calculation to determine whether the mobile station is in a DTX mode of operation or is transmitting a null set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus selecting between primary switching fabric in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network includes a Tap Mux controller that monitors the signals being transmitted to each of four fabric access devices. As each of the fabric access devices receives nine communication lines, the Tap Mux controller monitors a total for 36 communication lines on the primary switching fabric. Because the switching fabric is completely redundant, however, the Tap Mux controller also monitors a total of 36 communication lines on the protection switching fabric. The Tap Mux controller, therefore, includes logic that defines 72 state machines that each monitor one of the 72 lines. Each state machine, in the described embodiment, initiates a defined length time window and counts errors therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cross connect matrices includes originating, center and terminating stages in both a main portion and a back-up portion that allows center stages to be switched without causing a framing error. The signal from the main portion is transmitted through both the back-up and main portions of the cross connect matrices such that a terminating line card receives a frame aligned signal from the main and back portions. The terminating line card then switches its output to be the signal produced by the back-up portion with no framing error. In the main portion, the center stage may be switched. After the center stage is switched, the terminating line card can switch again to output the signal from the main portion.

Abstract: An inventive method and apparatus support quality of service provisioning for a given mobile terminal without requiring changes to established interfaces for the general packet radio service network by assigning a temporary logical link identifier (TLLI) in a manner that implicitly reflects a QoS rating for a mobile terminal. In one embodiment of the present invention, a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) assigns a temporary logical link identifier (TLLI) within a first range for a first QoS rating and within a second range for a second QoS rating. Alternatively, the SGSN assigns a temporary logical link identifier having an even numerical value for a first QoS rating and an odd numerical value for a second QoS rating. Upon receiving a TLLI value, a base station and the corresponding mobile terminal may both evaluate the TLLI number to determine the assigned QoS rating for the mobile and to allocate communication resources in a corresponding manner.

Abstract: A system and method for building GUI screens for a time keeping and expense tracking system includes a time keeping and expense tracking (TKET) server that includes computer instructions that define logic for building GUI screens according to user definitions, communication channel throughput capacity, and terminal capacity. Initially, the TKET server examines a user's ID to determine his group affiliations and ability levels for modifying the parameters, objects and layout of a GUI screen. Thereafter, the TKET server allows the user to make changes according to his defined abilities. For subsequent sessions, the TKET server builds a GUI screen according to the previously defined parameters. The TKET server is operable to act as a remote time clock. Accordingly, the TKET server is formed to receive and interpret signals that define the user ID, an account code, and whether a start or stop timekeeping event has been selected.

Abstract: A system enables a cell of data to be transmitted one time over a high speed data bus to an Ethernet switch system where it is then distributed to each of the destinations for which it is intended. A first group of buffers is for temporarily storing data that is to be delivered to only one destination. A second group of buffers is for holding the cells that are to be transmitted to a plurality of devices. In the described embodiment of the invention, the unicast and multicast cells are transmitted over the same line or bus. The invention further includes a switch processor that is formed to detect congestion within the switch fabric and to transmit a congestion rating to each device coupled to transmit and receive data through the switch fabric.

Abstract: A system determines an optimal set of base transceiver sets that are to transmit data over supplemental channels to a mobile station. A mobile station transmits periodic signal strength measurement message to rank the pilot signal strengths being received from the plurality of base station transceiver systems. Whenever the number of fundamental channel sectors that are active exceeds the maximum number of active supplemental channel sectors, periodic pilot strength measurement messages are transmitted by the mobile station. To improve resource usage, periodic pilot strength measurement messages are not transmitted as often as required to insure that the active supplemental channel sectors are the ones from which the strongest signals are received by the mobile station. Rather, a combination of periodic pilot strength measurement messages and calculated reverse link signal strength over spectral noise density values are used.

Abstract: A system and method for building GUI screens for a time keeping and expense tracking system includes a time keeping and expense tracking (TKET) server that includes computer instructions that define logic for building GUI screens according to user definitions, communication channel throughput capacity, and terminal capacity. Initially, the TKET server examines a user's ID to determine his group affiliations and ability levels for modifying the parameters, objects, and layout of a GUI screen. Thereafter, the TKET server allows the user to make changes according to his defined abilities. For subsequent sessions, the TKET server builds a GUI screen according to the previously defined parameters. One embodiment of the present invention, the TKET server is operable to receive communication signals transmitted by way of a wireless communication channel and to generate corresponding display screens that are responsive to the user terminal type.

Abstract: A system and method for building GUI screens for a time keeping and expense tracking system includes a time keeping and expense tracking (TKET) server that includes computer instructions that define logic for building GUI screens according to user definitions, communication channel throughput capacity, and terminal capacity. Initially, the TKET server examines a user's ID to determine his group affiliations and ability levels for modifying the parameters, objects and layout of a GUI screen. Thereafter, the TKET server allows the user to make changes according to his defined abilities. In one embodiment of the invention, the TKET server is operable to act as a remote time clock. Accordingly, the TKET server is formed to receive and interpret signals that define the user ID, an account code, and whether a start or stop timekeeping event has been selected.

Abstract: A system and method for building GUI screens for a time keeping and expense tracking system includes a time keeping and expense tracking (TKET) server that includes computer instructions that define logic for building GUI screens according to user definitions, communication channel throughput capacity, and terminal capacity. Initially, the TKET server examines a user's ID to determine his group affiliations and ability levels for modifying the parameters, objects and layout of a GUI screen. Thereafter, the TKET server allows the user to make changes according to his defined abilities. For subsequent sessions, the TKET server builds a GUI screen according to the previously defined parameters. One embodiment of the present invention, the TKET server is operable to receive communication signals transmitted by way of a wireless communication channel and to generate corresponding display screens that are responsive to the user terminal type.

Abstract: An apparatus for allocating communication channels in a manner that increases network efficiencies or operator revenue includes a resource manager that accepts and stores (forms a queue) resource requests for a period of time. Thereafter, the resource manager allocates resources according to specified criteria. The computer instructions stored within the resource manager includes logic to prompt it to allocate communication channel resources according to the size (in order of smallest to largest) of the requested resource, or to the unit value of the requested resources. The communication channels are characterized by a time slice of a signal transmitted at a specified frequency range. Prior to allocating new non-CBR communication channel resources according to size or to unit value, the communication channels are first allocated to legacy continuous bit rate (CBR) subscribers, then to legacy non-CBR subscribers, then to new CBR subscribers.

Abstract: An SRAM cell eliminates the p-channel pull-up resistors to decrease its physical size. A tracking circuit generates a control signal used to ensure that the memory state is preserved during the idle state. The control signal controls the wordline voltage during the idle state to vary the leakage through the access transistors to ensure that current into the node through the access device is not exceeded by leakage current out of the output nodes through the storage devices. The tracking circuit control signal can also be used to vary the well to substrate bias voltage of the storage devices to decrease the leakage through the storage devices. The control signal can also be used to bias the supply rail voltage to which the storage devices are directly coupled to decrease the amount of leakage through the storage devices.

Abstract: The estimated call waiting time process uses sampling statistics gathered over a moving window to determine the expected call wait time for each particular call into a call center. The window size is dynamically changed based on sampling theory and changes to call arrival rates and agent availability.

Abstract: A case is provided for storing and displaying articles. The case includes a substantially planar base and a substantially planar cover having a similar shape to that of the base and adapted for connection to the base to form an assembly. A peripheral connector is provided for connecting the cover to the base about the respective peripheries thereof, and a central connector is provided for connecting the cover to the base about the respective centers thereof. In a particular embodiment, the peripheral connector and the central connector define an annulus there between when the cover is connected to the base for storing and displaying articles. The case may be adapted for use in a compact disc jewel box having a square base and a square cover hinged to the base.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for limiting a voltage to a specified value (e.g., a rail voltage) without clipping thereby includes a pair of MOSFETs that turn on when a specified bias voltage is reached to either add to or sink current from the input node of the resistive load responsive to fluctuations in current going through the output resistive load to maintain a constant current through it. A plurality of biasing circuits is provided that control the turn on voltage levels for the MOSFETs to achieve the desired operation. The biasing circuits include circuit components that are matched to circuit components within the circuitry that adds and drains current to the output resistive load including a resistive load that matches the output resistive load.

Abstract: A mobile station in a cellular telecommunication network includes an apparatus and method for storing a calling party identification signal. This calling party identification signal is transmitted to an originating MSC along with the call set up signals. The originating MSC then transmits the calling party identification signals to an HLR which transmits them to a serving MSC for delivering to the called party mobile station. Accordingly, the method and apparatus support the delivery of calling party identification signals to the called party without requiring the creation and maintenance of databases for storing such information. The mobile station as well as the MSCs adaptive to store the calling party information signals and to receive and transmit the same. The communication signal definitions between the mobile stations MSCs base stations HLRs and VLRs are all adapted to include and support the transmission of the calling party identification signals which are permanently stored in the mobile station.