Abstract: A modular deterministic communication terminal and a method for transmitting user data between the modular deterministic communication terminal and a remote modular deterministic communication terminal are provided. The modular deterministic communication terminal includes at least one logic module including at least one deterministic hardware circuit configured to generate at least one data stream by combining user data of at least two data channels and to separately and independently transmit the at least one data stream via at least one communication link to at least one deterministic hardware circuit provided in the a remote modular deterministic communication terminal.

Abstract: A modular deterministic communication terminal and a method for transmitting user data between the modular deterministic communication terminal and a remote modular deterministic communication terminal are provided. The modular deterministic communication terminal includes at least one logic module including at least one deterministic hardware circuit configured to generate at least one data stream by combining user data of at least two data channels and to separately and independently transmit the at least one data stream via at least one communication link to at least one deterministic hardware circuit provided in the a remote modular deterministic communication terminal.

Abstract: A prepayment system for electric power or other utility commodity distribution uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology to store and transfer value (money or KWh) from the retail vendor to the customer, and deliver power to the customer from the power distribution system. The customer purchases power at a retail outlet in the form of a credit to his Card containing an RFID tag. The Card is credited for the amount purchased by the store clerk, using the store's Sales Terminal. The customer takes this Card to his residence or small business and holds it up to the RFID reader/writer sealed into the face of the System Controller. This System Controller is installed at a convenient location near, on or within his premises. Alternatively, he may use an optional Remote Terminal installed inside his premises. In either case, the display associated with the reader/writer indicates to the customer the amount of power remaining.

Abstract: Satellite and terrestrial voice and data communications are included within a communications server system, preferably for an aircraft. The system collects and logs data concerning the aircraft and flight via various sensors. The data may be delivered to a ground facility in real time via a packet data satellite link. Alternatively, the data may be cached and transmitted in bursts via a circuit or short burst message network, or transmitted after an aircraft has landed via a terrestrial or satellite data link. The system includes connections for computers and enables access to databases on the ground and to electronic mail and the Internet. A GPS receiver is included in the system for recording the aircraft location, while approximate altitude information is available using differential GPS. The system includes a satellite voice terminal to facilitate voice communications and interfaces to headsets and to ordinary telephones.

Abstract: A multiple application switching platform includes a switch having a distributed open architecture and incorporating redundancy for enhanced fault tolerance. The switch includes at least one shelf having a midplane (1) containing message buses and TDM data buses (A and B). Shelves may be interconnected to form a group wherein various circuit cards are connected to each shelf midplane. The circuit cards (4, 5 and 6) perform call processing wherein each card within a group accessing a data bus is pre-assigned a unique set of time slots for each data bus within which that card may transmit onto that data bus. Each circuit card further includes an identification number that enables each card an opportunity to transmit onto a message bus (A and B). The circuit cards (4, 5 and 6) include line or trunk switch cards that function as an independent switch to interface line or trunks to a shelf midplane.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system, a base unit transmits outgoing TDM signals within a base transmission coverage area at a first frequency. Repeaters in the base coverage area receive the outgoing signal and retransmit it within respective repeater coverage areas at respective frequencies, maintaining the same time slot orientation in TDM format. Several levels of repeaters form a hierarchy covering an expanded range. Remote subscriber units located in a coverage area receive the strongest outgoing frequency signal from a repeater/base unit in a time slot assigned to that unit for a particular call, which time slot is maintained for that call through successive levels of repeaters. Incoming TDMA signals from remote units use the same time slots used in received outgoing signals. The base unit transmits outgoing signals and receives incoming signals at the same frequency, but at different times.

Abstract: A software-controlled telephone tester permits untrained consumers to test telephone sets by connecting the line cord to the tester and following simple instructions which are sequentially displayed on a panel. Tests are automatically performed after each instruction to provide objective determinations of the operability of the telephone under test. Tested parameters which fall outside specification result in a failure indication. If the user fails to effect certain instructions properly, a "try again" instruction is generated. Transmission tests are effected automatically by placing the telephone earpiece and/or mouthpiece adjacent a transducer and transmitting at least one tone from the tester through the telephone and back to the tester. Preferrably a two-tone test is employed using a pair of the standard DTMF signalling tones so that transmission testing is effected using the same circuitry employed for DTMF dial testing.

Abstract: An inexpensive universal telephone signalling tone receiver employs switched capacitor filters to provide selective tone reception in accordance with pre-selected clock signal frequencies. The clock signals, which in the preferred embodiment are provided from an EPROM, are employed to determine the pass band center frequency for respective filters. The selected signalling tones, when received, are rectified and passed to respective sample and hold circuits, the output signals of which are sequentially applied for processing to a common analog-to-digital converter through a multiplexer. Depending upon the clock pulse frequencies programmed for a particular application, the receiver can be used for various signalling protocols, including R1 and R2, in either direction, as well as other single or multi-tone signalling applications.

Abstract: An improved telephone system selector unit employing an electronic control arrangement is capable of directly replacing or being added on to existing electro-mechanical switching arrangements of the Strowger or other types which position themselves directly in response to subscriber dial pulses. The electronic circuitry establishes rapid outlet scanning via a matrix of twelve-pole relays, each of which permits selection of three four-wire lines or four three-wire lines, depending upon a pre-selected operating mode. A digit treatment circuit evaluates the counter digits, selects the appropriate outlet group, and precludes scanning of restricted lines or numbers not present in the numbering plan. During scanning each three or four-wire circuit of each relay is scanned in turn until an available circuit is found. The digit treatment arrangement permits additional outlet groups to be added without regard to the numbering sequence.