Abstract: A method and system for broadcasting at least one of a plurality of digitally encoded signals transmitted by a network provider to a plurality of user programmable devices disposed in a single environment. A remote interface unit is coupled to each of the user programmable devices for receiving a user programming from one of the plurality of user programmable devices. The user programming selects one of the plurality of compressed, digitally encoded signals. A common set-top transceiver is operatively connected to each of the remote interface units and the network provider including a first receiver for receiving the user programming from each of the remote interface units and a transmitter for transmitting the user programming to the network provider.

Abstract: A system for providing backup power for a communications system is disclosed. The backup power system of the present invention includes a device for supplying capacitively stored power and a device for monitoring a power level in the communications system. When the monitoring device detects that the power level in the telecommunications system has decreased below a predetermined level, the monitoring device directs the device for supplying capacitively stored power to deliver power to the communications system such that no interruption in power is experienced by the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a telephone network apparatus for performing speech recognition services in a telephone system in substantially real time. The apparatus uses a telephone channel signal to determine the echo delay of a telephone channel and then uses this delay to configure an echo cancellation filter for use in performing speech recognition. Use of echo delay in configuring the filter allows the echo cancellation function to be done using much less computational time than would be needed without its use, thereby granting a speech recognition unit greater access to a resident microprocessor to perform its function in substantially real time.

Abstract: A call screening service and system are disclosed for a telephone switching network. The call screening service provides a service subscriber with a number of call screening features that are subscriber setable via an automated call screening configuration subsystem internal to the telephone switching network. In particular, the call screening service allows the subscriber to set multiple call screening service activation schedules as well as to set both call screening activation and deactivation timers for immediately activating and deactivating the call screening service, respectively. An important aspect of the present invention allows the subscriber to deactivate the call screening service for a time and at the expiration of this time, the call screening service automatically reverts to using any schedules the subscriber has set for activating the call screening service.

Abstract: A user interface for use in a mobile telephone handset which includes static visual display means for presenting the status of the mobile telephone and other services accessible by the user. The interface further includes dynamic visual display means for presenting a plurality of context sensitive function labels. A plurality of fixed-labels signaling keys and soft-label signaling keys are also provided in electrical communication with the static and dynamic visual display means. The soft-label signaling keys are operative to access the displayed function labels relevant to the current context of the user interface. A method is further disclosed which includes the provision of a mobile telephone handset as described above, as well as the steps of viewing the static and visual displays to obtain instructions as to the status of the mobile telephone, the availability of telephone functions and whether fixed or soft-label signaling keys should be utilized.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of spurious energy on a bus based network. The device identifies the subscriber location which is the source of spurious energy and includes disconnection capability to remove that subscriber location from the network.

Abstract: An interdiction device and method to jam or delete selected video and telephony signals. The interdiction device includes amplifiers and forward couplers to prevent the telephony signals from appearing at other undesired subscriber locations on the network.

Abstract: A low-cost, easy-to-manufacture and easy-to-use switch enclosure is described. The switch enclosure is comprised of a housing having an interior cavity, an operator opening and a conduit opening. The operator opening permits an external operator to mechanically communicate with an electrical switch, while the conduit opening allows a plurality of external wires to electrically connect to the switch. A cover plate, joined to the housing, encloses the interior cavity.

Abstract: A device is presented which converts longitudinal motion in a first axis to longitudinal motion in a second axis. The device is comprised of a push-rod having an inclined plane. A probe engages the inclined plane causing said push-rod to longitudinally move in the first axis when said probe moves longitudinally in the second axis.