Abstract: A device for enabling automatic restoration of network access for user lines within a communication system. The user lines interface with groups of transmission lines that include dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The device includes a line manager that makes a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and a reprovisioning element that couples each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The device may also include a monitor that delays the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.

Abstract: A telephone wiretapping system having a call-forward event and reporting processor for producing a call-forward event control signal when a call from a calling party to a predetermined telephone line is to be call-forwarded to a different telephone line. A switch is responsive to the control signal produced by the call forward event and reporting system for switching the recording device from the target telephone line to the call-forward event and reporting processor when the control signal indicates a call-forwarding event. With such an arrangement, the recording device will recorded calling event signals to, or from, the target telephone line even though the calling event signals are occurring at the call-forwarded telephone line. The call-forward event and reporting processor produces signalling information taking place between the telephone line of the calling party and the telephone line of the different, call-forwarded telephone line.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a SPA code. The service provider area (SPA) code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and a the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A distributed database management (DDBMS) system for switching applications that combines rapid feature deployment with high real-time performance. The system architecture encompasses a new software boundary between application and database, yet provides the benefits of open standard interfaces and distributed transaction control. To accomplish this dichotomy, an object-oriented schema is used to arrange the DDBMS as an intelligent service provider, separating services from physical location and implementation. A software containment approach is utilized to optimize interfaces based on grouping of data so as to permit application-specific routines to be "plugged-into" the database. The DDBMS is arranged to address extendibility and real-time performance needs of capabilities such as ISDN and IN is switching offices and network nodes.

Abstract: A device for operating lamps, such as fluorescent lamps includes an input protection circuit, a filter, a DC to DC converter, a power output stage, a lamp connecting circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a pulse width modulator, a multivibrator and a start/stop controller. The pulse width modulator varies the duty cycle of a control signal supplied to the DC to DC converter based on a feedback signal from the DC to DC converter. The multivibrator assists in the control of the DC to DC converter. The start/stop controller initiates the operation of the power output stage when an output of the DC to DC converter reaches a predetermined level and halts the operation of the power output stage if a failure is detected.

Abstract: A field expandable modular housing system includes a plurality of housings having a universal configuration, with each housing including a fan box for securing a predetermined cooling fan, air inlet and exhaust ports, front and back doors, a cable trough mounted near the top of the housing, and side cutouts for permitting electrical cable to run between bolted together ones of the housings, for electrically interconnecting electrical equipment contained within the housing, and universal equipment mounting brackets installed within each housing for securing desired equipment within each housing.

Abstract: A distributed database management (DDBMS) system for switching applications that combines rapid feature deployment with high real-time performance. The system architecture encompasses a new software boundary between application and database, yet provides the benefits of open standard interfaces and distributed transaction control. To accomplish this dichotomy, an object-oriented schema is used to arrange the DDBMS as an intelligent service provider, separating services from physical location and implementation. A software containment approach is utilized to optimize interfaces based on grouping of data so as to permit application-specific routines to be "plugged-into" the database. The DDBMS is arranged to address extendibility and real-time performance needs of capabilities such as ISDN and IN is switching offices and network nodes.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a service provider area (SPA) code. The SPA code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A method for enabling a plurality of Local Service Providers within a common Numbering Plan Area (NPA) to serve Subscribers of the plurality of Local Service Providers. The method includes the step of assigning to each Subscriber of a Local Service Provider within the common NPA a unique three digit code, hereinafter referred to as a service provider area (SPA) code. The SPA code is used by the telephone system in the same manner presently used for routing calls made when a calling Subscriber dials the NPA code of the called party. Here, however, the SPA code is not dialed by the calling Subscriber. The dialed directory number, NXX-XXXX, of a called Subscriber subscribed to a different Local Service Provider, is sent to a database. The database maintains a record of the relationships between the directory numbers of Subscribers and the SPA codes of the Subscribers. The database retrieves the SPA code associated with the dialed directory number presently serving the called Subscriber.

Abstract: A distributed database management (DDBMS) system for switching applications that combines rapid feature deployment with high real-time performance. The system architecture encompasses a new software boundary between application and database, yet provides the benefits of open standard interfaces and distributed transaction control. To accomplish this dichotomy, an object-oriented schema is used to arrange the DDBMS as an intelligent service provider, separating services from physical location and implementation. A software containment approach is utilized to optimize interfaces based on grouping of data so as to permit application-specific routines to be "plugged-into" the database. The DDBMS is arranged to address extendibility and real-time performance needs of capabilities such as ISDN and IN is switching offices and network nodes.

Abstract: A loopback enabled by an instruction and address code pair transmitted with the regular data stream affords a simplified fault location scheme for a T1 repeater span. By selecting unique addresses for each repeater using a predetermined frame sequence and by testing for logic error density, erroneous enablement is avoided.

Abstract: An improved reed relay having a bobbin, an operating coil wound around the bobbin and at least one reed switch contained within the bobbin. The reed switch has a hermetically-sealed glass capsule that contains an atmosphere of dry inert gas. The capsule also contains two long thin contact blades having terminations extending from respective ends of the capsule. A first contact blade acting as the armature is formed at its contact end with multiple prongs, each prong containing a contact pad. The second contact blade acts as the fixed contact. The contact pads surround the contact end of the second blade so as to contact, during operation of the relay, a different surface area of the second blade. The prongs may be formed in any desired geometric arrangement (e.g., rectangular, triangular, etc.) to surround the contact end of the second contact blade.

Abstract: A method of establishing a contact arrangement for a reed switch. The method increases the number of contact surfaces between the armature and the fixed contact by providing the fixed contact with a contact end that has multiple prongs and positions the armature and the fixed contact so that the prongs surround the armature. The method also adjusts the armature and the fixed contact so that there are prongs that contact the armature when the armature moves from the rest position during switch operation and prongs that provide additional multi-planar contact surfaces for the armature in the event that the armature and the fixed contact prematurely separate during switch operation.

Abstract: A mobile call processing methodology and concomitant system based on ISDN/CACH-EKTS technology which can broadcast incoming calls to base stations (e.g., 1050) and which uses the ISDN/CACH-EKTS bridging technology to handle base station handoff of an established call. Each mobile user (e.g., 1041, 1042) is assigned a unique EKTS directory number as well as a unique call appearance identifier, which allows for the handling of multiple call appearances of the unique DN on a single base station. For a given mobile communication application, the central office (e.g., 1014) treats the base station as an ISDN/CACH-EKTS terminal.

Abstract: A cutout is formed through a panel for providing a closed slot or channel surrounding a cleat having a tee shape, for receiving a midportion of a tie wrap inserted through the slot on one side of the panel to a position over a narrowed neck portion of the cleat, thereby permitting a component placed over the cleat on the one side of the panel to be secured thereto by tightening the tie wrap around both the cleat and the component, without requiring access to both sides of the panel.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an accompanying method, for accurately detecting bit-error densities in a serial bit stream and particularly relatively low bit-error densities. Specifically, detected bit-errors are synchronized to a bit clock using a error retiming circuit (130). Subsequently, the bit-errors are counted using a first counter (165) during a pre-defined measurement interval, equivalent to a specified number of bit clock cycles. A second counter (205) establishes the measurement interval by counting the specified number of bit clock pulses. Whenever the first counter attains a count larger than a pre-defined count, during the measurement interval, an output (alarm) signal is generated to indicate that a pre-defined threshold error density has been exceeded. Both the first and second counters are then reset at the conclusion of the measurement interval, and so on for successive measurement intervals.

Abstract: A thermal cut-off resistor that has an elongated thermal cut-off fuse; a wire-shaped resistor that is tightly coiled around the fuse, said resistor being physically connected to the fuse so that the fuse and the resistor are in an electrical series arrangement; and an electrically-insulated heat-resistant casing that contains the fuse and resistor therein and enables the fuse and the resistor to be secured and electrically connected to respective electrical contacts formed on a printed circuit board, the profile of the casing being approximately the width of the fuse.