Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a voice call to a PSTN extension for a networked client computer, and routing the voice call off of the network, is provided. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a storage medium having stored therein a plurality of programming instructions for implementing a set of communication services for facilitating establishment of the voice call to the PSTN extension, and an execution unit, coupled to the storage medium, for executing the plurality of programming instructions. The set of communication services include services for receiving a Push-To-Talk™ request from the networked client computer, requesting the voice call, and in response, determining the PSTN extension. The Push-To-Talk™ request includes identification information of an originating web server of the Push-To-Talk™ option, and the determination of the PSTN extension is made in accordance with the originating web server's identification information.

Abstract: A method and circuit are presented for an all-optical format independent preprocessor that processes an arbitrary optical input signal by converting a NRZ signal to a PRZ signal, or if the input optical signal is RZ, by merely amplifying it. The method involves subtracting a delayed copy of the signal from the original, thereby effectively doubling its frequency, and inserting a pulse at each transition of the original signal, whether rising or falling. In a preferred embodiment this stage is implemented via an integrated SOA in each arm of an asymmetric interferometric device. The asymmetry consists of a delay element in one arm. In a preferred embodiment the entire device is fabricated on a semiconductor substrate, allowing for compactness as well as minimization of interconnectivity losses and overall power consumption. The output of the preprocessor, having a significant frequency component at its original clock rate, can then be fed to a clock recovery stage for all-optical clock recovery.

Abstract: A baseball mitt having a construction such that the mitt's front and back shells, internal padding member(s), and its web-type panel, create four peripheral padding zones. Two of the peripheral padding zones closest to, and on either side of, the web-type panel, are greater in thickness then the thickness of the mitt at the pocket, but are smaller in thickness then the thickness of the other two peripheral padding zones that extend down toward the heel of the mitt. The mitt further has a double-hinge assembly to facilitate easier folding of the mitt around a caught baseball. The mitt also has at least one extra finger hammock for securing at least two fingers and a thumb of the user of the mitt. In addition, the mitt has a stress wedge located so as to protect the soft web portion of a user's hand located between the index finger and thumb of the user's hand, along with the remaining palm of the user's hand.

Abstract: A presently disclosed network oriented multiprocessing system, concentrated into a small space, uses a LAN (local area network) emulation protocol to transmit data packets directly between processing subsystems of the system via a bus connecting the processing subsystems. The processing subsystems and bus thereby constitute components of a virtual LAN defined by the LAN emulation protocol. The system also contains a storage subsystem which is connected to the same bus and is not a part of the virtual LAN. The spatial concentration of the system allows the bus to be operated at a speed sufficient to enable the processing subsystems to share access to the storage subsystem via the bus for retrieving stored information immediately relevant to program processes being executed in respective processing subsystems.

Abstract: A method and system for AO3R functionality is presented. The system includes an AO2R device followed by an AOCR clock recovery module and an AOR retiming device. The AOR retiming device takes as input a recovered clock signal extracted from the output of the AO2R by the AOCR clock recovery module. The output is the recovered clock signal gated by the regenerated and reshaped input signal, and a monitor circuit is used to set the optimum operations of the retiming device. In a first embodiment the output of the AOR retiming device is fed to an AOC code and wavelength conversion output stage, which returns the signal to the NRZ coding, on a service wavelength converted to match the fixed wavelength connection with the DWDM transmission system. In a second embodiment the code conversion is incorporated into the AOR retiming device, and wavelength conversion is accomplished in the AOCR clock recovery device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a voice call to a PSTN extension on behalf of a networked client computer, and routing the voice call off of the network, is provided. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a storage medium having stored therein a plurality of programming instructions for implementing a set of communication services for facilitating establishment of the voice call to the PSTN extension, and an execution unit, coupled to the storage medium, for executing the plurality of programming instructions. The set of communication services include services for soliciting inputs from one or more other apparatuses on one or more operating characteristics associated with the establishment and support of the voice call to the PSTN extension, and selecting one of the solicited apparatuses to place the voice call to the PSTN extension.

Abstract: A method and circuit are presented for the all optical recovery of the clock signal from an arbitrary optical data signal. The method involves two stages. A first stage preprocesses the optical signal by converting a NRZ signal to a PRZ signal, or if the input optical signal is RZ, by merely amplifying it. In a preferred embodiment this stage is implemented via an integrated SOA in each arm of an asymmetric interferometric device. The output of the preprocessing stage is fed to a clock recovery stage, which consists of a symmetric interferometer that locks on to the inherent clock signal by using the second stage input signal to trigger two optical sources to self oscillate at the clock rate. In a preferred embodiment the second stage is implemented via SOAs integrated in the arms of an interferometer, with two DFB lasers as terminuses. The output of the interferometer is an optical clock signal at the clock rate of the original input.

Abstract: A method and circuit are presented for the all optical recovery of the clock signal from an arbitrary optical data signal. The method involves two stages. A first stage preprocesses the optical signal by converting a NRZ signal to a PRZ signal, or if the input optical signal is RZ, by merely amplifying it. In a preferred embodiment this stage is implemented via an integrated SOA in each arm of an asymmetric interferometric device. The output of the preprocessing stage is fed to a clock recovery stage, which consists of a symmetric interferometer that locks on to the inherent clock signal by using the second stage input signal to trigger two optical sources to self oscillate at the clock rate. In a preferred embodiment the second stage is implemented via SOAs integrated in the arms of an interferometer, with two DFB lasers as terminuses. The output of the interferometer is an optical clock signal at the clock rate of the original input.

Abstract: A method and circuit are presented for an all-optical format independent preprocessor that processes an arbitrary optical input signal by converting a NRZ signal to a PRZ signal, or if the input optical signal is RZ, by merely amplifying it. The method involves subtracting a delayed copy of the signal from the original, thereby effectively doubling its frequency, and inserting a pulse at each transition of the original signal, whether rising or falling. In a preferred embodiment this stage is implemented via an integrated SOA in each arm of an asymmetric interferometric device. The asymmetry consists of a delay element in one arm. In a preferred embodiment the entire device is fabricated on a semiconductor substrate, allowing for compactness as well as minimization of interconnectivity losses and overall power consumption. The output of the preprocessor, having a significant frequency component at its original clock rate, can then be fed to a clock recovery stage for all-optical clock recovery.

Abstract: A method and circuit are presented for the all optical recovery of the clock signal from an arbitrary optical data signal. The method involves two stages. A first stage preprocesses the optical signal by converting a NRZ signal to a PRZ signal, or if the input optical signal is RZ, by merely amplifying it. In a preferred embodiment this stage is implemented via an integrated SOA in each arm of an asymmetric interferometric device. The output of the preprocessing stage is fed to a clock recovery stage, which consists of a symmetric interferometer that locks on to the inherent clock signal by using the second stage input signal to trigger two optical sources to self oscillate at the clock rate. In a preferred embodiment the second stage is implemented via SOAs integrated in the arms of an interferometer, with two DFB lasers as terminuses. The output of the interferometer is an optical clock signal at the clock rate of the original input.

Abstract: In concentrated multiprocessor systems conforming to the presently disclosed modular architecture, a host processor and plural client processors are packaged in a single box containing a high speed (short length) bus connecting all of the processors, and data storage resources via the bus. The bus may be of a type commonly used in contemporary single computer systems; e.g. one conforming to PCI specifications. The host processor and associated resources are mounted directly on an integrated circuit motherboard containing the bus and card connectors attached to the bus. The card connectors removably receive integrated circuit cards containing individual client processors. In one embodiment, client processors are configured to be used as workstations or PC's—in a residence, office or small factory environment—relative to users and accessories remote from the system enclosure.

Abstract: A rule construction and application technique is disclosed wherein atomic rules are used alone or in combination with template rules in order to construct complex rules. The complex rules may be stored and/or applied to objects, and may also be used to generate further rules. A domain agent is disclosed that acts to operate between the object and the rule.

Abstract: A fault tolerance call processing system is disclosed. The fault tolerance at the server level is achieved by shadowing between primary functional components and standby functional components running on a plurality of processors accommodated on several CT servers. The fault tolerance at resource level is achieved by allowing reallocation of resources from any circuit boards and platforms to process a call.

Abstract: A flexible baseball glove is provided. The glove comprises front and back shells which are joined together both along the periphery of the glove and selectively at internal portions of the glove, in such a manner as to form a finger portion, a heel portion and a thumb portion thereof. A web-type panel is disposed between the finger portion and thumb portion and at least two finger stalls and one thumb stall are formed within the glove, between the joined front and back shells. A first finger stall of the at least two finger stalls is closed, so that fingers of the users hand cannot be received into that stall. The glove also comprises first and second hinge assemblies located along the heel portion, wherein one of the hinge assemblies is closer in proximity to the thumb portion of the glove, while the other hinge assembly is closer in proximity to the finger portion of the glove.

Abstract: A system and terminal for facilitating a “virtual presence” allows users on a communication network to simply begin speaking through other users. A system immediately detects the destination party's name, and begins routing the audio signal to a particular destination without any noticeable call set-up. Additionally, the system performs pitch corrected speed control in order to allow the detection and processing of a speech pattern without causing delay to an end user.

Abstract: An automatic film insertion device automatically unwinds a predetermined amount of plastic tubing from a roll, measures the required length, cuts and automatically inserts the cut piece into the mouth of filled pharmaceutical bottles. In one embodiment, a set of rollers receives a sheet of tubing, which is passed to a mandrel that opens the tubing. A guillotine cuts the tubing, and the tubing is pushed by a plow into a receiving member. The tubing is held inside the receiving member via friction until a plunger pushes the tubing out of the receiving member and into the bottle. The plunger then forces the tubing to buckle and remain in the bottle. In a second embodiment, the receiving member comprises a reciprocating tube attached to a shuttle cylinder. During the film advance portion of the cycle, the tube is positioned under a film feed station adjacent a cutting assembly. The film is fed vertically downward by rollers into the receiving member and cut.

Abstract: A method of processing a call in which two or moreindependent application may simultaneously process a call. Upon detection of an event indicating that one or more of the applications are inapplicable, the inapplicable applications are simply discontinued.

Abstract: A buffer receives packets of data, and places them in appropriate locations such that they are read out after varying delays. Late arriving packets are assigned a negative delay, and if too many packets are late arriving, the system begins reading out the late arriving packets from a different location in storage, rather than allowing such late arriving packets to be lost.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for profiling surfaces is provided. The subject apparatus avoids the earlier used constructions of such apparatus in the normally used Fizeau interferometer form, and instead uses a retroreflector (200) located at the end of the optical path (128) of the beam reflecting off of the surface under test (150) in order to achieve alignment-free surface profiling. In addition, in a second embodiment, a second retroreflector (140′) is used to assure a more accurate result. While in yet another improvement, the retroreflector (200) is selectively moveable in relation to the optical path of the beam, to compensate and correct for a shearing effect resulting from the use of variously sized (thicknesses) flats under test.