Abstract: A drive unit is provided, particularly a drive unit for operating flow-control valves, comprising a housing, an electrical input, an electromechanical converter assembly, a mechanical output, and an electronic controller. The controller comprises an input unit having at least one pushbutton, which penetrates the housing and can be depressed against the action of a restoring device, and comprises a contactless switch that is actuated by the at least one pushbutton. A mechanical stop independent of the switch itself is associated with the position of the pushbutton that actuates the switch.

Abstract: A drive unit is provided, particularly a drive unit for operating flow-control valves, comprising a housing, an electrical input, an electromechanical converter assembly, a mechanical output, and an electronic controller. The controller comprises an input unit having at least one pushbutton, which penetrates the housing and can be depressed against the action of a restoring device, and comprises a contactless switch that is actuated by the at least one pushbutton. A mechanical stop independent of the switch itself is associated with the position of the pushbutton that actuates the switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle to drive four wheels instead of two differential mechanisms of prior art disposed on the front axle and rear axle. The transmission mechanism of the invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a single differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle. The transmission mechanism of the invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based on Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission mechanism with a differential mechanism for an automotive vehicle to drive four wheels instead of two differential mechanisms of prior art disposed on the front axle and rear alxe. The transmission mechanism of the invention is of a compact structure and a relatively less cost of manufacturing, and makes a clearance between the chassis of the automotive vehicle and the ground increased. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based or Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based on Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: A modem that handles interruptions caused by call waiting signals is described. When the modem detects a call waiting signal, the modem alerts the user to the presence of the call waiting signal, and permits the user to answer the incoming call by taking a local phone that is connected to the modem off-hook. When the local phone is taken off-hook, the modem automatically generates a hook-flash signal to switch to the incoming call. When the user places the local phone back on-hook, the modem generates another hook-flash signal to resume (if possible) the modem connection. Additionally, the modem prevents a “fallback”, in which the modem switches from its current protocol to a lower-speed protocol, during a “retrain” process caused by a call waiting event.