Abstract: A system for and method of powering an electric-powered device associated with a vehicle is described that utilizes an adapter that receives current from an energy-converting cell and the vehicle battery. The adapter may forward current to the device from either one or a combination of the two current sources thereby charging or operating the device.

Abstract: A method and system for notifying a non-published customer of a telephone network the number and possibly the identity of callers who have been attempting to obtain their non-published number from directory assistance. When a calling party calls for directory assistance, it is determined whether the telephone number sought is a non-published. If so, the call is forwarded to a service package application on a service node where at least a telephone number, and preferably also the name, of the calling party is obtained. A notification call is then placed to the non-published customer and the customer is provided with at least the telephone number and possibly the name of the calling party.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool (10) for testing fuel injectors (50) and their driver circuits (IDM), including associated wiring harnesses, in a fuel injection system of an engine in a motor vehicle. The tool has a driver-connection port (16) for connection to the driver circuits and an injector-connection port (18) for connection to the fuel injectors via jumper wiring harnesses. The tool can perform 1) a fuel injector test, by connecting an ohmmeter to the tool to measure injector coil resistance, 2) a driver-injector test, by connecting an oscilloscope to the tool to observe traces of electric current waveforms applied to the fuel injector, 3) a driver circuit test, by connecting the respective driver circuit to a load that simulates the load imposed by the respective fuel injector, and 4) a cylinder contribution test, by selectively disconnecting certain fuel injector actuators from their driver circuits while leaving the remaining fuel injector actuators connected to their driver circuits.

Abstract: A medical dispatch system comprises a dispatch processing system for processing service repair requests from customers and a work list generated by the dispatch processing system that includes an indicator that a customer is under a medical maintenance plan. The work list indicates that residential customers under the medical maintenance plan will receive a higher priority over other residential customers not under the medical maintenance plan. A technician processing system is coupled to the dispatch processing system utilizing a communications network. The technician processing system receives the work list from the dispatch processing system and displays the work list of service repair requests. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A framework for representing metadata in a common access repository. According to one embodiment, wherein the metadata is loaded into the repository from a source system, the system includes a first scanning module for scanning the source system for first set of metadata that describes a first state; a loading module for loading the first set of metadata into the repository; a first state description for the first set of metadata in a fixed state; and a user interface for accessing the metadata.

Abstract: Data is dynamically routed between first and second locations. An attempt failure ratio is obtained for each of several data paths capable of providing a data link between the first and second locations, where such ratio represents a proportion of failed linkages by the data path to all attempted linkages by the data path between the first and second locations. A revenue value is also obtained for each data path, where such value represents an amount per unit generated by a successful linkage by the data path between the first and second locations. A comparative income value is then computed for each data path, where such value is a product of the attempt failure ratio for the data path and the revenue value for the data path. Routing information is then selected for routing the data between the first and second locations based on the comparative income value for each data path. The routing information may be employed to route the data by way of at least one of the data paths.

Abstract: A method for notifying an internet browser user of an incoming telephone call is performed by intemet call notification software residing on the user's computer and software residing within a telephone network. A user selects the location of the internet notification software as a home page for the browser. The home page prompts the user for activation of internet call notification. If the user requests internet call notification, the software transmits an internet protocol address to the telephone network. The network then stores the internet protocol address for the user. When a call is made to the user, the telephone network accesses a database to retrieve the stored internet protocol address. The network then transmits a message to the user's software to notify the user of the incoming call. The software displays a window containing information about the telephone call. If the user chooses to accept the call, the software closes the browser and connects the telephone call to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for validating a credit card over a wireless network. The apparatus includes a gateway for sending a credit card validation reply message to a wireless device in response to receiving a credit card validation request message from the wireless device, the request message including credit card information for identifying a credit card to be validated.

Abstract: A power converter with high efficiency, low component count, and high step down conversion capability. The converter has a full bridge circuit connected to a pair of buck output circuits. The full bridge circuit and buck circuits are not isolated. In one embodiment, a transformer is connected between the full bridge and buck circuits without providing isolation. In operation, the transformer is operated as an autotransformer, which results in reduced voltages and currents applied to the switches. As a result, the present invention is capable of reduced switching losses, lower output voltage and other benefits. The present invention also includes an embodiment having coupled inductors instead of a transformer. Also, the present invention includes embodiments having additional parallel buck output circuits for higher power and higher current capability.

Abstract: A method of visualizing data including displaying wheels, which represent functional units of a system, wherein each wheel is subdivided into segments collectively representing a process within the functional unit, identifying at least one communications pathway, connecting a hub of each of the wheels to the communications pathway, rotating the wheels around the communication pathway, periodically noting rotational positions of the plurality of wheels, and correlating the rotational positions with the timing of information that is transmitted via the communications pathway as the information passes one or more of the wheels.

Abstract: A wireless telephone backup device for landline telephone equipment that may be located on the customer side of the landline service connection, typically in a restricted access location, such as an attic, basement, or utility closet. An interconnection circuit in the backup device detects service interruptions in the subscriber's landline connection and, in response, powers on a wireless communication device to provide backup telephone service to the customer premises equipment. The interconnection circuit also provides the other features standard landline telephone service, including dial tone, ring voltage, and normal dialing for outgoing calls. The backup device also forwards incoming landline calls to the wireless unit in the backup device, and may send a message notifying a maintenance center of the service interruption. Further, the backup device may initiate an indicator in an alarm system at the site of the customer premises equipment to notify the subscriber of the service interruption.

Abstract: A failure response method is provided. The method includes preparing a bridge having an address of a telecommunication system for common access by a predetermined group of resources, sending an alpha communication communicating the telecommunication system address to the predetermined group of resources, coordinating the resources through the bridge to correct the failure, and sending a final message to the predetermined group of resources by the telecommunication system when the failure has been corrected. A failure response system is also provided. The failure response system includes a storage device containing contact data for a predetermined group of resources to be utilized when responding to a failure and an address of a telecommunication system for common access by the predetermined group of resources.

Abstract: In an illustrative method for providing enhanced SONET network analysis, data related to the structure of a SONET network is identified, for example, in a database. The data comprises details regarding the network elements that form the SONET network as well as data regarding how the network elements are interconnected to form the SONET network. From the identified data, the nodes comprised in the SONET network are identified. Similarly, the plurality of communication links located between the identified nodes are retrieved from the data. Using the information identifying the nodes and plurality of communication links, a graphical representation of the SONET network is generated. In the graphical representation of the SONET network, nodes may be represented, for example, with a plurality of lines extending radially from a common point. Communication links between nodes are represented by lines that extend between the radial lines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, a fuel injector or a fuel injection pump of a fuel injection mechanism includes a plunger with an upper helix whose angle changes between points on the plunger that correspond to an idle throttle position and a full throttle position. As such, injection timing is optimized, and engine emissions are reduced.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a flexible-bladder air spring to a mounting plate. A first end-plate of a flexible-bladder air spring has a retention projection fixedly attached to it and the retention projection defines a retention recess into itself in directions parallel to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring. A mounting plate is abutted against the first end-plate and the retention projection mounted to the first end-plate is disposed within a projection recess defined in the mounting plate. A retention pin extends through a pin recess defined through the mounting plate and the retention pin extends into the retention recess defined by the retention projection attached to the first end-plate of the flexible-bladder air spring.

Abstract: A calling party dials a called party, a no-answer status is received, and the called number is automatically redialed at intervals until receiving an answer status or reaching a maximum limit. Prompting a user for redial options may be included. A called party may be requested to select connection before the call is connected to the calling party.