Abstract: An extended length strand take up device comprises at least two tension rods disposed in parallel spaced relationship to one another, and a first connecting body slidably mounted on the tension rods for connecting the extended length strand take up device to a guy wire, and a second a first connecting body slidably mounted on the tension rods for connecting the extended length strand take up device to a ground anchor. The first and second connecting bodies each include at least two side load tubes interconnected by a central web, each side load tube being slidably disposed on a respective one of said tension rods. A stop member at each end of said tension rods retains the first and second connecting bodies on the tension rods.

Abstract: A communication network comprises a broadcast teleservice message center generating broadcast teleservice messages. The broadcast teleservice message center is connected to a circuit-switched network over an interface that uses a first messaging protocol. The broadcast teleservice message center includes an interworking function to connect the broadcast teleservice message center to a packet-switched network over an interface that uses a second messaging protocol. Broadcast teleservice messages transmitted over said first interface to mobile terminals having service with the said circuit-switched network are converted by the interworking function to a format specified by the second messaging protocol for delivery over the packet-switched network to mobile terminals having service with the packet-switched network.

Abstract: An intelligent tightening spindle comprises a drive output; a housing adapted to detachably mount to a moving platform of a multi-tool processing station, with the housing substantially enclosing: at least one electric drive motor having an associated servo amplifier; a gear unit operatively connecting the drive motor to the drive output; a spindle measurement transducer operative to monitor at least one of the drive motor, the gear unit, and the drive output; and a measurement data processing unit in communication with the spindle measurement transducer. An output signal port may have signals applied thereto representing measurement data that has been processed by the measurement data processing unit. The measurement transducer and/or the data processing unit may be removably coupled to the spindle via one or more electrical connectors. One or more of the tightening spindles may be used to form a multi-tool processing station.

Abstract: A timing network for a wireless communication network includes first and second Timing Unit Board (TUB) and processor boards for processing speech channels of the radio network, each processor board having a local timer that is slave to “PSTN time” from a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The first and second TUB each alternately transmits a timing cell containing time information to each processor board over a transport network. Each processor board realigns its local timer with the time information contained in a received timing cell whenever its local timer drifts from the time information contained in the received timing cell by a predetermined time offset. When one of the TUBs fails to transmit timing cells to the processor boards or transmits timing cells containing erroneous time information, the processor boards rely on the remaining TUB for timing cells to realign their local timers.

Abstract: A minimaly invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A delivery device is attached to the spacer for insertion between the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the delivery device is detachable to be removed from the spacer once positioned between the vertebral members. Methods of using the spacer include positioning the spacer between the vertebral members while in the first orientation. The spacer is then enlarged to the second orientation, and the delivery device is removed with only the spacer remaining within the patient.

Abstract: A ringback detector determines whether ringback by comparing measurements of a characteristic of the received signal, such as the energy of the received signal, to a threshold. The threshold is set initially to a low value and then updated based on the measurements of received signal. The measurements are then compared to the threshold to determine whether ringback is present. An output signal indicative of ringback is generated when ringback is present.

Abstract: A method is provided for thickening sludge produced through a ballasted flocculation process. The sludge and granular material from the ballasted flocculation process are directed to a sludge separator where the sludge is separated from the granular material. Thereafter the separated sludge is sent to a degassing area and the sludge is degassed. A flocculating agent is mixed or injected into the sludge. The sludge is directed to a sludge thickener with a load at a sill calculated on the surface of the thickener greater than 200 kgMIS/m2/day. This process produces a thickened sludge having a concentration greater than 10 gm/l.

Abstract: In a communication network based on the TIA/EIA/IS-856 standard, or in other network types where forward link power control is desirable but where no reverse link channel or sub-channel to direct such power control is available, forward link rate request information from an access terminal may be used to infer carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratios at the access terminal. Such information allows the network to control power for the forward link channel of interest. In a TIA/EIA/IS-856 setting, the network uses DRC channel information from the access terminal to set RPC channel power transmitted to the access terminal from one or more sectors in the network. That is, radio base stations within the network may determine C/I or like values for active access terminals using DRC channel information from those terminals and calculated needed RPC channel power accordingly. This process may be extended to include access control procedures.

Abstract: A biasing mechanism in an image forming apparatus exerts a variable force on a removable cartridge unit to generate a nip force between a roller in the cartridge unit and another roller. A pivot member is fixed to the apparatus housing. An arm is pivotally mounted in the housing about the pivot member, with the arm in contact with a protrusion on the cartridge unit. A force generating member is mounted in the housing and contacts the arm so as to urge the arm to pivot about the pivot member and press against the cartridge unit. The resulting force exerted on the cartridge unit by the arm varies according to the point of contact between the cartridge unit and the arm. In some embodiments, the arm and the cartridge unit protrusion are electrically conductive, and an electrical contact is established as the arm is pressed against the protrusion.

Abstract: A compensated switched capacitor circuit comprises a switched capacitor circuit and a compensation circuit. The compensation circuit generates a reference current that varies under closed loop control to maintain a targeted slew rate for charging a reference capacitor that is determined by the input clock frequency. The switched capacitor circuit's output amplifier is configured such that its output current varies in proportion to the reference current. Thus, by configuring the reference capacitor to track the effective capacitance of the switched capacitor circuit, the settling time of the switched capacitor circuit may be made relatively insensitive to the value of and changes in the effective capacitance over a range of clock frequencies. The compensation circuit may include a clock reconditioning circuit to ensure that the switched capacitor circuit is clocked at a desired duty cycle.

Abstract: A wireless communications device that alerts a user to a predetermined event includes a transceiver, a speaker, memory, and a controller. First and second pre-recorded audio files are stored in the memory, and may be, for example, pre-recorded music and the user's pre-recorded voice. When the device receives an incoming call, for example, the controller combines the first and second audio files to form a combined audio signal. The controller then plays the combined audio signal through the speaker for the user as a personalized ring tone.

Abstract: A toner cartridge included with an image forming device when initially sent to a user. The cartridge has a limited toner capacity. The user is able to print with the small capacity cartridge upon initially receiving the image forming device. Once the toner is exhausted, a second large capacity cartridge having a greater toner capacity can replace the small capacity cartridge. The small capacity cartridge and the large capacity cartridge are constructed in a similar shape to be mounted in the same manner within the image forming device.

Abstract: A wireless communication device notifies designated contacts of an emergency using contact information stored in the wireless communication device. The contact information includes, but is not limited to, a list of designated contacts, at least one individual notification message for each designated contact, and delivery information for each notification message. The wireless communication device, responsive to an emergency input, automatically retrieves the contact information from memory and sends individual notification messages to each designated contact according to the contact information. Because the wireless communication device stores all instructions and information related to the emergency notification function in memory within the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device is compatible with any wireless network capable of transmitting messages generated by the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A curved metal track for receiving a series of metal studs and forming a part of a curved metal wall. The track comprises a plurality of sections with each section being pivotally connected to an adjacent section. Structurally each section comprises a base plate having opposed first and second end portions. Formed in the first end portion is a slit or opening. The second end portion of each section is adapted to be inserted into the slit or opening of an adjacently disposed section. A pivot connector is utilized to pivotally connect the first end portion of one section with the second end portion of another section. There is also provided a pair of opposed stud tabs that extend normal to the base plate and which are adapted to be secured to the sides of a stud. By pivotally connecting the individual sections of the track, the track can be curved and accordingly can be configured to form a part of a curved metal wall.

Abstract: An method for PDSN (Packet Data Serving Node) initial assignment and re-selection in a wireless communication system is provided. The method is implemented in PCF (Packet Control Function) within a third-generation (3G) CDMA Radio Access Network (RAN). The methodology reduces the number of point-to-point (PPP) re-establishments, when a Mobile Station (MS) roams to a different packet zone/PCF. The method generates a table of PDSN identification numbers cross-referenced to the PDSN Internet protocol (IP) addresses, residing with each PCF. A PDSN Id number is selected from the table using the MS IMSI (International Mobile Station Identifier) as a key to perform the selection. The present invention methodology addresses the issue of forward and backward compatibility, scalability, reliability, and load sharing in the PDSN selection.

Abstract: A combination vehicle charger and flashlight provides illumination while a user connects a mobile device to the vehicle charger. A light source disposed on the mobile device plug of the vehicle charger connects to either an external or an internal power supply to provide a beam of light used to illuminate the mobile device. In one embodiment, the external power supply may comprise a vehicle battery. In an alternate embodiment, the internal power supply may comprise a battery disposed within the vehicle charger. Exemplary embodiments may also include a switch to selectively connect the light source to the power supply.

Abstract: A polar modulation transmitter circuit provides reduced ACPR in its output signal by controlling the relative delay between its envelope and phase modulation operations based on direct or indirect feedback measurement the output signal's ACPR. Such measurement and associated control may be based on a delay controller that includes an ACPR measurement circuit and a delay control circuit. Additionally, or alternatively, the polar modulation transmitter circuit provides a greatly extended transmit power control range by using a staged amplifier circuit that includes a driver amplifier circuit operating in combination with a power amplifier circuit to impart desired envelope modulation. In an exemplary embodiment, the driver amplifier circuit is implemented as differential transistor pairs responsive to tail current modulation. As such, the driver amplifier circuit is suited in particular for economical and space saving integration within a transmitter or transceiver integrated circuit (IC).

Abstract: A minimaly invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A delivery device is attached to the spacer for insertion between the vertebral members. In one embodiment, the delivery device is detachable to be removed from the spacer once positioned between the vertebral members. Methods of using the spacer include positioning the spacer between the vertebral members while in the first orientation. The spacer is then enlarged to the second orientation, and the delivery device is removed with only the spacer remaining within the patient.

Abstract: Bandwidth reduction of amplitude and/or phase components of relatively wide bandwidth composite signal. In an exemplary embodiment, an EER amplifier system for CDMA signal amplification includes an amplitude bandwidth reduction module included in an amplitude signal component path and a phase bandwidth reduction module is included in a phase signal component path, for controlling an RF amplifier. The phase bandwidth reduction module may reduce the phase component bandwidth of the input signal by, for example, generating a non-linear relationship between phase signal amplitude and input signal amplitude. The amplitude bandwidth reduction module may reduce the amplitude component bandwidth of the input signal by, for example, generating a non-linear relationship between the supply voltage to the RF amplifier and an input signal amplitude.