Abstract: A utility meter or other fixed device is assigned a permanent dialed number that is unrelated to the telephone number of the customer premise where the device is located. Instead, the dialed number is permanently assigned to a line termination location in the switch such that when the dialed number is dialed a connection is made to the line terminated at that physical location in the network switching system irrespective of the customer's telephone number. As a result, the number dialed by the calling party is unrelated to the customer's telephone number such that changes in a customer's telephone number do not affect the telemetry system. Moreover, the telemetry number could be selected from a specified range of numbers or could include a predetermined command digit such as *8 prior to the number string.

Abstract: The test system of the invention uses suppressed ringing connections from a test unit to the customer premise equipment via the central office to establish connections for performing the loop-back test. The suppressed ringing connections are established over standard voice trunks between a switch in the central office and the test unit by a central office service unit (COSU) such that the number of lines that can be tested simultaneously is limited only by the number of trunks linking the COSU to a switch. Because these trunks are relatively inexpensive and simple to install and maintain, the test system of the invention can be readily installed and expanded in the existing network to provide virtually any level of monitoring capability.

Abstract: The invention uses a connection having a predetermined priority, switched through the existing call processing switch fabric, to connect between customer premise equipment (CPE). The connection is implemented such that the connection is disconnected if an incoming call to one of the CPEs or an outgoing request for service from one of the CPEs is made that has a priority higher than the predetermined priority. If the connection is disconnected due to a request for higher priority service, the system of the invention can automatically reestablish the connection after the higher priority service call has ended.

Abstract: The invention uses a suppressed ringing connection, switched through the existing call processing switch fabric, to connect between two customer premise equipments (CPEs) for long duration, low priority calls. The suppressed ringing connection is implemented such that the connection is disconnected if an incoming call to one of the CPEs or an outgoing request for service from one of the CPEs is made. If the suppressed ringing connection is disconnected due to a request for normal service to or from one of the CPEs, the system of the invention automatically reestablishes the suppressed ringing connection after the normal service call has ended such that the long duration suppressed ringing connection can be maintained on a quasi-permanent basis. As a result, the suppressed ringing connection can be maintained for long duration connections without disrupting normal incoming or outgoing service to either of the connected CPEs.

Abstract: A caller who calls an 800 number is given an audible or visual indication that the call will not incur any charges for services provided on that call by the called party. If such charges will be incurred the caller is warned and may terminate or continue the call. For certain classes of telephone subscribers such as coin stations wherein the caller is not always the same person as the one who pays the bills, calls wherein the caller may incur charges for services provided on the call are automatically routed to an operator; such calls can then be completed using credit or calling cards in order to transfer the charges from the owner of the telephone station to the caller who made the specific call.

Abstract: A planar writing surface is attached to a vertically arrangable support panel for engagement next to an automobile console. The support panel has a pair of side edges which each have a vertically adjustable support leg thereon. Each support leg may be independently heightwise adjustable to each touch the floor of the auto next to the console, and provide rigidity to the writing surface. The writing surface panel may flip onto the support panel through an arc of 270 degrees, about its common hinge.

Abstract: The security system includes a time dimension in an alpha-numeric personal identification number (PIN) security system to enhance its security yet maintain the familiar and simple to use PIN system. The alpha-numeric digits comprising the PIN are separated into two or more digit groups that must be entered into the system according to a predefined time sequence in order to positively identify the user and provide security clearance. The time sequence can include time delays between the entry of digit groups or time periods during which the digit groups must be entered.

Abstract: In a telecommunications call a different charge is incurred for intervals of noncommunication than for intervals during which communication may take place. For example, a period of hold is one during which the party on hold cannot communicate with the other end of a connection. Such intervals are accumulated for a call and the charge for the call is adjusted in accordance with the total length of the noncommunicating intervals. Advantageously customers are charged primarily for the period of time during which they can actually communicate, without having to disconnect and later reestablish a call.

Abstract: The disclosed hexenoic acid side-chain derivatives of mycophenolic acid are therapeutic agents advantageous in the treatment of disease states indicated for mycophenolic acid and/or mycophenolate mofetil, including immune, inflammatory, tumor, proliferative, viral or psoriatic disorders.

Abstract: A chip breaker drill bushing assembly (11) for a fluted drill bit (37) is disclosed. The assembly comprises a drill bushing housing (13) and a sleeve (15). The drill busing housing (13) includes a body (17) and an outwardly protruding guide shaft (19). The guide shaft has a smooth end (31) for tightly contacting the surface of a work piece (63) to be drilled. The sleeve (15) is located in the body (17) of the housing (13), in alignment with the guide shaft. The end of the sleeve (15) facing the tip (29) of the guide shaft (19) includes a chip breaker (41). The chip breaker (41) includes two spaced-apart teeth (46a, 46b) that are defined by two helical troughs (47a, 47b) that protrude into the sleeve (15). The two helical troughs (47a, 47b) are aligned with two longitudinal apertures (33) in the outwardly protruding guide shaft (19).

Abstract: Pyrrole pyridazine and pyridazinone compounds are described. These compounds are useful as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of inflammation and pain. The preparation of these compounds, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus that after a time period settable by the user automatically returns an off-hook telephone to an on-hook condition. This apparatus thus electrically hangs up a telephone handset that is inadvertently left off-hook and allows normal handling of outgoing and incoming calls at other telephone extensions and in some embodiments, even allows calls to ring-in to the telephone having the inadvertently off-hook handset. The apparatus also senses when the inadvertently off-hook handset is returned on-hook and rapidly restores the automatic-return-to-an-on-hook condition switch to normal operation.

Abstract: A composite tube for a gun barrel and a method for making the tube are disclosed. The tube includes a plurality of elongate carbon fibers and a resin material surrounding a longitudinal bore axis. The elongate carbon fibers are aligned parallel with the longitudinal bore axis and are under compression along the longitudinal bore axis. Such a tube for a gun barrel may be made by wrapping a tubular metal liner with a resin matrix material containing a plurality of elongate carbon fibers, and aligning the carbon fibers parallel with the longitudinal axis of the liner. The resin matrix material is cured, and the elongate carbon fibers are placed under compression along the longitudinal axis of the liner. Compressing the carbon fibers along the longitudinal axis of the liner produces a tube of surprising stiffness. The tube provides a highly stable gun barrel of reduced weight for good accuracy.

Abstract: A limit is placed on charges to be incurred on a telecommunications call. Normally, this limit is specified by the caller. The telecommunications network maintains a running tally of the charges being incurred and notifies the caller when the charges approach the limit. At that time, the caller may specify a new limit, simply disconnect, or be automatically disconnected when the limit is reached. Advantageously, callers can limit the charges on a particular call without having to be aware of the exact charging parameters for that call.

Abstract: The disclosed derivatives of mycophenolic acid are therapeutic agents advantageous in the treatment of disease states indicated for mycophenolic acid and/or mycophenolate mofetil and other immunosuppressant agents.

Abstract: The disclosed derivatives of mycophenolic acid are therapeutic agents advantageous in the treatment of disease states indicated for mycophenolic acid and/or mycophenolate mofetil and other immunosuppressant agents.

Abstract: The disclosed 6-substituted derivatives of mycophenolic acid are therapeutic agents advantageous in the treatment of disease states indicated for mycophenolic acid and/or mycophenolate mofetil.

Abstract: An optical fibre assembly 10 for blown installation, comprises a fibre unit 12 having at least one optical fibre 14. The unit has a coating comprising an external layer 18 of a material containing hollow glass beads 22 at least some of which project from the outer surface 24 of the external layer. The coating also has an inner, buffer layer 16 of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the material of the external layer and an intermediate layer 20 of material disposed between the external and inner layers.

Abstract: The disclosed derivatives of mycophenolic acid are therapeutic agents advantageous in the treatment of disease states indicated for mycophenolic acid and/or mycophenolate mofetil and other immunosuppressant agents.

Abstract: The disclosed derivatives of mycophenolic acid are therapeutic agents advantageous in the treatment of disease states indicated for mycophenolic acid and/or mycophenolate mofetil and other immunosuppressant agents.