Abstract: A digitally sampled spread spectrum signal is received, despread, and accumulated at a center frequency lower than the sampling rate and higher than zero.

Abstract: An operating system independent distributed self-contained dynamic logic system is disclosed. The dynamic logic system enables EO functionality in small edge routers or programmable switches which serve a small population of users instead of the rather large population typically served by a 5ESS or DSM100 central office switch. A disclosed method provides the capability for EO switch enhanced functionality that is programmable from a remote location The dynamic logic system may be implemented across several elements, including a subscriber database called a Service Control Point (SCP), a computer called a Service Management Point (SMP) for controlling and distributing programmable logic to implement EO features, and an Edge Switching Point (ESP) for interacting with a physical device (telephone/data endpoint). The dynamic logic system may be introduced at the “intercept” layer between the physical edge switching point device, typically a telephone interface, and a routing network.

Abstract: A transmitter to transmit data from an end-point includes a reference oscillator; a low pass filter coupled to the reference oscillator; a modulation filter to provide an over-sampled modulated signal; a synthesizer coupled to the low pass filter and the modulation filter; and a sine wave generator coupled to the synthesizer.

Abstract: The electronic chip (10) comprises an interface (11) enabling it to communicate with a terminal and a processing circuit (13) capable of performing processing when the chip communicates with the terminal. A time base circuit (18) is connected to the processing circuit (13) for generating a first signal (SI) during at least one given moment if processing has not yet been completed at said moment. A restart signal (SR) is transmitted to the interface in response to the first signal with the purpose of indicating to the terminal that the chip is still operating.

Abstract: A connector device for connecting a smart card to a computer comprises a receptacle having an upwardly facing opening for receiving the card. The receptacle contains spring contacts which establish electrical contact with the card contacts, and which serve to connect the card contacts to the computer, and is provided with a projection adjacent the opening to facilitate one-handed withdrawal of the card from the receptacle.

Abstract: A dynamic transaction network having multiple management stations, one or more terminals, and one or more databases is disclosed. The dynamic transaction network is capable of adding and removing network hosts (terminals, databases, and management stations) in real-time while continuing to service transaction requests. In addition, the dynamic transaction network is capable of transferring database fragments from a source database to a target database in real-time. In response to a transaction request from a caller, the terminal accesses information stored in a corresponding database via dynamic transportable logic. The dynamic transportable logic derives the location of relevant information in the database from input characteristic(s) of the transaction request.

Abstract: A Hall effect sensor or device may be used in a variety of embodiments, such as measuring current within an associated conductor by helping to measure flux density within a gap of a ferromagnetic power meter core, such as in a power meter. A high linearity interface for a Hall effect device is provided for minimizing offset effects without using complicated electronic circuits. Hall effect device is characterized by first and second opposing surfaces, first and second device inputs, and first and second device outputs. A substrate is layered adjacent to one of the first and second opposing surfaces of the Hall effect device and is electrically connected to an output pin of the Hall effect device to eliminate any effects caused by asymmetry of the voltage appearing in the channel relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a large network of switching end-points to route calls by time of day and day of week over a packet switched network (ATM or Voice over IP). The preferred management mechanisms determine circuit and location availability and include means for removal and replacement of circuits from network-wide service, even in a private, packet-switched network. In an automatic call distribution environment, the method is an economical and efficient process for facilitating a caller's ability to access users in workgroups wherein the users utilize either wired or wireless communications tools. Users are chosen via a rule-based selection process including access to a database of users, caller-screened information, and circuit and location availability.

Abstract: An improved inner component board arrangement and corresponding assembly for an electric utility meter is disclosed The enhanced structure offers comprehensive stability and protection of circuit boards and corresponding electronic components within an integrated meter assembly. The arrangement generally includes at least two printed circuit boards housed in a casing structure. Various projections extend from the casing structure to effectively position and secure the printed circuit boards within an overall component assembly, Specific projections employed for positioning the circuit boards include tapered locator pins and respective mating holes as well as key projections that interconnect with slots located in selected circuit boards. Snaps project from casing components to securely constrain the circuit boards within the component assembly. Established orientation of various components and projections significantly facilitates the meter assembly process.

Abstract: “A Hall effect sensor or device may be used in a variety of embodiments, such as measuring current within an associated conductor by helping to measure flux density within a gap of a ferromagnetic power meter core, such as in a power meter. A high linearity interface for a Hall effect device is provided for minimizing offset effects without using complicated electronic circuits. Hall effect device may include a substrate, first and second device inputs, and first and second device outputs. The substrate of the Hall effect device may be connected electrically to an output pin of the Hall device to eliminate any effects caused by asymmetry of the voltage appearing in the channel relative to the substrate. The net effect of the high linearity interface is to eliminate any adverse effects to linearity of the system, especially at low magnetic flux levels where the output voltage of the Hall device would be relatively small compared to the offset voltage levels involved.

Abstract: An integrated structure that offers improved casing for an electric utility meter is disclosed. The improved structure uses a minimum number of parts required for proper functionality of a meter casing, and excludes the use of screws, clips or other additional parts that make meter disassembly a tedious procedure. The meter casing generally includes a baseplate, at least two inner covers for housing and protecting electronic components for an electric utility meter, an outer cover, and pluralities of projections extending from the covers for interconnection of casing components and stabilization of the integrated casing structure. The various electronic components of the meter generally include electronic circuit boards and current transformers. The various projections enable snap-fit connections between the baseplate and an inner cover, between inner covers, and between inner covers and an outer cover.

Abstract: In general, a call rating and debiting system provides a way of rating and debiting complex debit card calls. The system estimates the time when a subscriber's balance will expire by using total charges for all calls for a given time period. Estimation is performed by accounting for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call, reserving time for all calls up to a latest paid for time, estimating remaining time before a subscriber's balance reaches zero, based upon a remaining balance achieved after the system accounts for time already paid for, reserving a minimum continuation time for adding a new call and reserving time for all calls up to the latest paid for time, and setting a time limit for all calls in accordance with any portion of the aforementioned. An alternative embodiment of the system allows a subscriber's account balance to be automatically increased after the balance decreases past a predefined minimum.

Abstract: A method of communicating data in a system having a plurality of transmitters each adapted to transmit a radio signal, and a receiver situated at a distance from the transmitters to receive and process the signals transmitted by the transmitters, information for transmission being subdivided into N-bit symbols, the method consisting in: giving a numerical value to each symbol; and compressing the data using a CHIP encoding technique in which the values of the symbols are transposed to an encoded value having x digits in a base B, each digit subsequently being represented in the form of n chips, the base B, the number n of chips, and the number x of digits for an encoded value satisfying the following conditions: B≦2&ngr; and 2N≦B&xgr;  so that the total number of chips x.n representing the coded value is less than 2.N.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid meter comprising a measurement chamber in which a spinner is caused to rotate about an axis and pivots, at least at low liquid flow rates, on a support in alignment with the axis. The pivoting motion takes place via a ball that is free to rotate between two concave surfaces each having a radius of curvature that is greater than the radius of curvature of the ball. One of the concave surfaces is tied to the spinner, whereas the other surface is secured to the support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluidic oscillator that is symmetrical about a longitudinal plane of symmetry, the oscillator comprising an opening enabling a fluid to enter into an “oscillation” chamber in the form of a two-dimensional fluid jet oscillating transversely relative to said plane of symmetry, an obstacle occupying the major portion of said oscillation chamber and possessing a front wall provided with a cavity situated facing said opening and swept over by the fluid jet in oscillation, wherein two side walls extend on either side of the opening and form a nozzle inside the oscillation chamber extending towards the obstacle and having a longitudinal dimension that is less than the distance between the opening and the front wall of the obstacle.

Abstract: A morphological survey of geological formations traversed by a borehole includes constructing, from an initial image of the wall of the borehole representative of variations in a physical parameter of the formation in the longitudinal direction of the borehole (“depth”), and in the peripheral direction of the borehole wall (laterally), a “crossing-component image.” The cross-component image includes only those components of the parameter that extend all the way across the initial image from one side of the image to the other. The survey includes determining variations in one or more attributes relating to the parameter in the crossing-component image as a function of depth. The variations providing information relating to morphology to indicate solid zones, bedded zones, or different types of heterogeneous zones, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus provides drain passages in an annular channel in the lip of a metal container for fluids. A metal or plastic support is shaped as an annular ring. Each punch of a plurality of metal punches has a corresponding base and point. The base of each punch is integrally connected to a front face of the support such that each point projects perpendicularly to the front face and in a common direction parallel to an axis of the annular ring. The punches are spaced so that each point can be aligned simultaneously with the annular channel of the metal can. The rear face of the support comprises a surface for driving the punches through the annular channel and creating fluid drain passages in the channel. The support can comprise a spoke-configuration having spokes extending from a hub. The base of each punch is integrally connected to extend from a corresponding spoke.

Abstract: Measuring the propagation time of a sound signal between two spaced-apart transducers disposed in a fluid flow involves determining the zero-crossing of the signal. Each received sound signal is sampled and digitized, then for each period of the sampled and digitized signal the maximum amplitudes P− and P+ of the two lobes of the period under examination are determined. The ratio of the amplitudes are compared to an ideal amplitude ratio between the maximum amplitudes Pi− and Pi+ of two lobes of a first ideal characteristic period. The first zero-crossing of the characteristic oscillations of the signal is determined. And, as a function of the result of the comparison relative to a threshold value Gs, the period under examination is accepted or ignored as a characteristic period. The zero-crossing thereof is determined or not determined between the two lobes of the characteristic period.

Abstract: An improved technique for determining the thickness of a member, especially pipe such as fluid-filled casing in an earth borehole, includes the following steps: directing a pulse of ultrasonic energy toward the inner surface of the pipe, and receiving and storing, as a function of time, signals representative of ultrasonic energy reflected from the inner surface of the pipe; determining, from the stored signals, the arrival time of the initial echo from the inner surface; determining, from the stored signals, the arrival time and the amplitude of a first candidate initial echo from the outer surface of the pipe; performing a reverse search on the stored signals to determine, from stored signals at times earlier than the arrival time of the first candidate, the arrival time and the amplitude of a second candidate initial echo from the outer surface; comparing amplitudes of the first and second candidates, and selecting, based on the comparison, one of the first and second candidates as the actual outer surface