Abstract: A processor unit for a multipoint audio-video conferencing system, wherein the processor unit includes a host processor for controlling operation of the audio-video conferencing system. Controlling operation includes controlling the performance of a plurality of functions associated with servicing each of a plurality of communications connections, each of the connections being between a conferee terminal and the audio-video conferencing system. The processor unit also includes a plurality of digital signal processors, in communication with each other over a first bus and in communication with and controlled by the host processor over a second bus. Each digital signal processor includes an associated configuration element for adaptively configuring a selected digital signal processor to perform processing required by a selected one of the functions associated with servicing a selected one of the communications connections.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is positioned adjacent the interior wall of a sealed compartment. The wall has an opening providing an entryway for a fiber optic cable to the interior of the compartment. The clamping apparatus applies compression forces to an annular cylindrical body of a flexibly resilient and deformable grommet supported in line with the opening to seal the opening. The grommet has a passageway for the cable. The clamping apparatus, which essentially surrounds and conforms to the annular body of the grommet, is operable to compress the grommet radially around the cable and to axially urge the end face against the wall of the opening. A clamp member having clamping surfaces for compressing two side by side grommets in line with two side by side cable openings in the wall is disclosed. A headed rod extending at an angle to the wall with the cable openings therein supports the clamp member for angled movement to effect the compressive radial and axial forces.

Abstract: An improved system for connecting and processing a plurality of phone user in a teleconference on a common digital bus. The apparatus includes a plurality of digital processing units (DSPs) associated with selective phone lines and in communication with each other. Each DSP determines an activity status for each associated phone line and transmits that status to the other DSPs, The DSPs create and update respective identical "talk-lists" which reflect the active conferees whose voice data is currently being output on the phone channels. The system thus provides scaleable teleconferencing in a real-time configuration without switching between the various signals on the common bus such that each incoming caller or even a plurality of conferences has equal priority.

Abstract: An aerial storage device for storing an extra length of fiber optic cable as a loop in a transmission line in which the storage device has an arcuate end providing the return or turn-around arc of the loop and a planar deck, the outer periphery thereof defining the loop for the cable and being joined with the top of an inner sidewall of a U-shaped channel for receiving and storing a planar loop of fiber optic cable with the sidewalls of the channel being perpendicular to the plane of the deck and extending to one side thereof. The device is a one piece molded plastic device of plastic and has openings in the channel bottom and deck for tying cable to the device and reducing wind sway. The channel bottom and inner side wall extend around end of the device where the cable portions enter and exit the loop to provide a shelf for supporting the cable portions and a smooth nose surface for providing a smooth separation therebetween.

Abstract: A simplified torque signalling wrench in which the torque responsive means comprises a camming recess or notch in the outer end of a wrench shank within a handle for the wrench and to which the shank is pivoted to provide limited angular movement for the outermost end of the shank with a ball surface being yieldingly forced into the recess defined by walls of the recess by spring loading to maintain the shank along the centerline of the handle and yielding to camming forces under a torque load to effect relative angular movement of the shank and handle to signal a torque load in excess of a torque load determined by the adjustable loading of the spring.

Abstract: A cable stripping tool comprises a coring blade having dual coring edges on its leading end and a respective helical groove for each edge for leading cored plastic material away from the end of a cable as the cable is being stripped of plastic dielectric material to expose the center conductor, and an angled chamfering cutter for chamfering and cutting back the metal sheath which surrounds the dielectric material, the helical groove means of the blade extending to the rearward end of the blade to open into a relief space in the inner end portion of the tool holder.