Abstract: A method in an interactive voice response (IVR) system connected in a computer network for receiving a voice prompt in the form of streaming voice data from a node in the network and playing the received voice data out on an IVR channel, said voice data representative of alternate periods of utterances and periods of natural silence, said method comprising: storing the voice data received from the node; identifying, in the buffer, whole sequences of voice data comprising an utterance between natural silence; and playing out voice data on an IVR channel if the voice data forms a whole sequence of voice data in the buffer.

Abstract: A call handling solution for IVR applications with embedded components. A method of handling an incoming call in a network connected interactive voice response system (IVR), comprising the steps of: receiving a signal indicating an incoming telephone call with a call identification (CLID); retrieving, from a database, a database record associated with the call identification; retrieving, from a network location identified in the retrieved record, at least one VoiceXML application identified in the retrieved record; storing the retrieved at least one VoiceXML into cache memory; and answering the incoming telephone call.

Abstract: An interactive voice response system (103) and a method for use in an interactive voice response system are provided. The interactive voice response system (103) has means for receiving telephone calls via a telephone network (102). The interactive voice response system (103) has means for accessing an application server (105) via a computer network (104) to obtain information in response to an audio input from a telephone call. A cookie (112) sent from an application server (105) relating to the access of the application server (105) in response to an audio input from a telephone call is linked to a telephone calling line identifier (110) and the cookie (112) is stored for use during subsequent telephone calls from the same telephone calling line.

Abstract: A communications method utilizes memory areas to buffer portions of the media streams. These buffer areas are shared by user applications, with the desirable consequence of reducing workload for the server system distributing media to the user (client) applications. The preferred method allows optimal balancing of buffering delays and server loads, as well as optimal choice of buffer contents for the shared memory buffers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a user having a first identification at a first computer to communicate privately with a second computer. The method includes the step of receiving from the first computer a request to send a first message to the second computer, assigning a second identification to the user, and forwarding the first message to the second computer using the second identification. The method further includes the steps of receiving a second message from the second computer in response to the first message, and forwarding the second message to the first computer using the first identification. A corresponding system is also described.

Abstract: In wireless local area networks utilizing frequency-hopping between different channels spaced over an allotted frequency band, two or more groups of transceivers in close proximity may be arranged to operate satisfactorily with the full bandwidth available to each by arranging that their hop sequences are kept separate. This may be achieved by arranging for the hop sequence of one group or of each group to skip at intervals from one point to another in the sequence, chosen at random.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.

Abstract: A liquid quenching system for use with continuous furnaces for heat treating small parts wherein the quenchant is used to both quench and convey the parts. A supply conduit connects a quench liquid reservoir to a connector between the furnace and a quench chute providing an initial quantity of quench liquid in the quench chute. A feed conduit pumps additional quench liquid into the chute to convey the parts while they are being quenched to a segregating device comprising an inclined, rotating drum having an internal auger flight. The drum permits the return of clean quench liquid to the reservoir and moves the quenched parts substantially dry of quench fluid to a suitable receptacle or further conveying means. A portion of the quench chute forms a trunnion for rotatable support of the receiving end of the drum, the discharge end having a shaft mounted for rotation on the reservoir.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.