Abstract: Screen separators and a screen tensioning system for separators that facilitates rapid measurement of screen tension. Each separator subframe screen is suspended between opposed subframe walls. Suitable linkages distribute vibration during the aggregate sifting process. Screen edge flanges are secured by tensioners that control a screen suspension bracket. A carriage bolt fitted through bracket orifices and the walls coaxially receive a resilient grommet captivated by an adjustable sleeve nut. As the nut is tightened, screen tension increases and the grommet diameter increases. A portable gauge with an internal U-shaped measurement sleeve is fitted over the deformed grommet to measure screen tension. A plurality of gauge calibration points bordering the deformed grommet determine applied screen tension.

Abstract: A method of routing an incoming telephone call to a called party having plural telephone numbers in which a telephone call for the called party is received at a switching system, and automatically screened to determine where the received call is to be routed among plural devices with different telephone numbers for accessing the called party, where the devices may include a wireless telephone and a pager. The screening step determines whether the received call is to be routed to the wireless telephone and the pager. If the received call is to be routed to the wireless telephone and the pager in response to the screening, it is routed in parallel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for achieving distributed telephony management within a network of telecommunication switches are disclosed. By using techniques known to computer communication technology but as yet unapplied to telephony, execution of tasks necessary for the proper functioning of a telephony network are performed with increased efficiency, ease, and throughput by distributing processing amongst the switches composing the network and attached computers.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system in which a base station communicates with plural mobile stations using frames of digital data, each frame having a control slot and plural voice (or data) slots, the present invention divides at least some of the slots into two portions and receives communications from one of the mobile stations during a first portion of a voice slot and communicates with the same mobile station during the second portion of the same slot.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system in which a base station communicates with plural mobile stations using a control channel and plural voice (or data) channels, the present invention uses the control channel as a voice channel whenever the other voice channels are in use and a request is received from a mobile station for another voice channel. The base station's use of the control channel varies as the control channel switches from a control channel to a voice channel and back to a control channel again.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system in which plural base stations communicate with plural mobile stations using a control slot and plural voice (or data) slots, the present invention dynamically allocates which of a predetermined set of frequencies are used by a given base station at a given time. The base stations monitor the predetermined set of frequencies to determine which frequencies are being used within which slots within the range of radio reception of the base station. Currently unused frequency/slot combinations are assigned by a base station to service the next request for a voice slot.

Abstract: A telephone switch system is connected digitally to an external computer system operating database software and having access to a digitally stored database of information used by the switch. The switch performs data transactions on the database in the manner of a client. The database engine allows live queries, which automatically update querying clients as pertinent data changes. The database engine also allows query concentration, which caches query results and supplies the cached results to querying clients making identical queries within a prescribed period of time. The database engine further allows batch inserts, which allow a user to add a plurality of records with a single command.

Abstract: A system and method for readily varying the configuration of a telephone system and the functions/features available to the users of wireless telephone instruments on the system. The telephone instruments may include a display which can be configured by interaction with a base station to vary the interpretation given to inputs received from the user. Features available to the user of a particular telephone instrument may be specifically adapted to the user and may be readily modified as the user changes, as the user's authorization changes, and/or as the telephone system's capabilities are changed.

Abstract: A wireless PBX system utilizes base stations dispersed throughout an area to be served with wireless telephone service. The base stations utilize multiple antennae to reduce problems associated with fading and multipath. In the present invention, the antennae of a base station or similar apparatus are rotatable, at least in pairs, so that the base station may be hung vertically, horizontally, or at some other angle to the horizon and the antennae may be readily oriented to a position which provides for preferred propagation characteristics for the antennae for the local area in which the base station is mounted.

Abstract: System and method for operating a wireless telephone system particularly a wireless Private Branch Exchange (PBX), as both a voice system and a pager system. The system includes a protocol for communicating both voice conversations and display data to a remote unit. Remote units, which may be pagers, personal communications units, mobile telephones, and the like, communicate with the wired portion of the system using the same protocols and signalling techniques.

Abstract: A method for combining signals for a telephone conference may include a multiplicity of identical adders for combining six signals and providing a single combined output. The adders may be arranged in a repeatable hierarchical scheme in which each group of six conference members includes an adder for combining all six signals, with the output of this adder being provided to other groups of six so that each conference member receives signals from every other conference member. As few as three hierarchical levels of addition may be used with up to 216 members. Adders may also be arranged so that a member of a first conference may monitor other conferences without affecting the first conference.