Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more gateways sniff the voice channel during the voice mode. If it is determined that V.8bis signals are being initiated, then the gateway breaks these exchanges by suppressing such signaling. Modem relay communications then are allowed to proceed. Briefly, the method and apparatus involve monitoring a call during a voice mode phase for an initiating signal representative of the defined signaling, the monitoring being performed by a local gateway and, if such an initiating signal is detected during the monitoring, then suppressing such detected signaling in such manner that the signaling does not reach the remote gateway. Preferably, the monitoring is for an initiating signal characterized by a dual tone of defined frequency and duration of approximately 1375 Hz and 2002 Hz for a duration of approximately 400 ms or 285 ms, in agreement with the ITU-T Recommendation V.8bis (standard) adopted by the International Telecommunication Union.

Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more gateways sniff the voice channel during the voice mode. If it is determined that V.8bis signals are being initiated, then the gateway breaks these exchanges by suppressing such signaling, thereby avoiding the above-described detrimental effects. Modem relay communications then are allowed to proceed. Briefly, the method and apparatus involve monitoring a call during a voice mode phase for an initiating signal representative of the defined signaling, the monitoring being performed by a local gateway and, if such an initiating signal is detected during the monitoring, then suppressing such detected signaling in such manner that the signaling does not reach the remote gateway. Preferably, the monitoring is for an initiating signal characterized by a dual tone of defined frequency and duration of approximately 1375 Hz and 2002 Hz for a duration of approximately 400 ms or 285 ms, in agreement with the ITU-T Recommendation V.

Abstract: The invented method involves one or more gateways sniffing the voice channel during the voice mode. If it is determined that V.8bis signals are being initiated, then the gateway breaks these exchanges by suppressing such signaling, thereby avoiding the above-described detrimental effects. Modem relay communications then are allowed to proceed. Briefly, the method and apparatus involve monitoring a call during a voice mode phase for an initiating signal representative of the defined signaling, the monitoring being performed by a local gateway and, if such an initiating signal is detected during the monitoring, then suppressing such detected signaling in such manner that the signaling does not reach the remote gateway. Preferably, the monitoring is for an initiating signal characterized by a dual tone of defined frequency and duration of approximately 1375 Hz and 2002 Hz for a duration of approximately 400 ms or 285 ms, in agreement with the ITU-T Recommendation V.

Abstract: Managing a multicast conference call includes receiving signals at a local endpoint participating in a multicast conference call with remote endpoints. The signals include a local signal associated with the local endpoint and remote signals, where each remote signal is associated with a remote endpoint. Metric ratings are determined, where each metric rating reflects an importance of a signal. The metric ratings include a local metric rating corresponding to the local signal and remote metric ratings, where each remote metric rating corresponds to a remote signal. The local metric rating and the remote metric ratings are compared, and a subset of signals is selected according to the comparison.

Abstract: A device is provided for coupling between a telephone line and the network, to exchange data between them. The invention includes software for the device, and methods of operation. The device detects when, in a fax/modem type transmission, the transmitted data encode silence or voice. This determines the end of the fax/modem type transmission, and then the device is switched to a more economical voice mode. The device analyzes the energy of the encoded signals. The device makes a discrimination of the type of signals (fax/modem, silence or voice) based on the time patterns of the energy. For fax/modem the pattern is relatively uniform, for silence it is uniformly low, and for voice the pattern oscillates.

Abstract: A solder paste stenciling apparatus for minimizing residue of solder paste has a stencil disposed above a substrate in a proper distance. Multiple stencil opens are defined through the stencil and distributed in a predetermined formation. A squeegee for applying solder paste onto the stencil has a hollow body for receiving the solder paste. A piston is used to apply pressure to the solder paste in the body so that the solder paste is urged to flow through an outlet defined in a bottom surface of the body. Two blowers are mounted on opposite sides of the body and a vent is defined in each blower. In operation, the solder paste flows out of the body via the outlet and into the stencil opens to be further deposited onto the substrate. Then, air coming out of the blowers assists the solder paste to be fully evacuated from the stencil opens.

Abstract: Multiple characteristics of an signal are measured to determine the presence of an alert tone on an incoming signal to a customer premises equipment (CPE) in preparation for receipt of FSK modem signals. The apparatus, method, and article of manufacture discern the presence of an alert tone by measuring characteristics of the incoming signal. The alert tone is able to be discerned even under crosstalk conditions and over a wide dynamic range with the digital signal processing (DSP) method and apparatus described. Multiple characteristics of the signal are measured to determine the presence of the alert tone.