Abstract: A challenge system comprising a host server connected via a network to a set of participant devices enable the set of participants to act as a set of challengers and a set of challengees in a social media forum. The host server includes a database and is configured to facilitate the creation and dissemination of a challenge from a challenger and to facilitate the acceptance of challenges from a challengee. The challenge is related to an event such as a sporting event or group event and includes a payout requirement. The payout requirement can be a non-monetary requirement such as a requirement for a participant to perform a particular action. The challenge system verifies winners and losers of the challenge and verifies the payout requirement. A challenge process can be performed on a public forum and includes posting of advertisements related to a challenge or challenge payout.

Abstract: An air stabilization system employing two parallel, opposite facing Coanda nozzles, that are positioned adjacent a flexible moving web, with each nozzle exhausting gas at opposite directions, subjects the moving web to opposing forces effective to stabilize the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is parallel to the path of the moving web. The two Coanda nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the moving web. By modulating the flow, pressure and other parameters of gases exiting the Coanda nozzles, the shape of the moving web between the nozzles can be manipulated to present a planar contour for measurements. The air stabilization system can be incorporated into a scanner head to measure the caliper of paper, plastic, and other flexible web products.

Abstract: An air stabilization system employing two parallel, opposite-facing Coanda nozzles, with each nozzle exhausting gas at opposite directions, subjects a moving flexible web to opposing forces effective to create local tension within the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is perpendicular to the path of the moving web. The nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the web. The operative surface with the nozzles can exhibit a flush surface. The nozzles can be formed on elevated structures on the operative surface. The operative surface can be covered with a transparent substrate to minimize shape distortions on the moving web and to prevent debris from collecting around the sensor. By modulating the velocities of gases exiting the nozzles, the shape of the web can be manipulated to present a planar contour. The air stabilization system can be incorporated into a caliper scanner.

Abstract: An air stabilization system employing two parallel, opposite facing Coanda nozzles, that are positioned adjacent a flexible moving web, with each nozzle exhausting gas at opposite directions, subjects the moving web to opposing forces effective to stabilize the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is parallel to the path of the moving web. The two Coanda nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the moving web. By modulating the flow, pressure and other parameters of gases exiting the Coanda nozzles, the shape of the moving web between the nozzles can be manipulated to present a planar contour for measurements. The air stabilization system can be incorporated into a scanner head to measure the caliper of paper, plastic, and other flexible web products.

Abstract: A steam distributor for applying steam to a continuously moving paper sheet employs one or more drop-out steam profiling cartridges. Each cartridge is connected to a steam distribution apparatus and includes a number of profiling zones that are covered by a contoured, smooth profiling screen from which steam is applied. The profiling screens are welded to baffles which enhances the structural integrity of the cartridge. No external clamps or other devices are employed that would otherwise disrupt the smooth, curved exterior surface of the profiling screens. The spaced-apart baffles also eliminate the spilling over of steam from one profiling zone to the next which has the effect of minimizing the response width for steam profiling control. The use of the drop-out cartridges permits quick and easy removal of the profiling screens for change-out or cleaning.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and processing armed triggers associated with specific call functions in an intelligent network, using a distributed intelligent network triggering architecture. The complex trigger profile is removed from call processing at the service switching point to a trigger processing server, so that a much simplified and reduced profile can be sent to the service switching point associated with a roaming subscriber, which overcomes the problem of lack of support for long messages within the signalling infrastructure, and the problems associated with wide variation in the capabilities of service switching points. The reduced processing at the service switching point means that the detection points for armed triggers residing therein need only have a minimal triggering capability and a generic trigger for each detection point, and therefore do not need to be upgraded as new triggers are defined or as new criteria are defined for existing triggers at a given detection point.

Abstract: A mobile station in a cellular telecommunication network includes an apparatus and method for storing a calling party identification signal. This calling party identification signal is transmitted to an originating MSC along with the call set up signals. The originating MSC then transmits the calling party identification signals to an HLR which transmits them to a serving MSC for delivering to the called party mobile station. Accordingly, the method and apparatus support the delivery of calling party identification signals to the called party without requiring the creation and maintenance of databases for storing such information. The mobile station as well as the MSCs adaptive to store the calling party information signals and to receive and transmit the same. The communication signal definitions between the mobile stations MSCs base stations HLRs and VLRs are all adapted to include and support the transmission of the calling party identification signals which are permanently stored in the mobile station.

Abstract: One of the features of the Intelligent Network (IN) is the storage of subscriber profile information at network databases, such as, but not limited to, service control points (SCPs) and Home Location Registers (HLRs.) Such profiles may also be stored at the local switch level, and be made accessible to all other nodes via the signaling network. The present invention extends service logic functionality for a given subscriber to allow for the interaction of subscriber profiles on behalf of a single subscriber, and sharing of data contained in these profiles, to enhance single-ended, single point-of-control services specific to either the calling or called party offered in an Intelligent Network. As such, an enhanced service tailored to both the called and calling parties is made available.

Abstract: A terminal coupled to an intelligent telecommunication network may invoke dynamically modifiable subscriber services by transmitting information to a switch to which script files, each containing programming script needed to initiate a calling feature or other advanced subscriber service and a criteria statement used for triggering execution of the programming script, were downloaded thereto from a home location register where the script files may be added, deleted or otherwise modified by a system administrator. A program execution module residing at the switch compares the received information to the criteria statement for each script file downloaded thereto and executes the programming script of the script file having a criteria statement which matches the received string of digits. In wireless systems, the script files are downloaded to an MSC whenever a roaming terminal registers therewith.

Abstract: An interface port expansion device (302) allows for more than one terminal equipment (304, 306, 308 and 310) having embedded U-interface termination's to interface to the ISDN via the U interface. The port expansion device (302) can take the form of a separate stand-alone device or a circuit which is integrated into a terminal apparatus. The port expansion device (302) includes a plurality of local (secondary) U interface ports (314, 316, 318 and 324) for interconnecting the terminal equipment (304, 306, 308 and 310) and a network side U interface (312) for interconnection to the ISDN. In other aspects of the invention, methods for allowing a plurality of terminal equipment having embedded U-interface terminations to receive messages from and transmit messages to the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) via a single network side U-interface are described.

Abstract: A data communications network having a number of servers and a number of service providers employs an improved protocol for translating service names to network addresses. A server sends a multi-cast message to all service providers requesting a service needed by one of the user terminals connected to this server. In the request, the service is identified by function, rather than by address. Any node which provides this service, receiving the request and able to reply, sends a reply message immediately to the server. The reply message identifies the node (service provider) by network address, so a transaction with this provider can be initiated by the server immediately. If the service provider cannot reply, a third party node can send a reply to identify the provider by address. If the server does not receive a reply from either the provider or a third party, then a cache of network addresses of services most recently used by the server is searched for this particular service.

Abstract: An EMI/RFI shielded printed circuit board housing of compact design suitable for computer system products (such as, e.g., bridges and repeaters) permits such products to be used on office work surfaces or in a wall-mounted, high density storage system within an office environment. The housing has a five-sided printed-circuit-board container with a back wall defining at least on window for exposing an electrical connector that requires access from the exterior of the container, a removable front cover, a removable trough-shaped rear cover for covering the container back wall and protecting the exposed connector located thereat. The back wall is equipped with support features for permitting the housing to be supported in the high density storage system during use. The container and front cover have a plurality of interior surfaces coated with an EMI/RFI shielding material.

Abstract: A terminal server architecture includes a central processing unit (CPU), a data movement module, local area network (LAN) interface and a plurality of connected terminals. The CPU manages pointers to data using command status registers to instruct the data movement module to actually perform data movement between the terminals and the LAN.

Abstract: A mounting system for the installation of communication termination blocks and communication boxes ("system blocks") on a backplane substantially reduces space requirements for a communications center. The system includes a system block that quickly and removably mounts to a slot in a track. A locking slide either automatically or manually engages the block to hold it securely in place, both mechanically and electrically. Lifting the locking slide releases the block. The block includes an elongated hook that provides lateral support for the block during installation and removal to ensure proper mating of electrical conductors.