Abstract: An interactive voice response system (102) includes a protocol interface (134) that is adapted to communicate with a plurality of divergent telecommunications networks for voice communications (104, 106, 108, 110). These networks are, for example, a wireline telecommunications network, a CDMA network, a GSM network, and a voice over IP network. A controller (136) is coupled to the protocol interface to receive a plurality of common call control messages from, and to supply a plurality of common call control messages to, the protocol interface. The protocol interface converts control messages from each one of the plurality of divergent telecommunications networks into the plurality of common call control messages for the controller. The controller generates and receives the common call control messages to cause a prompt and collect interaction with a caller that is using a device that is coupled to one of the networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the quality of a speech transmission, including temporal clipping, delay and jitter, using a carefully constructed test signal (300) and digital signal processing techniques. The test signal that is to be transmitted through a speech transmission system (100) is created (700). Then the test signal is transmitted through the speech transmission system such that the speech transmission system creates an output signal that corresponds to the input signal, as modified by the speech transmission system (702). The test signal includes multiple segments (500) of speech signals interleaved with periods of silence. The periods of silence vary in duration according to a predefined pattern. Each segment of speech signals includes multiple predefined speech samples or symbols (400, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414) interleaved with a plurality of silence gaps. The speech samples have a common period of duration, but the silence gaps do not.

Abstract: A stackable riser section having a single side wall having a first open end defined by an edge and a second open, channel end. The riser section includes a plurality of bosses extending to the first open end and connected to an interior surface of the sidewall by narrow webs. A channel, on the channel end of one riser is adapted to receive the bosses of a mated riser. A wall defining the boss receiving channel has a plurality of slots with at least a portion defined by parallel edges. The slots receive the webs that connect the bosses to the riser sidewall. The bosses are wider than the portion of the slots defined by the parallel edges. The slotted wall includes thickened wedge portions to snugly fit with the first open end of another riser section. A cover is disclosed that includes the same channel end to coact with the first open end of a riser section.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a spout having a flange to a preformed hole in an open-ended container. The apparatus comprises of an applicator system and a mandrel. The applicator system is able to translate a linear motion to an arc motion. The mandrel is attached to the applicator system. The mandrel is adapted to releasably engage the spout.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for employing electrical properties of water to indicate the level of filtered water in a filtered water container. The container is fitted with a hopper that holds unfiltered water. The hopper is fitted at its base with a removable and replaceable filter cartridge. Water is filtered by draining through the filter medium contained in the filter cartridge into the lower portion of the container. The water level in the filtered water container is monitored by means of one or more water level detector strips in the hopper or in the lower portion of the filtered water container. The detector strips are in electrical communication with a detection circuit and a control unit. The control unit uses the detection strips to monitor water level and uses such data to track filtered water consumption and to determine when the filter cartridge should be replaced.

Abstract: A method for backing up and recovering data in a hard disk, used to back up data in the hard disk, including the following steps: partitioning a segment in the hard disk as a data backup area; backing up the partition status and at least one partition data needed to be backed to the data backup area; and locking the data backup area to forbid other application software or operation system to access it. The present invention can backup and recover the data in the hard disk safely and reliably and also can ensure the safety of the backup data.

Abstract: A symbol synchronizer (100) is provided for a software-defined communications system (10). The symbol synchronizer (100), when integrated into either a pre- or post-detection diversity signal combiner (108, 208), enables highly accurate signal synchronization with minimal added system complexity. The symbol synchronizer (100) includes a single complex sliding window-matched filter (102) for filtering an input digital signal with a match filtering function based on predetermined signal transfer function characteristics to average out receiver noise from the signal. A signal delay bank (84) includes a plurality of delay blocks each for delaying the digital signal filtered by the single matched filter for a predetermined number of samples. A complex correlator (88) correlates the digital signal filtered by the single complex sliding window matched filter (102) and delayed by the complex correlator (88) with a correlator reference signal, and selects an index of a path having a peak correlator value.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes multiple point light sources housed in a reflector housing. The reflector housing diffuses the light produced by the point light sources to emulate a linear light source. Power supplies are provided to energize the light sources, to control heat generation and energy usage, and to provide thermal protection.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for implementing signaling link redundancy in IP networks. Two ASPs are created for the same AS in the host at the IP network side, and all user adaptation protocols share ASPSM and ASPTM messages so that the states of the two ASPs can become active and inactive respectively, thus to implement two signaling links for serving the same traffic. When switch is initiated, SCTP association can be closed by using “graceful close”, and the SCTP itself will make sure to send out all the data remaining in its buffer and its higher-layer applications will also send subsequent data in order after learning the remaining data are all sent out, thus sequential delivery for the data can be guaranteed. This method can avoid data loss and disorder, and the speed for switch can be ensured because the backup link will be notified immediately after the data on the primary link are sent out.

Abstract: An intelligent shelving system uses touch sensors to operate power-operated, adjustable shelves. Touch sensors also are used as limit switches to control shelf motion, to monitor the encroachment of shelved items on shelves, to detect spills, and to control other related devices and functions, such as shelf lighting. Display units are provided to provide information relating to objects stored in the shelving system and to the operation of the shelving system.

Abstract: A switch panel includes one or more touch responsive switch devices and an integrated decorative fascia. Both the switch devices and decoration are applied to the same substrate, eliminating the need for a separate user interface panel. Each switch device can include one or more electrodes and a circuit for inducing an electric field about the electrode(s) and responding to disturbances to the electric field.

Abstract: A knowledge-based hierarchical method for detecting regions of interests (ROIs) uses prior knowledge of the targets and the image resolution in detecting ROIs. The result produces ROIs that contain only one target that is completely enclosed within the ROI. The detected ROI can conform to the shape of the target even if the target is of irregular shape. Furthermore, the method works well with images that contain connected targets or targets broken into pieces. The method is not sensitive to contrast levels and is robust to noise. Thus, this method effectively detects ROIs in common real world imagery that has a low resolution without costly processing while providing fast and robust results.

Abstract: A shock absorber (1), in particular for bicycles, has a first cylinder (2a) with a fluid chamber (3a) filled with a transmission or damping medium. An outwardly leading piston rod (6) with piston (5a) for receiving the shocks to be dampened is borne axially displaceable in the first cylinder (2a). A second cylinder (2b) that has a fluid chamber (3b) filled with the transmission or damping medium and an air- or gas-filled gas pressure chamber (4b). The fluid chambers (3a, 3b) of the first and second cylinders (2a, 2b) communicate with one another via a communicating channel (7). At least a third cylinder (3c) [sic] with an air- or gas-filled gas pressure chamber (4c) and a fluid chamber (3c) filled with the transmission or damping medium is provided.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad, an electric field generated about the touch pad and also having a preferably integrated and local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch switch apparatus also having at least one of an input circuit portion for providing input signals to a decision circuit, swamping capacitance, active blocking devices, peak detector circuits, and a dual connection output latch circuit portion.

Abstract: A panel, such as a component carrier or substrate, is provided with one or more penetrations. A light source associated with a surface of the panel and the corresponding end of each penetration provides light to the interior of the penetration, which guides the light to the other end of the penetration and corresponding surface of the panel. The penetration can be coated with a reflective material to improve its performance as a light guide. Alternatively or additionally, the penetration can be filled with a refractive material. A diffuser can be provided to diffuse light exiting the penetration. The light sources provides light to selected penetrations on demand such that the penetrations function as displays or elements of a display.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for an air control device that reduces the noise associated with operation of solenoid coils. The invention employs one or two solenoid coils mounted in a frame and attached to a fixed plate. An armature, located inside the solenoid coils, is connected on opposite ends to two movable plates which rest on top of the fixed plate. Energizing a solenoid coil moves the armature, which moves the movable plates relative to the fixed plate. Apertures in the plates are provided to control air flow through the plates. The assembly includes sound dampeners to impede the movable plates from making contact with the frame, thereby reducing the amount of noise associated with operation of the solenoid coils.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for employing electrical properties of water to indicate the level of filtered water in a filtered water container. The container is fitted with a hopper that holds unfiltered water. The hopper is fitted at its base with a removable and replaceable filter cartridge. Water is filtered by draining through the filter medium contained in the filter cartridge into the lower portion of the container. The water level in the lower portion of the container is monitored by means of one or more water level detector strips in the lower portion of the container. The detector strips are in electrical communication with a detection circuit and a control unit. The control unit uses the detection strips to monitor water level and uses such data to track filtered water consumption and to determine when the filter cartridge should be replaced.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.

Abstract: A hardware resource identifier (19) recognizes hardware resource dependencies in a multi-channel communications system. Initially, system communications domains (D1-D4) in which system hardware resources are located are identified. Next, managed hardware resources, hardware resource groups and hardware resource group boundaries among the system hardware resources are identified. Association labels are then assigned to the system hardware resources to identify relationships, if any, between the system hardware resources and external hardware, to discern redundant resources within respective ones of the hardware resource groups, and to characterize dedicated coupling between individual ones of the system hardware resources.

Abstract: An interactive occlusion system, including software and hardware, for the treatment of amblyopia using virtual reality or other physically interactive or perceptually immersive three-dimensional or two-dimensional computer generated simulations, in which the patient's occlusion compliance and usage time during occlusive and non-occlusive periods can be precisely recorded and the patient's visual acuity can be accurately measured to be provided to the clinician, as well as the capacity for entering prescriptions and treatment plans for individual patients and restricting individual access to that patient's prescription and treatment plan while allowing non-occlusive operation of the system after the prescribed occlusion time or for non-patient users.