Abstract: A telephony call manager includes a call model having call processing logic, and a signaling interface for each respective signaling protocol encountered by the call manager. Each signaling interface is operable to convert call events in each respective signaling protocol to messages of a generic protocol and communicate the messages to the call model.

Abstract: A method of dynamically balancing work among a plurality of processing nodes is provided. The method includes the steps of periodically updating a node occupancy value at each of the plurality of processing nodes, communicating the respective node occupancy value of each processing node to at least one work originator node, storing the node occupancy values of the plurality of processing nodes at the at least one work originator node, and selecting, by the at least one work originator node, a processing node to perform a particular task in response to the node occupancy values of the processing nodes.

Abstract: A method of optimizing access network utilization is provided. The access network includes a plurality of integrated access devices coupled to a segment and reassembly device, where each segment and reassembly device has a plurality of channels, X. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of subscriber lines, ?mi, coupled to the integrated access devices, providing a plurality of integrated access device lines, ?ni, between the integrated access devices and the segment and reassembly device, multiplexing the plurality of subscriber lines by the integrated access device onto the plurality of integrated access device lines, such that ?mi>?ni=X, and providing a reorder tone to any subscriber whose call is blocked.

Abstract: A telephony call manager includes a call model having call processing logic, and a signaling interface for each respective signaling protocol encountered by the call manager. Each signaling interface is operable to convert call events in each respective signaling protocol to messages of a generic protocol and communicate the messages to the call model.

Abstract: A method of optimizing access network utilization is provided. The access network includes a plurality of integrated access devices coupled to a segment and reassembly device, where each segment and reassembly device has a plurality of channels, X. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of subscriber lines, &Sgr;mi, coupled to the integrated access devices, providing a plurality of integrated access device lines, &Sgr;ni, between the integrated access devices and the segment and reassembly device, multiplexing the plurality of subscriber lines by the integrated access device onto the plurality of integrated access device lines, such that &Sgr;mi>&Sgr;ni=X, and providing a reorder tone to any subscriber whose call is blocked.

Abstract: A fuel tank filter connectible to a fuel pump mounted inside of a fuel tank is disclosed. The filter includes filtration material forming an envelope, a separator inside the envelope and a spring attached to the separator in a manner such that the spring biases the separator to hold the envelope towards the bottom of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A process for producing hermetically sealed filters is disclosed. The process includes the steps of providing thermoplastic base and top filter parts and a section of filtration media, sandwiching the media between sections of the base and top filter parts under a compressive force, applying a rapidly repetitive force to at least one of the filter parts to cause movement between the parts and frictional welding of the parts, maintaining the compressive force after frictional welding to allow the melted portion of the parts to solidify and thereby form a fluid seal at the junction of the filter parts and at the junctions of the filtration media and each of the base and top filter parts. In one embodiment, the junction between the filter parts is the periphery of an automatic transmission filter, and the junction is hermetically sealed. A hermetically sealed automatic transmission filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic transmission fluid filter is disclosed, comprised of a metal base member, a plastic cover member attached to the base member, enclosing a volume. Filtration material inside the volume is interposed between an inlet and outlet to the filter. A plastic overmold around the periphery of the union of the metal and plastic members hermetically seals the filter except at the inlet and outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the metal base member includes a flanged edge which is secured to a flanged edge of the cover member by the overmold. Slots through the flange of the base member allow plastic of the overmold to flow through, connecting together plastic on both sides of the flange. Also, the base member flange ends curled lip embedded in the plastic of the overmold. Edge sections of the filtration material extend to and between the union of the base and cover members over some sections of the edge of the filter.

Abstract: A filter suitable for press fitting into an assembly for inline filtration is disclosed. The filter includes a base, filtration material supported on the base, and a metal collar surrounding at least a portion of the base with a portion of the metal collar embedded in the base. The leading edge of the collar and anchor tabs on the distal end of the collar are embedded in the base and thus secure the collar to the base. The collar also has a rounded entry corner which provides a smooth entry into the press fit hole when the filter is pressed into place.