Abstract: A method and an apparatus for searching code division multiple access pilot signal energies includes limiting a pilot signal window size above a lower limit and only analyzing search result data corresponding to an instructed pilot signal window size. A central processing unit instructs a searcher receiver within a mobile station modem application specific integrated circuit to search for pilot signal energies within an instructed pilot signal search window unless the instructed pilot signal window size is smaller than a pilot signal window size lower limit. In such a case, the pilot signal search window size is artificially designated as the pilot signal window size lower limit to prevent excessive search completion interrupts from over utilizing central processing unit resources.

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: In a synchronous fixed frame boundary system with variable data rates, a transmitter inserts into a current frame an indication of the data rate of the next frame. After the first frame is received and processed at a receiver, the data rates of subsequent frames are known before processing, thereby reducing processing load. Furthermore, because the rate indication is inserted into the frame to be error protected along with the rest of the frame information, reliability is high, while additional data overhead and complexity are very low. As an example, North American code division multiple access digital cellular telephone systems utilize variable data rate transmissions. As a station modem (SM) assembles a current frame for convolutional encoding and further processing, the SM inserts a rate indication for the subsequent frame in accordance with information from a vocoder and CPU of the appropriate data rate for the subsequent frame.

Abstract: A primary outer shell includes, in its most preferred embodiment, a base and a wall which includes at least one embedded foreign object and defines openings into an inner cavity containing a burnable candle member which causes the outer shell to glow and cast shadows without melting. The outer shell is constructed according to a unique molding method which includes at least partially immersing a swollen distensible mold, such as a water-filled balloon, into a reservoir of molding material, such as wax, to allow the molding material to form a molded shell around the distensible mold. After the distensible mold with the attached molded shell is removed from the reservoir of molding material, it is placed upon a flat surface to form a flat bottom into the molded shell.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is connected in reverse to a reference signal and a controlled oscillator loop including a low pass filter and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). Rather than receiving a reference signal through a reference oscillator input and a VCO output signal through a VCO input, the PLL frequency synthesizer receives a reference signal through the VCO input and receives the VCO output signal through the reference oscillator input. Additionally, the output of the PLL is taken from the buffered reference output, thereby eliminating the need for an external buffer. Accordingly, the data loaded into the PLL frequency synthesizer accommodates the reversed input scheme by altering the divide ratios and inverting the phase detector output signal.

Abstract: A system and method has one or more store and forward facilities, (SAFF) each associated with a plurality of subscriber facsimile machines. The SAFF include a computer for controlling operations and mass data storage equipment. A subscriber to the system delivers an outgoing facsimile message to the SAFF with which it is associated, which records the fax message, together with data as to originating facsimile machine and destination facsimile machine. The SAFF then delivers the facsimile message to the intended receiver facsimile machine, either directly or through another SAFF. If unsuccessful on an initial attempt, the SAFF periodically retries to send the facsimile message. The system also provides spooling of all facsimile messages for an intended receiver machine, which are all spooled upon connection with the receiver machine. Subscriber mailboxes are provided as part of the mass storage, which can be accessed by a subscriber to have his messages delivered to any facsimile machine he designates.

Abstract: A hinged locking mechanism for use, in its most preferred embodiment, on an existing storage door hasp assembly, which hinged locking mechanism includes a case element hinged to a frame element having two frame pins for insertion into shank apertures defined by flange members of the existing hasp assembly. The case element includes a lock and a frame cavity for selectively concealing the frame element and the flange members.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a cellular carrier frequency for accessing cellular airtime services based upon a list of preferred system identification codes (SIDs). A cellular telephone is programmed to accept into memory a list of preferred SIDs corresponding to carriers through which service is preferred. While any SID remains in a preferred list, the standard A/B system selection function is replaced by a substitute system selection function which includes only three carrier selection modes including the Home Only mode, the SID Only mode, and a Roam Saver mode. With the Roam Saver carrier selection mode, the cellular telephone first prefers service through a home carrier and then through a carrier broadcasting a SID matching a SID on the preferred list, but never denies service to emergency or non-emergency destinations if any SID is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the area and concentration of radioactive contamination on surfaces, objects and personnel is capable of automatic adjustment without intervention by an operator, providing for self-calibration and avoiding the need for periodic calibration, source checking and maintenance by personnel. The apparatus is comprised of one or more position sensitive proportional counters coupled together to act as a single counter. A computer based acquisition system is used to collect the time, energy and position of an ionization event that is caused by the contamination. Collimated radiation sources are located inside of each position sensitive proportional counter. These sources act as stable artifacts in the position and energy spectra that the device acquires as a function of time. The computer continuously adjusts parameters such as detector high voltage, amplifier gain and discrimination to keep the count rate, energy and position that the system measures for these check sources constant.

Abstract: An intelligent alerting and locating communication system includes a centrally located scanner which communicates with a plurality of remotely located receivers to continuously monitor conditions through a plurality of detectors associated with each receiver, including smoke detectors and motion detectors, and through personal radio transmitters. Each detector detects an off-normal state in a monitored condition and makes an indication that is sensed by at least one receiver which stores the occurrence in memory. Each radio frequency transmitter emits a unique coded signal which is received by one or more receivers. If the coded signal is in a valid format, the coded signal is stored in memory. If the coded signal matches a unique code assigned to that receiver, a matched code signal is generated and also stored in memory.

Abstract: A product roll includes, in its most preferred embodiment, a cylindrical core defining a core central passage for receipt of a dispenser spindle and including a core outer surface and a core inner surface, a roll of product coaxially wound around and attached to the core outer surface, and a rotation retardant attached to the core inner surface for retarding rotation of the product roll with respect to the dispenser spindle. Alternate embodiments include a cylindrical core with an adhesive filler as one component of the core mass, a multi-layered core having an inner layer defining friction-increasing projections and indentations, and a core insert with a strong outer adhesive for relative stationary engagement with the core and a weak inner adhesive for impeding rotation of the core and core insert assembly.

Abstract: A shortened unitary golf tee includes a pointed base portion for insertion into the ground and a hollow body portion for receiving a golf ball. The body portion includes a side wall defining an inner cavity and a ball receipt surface which surrounds a first aperture extending into the inner cavity. The side wall also defines a second smaller aperture, or vent, extending through the side wall into the inner cavity. Regardless of the location of the second aperture, if air is allowed to flow freely into the inner cavity, it is thought to minimize the effects of depressurization between the golf tee and an accelerating golf ball departing the golf tee so that the golf tee tends to remain stationary and the golf ball retains more momentum from the golf club.

Abstract: A remedial prophylaxis for carpal tunnel syndrome to provide for the decompression of the structures of the carpal tunnel by using a glove having finger holes for the fourth finger and thumb and a tensioning strap for circumscribing the palmar and dorsal regions of the hand to hold the first and fifth metacarpal regions of the hand in fixed opposition to each other to effect a reducing of the stretch of the transverse carpal ligament and the deepening of the carpal tunnel for relieving the compression force on the median nerve without reducing the manual dexterity of the hand.

Abstract: A facility which, in its most preferred method and apparatus embodiments, enhances facsimile communication through a public switched telephone network between a sender at a transmitting facsimile machine and an intended recipient at a receiving facsimile machine by providing sender-based store and forward services which help ensure confidential, timely delivery of facsimile information through, for any particular facsimile transaction, analyzing sender facsimile bitmapped image data to confirm billing availability and recognize a notification facsimile telephone number and a confirmation facsimile telephone number, transmitting generated notification facsimile data to a facsimile machine at the notification facsimile telephone number to produce a notification report providing notification of pending, available confidential facsimile data, transmitting sender facsimile data to a receiving facsimile machine during a telephone call from an intended recipient at the receiving facsimile machine upon receiving a va

Abstract: A method for detecting both separated and non-separated edge cracks on a travelling product, such as a continuous paper web, and the like, and an apparatus for performing the invented method. The method includes directing air onto a travelling product with sufficient force to separate non-separated edge cracks and utilizing an optical signal device to detect edge cracks in the travelling product. A preferred embodiment of the method includes directing two streams of air toward opposite surfaces of the travelling product to effectively separate the non-separated edge cracks and orienting the optical device so that the direction of emitted optical signals forms an angle other than a right angle with the direction in which the product is travelling. The air used to separate the non-separated cracks is also directed across the optical signal device to prevent the build-up of foreign particles, thus improving the integrity of the method.

Abstract: A modular plug and cover therefor includes a plug body having an insert portion and a rear portion having an indentation. The rear portion receives a cable for connection to the insert portion. A cover for the modular plug is of a substantially rectangular configuration having an open end fitting over the rear portion of the plug body. The cover portion is engageable with the plug body such that an enclosed space is defined between an end of the rear portion of the plug and an opposing inner wall of the cover. The cover is further provided with a tapered projection on an inner surface thereof which corresponds to the location of the indentation and an access opening through which a cable connected to the modular plug is passed. The cover portion may also be engaged with the plug in an inverted state to change the direction in which the cable is oriented.