Abstract: A brightness tracking system for an optical device includes a first imager for viewing a target of interest, a second imager for viewing the same target of interest, and a photodiode circuit. The photodiode circuit (a) measures brightness levels of the target of interest received from the first imager, and (b) controls output brightness of the second imager, based on the measured brightness levels received from the first imager.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for communication and provision of routing address information. The prior owner of a called telephone number is referred to herein as a “prior subscriber”. When a number is released by a prior subscriber, it is placed into a database referred to as the “spare pool” which includes available (unsubscribed) telephone numbers. When a caller dials a number that is in the spare pool, the invention intercepts the call and takes any number of possible actions. In one embodiment, the invention automatically forwards the caller to a new number based on a database that stores the new number of the prior subscriber or routes the caller to a message that gives the caller the option (either via a charge or after listening to an advertisement) of being connected to, or being given, the current number of the prior subscriber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for communication and provision of routing address information. The prior owner of a called telephone number is referred to herein as a “prior subscriber”. When a number is released by a prior subscriber, it is placed into a database referred to as the “spare pool” which includes available (unsubscribed) telephone numbers. When a caller dials a number that is in the spare pool, the invention intercepts the call and takes any number of possible actions. In one embodiment, the invention automatically forwards the caller to a new number based on a database that stores the new number of the prior subscriber or routes the caller to a message that gives the caller the option (either via a charge or after listening to an advertisement) of being connected to, or being given, the current number of the prior subscriber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for communication and provision of routing address information. The prior owner of a called telephone number is referred to herein as a “prior subscriber”. When a number is released by a prior subscriber, it is placed into a database referred to as the “spare pool” which includes available (unsubscribed) telephone numbers. When a caller dials a number that is in the spare pool, the invention intercepts the call and takes any number of possible actions. In one embodiment, the invention automatically forwards the caller to a new number based on a database that stores the new number of the prior subscriber or routes the caller to a message that gives the caller the option (either via a charge or after listening to an advertisement) of being connected to, or being given, the current number of the prior subscriber.

Abstract: A recoverable arrangement for stripping insulation from an elongate conductor comprises two stripping members each of which has a cut out portion. The cut out portions are arranged to overlap so as to form an aperture to receive the insulated conductor. The arrangement is recoverable such that the stripping members move both laterally of the conductor, to pierce the insulation, and longitudinally of the conductor, to strip the insulation. Preferably the stripping members of a further member in association with the stripping members comprise a heat-recoverable metal which recovers to move the stripping members relative to the conductor.

Abstract: A connector is described for electrical connection and, preferably, the removal of an array package having a plurality of pins with a substrate having contact elements. A first board having a plurality of openings formed therethrough and a second parallel board having a plurality of complementary openings formed therethrough are interconnected by a heat-recoverable metal grid. One end of the grid is connected to the first board and the other end of the grid is connected to the second board to move the boards relative to each other to effect engagement between insertable elements, e.g. the contact elements of the substrate and the pins of an array package.