Abstract: In a broadband signal switching matrix network having a cross-point matrix in FET technology whose switching elements, controlled by a holding memory cell, are each formed with a series circuit of a switching transistor and of an input transistor. Matrix output lines thereof are respectively connected to one terminal of the operating voltage source via a pre-charging transistor that is controlled by a pre-charging clock, that side of the series circuit connected opposite from the matrix output line being permanently connected to the other terminal of the operating voltage source (directly or via a transistor controlled by the output signal and individually associated to the matrix output line) in order to avoid sample clock lines that lead to the switching elements.

Abstract: A "modified rearrangeable" switch matrix combines both .beta. switching elements and crossbar switch matrices in a single switch configuration, with .beta. switching elements used at the input and output and at least one crossbar switch matrix in the middle to receive its inputs from .beta. switching elements and provide its outputs to .beta. switching elements.

Abstract: A trunked communication system wherein some of the communication resources are preassigned for exclusive use only by a predetermined group, such as a public safety agency. In addition, to assure optimal assignment of communication resources, communication resource assignments are made pursuant to a methodology that minimizes usurpation of unused resource capabilities.

Abstract: A method (20) of generating a random number in a processor (2A-2N) which is associated with a volatile random access memory (RAM 4A-4N) is provided. When power is applied (22), the volatile contents of the RAM (4A-4N) are initially inspected (24). Based on the volatile contents of the RAM (26), a random time delay for the processor is generated (28).

Abstract: Several remote control and signaling systems 10, 80 allow for the remote operational control of an apparatus 20, by a transmitter 14. These systems 10, 80 obviate the need for a line of sight relationship between transmitter 14 and control apparatus 20 and are further adapted to receive original control signal 15 and to thereafter generate a relatively high frequency signal 22, to facilitate this desired control. Moreover, a transmitter mounting assembly 90 is adapted to removably mount several dissimilar transmitters 98, 100, 102 and which allows for the remote control of a plurality of apparatuses 20 in an efficient manner.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a memory (106) for storing a message, the message having message characters and a message length. The electronic device (100) automatically selects one of at least first and second sizes (301 and 311) for displaying the message characters by comparing the message length to at least one predetermined threshold, the message length being compared greater than each of the at least one predetermined threshold (402,404,406,414,416) indicating a different one of the at least first and second sizes (301 and 311), and each of the at least first and second sizes (301 and 311) corresponding to a different one of at least first and second number of lines (304,314) on a display screen. The electronic device (100) displays (408) at least a portion of the message characters in the selected size and in the corresponding one of at least first and second number of lines on the display screen.

Abstract: A method for generating an alarm inhibit signal. A modified AIS-Signal in the form of long strings of ones signal with the addition of an identification character is provided. This identification character can be individual zeros that are periodically introduced with a frequency of less than 10.sup.-3 or can be an auxiliary signal. When a digital signal distributor receives a standardized AIS-Signal or when it recognizes some other deficiency, it supplies a modified AIS-Signal to an outgoing path. Only the following digital signal distributors recognize the modification, in turn supply such a modified AIS-Signal and forego a message to a regional center. On the basis of the message of the digital signal distributor, a network management center switches to a backup path. The present invention is used in centrally controlled network protection switching systems.

Abstract: A method of rejecting undesired signals in a selective call receiver operating in a POCSAG system comprises normalizing and counting data transitions that occur at a baud rate less than a predetermined baud rate, comparing the counted number to the total number of transitions, and using this information as criteria for extending the selective call receiver "on" time in a signal search mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting at random one item of N items on the average comprising counter and reset elements for counting repeatedly between zero and N, a number selected by the user, a circuit for activating and deactivating the counter, a comparator to determine if the counter stopped at a count of zero, an output to indicate an item has been selected when the count is zero or not selected if the count is not zero. Randomness is provided by having the counter cycle very often while varying the relatively longer duration between activation and deactivation of the count. The passive circuit components of the activating/deactivating circuit and those of the counter are selected for the sensitivity of their response to variations in temperature and other physical characteristics of the environment so that the response time of the circuitry varies.

Abstract: A personnel monitoring system includes a host central processing unit, or CPU, maintained by a supervising agency that automatically, or by request, receives and interprets data from individuals being monitored. The monitored individuals may wear or carry a transmitting or transponding unit that periodically, or upon request, transmits a uniquely encoded signal that identifies the person being monitored, as well as information about the condition or activities of the person being monitored. Lower risk monitored individuals may be required to simply contact the host CPU on a regular basis, e.g., weekly, monthly, or yearly. The host CPU includes a plurality of software submodules that can be selectively installed therein to allow a desired monitoring configuration to be used in order to best meet the needs of the monitoring agency. The communication link between the individual and the CPU may be by way of existing telephone lines or other telecommunicative links.

Abstract: A keyless entry system is provided for locked or disabled items. A transmitter carried by a person generates a signal with a predetermined frequency characteristic such that the generated signal is transmitted through the carrier's body. There is a receiver apparatus including a detector for detecting a signal with the predetermined frequency characteristic and a mechanism that is engageable by the carrier's body for providing signals transmitted through the body to the detector. When such signals are detected, a circuit is activated to unlock or enable the item. An alarm system may be provided which sounds under certain predetermined conditions and a latching mechanism may be utilized to disarm the alarm under certain conditions.

Abstract: An access control system, and a method of controlling an access to a controlled area, comprising an integrated-circuit card key having contact pads and a sufficient memory capacity to store key access information and transaction information, information in the integrated circuit integral therein at respective addresses, and an acceptor which includes a memory to store lock access information, and circuity for reading the key and lock access information, whenever the contact pads of the key is electrically engaged with the acceptor, comparing the key and lock access information, providing a control signal to the opening mechanism of an access controlled area based on a comparison, result and recording transactional information from the lock into the integrated circuit of the key at respective addresses.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating data between a master station and a plurality of control units applicable to an automotive vehicle are disclosed in which if an echoback communication in response to a control command is not received by the master station from the selected control unit within a predetermined period of time upon issuance of a continue command or a diagnostic execution command, the controlled state of the electronic control unit is released. Furthermore, to effectively diagnose the control operation of one of the control units interactively with the operation of other control units, an interrupt command may be issued while the selected control unit continues the predetermined control operation, and the remaining control units are then initialized. A different control unit may then be selected and set to a controlled state.

Abstract: A transponder system including a transponder and an interrogator having a transmission coil for producing a high-intensity electromagnetic field for inductively powering the transponder and two receiver coils for receiving a low-intensity electromagnetic field reradiated by the transponder. The transmission coil includes one or more conductive windings circumscribing a substantially polygonal volume of space. The receiver coils are diametrically disposed opposite one another within the volume space of the transmitter and are electrically connected to each other in a differential circuit relationship, the output of which is at a minimum when the two receiver coils receive approximately equal quantities of energy and is at a maximum when one of the receiver coils receives more electromagnetic energy from the transponder than the other receiver coil. The transponder uses a coil to derive both a power source and a clock pulse from the high-intensity field for powering and driving an identification circuit.

Abstract: A computer activation device comprised of at least one local computer system and at least one remote computer system, the computer systems are connected via a standard data communication interface by their own modems. An activator device is in electrical communication with the data communication interfaces of the local and remote computer systems, such that the activator device controls the application of operative power to the local computer system on receipt and recognition of a secure coded signal from the data communication interface of the remote computer system.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence in a compartment of a rack of a portable transmission unit of a number of portable transmission units, each being capable for transmitting or for receiving a signal containing an identification number assigned to the unit. All compartments of the rack or only compartments receiving or having received the units therein are scanned. The presence of a unit in a compartment is acknowledged by the unit after it has received a scanning signal, being identical for each scanned compartment, by providing a response signal comprising the identification number assigned to the unit. For each unit which is present, or until the actual scanning thereof was present, in a compartment a control circuit updates a datum, indicating the presence of the unit in a compartment, in a memory.

Abstract: An improved security system comprising a relay selectably operable to pass electrical power to a protected device, a code plug having a preset combination of possible electrical connections controlling passage of electrical current to actuate said relay, a key carried by an authorized person insertable into said code plug to complete preset combination of connections, and a switch box connected in series between said code plug and said relay having a plurality of multiposition switches each having a plurality of contacts selectably connectable by a person seeking to limit access to said protected device in a manner to define a desired combination to which said switches must be set in order to allow said switch box to pass said current to said relay.

Abstract: The remote power On devices used for powering a system from a remote console, to restart the system after a power failure. The remote console is connected to the system through switched network and autoanswer modem. When the connection is established the ring indicator signal of the modem interface is provided to the power control system controlling the power distribution in system. In response to this signal, the system service processor is powered on so that it is able to send messages to console inviting an operator to enter a password authorizing the general power on of the system. The password entered by the operator is sent to processor, checked and if it is correct the general power on of the system occurs. If not, the function is cancelled. In addition, the function may be inhibited at the remote system. This insures that the remote powering function is performed safely.

Abstract: A frequency agile data receiver checks are needed, according to a first protocol, among a plurality of channels to find a channel carrying data. A control activated by the user interrupts this first protocol and institutes a second protocol different than the first. Applied to a paging receiver, the first protocol may sequentially tune the receiver to a plurality of previously identified channels to locate a channel on which paging data is satisfactorily received. The second protocol may sequentially tune to all possible channels to locate such a channel. By this arrangement, a person who knowingly moves to a new locality (e.g., flies to another city) can instruct the paging receiver to abandon a previously identified list of candidate channels and to begin a spectrum-wide scan to locate a new satisfactory paging channels.

Abstract: A control unit for a combined ceiling fan and light fixture (ceiling unit) is coupled to a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature of the room containing the ceiling unit, has manual entry keys for controlling fan energization, speed and direction and light energization and intensity and for selecting a mode of operation, and has a first microprocessor for controlling a radio transmitter to transmit a command bit sequence. The transmitted signal is received by the ceiling unit where a second microprocessor responds to the command bit sequence to control the firing of one of several triacs controlling fan energization, speed and direction and to control light energization and intensity. In an "auto-speed" mode, fan speed responds to changes in room temperature. In a "winter mode", the fan blows upwardly at a slow speed, the speed being momentarily increased periodically to break up stratification.