Abstract: Avariable equalizer is described. The variable equalizer provides for independent control of a number of breakpoints in the frequency response of the equalizer so as to allow the equalizer to be readily tuned to compensate for the tilt of coaxial cables over a wide range of characteristic attenuation. In one embodiment, the variable equalizer includes a two port bridge “T” network with variable top and bottom branches that are independently and selectively adjusted to create a desired frequency response. For example, in one embodiment, the top branches include a number of variable RC networks and the bottom branches include a number of variable LR networks. In some embodiments, PEN diodes provide the variable resistance in these LR and RC networks.

Abstract: A launching device for launching multiple aerial fireworks in succession from the launching device has a tubular member having a wall defining an internal perimeter sized and shaped to receive conventional aerial fireworks shells. A unitary base is mountable to the tubular member to thereby support the tubular member in an upright use position on a support surface. The base includes a lower portion of appropriate size and shape to support the tubular member in a stable upright position; and a protrusion extends from the lower portion. The protrusion has an outer perimeter corresponding in size and shape to the inner perimeter of the tubular member to thereby permit snug insertion of the protrusion into the tubular member to secure it to the base.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit is provided. The monitoring circuit can be used to monitor signals in a cable network. The monitoring circuit includes first and second stages. The first stage has an input and an output. The input is coupled to an external circuit. The first stage scales a voltage received at its input. The second stage is coupled to the output of the first stage. The second stage has a high input impedance and a low output impedance. The second stage buffers a signal at the output of the first stage to an output of the second stage.

Abstract: A telecommunications switch management system which contains a system manager building block in communication with a remote computer. The system manager building block is also in communication with a system management interface building block, which contains a command interpreter building block and a system command interface building block. The command interpreter building block is in communication with the system manager building block and the system command interface building block. The system command interface building block contains at least one client building block. The client building blocks located in the system command interface building block are each in communication with a corresponding server building block, each of which in turn is in communication with the telecommunications switching system. The system manager building block provides communication between the remote computer and the system management interface building block.

Abstract: A graphic user interface launcher for providing graphic displays for enabling one or more users to access a telecommunications switching system for any desired purpose, such as to monitor, control or reconfigure the telecommunications switching system. Users may access the telecommunications switching system from any remote location using a standard remote computer having a browser. The remote computer uses the browser and a communications link to access a remote server which contains the application program necessary for a user of the remote computer to remotely access the telecommunications switching system. The remote server then provides a copy of the application program to the remote computer, typically in the form of a Java Applet. The remote computer runs the application program, typically in a stand-alone capacity, and accesses a system manager building block via a second communications link.

Abstract: A full group privileges access mechanism which provides security protection for a telecommunications switching system which is accessible by users using a computer. The full group privileges access mechanism contains storage files which store information related to authorized users, a system manager building block which is in communication with the computer, a system security manager client building block which is in communication with the system manager building block, and a system security manager server building block which is in communication with the system security manager client building block. The system manager building block in combination with the system security manager client building block and the system security manager server building block are in communication with the storage files which contain information related to the authorized users.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit is provided. The monitoring circuit can be used to monitor signals in a cable network. The monitoring circuit includes first and second stages. The first stage has an input and an output. The input is coupled to an external circuit. The first stage scales a voltage received at its input. The second stage is coupled to the output of the first stage. The second stage has a high input impedance and a low output impedance. The second stage buffers a signal at the output of the first stage to an output of the second stage.

Abstract: A method for providing a graphical shelf navigator user interface which provides a combination of graphical displays and menus which enable users to easily and conveniently perform functions on a telecommunications switching system. The graphical shelf navigator displays on a computer a first display which has menus and/or graphics that contain different image portions. The different image portions can be selected by the user, and correspond to the portions of the telecommunications switching system which the user can select to perform functions on. The first display also has menus and/or graphics containing additional image portions which can be selected by the user, and which correspond to the functions that can be performed on the selected portions of the telecommunications switching system.

Abstract: A glow in the dark firework device and a method for making same is disclosed. The firework device (10) includes a body (12) having an outer body surface (14), and a glow in the dark fuse (18) passing from the inner body surface (7) of body (12) to the outer body surface (14) of body (12) of firework device (10). Fuse (18) is comprised of a fuse body (16), and a plurality of threads (20,22,26-45) having an ignitable substance (25) dispersed among the plurality of threads (20,22,26-45). The outer fuse surface (9) of fuse (18) has a phosphorescent solution (52) applied thereto.