Abstract: A method and system to obtain test information regarding an advanced service in a telecommunications system. A communication associated with identification information including a test indicator such as a test calling line number is received. The processing of the communication is paused while instructions are obtained regarding an advanced service. In obtaining instructions, the test indicator is recognized. In response to the recognition, test information is obtained regarding the advanced service. The test information is associated with the communication and may be substituted for the test indicator in the identification information. After association, the processing of the communication is resumed so that the advanced service is applied to the communication. In particular, the communication is routed with the test information through the telecommunications system. The test information may be displayed on a calling line ID unit or otherwise obtained at a terminating unit.

Abstract: A local router interface couples a conventional facsimile device to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to communicate with a remotely located facsimile store and forward facility (F-SAFF) to perform a host of improved facsimile service methods, including a never no answer or busy send (NNABS) method, a never no answer receive (NNAR) method, a private facsimile method, a will call facsimile method, a pager facsimile method, a facsimile mail method, a facsimile information retrieve method, a facsimile information send method, a facsimile cover method, a facsimile speed cover method, a facsimile broadcast method, a facsimile flexible broadcast method, a facsimile access restriction method, a facsimile conversion method, an urgent facsimile method, and a facsimile addition method. Innocuous call progress monitoring with fast busy detection, post-fax line holding, F-SAFF-to-remote and remote-to-F-SAFF bridging are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking and unlocking mobile telecommunications handsets or other devices is disclosed. Each handset is unactivated at the time of purchase. Other than emergency calls, or account activation, no calls can be made using the handset unless it has been unlocked. The handset is capable of receiving a readable subscriber identity module (SIM) having a network (or other) ID and a codeword, and its operation is to be locked and unlocked with respect to the entity corresponding to the ID on the SIM. Furthermore, the handset includes a processor programmed with a unique equipment identification number and a key. All handsets manufactured as part of a particular batch may include the key, which is burned or otherwise written into a memory area of the handset so that it may not be read without its being destroyed. The handset processor is also programmed to produce a handset-specific key as a function of the equipment identification number and the batch-specific key.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting telephones from vandalism includes a front member for covering the coin box access door plate. The front member includes a pair of apertures or cut outs for allowing access to the coin return slot and to allow the cover for the coin return slot to pivot inwardly. The apparatus may be easily installed on a telephone by removing the upper housing, sliding the apparatus over and around the lower housing of the telephone, and then returning the upper housing to its normally locked position on the telephone. The apparatus protects the telephone from vandalism and larceny without requiring any additional locks. The apparatus may be quickly and easily removed and replaced during the collection process and is preferably comprised of a single piece unit formed of 3/8 inch steel.

Abstract: Video adapter hardware and software permitting the display of computer information and television signals across several display devices. The video adapter hardware includes two graphics user interface accelerators, two television tuners, one or more video decoders, and one or more video multiplexers. Each accelerator is coupled to a memory unit for access to graphics data. One television tuner accepts input from an outside television source, such as a cable television company or a video cassette recorder. In addition, the video multiplexers accept input from other external video sources. Video data is output from the graphics accelerators to multiple screens. Video adapter software displays a tool window allowing the user to select first input for the first display device and a second input for the second display device. The software displays the results of the two inputs on the respective display devices. If the inputs are identical, however, the information may be displayed across both display devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a battery are described in a technique wherein charge pulses are followed by discharge pulses and then first rest periods and other discharge pulses followed by second rest periods. Selected ones of the second rest periods are extended in time to enable a battery equilibrium to be established and the open circuit voltage of the battery to settle down and reflect an overcharging condition of the battery. By comparing the open circuit voltages measured during different extended second rest periods small voltage decreases can be reliably detected and used to determine an overcharging condition such as when gases are generated and affect the open circuit voltage. Once overcharging is detected the battery charging is stopped.

Abstract: Systems for connecting telecommunications infrastructure lines to telephones, handsets, computers, telecopy machines and other end user interfaces or consumer electronics devices in a residence or business. Systems according to the present invention include Network Control Units which form the center of a star topology and which communicate via RF link with Wireless Access Units and handsets. Wireless Access Units feature an interface, such as, for example, a standard telephone jack, for accommodating a telephone, a fax machine, a compute modem or other device. Computers or other devices may also be accommodated by Wireless Access Units having other physical and virtual interfaces, including, for instance, serial ports or network interfaces. The Wireless Access Units may also be digital to accommodate ISDN or any other digital standard.

Abstract: Video adapter hardware and software permitting the display of computer information and television signals across several display devices. The video adapter hardware includes two graphics user interface accelerators, two television tuners, one or more video decoders, and one or more video multiplexers. Each accelerator is coupled to a memory unit for access to graphics data. One television tuner accepts input from an outside television source, such as a cable television company or a video cassette recorder. In addition, the video multiplexers accept input from other external video sources. Video data is output from the graphics accelerators to multiple screens. Video adapter software displays a tool window allowing the user to select first input for the first display device and a second input for the second display device. The software displays the results of the two inputs on the respective display devices. If the inputs are identical, however, the information may be displayed across both display devices.

Abstract: A system and method for activation of an enhanced telecommunication service without a turn-on call by a subscriber. The present invention is described in the AIN environment, where an enhanced telecommunication service is set up for a directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service has an active state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is applied to calls received for the directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service also has an inactive state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is not applied to calls received for the directory number. The first call is directed to the directory number, where the enhanced telecommunication service is in the inactive state. A no answer condition from the directory number is detected with respect to the first call. In response to the detection of the no answer condition, the enhanced telecommunication service changes to the active state.

Abstract: A process and system is disclosed for determining automatically and dynamically the correct time segment during which a switch or components of a switch receive peak traffic from a communications network. The process collects traffic data regarding the usage of a selected switch or selected switch components. The traffic data is collected over a selected journalling period (e.g., 30 days), which is periodically updated with new traffic data to maintain a journal of the most recent 30 days of collected traffic data. Collected traffic data is filtered to remove aberrant or corrupting data. An average peak usage segment for all of the segments of the journalling period is selected from the remaining filtered traffic data. By regularly adding new data to and removing old data from the journal, the resulting moving window will reflect recent changes in peak usage. Regularly (e.g.

Abstract: Telescoping rigid frame/scissor conveyors with suspension structures to accommodate less than totally flat surfaces, and for easy and ergonomic repositioning. Such conveyors are formed of a plurality of telescoping frame segments which may be positioned at any number of desired nested/unnested configurations. The frame segments bear a lazy tong or scissors conveyor structure which assures uniform roller spacing, and rollers positioned at one height along the conveyor rather than at different heights for each frame segment. The conveyors are adapted to bear greater weight than conventional lazy tongs conveyors, but contain suspension systems in order to conform to irregularities in factory and warehouse floors and slabs and for easy movement.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing billing information and maintaining original calling party information when providing an enhanced communication service. A communication is received from a first network element and directed to a feature access code. In connection with the communication, a string of data is received containing call information for correction of parameters of a call structure. In response to receiving the communication directed to the feature access code, the string of data is manipulated within the parameters of the call structure based on instructions provided by a database, whereby original calling party information located in the call structure is retained and billing information is ultimately synchronized with an associated subscriber.

Abstract: Casing spacers for isolating carrier pipe mechanically, galvanically, and chemically from pipe casings. The spacers may be attached using fasteners to pipe joint restrainers or other ring structures which encircle carrier pipe. The spacers are more efficient to install in the field, provide robust mechanical structure and physical stability which does not degrade over time, provide additional protection to the pipe joints, and, because they may be attached to conventional structures instead of requiring an integral ring structure for encircling a pipe, alleviate the distribution and inventory problems encountered by conventional systems in which the casing spacer runners are attached to an integral ring structure which must conform to the carrier pipe size and the casing inner diameter.

Abstract: A runout compensator is provided that angulates a face surface by adjusting two members whose mating surfaces have been machined to slant relative to the central axis of each member. A first member has a shaft over which slides the second member so that the mating surfaces of each member come into and are maintained in contact. Rotating the second member about the shaft of the first member varies the angulation of a face surface. Correctly adjusting the runout compensator, which is attached to a lathe, and a load plate assembly providing biasing to hold the workpiece between itself and the runout compensator, allows the workpiece to be firmly held in the angled position needed to compensate for the runout in the workpiece as the workpiece is turned upon a lathe.

Abstract: A tape correction plate and method of using the correction plate to correct for lateral runout of a disc brake rotor is described. The tapered correction plate is installed between the hub and brake rotor of an automobile such that the thinnest portion of the correction plate is aligned with the angular position on the hub and rotor corresponding to the maximum lateral runout. The mounting geometry of the correction plate may include any one of a number of configurations including circular openings, slotted openings having a smooth or gear-like perimeter, or an outer perimeter defining a gear like shape or open-ended "half slots." Each type of mounting geometry is suitable for mating with existing lug patterns while enabling adjustment of the angular orientation of the correction plate with respect to the hub and rotor. The correction plate may also consist of one washer or a number of washers with appropriately varying thicknesses that are arranged to correct runout.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.