Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing communications between session border controllers in a network environment is provided that includes a session border controller (SBC) operable to communicate with a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The SBC is also operable to communicate with a data path border element (DBE) and a signaling path border element (SBE). The DBE is operable to provide a media relay for a communication session involving the endpoints, the media relay being invoked by either of the endpoints using a traversal using relay network address translation (TURN) protocol, which allows the SBC to operate in either of two modes depending on protocol support present in the endpoints.

Abstract: A distributed packet-based audio conferencing system, method for packet-based audio conferencing, and a transceiver for use in such conferencing are disclosed. The system uses a collection of transceivers, with each conference participant connected to a local transceiver. When a participant speaks, the local transceiver is responsible for relaying the speaker's voice over a packet network by multicast transmission to transceivers local to each other conference participant. If multiple participants speak simultaneously, a multicast talk stream may originate from each speaker's local transceiver. The total number of simultaneous speakers, however, is limited by an arbitration function resident in each transceiver. The system reduces the costs associated with an always-up communication system.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for playing a card game and particularly the card game cribbage includes a central unit and a plurality of player units separate from but attached to the central unit for communication therewith. The central unit can store indicia relating to the set of cards of the conventional nature and can transfer those cards to different display areas on the main board and on the playing units. Each player can operate transfer buttons on the player unit which act to transfer selected ones from the cards indicated on his player unit to the required location on the main board for the playing of the game cribbage. The main unit calculates the score and enters this on a conventional cribbage scoreboard.

Abstract: A magnetic bubble memory based floppy disk emulating system is provided which is capable of emulating available industry standard floppy disk drives with a simple, microprocessor controlled system in which direct memory access techniques are used to free the microprocessor to perform the control functions necessary to emulate single/double density and floppy/minifloppy disks.

Abstract: An electronic circuit module and a compatible module holder are provided which are particularly suitable for magnetic bubble memory applications. The holder has power-down warning and write-protect circuits utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) and photo-transistors to detect motion prior to removal of the module, and to detect the presence of a reflective sticker to write enable, respectively. Moreover, the module has separate ground buses for each power supply voltage to prevent circuit damage due to relative polarity reversal in case of ground non-connection upon insertion or removal of the module from the holder.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation which has undergone an in situ leaching operation which utilized an ammonium carbonate and/or bicarbonate lixiviant. In such a leach operation, ammonium ions will absorb into the clay in the formation and will present a threat of contamination to any ground waters that may be present in the formation. The present method involves flushing the formation with a strong, alkaline solution, e.g., sodium or calcium hydroxide, to convert the ammonium ions to ammonia which is easily carried from the formation by the alkaline solution. The alkaline solution is modified by adding a monovalent metal salt, e.g., sodium chloride, which prevents the clay from swelling which decreases the permeability of the formation. After substantially all of the ammonium ions are removed, the formation is then flushed with water to remove any alkaline solution which may remain in the formation.