Abstract: A card assembly for insertion in a slot of a communications equipment rack includes a first part and a second part removably coupled to each other. The first part includes a communications module, and the second part includes a switching module that, in a first state, couples subscriber lines to the communications module and, in a second state, couples the subscriber lines to backup communications equipment. In addition, using the switching module, the second part can maintain the coupling of subscriber lines to the backup communications equipment when the first part is removed from the card assembly.

Abstract: The molecular mechanisms by which central nervous system-specific genes are expressed only in the nervous system and repressed in other tissues remain a central issue in developmental and regulatory biology. The presently described invention outlines a dual mechanism of transcriptional downregulation in which the transcription factor REST/NRSF is a central component. The invention delineates short-term REST/NRSF-dependent active repression of neural-specific genes through the recruitment of histone deacetylases as well as long-term gene silencing through the recruitment of a novel biochemical complex which requires CpG methylation. Long-term silencing of neuronal-specific genes requires the recruitment of an associated corepressor, CoREST, that serves as a functional molecular beacon for the recruitment of molecular machinery that imposes silencing across a chromosomal interval, including transcriptional units that do not themselves contain REST/NRSF response elements.

Abstract: Methods and vectors are provided for the specific alteration of particular genetic loci in eukaryotic cells. One method includes the utilization of positive-positive selection (PPS) DNA vectors for the purpose of creating and identifying cells which have vector sequences integrated into host cell genome via site-specific homologous recombination. The method also comprises the utilization of sequences encoding in vivo detectable markers for the identification of cells which have exogenous vector sequences integrated into the genome of the host cell, either via site-specific homologous recombination or nonhomologous recombination or insertion. The invention also includes vectors for creating modifications in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a housing having a cavity configured to receive a plug. The apparatus includes a plurality of conductive pins each configured to contact a respective one of a plurality of conductive pins on the plug when the plug is inserted into the cavity. The apparatus also includes a discharge conductor system configured to contact at least one of the plurality of the conductive pins on the plug before complete insertion of the plug into the cavity and a discharge circuit coupling the discharge conductor system to ground.

Abstract: A closed loop system for distributing and redeeming coupons ordered by a customer including a coupon distribution center for distributing the coupons and a redemption center for redeeming the coupons distributed by the coupon distribution center. A controller is operatively connected to the coupon distribution center and the redemption center for providing a closed loop, real time interconnection between the distribution center and the redemption center and associated components such as databases and production aids. This modular integration and hard linkage of the intrinsic functions involved in executing promotions, permits total control of a coupon offer program from birth to expiration. The distribution center interfaces directly with the consumer, presents coupon offerings in a text list for rapid access, permits easy coupon selection, enables the user to chose the preferred delivery method and selection of coupon type and delivery destination.

Abstract: An over-voltage protection module protects communications equipment against voltage surges, including periodic voltage disturbances. The protection module provides a steady state activation voltage threshold and a reduced activation voltage threshold less than the steady state value. Upon a receiving a periodic disturbance, the module activates initially upon receiving a voltage exceeding the steady state activation voltage threshold and activates for subsequent cycles of the disturbance upon receiving a voltage exceeding the reduced activation voltage threshold.

Abstract: A cab extender assembly (200) for selectively manipulating an aerodynamic drag of a vehicle (100) is provided. The cab extender assembly includes a dynamic cab extender (206a) and a control system (208) coupled to the dynamic cab extender. The control system is adapted to selectively position the dynamic cab extender between a stowed position, a deployed position in which the dynamic cab extender is substantially aligned with a side of the vehicle, and a braking position in which the dynamic cab extender is at least partially disposed into an airstream passing along the side of the vehicle to increase a drag coefficient of the vehicle. The cab extender assembly may also include a fixed cab extender (204a) substantially aligned with the dynamic cab extender when the dynamic cab extender is in the deployed position. A method of operating a cab extender assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for distributing in a retail environment one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, forms, messages, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients of said packets from a receiver-printer-dispenser at a remote location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupon processing system and method that includes a scanner and a voider, where the system enables a user to process coupons at or near a coupon redemption location. The system scans codes on coupons using one or more scanners. The codes on the coupons are transferred to a processor and the processor determines if each coupon was scanned properly. If the coupon is not scanned properly, the coupon is separated into a non-scan coupon group. If the coupon is successfully scanned, the coupon is transferred to a voider which voids the coupon to prevent mal-redemption and re-circulation of the coupons. The non-scan coupons are sent to another location for further processing. The scanned coupons are stored in a secure area at the coupon redemption location or at a secure off-site storage area.

Abstract: In a coordinated computer system for encoding, transmitting, and decoding a series of data packets such as audio and/or video data, there may be a skew between the clock used by an encoder and the clock used by a decoder. In a method and device for compensating for this clock skew, the decoder calculates a drift metric representing the clock skew and modifies the time stamps of the data packets based on the drift metric. The decoder also performs a sample rate conversion on the digital data, in order to compensate for the clock skew between the encoder and decoder.

Abstract: A system is provided for distributing in a retail environment one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, forms, messages, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients of said packets from a receiver-printer-dispenser at a remote location.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for coupling a communication signal to a communication device includes a backplane, having first and second sides, and a connector, adapted to receive the communication signal, coupled to the backplane on the first side. The connector has a first set of conductive pins that extend through the first side of the backplane and protrude out the second side of the backplane. A portion of the first set of conductive pins is adapted to receive a line card connector formed with a plurality of contact cavities. The system further includes a guide member operable to guide a line card into the line card connector.

Abstract: Methods and vectors are provided for the specific alteration of particular genetic loci in eukaryotic cells. One method includes the utilization of positive-positive selection (PPS) DNA vectors for the purpose of creating and identifying cells which have vector sequences integrated into the host cell genome via site-specific homologous recombination. The method also comprises the utilization of sequences encoding in vivo detectable markers for the identification of cells which have exogenous vector sequences integrated into the genome of the host cell, either via site-specific homologous recombination or nonhomologous recombination or insertion. The invention also includes vectors for creating modifications in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A system is provided for distributing in a retail environment one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, forms, messages, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients of said packets from a receiver-printer-dispenser at a remote location.

Abstract: A deployable reflector for an electronically scanned reflector antenna is provided. The deployable reflector may be confined to a relatively small volume for transportation of the reflector to a deployment site. Upon deployment, the reflector of the present invention forms a relatively large reflector surface, having a precisely controlled surface geometry. The reflector generally includes a plurality of panel members interconnected to a plurality of ribs interconnected to an extendable boom. The antenna reflector of the present invention is particularly well suited for a space-based antenna, where a reflector that can be collapsed into a small volume for transport and deployed to form a large reflector surface having high gain is desirable.

Abstract: A system is provided for dispatching one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, messages, appointment reminders, confirmations, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients of said packets at a remote location. The steps included in such a system are: (1) developing a subscriber directory containing unique identification information for each of said potential recipients; (2) creating a packet to be dispatched to at least one of said recipients; (3) identifying the potential recipients for a particular packet; (4) transmitting said packet through a pager network to all of said potential recipients; and (5) receiving and selectively processing and printing only those packets intended to be processed and printed by said appliance.

Abstract: A system is provided for dispatching one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, messages, appointment reminders, confirmations, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients at a remote location. The system utilizes a remote receiver and printer having a unique identification number and bit-string code based on predetermined characteristics of the subscriber. The steps included in the system include: (1) developing a subscriber directory containing unique identification information for each of the potential recipients; (2) creating a packet to be dispatched to at least one of the recipients; (3) identifying the potential recipients for a particular packet by identification number or bit-string code; (4) transmitting the packet through a pager network to all of the potential recipients; and (5) receiving and selectively processing and printing only those packets intended to be processed and printed by the appliance.

Abstract: A printer appliance is provided for use in receiving and printing packets of information transmitted by wireless means, particularly by a pager network. The appliance includes a receiver module for receiving the packets of information transmitted over the network; a microprocessor for analyzing the packets received to determine whether the packets are intended to be processed and printed by the appliance; and a printer for printing the packets of information.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating and displaying data on a monitor 28 such as a CRT of LCD display. The display is comprised of a plurality of images, each located at positions on the face of the monitor defined by multi-digit coordinate values in a multi-coordinate system. Units of data are stored in linear display memory 26, each such unit of data corresponding to and defining the image to be displayed at one of said positions. The apparatus includes a circuit 60 which places selected bits of said multi-digit coordinate values in a preselected order to define the address or offset in said linear display memory at which is located the corresponding unit of data.

Abstract: A system and method for time slicing multiple received data streams utilizing multiple processors in such a manner as to ensure that all processors are running at full capability and are efficiently timesharing a global memory storage area. The received data streams are each divided into fixed portions called spans. The invention is operable for sequencing the movement of the time-sliced spans between the processors, adjusting the scheduling of particular ones of the time-sliced spans as a function of either processor availability or maintenance of real-time transmission of the received real-time time-sliced data streams.