Abstract: A method and device for generating a high amplitude sound wave is provided. The device includes a housing having an open end. A piston is slidably disposed in the open end of the housing and forms a chamber for holding a pressurized liquid. The pressurized liquid acts on the piston to move the piston relative to the housing. A latch is operable to fix the piston relative to the housing and to release the piston. Upon release of the latch, the piston moves relative to the housing to generate the sound wave. In the method of the present invention, a piston is fixed relative to a housing to form a chamber between the housing and the piston. The chamber is filled with a pressurized fluid and the piston is released to allow the pressurized fluid move the piston relative to the housing and generate the sound wave.

Abstract: A biometric certifying authority (BCA) management system and method provide and maintain a hierarchical relationship among biometric certifying authorities in the issuance of biometric certificates. Biometric certificates may be used in all electronic transactions requiring authentication of the participants, based on the accuracy and uniqueness of the biometric, which allows the electronic transaction to be insured to provide global standards for all electronic commerce. The BCA management system includes a transaction request parser which extracts a biometric certificate signal and transaction-type data from a electronic transaction request. A biometric verification processor verifies the biometric certificate signal against previously stored biometric data in a database. The biometric verification processor generates a verification message corresponding to the authenticity or fraudulent status of the biometric certificate signal.

Abstract: A unified communication system is designed using an agreed upon transmission protocol between different carriers. The protocol is used to allow the automatic gathering of administrative data (such as trouble reports) from diverse locations within a sending network, using the proprietary administration data language and structure of that network. The gathered data is transported using the transmission principle to a single point of contact at a receiving network and translated into a data structure proprietary to the receiving network and thus presented to the proper system for action within the receiving system.

Abstract: A method for providing video programming in a nearly on demand basis is disclosed. A video network includes a video server that operates several video recorders to simultaneously exhibit video performances or programs on a plurality of channels. The video server is controlled in real time in accordance with data presented to it in an exhibition plan. The exhibition plan calls for two or more channels to show the same program on a time offset basis. Due to the offset in exhibiting a given program, a subscriber may view a program at any time, from the beginning of a program, by waiting for a period of time that is no longer than the offset. Preferably, this offset is substantially shorter than the run time of the program. The channels carrying this program are unscrambled prior to the beginning of the program and for a predetermined duration into the program so that subscribers may preview the program. However, the channels are scrambled for the remainder of the exhibition of the program.

Abstract: A method of managing information used and generated in the scheduling and exhibition of performances is disclosed. A video network includes a video server that operates several video recorders to simultaneously exhibit video performances or programs on a plurality of channels. The video server is controlled in real time in accordance with data presented to it in an exhibition plan. The exhibition plan is generated through the performance of an exhibition manager process which operates on a computer. The exhibition manager manages information related to the performances to be exhibited, schedules the performances in accordance with user-supplied timing data, prints reports, and maintains a personal information manager having a database describing studios, contacts, and other information related to licensing the performances for exhibition on the network. The information related to performances includes repeat factors and short titles which the exhibition manager calculates.

Abstract: A method of managing information used and generated in the scheduling and exhibition of performances is disclosed. A video network includes a video server that operates several video recorders to simultaneously exhibit video performances or programs on a plurality of channels. The video server is controlled in real time in accordance with data presented to it in an exhibition plan. The exhibition plan is generated through the performance of an exhibition manager process which operates on a computer. The exhibition manager manages information related to the performances to be exhibited, schedules the performances in accordance with user-supplied timing data, prints reports, and maintains a personal information manager having a database describing studios, contacts, and other information related to licensing the performances for exhibition on the network. The information related to performances includes repeat factors and short titles which the exhibition manager calculates.

Abstract: An interactive system transfers video and audio information from a central facility to terminals by means of addressed television frames. Each audio frame includes information representing a single channel of time compressed audio. The terminals store correctly addressed frames. Video frames are repeatedly replayed to provide series of still-frame images. The audio frame is used to generate a normal speed audio output.

Abstract: An optical fiber-lens connector assembly maintains a critical fiber-to-lens interface during temperature excursions over the range of -40.degree. C. to +60.degree. C. by employing a spring loaded bushing mounted within a connector body. The fiber is fixed to the bushing and the spring acting on the bushing keeps the fiber accurately located with respect to the lens when the lens body grows and shrinks with the temperature changes.

Abstract: A voltage tumble filter has several parallel coupled half wavelength lines. Each open end of a line is coupled to ground through a corresponding varactor. Voltage may be distributed to the varactors through a thin wire attached a quarter wavelength from each varactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a triple coated cemented hard metal carbide product in which a cemented metal carbide substrate is coated with, first, a metal carbide coating to promote coating adherence to the substrate, secondly, a metal nitride or carbonitride coating to promote crater wear resistance and, thirdly, a metal carbide outer layer to promote flank flank wear resistance in order to protect the cemented metal carbide substrate from corrosive atmosphere and abrasion due to frictional flank wear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a new type of ringing interface card which overcomes the inability of known cards for testing multi-party service and which enable a technician to measure the ringing frequency and simultaneously to detect which of the tip and ring conductors receives the ringing signal.

Abstract: Apparatus disposed at location of a key telephone system and associated with the system to produce a substitute signal and a substitute alarm in the presence of a ringing voltage when the system is deactuated. The apparatus comprises: an electrically powered lamp for displaying the substitute signal when a first voltage is applied thereto; an electrically powered device for sounding the substitute alarm when a second voltage is supplied thereto; a second source; and a circuit arrangement coupled to the first and second sources, the line, the lamp and the device. The arrangement, when the system is deactuated in the presence of the ringing voltage, produces the first and second voltages and applies same to the lamp and device respectively to cause the substitute signal to be displayed and the substitute alarm to be sounded.

Abstract: A high pressure electric discharge lamp exhibits lowered starting voltages and improved lumen performance by utilizing within the arc discharge tube a starting probe that is electrically isolated at all times.

Abstract: High purity, fine Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 powder produced by the vapor phase reaction of SiCl.sub.4 with NH.sub.3 is amorphous. The crystallization rate of the amorphous powder is enhanced by heating the powder while in intimate contact with a titanium containing material, for example, TiN codeposited with the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 by the simultaneous reaction of TiCl.sub.4 with NH.sub.3.

Abstract: The disposition of an array of color phosphor dots on a color cathode ray tube faceplate by conventional photo deposition techniques is facilitated by first coating the individual phosphor particles with polyvinyl alcohol modified with an amino acid such as glutamic or aspartic acid.