Abstract: A digitally sampled spread spectrum signal is received, despread, and accumulated at a center frequency lower than the sampling rate and higher than zero.

Abstract: An operating system independent distributed self-contained dynamic logic system is disclosed. The dynamic logic system enables EO functionality in small edge routers or programmable switches which serve a small population of users instead of the rather large population typically served by a 5ESS or DSM100 central office switch. A disclosed method provides the capability for EO switch enhanced functionality that is programmable from a remote location The dynamic logic system may be implemented across several elements, including a subscriber database called a Service Control Point (SCP), a computer called a Service Management Point (SMP) for controlling and distributing programmable logic to implement EO features, and an Edge Switching Point (ESP) for interacting with a physical device (telephone/data endpoint). The dynamic logic system may be introduced at the “intercept” layer between the physical edge switching point device, typically a telephone interface, and a routing network.

Abstract: A transmitter to transmit data from an end-point includes a reference oscillator; a low pass filter coupled to the reference oscillator; a modulation filter to provide an over-sampled modulated signal; a synthesizer coupled to the low pass filter and the modulation filter; and a sine wave generator coupled to the synthesizer.

Abstract: A dynamic transaction network having multiple management stations, one or more terminals, and one or more databases is disclosed. The dynamic transaction network is capable of adding and removing network hosts (terminals, databases, and management stations) in real-time while continuing to service transaction requests. In addition, the dynamic transaction network is capable of transferring database fragments from a source database to a target database in real-time. In response to a transaction request from a caller, the terminal accesses information stored in a corresponding database via dynamic transportable logic. The dynamic transportable logic derives the location of relevant information in the database from input characteristic(s) of the transaction request.

Abstract: A Hall effect sensor or device may be used in a variety of embodiments, such as measuring current within an associated conductor by helping to measure flux density within a gap of a ferromagnetic power meter core, such as in a power meter. A high linearity interface for a Hall effect device is provided for minimizing offset effects without using complicated electronic circuits. Hall effect device is characterized by first and second opposing surfaces, first and second device inputs, and first and second device outputs. A substrate is layered adjacent to one of the first and second opposing surfaces of the Hall effect device and is electrically connected to an output pin of the Hall effect device to eliminate any effects caused by asymmetry of the voltage appearing in the channel relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a large network of switching end-points to route calls by time of day and day of week over a packet switched network (ATM or Voice over IP). The preferred management mechanisms determine circuit and location availability and include means for removal and replacement of circuits from network-wide service, even in a private, packet-switched network. In an automatic call distribution environment, the method is an economical and efficient process for facilitating a caller's ability to access users in workgroups wherein the users utilize either wired or wireless communications tools. Users are chosen via a rule-based selection process including access to a database of users, caller-screened information, and circuit and location availability.

Abstract: An improved inner component board arrangement and corresponding assembly for an electric utility meter is disclosed The enhanced structure offers comprehensive stability and protection of circuit boards and corresponding electronic components within an integrated meter assembly. The arrangement generally includes at least two printed circuit boards housed in a casing structure. Various projections extend from the casing structure to effectively position and secure the printed circuit boards within an overall component assembly, Specific projections employed for positioning the circuit boards include tapered locator pins and respective mating holes as well as key projections that interconnect with slots located in selected circuit boards. Snaps project from casing components to securely constrain the circuit boards within the component assembly. Established orientation of various components and projections significantly facilitates the meter assembly process.

Abstract: “A Hall effect sensor or device may be used in a variety of embodiments, such as measuring current within an associated conductor by helping to measure flux density within a gap of a ferromagnetic power meter core, such as in a power meter. A high linearity interface for a Hall effect device is provided for minimizing offset effects without using complicated electronic circuits. Hall effect device may include a substrate, first and second device inputs, and first and second device outputs. The substrate of the Hall effect device may be connected electrically to an output pin of the Hall device to eliminate any effects caused by asymmetry of the voltage appearing in the channel relative to the substrate. The net effect of the high linearity interface is to eliminate any adverse effects to linearity of the system, especially at low magnetic flux levels where the output voltage of the Hall device would be relatively small compared to the offset voltage levels involved.

Abstract: An integrated structure that offers improved casing for an electric utility meter is disclosed. The improved structure uses a minimum number of parts required for proper functionality of a meter casing, and excludes the use of screws, clips or other additional parts that make meter disassembly a tedious procedure. The meter casing generally includes a baseplate, at least two inner covers for housing and protecting electronic components for an electric utility meter, an outer cover, and pluralities of projections extending from the covers for interconnection of casing components and stabilization of the integrated casing structure. The various electronic components of the meter generally include electronic circuit boards and current transformers. The various projections enable snap-fit connections between the baseplate and an inner cover, between inner covers, and between inner covers and an outer cover.

Abstract: In general, a call rating and debiting system provides a way of rating and debiting complex debit card calls. The system estimates the time when a subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls for a given time period. Estimation is performed by accounting for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to a latest paid for time, estimating remaining time before a subscriber's balance reaches zero, based upon a remaining balance achieved after the system accounts for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call and reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, and setting a time limit for all calls in accordance with any portion of the aforementioned. An alternative embodiment of the system allows a subscriber's account balance to be automatically increased after the balance decreases past a predefined minimum.

Abstract: An apparatus provides drain passages in an annular channel in the lip of a metal container for fluids. A metal or plastic support is shaped as an annular ring. Each punch of a plurality of metal punches has a corresponding base and point. The base of each punch is integrally connected to a front face of the support such that each point projects perpendicularly to the front face and in a common direction parallel to an axis of the annular ring. The punches are spaced so that each point can be aligned simultaneously with the annular channel of the metal can. The rear face of the support comprises a surface for driving the punches through the annular channel and creating fluid drain passages in the channel. The support can comprise a spoke-configuration having spokes extending from a hub. The base of each punch is integrally connected to extend from a corresponding spoke.

Abstract: A dielectric material of a capacitive affinity sensor has a three-dimensional molecular binding site array. A glass base is layered with a binding agent like silane from which a polymeric backbone like polylysine extends. The polymeric backbone is prepared to accept receptor molecules like cortisol hemisuccinate to bind a specific antibody. Such an array changes dielectric properties between the two electrodes of the capacitive affinity sensor to greatly enhance sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: A single-stage cryogenic tank support system is disclosed having a large-radius support tube surrounding an internal storage tank, both of which are enclosed by an external shell. The attachment tube is secured to the internal storage tank and external shell by cold and hot support rings, respectively, in a manner that inhibits thermal conductivity, provides low bending stress to the system, and avoids resonant vibrations of the system at low frequencies.

Abstract: A communications network for providing full-duplex data transfer between any two network interface units on a one-to-all-others contention bus. Network interface units (NIUs) send and receive data signals on outgoing and incoming links, respectively, which are connected to junction boxes which couple the incoming link connected to one network interface unit to the outgoing links of only the other NIUs. The data signals have source address codes and destination address codes applied thereto, which codes are examined by each NIU receiving a data signal to determine (1) if the NIU will accept the data signal for processing and (2) if full duplex data transfer is occurring. Transmission of all data signals in the network is temporarily aborted when any two NIUs are transmitting data signals and at least the signal transmitted by one of the NIUs is not addressed to the other NIU.

Abstract: The present invention provides an open cycle ocean thermal energy conversion plant for deriving power from the thermal differential between the surface waters and cold waters at a depth in tropical oceans. Warm surface water is sprayed into a lower chamber which is at pressure approximately equal to the vapor pressure of the warm water where part of the water evaporates. The vapor then passes through a venturi or venturis dividing the lower chamber from the upper chamber which is maintained at pressure approximately equal to the vapor pressure of the cold water. The pressure difference across the venturi(s) causes the vapor to emerge into the upper chamber at supersonic speed. Cold water injected into the supersonic jets gains momentum and energy from the jets which causes it to be forced upward to the top of the chamber where it is collected. In the process the vapor is cooled and condensed by cold water.

Abstract: A frequency encoding closed loop circuit with transducer, comprising a closed inner digital loop nested in a closed outer loop which carries both digital and analog signals, associates a corresponding frequency output to variations in the magnitude of physical quantity input to a transducer which is contained within the outer loop. The encoder achieves the advantage of synchronous detection in converting changes in a transduced quantity into a frequency count. The encoder produces frequency shifts at its output that are proportional to the transducer input and are significantly immune to noise and power input fluctuations.