Abstract: A system for rapidly detecting power disturbances with ferroresonant transformers having a decay profile comprising the steps of rectifying a power signal; comparing the rectified signal against a reference signal; comparing the rectified signal against a dynamic reference signal; and generating a power-fail signal in response to either comparison falling below its respective reference.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for bi-directional audio and data communications enabling a time-division multiplex control center system and distributed system intelligence enabling efficiency and reliability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for control of a dedicated data slot in a time-division multiplex system for both voice and data communications enabling equal access to the data slot, efficient data throughput and reliability.

Abstract: An integrated circuit protection device for use with a voltage regulator used to drive an integrated circuit to prevent damage to the integrated circuit which goes into a "latch up" condition. The integrated circuit protection device comprises a first switching circuit, connected to the output of the voltage regulator for selectively connecting the output of the voltage regulator to ground and a second switching circuit, connected to the input and the output of the voltage regulator and to the first switching circuit, for detecting a "latch up" condition and for selectively activating the first switching circuit upon detection of a "latch up" condition, whereby the first switching circuit connects the output of the voltage regulator to ground and resets the integrated circuit to prevent damage thereto. A predetermined time after the "latch up" condition is detected, normal operation is automatically restored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting at least one redundant module from a plurality of redundant modules in which the apparatus comprises a plurality of voting devices for monitoring the operation of an active redundant module, each voting device for generating a vote indicating whether or not the active redundant module should remain active and a control device, responsive to the collective vote from the plurality of voting devices, for selecting at least one of the redundant modules to be active. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the operation of the active redundant module with a plurality of voting devices, generating a collective vote from the plurality of voting devices with respect to the operation of the active redundant module and controlling the operation of the redundant modules in accordance with the collective vote.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a network of the type including a bus which carries a plurality of digital, multiple bit time divided channels of information including audio information provides for the decoding of digital audio within one of the channels to analog audio signals, the coding of analog audio to digital audio and the placing of the digital audio onto the bus within one of the channels, and the generation of internal or localized analog tones in an improved and efficient manner. A decoding means is provided for converting a digital multiple bit word to analog form. A control means which includes tone generating means adapted for providing digital multiple bit tone words controls a select means which selectively couples the decoding means to the bus to enable decoding of the digital audio or to the tone generating means for providing the analog tones in response to digital data received from the bus within a preselected channel.

Abstract: An automatic level control system is described for use with a voice processor which generates an AGC control signal to vary the gain applied to an audio input signal. The system includes a dynamically adjusting peak detector for detecting noise peaks and voice peaks while ignoring voice lulls which occur after a voice peak. Detected peaks are processed by an improved voice/noise sensor which develops a first output signal when voice is detected and a second output signal in the absence of detected voice. These output signals are received by a gain control circuit which is adapted to prevent the AGC control signal from increasing system gain for an indefinite interval in response to the second signal, and to permit normal variation in the AGC control signal in response to the first signal.

Abstract: A central controller is operable to transmit load shed commands to a plurality of power loads should power consumption become excessive. An improved timer at the load site responds to a shed command to cause the load to be shed for a random time period between predetermined minimum and maximum time limits. Because the loads return to the system at random times, peak instantaneous demands on the power generating equipment are avoided.

Abstract: A power management central controller is operable to transmit a sequential two tone load shed command to a plurality of power loads should power consumption become excessive. An improved detector at the load site detects the presence of the two tone signal and initiates the load shedding interval.