Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, locating, tracking, or classifying an acoustic energy source located on a far side of a structure is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a receiving device samples a plurality of points on a near side of the structure to detect vibrations that result from sound waves propagated by the acoustic energy source. The location of the acoustic energy source is determined based on the relative time differences of the vibrations and the known positions of the vibrations on the structure. The acoustic energy source may be classified based on identifying characteristics of the vibrations. In addition, a device may be provided to transmit a sound wave through the structure. The receiving devices samples a plurality of points on the near side of the structure to detect vibrations resulting from reflections of the sound wave from the object.

Abstract: A method for modeling complex navigational logic that automatically controls the presentation of screen displays at the user interface of a client in a client/server environment utilizes a Navigation Analysis Vehicle “NAV”) (or module) and a Matrix Analysis Package (“MAP”). The MAP facilitates creation of navigation rules for linkage with the rest of the application. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the NAV communicates navigational instructions to a user interface for the display and take-down of screens, and also communicates with other processes such as editors and data manipulators. After the navigation rules are created, those rules are then applied to provide navigational logic for the user interface for the processing of the user interface screens. MAP creates the navigation rules in a user-friendly, C-like language and parses them into ANSI-standard C language for linkage with other processes that control the user interface.

Abstract: A pilot flame sensing system employs an electromagnetic transducer (41) at the bottom of a vertical stack (11) used for burning waste gases which incorporates a pilot burner (15) at the top of the stack (11). The electromagnetic transducer (41) responds to acoustic energy generated by the pilot burner (15) and communicates down thorough an igniter tube (21) extending essentially the full height of the stack. At least one diaphragm (43) having a low loss tangent and high modulus is used to suspend the electromagnetic transducer (41) so as to allow the electromagnetic transducer (41) to resonate the diaphragm (43) thus improving a signal to noise ratio of an output signal of the electromagnetic transducer (41). The electromagnetic transducer (41) is preferably of the moving coil geophone type which provides an electrical signal at low impedance which can be coupled through relatively long leads to a remote control facility.

Abstract: A communication technique for transmitting packet data over parallel communication sublinks coupled to a processor unit is provided. Initially, a method receives a packet of data from a first communication link which is coupled to a set of sublinks. The method distributes packets over each of the sublinks utilizing a unique byte-by-byte (BBB) striping technique. Logically, the data bytes associated with each sublink are collected into a slice of data and each set of slices are given a unique predetermined label. Each slice is then synchronously transmitted at the aggregate bandwidth of each sublink in parallel across each corresponding sublink to a receiver. A receiver receives the slices of data from the set of sublinks and aggregates the bandwidth of these two or more communication sublinks into a single communication link. Unless there are errors, a packet is transmitted in order using multiple slices. The system recreates the original packet of data from sets of slices having the same unique label.

Abstract: In the active muffler disclosed herein, a porous flow resistive member defines a wall of a duct carrying a noisy flow, e.g., a jet exhaust. The flow resistive member is characterized by having a flow resistance substantially less than .rho.c, the characteristic impedance of the acoustic medium. Loudspeakers in a chamber on the side of said porous member opposite the duct are actuated to reduce acoustic pressure in the region between the porous member and the loudspeaker, thereby increasing the acoustic flow through the porous member which in turn increases the dissipation of acoustic energy in the duct. The apparatus is particularly effective at low frequencies where a passive dissipative muffler would be of impractical size.

Abstract: The router disclosed herein employs a plurality of forwarding processors and a matrix switch for selectively connecting input ports, output ports and the forwarding processors. Each of the input ports includes means for selecting a respective forwarding processor for each incoming data packet in accordance with data in the respective packet header and for transmitting the packet header to the selected forwarding processor. The selected forwarding processor operates to transmit to the originating input port the identity of an output port appropriate for the packet's next hop.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing data flow through a node in a network system, where messages forwarded to the node have one of at least two priorities, a normal priority and a high priority. A novel token bucket approach allows maintaining Quality of Service (Qos) while maximizing throughput. Token buckets include normal and high-priority levels, which reserve capacity for high priority bursts of data. Messages for which not enough tokens are present are marked as not protected against loss, and dropped or sent on depending on a mode. Two-stage policing using two levels of token buckets is also presented. Each flow into a node or router has an associated token bucket, with normal and high priority levels. A second aggregate token bucket then re-tests all messages which were considered protected against loss from the first stage. Messages can be marked not protected against loss and sent out appropriately (for example, marked CLP-1 in an ATM VBR-tagged system), or dropped.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multiple users with access to a public network like the Internet are provided. A single high bandwidth connection (e.g., fast Ethernet) allows the users to communicate with the public network. Each user is allocated a specific bandwidth and can freely communicate with the public network up to the allocated bandwidth. Additionally, the invention may be remotely configured to change bandwidth allocations.

Abstract: The Task Manager Window is a computer software component used in real-time telecommunications network monitoring and maintenance. The Task Manager Window organizes and presents to a network operator, a user of a decision support system, task packages corresponding to events of possible concern in a telecommunications network. These task packages organize, contain and allow access to all information relevant to resolution of a particular network problem.

Abstract: The data network disclosed herein utilizes low duty cycle pulsed radio frequency energy to effect bidirectional wireless data communication between a server microcomputer unit and a plurality of peripheral units located within short range of the server unit, e.g. within 20 meters. By establishing a tightly synchronized common time base between the units and by the use of sparse codes, timed in relation to the common time base, low power consumption and avoidance of interference between nearby similar systems is obtained.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for charging a charge storage device by placing the charge storage device in an RF or microwave radiation field. One or more antennas which receive the radiated RF electromagnetic field are placed on the charge storage device. Rectifiers connected to the antennas rectify the received RF electromagnetic field an produce a DC output current which is used to charge the charge storage device. The charge storage device may be a battery or a capacitor and may form an integral part of an electronic device. The same RF field that charges the charge storage device can also be employed to communicate data to transponders which may be associated with computing devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are implemented for providing traditional telecommunications service capabilities in a packet based computer network. The system and method of the present invention automatically provide such service capabilities in the event a terminal end-point is unavailable to receive an incoming call, based upon predetermined associations between the terminal end-point and one or more of the available services.

Abstract: A computer system for displaying the status of network nodes and links in a large telecommunications network is disclosed. An Overview windowing panel consisting solely of cell bullets representing the connection status of a large number of nodes and links in a telecommunications network is displayed on a computerized display device. The cell bullets are color coded to visually represent the connection status of the nodes and links. A panning rectangle which is moveable under mouse control throughout the Overview windowing panel telescopes the detail of a portion of the densely packed Overview panel onto a second windowing panel, the Detail windowing panel. The Detail windowing panel identifies the node connections displayed therein, and provides further information on the status of the node and connections therein.

Abstract: A computer assisted method for recognizing and labeling instances of name classes in textual environments is described. The invention receives training text having instances of named-entity classes labeled, from which it generates a database of bigram and unigram occurrences. The invention uses the database of bigram and unigram occurrences to form a two level Hidden Markov Model with single output states at the lower level. The invention also receives a series of input text to be processed and labeled with respect to the name classes, and the invention uses the two level Hidden Markov Model to recognize and label instances of named-entity classes in the input text.

Abstract: A method for reducing the time, cost and apparatus required for monitoring the geometry of the oil/water, oil/gas, or gas/water interface in an underground reservoir. By strategically placing sources and sensors, and by fixing the sensors to the solid earth surface beneath the water, and by knowing the velocity fields in the overburden, the changing edges and geometry of the oil may be determined with significantly reduced data gathering. The strategic positions of the sources and receivers is determined by referencing to the known geometry from past surveys. In addition the velocity of the overburden is known by these prior surveys. In addition, higher resolution of reflectivity areas is achieved by use of sound sources capable of generating higher frequencies compensated for the earth's attenuation and by utilizing long integration times to improve signal to noise ratio. These sound sources can be smaller than prior art sources since they provide directed beams of narrower widths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing vibrational noise generated by the operation of a machine. The machine includes an electric motor that is driven by a drive current generated by a power source. The vibrational noise generated by the operation of the machine induces a waveform in the drive current. An input device monitors the waveform of the drive current and quantifies the induced waveform. A signal processor translates the quantified waveform into a control waveform. A control device adds the control waveform to the drive current, thereby reducing the vibrational noise generated by the machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fast reconfiguration of tree switches. In particular, on-chip parallel control signals are time staggered so that they track the propagation of data or information bits. As a result, it is unnecessary to stop the flow of data bits from the data inputs to the data outputs during the reconfiguration of the tree switch.

Abstract: An emergency call originates from a cellular radiotelephone (20) and communicates through one of A-side and B-side cellular systems. Upon receipt of the call, the cellular radiotelephone (20) is assigned a temporary substitute Mobile Identification Number (MIN) (100) by the receiving A-side or B-side cellular system MTSO (33). Upon termination of the emergency call, a call-back to the cellular radiotelephone (20) is routed to both of the A-side and B-side MTSOs (100), using the substitute MIN (100), by the Public Switched Telecommunications Network (36). Both A-side and B-side MTSOs (100) issue a page order message to cellular radiotelephone (20) by transmitting to the MIN (74). Paging order confirmation messages (78), conveying the MIN (74), are evaluated for a match with a unique Electronic Serial Number (76).

Abstract: In the stereo radiographic system, an electronic x-ray image detector is exposed, through a three dimensional object to be viewed, with x-rays successively from two points separated by a preselected angle. The respective signals generated by the x-ray image detector during the successive exposures are digitized and stored. A video display is driven to generate, on successive frames, alternating images based on respective ones of the stored signals and the eyes of a user viewing the display are alternately occluded in synchronism with the alternation of the images thereby to provide to the user a stereoscopic densitometric view of the three dimensional object.

Abstract: An optical index switch including curved ridge waveguides. The cladding around the waveguides is selectively etched to produce tightly curved optical switches.