Abstract: In a cellular communication network having a plurality of access points serving wireless terminals, methods and apparatus for facilitating handoff of a wireless terminal from a first access point to a second access point. In various embodiments, the process includes storing in a memory device at the wireless terminal a cell identifier, wherein the cell identifier includes a special character enabling the cell identifier to identify a plurality of access points to which the wireless terminal can be handed off; and the wireless terminal using the stored address information to determine access points to which a handoff may be implemented. One or more cell identifiers stored in the memory can be used as a neighbor list, which can be used to identify handoff possibilities or topographical adjacencies.

Abstract: An access controller is coupled to an access point and receives data packets from connected user equipment. The access controller is configured to perform packet inspection techniques on the received packets to determine if they should be locally switched. In some embodiments, packets destined for a local intranet services may be locally switched to avoid congesting a core network link. In further embodiments, a local connection to the Internet may be used so that locally switched packets can also be directed to the Internet without the use of a core network link. In still further embodiment, in addition to packet inspection techniques, the access controller maintains a state table for the states of connected user equipment. The access controller may use the information in this table to further decide whether to perform local switching techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a virtual communication link between a network controller such as a femtocell controller and other entities external to the femtocell network. A femtocell controller can be configured to receive messages (for example, cells or packages) from a plurality of femtocells within the femtocell network and to package those messages for transport in an aggregated manner across an external network that utilizes a protocol different from the femtocell network, creating a virtual circuit or tunnel across that network to the external entity.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for performing proxy communications between mobile stations connected to a femtocell network and a central telephone network controlled by a network operator. In some embodiments, a private branch exchange is configured to temporarily assign identification numbers to the mobile stations connected to the femtocell network. Incoming calls are directed to the private branch exchange rather than the connected mobile stations. After receiving the incoming call, the private branch exchange routes the incoming call to the correct mobile station. In some embodiments, these methods also enable mobile stations to cross between femtocell coverage areas within the same femtocell network without constantly updating the central network operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a femtocell control module in control of a femtocell, comprising transmitting a request to operate the femtocell to an external control system; receiving a response from the external control system, where the response comprises an operational constraint on the femtocell; and causing the femtocell to conduct cellular communications according to the operational constraint.

Abstract: A method and system for inter-working between UMA and SIP signaling are described. In one embodiment, an exemplary method includes receiving UMA messages of mobile devices, and transforming each UMA message into a format facilitating inter-working between the UMA and SIP protocols for the mobile devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving data to be forwarded to a device, via a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, after a previously existing layer three (L3) connection to the DSL modem is no longer set up, where the DSL modem is addressed via an Internet Protocol (IP) address specified in the data, and sending a message to a DSL modem via a secure link to cause the DSL modem to initiate a new L3 connection if the IP address is available from a predetermined location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of handoff decision making for heterogeneous network environments are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving session initiation protocol (SIP) messages from a mobile device via a wireless local area network (WLAN). The SIP messages contain data identifying at least one current network characteristic. The method further includes determining whether a handoff trigger for the mobile device is detected using the current network characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate use of session initiation protocol (SIP) messages for location services are described. In one embodiment, a method for a mobile device includes determining that at least one current network characteristic exceeds a threshold, including the current network characteristic in a SIP message, and transmitting the SIP message to a wireless local area network (WLAN).

Abstract: An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.

Abstract: A safety sensor for a power operated overhead door includes an elongated housing having an elongated pathway which is a circular in cross sections along its length, with the greatest diameter of the pathway being at it midpoint. Form the midpoint, the pathway tapers downwardly in opposite directions, with a recess portion at each opposite end. In each recess portion there are two spaced electrical contacts. A ball bearing is disposed in the elongated pathway. The sensor is mounted horizontally to an overhead door, and if the door is tilted from the horizontal, the ball bearing rolls to the lower recess area, thereby establishing electrical contact which operates to stop the movement of the door. The obstruction to the door is then cleared, and the system is reset.

Abstract: An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.

Abstract: An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.

Abstract: An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.

Abstract: A safety sensor for a power operated overhead door includes an elongated housing having an elongated pathway which is a circular in cross sections along its length, with the greatest diameter of the pathway being at it midpoint. Form the midpoint, the pathway tapers downwardly in opposite directions, with a recess portion at each opposite end. In each recess portion there are two spaced electrical contacts. A ball bearing is disposed in the elongated pathway. The sensor is mounted horizontally to an overhead door, and if the door is tilted from the horizontal, the ball bearing rolls to the lower recess area, thereby establishing electrical contact which operates to stop the movement of the door. The obstruction to the door is then cleared, and the system is reset.

Abstract: A selectively rotatable handle for luggage includes a grip and a base. The grip has a grip having a handle end and an opposite base end. The base is mountable to a piece of luggage. The base end is rotatably mounted to the base. Teeth on the base releasably engage opposed facing teeth on the base end. The opposed facing teeth are urged into interlocking engagement by a spring.