Abstract: In a communication system for communicating on at least one channel group, a demodulator is disclosed. The channel group has at least one forward channel and at least one return channel, where a central station transmits data over the forward channel to a plurality of terminals at a forward data rate, and transmissions by each terminal to the central station are performed on any one of the return channels at a return data rate. The demodulator comprises a burst demodulator that demodulates received, discrete signaling packets of information over the return channels. The demodulator also comprises a message demodulator that is responsively connected to the burst demodulator, such that when the message demodulator is activated, the burst demodulator becomes deactivated when the return channel operates in a messaging mode. Thus, a feature of the demodulator is that it is a dual function demodulator that functions either as a burst demodulator, or as a continuous or message demodulator.

Abstract: A method of playing a modified twenty-one card game by at least a dealer includes the steps of placing a wager awarded when the player bets that the dealer will score at least one of a predetermined number of dealer outcomes, and playing the twenty-one game. The method also includes the steps of determining the score of the dealer, and comparing the score of the dealer to the predetermined number of dealer outcomes bet by the player. The player is awarded responsive to the wager and a coincidence between the dealer score and one of the predetermined number of dealer outcomes.

Abstract: A computer program product stores computer instructions therein for instructing a computer to perform a process of administering or assisting in the administration of resources of a customer for the benefit of a beneficiary. The program product includes a recording medium readable by the computer, and computer instructions stored thereon instructing the computer to perform the process. The instructions and the process include receiving a request from the customer to administer the resources in accordance with predetermined criteria, and storing customer related data associated with the customer. The instructions and process also include determining a predetermined period of time based on an age of the beneficiary at which withdrawals do not incur a tax penalty, and administering the resources in an annuity investment growing tax deferred in accordance with withdrawal criteria, and preventing withdrawal of the resources responsive to the withdrawal criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one optical fiber, device and fiber optic device with a region, and a ferrule with a connection area or aperture. At least one of the region is expanded, and the aperture is contracted, for substantial securing of the region to the aperture of the ferrule.

Abstract: The rear axle suspension system is retrofittably attachable to spaced-apart suspension mountings of an ambulance type of vehicle. The suspension system has an axle bearing arm having a first end that pivotally connects with one of the suspension mountings, and an opposite second end. A complementary arm has a first end that pivotally connects with the other one of the suspension mountings, and an opposite second end pivotally connected to the second end of the axle bearing arm. An axle bracket is secured to the axle bearing arm at or near the second end thereof, to receive the rear axle. A pair of spaced-apart absorber bearing arms downwardly project respectively from the axle bearing and complementary arms and face each other. A shock absorber is mounted between the absorber bearing arms.

Abstract: A read only linear stream based cache for a linear stream based cache system receives data including at least one of voice data, video data, image data and digital data, from a data source and transmits the video data to an application controlling a display for displaying the video data. The cache system includes an application memory storing first data, a cache memory, operatively connected to the application memory, and storing second data, and a data processor, operatively connected to the application and cache memories. The data processor controls the transmission of third data from the data source to the application via at least one of the application and cache memories responsive to an application file request.

Abstract: A priority and preemption method for performing a priority and preemption process includes the steps of satisfying a resource acquisition request from a reserve pool for an external system, and when the resource acquisition request cannot be satisfied from the reserve pool, requesting additional unused frequencies, and when the additional unused frequencies are not available, requesting to preempt active calls. The method also includes the step of replenishing the power and the frequencies received from the frequency controller, the data hub and/or the independent operations controller when the frequencies are no longer needed by the priority and preemption system.

Abstract: In a mobile satellite system, a mobile communication system includes a fraud detection and user validation system and method for commissioning the mobile communication system in the mobile satellite system. The method includes the steps of generating a first input signal by the mobile communication system upon initialization, and transmitting the first input signal from the mobile communication system to the central controller. The method also includes the steps of generating a first security key in the central controller using the first input signal, and generating a second security key in the mobile communication system using the first input signal and transmitting the second security key to the central controller. The central controller verifies the mobile communication system that transmitted the first input signal to commission it in the mobile satellite system. The verification process is responsive to a comparison of the first security key with the second security key.

Abstract: A neural network based data comparison system compares data stored within a database against each other to determine duplicative, fraudulent, defective and/or irregular data. The system includes a database storing data therein, and a pattern database storing pattern data therein. The system further includes a data pattern build system, responsively connected to the database and to the pattern database. The data pattern build system retrieves the data from the database and generates the pattern data formatted in accordance a predetermined patten. The predetermined pattern includes an array having array locations corresponding to each character in a defined character set. The data pattern build system increments a value in each of the array locations responsive to the number of occurrences of each character in the data and stores the array as the pattern data in the pattern database.

Abstract: Fused biconical tapered couplers formed from the pulling of heated optical fibers have controllable coupling ratios by dynamically adjusting the heat intensity and pull speed during fabrication. Fiber coupler fabrication begins by arranging two optical fibers, heating the optical fibers using a heat source a predetermined distance from the optical fibers, and pulling the optical fibers at an initial pulling velocity as the heated optical fibers soften. The heat source is moved away from the optical fibers and the pulling velocity is selectively reduced in response to a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. Changes in the coupling ratio are controlled by selectively reducing the pulling speed and the heat intensity to a point where the pulling of the optical fibers may be halted, and the heat removed, without a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. The coupling ratio may be monitored at different wavelengths for fabrication of wideband couplers and wavelength division multiplexers.

Abstract: A bracing system protects and secures the internal components of a mobile communication system. The bracing system includes an upper housing comprised of a shock resistant material. The upper housing includes a monitor cavity, elevated portions surrounding the monitor cavity and formed in the upper housing, and elastomer sections disposed on the elevated portions. In addition, the upper housing includes a breakage resistant transparent material placed on the elastomer sections and in conformity with the monitor cavity, a display monitor being protected by the breakage resistant material, and a shock absorbing material disposed around the peripheries of the breakage resistant transparent material and the display monitor. The shock absorbing material is mounted to at least one of the breakage resistant transparent material and the display monitor.

Abstract: A method of controlling switching of a tri-state switching amplifier having two switching legs, two switches in each leg, and a load connected to the junction between the switches of each leg, a power supply and a capacitor connected to the opposite ends of each leg, a first pair of the switches defining an idle state in which current circulates through the load and the first pair of switches, a second pair of the switches defining a Charge state in which the load is connected to the power supply and current through the load increases and a third pair of switches defining a Discharge state in which the load is connected to the power supply and current through the load decreases, the method comprising generating a first PWM signal at the beginning of each pulse of a clock signal; generating a second PWM signal when a binary current error signal changes state; generating, at the beginning of each pulse of the clock signal, a Direction signal which is the inverse of the current error signal; and placing the ampl

Abstract: A system for automated production of a fiber optic device includes a chamber regulating an environment and/or atmosphere within for the automated production of the fiber optic device. The system also includes a sealable input port, communicating with the chamber and substantially sealing the environment and the atmosphere of the chamber. The sealable input port receives an optical fiber for insertion therethrough into the chamber. A movable holding stage is included within the chamber, including at least one clamp to be secured to the optical fiber. An energy source is disposed within the chamber, and used to apply energy to the optical fiber. The system also includes a gripping device within the chamber. The gripping device includes a cavity adapted for receiving the optical fiber therethrough and for securing thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one optical fiber device including a region, and a ferrule having an aperture therethrough filled with a metal alloy securing material therein. The metal alloy securing material is softened responsive to application of energy thereto, and the region of the optical fiber device is inserted therethrough for securing to the aperture of the ferrule.

Abstract: An arrangement (apparatus and method) for hermetically sealing a fiber optic device to preserve its optical characteristics. The fiber optic device includes a device body such as an optical coupler or a multiplexer and optical fibers. Aluminum metal seals are formed on exposed regions of the optical fibers to provide an interface between the optical fibers and an enclosure. The metal seals may be formed directly on the optical fibers or by heating and compressing an aluminum sleeve onto an enclosure having an aluminum surface layer. The aluminum sleeve and surface layers melt and deform around the optical fibers, hermetically enclosing the fiber optic device.

Abstract: A method for using a computer to control the manufacture of items in a factory determines when to schedule the manufacture of a new batch of an item or the ordering of a new batch from an outside supplier by comparing an item's reaction capacity with a limit above which the reaction capacity should lie. The limits are computed, on the basis of sales forecasts and bill of materials information, to be limits adequate to meet the forecast need for commercial items produced by the factory. The reaction capacity is recomputed and compared with the limit at a plurality of control dates. In computing an item's reaction capacity, the physical inventory, the pending orders for additional supplies of the item, the unfulfilled customer demand for the item, and the demand for the item from within the factory are all taken into account.

Abstract: A computer implemented system awards promotional incentives. A participant in the awards system calls or connects to an interactive platform for registering and/or redeeming credits preferably described in uniquely identified certificates. In a telephone environment, the interactive platform is connected to a toll free telephone number where a participant's call is handled by a computer controlled voice response unit. In a computer network environment, a computer user connects to the interactive platform over the network. The participant receives awards credits based on the unique identification of certificates. Award credits for a participant are accumulated in a stored record associated with the participant until redeemed. Award credits can also be acquired as an instant winner based on a random or algorithmic selection of callers to receive such credits. Awards include electronic prizes such as free long distance telephone time, electronic cash and/or service credits.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device having at least one exposed region. First and second metal seals bond and/or secure with, and surround, the exposed region of the device. An enclosure seals the device between the first and second metal seals. The enclosure has a first substrate and a second substrate, each with end surfaces including a deformable metal layer. The deformable metal layer seals the corresponding surfaces in response to the application of a compressive force and/or energy to the first and second substrates. The enclosure may be constructed to include a cavity, and/or constructed of relative short length. The enclosure may be used to secure to a portion of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device, and/or may be used to encase a portion or all of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device.

Abstract: A rapid action engagement interface connection system includes a receiver electrically connected to the device under test and including at least one receiver electrical connector. The receiver includes a receiver main body section accommodating the at least one receiver electrical connector. The receiver includes a pivot tab, connected to, or integral with, the lower receiver section of the receiver main body section, first and second guides, connected to, or integral with, the first and second receiver sides, and a locking latch mechanism disposed on the upper receiver section of the receiver main body section. The rapid action engagement interface connection system also includes an interchangeable test adaptor including at least one test electrical connector. The interchangeable test adaptor includes a test main body section accommodating at least one test electrical connector, and a pivot tab receiver, connected to, or integral with, the lower test section of the test main body section.

Abstract: A packet switched multi-mode mobile communication network and fixed and mobile devices for use therewith are disclosed. Each of the mobile vehicle equipment and a base station packet switch are coupled to respective data terminal equipment which generates packet data messages. The packet data messages have message characteristics associated therewith. Each of the mobile vehicle equipment and the base station packet switch have an intelligent switching node incorporated therein for selecting which of a plurality of radio frequency transmission paths to use in transmitting the packet data message to the other of the mobile vehicle equipment and the base station packet switch. Each of the plurality of radio frequency transmission paths has transmission path characteristics associated therewith.