Abstract: A method and apparatus perform remote memory management in an acknowledge-back selective call communication system (100) comprising an infrastructure (102) and a selective call receiver (120). The infrastructure (102) transmits (904) a notification (406) of a pending message for the receiver (120). The receiver (120) reports (906) in response a memory value (414) specifying space available in a memory (322) for storing the pending message. The infrastructure (102) compares (908) the memory value (414) with the length of the pending message to see if sufficient memory space is available to store the pending message in the receiver (120). The infrastructure (102) controls further processing of the pending message based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: One or more user accessible switches are provided by which the authorized user may fully or partially limit the computer's access to one or more of its peripheral devices. The switch inhibits power or control lines to the peripheral device, or enables the programming of access limits to the peripheral device, in a manner which cannot be overridden by the computer. This added level of control allows the user to control the computer's activities so that access to these peripheral devices is allowed only under secure conditions, so as to preclude alteration or destruction of data by unauthorized users or computer viruses. Methods are disclosed by which the switches can render peripheral devices totally inactive, or made to be temporarily read-only, write-only, or write-once in order to implement a number or security protocols for single or multi-user environments.

Abstract: A transponding tag (14) and method for responding with a unique code signal (18) when it receives an interrogation signal (16). The tag (14) waits a random duration before responding to avoid interference with response code signals (18) from other tags (14). The tag (14) includes two antennae (22, 24) formed on opposing sides of a dielectric planar substrate (20). A protective coating (52) and printed indicia (72) overlie the antennae. An electrical circuit (34), decoupling capacitor (44) and inductive pickup coil (46) are embedded within the substrate (20). The electrical circuit (34) and capacitor (44) reside between the antennae (22, 24) to receive RF shielding from the antennae and to reduce thickness of the tag (14). A capacitance exists between the antennae (22, 24). This capacitance stores DC electrical energy for the electrical circuit (34). The tag (14) is programmed through a modulated magnetic field detected at the inductive pickup coil (46).

Abstract: A system for generating and substituting tokens for frequently used phrases within the information portion of messages comprises a central control terminal (140) and a selective call receiver (160). The central control terminal (140) includes a dynamic token generator for generating a set of most frequently used phrases having uniquely associated tokens therewith, the token generator accumulating and analyzing a number of the information portion of messages received at the central control terminal (140) intended for transmission to one or more selective call receivers to derive the set of most frequently used phrases, a most frequently used phrase storage memory for storing within the central control terminal the generated set of most frequently used phrases and associated tokens, and a most frequently used phrase downloading device for transmitting via a radio frequency transmitted message the generated set of most frequently used phrases and associated tokens to the one or more selective call receivers.

Abstract: A security system for the containment of at least one firearm in a repository. The security system operates in conjunction with an alarm system adapted to generate a signal upon the emergency or unauthorized opening of the repository indicative of access to and possible removal of the firearm contained therein. An alarm system which generates a signal at a remote location is indicative as to whether the firearm in the repository has been accessed and/or removed either in an intended manner or under emergency and/or duress conditions. Also disclosed is a particular pushbutton lock mechanism suitable for use with a security system of the type disclosed herein.

Abstract: In a communication system having a plurality of air interfaces, one of the air interfaces is assigned for use for a desired communication by transmitting a message, having a list of air interface capabilities of the subscriber, from the subscriber to a base (12). A list of air interface capabilities of the base is then compared, at a controller, with the list from the subscriber (14). A compatible air interface, or list of compatible air interfaces, is generated by the controller and provided to the base (15, 31). The base will then direct the subscriber to access the communication system utilizing a compatible air interface (18, 35).

Abstract: A central arbiter uses priority generators to determine which resource on a shared bus has priority in accessing the bus. Each resource has a corresponding priority generator. Each priority generator has a counter having inputs and outputs. A starting value is provided at the inputs and the priority value is obtained from the outputs. Each priority generator has a comparator that compares the outputs of a counter with a modulo number of the counters, N. The priority generators provide a combination of fixed priority and round robin arbitration schemes. By selecting the value of N relative to the number of resources, the rate of round robin access relative to fixed priority access can be set.

Abstract: Processing of dispatch calls in a multi-site communication system begins when a source communication unit initiates a request for a dispatch call. The request is routed to a controller which assigns a controlled device to support the request. In addition, the controller identifies the destination communication units, which site each of the destination units are in, and what controlled devices are needed to support the dispatch call. Having identified the controlled devices, the controller assigns all of the controlled devices needed the same temporary network address. With all the controlled devices having the same temporary network address, the controlled device assigned to support the request can transmit the messages generated by the source communication unit to other controlled devices using the temporary network address. Thus only one representation of a message produced by the source communication unit is transmitted from the assigned controlled device.

Abstract: In an m-of-n computer system, timer signals (TA, TB, TC) are fed as interrupt requests (IA, IB, IC) to modules (BGA, BGB, BGC) allocated to the individual computers and from there to the majority elements (MA, MB, MC), which release appropriate interrupts (INT2A, INT2B, INT2C) to the corresponding computer when the m-of-n condition is adhered to. To be able to recognize, after one computer (for example MCA) has failed, when interrupt requests (IB) of another computer (for example MCB) fail to appear, each remaining operational computer (MCB, MCC) initiates troubleshoot testing programs in larger time intervals. This is achieved by performing OR-gating operations on certain timer signals. Switching through the interrupt requests via the majority elements requires much less time than does a corresponding software-comparison operation and results in only a very slight base load for the computer system during the processing of interrupts.

Abstract: Anti-theft device for hoisting or striking a flag or the like (6) along a support structure, in particular a vertical pole (2), with of a halyard (8) interacting with a drive pulley (18) mounted at the upper part of this pole and one end of which links (33) to the upper corner of the flag. In this device the axle (19) of the drive pulley is rotationally controlled, in the direction which rolls up the halyard to hoist the flag or unrolls it to strike the latter, by a reduction motor (21) powered by an electrical energy source (15), controlled via a control circuit from a receiver (25) sensitive to radiation, which is preferably encoded, originating from a transmitter (9) situated remotely.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows a user to selectively store (604) a portion of a received message in a selective call receiver (100). The selective call receiver (100) includes first and second memory elements (118) for storing the received message and the portion thereof, respectively. The second memory element has a plurality of partitions (122, 124, 126, 128) corresponding to a plurality of file types. The user defines (FIG. 5) the portion of the received message stored in the first memory element, which portion is to be stored in the second memory element, and then selects (602) one of the plurality of partitions (122, 124, 126, 128) for storing the defined portion of the received message. The defined portion of the received message is then stored (604) in the selected one of the plurality of partitions (122, 124, 126, 128).

Abstract: There is disclosed an addressable device for receiving address coded signals from a central control unit. The device includes an electrical unit that is detachably connected to a base. The electrical unit has a switch for setting the address of the electrical unit. The base has an addressable key that is insertable into an opening in said switch when the addresses of the key and switch match and is not insertable when the addresses do not match. Alternatively, there is an addressable lock on one of the electrical unit and base and a separate addressable key on the other of the electrical unit and base.

Abstract: A racket for tennis or the like, including of a shaft (1) aligned in the median longitudinal axis (I,I') of a flat head, this head comprising a frame (5) intended to receive strings for forming the stringing, connected to the shaft (1) by two branches (3,4) in a V, defining a neck (8). The neck (8) includes at least two ties joining the two branches (3,4) of the V, respectively a main tie (10) located at the junctions (11,12) of each of the two branches (3,4) of the V with the bottom (10) of the frame (5), and at least one intermediate tie located between the main tie (10) and the meeting point of the branches. The intermediate tie (15) is inclined with respect to the perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis (I-I'), and in that the points (16,17) of attachment of this intermediate tie (15) on each of the two branches (3,4) are asymmetric.

Abstract: The sidestream smoke associated with a cigarette or cigarette-like smoking article is reduced by wrapping the tobacco in a paper wrapper having a burn modifier, such as an acidic salt, added thereto. Preferably the paper wrapper has a high basis weight and low porosity.

Abstract: Retractable, self-cleaning pins are mounted on a rotating spray cylinder. Each pin is caused to extend into the cylinder during the upward motion of the pin in order to help convey material within the cylinder. Retraction of each pin occurs during its downward motion in order to remove material adhered to the pin. Extension and retraction of the pins may be controlled by such means as a cam. If desired, the interior surface of the cylinder may be scraped (e.g., by a stationary scraper) where the pins are retracted.

Abstract: A spine stretcher and aligner comprising a rigid or semirigid base having two members mounted thereon, with each member having a sustantially flat face, with the faces opposing each other so as to form a channel therebetween. Each member has an arcuate configuration at the upper edge of the face, with the highest point of said edges being closer to one end of the channel than the other. The members are composed of a compressible material which permits movement of the material toward the center of the channel when the weight of the back presses downwardly on the members. Dowels may be removably inserted in the members so as to raise the height of the edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for training cross-country skiers and ice skaters has a frame having a center support and two bars, the rear ends of which are connected to said frame in such a manner as to be pivotable about vertical axes. The center support and the bars have respective standing surfaces with threaded bores of the attachment of cross-country ski bindings. The bars are held together by at least one spring and support rollers on their forward ends which rotate about horizontal axes. The hip muscles, thigh extensors and gluteal muscles can be exercised with this apparatus.

Abstract: A smoker's pipe comprises a bowl portion having a tobacco-receiving cavity below which is formed a transverse, tapering socket. A passageway interconnects the cavity with the socket. A tapering end portion of a stem part is a friction push-fit into the socket whereby the bowl portion can be rotated about the end portion of the stem part. The stem part includes a bore communicating directly with, and forming an extension of, the passageway. A primary reservoir in the lower regions of the bowl portion communicates with the bore and the passageway but is not in the direct path between the bore and the passageway, thereby keeping to a minimum the internal surface area of the pipe between the cavity and the bore. Thus the primary reservoir stores unwanted liquid in the pipe. Rotation of the bowl portion relative to the stem portion seals off the cavity from the reservoir and bore.

Abstract: Described is the use in augmenting or enhancing the aroma or taste of smoking tobaccos or smoking tobacco articles of members of the novel compound genus defined according to the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of methyl and isopropyl and wherein in each of the compounds one of the dashed lines represents a carbon-carbon double bond and each of the other of the dashed lines represent carbon-carbon single bonds.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring cigarettes from a first station where the cigarettes arrive by moving axially to a second station which the cigarettes leave by moving sideways has a rotary carrier for several hollow crank arms which are rotatably mounted in the carrier and whose free ends are provided with rotary receiving devices for retention and transport of cigarettes from the first to the second station while the carrier rotates in response to rotation of an eccentric holder which is driven by the prime mover of the cigarette making machine. The holder transmits motion to discrete crank units which cooperate with universal joints and cardanic shafts to prevent changes in orientation of receiving devices during orbital movement of receiving devices about the axis of the carrier.