Abstract: Communication system of a plurality of switching nodes connected in a closed ring. A switching stage at each node transmits words of data from node-to-node in a time-division multiplexed data stream. Data can be inserted onto the ring by each switching stage, and data addressed to a switching stage is removed form the ring by that switching stage. Data words are loaded into input registers at each switching stage on the leading edge of a clock pulse, and decoding occurs within each switching stage during the clock pulse. A received word may be transmitted to a succeeding switching stage, or may be removed form the ring and stored in an output register on termination of a clock pulse.

Abstract: Communication systems of a plurality of switching nodes connected in a closed ring. A switching stage at each node transmits words of data from node-to-node in a time-division multiplexed data stream. Data can be inserted onto the ring by each switching stage, and data addressed to a switching stage is removed from the ring by that switching stage. Data words are loaded into input registers at each switching stage on the leading edge of a clock pulse, decoding occurs within each switching stage during the clock pulse, and the data words are placed in the proper output registers of each switching stage in response to the termination of the clock pulse.

Abstract: A burst-switching communications system with integrated voice and data services and with processing capacity sufficient to support T1 or higher link transmission rates, such system including a hub switch located at a point of high-traffic concentration in the network and a plurality of link switches. The switches are interconnected by time-division multiplexed communications links. A burst is a variable-length sequence of bytes which represents, for example, a block of data or a spurt of voice energy as sensed by silence/voice detectors located at voice ports. Within a communications link, a burst is transmitted one byte at a time in an assigned channel of sequential frames of the time-division multiplexed link. The hub switch includes a number of switching units connected in a closed hub ring with one or more time-division multiplexed communication link to another communication link as determined by address information in the burst being received.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for processing and routing bursts in an integrated communications system. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a plurality of switches interconnected by time-divided communications links and a plurality of ports, each port being a component of a switch and each link having processing capacity sufficient to support T1 or higher transmission rates. Each port provides access to the system for a control processor, an end-user, or another communications system. Each switch has switching intelligence for routing a burst toward its destination port. A burst is a plurality of bytes which may represent a block of data or a spurt of voice energy as sensed by silence/voice detectors located at voice ports. In the methods provided by the invention, a burst may be introduced into the system through a port, routed through a switch to an outgoing link, or received from the system at a port. Within links, a burst is transmitted byte-by-byte in assigned channels of sequential frames.

Abstract: A distributed-control burst-switching communications system with fully integrated voice and data services, and with processing capacity sufficient to support T1 or higher transmission rates. The system may include a high-speed hub switch located at a point of high-traffic concentration in the network and a plurality of link switches. The switches are interconnected by time-division multiplexed communications links. Each switch includes one or more ports. Each port provides access to the system for a control processor, an end-user, or another communications system. Within each switch, there is switching intelligence for routing a burst toward its destination port. A burst is a variable-length sequence of bytes which represents, for example, a block of data or a spurt of voice energy as sensed by silence/voice detectors located at voice ports. Within a communications link, a burst is transmitted one byte at a time in an assigned channel of sequential frames of the time-division multiplexed link.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a program-controlled computer. The program causes the computer to produce a signature waveform characteristic of proper computer operation at a dedicated output. The presence or absence of this waveform indicates whether or not the computer is operating properly. The apparatus monitors this output and the power supply conditions applied to the computer. Whenever the power supply is operating outside of certain limits the apparatus produces a reset signal to the computer and a disable signal to any equipment which is being operated under control of the computer. If a malfunction occurs in the computer operation, the apparatus produces the disable signal and a reset pulse. If the malfunction is cleared during reset, the computer returns to normal operation upon termination of the reset pulse.