Abstract: Pass code security is provided for a teleconference call in an AIN-based telecommunications network. Participants to the conference call dial in to a bridge at a Service Switching Point (SSP). If a trigger is detected on the line associated with the bridge, a Service Control Point (SCP) is queried, which in turn causes an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) to generate a voice message asking the caller for a pass code. If a valid pass code is entered by the caller and received at the IP, the SSP connects the caller to the bridge.

Abstract: The scheduling system (10) includes a bridge administrator (12) that is interfaced with a plurality of nodes (14, 16 and 18) via a public network such as the Internet (24). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the nodes (14, 16 and 18) includes both a phone (14A, 16A and 18A) and a computer (14B, 16B and 18B). The bridge administrator (12) includes a scheduler (26), a controller (28), a user database (30), a scheduling database (32) and a number of bridges (34, 36 and 38). A user can access the scheduler (26) via the Internet in order to schedule a conference call using one of the bridges (34, 36 and 38). The scheduler (26) authenticates the user based on the user database (30) and determines bridge availability based on the scheduling database (32). Scheduling information is then reported to the user and other conference call participants.

Abstract: A container for protecting a fishing lure from entanglement with other fishing tackle without removing the lure from its attachment to a fishing line of a fishing rod. The container comprises a relatively stiff longitudinal perimeter wall structure and spaced end walls transverse to the perimeter wall structure. The perimeter wall structure is split longitudinally into two container parts. The container may be removably mounted on a fishing rod by pivot closure of the container parts about the fishing rod shaft so as to form a protective fishing lure chamber. At least one of the transverse end walls is formed of a deformable material such that mounting the container on a fishing rod shaft causes the deformable end wall to transversely press against the rod shaft in a frictionally engaging manner that resists longitudinal slippage of the container along the rod shaft.

Abstract: A new apparatus for suspending and transporting particulate material is described. The apparatus is particularly useful for transporting and depositing thermal insulation into building spaces. The apparatus includes a conduit junction having a particle inlet conduit for the particulate material, an outlet conduit and an air inlet conduit to supply air under pressure for suspending the particulate material passing into the junction, e.g. from a closed receptacle such as a plastic bag in which the particulate material is stored. The air inlet conduit provides air at superatmospheric pressure to the closed receptacle, thereby placing the stored particulate material and the interior of the receptacle at or above the air pressure in the junction. The particulate material is then able to move into the junction without traversing an air current travelling in the opposite direction. The outlet conduit carries air and particulate material away from the junction to a delivery point.