Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: An access architecture for real-time communications is described. The architecture includes an inter-architecture network utilizing a single protocol, a plurality of border elements in communication with the inter-architecture network and with an external network, and one or more call control elements in communication with said inter-architecture network. The external network utilizes any of a variety of known networking technologies and protocols. The inter-architecture network utilizes a single protocol such as SIP. The present architecture provides a single common infrastructure for offering real-time communications services independent of call control protocols and networking technologies.

Abstract: A method for reducing latency of VoIP communications while efficiently using network resources and maintaining voice quality. This is achieved by managing packet size on a per-call basis, using factors such as distance between gateways, current backbone network status, service requested or access mechanism for a given call is disclosed. Packet size is selected on a per-call basis based on the distance between endpoints in the call. If the endpoints are far apart, the selected packet size is small. If the endpoints are close together, the selected packet size is large.

Abstract: An improved helmet holder having improved straps, including an engineered seat strap made of hook and loop on the face side and heavy-duty webbing on the back side with the hook and loop joint made in such a manner that it is without comers, having an edgeless hook and loop connection for a smooth seamless strap allowing all hardware to slide easily under tensioning of the strap. The back side of the seat strap has a silicone anti slip/non-slip coating to allow adhesion. The helmet holder further has an engineered helmet holding strap made of hook and loop on the face side and heavy webbing on the back side with the hook and loop joint made in such a manner that it is without comers, having an edgeless hook and loop connection for a smooth seamless strap allowing all hardware to slide easily under tensioning of the strap. to a vinyl or leather motorcycle seat and prevent slipping or loosening of the seat strap. The face side of both straps is made flush by an ultrasonic seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot tap machine having independent speed drives for the center drill and the holesaw that can be remotely operated. The hot tap machine of the present invention also has improved vibratory damping and coupon stability and retention. During operation, the machine cartridge holding the machine internal assemblies of the hot tap machine of the present invention is, except for its controls and external support systems, entirely contained within its pressure containment housing which is sealingly attached to the hot tap fitting on the pipe. An advantage in the operation of the present invention is the independence of the center drilling operation and the pipe coupon cutting operation.

Abstract: A method and system for providing radio, TV audio, and other broadcasts over a telephone. The preferred method allows a listener to telephonically access an automated system capable of connecting to a plurality of broadcasting stations, permits the listener to select a desired station, and transmits broadcast of the desired station via the telephone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastomeric seal having an antiextrusion device molded integrally into or onto the low pressure side of the seal. The antiextrusion device is made of a corrugated strip integrally embedded into the elastomeric seal. One embodiment of the invention has the strip positioned with the midplane of its corrugations normal to the mating seal surfaces and parallel to the midplane of the seal groove. Another embodiment of the invention has the midplane of the corrugations canted within the seal. The antiextrusion device is applicable to annular seal rings, linear seals, or seals of more complex configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a lubrication system for movable pins connecting pivotable structural members of a deepwater floating oilfield production platform. The lubrication provides adequate lubrication for easing movement of the pins and also for maintaining the long-term functionality of the pins by reducing the corrosion of the pin assemblies. The lubrication of each of the pins is provided by a closed loop circulation system that provides sufficient flow and pressure to establish hydrostatic bearings around the bearing surfaces of the pin-connected members that are being axially assembled and between pin-connected members that are being rotated relative to each other. The lubrication system provides for continuously lubricating a static pinned connection for the purpose of preventing water intrusion and subsequent corrosion. Furthermore, the lubrication system provides a means for ensuring the lubrication of the most highly loaded zones of a laterally loaded pin connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening and blocking certain telecommunications sent via a communication network by telemarketers or other message senders is disclosed. This service is provided to subscribing parties that initiate the telecommunications. A periodically updated “do-not-contact” database is incorporated in cooperation with network nodes to block screened messages from being delivered to an intended destination that is listed in the database. Screening and blocking can be accomplished on the customer premises or at a network node shared with non-subscribing parties. The network node ignores messages sent from non-subscribing parties. Various marking or screening techniques can be used to identify those telecommunication messages sent from or on behalf of subscribing message senders. Blocking is accomplished by various techniques including audio disconnect instructions routed back to a human agent, or actuating coded signals to automatically cancel delivery in accordance with the updated database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pins that may be selectably operated to engage and disengage socket bores in the assembly and disassembly of large structures, such as floating offshore platforms for deepwater applications. The pin connections can be engaged or disengaged robotically or under direct operator control. The construction and installation of structures utilizing the pin connections will typically use multiple sets of selectably operable pins to connect, support and stabilize the structural components of the structure.

Abstract: Described is a method for self provisioning of loops. The method includes receiving, from a customer, a registration for a service, the registration comprising specifications for at least one of a customer device, a unique hardware encoded identity of the customer device, a requested service and an access pipe identifier. The method then continues to select a connection box appropriate for the provided specifications, assign an IP address to the connection box and receive, when the connection box is connected to an access pipe, a self registration of the connection box to begin the service over the access pipe.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for intercepting voice/multimedia calls in a VPN environment. The calls are diverted to a voice/multimedia call intercepting server where the intercept subject is identified. The identification may be based on an image/picture as well as identifying information about the intercept subject provided to the VPN administrator. The identifying information may be, for example, a telephone number, URL, name, and the like, for the intercept subject. The combination of image/picture and identifying information is especially useful to confirm telephone numbers, URLs, names, and the like that can be used by someone other than real intercept subject. Once the identity of the intercept subject is confirmed, the call content is duplicated, encapsulated, and/or transported to the law enforcement agency. The method and system of the invention then re originates the call to prevent the intercept subject from detecting the intercept.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating moored oilfield production structure for deepwater application. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the construction and installation of floating oilfield production structures, wherein the deck structure is supported by multiple pairs of inclined buoyant legs which in turn support a subsurface damping plate structure for reducing the motions of the platform. The structure initially is initially constructed in a first configuration in relatively shallow water and then towed to a deepwater location where it is reconfigured to its operational configuration. The major structural components are joined by selectably operable pin connections.

Abstract: Control over the movement of packets is exercised by edge nodes of a network mapping the addresses of incoming packets in accordance with a prespecified functional mapping P. Remote sources of packets are provided address information that is mapped with a prespecified functional mapping Q, where mappings P and Q are such that P(Q(j)=j. The mapping change at regular intervals, or upon the occurrence of specified events, and with each change, the communicating the remote source is provided with a different mapped address to be used.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus for use in measuring a rheological property of a test sample includes a receptacle for receiving the test sample and a heat conveying member in heat transfer relation to the receptacle. The heat conveying member has internal passages extending substantially equidistantly from one another through at least a portion of the heat conveying member to provide for counter-flow circulation of a fluid. The heat transfer apparatus may include heat exchanging elements in heat transfer relation to the receptacle responsive to electric current to transfer heat to or from the receptacle.