Abstract: Variable bit rate information is transmitted across a transmission link (20) at a constant bit rate by multiplexing individual variable bit rate elementary data streams (161 and 162) into a composite data stream (18) having a constant bit rate. A receiving device (22) receives the constant bit rate stream but delays processing thereof by an interval typically a fraction of the transmission interval. Following the delay interval, the receiving device processes the data at a rate that is independent of, but typically not greater than, the constant bit rate.

Abstract: A wireless telephone system, having one or more wireless handsets and a base unit. Each handset has a handset transceiver, and the base unit has a base transceiver and a handset docking station, which has a wired interface. The base unit digitally communicates over an RF channel with a handset via its handset transceiver only if the handset has previously been initialized by the base unit. The handset is initialized via the wired interface when it is physically docked in the docking station.

Abstract: Variable bit rate information is transmitted across a transmission link (20) at a constant bit rate by multiplexing individual variable bit rate elementary data streams (161 and 162) into a composite data stream (18) having a constant bit rate. A receiving device (22) receives the constant bit rate stream but delays processing thereof by an interval typically a fraction of the transmission interval. Following the delay interval, the receiving device processes the data at a rate that is independent of, but typically not greater than, the constant bit rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for responding to an incoming call on one of a plurality of external telephone lines when a conference call is in progress on that external telephone line includes the following. First, caller identification information is received relating to the incoming call. Then the plurality of handsets involved in the conference call are notified that an incoming call has been received. Should it be desired to answer that incoming telephone call via a callback, a pre-recorded message is transmitted to the caller of the incoming call requesting the caller hang up and the incoming telephone call is terminated. The caller of the incoming call is then called back on a unused external telephone line using the previously received caller identification information relating to that incoming call. Finally, one of the plurality of handsets involved in the conference call is connected to the caller of the incoming call.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) signal transmitter/receiver system comprises a pair of transmitter/receiver units. A microcomputer-based RF carrier detect system determines when an RF signal is present or absent. The RF carrier detect system is also responsive to noise interference signals at or near its currently-tuned receiving channel. In periods of inactivity, the RF signal receiver monitors its currently-tuned channel and upon detection of noise interference or upon a determination that the currently-tuned channel is occupied, initiates a fast scan operation to identify an unoccupied and relatively interference-free channel, and transmits a command to its paired transmitter/receiver unit causing it to tune to the newly-identified unoccupied channel.