Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for performing parameter negotiation in a data compression link. When data is sent along the communication link in a compressed form, the escape character is not modified. When sending data in an uncompressed form, the escape character is followed by a command and the escape character is modified. A parameter mode can be entered when data is being sent uncompressed. During parameter mode, parameter negotiation between the modem peers can be accomplished without interrupting the communication link.

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for performing parameter negotiation in a data compression link. When data is sent along the communication link in a compressed form, the escape character is not modified. When sending data in an uncompressed form, the escape character is followed by a command and the escape character is modified. A parameter mode can be entered when data is being sent uncompressed. During parameter mode, parameter negotiation between the modem peers can be accomplished without interrupting the communication link.

Abstract: An method for improved transaction reservation in an Integrated Satellite Business Network. The method includes generating a transaction request message indicating the number of slots needed to transmit a data message. Then, the method includes transmitting the transaction request message to a host terminal, and assigning one or more slots within an inroute to the remote terminal. The method then includes transmitting a transaction assignment message containing the number of slots assigned and which slots were assigned. In response to this assignment, the method includes transmitting at least a portion of the data message during the slots assigned.

Abstract: An method of Aloha optimization involves designating a time period as an inroute frame. Such designating includes designating a first portion of the inroute frame as a Transaction Reservation portion, and designating a second portion of the inroute frame as an Aloha portion. A request is transmitted from a first remote terminal to the host terminal that the host terminal allocate one or more slots of the Transaction Reservation portion to the first remote terminal. One or more unallocated slots within the Transaction Reservation portion are then redesignated as extra Aloha slots. A target slot is then randomly selected by a second remote terminal from the slots within the Aloha portion and the extra Aloha slots.

Abstract: A recreational area construction comprising a base having depressions and rises thereon; a plurality of borders forming a perimeter around said base; strips of water pervious material on the base and lining the depressions, and having their ends overlapping whereby water flows laterally across the strips toward the borders; an end of one of said strips extends beneath and beyond said border whereby water is conveyed away from the said area; and a top layer of cushioning material supported on the base and water pervious material.

Abstract: A recreational area construction comprising a base with a plurality of borders forming a perimeter on the base; a layer of water pervious material on the base between the borders, and a top layer of cushioning material supported on the base and layer of water pervious material.

Abstract: A playground construction comprises an earthen floor beneath the surface of the earth, a trough extending downwardly beneath the floor and having drainage means therein. The floor and trough are lined with a water pervious fabric and an aggregate of drainage stone is utilized to fill the trough and to cover an area of the floor. The fabric material has overlapping edges which are secured together thus providing an envelope for the aggregate stone. A second layer of aggregate wood fiber is placed above the enveloped stone aggregate and terminates at the surface of the earth.