Abstract: Fiber optic cables are disclosed that have a toning lobe that allows the conductive wire to migrate toward the main cable body while still allowing adequate separation performance of the toning lobe. More specifically, the fiber optic cable includes a main cable body having at least one optical waveguide and a toning lobe. The toning lobe is connected to the main cable body by a web that frangible. In one embodiment, the toning lobe and the web have a generally tear drop shape. The web includes a neck portion adjacent to the main cable body and a web body, wherein the web body generally increases in thickness towards the toning lobe. The shape of the toning lobe allows a conductive wire of the toning lobe to migrate from a center of the toning lobe toward the main cable body while still providing adequate separation performance of the toning lobe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system that allows for the flexible location of an optical device that is coupled to a patch panel in a wiring closet or other optical signal source through a series of fiber optic cables and optical connections, or the flexible location of an array of such optical devices. The optical system includes, in part, one or more retractable optical fiber tether assemblies that each allow varying lengths of tether cable to be pulled and used. The retraction device of each of the optical tether assemblies may be disposed mid-tether cable, or may terminate the respective tether cable and incorporate the given optical device. In an exemplary wireless local area network (WLAN) application, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies includes an integral transceiver and associated software. Thus, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies functions as an antenna.

Abstract: A latching and locking mechanism for a door includes a locating pin passing through a portion of a door frame and a handle. A tapered portion formed at an end of the locating pin mates with a tapered opening formed in a casing of the machine to position the door frame relative to the casing. A cam surface defined on the casing engages a latching pin connected to the locating pin and extending radially therefrom adjacent to the tapered portion such that the latching pin pulls the door frame toward the closed position when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.

Abstract: An approach provides a satellite air interface to efficiently support communication with a terrestrial network. One or more packets associated with a data communication session are received from a terrestrial network configured to provide cellular communications. A frame representing the packet for transmission is generated over a satellite link to a user terminal. Signaling information for the transmission of the packet over the terrestrial network is modified or eliminated for transmission over the satellite link.

Abstract: A telecommunications housing includes a plurality of outer walls defining a housing interior volume and an exit. A plurality of adapters is disposed on an interior panel for connection to connectors of fiber optic cables. At least one radius guide is mounted in the interior volume and has a cable guide portion configured to receive portions of the fiber optic cables and guide the fiber optic cables toward the exit without violating a predetermined minimum fiber optic bend radius. An external guide member may also be located on the outside the housing adjacent the exit. The external guide member has a cable guide portion configured to receive portions of the fiber optic cables and guide the fiber optic cables away from the exit without violating a predetermined minimum fiber optic bend radius.

Abstract: An enclosure for housing communications equipment at a subscriber premises includes at least one cable port for receiving a service provider cable, a subscriber cable, and a ground cable. The enclosure further includes a housing having a base and an outer cover movably attached to the base between an opened position and a closed position so as to define a housing interior volume when the outer cover is in the closed position. A grounding post extends from the base within the housing interior volume and is electrically connectable with the ground cable. Active electronic components located in the housing interior volume connect the service provider cable with the subscriber cable. A service provider security nut attachable to the grounding post both fixes the active electronic components within the housing and grounds the active electronic components to the grounding post and the ground cable.

Abstract: A packaging machine (10) includes a lane assembly (12) that includes one or more lanes (L) which guide cylindrical articles (B), such as cans or bottles, across a series of substantially parallel conveyors. The lane assembly (12) includes an adjustable guide bar (34) which defines an adjustable portion (V) of the lane (L) that can be adjusted to adapt to the diameter of articles (B). The lane assembly (12) also includes lane extensions (70) that can be adjusted to control the position of rows or articles (B) as the articles (B) exit the lanes (L) onto a conveyor (20).

Abstract: Dispensing aids (100, 500, 1300, 2000) are provided to facilitate removing articles (B) from cartons (200, 600, 1500, 2100) having openings (O) that function as article dispensers. The dispensing aids (100, 500, 1300, 2000) engaging at least the articles (B) furthest from the opening (O) with means for engaging. The means for engaging includes an article engaging portion such as a top engaging collar (102), a bottom engaging sled (502), a side engaging crossbar (1310), or a belt (2002). The means for engaging is displaced toward the opening (O) of the carton by a means for displacing. The means for displacing may be a grip (104, 504, 1304, 2004) or strap (906). As the grip, strap, or other means for displacing the article engaging portion is pulled, the article engaging portion is drawn toward the opening (O) as are the articles that are engaged.

Abstract: A crash-hardened memory device in which only a single electronic component, such as a memory chip, mounted on a small printed circuit board (PCB), is protected against an impact. The portion of the PCB containing the electronic component is wrapped in fire-retardant material and RF shielding tape. The wrapped PCB assembly is placed in a rigid, hardened enclosure which provides an environmental seal for the portion of the PCB containing the electronic component. A portion of the PCB extends outside of the enclosure to allow electrical connections to be made to the electronic component contained inside. A score line is created on the PCB to create an acceptable shear point between the internal and external portions of the PCB in the event of a crash. Threaded fasteners extend through and beyond both enclosure halves to provide a means for mounting the crash-hardened memory device on an external surface.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for emulating a converged network are provided. A media gateway receives a call at a first interface of a first network type. The call is processed for distribution on a second network type. The processed call is transmitted to a second interface of a second network type. A service module of the media gateway receives the processed call.

Abstract: Emergency call system by which a caller can automatically call other parties to leave an emergency message, includes an emergency call unit having a memory for storing telephone numbers to be called and the emergency message, an emergency key, and a microprocessor for controlling storage of the numbers and emergency message in the memory, setting each number to be dialed in sequence, delay dialing of each number for a period of time (without first detecting a dial tone) to assure that an outgoing call can be made on the telephone line, and dialing the numbers in sequence upon activation of the emergency key. The emergency call unit starts a transmission of the emergency message to the dialed number to automatically advise of an emergency after a predetermined time after the number has been dialed and no busy signal has been detected during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing caller ID and call waiting and for switching or toggling between active and waiting calls using SIP are disclosed. According to one method, a first call is established between a first phone and a SIP termination. The first call is established using the first media connection between the SIP termination and a media gateway and a second media connection between the media gateway and the first phone. During the first call, signaling for establishing a second call to SIP termination is received. In response to the signaling, caller ID information for the second call is communicated to the SIP termination. A hook flash is received from the SIP termination. In response to the hook flash, the SIP termination is connected to the second phone using the first media connection and a third media connection between the media gateway and the second phone.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, a system and a computer program for providing users with early and accurate information relating to a status of a particular flight. Early and accurate information relating to a status of a particular flight is provided to the user. The method includes receiving user data that includes aircraft departure information, determining inbound aircraft data based on the user data, receiving constraint status information, generating update status data based on the inbound aircraft data, outbound aircraft data and constraint status information, and sending an update status message to the user.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The cavity has a first cavity cross-sectional area and a second cavity cross-sectional area located at different longitudinal locations along the cable, where the first cavity cross-sectional area is greater than the second cavity cross-sectional area. The region of the second cavity cross-sectional area of the cable provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a dry cable having one or more dry insert within the cavity for cushioning and/or optionally providing water-blocking for the cable.

Abstract: A blank for forming a carton of the end loading type for containing a plurality of beverage cans, the capacity of the carton can be increased to accommodate the insertion of ice-cubes into the carton for cooling the beverage cans contained therein, the blank for forming the carton, including a series of main panels including at least one top panel, one of the top panels having a tear strip and thereby being separable into two parts, the blank further including end extension panels, wherein upon constructing the blank into the set up carton, separating the top panel, by deploying the tear strip, allows each end extension panel and each of the separated parts of the top panel to be raised above the tops of the beverage cans to increase the capacity of the carton to accommodate the insertion of ice cubes.