Abstract: The present invention provides a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to standard frequencies so as to permit for signals to travel via existing wiring which the present day amplifiers can transport in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to standard frequencies so as to permit for signals to travel via existing wiring which the present day amplifiers can transport in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a satellite system that will permit for signals of two different frequencies and polarities to be transmitted simultaneously over the same cable. The system will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. The satellite system of the present invention includes a satellite dish or antenna that receives signals. These received signals are transmitted to a converter. A head-in frequency processor is coupled to the converter. This head-in frequency processor enables the different frequencies and polarities to be transmitted simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. This single coaxial cable is coupled to a head-out receiver processor which is connected to a receiver. This receiver is connected to a TV or other source. This unique design and configuration provides for a system that will permit satellite broadcast reception in locations that are not in the line-of-sight path of the satellites.

Abstract: The programmable device connects an initiating telecommunications device with a destination telecommunications device through one of a plurality of telecommunications carriers based upon information stored in a database in the programmable apparatus. The programmable apparatus includes input and output devices, a processor, a memory and various databases. The system accesses and obtains information from the database and establishes a telecommunications link between the initiating telecommunications device and the destination telecommunications devices via one of a preferred low cost call carrier or a least expensive low cost call carrier. The database includes access telephone numbers, clearance code data (i.e., PIN numbers), cost of call rate data for specific destinations, specific days of the week, date and time of day for a plurality of telecommunications carriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accepting an incoming message over a circuit switched network and transmitting it over a packet switched network. The apparatus including means for implementing the steps of receiving an incoming call signal along with a inbound address; determining a user account and a final address on said packet switched network associated with said inbound address; allocating a message processing resource; processing said incoming call into a processed message; and, sending said processed message to said final address.

Abstract: This invention provides a path establishment device and method for establishing a path for a telecommunications call. In a preferred embodiment, the path establishment device of this invention includes an originating call processor in communication with an originating telecommunications network and a packet-based telecommunications network, a terminating call processor in communication with the packet-based telecommunications network and a public telecommunications network, and means for establishing a communication path from the originating telecommunications network through the packet-based telecommunications network to a destination served by the public telecommunications network. The path establishment device and method of the present invention thus provides, among other advantages, for the use of a potentially less expensive packet-switched telecommunications network as a long distance carrier between two public switched telecommunications networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system that will permit for the transmission of vertical and horizontal or left-hand circular and right-hand circular polarization signals simultaneously via a single coaxial cable. The system of the present invention will accommodate two different polarity commands from two or more different sources at the same time. This satellite broadcast receiving and distribution system of the present invention will provide for the signals received from the satellite to be converted to standard frequencies so as to permit for signals to travel via existing wiring which the present day amplifiers can transport in buildings, high-rises, hospitals, and the like so that satellite broadcasting can be viewed by numerous individuals by way of a single satellite antenna.

Abstract: This invention provides a path establishment device and method for establishing a path for a telecommunications call. In a preferred embodiment, the path establishment device of this invention includes an originating call processor in communication with an originating telecommunications network and a packet-based telecommunications network, a terminating call processor in communication with the packet-based telecommunications network and a public telecommunications network, and means for establishing a communication path from the originating telecommunications network through the packet-based telecommunications network to a destination served by the public telecommunications network. The path establishment device and method of the present invention thus provides, among other advantages, for the use of a potentially less expensive packet-switched telecommunications network as a long distance carrier between two public switched telecommunications networks.

Abstract: An inexpensive portable RF (radio frequency) microcontroller-based digital spectrum analyzer is automatically calibrated for passband amplitude tilt/variations. Resulting software-obtained calibration parameters are used during operation to reduce or eliminate passband amplitude errors. The spectrum analyzer also includes a PLL frequency synthesizer arrangement, but the PLL controls a VCO only during calibration to derive calibration values for controlling a digital-to-analog converter. During normal operation, the VCO is driven in an open loop configuration under software control using such calibration values--achieving nearly the accuracy of closed loop operation while avoiding the penalty of long PLL lock time. These amplitude and frequency calibration techniques and arrangements permit the spectrum analyzer to have relatively inexpensive components and circuit arrangements and nevertheless achieve high accuracy over a wide band.