Abstract: A method is provided which reduces post-dial delay in a number portability environment. In particular, a switching office which controls call routing to portable numbers (NPA-NXXs) contains a cache for which location routing number response information may be stored. The processing office concurrently checks the cache for LRN response information corresponding to the dialed number and launches a query to a number portability database. Thus, if the LRN response information in the cache is valid then the call will be routed in the timeliest manner. However, if either the cache does not have any LRN response information or the LRN response information in the cache proves not to be valid then, the switching office will have received the LRN response information from the database more quickly based on the concurrent launching of a query. Therefore, a more timely attempt at establishing a proper connection to the dialed number will occur thereby reducing post-dial delay.

Abstract: A substrate comprising, for example, a copper-beryllium oxide ceramic-copper sandwich permits a laser diode along with cooperative components to be soldered in place using a high temperature solder. The sandwich structure is operative to move the effective thermal properties of the copper more towards that of the beryllium oxide thus reducing, for example, any stress which might occur between the solder, the substrate, and the laser diode. The use of high temperature solder provides for significantly improved operation.

Abstract: A method reduces the number of queries generated to a number portability database. The number portable communication system includes a local cache associated with the switching office or facility responsible for identifying and controlling the routing of calls to portable numbers. By including the cache and only generating a request to the number portability database when the cache either does not contain LRN response information or if a call attempted based on LRN response information in the cache fails, the total number of queries to the number portability database are reduced. This reduces query traffic as well as speeds up the processing of calls able to use cached information.

Abstract: A method is provided which reduces post-dial delay in a number portability environment. In particular, a switching office which controls call routing to portable numbers (NPA-NXXs) contains a cache for which location routing number response information may be stored. The processing office concurrently checks the cache for LRN response information corresponding to the dialed number and launches a query to a number portability database. Thus, if the LRN response information in the cache is valid then the call will be routed in the timeliest manner. However, if either the cache does not have any LRN response information or the LRN response information in the cache proves not to be valid then, the switching office will have received the LRN response information from the database more quickly based on the concurrent launching of a query. Therefore, a more timely attempt at establishing a proper connection to the dialed number will occur thereby reducing post-dial delay.

Abstract: Semiconductor laser diodes or diode bars are assembled into stacks by a method which permits testing of an entire stack at once and which uses only high temperature solder. The stack includes a plurality of submounts which resemble elongated bars which are square in cross section. Laser diodes (or diode bars) are sandwiched between adjacent submounts. Each submount has an elongated mesa and the mesas are so shaped and positioned in the stack to form a set of ridges which fit into a set of grooves in a substrate. The diodes are bonded to adjacent submounts in a stack simultaneously by reflowing solder preforms (high temperature) in a reflow oven. The stack is secured in place in the grooves of the substrate by reflowing solder placed at the bottom of the grooves.

Abstract: A plate of metal is bonded to a plate of and electrical insulator and the metal is cut through into a plurality of parallel channels, or recesses, each of a dimension to receive a laser diode (bar). A laser diode is positioned in each of the channels and a solder preform, positioned on the top of the laser diode bars. Is heated to flow around each laser diode bar to secure it in place. A highly manufacturable laser diode assembly having a higher heat capacity results for bonding to a heat sink.

Abstract: A method is provided which reduces post-dial delay in a number portability environment. In particular, a switching office which controls call routing to portable numbers (NPA-NXXs) contains a cache for which location routing number response information may be stored. The processing office concurrently checks the cache for LRN response information corresponding to the dialed number and launches a query to a number portability database. Thus, if the LRN response information in the cache is valid then the call will be routed in the timeliest manner. However, if either the cache does not have any LRN response information or the LRN response information in the cache proves not to be valid then, the switching office will have received the LRN response information from the database more quickly based on the concurrent launching of a query. Therefore, a more timely attempt at establishing a proper connection to the dialed number will occur thereby reducing post-dial delay.

Abstract: A strong, compact, rugged and inexpensive support system to solidly stabilize a conventional rectangular polyethylene foam archery target. System includes a right support (30) and a left support (20), each manufactured from a single piece of elongated material. Each support includes an upper member (21), a base member (22), a radiused intersection (23) and insertion fingers (24) which are pressed into the target to form the target and supports assembly. The supports system utilizes the target itself for structural rigidity without requiring that the supports (20 and 30) be joined to the ground (or surface upon which the target rests). Additional embodiments include ground anchors (51, 52, 60, 70) for use outdoors and protective bumpers (80) for use indoors. Support system includes means for providing a multiplicity of possible target angles to archer. Supports may be assembled such that they form carrying handles for transportation.

Abstract: A method of routing an interim NP call in which it is determined to give a called number interim NP redirection rather than conventional RCF redirection when the called number is to be ported. When a ported call is to receive interim NP redirection and SS7 networking is used, an Initial Address Message for the call is created with the Called Party Number parameter of the Initial Address Message populated with the Location Routing Number for the switch to which the called number has been ported. The Generic Address Parameter of the Initial Address Message is populated with the called number and the M bit of the Forward Call Indicator parameter of the Initial Address Message is set. The call is then redirected to the switch to which the called number has been ported based on the Location Routing Number in the Called Party Number parameter of an Initial Address Message. This method avoids the use of RCF "shadow numbers" and the need to query an external long-term NP database.

Abstract: An EL panel includes a pair of EL lamps on a common substrate, separated by a predetermined distance along a longitudinal axis. A first flexible, electrically conductive trace on the substrate interconnects the front electrodes of the lamps and a second flexible, electrically conductive trace on the substrate interconnects the rear electrodes of the lamps. The lamps share a common front electrode and the first trace overlies the front electrode between the lamps. One of the lamps is rotated relative to the other to position the lamps one above the other in separate, parallel planes.

Abstract: A releasable tether has a release clip with a slide bolt operated by either a cable attached to a remote release trigger or a thumb slide directly attached to the slide bolt. The cable is attached to the slide bolt by a ball bearing swivel to afford unlimited rotation therebetween. A reinforcing cable extends between a frame rotatably attached to the release clip by a hollow connector bolt and an anchor member at the handle end of a strap so that any forces exerted on the strap are taken up by the reinforcing cable and not the release cable or other release elements associated therewith. Protective tubular guides at the tether end and handle end of the strap afford freedom of movement for the release cable.

Abstract: A system for measuring on-line the energy content and flow of a gas mixture within a pipeline. The system includes a gas chromatograph for producing a time varying signal related to the component composition of the gas mixture. The pressure and temperature of the gas mixture is measured and these signals as well as the time varying signal from the chromatograph are converted to digital form. These signals are applied to control means which produces energy and flow rate signals of the gas mixture in the pipeline based on the on-line pressure, temperature and component composition. These signals are corrected by supercompressibility factor signals as a function of component composition.

Abstract: Hydrofoil swim fin assemblies, each assembly comprising a streamlined foot housing and a separate hydrofoil blade mechanism which is pivotably connected to the foot housing so that by rotation the angle of attack of the blade is reversed between each up and each down leg stroke of the swimmer. Furthermore, the sail portion of the blade mechanism is flexed at the beginning of each stroke, so as to be convex on the top and concave on the bottom during the down-stroke and visa versa during the up-stroke. Thus, the forward propulsion of the swimmer is enhanced by hydrofoil action during both the up and the down strokes.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, a linear stitching design having improved definition, is embossed onto the surface of a hot, formable plastic sheet and then coated in one operation. The improved definition is achieved by employing a restrained elastomeric anvil to support the sheet during the embossing operation. The elastomeric anvil provides a relatively uniform distribution of pressure on the sheet during the embossing step and urges the sheet into intimate contact with the recessed features on the embossing die surface. Once the sheet is formed but before the embossing die and anvil surface are separated, paint is injected through passages in the embossing die onto the surface of the thermoplastic sheet. The paint is injected under sufficient pressure to force the thermoplastic sheet, which is supported by the elastomeric anvil, away from the die surface; this provides the necessary space to allow the paint to flow onto specified areas of the sheet.