Abstract: A composite tube for a gun barrel consists of: an inner tubular metal liner defining a longitudinal bore axis; a resin matrix material surrounding the liner, the resin matrix material containing a plurality of elongate carbon fibers, the carbon fibers being aligned parallel with the longitudinal bore axis of the liner and under compression along the longitudinal bore axis; a muzzle piece attached to the muzzle end of the barrel; and a breech piece attached to the breech end of the barrel, so that any vibrations transmitted along the longitudinal bore axis of the liner are absorbed by the resin matrix material and so that any vibrations reaching the muzzle piece and breech piece are reflected back into the resin matrix material and thus absorbed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between Customer Premises Equipment, (CPE) alarm sensing devices, and alarm monitoring stations. The sensing devices communicate with an end office switch by transmitting a message, such as a string of Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency, (DTMF) digits to that switch. At the switch, the message is processed and a determination is made which of a plurality of alarm monitoring stations should receive the alarm indication. One or more data packets are sent to the selected alarm monitoring stations with the packets identifying the source of the alarm indication, and the type of alarm indication. Advantageously, the packetized communication between the end office switch and the alarm monitoring system allows a high volume of alarm indications to be sent to an alarm monitoring station, because individual telephone connections are not required for each such alarm message.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing suppressed ringing with a plurality of communication devices. The system creates a suppressed ringing signal, at a remote computer, for at least one of the plurality of communication devices, implements a protocol to direct the suppressed ringing signal to the communication device through a private network and transmits the suppressed ringing signal from the remote computer, through the private network, to the communication device.

Abstract: A server (102, 204, 208) communicates with a modem, computer or other data communications device (104) to provide, for example, an information delivery service. The server produces multiple channels of data for delivery. The server uses multiple telephone lines to create a high-speed communications channel when necessary. Suppressed ringing connections are made from the server to facilitate data communications over the multiple lines of the multiple channels of data produced by the server.

Abstract: A composite tube for a gun barrel consists of: an inner tubular metal liner defining a longitudinal bore axis; a resin matrix material surrounding the liner, the resin matrix material containing a plurality of elongate carbon fibers, the carbon fibers being aligned parallel with the longitudinal bore axis of the liner and under compression along the longitudinal bore axis; a muzzle piece attached to the muzzle end of the barrel; and a breech piece attached to the breech end of the barrel, so that any vibrations transmitted along the longitudinal bore axis of the liner are absorbed by the resin matrix material and so that any vibrations reaching the muzzle piece and breech piece are reflected back into the resin matrix material and thus absorbed.

Abstract: The system for direct suppressed ringing access of a subscriber line enables the service provider to access subscriber lines from any location, as long as the incoming call is identified and authenticated as a suppressed ringing access call. The central office switch can maintain a list of predefined line numbers that are used by an authorized service provider to perform the suppressed ringing access function. Thus, a call origination on one of these lines is automatically validated as a suppressed ringing connection call. Alternatively, the suppressed ringing connection is requested by the inclusion of a predefined code in the dial string and the central office switch automatically authenticates the identity of the service provider.

Abstract: The usage detection system establishes a suppressed ringing connection to the subscriber line for either a predetermined extended time interval to enable at least two successive usage readings to be taken, or for a duration as determined by the telemetry equipment to perform the necessary usage readings to detect the presence of usage anomalies. This usage detection system communicates with the serving central office to establish a suppressed ringing connection, the duration of which is either under the control of the usage detection system or the telemetry equipment located at the customer premises. The usage detection system communicates with the telemetry equipment to identify the usage measurements that are desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for switching full rate (e.g., 64 kilobit per second) signals and composite signals comprising a plurality of subrate signals (e.g., 32 kilobit per second subrate signal). The apparatus includes a unit for compressing selected ones of a plurality of full-rate signals into a smaller plurality of full-rate single and composite signals, and apparatus for decompressing composite signals into a plurality of full-rate signals. The main elements of the switching fabric of the switch continue to switch full-rate signals. Advantageously, during periods of heavy load, the switching network fabric of a switching system can carry more calls, and more traffic can be carried between switches equipped for subrate switching.

Abstract: A personnel carrying vehicle comprises a self propelled, steerable body, a telescoping mast attached to and extending upwardly from the body, and a personnel compartment attached to the mast. Two control handles are mounted within the personnel compartment, with one handle including a rocker mechanism mounted therein for pivotal movement within a generally horizontal plane to control steering and the other handle being rotated to controlling traction. Sensors ensure that the operator's hands are on both control handles and both feet are properly positioned on a floor of the operator's compartment before the vehicle can be moved or the platform raised; this ensures a four point stance, providing for operator stability and that the operator's hands and feet are within the operator's compartment anytime the vehicle is being moved or during lifting or lowering operations.

Abstract: A composite tube for a gun barrel consists of: an inner tubular metal liner defining a longitudinal bore axis; a resin matrix material surrounding the liner, the resin matrix material containing a plurality of elongate carbon fibers, the carbon fibers being aligned parallel with the longitudinal bore axis of the liner and under compression along the longitudinal bore axis; a muzzle piece attached to the muzzle end of the barrel; and a breech piece attached to the breech end of the barrel, so that any vibrations transmitted along the longitudinal bore axis of the liner are absorbed by the resin matrix material and so that any vibrations reaching the muzzle piece and breech piece are reflected back into the resin matrix material and thus absorbed.

Abstract: The call hold state notification system functions to provide an indication to the parties presently served by the existing call connection that the original hold state has been terminated. This is accomplished by enabling both parties (multiple parties on a n-way call) to a call connection to place their respective call termination on hold to serve another call or to perform some other task without having to physically monitor the call connection. When any party to the call connection removes the hold state at their respective telephone station set, the remaining parties to the call connection who have a hold state active at their termination receive a notification of the reconnection of the party to the call connection. Optionally, the returning party also receives a notification that the call connection is in an on hold state at the other end of the call connection and that party is being advised of the termination of the held state by the returning party.

Abstract: Relates to apparatus and methods for permitting an agent of a utility or service bureau to access customer metering equipment before or during a conversation with the customer. For accessing before a call, while the customer is still on-book, an alert signal is sent to activate the telemetering equipment prior to establishing a voice connection. For accessing during the call, an alert signal is sent while the customer is off-hook. Advantageously, the measurement can be made in conjunction with the oral contact with the customer, thus making customer contacts more efficient and providing better service to customers.

Abstract: A multi-task capable work assist vehicle is designed for transporting an operator and items to be handled by the operator and for elevating the operator with such items supported upon a load tray elevated with the operator. Preferably the load tray is mounted for positioning along a telescoping mast which supports and elevates the operator. A load deck or load platform is provided on a body of the vehicle in addition to the load tray so that items such as packages, tools, parts, merchandise and the like can be carried by the vehicle. Load shelves may also be provided adjacent the load deck to add flexibility and capacity to the load carrying capability of the vehicle. Uses of the vehicle include order picking, in-house service maintenance, stock management, cargo delivery and the like. It is designed to be compact in size and highly maneuverable for use in narrow storage aisles and tight quarters.

Abstract: A service provider accesses the customer premises equipment of an end user via a broad based data network such as the Internet. Security precautions are described for insuring that alias users cannot access the customer premises equipment. Advantageously, a service provider may provide service over a very wide area without incurring excessive telecommunications services charges. Advantageously, many service providers can readily access the customer premises equipment of a single end user.

Abstract: An arrangement for routing the possibility of switching telephone users to another preferred carrier without the intent of the telephone user. When a record has been made in a data base indicating a change of preferred carrier, the telephone user is provided with an announcement indicating the change when the user makes a toll call. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the user simply is informed and if the user wants to undo the change the user contacts the local carrier. In accordance with another embodiment the user is provided with a validation code and must enter the validation code in order to effect the change of carriers. In accordance with another embodiment the user is provided with a number of options including the keying of a request to effect the change of carrier, or cancel the change of carrier. Advantageously, users are informed of a change of carrier before they make any calls using the new carrier and before they receive any telephone bills identifying the change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing customer telemetering equipment while on a voice connection between an agent of a customer server and the customer. A voice connection is initially established between a customer and an agent of a server such as a utility. The original connection may be established when a customer complains, or in response to receipt of a complaint report at an earlier time. If, during the discussion between the customer and an agent of the server, the agent believes that accessing the customer's telemetering equipment might help to uncover the problem, the agent signals a customer Telemetering Interface Gateway to allow the agent to access the appropriate telemetering equipment. After the agent has obtained information from this equipment, the agent sends another signal to the Gateway and the voice connection to the customer is re-established. Advantageously, problems can be discussed and solved while the customer is still connected to the agent, thus avoiding repeated telephone calls.

Abstract: Apparatus for switching full-rate (e.g., 64 kilobit per second) signals and composite signals comprising a plurality of sub-rate signals (e.g., 32 kilobit per second sub-rate signal). The apparatus includes a unit for compressing selected ones of a plurality of full rate signals into a smaller plurality of full rate single and composite signals, and apparatus for expanding composite signals into full rate signals. Advantageously, during periods of heavy load, the switching network fabric of a switching system can carry more calls, and more traffic can be carried between switches equipped for sub-rate switching.

Abstract: The system for party line suppressed ringing access enables a service provider to access both a subscriber line and the equipment that is connected to this subscriber line. The present system makes use of the availability of party line communication apparatus, in the form of a subscriber line network interface that is equipped to interface to two lines: the subscriber line, and a telemetry party line. When an incoming call is identified as a suppressed ringing telemetry access call, the serving central office accesses the subscriber line via a suppressed ringing connection on the telemetry party line. The service provider can poll a plurality of the subscribers that are connected to the telemetry party line by means of distinctive signaling to poll each subscriber network interface seriatim.

Abstract: A work assist vehicle includes a self propelled, steerable body having a chassis and a drive mechanism supported on the chassis; a mast assembly coupled to the body; and, a personnel compartment attached to the mast assembly and being movable by the mast assembly toward and away from the body. The body further includes a cover adapted to extend over a portion of the chassis and a weight sensor assembly coupled to the chassis and the cover. The weight sensor assembly is capable of detecting if someone or something is located on the cover.

Abstract: The customer performs a search or otherwise defines selected data maintained by the information provider. Once the selected data is identified, the information provider maintains the requested data, typically by maintaining pointers identiying the data, but delays delivery of the requested data until the scheduled delivery time, such as a particular day and time requested by the customer or a non-peak period as determined by the information provider. When the information provider determines that delivery is appropriate, it makes a request for a suppressed ringing connection to a switching system. The switching system responds to the request for connection by creating a suppressed ringing connection where a silent alert tone or digital alert signal is transmitted to the customer premise equipment. The customer premise equipment includes a receiving system that receives one or more tones from the switching system over the suppressed ringing connection and becomes active.