Abstract: Method and apparatus for synchronizing two de/compression modems, e.g. V.42bis modems, in a voice frame network, the modems each being connected with a corresponding gateway to form a corresponding segment, are described. The method includes terminating the physical layer at either end of the corresponding gateways; negotiating at either gateway a physical layer and error-correcting data link layer with the corresponding modem; sending from either gateway to an associated modem in response to any poll command therefrom a not-ready message; signaling the other gateway when physical layer and error-correcting data link layer negotiations have been completed; and when each gateway has signaled the other that negotiations have been completed, halting the not-ready message-sending and sending instead a ready message to a corresponding modem, whereby synchronized compressed and decompressed data transmissions between the modems commences on a reliable transport.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory module. The module includes a nonvolatile memory array and a connector allowing the array to make connection with a host system. A memory controller operates to either create an image of a nonvolatile intermediate memory in response to an imaging request or populate a nonvolatile intermediate memory in response to an installation request.

Abstract: A network device. The network device includes a least one communication port that allows communication with at least one other network device and storage to store a rules database. At least one health monitor module receives an event notification, then accesses the rules database to locate a matching rule for the event notification and perform any tasks determined by the rules database.

Abstract: A memory system. The system includes at least two ferroelectric memory devices arranged sequentially. Each memory device has a data in signal and a data out signal, and the data out signal each memory device is transmitted as the data in signal of the next device in sequence. A system controller generates an initial data in signal for the first memory device. A data bus transfers data between each memory device and the system controller and an address bus provide addressing of the memory devices.

Abstract: A computing device having multiple masters. The device includes a set of masters and at least one target with at least one bus that provides connecting between the masters and the target. A system controller operates to quiesce masters selected from the set of masters in response to an error message. A system error processor handles the error condition after the selected masters have been quiesced.

Abstract: A letter opener includes a main body section and a retractable section having a retaining piece that moves inside the main body section and a cutting arm coupled to the retaining piece configured to insert into a letter when the retaining section is in an extended position and configured to sit against the main body section when the retaining piece is in a retracted position. The letter opener can include a novelty shape formed from the main body section. The novelty shape can include a baseball cap, a basketball, a car, or a football helmet, among others.

Abstract: A projection display system. The projection system includes a light source, illumination optics that are capable of splitting the light from the source into individual color bands, and folding mirrors. The folding mirrors operate to direct the color bands to a reflective element that has a contoured surface. The contoured surface of the reflective element causes the light to form into scanning rasters that are recombined and sent to a spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator is typically made up of a panel of individually addressable elements. If the spatial light modulator requires polarized light, a polarizing beam splitter and quarter-wave plate are included as part of the illumination optics.

Abstract: A method of performing maintenance on a network access server having associated channels carrying incoming digital or analog traffic determines whether maintenance is needed on a network access server and then communicating a busy condition of any unused associated channel from the network access server to the service request switch. Used channels are monitored for existing calls and when the used channel becomes substantially unused as indicated by defined digital and analog signaling protocol a busy condition is communicated from the network access server to the service request switch. An unused channel may be determined by usage falling below a predetermined threshold. Any remaining, existing calls are migrated to other network access servers. A signal is then sent to indicate that maintenance on the network access server can be performed and any new request arriving during a busy condition of the network access server are routed to another network access server.