Abstract: A system and method for transmitting aural signals across a wide area network (WAN) from a local phone coupled to a computer, e.g., a PC-phone, to a remote phone coupled to a KTS, PBX, or PSTN, for example. This capability is provided by the gateway unit of the present invention. The system of the present invention is quickly installed in a server or a personal computer coupled to a local area network. The system is connected to one or more of a PSTN, a private branch exchange, a key telephone system, a telephone, a facsimile machine, and a modem. In the case of voice transmission, a gateway unit translates received telephony signal into a format that is compatible with the telephone system or equipment connected thereto. The present invention can provide a voice quality that approaches, equals, or exceeds the voice quality of conventional telephone switched networks.

Abstract: Information systems which provide access over a variety of devices (e.g. telephones, automated banking machines, computers) typically require that passcodes be numeric to allow entry on all device types. Alphabetic characters are associated with the numeric digits on both telephones and automated banking machines, allowing users to use mnemonic words to remember their numeric passcodes. Computer terminals do not have this association, creating user difficulties. The invention translates text entry on a computer keyboard into the equivalent numeric digits according to an appropriate mapping.

Abstract: A method of performing phase-frequency comparison comprising the steps of receiving first and second clock signals; comparing the signals by triggering flip-flop circuits controlled by AND gates, and providing a first output when first signal is in advance of the second signal, and a second output when second signal is advance of the first signal.

Abstract: A 45 degree polarization diversity antenna having improved beamwidth characteristics. The antenna includes a plurality of dipole sub-arrays each sub-array comprising four dipole elements arranged in a diamond shape. Two dipole elements in each sub-array are arranged at an angle of approximately plus 45 degrees from the earth's surface to form a plus 45 degree polarized dipole element array and the other two dipole elements are arranged at an angle of minus 45 degrees from the earth's surface to form a minus 45 degree polarized dipole element array. The dipole elements are arranged such that the phase centers of one plus 45 degree dipole element and one minus 45 degree element line up along a first substantially vertical line and the phase centers of the remaining plus 45 degree and minus 45 degree dipole element line up along a second substantially vertical line.

Abstract: An integrated text based TTY system comprises a telephone network, a private branch exchange, a voice mail system, and a text server. The telephone network is adapted to receive a TTY call from a calling party from a TTY device, which is external to said integrated text based TTY system, to a called party. A private branch exchange is in communication with the telephone network and adapted to receive the TTY call from the telephone network. A voice mail system is in communication with the private branch exchange. A text server is in communication with the private branch exchange to receive the TTY call. The text server is also in communication with the voice mail system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining real-time, call by call, feedback from customers as to their perceived quality of network services may be accomplished after a communication, via a network connection between a calling party and at least one called party, is completed. Upon completion, the network retains, for a predetermined period of time, at least a portion of the network connection to one of the parties involved in the communication. During this predetermined period of time, the party provides feedback in the form of a sequence of numbers entered which identify his or her perception of the quality of various aspects of the call. If the feedback is received within the predetermined period of time, the network compiles the data which can then be used to interpret the opinion of many individuals as to network service quality, information as to catastrophic failures as well as mild failures, overall service, the perceived quality of new services and features, and quality of inter-networking.

Abstract: A communications network is provided in which switching nodes configure periodically. There is a plurality of shortest paths having equal propagation delays between two switching nodes between which there is at least one intermediate node.

Abstract: A complex coupled (gain coupled or loss coupled) distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser, having two sections axially distinct along a cavity length direction, and two excitation means for independent pumping of corresponding sections of the laser in a master and slave type of pumping control, is provided. An extended continuous wavelength tuning range of the laser is obtained by selectively activating a left Bragg mode or a right Bragg mode across the stop band of the laser as a dominant lasing mode by the master and slave type of current injection control into different sections of the laser to alternate gain coupling and loss coupling mechanisms of laser operation, and further tuning a wavelength around the activated Bragg mode. Methods of operating the laser, enhancing a tuning range, and fabricating thereof are provided.

Abstract: A transdermal communication system is disclosed. The system includes an internal communication device implanted inside the body of a patient and an external communication device. The external communication device includes an external transmitter which transmits a carrier signal into the body of the patient during communication from the internal communication device to the external communication device. The internal communication device includes an internal modulator which modulates the carrier signal with information by selectively reflecting the carrier signal or not reflecting the carrier signal. The external communication device demodulates the carrier signal by detecting when the carrier signal is reflected and when the carrier signal is not reflected through the skin of the patient. When the reflected carrier signal is detected, it is interpreted as data of a first state, and when the reflected carrier signal is not detected, it is interpreted as data of a second state.

Abstract: A method for controlling transmission data flow in a satellite communication system is disclosed. The current status is notified to a main board of a central station and to a main board of a terminal station in accordance with the flow control buffering status of a satellite communication board of the central station, and thus, the main board of the central station commands a starting or a releasing of a flow control to a subscriber board of the central station. In accordance with the flow control buffering status of the subscriber board of the central station, its status is notified to the main board of the central station, so that the main board of the terminal station can start or release the flow control.

Abstract: Each complex signal sample a(k)+jb(k) of a frequency modulated signal is limited in order to reduce co-channel interference. The limiting is performed efficiently in a digital signal processor by determining a ratio r with a magnitude less than one, equal to b(k)/a(k) in a first case and a(k)/b(k) in a second case, determining from a look-up table a variable p with a magnitude equal to 1/.sqroot.(1+r.sup.2), and determining a number equal to sgn(a(k))p(1+jr) in the first case and sgn(b(k))p(r+j) in the second case as the limited output signal sample.

Abstract: A knock-down, reusable modular transmission line cable reel assembly having at least two side-by-side compartments for coiling transmission line, and including a pair of spaced apart, generally circular parallel end flanges, at least one intermediate, generally circular partition ring, a cable support core positioned between each end flange and adjacent partition ring and between each pair of adjacent partition rings, a plurality of tie rods extending between the pair of end flanges, extending through the cable support cores, and extending through the partition rings, and releasable fasteners secured to the tie rods for biasing the end flanges, partition rings and support cores towards each other in an assembled array, and so that when the fasteners are released, the end flanges, partition rings, support cores and tie rods are easily separated for transport in a knocked-down form for reassembly and reuse.

Abstract: A system and method for providing community interest messages to subscribers to broadcast satellite services. A connection is established between a subscriber's satellite receiver and a message center. The message center downloads messages to the receiver. The receiver then writes these to the overlay display buffer which causes them to be displayed on the television display in addition to whatever video signal is being displayed.

Abstract: A telecommunications rack is provided to house telecommunications equipment, to conform to standards set by NEBS and ETSI, and provide the advantages of a lightweight rack while remaining stiff. This rack has two upright supports wherein each upright support has a truss member secured to vertical members. The truss configuration permits easier access to cabling and reduces the weight of the rack. The rack also incorporates a base with adjustable feet for improved levelling after the rack is installed. The base also may be pre-stressed, which is advantageous in locations that are susceptible to seismic occurrences to reduce the risk of damaging the telecommunications equipment during such occurrences.

Abstract: When two or more telephone sets are in use on the same subscriber's loop, their activities may not be properly detected or monitored by the central office switch. The present invention provides a method of and an apparatus for coordinating activities so that call waiting caller ID or off-hook caller ID or other service features can work even if there are off-hook extensions on the same loop. The invention ensures that only one set among a plurality of off-hook sets responds to the switch.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing screen-display telephone terminals with the Internet. A browser device located on an ADSI capable telephone platform server retrieves requested data files from an Internet site and formats the retrieved data file specifically for display on the screen-display telephone terminal. The browser also permits a link between ADSI specific applications by giving the user imbedded softkey commands which retrieve other data files including ADSI applications.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the fabrication of components on a single crystal substrate. A method is disclosed of overcoming the problems encountered in defining etched features on a silicon substrate. In particular, there is disclosed a method of producing a multichip module comprising a silicon substrate having surface features for the placement of components. An organic dielectric is applied to the substrate prior to the use of an etchant whereby interconnects can be defined.

Abstract: A method of initializing node addresses for use in an electronic switching system comprises the steps of: (a) storing all possible sets of node addresses, each set corresponding to an inter-processor communications configuration, and pointers in a residue of a memory; (b) receiving information on a designated set of node addresses which corresponds to a selected inter-processor communications configuration to be used; (c) locating a pointer corresponding to the designated set of node addresses; and (d) writing each address in the designated set of node addresses onto each corresponding register.

Abstract: An apparatus is used for mapping digital signal data in a data packet of a packet clock having a plurality of clock pulses wherein the data packet is composed of information data and the digital data. The ratio of the number of bits of the information data with respect to the number of bits in the data packet is M/N with M and N being positive integers and the information data includes overhead data bits and one or more data bits. The apparatus comprises a counter for counting the clock pulses to provide counted values; a gapping signal generator for generating gapping control signals based on the counted values and the ratio M/N, wherein an M number of gapping control signals are generated for every N clock pulses; and gapping device for finding overhead data bits among the information data and gapping clock pulses corresponding to the overhead data bits in response to the gapping control signals.

Abstract: A TTY telephonic display to receive a TTY message, having a first mode and a second mode, such as a letters mode and a characters mode. The second mode is a representation of the first mode and vice versa. The TTY telephonic display comprises a first line and a second line. The first line shows characters which have been typed, transmitted, and received in a figures mode. The second line shows characters in the second mode which have been typed, transmitted, and received in the first mode. The first line and the second line are shown simultaneously in close proximity with one another, such as over one another. A process of displaying a TTY message, which has a first mode and a second mode, comprises displaying a first line, the first line showing characters which have been typed, transmitted, and received in a first mode; and displaying a second line in the second mode in close proximity to the first line, the second line showing characters which have been typed, transmitted, and received in the first mode.