Abstract: A modular neon sign system comprising two or more independent neon or similar luminous tube segments. One or more of the luminous segments are arranged in generally parallel configuration across the remaining tube segments and each such parallel segment includes a series capacitive ballasting element to selectively control the current through the respective segment. Receptacles may be provided to facilitate the attachment of the parallel segments thereby forming detachable neon modules. The capacitive ballasting element is preferably a ceramic button-like disc that may be connected to an end of the parallel neon module or inserted into the receptacle. In one embodiment the several parallel segments are connected to a reduced tension constant voltage power supply. In a second erabodiment, a constant current power supply is continuously interconnected to one or more neon luminous tubes that define a fixed portion of the sign with the parallel segment(s) or module(s) being connected across said fixed portion.

Abstract: A method of determining a temporary subscriber number (TMSI) in a subscriber data base is disclosed. Subscriber data bases with large subscriber-data fluctuations require special strategies to ensure optimum utilization of the available storage space while keeping access times as short as possible. In addition, subscriber anonymity is to be ensured. A method is provided for assigning a memory location to each subscriber via a temporary subscriber number (4-byte TMSI). The invention uses an internal structure for the TMSI which consists of several logically independent elements which, on the one hand, permit as large an addressing range as possible and, on the other hand, preclude any confusion of data records or any identification of the subscriber. In addition, the TMSI is constantly changed. With a 32-bit TMSI, up to 10.sup.6 subscribers can be unambiguously addressed.