Abstract: A mobile handset capable of operation on more than one wireless system has means for periodically testing for the availability of at least one system whilst operatively connected to another system, wherein the periodicity of the testing process is made at one rate when a call is in progress and at a second rate when no call is in progress (on standby). This significantly reduces power consumption when on standby, without impairing handover reliability if a call is in progress.

Abstract: A mobile communications handset (12) is capable of connection through two different networks (2, 27). When it is out of contact with its preferred local wireless access system (27), the handset will seek a hand-over to the cellular network (2), and will become registered as a “roaming” handset currently connected to the cellular network (2). The cellular network (2) reports this location information to the call server (28), as it would to the HLR of any normal visiting handset, so that incoming calls to the PSTN (6) destined for the user (12) can be routed by way of the cellular network. Outgoing calls are handled as conventional cellular telephony calls. When contact with a local wireless access system (27) is re-established, the contact information is passed to the call server 28, which reports to the cellular network (2) that a handover has occurred.

Abstract: A mobile handset is capable of establishing communication through a cellular network (2) and a local access system (7, 8, 27), which has an interface (9) with the cellular network to allow the handset's presence to be logged by the switching centre of the cellular system (2). If the handset requires a handover between local access systems (7, 27), this is provided for by a handover processor (97) in the interface (9), instead of in the mobile switching centre (2). This allows the connection between the mobile access bridge (9) and the mobile switching centre (2) to remain unchanged, and sessions are still routed by the mobile switching centre (2) to the mobile access bridge (9), which emulates a base site controller.

Abstract: If an attempt by a first user (3) to contact another party (6) fails, a callback server (1) sets a flag (246). The callback server (1) monitors terminals that have such flags set (25) and is arranged to transmit an alert (27) to the calling party (3) when the called party (6) next becomes available. However, if at the time when the called party (6) becomes available, the calling party (3) is himself no longer available, being now switched off or busy, an additional flag (243) in the store (2), indicative of activity by the calling party (3), prevents a callback alert from being generated until the monitoring process (25) can obtain availability indications (263, 266) in respect of both parties (3, 69) simultaneously. Availability may be determined by factors such as available bandwidth or terminal capabilities. A callback may be initiated when a predetermined number of called parties become available to participate in a conference call.

Abstract: Endothelin antagoninst N-[[2′-[[(4,5-dimethyl-3-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-4-(2-oxazolyl)[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-yl]methyl]-N,3,3-trimethylbutanamide surprisingly exists as separable enantiomeric atropisomers. The (+) dextrorotatory atropisomer demonstrates remarkably higher potency than either the (−) levorotatory atropisomer or the racemate.

Abstract: A bidirectional solenoid operated valve for controlling the flow of a compressed gas to and from a pressurized vessel is provided which automatically blocks the flow of gas out of a cylinder to a gas line in the event of an electrical failure or crash and which will not fail catastrophically in the event of a crash. The bidirectional valve includes a manual lockdown feature, an integral electrical pass through assembly, and a thermally activatable pressure relief device.

Abstract: A refueling check valve assembly which provides for rapid, efficient, and safe refueling of compressed natural gas powered vehicles is provided and includes a receptacle adapted to mate with a fuel supply nozzle and a valve body having first and second gas flow passages therethrough. The respective first ends of the first and second gas flow passages communicate with the receptacle, while the respective second ends of the first and second gas flow passages are adapted to communicate with a fuel storage vessel, typically through a fuel supply line. A check valve is positioned in the first gas flow passage of the valve body and is normally biased into a closed position to prevent the flow of gas through the first gas flow passage. The check valve opens in response to a flow of fuel under pressure, permitting the flow of gas to the fuel storage vessel. A by-pass valve is also provided in the second gas flow passage in the valve body for depressurizing the fuel system prior to servicing.

Abstract: A bidirectional solenoid operated valve for controlling the flow of a compressed gas to and from a pressurized vessel is provided which automatically blocks the flow of gas out of a cylinder to a gas line in the event of an electrical failure or crash and which will not fail catastrophically in the event of a crash. The bidirectional valve includes a manual lockdown feature, an integral electrical pass through assembly, and a thermally activatable pressure relief device.

Abstract: An actuator-cylinder valve connection mechanism has a bonnet nut with external threads and receives an outer valve stem, a valve body having an upper end with internal and external threads with the internal threads in engagement with the external threads of the bonnet nut, and either a jam nut or an actuator housing of the actuator having a downward extension with internal threds in engagement with the external threads of the upper end of the valve body. Clearances, apertures, and a direct contact of the jam nut or the actuator housing against the top surface of the upper end of the valve body cause any impact or inertial forces to be circumvented from the jam nut or the housing and into the valve body, thereby entirely bypassing the sealing mechanism which is comprised of the bonnet nut.

Abstract: A gas cylinder valve for high pressure gas cylinders includes a pneumatic actuator with tandem pistons which are operated by normal industry "house" pneumatic pressures to overcome the large closing bias force generated by a set of disc springs so that the valve opening spring can lift the valve stem from its seat. A floating pressure plate which seats against an annular internal shoulder in the actuator housing prevents pneumatic pressure applied to the upper piston from acting on the back of the lower piston. Pneumatic pressure from a common source is applied to both pistons through an axial hole in a piston rod integral with one piston and bearing against the other piston. The actuator is easily assembled by merely inserting the lower piston, the pressure plate, the upper piston and the disc springs into the open end of a cup-shaped housing, and securing them in place with a preload on the springs by screwing on a housing cover.

Abstract: A gas cylinder valve with an inner valve stem biased toward a valve open position by a helical compression spring is pneumatically operated by an actuator having a piston biased by a stack of disc springs against an outer valve stem, separated from the inner valve stem by a diaphragm gas seal, to urge the inner valve stem to a valve closed position. While the force exerted on the inner valve stem by the disc springs exceeds that applied by the helical spring so that the valve is normally biased closed, pneumatic pressure applied to the piston moves the piston away from the outer valve member so that the helical spring moves the inner valve stem to the open position.

Abstract: NO.sub.x emissions from a glass melting furnace are reduced by injecting ammonia into the exhaust gas stream on a flue between primary and secondary regenerator chambers in one embodiment, and in staged zones within a regenerator in another embodiment.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of gases from high pressure cylinders is provided having a projected raised annular valve seat surrounding a gas passage, a stem in threaded relation to the valve body whereby rotation of the valve stem in the valve body moves the valve stem toward and away from the valve seat, a circumferential shroud extending from the end of the valve stem and surrounding the valve seat when the valve is closed and partially open, a resilient seal member positioned within the recess on the end of the valve stem formed by the shroud, said resilient seat member having a tapered projection which extends into the gas inlet passage when the valve is in closed position and provides a gas tight seal between the valve stem and the valve seat.

Abstract: A novel ring-shaped device inserted into the conjunctival sac of an animal eye exhibits potential for prolonged release of therapeutic drugs to the eye region. Its prolonged retention properties render it suitable for use in the extended treatment of obstinate ocular infections, such as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in cattle.