Abstract: The invention relates to a hail-protection netting for vehicles. A common problem encountered in the automobile sector relates to the manner in which vehicles can be protected effectively and practically against bad weather and possible damaging impacts caused mainly by severe weather conditions such as hail. The invention is intended to address said problem and has been designed primarily such as to provide effective protection against same. In addition, the inventive netting is designed such that it can be quickly and easily mounted, removed and folded. Moreover, once folded, the reduced size of the netting enables same to be conveniently transported. The invention, which has three different embodiments, essentially comprises: a netting (1) which covers practically all of the vehicle; an intermediary body which is disposed between the netting (1) and the object to be protected, i.e.

Abstract: A symbol timing derivation system derives receiver timing from received symbols which avoids the need for a pilot tone, thereby reducing power consumption and expanding usable bandwidth. The system is implemented by using a calculation that finds the timing phase error. The timing phase error is then averaged and controls a phase locked loop (PLL). This PLL in turn controls a voltage-controlled oscillator, which handles the modem receiver timing. A centroid calculation can be included to bias the voltage-controlled oscillator to push the equalizer coefficients back to the ideal position. The system can be implemented in either a point-to-point modem environment or a multi-point environment, for example, but not limited to, MVL or DMT. The voltage-controlled oscillator may also be implemented to control transmitter timing, so that the central office modem and the remote modem will operate more-or-less synchronously, reducing the need for large equalizer corrections at either end.

Abstract: A J-shaped stanchion which attaches to a roof truss (or rafter) in such a manner as to enable the entire girth of the roof truss overhang (or rafter) to be the sole support for the stanchion. The stanchion is designed to bend below the fascia and return up above the roof surface where successive stanchions similarly attached are connected via a fall protection guardrails providing fall protection for all workers. This single point of attachment allows the carpenters to attach the stanchions prior to hoisting the trusses onto the roof bearing walls. As soon as the trusses are properly braced, the guardrails can be hoisted and secured.

Abstract: A J shaped stanchion which attaches to a roof truss (or rafter) in such a manner as to enable the entire girth of the roof truss overhang (or rafter) to be the sole support for the stanchion. The enveloping connection is designed to exceed the 200 pound minimum impact currently required by OSHA for a slide guard or guardrail. This stanchion is designed to bend below the fascia and return up above the roof surface where successive stanchions similarly attached are connected via a fall protection guardtails providing fall protection for all workers. This single point of attachment allows the carpenters to attach the stanchions prior to hoisting the trusses onto the roof bearing walls. As soon as the trusses are properly braced, the guardrails can be hoisted and secured.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for transmitting a data-bearing signal and a non-data-bearing signal. One embodiment comprises communicatively coupling a data-bearing signal during a first time period and communicatively coupling a non-data-bearing signal during a second time period. The data-bearing signal has a first PSD. The non-data-bearing signal has a second PSD substantially the same as the first over a range of frequencies. The non-data-bearing signal has characteristics facilitating echo cancellation. Another embodiment comprises a line interface and a transmitter coupled to the line interface, comprising a data encoder and a periodic signal generator. The encoder is configured to produce a data-bearing signal with a first PSD. The periodic signal generator is configured to produce a non-data-bearing signal with a second PSD. The second PSD is substantially the same as the first PSD over a first range of frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for reducing power consumption in frame and cell data transmission systems. A transmitter power manager powers down (turns off) selected elements of a transmitter system during periods of transmitter inactivity. The transmitter power manager system detects incoming communication signals which are to be transmitted by the transmitter, and at the appropriate time, powers up (turns on) the selected elements which are controlled by the transmitter power manager.

Abstract: A transient pre-emptor includes a processor configured to detect transients in a communications system. After the processor detects a transient in the communications system, it causes a data communications equipment to suspend or reduce data transmission during the occurrence of a subsequent transient.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for reducing power consumption in frame and cell data transmission systems. A transmitter power manager powers down (turns off) selected elements of a transmitter system during periods of transmitter inactivity. The transmitter power manager system detects incoming communication signals which are to be transmitted by the transmitter, and at the appropriate time, powers up (turns on) the selected elements which are controlled by the transmitter power manager.

Abstract: A transient pre-emptor includes a processor configured to detect transients in a communications system. After the processor detects a transient in the communications system, it causes a data communications equipment to suspend or reduce data transmission during the occurrence of a subsequent transient.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a minimum burst duration in accordance with a regional standard and/or requirement. One embodiment comprises a first interface (204) configured to receive data to be communicated, a memory (208) configured to store a value corresponding to a regional minimum duration, a processor (202) configured to generate a frame, configured to compare a duration of the generated frame with the regional minimum duration, configured to add at least one padding symbol to the generated frame to generate a second frame, the second frame having a duration at least equal to the regional minimum duration, and a second interface (206) configured to communicate the second frame onto a communication channel.

Abstract: A symbol timing derivation system derives receiver timing from received symbols which avoids the need for a pilot tone, thereby reducing power consumption and expanding usable bandwidth. The system is implemented by using a calculation that finds the timing phase error. The timing phase error is then averaged and controls a phase locked loop (PLL). This PLL in turn controls a voltage-controlled oscillator, which handles the modem receiver timing. A centroid calculation can be included to bias the voltage-controlled oscillator to push the equalizer coefficients back to the ideal position. The system can be implemented in either a point-to-point modem environment or a multi-point environment, for example, but not limited to, MVL or DMT. The voltage-controlled oscillator may also be implemented to control transmitter timing, so that the central office modem and the remote modem will operate more-or-less synchronously, reducing the need for large equalizer corrections at either end.

Abstract: A symbol timing derivation system derives receiver timing from received symbols which avoids the need for a pilot tone, thereby reducing power consumption and expanding usable bandwidth. The system is implemented by using a calculation that finds the timing phase error. The timing phase error is then averaged and controls a phase locked loop (PLL). This PLL in turn controls a voltage-controlled oscillator, which handles the modem receiver timing. A centroid calculation can be included to bias the voltage-controlled oscillator to push the equalizer coefficients back to the ideal position. The system can be implemented in either a point-to-point modem environment or a multi-point environment, for example, but not limited to, MVL or DMT. The voltage-controlled oscillator may also be implemented to control transmitter timing, so that the central office modem and the remote modem will operate more-or-less synchronously, reducing the need for large equalizer corrections at either end.

Abstract: Various embodiments are configured to transform characteristics of a communication signal.

Abstract: A subscriber line driver (SLD) is provided for the continuous and automatic transformation of the characteristics of a communication system signal so that the signal conforms to a power spectral distribution (PSD) standard. The signal is transformed by the SLD which may increase (amplify) portions of the signal to a predefined specification, decrease (attenuate) portions of the signal to a predefined specification, and/or frequency modulate or filter the transmit signal frequencies to fit within the communication channel frequency bandwidth as defined by a predefined frequency band. After modification by the SLD, the transformed communication signal is injected (transmitted) into a communication transmission line. An SLD device can be employed in a variety of communication systems such as a public telephony system, a private branch exchange (PBX), a coaxial cable system, a fiber optic system, a microwave system, a radio communication system or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing the number of bit errors that occur in xDSL data transmissions as a result of baseband ringing. It has been determined that the number of bit errors that occur in xDSL data transmissions as a result of baseband ringing can be reduced by lowering the data transmission rate to a predetermined rate while baseband ringing is occurring. The apparatus of the present invention detects when baseband ringing is occurring over a communication system and causes the data communication equipment (DCE) device located at the central office and the DCE located at the customer premises to begin communicating at a lower, predetermined transmission data rate. When a determination is made by the apparatus that the baseband ringing is no longer present, the apparatus causes the DCE located at the central office and the DCE located at the customer premises to begin communicating at the original data transmission rate.

Abstract: An electronic sales and service support system and method for identifying sales targets using a centralized database to improve marketing success. The system includes a central database that receives comprehensive information from a variety of internal and external feeds, and standardizes and households the information in a three-level hierarchy (households, customers, and accounts) for use by a financial institution. The comprehensive information stored on the central database is accessed through micromarketing workstations to generate lists of sales leads for marketing campaigns. A database engine is provided for generating logical access paths for accessing data on the central database to increase speed and efficiency of the central database. The system distributes sales leads electronically to branch networks, where the sales leads are used to target customers for marketing campaigns.

Abstract: A sales process support system and method for identifying sales targets using a centralized database to improve marketing success. The system includes a central database that receives comprehensive information from a variety of internal and external feeds, and standardizes and households the information in a three-level hierarchy (households, customers, and accounts) for use by a financial institution. The comprehensive information stored on the central database is accessed through micromarketing workstations to generate lists of sales leads for marketing campaigns. A database engine is provided for generating logical access paths for accessing data on the central database to increase speed and efficiency of the central database. The system distributes sales leads electronically to branch networks, where the sales leads are used to target customers for marketing campaigns.

Abstract: A multi-stop depth control for a milling machine is disclosed which includes a fixed member connected to the milling machine frame having a rotatable wheel mounted thereon. The wheel carries a plurality of stop posts each with a stop member. Each stop is engageable with a through bore of a movable part of the milling machine which is connected to the movable quill thereof. By rotating a selected one of the posts into alignment with the movable part of the milling machine a selected depth of movement for the movable part of the milling machine is established.