Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sensing forces, moments, temperature, inclination, acceleration and other parameters associated with prosthetic limbs. The system is capable of measuring forces in three designated axes, and moments about the same designated axes, for a total of six possible degrees of freedom. The system can be readily fitted onto a conventional prosthetic limb with no, or relatively minor, modification thereto. A plurality of sensor arrays are disposed on a support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb. Electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges is operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb.

Abstract: A portable work apparatus has a combustion engine for driving a work tool. An air/fuel mixture is supplied to the engine via a carburetor which is provided with an electrical heating element for heating to a given temperature. The heating element is connected to a switch via which electrical energy, which is provided by a generator driven by the engine, is supplied. When a given temperature is exceeded, the switch interrupts the energy supply. To achieve an exact temperature control, the ohmic resistance value of the heating element is stored in a memory in dependence on the temperature. The current flowing through the heating element and the voltage drop at the heating element are measured and the instantaneous resistance of the heating element is calculated therefrom. This calculated value is compared to the value stored in the memory to open or close the switch in dependence on the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing modified impedance coaxial cables including providing a coaxial cable having an inner conductor, a dielectric layer at least partially covering an outer surface of the inner conductor, and an outer conductor at least partially covering an outer surface of the dielectric layer. The coaxial cable may include a first section having a first impedance configured to allow a first frequency band to pass. A discontinuity section may be formed in at least one of the inner conductor, the dielectric layer, and the outer conductor. The discontinuity section may have an impedance different than the first impedance and a length which is configured to attenuate a second frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of wireless communication. The method includes determining whether a packet includes a voice payload or control information based on at least one property of the packet.

Abstract: A modular I/O connector, comprising a housing, at least one cavity in the housing, the cavity having at least one opening to the exterior of the housing, at least one electrically conductive member within the cavity, the electrically conductive member electrically coupled with an electrically conductive pathway, and at least one coupling member to physically couple with another connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sensing forces, moments, temperature, inclination, acceleration and other parameters associated with prosthetic limbs. The system is capable of measuring forces in three designated axes, and moments about the same designated axes, for a total of six possible degrees of freedom. The system can be readily fitted onto a conventional prosthetic limb with no, or relatively minor, modification thereto. A plurality of sensor arrays are disposed on a support member, each array including a plurality of strain gauge sensors, each sensor outputting an electrical signal responsive to loading imposed on the support member through the prosthetic limb. Electronic circuitry in communication with the gauges is operative to receive the electrical signals from the strain gauges and provide a signal useful in the form, fit or function of the prosthetic limb.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of wireless communication. The method includes determining whether a packet includes a voice payload or control information based on at least one property of the packet.

Abstract: A system is provided for connecting collect calls. A collect call number for the collect call is received. A blocking status of the collect call number is determined. The collect call number is dialed. A call recipient is prompted to accept the collect call and to select a billing option according to the blocking status. The collect call is connected based on the selected billing option.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to manage collect phone calling limits are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises: determining if collect calls from one or more predetermined locations to a terminating phone number have exceeded a collect calls limit; and determining a future date when collect calls will be permitted from the one or more predetermined locations to the terminating phone number if the collect calls limit has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for encoding successive data words into respective code words. Each data word is mapped into data segments that are constrained to a first number of bit patterns, which is less than a second number of bit patterns that satisfy a first constraint. The data segments are encoded into intermediate code word segments selected from a first set of the bit patterns that satisfy the first constraint, wherein at least some of the bit patterns in the first set violate a second constraint. The intermediate code word segments are encoded into respective code word segments by encoding the intermediate code word segments that violate the second constraint with code word segments selected from a second, different set of the bit patterns that satisfy the first constraint and the second constraint.

Abstract: A connector is provided, having a connector body, a first plurality of contacts, and a second plurality of contacts. The connector body has upper, lower, front, back, left, and right surfaces. The first plurality of contacts are secured to the connector body. Each of the first plurality of contacts has a surface at the back surface of the connector body, the surface of the first contact having a curved portion between planes of the upper and lower surfaces of the connector body. Each one of the second plurality of contacts is secured to the connector body and electrically connected to the first plurality of contacts. Each one of the second plurality of contacts has a surface at the front surface of the connector body, and is depressible against a spring force when making contact with a respective edge finger connector on a board.

Abstract: A method of providing collect call service includes receiving a request for a collect call from a calling party (18). A selected number to call is received. A call is placed to a receiving party (20). Agreeability of the receiving party (20) to accept the credit card billing for the collect call is determined. The calling party (18) is connected to the receiving party (20) in response to the acceptance.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a docking station connector may include differential signaling capability.