Abstract: When a radio selective calling receiver receives a special code commanding the deletion of a received message, it deletes a message designated by a control signal following the special code.

Abstract: A communication portable radio frequency (RF) communication device such as a pager that receives messages and formats selected messages and stores the formatted messages on a removably attached integrated circuit card (IC) computer card. After receiving and formatting messages, the card may be removed and coupled to a computer system. Then the computer system may access the data on the card.

Abstract: A remote controller for independently controlling a plurality of electric appliances includes a selector device for outputting a selected signal for controlling an electric appliance and a memory electrically connected to the selector device for storing a plurality of codes, such codes consisting of device codes, address codes, and function codes, wherein the device codes designate electric appliances of a particular type (such as TV's, VCR's audio sets, etc.), the address codes designate a specific appliance of the particular type (such as TV no.1, TV no. 2, ect.), and the function codes designate control of a function of the appliance (such as volume, picture contrast, color, etc.).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for object identification which includes a portable electronic tag reader having a transceiver capable both of reading identification information from electronic tags and transmitting collected information to a base unit for remote analysis. The system of the present invention utilizes the same transceiver to receive information from the base unit and write data to read/write electronic tags. The system of the present invention includes a transceiver for generating a modulated or unmodulated radio frequency interrogation signal, a receiver for detecting a return signal from an electronic tag and a signal processor for processing the return signal. A modulator within the portable unit combines the identification data with the radio frequency interrogation signal for transmission to a base unit through a wireless local area network. A demodulator within the portable unit extracts data and commands received from a base unit for local processing or transfer to a read/write electronic tag.

Abstract: A transmission mode selector, for changing a transmission mode selector, and a reception mode selector, for changing a reception mode, are added to an infrared communication circuit that conventionally supports an IrDA; and a UART that controls serial communication, is so set in a given condition where communication can be performed with a home electronic appliance remote controller, that a protocol for the home electronic appliances can be emulated by using the infrared communication apparatus of the personal computer.

Abstract: Carriers (51) in a cable telephony system (10) are prioritized (70) according to their usability. A local access manager (LAM) (27) creates a frequency list that ranks the carriers (51) based upon their frequency. When a cable fixed access unit (CFAU) (44) requests a traffic channel, the LAM (27) selects a traffic channel based on the channel's carrier usability. The LAM (27) also selects an alternative channel based on both the channel's carrier usability and the based on the number of carriers between the traffic channel and the alternate channel in the frequency list. When either the LAM (27) or the CFAU (44) determines the traffic channel is unacceptable during a call they transmit a "Switching to Alternate Channel" message. The CFAU (44) retunes to the alternate channel and transmits a "Re-Connect" request. The LAM (27) then transmits a new alternate channel and the call continues.

Abstract: A key operable with both motor vehicles and buildings includes a mechanically coded part and a transponder for exchanging an identification code that includes a fixed code and a second code part. The fixed code can be used within the framework of a door-locking system for the building for identifying the key user as the one authorized to enter the building. Both the fixed code and the second code part are used to operate a motor vehicle lock.

Abstract: A transponder unit (10) includes an N cycle counter (30) and an M cycle counter (28). The N cycle counter (30) has a different cycle value than the M cycle counter (28). During the transmission of information from the transponder unit (10), the duration for data bits having a binary zero value is controlled by the N cycle counter (30). The duration of data bits having a binary one value is controlled by the M cycle counter (28). The use of different cycle values within the N cycle counter (30) and the M cycle counter (28) allows for the transmission of binary one and binary zero data bits having the same bit length despite different frequencies representing the binary one and binary zero bits respectively.

Abstract: A two-way pager system is adapted for interactive process between a pager server and a subscriber carrying the pager. A first message sent by the pager server has labels for return buttons on the pager, and in response to the subscriber selecting a return button the pager server sends a new pager message with new labels for the return buttons whereby the subscriber may further instruct the pager server. Systems are disclosed for stock transaction alerts wherein a subscriber can reprogram variables at the server, and for e-mail alerts and forwarding, wherein the subscriber can select and alter delivery types, such as voice, fax and so forth, and may also select multiple and alternative destinations for copies of the original message to be forwarded. In some embodiments a subscriber can select and return canned responses to the originator of an e-mail, by pressing appropriate return buttons which the server matches with the canned responses.

Abstract: A portable transceiver is provided for use with a remote keyless entry system for controlling the locking-unlocking functions of a motor vehicle door lock and causing performance of a vehicle function. The transceiver includes a signal receiver for, when turned on, receiving an interrogation signal and responding thereto by transmitting a coded reply signal requesting performance of a vehicle function. A power supply is carried by the portable transceiver for purposes of supplying operating power for use by the signal receiver. A timer and controller are arranged to turn-on transceiver operation for a predetermined period of time when an interrogation signal and timed power pulse are received concurrently.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the limitations of prior art ALLNODE switches by including dual priority, adaptive, path seeking, and flash-flood functionalities in a single ALLNODE switch. The switch of the present invention further includes a selection device responsive to a selection signal for enabling the selection of the mode of switch operation from any one of the foregoing functionalities. The selection signal is applied to the switch in a number of different ways including: the transmission of a command over the data path interface to the switch; the transmission of a command over special purpose serial or parallel control lines; or via hardwiring. Thus, the selection of functionality for the switch is capable of being made in either a dynamic or static fashion. The present invention further comprises two new high performance networks utilizing the selectable function ALLNODE switch.

Abstract: An automatic addressing scheme for a life safety system having a local rail, and a plurality of modules inter-connected by the local rail, a first of the modules being a central processing unit, and the remainder being I/O modules having a variety of functions, as well as a common line forming part of the local rail; an arrangement is provided for detecting the location of each of the I/O modules and assigning addresses thereto without human intervention, the arrangement including a resistor and transistor, capable of being conductive to ground, associated with each I/O module. A constant current source is located at the central processing unit, connected by the common line to the resistors in series circuit, and with a common address input means connected from the central processing unit to said common line and thereby to the I/O modules.

Abstract: An acknowledge back portable selective call radio (10) for use in a selective call signal radio system (100) and method for determining selective call radio location (200-300), wherein the selective call radio (10) comprises a transceiver (14) for receiving selective call signals and transmitting acknowledge back signals, a processor (24) for monitoring and processing received selective call signals to monitor errors in the selective call signal, a global positioning system receiver (12) activated by the processor (24) when the number of errors exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein the global positioning system receiver (12) receives satellite transmitted signals for triangulating the position of the selective call radio (10), and wherein the geographic location determined by the processor (24) is transmitted in the acknowledge back signal to the selective call signal transceiver station (110) where a transmission strategy is selected in accordance with the location of the selective call radio (10).

Abstract: An add-on, or after-market, remote-control vehicle security system expander allows auxiliary remote-control functions to be added to previously-installed remote-control systems. Using complementary remote control functions for multiple actuation encoding permits auxiliary function codes to be transmitted without a change of state in the underlying function. Signal validation by coincidence timing and voltage comparison are used to prevent inadvertent local actuation of the auxiliary remote-control functions. Decoding is also limited to a time-window to reduce electrical interference.

Abstract: A taut armature reciprocating impulse transducer (100) includes an electromagnetic driver (24, 26) which effects an alternating electromagnetic field in response to an input signal. An armature (12) includes an upper planar suspension member (14) formed by a first pair of non-linear spring members arranged along a first radial axis (50), and a lower planar suspension member (16) formed by a second pair of non-linear spring members arranged along a second radial axis (52) which is substantially perpendicular to the first radial axis (50). The upper and lower planar suspensions members are coupled to the electromagnetic driver (24, 26) and suspend a magnetic motional mass (18) therebetween. The alternating electromagnetic field alternately moves the magnetic motional mass (18), the movement being transformed through the upper and lower planar suspension members (14, 16) and the electromagnetic driver (24, 26) into motional energy.

Abstract: A computer system and a method for the protected distribution of certificate and keying material between a certification authority and at least one entity in the certification authority's domain, including the steps of sending keying material, including a password, generated by the Certifying Authority to the entity via a secure medium; generating and protecting, by the entity, a public and a private key pair using the keying material provided it by the certifying authority; generating, protecting and sending a request for a certificate to the certifying authority using the keying material provided it by the certifying authority; requesting, by the certifying authority, that the public key and address of the entity be sent to the certifying authority; protecting and sending the public key and address of the entity to the certifying authority using the keying material provided it by the certifying authority; assembling and issuing the certificate to the entity from the certifying authority and recording the pu

Abstract: A selective call system including a base station having a transmitter for transmitting digital paging signals in the form of batches, each batch including a synchronization code word and concatenated message signals. While the bit rate of the message signals within each batch is the same, the synchronization code word of a particular batch contains information indicating the bit rate of the message signals in its batch.

Abstract: With confidential information being composed of authenticating signs which belong to a first series, a second series of signs or designating symbols is defined, the first and second series of signs are displayed in a relatively random position, and this placement in correspondence is used to enter the confidential information in such a way that a third party who observes the entry operations cannot determine the confidential information. The invention also relates to the terminal associated with this process.

Abstract: For carrying out an announcement in response to a call signal which has, as a selected code, one of a plurality of call condition indicating code, a radio paging receiver has a plurality of call condition indicating tables each holding a plurality of announcing modes in correspondence to the call condition indicating codes. Selection is carried out to select, as a selected table, one of the call condition indicating tables. The announcement is carried out in a particular announcing mode which is selected from the announcing modes of the selected table in response to the selected code. It is preferable that the selection is automatically carried out at a time when a current time instant is coincident with a preselected time instant.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting appliances for use with an appliance automation system and for augmenting and expanding the function of an existing appliance automation system. A universal transmitter is provided which can receive instructions from a central audio/visual controller or from any instruction issuing appliance automation controller. The universal transmitter is configured for use with a single appliance and can be used with any appliance having an infrared receiver to which it transmits infrared signals. Control signals, issued by a hand-held infrared transmitter or any appliance automation controller which is connected to the signal-carrying bus, direct the universal transmitter to transmit infrared signals to the appliance being controlled. The present invention also senses whether the appliance is in an on or off state and operates to prevent a power on command from being issued if the appliance is already on.