Abstract: A computerized cooker is described which sequentially enters numerous food items into various cooking pots and introduces liquid ingredients as well. Food is cooked in accordance with a specified computer program.

Abstract: A technique for minimizing the number of users which must dial training digits in a voice processing system. The system uses the first digit normally dialed as part of the user responses to the voice processing application, and measures such digit to determine whether it and future digits can be detected accurately without the use of a training digit. If they can, no training digit is required. If they can't, then a training digit is required, and the user is prompted for the same.

Abstract: A computer terminal is disclosed which allows enhanced local configurability by permitting the user of the terminal to display information received from a remote host in a variety of ways which may be customized by the user without any programming efforts. Specifically, the terminal recognizes each screen of information downloaded from the remote host, and processes that screen in a manner easily definable by the user. This includes translation of literals to other languages, as well as "look and feel" attributes, such as color, etc.

Abstract: A technique for utilization of call processing resources in a call processing system is disclosed wherein echo characteristics of a telephone line ascertained and utilized by a echo canceler, and are also stored for subsequent use by a different echo canceler which processes a call on that same telephone line. The technique may also be used with call processing resources other than echo cancelers.

Abstract: A technique for allocating resources in a call processing system is disclosed whereby different levels of resources are allocated depending upon the available headroom in the system. The technique allows advanced and better performing signal processing methods to be used when the system is relatively idle, and acceptable but less robust algorithms to be used when system loading is heavy.

Abstract: A method of allowing independent call processing resources to work together in a call processing system by specifying conditions/action pairs. The technique arms specified resources to issue particular commands upon detection of the particular conditions. When the condition occurs, the armed resource issues the command and an acting resource acts upon the command. The application program no longer need be involved in mediating between resources.

Abstract: An improved conferencing protocol is disclosed wherein users telephone a predetermined number and enter any conference identifier arranged among themselves. Users entering a common conference identifier are connected with one another.

Abstract: A fuel filter comprises of a adapter and a filter element within a can. The adapter provides a series of valves which are opened and closed by the attachment and detachment of the filter, thereby preventing spillage from the fuel pump when the filter is removed for replacement.

Abstract: A tone blocking system and method for use preferably in conferencing systems in order to prevent control tones from being transmitted to other conferees is disclosed. The buffer length used to process the signal and detect tones is varied, being increased when a tone is suspected to allow for sophisticated tone detection algorithms, and being decreased when silence is present by trimming the silence away. The technique minimizes delay, and its degrading effect on echo, but nonetheless provides for a lengthy buffer required to do reliable tone detection. The invention is applicable to any signal other than tone as well.

Abstract: A technique for insuring the integrity of documents such as, for example, letters of credit, contracts, etc., wherein groups of possible entries are linked to one another. When an entry from a particular group is placed in a first field, it requires entry of an element from a particular other group in one or more other fields. By checking the entries in each field against entries in other fields, inconsistences are eliminated.

Abstract: An improved hat holder is disclosed wherein a body comprises a plurality of slots based upon by a distance equal to a width of a hat brim. A plurality of hats are conveniently stored by inserting the brim into the slot, and folding down the portion of the hat that sits on top of user's head.

Abstract: An improved surgical staple is disclosed wherein predetermined regions of the staple legs are weakened to cause bending and deformation of said legs in a controlled manner. The staple provides a uniform compression of a tissue into which it is inserted.

Abstract: In a voice processing system, a voice detection algorithm is disclosed wherein the sensitivity is adjusted based upon whether or not tones (e.g.; DTMF) are presently being received. In an additional embodiment, the adjustment is made only when the voice processing system is in a predetermined mode.

Abstract: A magnetic disc cartridge includes two sets of opposing ribs arranged on opposite sides of the cartridge so that each rib of one set of ribs is skew with respect to each rib of the other set of ribs. The ribs exert pressure on both sides of a rotating medium via wiper elements, which sandwich the medium, so as to clean debris from both sides of the medium while maintaining medium planarity in a region defined between the two sets of opposing ribs. Optionally, each rib of the one set of ribs may cross perpendicularly with respect to each rib of the other of the sets of ribs.

Abstract: A computer terminal is disclosed which allows enhanced local configurability by permitting the user of the terminal to display information received from a remote host in a variety of ways which may be customized by the user without any programming efforts. Specifically, the terminal recognizes each screen of information downloaded from the remote host, and processes that screen in a manner easily definable by the user. This includes translation of literals to other languages, as well as "look and feel" attributes, such as color, etc.

Abstract: A fiber optic sign and method of making the same are disclosed. A plurality of fibers are arranged to form a design, preferably by a template, and are then bonded together into a block of glue, epoxy, rubber, or other castable liquid. Arrangement of the fibers is accomplished by placing them on a template and vibrating them until they fall through holes in the template.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing DTMF tones and supervisory tones in a call processing system to adjust parameters for future tones and/or speech. The tones initially received are analyzed to determine characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio, twist, signal level, etc. Processing parameters for future tones and speech are adjusted based upon the characteristics of a first tone.

Abstract: An improved applicator brush provides a tapered handle portion for lifting and separating hair, and a plurality of bristles emanating perpendicularly therefrom. In one embodiment, the brush is formed by connecting a conventional applicator brush through a bore in a tapered handle in order to form the perpendicular connection.

Abstract: A method of simulating a solid wood multipanel door is disclosed. Predetermined portions of the thin sheets of wood which are typically used to construct hollow core doors are cut away. The portions are used to construct artificial door panels, which are replaced into the openings in the hollow core door from which they were cut. Molding is then placed around the artificial door panels. In an alternative embodiment, Wainscott panels may be constructed utilizing the inventive technique.

Abstract: A cross connect network is utilized in order to switch packets of information among a plurality of network nodes. Each of the plurality of network nodes generates a multiplexed data signal, where each multiplexed data signal includes several channels. The cross connect network routes the data packets based upon which channel each packet is in when it arrives from the network node, rather than based upon the address in each packet. Thus, the need to read the address and switch the packet at each switching stage in the cross connect network is eliminated.