Abstract: An adaptive and dynamic forward error correction scheme for a communication channel is disclosed. The method and apparatus calculates the actual bit error rate for comparison with a target bit error rate. When a channel is performing better than required by the performance specifications, the forward error correction power can be reduced to provide greater throughput. If the calculated actual bit error rate is greater than the target bit error rate, then the forward error correction power is increased in an attempt to lower the calculated bit error rate. A feedback loop is employed to continually calculate revised bit error rates as the forward error correction power is increased or decreased.

Abstract: An adaptive forward error correction technique based on noise bursts and the rate at which they occur is disclosed. The forward error correction parameters are determined using statistics describing the noise burst duration and period. The occurrence, duration and period of the noise burst are determined by the error vector magnitude calculated during the decoding process.

Abstract: An adaptive forward error correction technique based on noise bursts and the rate at which they occur is disclosed. The forward error correction parameters are determined using statistics describing the noise burst duration and period. The occurrence, duration and period of the noise burst are determined by the error vector magnitude calculated during the decoding process.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for performing the method, the method consists of the steps of: estimating a time when a dominant channel distortion occurs for each of a plurality of received test signals, wherein each of the plurality of received test signals occupies a different position in frequency in a communications medium having a given bandwidth; determining a differential group delay for the times estimated for each of the plurality of received test signals; and approximating a phase distortion of the communications medium as the differential group delay. In a variation, the method further consists of the steps of: estimating a power of each of the plurality of received test signals; determining an amplitude ripple by evaluating the power of each of the plurality of received test signals; and approximating an amplitude distortion of the communications medium as the amplitude ripple.

Abstract: A method includes constructing a data pattern for generating a reference signal to measure a specific channel characteristic, inserting the data pattern in an Internet Control Message Protocol echo request, transmitting an Internet Control Message Protocol echo request from a primary station across a shared physical medium to a secondary station, receiving the echo request at the secondary station, transmitting an Internet Control Message Protocol echo reply in response to the echo request across the shared physical medium to the primary station, receiving the echo reply at the primary station, measuring a bit slicer error of the Internet Control Message Protocol echo reply, and characterizing the channel quality of the communications channel as a function of the bit slicer error.

Abstract: 2-(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropylamino)ethylphenoxyacetamide compounds are disclosed as useful in the treatment of obesity and related conditions. Processes for their preparation are described, as are novel intermediates and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a tag attachment system from which tags are suppliable to necked articles and the method associated with the tag attachment system for supplying tags to necked articles. A carrier strip of material has pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on a surface thereof. A plurality of tags are releasably secured to the strip at the surface of the strip and the tags are spaced apart along the length of the strip. Each of the tags has a surface on which a layer of coating release material is disposed and an aperture in which the necks of necked articles are receivable. The surface of the tags on which the coating release material is disposed confronts the surface of the carrier strip on which the adhesive is disposed so as to facilitate the releasable securement of the tags to the strip. The strip is passed around a guide disposed adjacent a path along which a plurality of necked articles are traveling.

Abstract: An alkaline electric storage cell comprises a container within which are positive and negative pocket plates separated by composite separators. Each separator has a lower portion which is of conventional ladder type having a substantially open area and an upper portion which is a strip of absorbent fibrous material. The cell is filled with electrolyte up to a level which is slightly above the bottom of the strips. The high discharge rate voltage of the cell is scarcely impaired by comparison with a conventional cell, but the oxygen that is evolved at the end of charge is recombined at those portions of the negative plates which are above the electrolyte level but retained moist with electrolyte by the absorbent strips. The cell thus loses no electrolyte and is of no-maintenance type at charging rates of up to C/60 or more.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of p-hydroxybenzyl cyanide which comprises reacting p-hydroxymandelic acid with cyanide ion. The product is a useful intermediate for the preparation of the .beta.-adrenergic blocking agent atenolol.