Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for managing Local Number Portability (LNP) querying for calls routed to Local Exchange Carriers by providing a list of carriers in the Service Switching Point (SSP) (local service provider) for whom LNP querying is to be performed by the SSP. For example, calls destined to carriers on the list will be queried by the originating SSP, or other intermediate SSP, and calls destined for carriers not on the list will not be queried by the originating SSP, but instead will be directly routed to the carrier for LNP querying. Advantageously, the local service providers (SSPs) can perform LNP queries for calls destined to certain carriers and charge them for the queries. This will enable small local exchange carriers to provide competitive service in the network by purchasing the LNP querying facility from the SSPs.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for managing Local Number Portability (LNP) querying for calls routed to Local Exchange Carriers by providing a list of carriers in the Service Switching Point (SSP) (local service provider) for whom LNP querying is to be performed by the SSP. For example, calls destined to carriers on the list will be queried by the originating SSP, or other intermediate SSP, and calls destined for carriers not on the list will not be queried by the originating SSP, but instead will be directly routed to the carrier for LNP querying. Advantageously, the local service providers (SSPs) can perform LNP queries for calls destined to certain carriers and charge them for the queries. This will enable small local exchange carriers to provide competitive service in the network by purchasing the LNP querying facility from the SSPs.

Abstract: A downhole pump for use in a well which includes a casing, a coaxially aligned tubing within the casing for transporting fluid, and fluid filling the space between the tubing and casing. A bottom seals the casing and tubing and includes an upward-flow check valve which permits fluid flow only from beneath the bottom into the tubing. A bucket having an open top, a closed bottom and an annular fin extending from the side thereof is constrained within the tubing. The bucket bottom also includes an upward-flow check valve. A plunger mounted on the tubing over the bucket cooperates with the bucket to form a cavity, the size of which increases as the bucket moves downward within the tubing. A third upward-flow check valve is mounted on the plunger to permit fluid flow from within the bucket to the tubing over the plunger. Holes are formed in the casing between the bottom and the annular fin of the bucket to permit fluid communication between the casing and lower portion of the tubing.

Abstract: A system for preventing the forward portion of a vehicle from downwardly pitching toward the road during braking of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and a suspension system mounted on the frame for carrying a plurality of ground engaging wheels and for maintaining the frame in a generally level attitude during normal driving conditions. The braking system generally maintains the vehicle frame in its normal level attitude during the braking of the vehicle and comprises at least one hydraulic press adapted to interconnect the forward portion of the frame with the suspension system and having at least one chamber containing pressurized fluid, and a mechanism which maintains the fluid in the chamber at a normal operational pressure and is responsive to the deceleration of the vehicle to increase the pressure of the fluid above the normal operational pressure.

Abstract: An improved double acting ratchet wrench employing a cam actuated positive drive oscillatory pawl which is engageable by a slight movement of the wrench handle and held tightly engaged by hand pressure on the handle.