Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating within a system including a master unit and one or more slave units is disclosed herein. A member address, corresponding to a selected time slot of a plurality of time slots defined by a system clock configured to repeat in cycles, is assigned to a first slave unit. The first slave unit is also assigned a first extended address associated with an occurrence of the designated time slot within at least a selected one of the cycles. After being polled by the master unit during an immediately preceding time slot, the first slave unit transmits information thereto during the designated selected time slot within the selected cycle. A second slave unit may also be assigned the member address and a second extended address associated with a different occurrence of the selected time slot within one or more of the cycles. The second slave unit is disposed to transmit information during such different occurrence of the selected time slot.

Abstract: A phase synchronizer may operate, for example, to establish synchronization with a phase of a received codeword. The phase synchronizer may include, for example, an input shift register, a first syndrome computing module, a first error detection module, a second syndrome computing module, a second error detection module and a comparator arrangement. The first syndrome computing module may compute syndromes relating to a first potential phase of the codeword. The first error detection module may determine, based upon the first syndromes, a first number of errors associated with the first potential phase of the codeword. The second syndrome computing module may compute syndromes relating to a second potential phase of the codeword. The second error detection module may determine, based upon the second syndromes, a second number of errors associated with the second potential phase of the codeword.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating within a system including a master unit and one or more slave units is disclosed herein. A member address, corresponding to a selected time slot of a plurality of time slots defined by a system clock configured to repeat in cycles, is assigned to a first slave unit. The first slave unit is also assigned a first extended address associated with an occurrence of the designated time slot within at least a selected one of the cycles. After being polled by the master unit during an immediately preceding time slot, the first slave unit transmits information thereto during the designated selected time slot within the selected cycle. A second slave unit may also be assigned the member address and a second extended address associated with a different occurrence of the selected time slot within one or more of the cycles. The second slave unit is disposed to transmit information during such different occurrence of the selected time slot.

Abstract: A computing system wherein communication between a host computer and peripheral units, e.g. computer mouse and keyboard, is performed using RF signals. The host computer and the peripheral units each contain a transceiver for managing and transmitting the RF communication messages. An acknowledgement is sent by the receiving transceiver to the sending transceiver to signify that the message was successfully received. If no acknowledgement is received by the sending transceiver, a subsequent RF communication message is sent until an acknowledgement is received. A sleep mode is invoked between messages to conserve battery power in the peripheral units, and the peripheral units send a report message to the host when awaking periodically, or by a user demand, from the sleep mode signifying that the peripheral unit is active and ready to send or receive messages.

Abstract: A wireless interface device for a keyboard of a computer system is achieved. The device comprises a radio transmitter and receiver. A modem encodes data to be sent by the radio transmitter and decodes data received by the radio receiver. A central processing unit is included. A direct signal connection is provided between the wireless interface circuit and a keyboard. A baseband circuit encrypts data to be transmitted and decrypts received data. The wireless interface device has built-in scanning and decoding functions for an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The wireless interface device has power saving functions to extend the battery life of the input device. The wireless interface device has the capability of automatically selecting between several communication frequencies or channels. The wireless interface device has the capability of automatically selecting between several data rates.

Abstract: A computing system wherein communication between a host computer and peripheral units, e.g. computer mouse and keyboard, is performed using RF signals. The host computer and the peripheral units each contain a transceiver for managing and transmitting the RF communication messages. An acknowledgement is sent by the receiving transceiver to the sending transceiver to signify that the message was successfully received. If no acknowledgement is received by the sending transceiver, a subsequent RF communication message is sent until an acknowledgement is received. A sleep mode is invoked between messages to conserve battery power in the peripheral units, and the peripheral units send a report message to the host when awaking periodically, or by a user demand, from the sleep mode signifying that the peripheral unit is active and ready to send or receive messages.

Abstract: A computing system wherein communication between a host computer and peripheral units, e.g. computer mouse and keyboard, is performed using RF signals. The host computer and the peripheral units each contain a transceiver for managing and transmitting the RF communication messages. An acknowledgement is sent by the receiving transceiver to the sending transceiver to signify that the message was successfully received. If no acknowledgement is received by the sending transceiver, a subsequent RF communication message is sent until an acknowledgement is received. A sleep mode is invoked between messages to conserve battery power in the peripheral units, and the peripheral units send a report message to the host when awaking periodically, or by a user demand, from the sleep mode signifying that the peripheral unit is active and ready to send or receive messages.

Abstract: A wireless interface device for a keyboard of a computer system is achieved. The device comprises a radio transmitter and receiver. A modem encodes data to be sent by the radio transmitter and decodes data received by the radio receiver. A central processing unit is included. A direct signal connection is provided between the wireless interface circuit and a keyboard. A baseband circuit encrypts data to be transmitted and decrypts received data. The wireless interface device has built-in scanning and decoding functions for an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The wireless interface device has power saving functions to extend the battery life of the input device. The wireless interface device has the capability of automatically selecting between several communication frequencies or channels. The wireless interface device has the capability of automatically selecting between several data rates.

Abstract: A wireless interface device for a keyboard of a computer system is achieved. The device comprises a radio transmitter and receiver. A modem encodes data to be sent by the radio transmitter and decodes data received by the radio receiver. A central processing unit is included. A direct signal connection is provided between the wireless interface circuit and a keyboard. A baseband circuit encrypts data to be transmitted and decrypts received data. The wireless interface device has built-in scanning and decoding functions for an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The wireless interface device has power saving functions to extend the battery life of the input device. The wireless interface device has the capability of automatically selecting between several communication frequencies or channels. The wireless interface device has the capability of automatically selecting between several data rates.

Abstract: A data communication system capable of forwarding IP-addressed data to devices as such devices move among networks having different IP addresses is disclosed herein. The system includes first and second networks containing first and second pluralities of nodes. At least one of the first plurality of nodes is adapted to receive data transmissions from an external IP-based network. Upon joining the first network, this device is assigned an IP address which remains with it irrespective of whether it moves beyond the range of the first network. When this device roams into the vicinity of the second network, data addressed to the device which is received at the first network is forwarded via at least one node of the second network to the roaming device.

Abstract: A data communication system capable of forwarding IP-addressed data to devices as such devices move among networks having different IP addresses is disclosed herein. The system includes first and second networks containing first and second pluralities of nodes. At least one of the first plurality of nodes is adapted to receive data transmissions from an external IP-based network. Upon joining the first network, this device is assigned an IP address which remains with it irrespective of whether it moves beyond the range of the first network. When this device roams into the vicinity of the second network, data addressed to the device which is received at the first network is forwarded via at least one node of the second network to the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internetworked communication between first and second wireless networks containing first and second pluralities of wireless nodes, respectively, is disclosed herein. In a preferred implementation an internetworking node participates in both the first and second wireless networks, and receives a first set of network information identifying each of the first plurality of wireless nodes and the services offered thereby. The internetworking node is configured to transmit the first set of network information to a master node of the second wireless network. The internetworking node also receives, from the second wireless network, a second set of network information identifying each of the second plurality of wireless nodes and the services offered thereby. In addition, the internetworking node may also transmit the second set of network information to a master node of the first wireless network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internetworked communication between first and second wireless networks containing first and second pluralities of wireless nodes, respectively, is disclosed herein. In a preferred implementation a first dual-power node participates in both a first wireless network and an overlay network. The dual-power node is configured to transmit and receive in both a high-power mode and a low-power mode. The dual-power node operates in an overlay network and facilitates data transmission between low-power nodes and high-power nodes by toggling between these two power modes. In a preferred implementation, a third wireless network containing a third plurality of wireless nodes is utilized. The overlay network can accommodate a plurality of high-power or dual-power nodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internetworked communication between first and second wireless networks containing first and second pluralities of wireless nodes, respectively, is disclosed herein. In a preferred implementation an internetworking node participates in both the first and second wireless networks, and receives a first set of network information identifying each of the first plurality of wireless nodes and the services offered thereby. The internetworking node is configured to transmit the first set of network information to a master node of the second wireless network. The internetworking node also receives, from the second wireless network, a second set of network information identifying each of the second plurality of wireless nodes and the services offered thereby. In addition, the internetworking node may also transmit the second set of network information to a master node of the first wireless network.

Abstract: A method and system for improving a level of service between wireless devices. Handheld devices implementing the Bluetooth specification typically have relatively limited transmission ranges. As a result, and since they are typically portable, such devices easily experience abrupt communication interruptions, either between themselves and other handheld devices, or between themselves and fixed devices. The effective range of the devices can be extended by providing additional error-correcting coding. Although this modification also results in an extended transmission time, users are provided with an increased transmission range, and are given warning that service may soon be interrupted. Users may then, if they wish, take such steps as finishing their communication or moving into their devices' normal transmission range. Additionally, the handheld devices may use the extra transmission time and range to search for a forwarding path to a recipient device, thus minimizing or preventing any service interruption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internetworked communication between first and second wireless networks containing first and second pluralities of wireless nodes, respectively, is disclosed herein. In a preferred implementation a first dual-power node participates in both a first wireless network and an overlay network. The dual-power node is configured to transmit and receive in both a high-power mode and a low-power mode. The dual-power node operates in an overlay network and facilitates data transmission between low-power nodes and high-power nodes by toggling between these two power modes. In a preferred implementation, a third wireless network containing a third plurality of wireless nodes is utilized. The overlay network can accommodate a plurality of high-power or dual-power nodes.

Abstract: An interface which effects communication between first and second systems and includes a first arrangement for communicating with the first system using a first protocol and a second arrangement for communicating with the second system using a second protocol. At least one of the arrangements includes a mechanism for effecting wireless communication. In accordance with the invention, a third arrangement is included for translating data received from the first system in accordance with the first protocol into data adapted for the second system in accordance with the second protocol. In the illustrative embodiment, the inventive interface further includes an arrangement for translating data received from the second system in accordance with the second protocol into data adapted for the first system in accordance with the first protocol.

Abstract: A phase synchronizer operative to establish synchronization with the phase of a received codeword is disclosed herein. The phase synchronizer includes an input shift register for receiving a sequence of bits containing the codeword. The phase synchronizer includes a first syndrome computing module, operatively coupled to the input shift register, for computing first syndromes relating to a first potential phase of the codeword. A first error detection module determines, based upon the first syndromes, a first number of errors associated with the first potential phase of the codeword. A second syndrome computing module, operatively coupled to the input shift register, computes second syndromes relating to a second potential phase of the codeword. The second syndrome computing module provides the second syndromes to a second error detection module, which determines a second number of errors associated with the second potential phase of the codeword.

Abstract: A refractory article such as a slide gate plate, well block nozzle or like refractory component used in continuous casting of chemically aggressive grades of steel is made from a mixture containing about 50-85 wt. % alumina; about 5-30 wt. % alumina-zirconia fused grain; about 3-10 wt. % zirconia; and about 3-10 wt. % silica, plus an effective amount of binder materials to permit extrusion, pressing or like forming process. The pressed shape is fired in an air atmosphere at temperatures in excess of 1000.degree. C. to form an oxide bond. The composition of the fired material comprises about 60-90 wt. % alumina; about 5-30 wt. % zirconia; and about 3-10 wt. % silica. The fired article exhibits excellent hot strength and is resistant to thermal shock and resistant to the erosive and corrosive effects of molten steel, including aggressive, high manganese and calcium treated grades.

Abstract: An elemental carbon-containing refractory composition having superior erosion and oxidation resistance due to the addition of prescribed amounts of boron carbide.