Abstract: A combination lanyard and external antenna for use with wireless communication devices such as interactive pagers or telephones. The lanyard antenna is connected to wireless communication devices to improve radio frequency transmission and reception performance for wireless communication devices. The device increases the gain and maximizes radiation efficiency. An antenna conductive element is embedded within, runs alongside, or is woven into a flexible strength member to form the lanyard antenna. The antenna conductive element is formed from a wire, wire braid, or wire mesh produced from a flexible, conductive material, while the flexible strength member is non-binding, non-twisting, and produced from nonconductive material.

Abstract: A combined electrical/lightwave connection arrangement provides electrical connections via conventional contact blades and ground post and a lightwave connection via a lightwave transmission line carried within the ground post.

Abstract: The optical fiber connector of the present invention comprises a plurality of spaced-apart optical fiber receiving holes (or tubes) formed at one end of the connector and a spherical mirror formed at another end of the connector. The receiving holes are disposed on respective sides of the principal axis of the spherical mirror and the bottoms of the holes are collinear with and equidistant from the center of curvature of the mirror. Light signals emitted by an optical fiber inserted in one of the holes impinge on the mirror and are reflected in the direction of an optical fiber inserted in another one of the holes. The connector may be readily adapted to optically connect N+1 fibers together.

Abstract: A small program controlled communication system is disclosed having user changeable feature and line selection control. Associated with each station is a set of switches which are used to associate the various central office lines with the available nonlocking station pickup keys. The user, by setting the switches, can establish any line as a prime line and may select which other lines appear at the station. The setting of the switches also controls various other features available to the station, such as common audible, and privacy. The system is arranged such that the processor interrogates the switches periodically and translates the setting of the switches, which are human factors coded, into machine control codes which are stored in the main memory.

Abstract: An intercom system for single-line customers is disclosed which utilizes the existing nonkey telephone sets and four-conductor wiring plan together with an additional adjunct per telephone and a common control unit. Hold, broadcast intercom, and their associated visual signals are controlled by each adjunct unit which is interposed between the associated telephone set and the existing four-conductor telephone cable. Normal voice signals and supervision are transmitted using one pair of the four-conductor cable. The second pair of the cable is used for signaling between the common control unit and the adjuncts as well as for supplying power to the adjuncts. The operation of a single nonlocking key at any adjunct places the system in the intercom mode and concurrently places an active central office line on hold. Conclusion of an intercom conversation is accomplished when all telephone sets go on-hook. A held central office line is then connected to the next party to go off-hook.