Abstract: The present invention relates to a speech encoder/decoder system employing digital transmission in which the encoding and decoding operations are complimentary, and these operations make use of sets of parameters which may be optimized for a speaker and for a particular digital radio link. A number of sets of parameters are determined experimentally, for example, by employing human sample groups in which perceived audio and transmission quality are tested. The encoder/decoder system then employs a group, or number, of sets of parameters serving all speakers rather than employing one fixed set of parameters. The particular set of parameters for a speaker in the encoder of a first transceiver is determined by a processor which receives values based on an analysis of the input audio signal, and then a parameter set identifier is sent within the digital signal for use by a decoder of a second transceiver.

Abstract: A tool-less insulation displacement connector comprising a top section and a bottom section, the top section being movable between an open position and a closed position; a latch member movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the latch member maintaining the top section in the closed position when the latch member is in the engaged position; and a releasable security member for preventing the latch member from moving between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: A DC--DC converter includes a transformer having at least a primary winding, a secondary winding and a drive winding. An input circuit is coupled to the transformer primary winding for coupling an input DC voltage to the transformer primary winding. A first output channel couples the transformer secondary winding to a first output. The first output channel includes a self-driven synchronous rectifier circuit, a first inductor, and a first capacitor. A first pulse width modulator is coupled between the first output channel and the input circuit to drive the input circuit, thereby regulating the first output channel. A second output channel couples the transformer secondary winding to a second output. The second output channel includes a control switch, a freewheeling rectifier, a second inductor, and a second capacitor.

Abstract: In order to reduce the effect of multipath propagation, diversity antennas have been proposed in which each antenna in an array has a respective branch tapped delay line in which the tap output signals are weighted and summed. The sums then need to be combined in a way that improves the signal to noise ratio. A diversity antenna system is disclosed in which the branch weights W.sub.1s to W.sub.MS are determined for each branch by:comparing the real part of the summed tap output signals y.sub.1 to y.sub.

Abstract: A universal connector having a terminal configuration which may accommodate at least a wire-wrap connection, an insulation displacement connector connection or a printed wiring board connection. The connector is a unitary body formed from a relatively thin, electrically-conductive material. The connector has a pair of tines protruding in side-by-side relationship from a base portion which can be used to make insulation displacement connections. A first tine of the pair of tines has a projecting end portion extending beyond a second tine. The projecting end portion is capable of forming an electrically-conductive connection with an electrical conductor. A connector assembly is also provided which includes an insulative mounting block and a plurality of universal connectors mounted thereon.

Abstract: An upgradeable communication connector for use in wired telecommunication networks. The connector has a connector housing with an upgrade component passage for receiving an electrical upgrade component having at least one electrical contact terminal. A number of electrically conductive connector terminals are supported by the housing. The connector terminals have first end portions for contacting a mating connector, and second end portions for making electrical connections between the connector terminals and outside circuits. At least one of the connector terminals has a contact portion in the region of the upgrade component passage for electrically contacting a contact terminal of the upgrade component when the component is within the component passage.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharges that occur during solid CO.sub.2 cleaning of a substrate (10) can be virtually eliminated by chilling the substrate so that moisture in the atmosphere, in the form of water droplets(30), condense on the substrate surface (14), thereby forming a continuous film of water (28). The water in the film (28) reacts with the solid CO.sub.2 (24) to form carbonic acid that dissociates into free ions that neutralize the charge on the solid CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A system for aligning the phase of signals generated by a selectable standby clock source which has a predetermined frequency with the phase of signals generated by a selected clock source which has the same frequency as signals generated by the standby clock source. The system comprises (1) a delay line having a plurality of delay elements which is configured to receive the signals generated by the standby clock source so that the output signal of each delay element is a delayed version of the standby clock source; (2) a decoder configured to receive each of the delayed versions of the signals generated by the standby clock signal source and generates a selection signal corresponding to a desired one of the delayed version signals that is aligned with signals generated by the selected clock source within a specifiable phase difference; and (3) a selector configured to receive the selection signal so as to select the desired delayed version signal as a new standby clock source.

Abstract: By checkpointing and restoring a user application process, that includes a volatile state and a persistent state, recovery of an application process from the checkpoint position is possible. Specifically, a volatile state is checkpointed in a checkpoint position. Next, the persistent state is monitored to detect a file operation following a checkpoint position that will modify the persistent state. Then, portions of the persistent state are checkpointed if a modification of the persistent state is about to be performed. Then, a recovery to the checkpoint position can be performed such that modifications to the persistent state since the checkpoint position are undone. This allows for resumption of the user application process from the checkpoint position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring signals communicated over a signal path from a source to a destination with the signals containing a set of data representing a data signal type comprises a first device for accessing a first portion of the data set from the received signal and generating a first indication signal relating to a status of the received signal; a second device for accessing a second portion of the data set from the received signal and generating a second indication signal relating to a further status of the received signal; and, a device for generating a composite signal representing a combination of the first and second indication signals for indicating a specific status of the received signal. The types of signals include normal VC-n signals, unequipped VC-n signals and supervisory-unequipped VC-n signals communicated in an SDH/SONET network, the composite signal capable of uniquely identifying receipt of unequipped VC-n signals over a signal path in the network.

Abstract: A method wherein a verification tool checks the properties of a system model by performing a partial search of the system-model state space. A partial search is a search wherein the verification tool inputs, at each state of the system-model state space, only a subset or fraction of the complete set of inputs that would have been used during a conventional search. Performing a partial search, instead of a conventional search, reduces the total number of inputs that the verification tool will input to the system model during a search of the system-model state space, thus reducing the amount of computational resources and/or time needed by the verification tool to verify given properties of the system model. Moreover, performing a partial search, instead of a conventional search, does not substantially reduce the ability of the verification tool to identify errors in the system-model.

Abstract: The voltage regulator includes a regulator circuit, connected between a high potential and a low potential, regulating an output voltage based on an input voltage. The regulator circuit includes a changing circuit which changes at least one of a voltage range of the output voltage and a rate at which the output voltage changes with respect to changes in the input voltage. The changing circuit selectively increases a maximum value of the voltage range of the output voltage, and also selectively increases the rate at which the output voltage changes with respect to changes in the input voltage.

Abstract: A building entrance protector swivel cable mounting arrangement without a feed through hole requirement has an output wire termination device, a barrier wall comprises a fire-resistant plate for isolating the swivel cable from the output wire termination device within the building entrance protector. The fire-resistant plate has a narrow opening comprised of a primary aperture and a wiring access slot. The wiring access slot permits insertion of terminated individual wiring into the primary aperture. A method in accordance with the present invention is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes to automatically power-down a computer system upon determination of the presence, imminence, or forecast of severe weather in the local area. A computer system receives data relating to a weather forecast for a particular local area from a weather service communication server and, based on a determination of the presence, imminence or forecast of severe weather in the local area, initiates an automatic power-down sequence. A delay may be provided to allow the user time to abort the initiation of the automatic power-down sequence. The data may be transmitted in any suitable manner, e.g., over a telephone line through the PSTN, using the Internet, using a paging system, etc. The weather service communication server is provided with the particular local area relating to the computer system.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a device for controlling alignment between two optical devices comprises a mobile magnet attached to a mobile optical device and a plurality of programmable magnets for moving the mobile magnet (and attached optical device) in relation to a second optical device. In preferred embodiments, the programmable magnets are latchable.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are disclosed for organizing data packets in a relational database based on data events. As used herein, a data event has an event start time, an event stop time, and one or more event data indicators. In a process embodiment of the invention, a data packet is read to determine its start time, its stop time, and each of its data indicators. The data packet is then inserted into a particular data event in the relational database if each of the packet's data indicators matches each data indicator of the particular data event, and if the difference between either the event's stop time and the packet's start time or the packet's stop time and the event's start time does not exceed a certain limit. Otherwise, the data packet is added as a new event in the relational database.

Abstract: A selective ring response device for a telecommunication line comprises: a ring tone detector circuit for detecting a special ring tone different from a standard ring tone, the ring tone detector circuit coupled to the communication line; an interface circuit capable of placing the communication line in an off-hook status and capable of selectively applying a switch hook flash signal to the communication line, the interface circuit coupled to the communication line; and a control circuit coupled to the ring tone detector circuit and the interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit places the communication line in the off-hook status, and at the user's request applies the flash hook signal to the communication line in response to the ring tone detector circuit detecting the special ring tone.

Abstract: A network interface device is disclosed that connects a plug of a telephone test equipment to the telephone lines of the central office of a telephone service supplier, while at the same time disconnects customer's telephone lines from the telephone lines of the central office. Conversely, when the plug of the telephone test equipment is removed, the customer's telephone lines are reconnected to the telephone lines of the central office. The connection/disconnection is accomplished simultaneously by the insertion of the plug of the telephone test equipment into the cavity of a jack of the network interface device.

Abstract: A hoist mechanism for raising and lowering a platform within the interior of a tower and confined within the tower interior. In a first illustrative embodiment, a motor driven worm gear drives rubber coated wheels that are spring loaded to apply pressure to vertical tower members.

Abstract: An improved platen-based image acquisition apparatus has a preview feature which enables the user to view anticipated output from the apparatus so adjustments may be made before operating the apparatus in orienting a workpiece upon the platen or in selecting image control features. The preview feature comprises a display screen visible to the user and an image-processing system coupled to the preview display screen. The image-processing system images a region of the platen to define the platen-image and forms the platen-image upon the display screen. It may simultaneously form upon the screen a frame-image for indicating the portion of the platen bounding the image to be processed so a user can determine whether a workpiece is positioned in a desired orientation before operating the apparatus. The improved image-acquisition apparatus may comprise a photocopy machine, a scanner, or a facsimile machine, and preferably the platen-image is formed in real-time characteristics.