Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for synchronizing one or more clocks across a communication link. A slave clock may be synchronized to a master clock by means of a synchronization signal sent from the master to the slave clock side of the link. The synchronization signal may be an expected signal pattern sent at intervals expected by the slave side. The slave clock may correlate received signals with a representation of the expected synchronization signal to produce a correlation sample sequence at a first sample rate which is related as n times the slave clock rate. The synchronization signal receipt time indicated by the correlation sample sequence may be refined by interpolating the correlation sample sequence around a best correlation sample to locate a best interpolation at an interpolation resolution smaller than the sample resolution. The best interpolation may in turn be further refined by estimating between interpolator outputs adjacent to the best interpolation output.

Abstract: A means for securing parallel pieces of twine so that yard debris such as branches and trimmings can piled for bundling. The parallel pieces of twine are located such that, once the debris is piled perpendicularly between them, they are positioned for convenient tying around the debris to form a bundle for transporting and disposal. Each piece of cut twine is held in place at two points and is retained by an angled grasping mechanism that serves to pinch the twine, thus holding it secure enough to withstand the disturbances of debris being piled, yet not so constraining that the twine can't be easily removed for wrapping and tying. The roughly square frame can be folded into a substantially one dimensional form for storage. An optional twine cutting blade can be included on the frame for convenient severing of the twine from its packaged source.

Abstract: A method for drying the interior of bottles that uses an air-gathering scoop insert constructed so as to catch and direct naturally occurring air currents into the interior, thus supplying dry air, and expelling evaporated water vapor. To this end, the shape of the insert exhibits a center of gravity located to tilt the scoop forward to better aid the capture of air currents. A narrow tail resides inside the bottle, serving to hold upright a scoop lying above the bottle's neck to capture and direct natural air currents down and into the interior. Additionally, the tail of the scoop inside the bottle can optionally be curved forward, again aiding in tilting the scoop forward and advantageously directing air flows. Further, optional cutaways can be removed from the tail of the scoop which allow in-flowing air to reach the entire inside perimeter of the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for synchronizing one or more clocks across a communication link. A slave clock may be synchronized to a master clock by means of a synchronization signal sent from the master to the slave clock side of the link. The synchronization signal may be an expected signal pattern sent at intervals expected by the slave side. The slave clock may correlate received signals with a representation of the expected synchronization signal to produce a correlation sample sequence at a first sample rate which is related as n times the slave clock rate. The synchronization signal receipt time indicated by the correlation sample sequence may be refined by interpolating the correlation sample sequence around a best correlation sample to locate a best interpolation at an interpolation resolution smaller than the sample resolution. The best interpolation may in turn be further refined by estimating between interpolator outputs adjacent to the best interpolation output.

Abstract: A slave clock may be synchronized to a master clock by means of a synchronization signal sent from the master to the slave clock side of the link. The synchronization signal may be an expected signal pattern sent at intervals expected by the slave side. The slave clock may correlate received signals with a representation of the expected synchronization signal to produce a correlation sample sequence at a first sample rate which is related as n times the slave clock rate. A best interpolation may in turn be further refined by estimating between interpolator outputs adjacent to the best interpolation output. The synchronization signal receipt time thus determined is compared to the expected time based upon the slave clock, which is adjusted until the times match. The best interpolation may in turn be further refined by estimating between interpolator outputs adjacent to the best interpolation output.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, static periods, and low frequency noise. Color shifts, both subtle and dramatic, effectively emulate true television output. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for synchronizing one or more clocks across a communication link. A slave clock may be synchronized to a master clock by means of a synchronization signal sent from the master to the slave clock side of the link. The synchronization signal may be an expected signal pattern sent at intervals expected by the slave side. The slave clock may correlate received signals with a representation of the expected synchronization signal to produce a correlation sample sequence at a first sample rate which is related as n times the slave clock rate. The synchronization signal receipt time indicated by the correlation sample sequence may be refined by interpolating the correlation sample sequence around a best correlation sample to locate a best interpolation at an interpolation resolution smaller than the sample resolution. The best interpolation may in turn be further refined by estimating between interpolator outputs adjacent to the best interpolation output.

Abstract: One or more clocks are synchronized across a communication link using a synchronization signal sent from a master to a slave clock. The synchronization signal may be an expected signal pattern sent at intervals expected by the slave. The slave clock may correlate received signals with a representation of the expected synchronization signal to produce a correlation sample sequence at a first sample rate. The synchronization signal receipt time is compared to the expected time and the slave clock is adjusted until the times match. Master and slave clocks synchronized across the communication link constitute a noncommon clock which may be compared on each side of the link to secondary independent clocks. The secondary independent clocks may be separately synchronized by adjusting one to have the same difference from its local noncommon clock as the secondary clock on the other side of the link has from its local noncommon clock.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, static periods, and low frequency noise. Color shifts, both subtle and dramatic, effectively emulate true television output. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for synchronizing one or more clocks across a communication link. A slave clock may be synchronized to a master clock by means of a synchronization signal sent from the master to the slave clock side of the link. The synchronization signal may be an expected signal pattern sent at intervals expected by the slave side. The slave clock may correlate received signals with a representation of the expected synchronization signal to produce a correlation sample sequence at a first sample rate which is related as n times the slave clock rate. The synchronization signal receipt time indicated by the correlation sample sequence may be refined by interpolating the correlation sample sequence around a best correlation sample to locate a best interpolation at an interpolation resolution smaller than the sample resolution. The best interpolation may in turn be further refined by estimating between interpolator outputs adjacent to the best interpolation output.

Abstract: A very reliable alarm system is comprised of transceiver node devices interconnected via infrared links forming a secure perimeter, whereby each transceiver node in the perimeter receives an infrared transmission from a previous transceiver node, and itself transmits an infrared signal to the next transceiver node in the perimeter. If a break of an infrared link occurs, such as would happen if an intruder enters the perimeter area, an indication of the break is communicated around to a base unit device either by each subsequent node device inhibiting its infrared transmission, or changing its transmission to that of a special alarm signal. Upon receiving an indication of a perimeter break the base unit device alerts alarm signaling devices such as audible or visual alarm indicators.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for disabling the operation of a computer keyboard with respect to depressed keys as they are observed by the computer's CPU. Entry into, and exit from, the keyboard disabled state is made via specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys. In one embodiment of the invention a new software routing (31) is added to the existing keyboard software (12) to recognize specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys and alternately inhibit or allow transmissions from the keyboard to the computer CPU in response to depressed keyboard keys. In an alternate embodiment an apparatus (100) is added between an existing keyboard and the computer to similarly recognize specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys via a lock detection function (111) which alternately inhibits or allows transmission of keyboard clock (122) and data (123) signals, thus preventing depressed keyboard keys from being recognized by the computer CPU.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for synchronizing one or more clocks across a communication link. A slave clock may be synchronized to a master clock by means of a synchronization signal sent from the master to the slave clock side of the link. The synchronization signal may be an expected signal pattern sent at intervals expected by the slave side. The slave clock may correlate received signals with a representation of the expected synchronization signal to produce a correlation sample sequence at a first sample rate which is related as n times the slave clock rate. The synchronization signal receipt time indicated by the correlation sample sequence may be refined by interpolating the correlation sample sequence around a best correlation sample to locate a best interpolation at an interpolation resolution smaller than the sample resolution. The best interpolation may in turn be further refined by estimating between interpolator outputs adjacent to the best interpolation output.

Abstract: In a data communications network comprising a series of nodes connected by optical fiber links providing direct bidirectional communication between adjacent nodes, and communication between non-adjacent nodes in both directions through the same set of intermediate nodes, failure of a single link or of a single node is overcome by protection switching to a standby transmisison loop, including a standby link connecting the head end and tail end nodes of the series. The network provides survivability while also taking advantage of the ability of add/drop multiplexers to allow reuse of bandwidth. Rapid switchover to the protection loop is achieved by providing each node with the capability of detecting and responding to adjacent faults and, in normal operation, maintaining a high-speed by-pass path for the protection loop through all of the nodes except the head end node.