Abstract: Complications of timing recovery in an ATM receiver are overcome by employing a first phase lock loop including a phase comparator, filter, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and output counter to lock to systems clock reference (SCR) values which are asynchronously received from a remote ATM transmitter. The SCR values represent the instantaneous values of a system timing clock (STC) at the instant of transmission of the asynchronous SCR values. In the receiver, the output counter is first set to the value of the initial received SCR value so that the derived STC is available for decoding data cells in the initial received packets. Then, so-called Presentation/Decode Time Stamps (PTS/DTS) included in the audio and video data are advantageously employed in conjunction with STC to display properly the received data. Invention, underflow of the receiver data buffers is alleviated by the addition of a "jitter-delay (D.sub.

Abstract: A 180.degree. concealed hinge includes two pivots which are advantageously arranged to provide a deterministic opening sequence. The hinge comprises a frame leaf member and a door leaf member which are pivotally connected to a mounting leaf member. In one embodiment of the invention, the deterministic opening sequence is obtained by employing a loose fit pivot and a friction fit pivot. The deterministic opening sequence is such that rotation occurs first about the loose fit pivot from a closed position to an approximately 90.degree. open position when an opening rotational force is applied to the door leaf member. Upon reaching the 90.degree. open position, further rotation about the loose fit pivot is prevented by a unique stop arrangement. Then, rotation can occur about the friction fit pivot for an additional 90.degree.. Further rotation about the friction fit pivot is prevented by also employing another unique stop arrangement.

Abstract: The quality of speech being transmitted in a telecommunication channel is enhanced by adaptively compensating for frequency dependent attenuation in the telecommunication channel. The frequency dependent attenuation in the telecommunication channel is dynamically determined and, then, compensated for by adaptively selecting and inserting an appropriate frequency dependent gain function in the telecommunication channel.

Abstract: Communications circuit connectivity in a bidirectional line-switched ring transmission system is continued in the presence of the failure of a first ring node for communications circuits terminated in the ring node which are redirectable to an alternate (dual hubbing) ring node. The communications circuit are redirected by establishing a bidirectional communications circuit to the alternate ring node. In one example, redirection of the communications circuits is further realized by not squelching communications circuits terminated in the failed ring node in a ring node adjacent the failed ring node on one prescribed side which normally would have been squelched, while squelching communications circuits terminated in the failed ring node in a ring node adjacent to the other side of the failed ring node. This allows the redirectable communications circuits to be loop back switched so that they may be redirected to the alternate ring node.

Abstract: Improved jitter performance is realized in a desynchronizer for obtaining an asynchronous digital signal, e.g., a DS3 signal, from a received synchronous digital signal, e.g., a SONET STS-1 signal. The improved jitter performance results from the use of a unique dynamic bit leaking arrangement in conjunction with a digital phase locked loop and desynchronizing elastic store. An optimum bit leak interval is obtained by controllably leaking a greater number of shorter interval STS-1 bits than the number of received pointer adjustment bits. Additionally, the affect of random pointer adjustments and the superposition of randomly received pointer adjustments on a periodic sequence of received pointer adjustments is minimized by employing a "static" queue of pointer adjustment bits to be leaked. The queue is dynamically maintained at its "static" count so that there are always bits in the queue to be leaked at the desired optimum bit leak interval even in the presence of randomly received pointer adjustments.

Abstract: Improved jitter performance is realized in a desynchronizer for obtaining an asynchronous signal, e.g., a CEPT-4 signal, from a received synchronous signal, e.g., a SDH STM-1 signal. The improved jitter performance results from employing a unique gap generator which causes gaps in a received data signal to be spread regularly in time, and allows for almost continuous control by numerical techniques of the phase of a smooth output clock being generated. Phase control is obtained by employing a filtered version of the difference between the actual number of data bits in the received digital signal and the expected nominal number.

Abstract: An m.times.n (m>n) output Packet Switch Unit is implemented by using an n.times.n Packet Switch Module and an m:n Concentrator. The arriving packet cells are supplied from the m Concentrator inputs to the n Concentrator outputs in a "first-in first-out" (FIFO) sequence. The Concentrator provides for buffering of arriving packet cells on the m Concentrator inputs in excess of available packet cell positions in the n Concentrator outputs until they can be supplied to a concentrator output in the FIFO sequence. In turn, packet cells from the n Concentrator outputs are supplied to n inputs of the Packet Switch Module which supplies them to appropriate output destinations associated with the n outputs of the Packet Switch Module. A plurality of the Concentrator-Based output Packet Switch Units is readily employed to implement any "larger" Packet Switch architecture.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement is disclosed which facilitates compression of modem modulated facsimile signals for transmission on digital facilities. The presence of a facsimile call is detected and facsimile control messages are obtained by demodulating and interpreting the facsimile call control protocol. A controller is responsive to the obtained control messages for controlling a voiceband encoder to encode the control portion of the facsimile call and for controlling a so-called facsimile page demodulator to demodulate any facsimile page portions of the facsimile call to obtain a baseband digital bit stream. The encoded control portion of the facsimile call and the baseband digital bit stream representative of the demodulated, i.e., compressed, facsimile page portion of the facsimile call are transmitted along with control information (as side information) to a receiver.

Abstract: The invention addresses both the seismic and electromagnetic emissions requirements in the area of the frame where the upright frame members and the top frame member and base frame member are interconnected. To this end, the top frame member has two offset extensions on each end which interlock with interior surfaces of the upright frame members by projecting through notches in the upper portion of the upright frame members. The upright frame members and the top frame member are then welded together and the other outer surfaces of the welded members are ground flush to provide smooth continuous planar electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket mating surfaces. An additional reinforcing offset member is positioned against and along each end of the top frame member in the area which engages the interior wide flange portion of each of the upright frame members. These additional reinforcing offset members project through notches in both the top frame member and the corresponding upright frame members.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement is disclosed which facilitates compression of modem modulated facsimile signals for transmission on digital facilities. The presence of a facsimile call is detected and facsimile control messages are obtained by demodulating and interpreting the facsimile call control protocol. A controller is responsive to the obtained control messages for controlling a voiceband encoder to encode the control portion of the facsimile call and for controlling a so-called facsimile page demodulator to demodulate any facsimile page portions of the facsimile call to obtain a baseband digital bit stream. The presence of prescribed tone signals, i.e., echo protection tone (EPT) signals, is detected in the facsimile call. EPT control messages representative of the EPT signals are generated. The encoded control portion of the facsimile call and the baseband digital bit stream representative of the demodulated, i.e.

Abstract: Synchronization of a local clock in a transmission system node is achieved by using synchronization circuitry such as a phase-locked loop (PLL). This synchronization circuitry is provided with a selected one of a multiplicity of timing signals derived from incoming bit streams to the node. The selected timing signal is employed by the synchronization circuity as a reference timing signal to which the local clock is synchronized. The timing-signal selection is facilitated by a switch controlled by a process or to relay the timing signal, derived from the most desirable bit stream, to the synchronization circuitry. This processor determines such a bit stream based on various indicators of the signal quality thereof. Moreover, the switch operates at such a speed that the synchronization circuitry is precluded from free-running during any switching period.

Abstract: The status of individual plug-in circuit boards is monitored by a central control unit via an associated single service request wire, in conjunction with a serial data link. The central control unit interrogates possible operational states, e.g., removed, power loss or other failure, operating properly or requesting service, of a plug-in circuit board by controlling a resistive load connected to the single service request wire for the associated plug-in circuit board. This is realized by employing a logic circuit which is controlled by a microprocessor to supply different logic states to a resistor connected to the service request wire at the central control unit.

Abstract: Individual equipment units are adapted to be connected to a Telemetry Byte Oriented Serial (TBOS) protocol communication link in a bussed fashion. This allows more than one equipment unit to be monitored and controlled over a single TBOS communication link. Each equipment unit includes a multipoint receiver for receiving request messages from and a multipoint transmitter for transmitting response messages to the TBOS communication link. An additional multipoint receiver is adapted to receive response messages from other equipment units being monitored and controlled over the TBOS communication link. When a particular equipment unit is designated either a backup unit or an auxiliary backup unit, it is enabled to transmit response messages for the other equipment units being monitored and controlled if they do not respond in a prescribed interval.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in a key set interface to overcome the incompatibility between key sets and tip and ring devices. The interface apparatus rejects ringing voltage and tip and ring loop current intended to be supplied on a first pair of conductors, the TR-pair. The interface further includes apparatus adapted for bi-directional communication of supervisory and control signals. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second pair of conductors, the service pair, transports bi-directional supervisory and control signals as well as operating power supplied by a key system controller for non-TR devices. Additionally, a transceiver adapted for sending and receiving voiceband information over the first pair of conductors is incorporated into the interface. An advantage of this key set interface is that operation of a key telephone set does not interfere with the operation of a tip and ring device bridged onto the first conductor pair.

Abstract: An interconnect fabric is constructed from a plurality of fixed wavelength transmitters which are used to transmit arriving data packets through a star coupler, and a plurality of tunable receivers which tune to whatever frequency necessary to receive the desired data from the star coupler. A control network, constructed from a plurality of fixed wavelength receivers and a plurality of tunable transmitters, determines what frequencies the tunable receivers should tune to, and sends a signal to effectuate such tuning.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use when a first connector is to be mated to a second connector that includes shorting contacts and is being supplied with a plurality of active signals such that the breaking of the electrical connection between the shorting contacts themselves is substantially delayed until the time of making of the electrical connection between the shorting contacts and at least one corresponding conductive terminal of the first connector. Such a delay permits electrical separation of the shorting contacts only at the instant when at least one of the shorting contacts will begin to contact its corresponding conductive terminal without substantially impairing any other characteristics of the connector.

Abstract: Electromagnetic filtering for a VLSI device having multiple power input leads is realized by employing a sub-power plane which is physically separate from a main power distribution system on a circuit board. The sub-power plane is placed directly under a corresponding VLSI device. Decoupling capacitors are connected to the sub-power plane and, in turn, to each of the power input leads on the VLSI device. Power is supplied from the main power distribution system to the sub-power plane via a ferrite bead type filter.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system for factories and offices is assembled from prewired modules. The basic module comprises a section of duct of a standard length with electrical feeder wires mounted therein. The wires are bared of insulation at one end and have connectors at the other to receive the insulation-free wire ends of an adjacent module. Some modules may also include prewired branch circuits with circuit breakers and outlets in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: In D4 channel banks operating in a DS1 Extended Super Frame (ESF) mode, it is possible for inband yellow alarm bits to corrupt data in applications involving unrestricted use of dataport type channel banks including 64 kilobit clear channel capability. A problem also exists in that the data being received in the ESF framing mode could enulate an inband yellow alarm condition, and cause alarm units in a receiving channel bank to declare a "false" yellow alarm condition. The inband yellow alarm problems are eliminated by inhibiting yellow alarm bits from being inserted into the frames of a DS1 Super Frame format during operation in the ESF framing mode, and by ignoring any possible inband yellow alarm bits being received during operation in the ESF framing mode.

Abstract: Errors in digital transmission are monitored by employing a cyclical-redundancy-check (CRC). A CRC code word having a predetermined number of bits is generated (via 310) from a block of bits (ESF) of a presently transmitted time division multiplexed (XTDM) signal. The code word bits are then inserted (via 304, 305, 306) into predetermined bit positions of the next subsequent block of bits (ESF) of the XTDM signal. In a receiver (FIG. 7), bits of a presently received time division multiplexed (RTDM) signal are compared (801, 802) to bits of a CRC code word generated from the last previously received block of bits to indicate errors in transmission. In a specific example, a 6-bit CRC code word is employed and the code word bits are inserted into predetermined framing bit positions.