Abstract: A hybrid telephony system with packet switching as well as circuit switching optimizes utilization of transport networks, and is accessible from any conventional telephone set. A call originating from a circuit-switched network is passed through a gateway computer to a backbone packet-switched network, and then through a second gateway computer to a second circuit-switched network where it terminates. The voice of both the originating party and the terminating party is converted to data packets by the near-end gateway computer and then converted back to voice by the far-end gateway computer. In an alternative scenario, the originating party uses a computer on the packet-switched network, which replaces the originating circuit-switched network, and the originating computer.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for realizing a high quality bulk domain grating structure utilizing mobile charges that are generated by means of photo-excitation in a substrate. An effect of light exposure (UV, visible, or a combination of wavelengths) is to generate photo-induced charges. The application of a voltage across the substrate combined with the application of light exposure causes a photo-induced current to flow through the substrate. The photo-induced charges (behaving like virtual electrode inside the material) and the photo-induced current result in both reduction of the coercive field required for domain inversion in the material and improve realization of the domain inversion pattern, which previously has not been possible at room temperature.

Abstract: A Call Alerting and Control System is provided in a communication environment to allow an Internet user (“user”) approximately real-time monitoring of information about an incoming call from a calling party while maintaining a connection with the Internet. The monitored information can include the calling party's name and telephone number. The system could also allow the user to provide an answering machine-type message to the calling party and the user to listen to the calling party's response to the message while still connected to the Internet. The system can further allow the user to reroute, answer or otherwise treat the incoming call while, at the user's discretion, either maintaining or disconnecting a connection to the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a user to monitor and/or override a forwarded call. Typically, the forwarded call was initially an incoming call from a caller to the user and thereafter forwarded to a remote service system, such as a remote messaging system. The system and method determine a redirecting number from which the incoming call was forwarded. The system and method then initiates a second call to the user and a voice path is established connecting the forwarded call to the second call. Thereafter, the user is notified, for example, with a distinct ring at the user's telephone, of the option that the user may monitor and override the forwarded call. The system and method can also execute procedures to actuate the options elected by the user.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for realizing a high quality bulk domain grating structure utilizing mobile charges that are generated by means of photo-excitation in a substrate. An effect of light exposure (UV, visible, or a combination of wavelengths) is to generate photo-induced charges. The application of a voltage across the substrate combined with the application of light exposure causes a photo-induced current to flow through the substrate. The photo-induced charges (behaving like virtual electrode inside the material) and the photo-induced current result in both reduction of the coercive field required for domain inversion in the material and improve realization of the domain inversion pattern, which previously has not been possible at room temperature.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a user to monitor and/or override a forwarded call. Typically, the forwarded call was initially an incoming call from a caller to the user and thereafter forwarded to a remote service system, such as a remote messaging system. The system and method determine a redirecting number from which the incoming call was forwarded. The system and method then initiates a second call to the user and a voice path is established connecting the forwarded call to the second call. Thereafter, the user is notified, for example, with a distinct ring at the user's telephone, of the option that the user may monitor and override the forwarded call. The system and method can also execute procedures to actuate the options elected by the user.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for realizing a high quality bulk domain grating structure utilizing mobile charges that are generated by means of photo-excitation in a substrate. An effect of light exposure (UV, visible, or a combination of wavelengths) is to generate photo-induced charges. The application of a voltage across the substrate combined with the application of light exposure causes a photo-induced current to flow through the substrate. The photo-induced charges (behaving like virtual electrode inside the material) and the photo-induced current result in both reduction of the coercive field required for domain inversion in the material and improve realization of the domain inversion pattern, which previously has not been possible at room temperature.

Abstract: Energy efficient cookware is provided includes a base and a wall, a linear pattern of flame guide channels connected to the base bottom. The guide channels accept a flame and guides it to the perimeter from the central region resulting efficient heat exchange; The linear channel profiles provides maximum the surface enhancement from a given plain area on the bottom to improve heat transfer while provides even heating, and mechanical strength to the cookware; The impedance to entrance of flame flow into the channels is minimized to allow easy entrance of the flame into the channels; A square base further extends the linear channel length to gain extra efficiency. A method of making the efficient cookware is provided involving welding an extruded channel base to a wall.

Abstract: A Call Alerting and Control System is provided in a communication environment to allow an Internet user (“user”) approximately real-time monitoring of information about an incoming call from a calling party while maintaining a connection with the Internet. The monitored information can include the calling party's name and telephone number. The system could also allow the user to provide an answering machine-type message to the calling party and the user to listen to the calling party's response to the message while still connected to the Internet. The system can further allow the user to reroute, answer or otherwise treat the incoming call while, at the user's discretion, either maintaining or disconnecting a connection to the Internet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to enable packet telephony performance testing. An example method disclosed herein includes receiving a request to execute a test, and obtaining a testing rule associated with the requested test, the testing rule including a test parameter threshold. The example method also includes determining a compliance status between the test parameter threshold and the request to execute the test, and allowing or denying execution of the test based on the compliance status.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for realizing a high quality bulk domain grating structure utilizing mobile charges that are generated by means of photo-excitation in a substrate. An effect of light exposure (UV, visible, or a combination of wavelengths) is to generate photo-induced charges. The application of a voltage across the substrate combined with the application of light exposure causes a photo-induced current to flow through the substrate. The photo-induced charges (behaving like virtual electrode inside the material) and the photo-induced current result in both reduction of the coercive field required for domain inversion in the material and improve realization of the domain inversion pattern, which previously has not been possible at room temperature.

Abstract: A hybrid telephony system with packet switching as well as circuit switching optimizes utilization of transport networks, and is accessible from any conventional telephone set. A call originating from a circuit-switched network is passed through a gateway computer to a backbone packet-switched network, and then through a second gateway computer to a second circuit-switched network where it terminates. The voice of both the originating party and the terminating party is converted to data packets by the near-end gateway computer and then converted back to voice by the far-end gateway computer. In an alternative scenario, the originating party uses a computer on the packet-switched network, which replaces the originating circuit-switched network, and the originating computer.

Abstract: A hybrid telephony system with packet switching as well as circuit switching optimizes utilization of transport networks, and is accessible from any conventional telephone set. A call originating from a circuit-switched network is passed through a gateway computer to a backbone packet-switched network, and then through a second gateway computer to a second circuit-switched network where it terminates. The voice of both the originating party and the terminating party is converted to data packets by the near-end gateway computer and then converted back to voice by the far-end gateway computer. In an alternative scenario, the originating party uses a computer on the packet-switched network, which replaces the originating circuit-switched network and the originating computer.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a user to monitor and/or override a forwarded call. Typically, the forwarded call was initially an incoming call from a caller to the user and thereafter forwarded to a remote service system, such as a remote messaging system. The system and method determine a redirecting number from which the incoming call was forwarded. The system and method then initiates a second call to the user and a voice path is established connecting the forwarded call to the second call. Thereafter, the user is notified, for example, with a distinct ring at the user's telephone, of the option that the user may monitor and override the forwarded call. The system and method can also execute procedures to actuate the options elected by the user.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reviewing and updating a subscriber's telecommunications services, including a Caller ID service, using a graphical user interface via multiple data networks. The method includes presenting service data to the subscriber via the data networks and transmitting a data message from the subscriber to an intelligent peripheral via at least one of the data networks. The data message indicates a subscriber's desired update to a selected telecommunications service. The method also includes converting the data message into a protocol compatible with an integrated service control point. The converted data message is identical to a data message that the intelligent peripheral would create if the subscriber had entered the desired update via an interactive voice response system.

Abstract: A Call Alerting and Control System is provided in a communication environment to allow an Internet user (“user”) approximately real-time monitoring of information about an incoming call from a calling party while maintaining a connection with the Internet. The monitored information can include the calling party's name and telephone number. The system could also allow the user to provide an answering machine-type message to the calling party and the user to listen to the calling party's response to the message while still connected to the Internet. The system can further allow the user to reroute, answer or otherwise treat the incoming call while, at the user's discretion, either maintaining or disconnecting a connection to the Internet.

Abstract: A Call Alerting and Control System is provided in a communication environment to allow an Internet user (“user”) approximately real-time monitoring of information about an incoming call from a calling party while maintaining a connection with the Internet. The monitored information can include the calling party's name and telephone number. The system could also allow the user to provide an answering machine-type message to the calling party and the user to listen to the calling party's response to the message while still connected to the Internet. The system can further allow the user to reroute, answer or otherwise treat the incoming call while, at the user's discretion, either maintaining or disconnecting a connection to the Internet.

Abstract: Randomly polarized light impinges upon a birefringent crystal, is split into orthogonal polarization components and emerges from the crystal separated by a walk-off distance. The light beams then impinge on polarization rotators that cause a rotation of the plane of polarization by +45° and −45°. The light then encounters a variable polarization rotator in which the plane of polarization is rotated through a angle that varies in response to an externally-applied control signal. The maximum operating range (0 to 100% attenuation) is achieved when the variable rotator is capable of rotations in the range ±45°. A second birefringent crystal functions as a beam displacer. The beams encounter two wave plates configured to produce rotation angles of 0° and 90° followed by a retroreflector. The reverse traverse of the attenuator causes the light to emerge at an output port attenuated in intensity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of magnetic materials in combination with magneto-optic materials to improve performance of Faraday rotator devices by enhancing the latching capability and reducing the driving current. Semi-hard magnetic materials are advantageously used in connection with some embodiments of the present invention. Placing such semi-hard magnetic materials in proximity with the magneto-optic material enhances latching and reduces the drive current required to cause switching. Encompassing both the magneto-optic material and the semi-hard magnetic material further reduces drive current requirements and enhances latching by reducing leakage of the magnetic field from its generation within the coil to the magneto-optic material. Some embodiments further include soft or semi-hard material encompassing the coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of magnetic materials in combination with magneto-optic materials to improve performance of Faraday rotator devices by enhancing the latching capability and reducing the driving current. Semi-hard magnetic materials are advantageously used in connection with some embodiments of the present invention. Placing such semi-hard magnetic materials in proximity with the magneto-optic material enhances latching and reduces the drive current required to cause switching. Encompassing both the magneto-optic material and the semi-hard magnetic material further reduces drive current requirements and enhances latching by reducing leakage of the magnetic field from its generation within the coil to the magneto-optic material. Some embodiments further include soft or semi-hard material encompassing the coil.