Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for allocating radio frequency carriers in a radio service area having a plurality of radio frequency TDMA carriers and FDMA carriers. The method includes the steps of receiving a call, when the received call is a FDMA call and a FDMA carrier is not available for the FDMA call, then preempting a pre-existing call on a TDMA carrier of the plurality of radio frequency TDMA carriers for the FDMA call and when the received call is a TDMA call and a TDMA slot is not available for the TDMA call, then preempting a pre-existing FDMA call on a TDMA capable carrier of the plurality of radio frequency TDMA carriers for the TDMA call.

Abstract: A network element (300) can facilitate allocating first and second communication resources (such as, but not limited to, FDMA and TDMA communication resources) in support of supergroup communications. By one approach this comprises identifying (101) communication talkgroups as are to comprise a part of the communication supergroup and then determining (102) whether any of the communication talkgroups comprise first resource-only talkgroups. When any one of the communication talkgroups comprises a first resource-only talkgroup, the network element allocates (103) communication resources to support the communication supergroup wherein the communication resources do not comprise second resource communication resources (for example, the network element allocates first resource communication resources).

Abstract: A method includes receiving an authentication request from a mobile station (401) and determining whether to forward the request to an authentication agent. When it is determined to forward the request, the request is forwarded to the authentication agent (107). A random number and a random seed are received from the authentication agent (107). The random number and the random seed are forwarded to the mobile station (401). A response to the random number and the random seed from the mobile station (401) is received and forwarded to the authentication agent (107). The authentication agent (107) compares the response with an expected response. When the authentication agent (107) authenticates the mobile station (401), a derived cipher key is received from the authentication agent (107).

Abstract: A method includes receiving an authentication request from a mobile station (401) and determining whether to forward the request to an authentication agent. When it is determined to forward the request, the request is forwarded to the authentication agent (107). A random number and a random seed are received from the authentication agent (107). The random number and the random seed are forwarded to the mobile station (401). A response to the random number and the random seed from the mobile station (401) is received and forwarded to the authentication agent (107). The authentication agent (107) compares the response with an expected response. When the authentication agent (107) authenticates the mobile station (401), a derived cipher key is received from the authentication agent (107).

Abstract: A method for providing a mobile device in a packet data network access to a channelized network is disclosed. At a gateway between the two networks, a first channelized network message that is encapsulated in a first IP data packet from the packet data network is received. The first channelized network message is retrieved and reformatted for sending over the channelized network. The gateway then receives a second channelized network message from the channelized network. An identifier of a mobile device associated with the second channelized network message is retrieved and an IP address for the identified mobile device is determined. Then, the gateway encapsulates the second channelized network message into a second IP data packet and sends the encapsulated second channelized network message to the identified mobile device in the packet data network.

Abstract: A method for informing a mobile device of adjacent sites in a RF communication system is disclosed. The RF communication system comprises a first network and a second network. At a site in the second network of the RF communication system, information is maintained of adjacent sites wherein the adjacent sites are within the first network, and a first list of adjacent sites is broadcast to at least one mobile device within coverage of the site in the second network.

Abstract: Methods for informing a mobile device of adjacent sites in a RF communication system wherein the RF communication system comprises a first network and a second network are disclosed. A mobile device in the first network of the RF communication system updates a signaling gateway with position information of the mobile device wherein the signaling gateway interfaces between the first network and the second network and receives a list of adjacent sites in the second network from the signaling gateway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for nondestructively acquiring images of a plant root system is described. The apparatus includes a substrate for supporting the plant root system, a container for holding the substrate, an x-ray radiation source for generating x-ray radiation and directing the radiation to pass through the plant root system, and an x-ray image capture system for receiving the x-ray radiation having passed through the plant root system and for generating an image of the plant root system based on the radiation. The x-ray radiation source generates x-ray radiation having an energy level in the range of about 8 keV to about 20 keV. In this energy range, the attenuation of the x-ray radiation due to air is minimized and the contrast between the root system and the container and substrate is sufficiently high to provide a resolvable image.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes a method for controlling a vehicle docking system that receives a vehicle at a loading dock. The method includes detecting an undercarriage of the vehicle and determining whether the vehicle is restrained based on the detection. The method further enables operation of a door based the determination. The door is adapted to permit access to the loading dock.

Abstract: A multi-axial roll-forming apparatus that is configured to be quickly and efficiently modifiable so as to allow the formation of a variety of differently shaped component pieces from a variety of different shaped pieces of material. A variously adjustable roll-forming device is held in a variety of vertical and horizontal orientations within a variously adjustable frame. The variously adjustable frame allows for various adjustments so as to provide an aperture consistent with the dimensions of the material being processed or the pieces which are to be formed.

Abstract: A determination is made whether a service provider (28, 40) is capable of supporting at least one service for one of a plurality of subscriber units (30–36, 42–46). The determination is based on whether the service provider has sufficient processing capabilities and memory to receive the service processing software from the subscriber unit and/or whether the service provider is authorized, based on communication system policies to process the particular service request for this subscriber. If the service provider is capable, the subscriber unit provides service processing logic (e.g., the service processing application and/or user customization software) to the service provider. Upon receiving the service processing logic, the service provider stores it and eventually executes it to process the requested service for the subscriber units.

Abstract: An annular cooler for a rotary kiln having a series of tubes longitudinally extending parallel to the axis of kiln and radially spaced therefrom. The tubes have flights mounted therein for carrying and moving clinkers discharged from the lower end of the kiln into the tubes and then upward to the upper end of the tubes where they are discharged into an appropriate collecting bin. A cooling medium is drawn downward through the tubes opposite to the direction of travel of the clinkers. The cooling medium which is heated as it travels through the tubes is directed into the kiln upon leaving the cooling tubes for use in the combustion process in the kiln.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method of facilitating talkgroup communications across a multiple-system communication network (100). A typical multi-system network (100) includes a plurality of communication units (122), a plurality of communication location areas (117-119), and a plurality of system controllers (100, 116). Upon migration of a communication unit (122) from one communication system to another, the communication unit (122) sends a registration request to the system controller (116) at the new communication system (102). The system controller (116) determines whether the talkgroup of the migrating communication unit (122) is registered with the new communication system (102). If the talkgroup is not registered with the new system (102), a database (120) is updated with the new talkgroup information, thereby facilitating talkgroup communication involving, members of the talkgroup.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method of facilitating a talkgroup call throughout a communication network (100). A typical multi-system network (100) includes a plurality of communication units (122), a plurality of communication location areas (117-119), and a plurality of system controllers (110, 116). A communication unit (122) sends a request for a talkgroup call involving members of a first talkgroup to a system controller (116). The system controller (116), after receiving the talkgroup call request, determines which other communication systems in the multi-system network (100) contain members of the requested talkgroup. The system controller (116) sends a talkgroup call command to all communication systems that presently contain members of the first talkgroup, thereby facilitating the talkgroup call throughout the communications network.

Abstract: A console (203), in communication with a zone controller (201) via a communication link (208), sends a communication request that includes an inbound time slot identification, an inbound audio switch identification, and an inbound multiplexer identification to the zone controller. In a first embodiment, it is assumed that the inbound time slot identification not only identifies an inbound time slot, but also a similarly identified outbound time slot as well. In a second embodiment, an outbound time slot identification is explicitly provided as part of the communication request. An outbound audio switch identification and an outbound multiplexer identification may also be provided as part of the communication request. In this manner, the need for the console to have access to all time slots is eliminated, and the complexity of the zone controller and the console can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of repairing large rotating parts joined together by bolts extending through flanges extending radially from the parts being joined. The method comprises the steps of removing the bolts, separating the parts, counterboring the areas around the bolt holes, inserting an annular washer in the area counterbored and rebolting the parts together.