Abstract: A method is provided for determining whether the state of a telecommunications switch (110) is adequate for a software upgrade or retrofit. A report stream of text messages relating to the state of, and events occurring on, the telecommunications switch is stored (200) by a server (102). Predetermined messages are detected in the report stream, including messages indicating hardware errors, alarms and other errors (202). The predetermined messages have a numerical value associated therewith (204). The numerical value reflects a probability of failure of a retrofit if the message is detected. As the predetermined messages are detected, their numerical values are accumulated into an accumulated value (206). The time period the report stream covers is determined and compared against an expected time (216). If the time period covered by the report stream does not exceed an expected time, then a determination regarding suitability for upgrade may not be reliable (222).

Abstract: A server (102, 204, 208) communicates with a modem, computer or other data communications device (104) to provide, for example, an information delivery service. The server produces multiple channels of data for delivery. The server uses multiple telephone lines to create a high-speed communications channel when necessary. Suppressed ringing connections are made from the server to facilitate data communications over the multiple lines of the multiple channels of data produced by the server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for even SLS code distribution is provided. SLS codes are assigned to signaling links that connect signaling nodes in a telecommunications network. The SLS codes determine a physical link used for routing messages in the network. Each link has a nominal set of SLS codes, which provide for even SLS distribution when all links are available. When a link is unavailable, its nominal SLS codes are reassigned to an available link. When an unavailable link is restored, the nominal SLS codes for the restored link are allocated to the restored link (302). Then a determination is made of the desirable number of SLS codes each available link should have for even SLS distribution (303). Any links that have more than the desired number of SLS codes for even distribution have the number of SLS codes assigned to that link reduced by allocating the excess SLS codes to a buffer (305, 308).

Abstract: An electrically operated actuator (12, 112, 212, 312, 800) automatically operates dead-bolt assemblies and other locks, while preserving manual operation of the locks. The actuator assembly has rotating means for rotation of the drive bar (18), which in turn extends or retracts the bolt (14) of the lock. The rotating means may be a lever (28, 128, 238, 328, 438, 818) attached to the drive bar (18) that is pivotable about the axis of rotation of the drive bar (18). The actuator assembly has driving means that forces the rotating means to rotate. The driving means is responsive to an electrical signal, which, for example, may be initiated from a remote-controlled transmitter (502, 602). The driving means may include a motor (20, 120, 220) for rotating a rod (22, 122, 222, 322) that in turn operates an assembly that rotates or drives the rotating means.