Abstract: Option-equippable apparatus such as a computer that is not fully equipped with option circuit boards (14) has filler boards (15,16) connected to free board slots (13). In one embodiment, the filler boards (15) simulate the effect of circuit boards on airflow and act to evenly distribute the cooling air flow inside the computer cabinet (10) in order to provide improved cooling of the circuit boards. In another embodiment, the filler boards (16) block airflow between filler boards connected to adjacent board slots to direct more cooling airflow to any slots equipped with option circuit boards. The filler boards are made of electrically-conductive material (30) to absorb electromagnetic radiation emissions, and are covered with acoustically-absorbent material (33) to absorb sound emissions of the apparatus.

Abstract: This adjunct processor arrangement performs a centralized call screening function to provide computer port access security. Every call origination in the telephone switching system from a calling party to a protected computer port is interdicted by the telephone switching system and routed to the adjunct processor. The calling party receives a series of prompts from the adjunct processor to provide identification information, such as login, password, and voiceprint information. The adjunct processor validates the identity of the calling party using this identification indicia and initiates a callback operation. The adjunct processor disconnects the calling party from the connection, calls the calling party back and then uses the data call transfer capability of the telephone switching system to connect the calling party to the computer.

Abstract: An adaptive expander for telephones reduces the gain of a transmitting amplifier in proportion to the intensity of the background noise. Gain reduction occurs when the user is not speaking into the handset microphone. When the user is speaking, however, the gain of the transmitting amplifier is restored to its normal level. Noise is distinguished from speech via long-term averaging of the microphone output signal, and a circuit that precludes the magnitude of the long-term average voltage from ever exceeding the short-term average voltage. The present invention is used in full duplex arrangements where simultaneous transmission in both directions is possible rather than in half duplex arrangements, such as a speakerphone, where transmission occurs only in one direction at a time.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a processor unit (CPU) connected over a CPU bus to a plurality of memory components, but is not connected to any input-output (I/O) component of the system. The system I/O component(s) connect to the memories over an I/O bus. A method and apparatus is disclosed for selecting one of the memories to be used for communications between the processor unit and the I/O components. Also, a method for determining which I/O components are in the system.

Abstract: A signaling arrangement where all terminal configuration data is stored in a switching system, but where each user terminal responds to a message from the system, defining one of the user terminal buttons as the selected call appearance at the terminal, by operating in a functional signaling mode to communicate with the system using functional messages concerning a call at the selected call appearance. Idle and ringing preference methods for use in terminating calls and auto-drop and auto-hold alternatives for use when moving from one call appearance to another are disclosed as well as methods for holding or dropping calls. Implicit and explicit conferencing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The connector assembly includes (1) a pair of connectors (300,300') for respectively terminating the individual conductors of a pair of multiconductor cables (200,200') and (2) a pair of adapters (500,600) that are respectively electrically connected to the connectors. The adapters come in different configurations and are user interchangeable to permit connection to external connectors having particular configurations.

Abstract: A communication system includes station sets having one or more function enable buttons and a plurality of line access buttons. The function enable buttons include the extension, transfer and send message buttons. Each line select button is associated with a communication line and with the station set associated with that line. Operation of a function enable button initiates the feature associated with that button and also changes the function of a line select button from a line access button to an auto-dial select button for dialing the station associated with the line select button.

Abstract: An antenna support is provided by a molded plastic member comprising a block having a vertical passage therein, a horizontal guideway on the top of the block, and detent instrumentalities associated with such guideway. The support is designed for use with a 40 MHz wire rod antenna shaped by multiple "L" bends therein to have a middle section comprising two horizontal arms normal to each other and, at its extremities, two vertical arms normal to the middle section. The support is assembled with the antenna by passing one of the antenna's vertical arms through the vertical passage in the block, and by seating the horizontal antenna arm adjacent that vertical arm into the support guideway so that such horizontal arm is snap-fittably held in that guideway by such detent instrumentalities. Thereafter, the unit consisting of the antenna and its support is assembled with a printed wiring board so that the support maintains the antenna in a predetermined desired positioning thereof relative to the board.

Abstract: A dynamic gain adjusting arrangement modifies video signals produced by image scanners to achieve high quality pictures. The arrangement compensates for amplitude distortions of the video signal caused by lens vignetting and variations in lighting conditions. The video signals are compensated for these distortions by applying continuous gain adjustment to video information generated by a photosensor and by dynamically changing the gain adjustment parameters on a line-by-line basis according to an input signal reflecting the instantaneous background level.

Abstract: In order to cool heat generating components on an electronic assembly without contamination by particles carried in a cooling gas stream, a cold plate is disposed adjacent the assembly, defining a gap region therebetween. The cooling gas is directed in proximity to the cold plate, dissipating heat transferred from the components to the plate. To enhance overall heat dissipation of the apparatus, an aperture is defined between the gap region and the gas stream, so that a negative pressure is induced in the gap by virtue of the Bernoulli principle. This pressure difference induces convection within the gap, increasing heat flow between the components and the plate, and resulting in overall improvement in heat dissipation. Embodiments in which the gas stream flow is parallel and transverse to the cold plate are described.

Abstract: A power adapter is disclosed for use in connecting electrical power to a telephone station via a cross-connect jack. The power adapter has a plug-end for mating with the cross-connect field and a jack-end for receiving a cross-connect patch cord. The power adapter includes a two-conductor permanently attached power cord. Bent wire technology is used to connect the contacts of the receiving jack with the contacts of the plug while blade insertion technology is used for making contact with the ends of the power conductors.

Abstract: A data communication method and circuitry which uses a compatible subset of a standard high level data link control (HDLC) protocol to control link level communication between a digital terminal and a switch. The use of the subset of HDLC protocol reduces the complexity of the digital terminal design while maintaining communication compatibility with a switch which uses either the standard HDLC protocol or the subset of HDLC protocol.