Abstract: A method, based on operations of parsing a set into two subsets and then multiplying elements of one subset by those of the other subsets, for expanding the assignable Internet IPv4 public address pool consists of introducing a new category of routers, named Semi-Public Router (SPR), utilizing addresses within a reserved address block by transporting such as data via an existing mechanism within the IPv4 protocol. Each SPR is to be deployed inline between an Edge Router and a subscriber premises that it serves, resulting in the additional addressing capacity for serving many more subscribers. This enhanced operation is fundamentally transparent to current Internet equipment. Consequently, existing routers are not affected, thus no modification is imposed on their current practices.

Abstract: A method for materially expanding the assignable Internet IPv4 public address pool consists of introducing a new category of routers, named Semi-Public Router (SPR), utilizing addresses within a long-reserved address block by transporting such as data via a well-defined mechanism within the IPv4 protocol. Each SPR is to be deployed inline between an Edge Router and a subscriber premises that it serves, resulting in the additional addressing capacity for serving many more subscribers. This enhancement is fundamentally transparent to current Internet equipment. Consequently, existing routers are not affected, thus no modification is imposed on their current practices.

Abstract: A voice and data terminals networking system comprises a plurality of voice terminals capable of communicating with one another within an intercom system. Each voice terminal is designated with a unique first code and intercommunicated among an intercom system. The system includes a plurality of data terminals each is associated to a corresponding voice terminal and designated with a unique second code consisted by at least first and second numbers and is interconnected to a LAN system. A transition gateway selected from one of the voice and data terminals for interfacing between internal and external communications. The system further includes a device that is used for selecting the first and second codes of the voice and the associated data terminals; wherein the second number of the second code of the associated data terminal is selected by the means such that the second number of the second code is completely identical to the first code of the voice terminal.

Abstract: A method of requesting broadband content service with associated bandwidth provisioning in near real time is disclosed. With this concise facility, broadband services may be deployed in the conventional “always-on” mode but at a bare minimum bandwidth. This will encourage much larger subscriber base than currently possible. The convenience of obtaining premium service on-demand offers content providers and carriers opportunity to realize profits based on subscriber's improved willingness.

Abstract: A technique of assigning network addresses to workstations by using a system of unified identification codes for both voice and data communications is disclosed. This unified identification code is settable by the user directly. This identification code can be easily verified by the user without special training. Only one set of such identification code is needed per workstation, thus simplifying the management of such networks. This technique also bridges the traditional analog voice communicattion with the emerging digital data technology.

Abstract: A Local Area Network (LAN) having two or more computing devices equipped with Wide Area Network (WAN) access capability is conventionally predefined with the computing device having the best WAN link performance as the Gateway. In SOHO (Small Office Home Office) or residential settings where computing devices are powered on only when needed, the predefined Gateway often may not be ready to provide service. An active Client with WAN access capability could be utilized to establish an alternate link, temporarily. With an alternate WAN link established, other Clients' communication needs can be served by sharing such link. Even the Gateway, if it is powered on afterwards, would utilize this link instead of establishing its own which could disturb the ongoing traffic.

Abstract: A local networking system, offers integrated communication services to multiple local voice stations and data terminals via a common transmission medium. This system, utilizing Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) signals as carrier, transports information with CSMA/CD protocol. Voice transmissions are organized in traditional TDMA format with fixed frame length and dynamically assigned time slots to avoid interference caused by other devices in the system. Data services operate in traditional CSMA/CD format, but restricted to specified blocks of time intervals. The voice service quality is guaranteed because the required channels and bandwidths, up to the designed maximum, are always available when needed. The grade of data service may be impacted by voice traffic volume which is automatically managed by data terminal's inherent design with CSMA/CD protocol. This unified digital multiplexing system is applicable to transmission media with restricted channels.

Abstract: A voice and data terminals networking system comprises a plurality of voice terminals capable of communicating with one another within an intercom system. Each voice terminal is designated with a unique first code and intercommunicated among an intercom system. The system includes a plurality of data terminals each is associated to a corresponding voice terminal and designated with a unique second code consisted by at least first and second numbers and is interconnected to a LAN system. A transition gateway selected from one of the voice and data terminals for interfacing between internal and external communications. The system further includes a device that is used for selecting the first and second codes of the voice and the associated data terminals; wherein the second number of the second code of the associated data terminal is selected by the means such that the second number of the second code is completely identical to the first code of the voice terminal.

Abstract: A telephone call setup technique, based on an expanded originating subscriber dialing procedure, utilizing existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) facilities, provides a remote control means to directly instruct a customer premise switching module at the end of the terminating subscriber loop, which automatically routes the call to a terminating subscriber's station specified by the originating subscriber. This technique essentially expands the definition of PSTN's automatic switching system boundary to the end of every subscriber loop. Not only individuals on a residential premise can be reached separately, but also the on-demand switched data communications can be routed through PSTN to specific terminals without the concern of disturbing occupants on the premise. The architecture of this system also provides PABX functions to residential single line telephone services. This technique replaces the basic auto-attendant functions on PABX's.

Abstract: A telephone station instrument add-on control subsystem with selectable addressing and ringing response delay techniques enhances any conventional instrument by providing added functionalities to ordinary telephone subscribers. When one or more of this enhanced station instruments are used on the same telephone line, a distributed single line PABX is formed. The formation of this system is based on the continuity of a pair of ordinary telephone wires. The specific routing of this wire pair does not affect the characteristics of the service features. A special case of this distributed system is to provide local dialed intercom services for communications among locations within an isolated area. A simplified version of this invention can be applied to improve the efficiency of data communication in a Local Area Network whose terminal information speed is comparable to the channel bandwidth of the transmission medium.

Abstract: A Network Interface Unit (NIU) for serving a central office line and one or more local stations by interfacing remotely monitored devices, such as utility controllers and meter readers, to an existing customer telephone line that serves the customer site. The NIU comprises a master switching unit having a central office port, a main port connected to one or more telephone sets on the customer premises, and at least one station port assigned a calling identity and connected to a remotely monitored or controlled device. The NIU also comprises a controller for establishing "standby" and "armed" states in response to any one of a plurality of predefined sequences of normal power ringing signals.

Abstract: An Improved Local Switching System provides a full set of business telephone functions for at least two main switch telephone lines and a number of local stations. A Master Switching Unit (MSU) serves outgoing, incoming and local call requests and maintains stable talking connections. A call router (ACR) monitors one of the main switch lines for incoming calls, refers call requests to the MSU, accepts responsibility for transferring MSU stable talking connections to the call router; and handles outgoing calls when the MSU is not available to serve-an call origination request. A transfer switch, under control of the call router, transfers the main switch lines between the MSU and the call router.

Abstract: A commercial, two deck, stereo tape system, FIGS. 2 and 3, by means of the system control and switching logic module of FIG. 4 and the manual controls of FIG. 5, is adapted to provide an adjustable, interactive audio training system. A three position switch 503 permits an operator to select from three modes of system operation, namely, normal tape mode, master tape mode and training mode.When the system is in the normal tape mode, the switches of FIG. 3 are in full control. The system can be used exactly the same way as the original two deck stereo tape system.When the system is in the master tape mode, the system control and switching logic module of FIG. 4, in response to signals from manual controls of FIG. 5, permits an instructor to prepare "Master" tapes which may comprise: lecture material as a preamble to a training exercise; one or more series of "cues" to which a trainee is to respond; and discretely coded control signals.

Abstract: A modular switching system for terminating and originating calls between central office subscriber lines and local stations provides the appearance of a business environment to an establishment served by one or more central office lines and as few as one local station. Central office lines may comprise standard subscriber lines or PBX trunks. The switching system includes one or more master switching units (102, 112) equal in number to the central office lines which are seved by the system; and a plurality of station switching subsystems (120, 130) corresponding in number to the local stations served by the switching system. Each master switching unit includes a main port for connection to a telephone answering device (TAD). A TAD comprises a manual attendant's module and/or an automatic telephone answering set to provide a recorded audio announcement (OGM) which advises a calling party how to proceed to complete a call to a particular local station served by the called central office number.

Abstract: A coin escrow device includes a housing for receiving coins, and first and second gates for selectively discharging coins to a coin return chute or to a coin collection chute. Actuating mechanisms are provided to selectively unlatch the gates and to bias the gates to their latched positions.