Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detection of performance conditions in processing systems. For example, a method of detecting a performance condition in at least one particular processing device of a processing system having a plurality of processing devices includes the following steps. Data is input to a data structure associated with the particular processing device, over a given time period. The input data may be a buffer or a bucket. The input data represents data associated with the execution of at least one function performed by the particular processing device. The given time period includes the time period between consecutive heartbeat signals transmitted by the particular processing device. At least a portion of the input data is removed from the data structure associated with the particular processing device, near the end of the given time period. The removed input data is compared to an expected function execution level.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for measuring performance in processing systems such as communications systems and computing systems. For example, a method of measuring performance in a processing system having a plurality of processing devices includes the following steps. A measurement system coupled to the plurality of processing devices generates an interrupt signal. The measurement system applies the interrupt signal to a set of processing devices under test, wherein the set of processing devices under test is selected from the plurality of processing devices, such that each processing device of the set under test makes data available to the measurement system. The available data represents data associated with the execution of at least one function performed by each processing device of the set under test.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated sound energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating sound energy signals from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by sound energy sources will receive the radiated sound energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: A precautionary measure against wireless phone-triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is described that forces premature detonation of the IED at a safe location, such as a position in advance of a convoy of vehicles or troops, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the invention provide for transmitting low power alerting signals (e.g., paging, ringing, message waiting, text messages) from a wireless terminal residing on a mobile platform that is operable to navigate a transportation path in advance of a prospective target, to mobile stations within close proximity of the platform defining an “IED detonation zone.” In such manner, mobile stations within the IED detonation zone that are IED triggering devices (as well as mobile stations that are not IED triggering devices) will receive the alerting signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: A precautionary measure against wireless phone-triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS) is described that forces premature detonation of the IED at a safe location, such as an unmanned checkpoint, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the IED. Embodiments of the invention provide for transmitting directionalized, low power alerting signals (e.g., paging, ringing, message waiting, text messages) from a stationary wireless terminal advantageously positioned a safe distance from a prospective target area, to mobile stations within a portion of a wireless service area defining an “IED detonation zone.” In such manner, mobile stations within the IED detonation zone that are IED triggering devices (as well as mobile stations that are not IED triggering devices) will receive the alerting signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detection of performance conditions in processing systems. For example, a method of detecting a performance condition in at least one particular processing device of a processing system having a plurality of processing devices includes the following steps. Data is input to a data structure associated with the particular processing device, over a given time period. The input data may be a buffer or a bucket. The input data represents data associated with the execution of at least one function performed by the particular processing device. The given time period includes the time period between consecutive heartbeat signals transmitted by the particular processing device. At least a portion of the input data is removed from the data structure associated with the particular processing device, near the end of the given time period. The removed input data is compared to an expected function execution level.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for measuring performance in processing systems such as communications systems and computing systems. For example, a method of measuring performance in a processing system having a plurality of processing devices includes the following steps. A measurement system coupled to the plurality of processing devices generates an interrupt signal. The measurement system applies the interrupt signal to a set of processing devices under test, wherein the set of processing devices under test is selected from the plurality of processing devices, such that each processing device of the set under test makes data available to the measurement system. The available data represents data associated with the execution of at least one function performed by each processing device of the set under test.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by creating kinetic energy vibrations from a stationary or mobile platform within a stationary or mobile “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by kinetic energy vibrations will receive the vibrations, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated electromagnetic energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating electromagnetic energy signals from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by electromagnetic energy sources will receive the radiated electromagnetic energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by radiated sound energy signals. Embodiments of the invention provide for radiating sound energy signals from a stationary or mobile platform to a stationary or mobile area defining an “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by sound energy sources will receive the radiated sound energy signals, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) defense system is described that forces premature detonation of IEDs by releasing chemical substances from a stationary or mobile platform within a stationary or mobile “IED detonation zone.” IEDs within the IED detonation zone that are triggered by chemical substances will receive the released chemical substances, thereby forcing premature detonation of IEDs in the detonation zone.

Abstract: A piece of telecommunications equipment (A) includes: a plurality of circuit packs (20), each circuit pack (20) including a circuit arranged thereon and a first connector (24) in communication with the circuit; a rack (10) including a plurality of slots (12), each slot (12) including a second connector (14) and being arranged to have at least one of the circuit packs (20) selectively installed therein such that when a circuit pack (20) is installed in a slot (12) the first connector (24) of the circuit pack (20) operatively connects with the second connector (14) of the slot (12); a plurality of locking mechanisms, each of the locking mechanisms being associated with one of the slots (12); and, a controller (40) that selectively engages and disengages the locking mechanisms such that when a locking mechanism is engaged a circuit pack (20) installed in the corresponding slot (12) is secured therein and when a locking mechanism is disengaged a circuit pack (20) installed in the corresponding slot (12) is free t

Abstract: A barge-in capability for emergency call returns is disclosed. The barge-in capability allows a PSAP to connect to an original calling party in instances where the party party is engaged in another call at the time of the call return attempt. Barge-in may be implemented by setting up a 3-way conference between the PSAP, the original calling party and at least one other party associated with the other call; or alternatively, by disconnecting the at least one other party and setting up a 2-way connection between the PSAP and the original calling party.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication facility that includes a plurality of communication circuits. At least one of the communication circuits is a critical communication circuit. The critical communication circuit includes a phosphor-enabled indication that becomes visible to the human eye when exposed to black light.

Abstract: An arrangement for concentrating broadband data from a plurality of CPEs (customer premises equipments) for transmission over a link to an ATM network. Because each CPE can generate data at the full rate of the link, it is necessary to detect peaks of bursty traffic from a CPE user quickly and to limit the rate of data transmission whenever the capacity of the link may be exceeded. This is accomplished first by allowing the transmission of certain classes of traffic (lower priority) only when a token to permit transmission has been accumulated in the CPE, and second, by having a FIFO buffer for each user and detecting whenever the FIFO buffer has accumulated more than n cells; when this condition is detected, no more tokens are sent back to the user. The user is not allowed to accumulate more than m tokens. Advantageously, this arrangement allows essentially the full bandwidth of the link to the ATM network to be utilized by a timely throttling of bursts of traffic when they cannot be accommodated.

Abstract: The network of the invention uses asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) as the exclusive transport between the central office and the outside distribution plant of either a SONET or analog facility. Telephony and other narrowband signals are transported from a local switching system over synchronous facilities to a host terminal. Digital video and digital data ATM signals are transmitted to the host terminal from a video provider and data service provider, respectively. The host terminal converts the synchronous narrowband signals to composite cell ATM format and combines these signals with the ATM video and data signals and delivers the ensemble of ATM cells over either a standard SONET transport format to a plurality of distribution managers or other network elements or analog network. To convert the synchronous signals, the host terminal of the invention includes a synchronous to asynchronous converter (SAC) that provides the format conversion needed to provide voice and other narrowband signals over ATM.

Abstract: In the network of the invention, telephony and other narrow band services are provided using twisted pairs via existing fiber-in-the-loop (FITL) technology while the analog video and digital broadcast video are carried over a single coaxial cable to the customer premise. All customer subscriber lines are moved out of the central office and are distributed in the outside distribution plant via FITL technology. Data and digital video from the central office are distributed to a large number of field located optical network units (ONU) as ATM signals over optical fibers. The narrowband signals are converted to a SONET virtual tributary group and are combined with the digital video signals for delivery to the home.

Abstract: To provide a monolithic ATM transport the synchronous to asynchronous converter (SAC) of the invention converts the synchronous narrowband signals to composite cell ATM format. These cells can be combined with ATM video and data signals and can be delivered as an ensemble of ATM cells over either a standard SONET transport format or analog network to the customer premise. To convert the synchronous signals, the SAC provides format conversion needed to provide voice and other narrowband signals over ATM. The SAC also functions to agilely move between cell sizes such that the 48 bytes of the cell payload can be mapped to carry anywhere between the single and 48 connections. Thus, the SAC adjusts the cell configuration to balance performance and bandwidth use in a real-time manner.