Abstract: A system for accessing broadcast SMS messages over a wireless communication system. A base station transmits SMS messages periodically and aperiodically over a broadcast channel. The base station allocates periodic slots in the broadcast channel for each of the subscriber services providing the SMS messages and transmits slot parameters to mobile units. Using the slot parameter information, the mobile units periodically wake up to scan the broadcast channel. The period for each category of broadcast SMS messages may be different and the period may apply to a single broadcast channel. Messages arriving aperiodically can be queued and transmitted in pre-scheduled broadcast channel frames. Messages with inter-arrival interval greater than the specified transmission period are simply repeated.

Abstract: Mobile unassisted dormant handoff in a wireless communication system supporting packet data communications. While in a dormant mode, a mobile node may change packet zones, wherein different packet zones are serviced by at least one different infrastructure element, without identifying the change to the system. The change in packet zone does not necessarily trigger establishment of a communication path for the mobile node until there is packet data ready for communication. In one embodiment, mobile assistance is adapted to the system, and is disabled at the mobile node by an indication in a system parameter message transmitted by the system and received by the mobile node.

Abstract: A drinking-fluid dispenser includes an uprightly oriented bottle having an open end and a close end. Mounted inside the bottle adjacent the open end is a valve connected to a float by an actuating arm. There is also a pressure-vent unit insertably disposed near the open end of the bottle for maintaining atmospheric pressure above the fluid inside the bottle. During normal use, fluid extracted out of the bottle is replendished by an external fluid source which is in fluid communication with the bottle through the valve. The valve in turn is controlled by the float which buoyantly floats on the fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for accessing supplementary services from a wireless device in a multi-mode environment is disclosed. A master set of service codes for the multi-mode environment is provided. The master set of service codes is associated with supplementary services offered by a plurality of wireless networks that are compatible with the wireless device. At least one service code from the master set of service codes is mapped to a corresponding at least one network-specific service code to request at least one supplementary service of one of the plurality of wireless networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a favored transmission slot for communicating non-voice data in conjunction with a voice-data communication. The slot, reflecting a favored power level and transmission rate for transmitting the non-voice data on a supplemental channel, is selected based upon the transmission power levels for voice-data transmitted by a base station to a remote station on a fundamental channel. The favored transmission slot is selected without the remote station messaging information to the base station concerning frequency channel or interference information for the supplemental channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a favored transmission slot for communicating non-voice data in conjunction with a voice-data communication. The slot, reflecting a favored power level and transmission rate for transmitting the non-voice data on a supplemental channel, is selected based upon the transmission power levels for voice-data transmitted by a base station to a remote station on a fundamental channel. The favored transmission slot is selected without the remote station messaging information to the base station concerning frequency channel or interference information for the supplemental channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting analog fax calls between two wireless subscriber stations in a tandem configuration are presented herein. To support the tandem configuration, full duplex communication may be established between the two base stations. Full duplex communication may be realized by incorporating an echo canceler in the base station, or by utilizing both BFSK channels of the V.21 fax system for communication. The tandem configuration may also be supported by advanced flag synchronization, wherein a second base station will immediately start sending preamble flags to a first base station after a message is transmitted from the first base station to the second base station. The first base station may then synchronize its receiver for immediate receipt of the return message from the second base station.

Abstract: A system and method for performing base station initiated call setup is provided. A base station initiated call setup may be utilized to establish a test call, to deliver a packet data services call to a subscriber unit, or to reactivate a dormant packet call. The base station transmits a BS Service Request message to the mobile switching center, requesting initiation of the call. The mobile switching center will authorize the call if the call to be set up is directed to a subscriber unit located within the service area of the base station and if the service option to be used is authorized for the particular subscriber unit. The mobile switching center will allow or disallow the call depending on the state of the subscriber unit. The mobile switching center transmits a BS Service Response message to the base station, conveying the result of processing the BS Service Request message.

Abstract: A switching-mode power converter includes input and output circuits. A transformer having primary and secondary windings which are respectively coupled to the input and output circuits. The secondary winding has two end terminals respectively connected to first and second switches. The first and second switches are also joined together at a common node. The secondary winding also has a mid terminal. A filter circuit is disposed between the mid terminal and the common node. The first and second switches are controlled by complementary control circuits which selectively allow current to orderly pass through the filter circuit via the switches during the forward rectification, resetting, and freewheeling modes of operation of the power converter.

Abstract: A drinking-fluid dispenser includes a bottle disposed on a dispenser base. Mounted inside the bottle is a valve proximally connected to a float by an actuating arm. The valve is positioned above the fluid inside the bottle and is connected to a continuous-flow fluid source. During normal use, the float which buoyantly floats on fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle. There is also a pressure-vent unit having an orifice and is disposed through the bottle above the bottle fluid to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the bottle.

Abstract: A switching-mode power converter includes input and output circuits. A transformer having primary and secondary windings which are respectively coupled to the input and output circuits. The secondary winding has two end terminals respectively connected to first and second switches. The first and second switches are also joined together at a common node. The secondary winding also has a mid terminal. A filter circuit is disposed between the mid terminal and the common node. The first and second switches are controlled by complementary control circuits which selectively allow current to orderly pass through the filter circuit via the switches during the forward rectification, resetting, and freewheeling modes of operation of the power converter.

Abstract: A power converter includes a transformer disposed between an input circuit and an output circuit. The transformer has primary and secondary windings coupled to the input and output circuit, respectively. Current passing through the input circuit is sensed and fed to a RC (Resistance-Capacitance) circuit which generates a signal proportional in magnitude to the output current sourcing out of the output circuit.

Abstract: A drinking fluid dispenser includes a bottle disposed on a dispenser base. Mounted inside the bottle is a valve proximally connected to a float by an actuating arm. The valve is positioned above the fluid inside the bottle and is connected to a continuous-flow fluid source. During normal operation, the float which buoyantly floats on fluid, closes and opens the valve, respectively, when the fluid rises and falls inside the bottle. There is also a pressure vent with an orifice disposed through the bottle and above the bottle fluid to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the bottle.

Abstract: A power distributing mechanism includes a regulating circuit disposed between at least two circuit portions. The regulating circuit has bifilar-wound windings electrically coupled to the circuit portions. In a first embodiment, the two circuit portions withdraw power from two separate power sources. The regulating circuit, in response to power withdrawn from the power sources passing through the circuit portions, proportionally allocates the withdrawn power between the circuit portions. In a second embodiment, the two circuit portions withdraw power from a single power source. The two circuit portions serve as redundant reliability backup to each other. In the event of circuit failure in one of the circuit portions, the regulating circuit in response to the failure proportionally allocates power to the remaining functioning circuit portion.

Abstract: A power conversion arrangement includes a transformer disposed between an input circuit and an output circuit. The transformer has primary and secondary windings coupled to the input and output circuits, respectively. Current passing through the input circuit is sensed and detected by a detecting circuit which generates a signal proportional in magnitude to the output current sourcing out of the output circuit.

Abstract: A power distributing mechanism includes a regulating circuit disposed between at least two circuit portions. The regulating circuit includes bifilar-wound windings electrically coupled to the circuit portions. In a first embodiment, the two circuit portions withdraw power from two separate power sources. The regulating circuit, in response to power withdrawn from the power sources passing through the circuit portions, proportionally allocates the withdrawn power between the circuit portions. In the second embodiment, the two circuits portions withdraw power from a single power source. The two circuit portions serve as redundant reliability backup to each other. In the event of circuit failure in one of the circuit portions, the regulating circuit in response to the failure proportionally allocates power to the remaining functioning circuit portion.

Abstract: A valley-fill power factor correction circuit includes a rectifying circuit connected to a charge storage circuit. There is a voltage doubler circuit disposed between the rectifying circuit and the charge storage circuit. The voltage doubler circuit performs the function of filling the normally truncated input current waveform. As arranged, the input current waveform can be substantially maintained with less distortion resulting in a Fourier transform in compliance with the IEC specifications. The valley-fill circuit of the invention is capable of achieving a high power factor.

Abstract: A MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) structure is fabricated by first forming a plurality of trenches in a semiconductor substrate which includes a major surface. The trenches are then lined with insulating material and thereafter filled with conductive material. The process of filling the conductive material in the trenches normally involves an over-etching step for preventing any residual material remaining on the major surface. The over-etching of the conductive material in the trenches alters the evenness of the major surface and presents a problem for the later angular ion implantation of the source layer. As a consequence, the source layer formed includes asymmetrical source segments which generates nonuniform threshold voltage and punch-through tolerance in the MOSFET structure. The inventive method provides a spacer layer to compensate for the unevenness of the major surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a power MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) device on a semiconductor substrate with reduced masking steps is disclosed. In the first method, the reduced masking steps are arranged in an optimal sequence in which the gate layer is patterned first as a self-aligned mask. The gate layer includes a plurality of gate segments separated by spacings. An active mask for defining active body regions is then patterned in the spacings of the gate layer to form a combination mask. Using the combination mask as a shield, body and source regions are ion-implanted into the substrate. During the formation of the active mask, remnant material of the active mask adheres to the boundaries of the gate segments to form a spacer layer which is utilized to alleviate the cell-to-cell encroachment problem due to the side diffusion effect of the body and source regions.

Abstract: A MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) cell array formed on a semiconductor substrate includes a major surface formed with a plurality of MOSFET cells. Each semiconductor cell in the cell array is geometrically configured with a base portion and a plurality of protruding portions extending from the base portion. The base and protruding portions define a closed cell boundary enclosing each semiconductor cell. The closed cell boundary of each semiconductor cell is disposed on the major surface proximal to and in geometrical accord with the corresponding cell boundaries of other adjacent semiconductor cells in the cell array. As arranged, the cell boundary and thus the channel width of each cell is extended without any concomitant reduction in cell area.