Abstract: A power supply control system (1) for use in a vehicle, the system including: a first power control arrangement (2) incorporating at least two inputs (3, 4) and at least two outputs (5, 6); and a second power control arrangement (7) incorporating at least two inputs (8, 9) and at least two outputs (10, 11), each power control arrangement (2, 7) being configured to operate in an active mode or an isolated mode. In the active mode, the inputs and outputs of the power control arrangement (2, 7) are connected electrically to one another. In the isolated mode, the inputs and outputs of the power control arrangement (2, 7) are electrically isolated from one another. A selector arrangement (37) is configured to select the operating mode of the power control arrangements (2, 7) so that, at any one time, only one power control arrangement (2, 7) operates in the active mode while the other power control arrangement (2, 7) operates in the isolated mode.

Abstract: An internetwork (such as the Internet) telephony system and method incorporating architecture and methodology which facilitates a high degree of scalability. The scalability provides improvement dealing with usage recording, usage pricing, billing account management, and fraud control. The scalability is achieved primarily by bundling of usage recording, pricing, authorization and billing practices in one logical database object which may be physically distributed. A predefined set of network elements are provided access to the database object to obtain authorization for a call along with limitations on the maximum cost or duration of the call for the particular account involved. The database object records usage statistics relating to the completed call, including pricing, and this data is available for virtually immediate billing. The database object provides to customers on a virtual real time basis the customer's usage statistics, including statistics for a call in progress.

Abstract: In a communications environment where it is desirable to allow the simultaneous transmission of digital subscriber line (DSL) signals and conventional Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) signals on a single two-wire communication line, a method and apparatus is configured to automatically measure the distortion caused by a telephone or other attached device such as a dial modem due to the presence of a DSL signal on the same communication line. The method and apparatus of the present invention allows DSL devices and POTS devices to be used on the same communication line without the use of a splitter.

Abstract: A device for connection to telephone system modules for testing of telephone lines associated with the modules. The device includes structure formed of multiple parts fitted together, wherein a top part provides a cover providing access to telephone terminals for testing characteristics of a telephone line. The top part has a central orifice for receiving a manually operated, rotationally disposed control device, the control device engaging tabs associated with metallic parts which are disposed in a reverse symmetrical arrangement in one of the multiple parts. The tabs impart straight line movement to the metallic parts in response to rotational operation of the control device to cause the parts to engage the telephone terminals.