Abstract: A communication network comprises a number of slotted rings which interconnect nodes so that information is carried between nodes in the form of slot sized packets on each ring. Each node includes controller for controlling the maximum acces delay experienced by packets belonging to the synchronous services, and selector for allowing any synchronous connection to utilize the first available ring for transmission of packets.

Abstract: A communications network has a packet assembler/disassembler (PAD) 25 accessed from one or more nodes 21. Short delay limits can be met by creating composite packets at the nodes; these carry information for more than one call. Composite packets are transmitted to the PAD, disassembled and reassembled into composite packets each addressed to a single destination node. A call is allocated one or more octets at a given location in packets having a given connection number. Octets are handled by the PAD according to the connection number of their packet and their location in the packet.

Abstract: A system for automatically clamping and unclamping objects into a carrousel having a plurality of incrementally movable carriers which support slidable trays, includes arms for unclamping a slide preventing detent and a foot for gripping the trays and sliding the trays away from the carrousel. An unclamping mechanism unclamps the objects so they can be removed form the trays. The tray is incremented to an unloaded position and a probe verifies the absence of an object. The tray then increments to a load position where another object is loaded into the tray and the clamps are automatically closed.

Abstract: A device for thumping and flushing a kinescope funnel includes a lift member which moves horizontally to engage the funnel and then vertically to raise the funnel to a thump position. A means for centering and orienting the neck moves in unison with the lift member. A thumper is arranged to thump the funnel in the thump position. A probe vertically moves to enter the funnel through the neck and inject a flushing fluid into the funnel while thumping occurs.