Abstract: An acceptable or desired plan for changing the links of a telephone network is developed by using knowledge based rules to generate an ideal plan which meets first constraints, such as demand and modernization constraints, and by modifying the ideal plan to meet one or more second constraints, such as overall cost, while deviating minimally from the ideal plan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a stream of data bits in a spread spectrum format is disclosed. The inventive method comprises providing 2.sup.N predetermined spreading sequences, where N is equal to or larger than 2. The predetermined spreading sequences have suitable autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties. For each group of N bits in a stream of data bits to be transmitted, a particular one from the 2.sup.N predetermined spreading sequences is selected and transmitted. In this manner, each transmitted spreading sequence corresponds to a particular arrangement of N bits. The invention achieves an N-fold increase in data rate for a particular symbol rate by encoding N bits in a spreading sequence.

Abstract: An optical fiber tap or coupler in which optical energy is extracted from or coupled into an optical fiber via a bent section of the fiber and in which compression means is provided for applying a compression force along the fiber including along at least the radially outermost portion of the bent section to reduce the likelihood of fracture.

Abstract: A cable for supplying power to electrical equipment is adapted to also provide security for the equipment by being formed to have a first state when it is connected to the equipment and a second state when it is disconnected from the equipment, whereby detection of the states of the cable permit detection of removal of the equipment which can then be communicated through repair AC power lines to a central station.

Abstract: A combined switch and filter comprising coupled first and second quarter-wave transmission line sections and switching elements for providing selective coupling and filtering between ports of the switch coupled to the ends of the quarter-wave sections.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating an MSK signal by using a dual modulus frequency divider which divides an incoming digital clock signal of frequency f.sub.0 by the factors n and (n+1) in dependence on the data type of the data to be transmitted and in which the frequency f.sub.0, the data rate f.sub.d and the factor n are such as to satisfy the relationship f.sub.d =f.sub.0 .multidot.2/(n(n+1)).

Abstract: An interconnecting apparatus for a subscriber premises which allows the DC battery providing sealing current to the tip and ring telephone lines serving the premises to be used as a backup battery for a subscriber terminal and which allows the supply serving the subscriber terminal to be used to charge the central office battery and provide sealing current when the latter battery is low.

Abstract: A practice for producing a halftone reproduction wherein a predetermined screen function is used to process the gray levels of the scanned original and wherein the halftone reproduction is made capable of exhibiting gray levels over the entire gray tone range of 0 (black) to 255 (white) by selecting the screen frequency in the screen direction so as to result in a screen frequency in the print direction which is other than a sub-multiple of the print frequency.

Abstract: An adaptive nonlinear data driven echo canceller is disclosed. Unlike other approaches to nonlinear echo cancellation, the inventive echo canceller treats the nonlinearity of the echo path as nonlinear noise associated with transmitting data symbols through a linear echo path. In comparison to a conventional LMS data driven linear echo canceller, the inventive echo canceller utilizes only an additional small random access memory for storing a nonlinear function for estimating the effect of the nonlinear echo path on transmitted data symbols. The same LMS algorithm is used to estimate the linear echo path and the nonlinear function. The signal processing power of a conventional linear data driven LMS echo canceller is sufficient to implement the inventive nonlinear echo canceller and the convergence speed of the nonlinear echo canceller can be less than three times that of the conventional linear LMS echo canceller.

Abstract: Reproduction of an original containing screened artwork is accomplished by selecting the scanning frequency to have a predetermined relationship to the screen frequency of the artwork and by utilizing adaptive thresholding methodology to convert the scanned digital signals to processed binary signals which are such as to result in the average gray levels over corresponding arrays of binary signals and digital signals being approximately equal.

Abstract: A handset for use with a key pad wherein the body of the handset is provided with one or more apertures which are adapted to permit access to one or more keys of the key pad when the handset is brought to a position proximate to the key pad.

Abstract: A method and system for reproducing halftone originals utilizing threshold gray level values of the scanned pixels of the halftone original to determine adjacent pairs of pixels bordering the edges of the halftone dots. Edge errors for the adjacent pairs of pixels are determined using the scanned gray level values and a threshold value. A processing window defines sub-arrays of pixels whose thresholded gray level values are processed based on the edge errors. For each sub-array, the edge errors of the adjacent pairs of pixels are summed. The thresholded values of the adjacent pairs of pixels are then selectively changed in the order of pixel pairs of descending edge error until the number of values changed equals the closest integer to the summed edge error.

Abstract: A keyboard is adapted for entry of graphical information into a computer by providing the keyboard with an extended, two dimensional member situated in overlapping relationship with at least one of the keys of the keyboard and which is adapted to generate for storage and display by the computer a signal designating a position on the member.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for testing a switched telecommunications network by utilizing a terminating transponder unit 410 to respond with a unique identification code over switched network 300 following the receipt of a test signal from an originating micro logic terminal unit 210 over switched network 300, both units operating under the control of a central general purpose mini-computer 100.

Abstract: A telephone system employing a centrex exchange having multi-station pick-up groups wherein a station controller means is situated between the exchange and the centrex telephone stations and provides lamp control of the secondary stations of the pick-up groups, and wherein the centrex exchange provides control of the call transfer from the primary stations of the pick-up groups to the respective secondary stations.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting an armored cord to a telephone housing in which the bracket is of unitary construction and comprises a bottom plate having a central portion with a laterally running slot adapted to receive the sheath of the armored cord and a top U-shaped plate overlying the central portion of the bottom plate and having a laterally running slot adapted to receive the flexible cable of the armored cord and to provide an abutment for the end termination of the cable.

Abstract: A pattern recognition system for recognizing an unknown pattern comprised of symbols which are part of a pattern system which is devoid of inherent context such as numbers. Artificial contextual information based on other than symbol features and the pattern system and in the form of probability weighted expected interpretations are stored and used in the processing phase of recognition. In the system disclosed, the system comprises a neural network whose forward and feedback paths are controlled by the output cells of the network based, in part, on the contextual information.

Abstract: An optical moisture sensor including a housing having a port for coupling with an optical beam and an optical means for receiving the optical beam and providing therefrom an expanded, collimated optical beam, the optical means further including moisture responsive means for affecting the expanded, collimated beam.

Abstract: An armored cord and handset wherein the strength member of the armored cord is secured to the handset through resilient means and the sheath member of the armored cord is secured to the handset via a securing member which is provided with reinforcing means.

Abstract: A coin return chute for a telephone pay station wherein the throat of the chute is provided with means for inhibiting stuffing of material into the throat while allowing passage of coins.