Abstract: A solar photovoltaic module containing a housing that supports an array of photovoltaic cells and corresponding light guides. The housing includes a base member having a generally planar support surface and two side walls projecting from the support surface. Two side panels detachably connect to the side walls, and a top panel detachably connects to the side panels. The top panel includes a plurality of concentrating lenses that focus incident solar radiation into the inside of the housing towards the light guide. The light guides are disposed between the corresponding concentrating lenses and photovoltaic cells such that the concentrating lenses and light guides work together to direct light onto the photovoltaic cells. At least one retaining member interfaces to the light guides and applies a downward force that biases the respective light guides toward the corresponding photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic module containing a housing that supports an array of photovoltaic cells and corresponding light guides. The housing includes a base member having a generally planar support surface and two side walls projecting from the support surface. Two side panels detachably connect to the side walls, and a top panel detachably connects to the side panels. The top panel includes a plurality of concentrating lenses that focus incident solar radiation into the inside of the housing towards the light guide. The light guides are disposed between the corresponding concentrating lenses and photovoltaic cells such that the concentrating lenses and light guides work together to direct light onto the photovoltaic cells. At least one retaining member interfaces to the light guides and applies a downward force that biases the respective light guides toward the corresponding photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A communication system for use with a single pair of externally provided telephone wires and a single pair of in-house wires for the provision of full intercom services and/or PABX type features to a plurality of subsets includes a line interface module connected between the single pair of externally supplied wires and a single pair of in-house wires. In addition, each subset is provided with a station adapter module between it and the single pair of in-house wires.

Abstract: A telephone line access apparatus includes a first stage for providing high voltage protection and a second stage filter in series with the first stage. The first and second stages are incorporated within a housing that is adapted to plug into an existing main distribution frame of a telephone central office.

Abstract: A line access apparatus for in-band communication includes a line coupler that functions as a high voltage isolation device and has a resonant frequency out of the signal transmission band. A carrier signal of about the resonant frequency is modulated at an in-band frequency to convey information across the line coupler.

Abstract: A telemetry system connects with a telephone system for communication of data via subscriber telephone lines to a provider of data services. Connection of multiplexing circuitry to a set of subscriber lines is accomplished at a main distribution frame by adapters or access blocks set between arc suppressors and a terminal block. The multiplexing circuitry is activated by signals of a line scan unit which, in turn, cooperates with a host computer associated with a station wherein data is processed. The data may be transmitted out of voice band, if desired, to enable simultaneous voice and data transmission. Passive, active and interactive data can be transmitted by the telemetry system. The host computer selects which of a plurality of stations is to be coupled to which of a plurality of subscribers.

Abstract: A data transport system connects with a telephone system for communication of data via subscriber telephone lines to a provider of data services. Connection of multiplexing circuitry to a set of subscriber lines is accomplished at a main distribution frame by adapters or access blocks set between arc suppressors and a terminal block. The multiplexing circuitry is activated by signals of a line scan unit which, in turn, cooperates with a host computer associated with the provider of data services. This arrangement bypasses the central switching equipment. The data may be transmitted out of voice band, if desired, to enable simultaneous voice and data transmission. Passive, active and interactive data can be transmitted by the data transport system.

Abstract: A system for providing remote services and maintenance functions includes a voice subsystem adapted to receive voice and DTMF signals that can be used to control the execution of a plurality of service and maintenance tests. The system also includes a programmed control subsystem that provides voice based response and conveyance of results of such maintenance services and tests to field personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and forwarding encoded information includes a source of power maintained from the output port thereof to provide power to the source of encoded informations whereby a local subscriber is not required to supply power to such encoders via the AC mains to his premises.

Abstract: A test trunk access controller includes a test trunk interface controller accessed by a subscriber line assigned to a service provider, or other remote metering facility, and a test trunk interface device inter-connecting the test trunk controller with the test trunk device of a local telephone switch.

Abstract: A system is presented for accessing a plurality of central office lines, PBX, etc. by a plurality of stations and for exchanging signals between the stations. Each station is provided with a self-sufficient microprocessor which controls all the functions of the station. The microprocessors exchange control signals to indicate the status of each station and each line. A common intercom line is provided for both audio signals and control signals. Each station is assigned a unique address so that each station is able to dial up another station for intercom communication by generating the proper control signals.Each station is also provided with a switch matrix for selectively accessing any of the lines, line status indicating means, and line holding means which is automatically released when any station accesses the held line.

Abstract: A comprehensive automatic directory assistance apparatus includes a means for receiving information from a caller via a specified number of DTMF signals, means for identifying another subscriber from the signals, means for vocally conveying information relating to the other subscriber to the caller and means, selectable by said caller, for connecting the caller with the other subscriber.

Abstract: In order to expand or increase the number of lines of a communications system, this disclosure enables connection of one PBX switching system to another by connecting the switching networks to junctors which establish a multichannel transmission link between the first PBX module and a second module of similar format. The junctor is treated internally in each PBX module as a line or trunk port and whenever an extension number which is not contained in the numbering plan of the individual module is dialed, the control unit of the PBX will direct that call to any free junctor. The complete dialed number is transmitted from the originating module via the junctor to a receiving junctor at the other switching system.

Abstract: A system for transporting data between equipment connected to a subscriber telephone line and a provider of services connects with subscriber telephone lines at a central office of a telephone company. The system includes a set of first multiplexers which are coupled to individual ones of the subscriber lines at a point between the cross-switching of the central office and the subscriber premises. Output signals of the first multiplexers fan into a second multiplexer. Bidirectional communication is provided between each of the multiplexers and the subscriber equipment, and also between the second multiplexer and the service provider via a line scanner which generates command signals for the operation of the first and second multiplexers. The first multiplexers, the second multiplexer, the line scanner and a host computer of the service provider can be located at a distance from each other and may be coupled together by communication links which permit the bidirectional flow of data.

Abstract: A time-division multiplexed switching system is disclosed with a transmit, and a receive bus. Communication ports are provided for transfer and conversion of signals between the lines and the buses. A control microprocessor is used for assigning appropriate time slots and for strobing the communication ports at appropriate times. The time slot interchange between the two buses is provided by a half-frame delay network. The slots assigned to a particular interconnected pair of communication ports differ by a half-frame period to provide full duplex operation.

Abstract: A combined telecommunications and data communications system operates by partitioning data wherein the PCM speech transmission data field is used to contain both digitized speech and other data in the same channel within a frame. Thus the system enables speech and data to be combined in a common information field and to be simultaneously transmitted in the same channel, frame by frame, through a digital switching network. The switching network contains a common port which has a digital interface connected to the port which digital interface can separate and combine the speech and the data fields. The digital interface is connected to a conference module which conference module receives the speech fields via a speech bus. The digital interface is further connected to a data base system which data base system receives the separated data fields via a data tone bus.

Abstract: A combined telecommunications and data communications system includes a digital switching network for allowing connections between one or more of a plurality of ports. The system described includes a tone module at one port which module includes a tone bus which can be connected to a plurality of other ports each associated with a terminal module. In the system a poll originating module is coupled to a given port of the switching network. The poll originating module can initiate a broadcast mode by transmitting a polling signal. Upon implementing the broadcast mode the switching network connects the polling originator module to the tone module. The tone module then transmits the polling signal during the broadcast mode to a plurality of ports. The polling request is decoded at each of the ports by means of a terminal interface module. In this manner each port will recognize a polling request and contain separate circuitry to respond to such a request through the switching network.

Abstract: A system for accessing telephone lines at a main distribution frame includes an access block positioned between a vertical input terminal block and protector modules of the distribution frame. The access block has a set of terminals which make direct connection between the corresponding terminals of the input and protector modules and, in addition, includes a printed circuit with individual conductors coupled to respective ones of the access block terminals. Multiplexing circuitry connects with the printed circuit for sequential coupling of messages among the various telephone lines passing through the access block. Additional multiplexing circuitry is located on the distribution frame at a site remote from the input blocks and is coupled to the multiplexers associated with each of the input blocks to scan through the output signals of each of the multiplexers.

Abstract: A combined telecommunications and data communications system operates by partitioning data wherein the PCM speech transmission data field is used to contain both digitized speech and other data in the same channel within a frame. Thus the system enables speech and data to be combined in a common information field and to be simultaneously transmitted in the same channel, frame by frame, through a digital switching network. The system has a data base which is a computer coupled to a predetermined port of the switching network so that data transmitted from any subscriber can be received by the data base. The output of the data base is coupled to the tone bus so that the received data or the processed data from the data base can be coupled to any or all subscribers associated with the switching systems via the tone bus. This simultaneous broadcasting of data via the tone bus eliminates the need for additional channels in the switching network for transmitting data from the data base to subscribers.

Abstract: An access device is provided for a main distribution frame of a telephone system. The access device, which may be structured as a set of access blocks, is positioned between surge protection modules and their corresponding vertical input terminal block so as to make electrical contact with the subscriber telephone line without interruption of the array of harnesses which couple together the various terminal blocks of the main distribution frame. A printed circuit contained within each of the access blocks comprises conductors which contact feed-through terminals of the access block, the conductor coupling these terminals to multiplexers which provide for the selective coupling of messages from the subscriber lines to the subscriber line of a message receiving station.