Abstract: A beam pipe (46) for guiding in an accelerator-driven nuclear system an accelerated particle beam (44) through a coolant in a primary vessel (12) onto a spallation target (30) comprises, preferably near its tip end (48), a temperature triggered flooding device, including for example a melt-rupture disc. In case of an abnormal temperature increase in the system, the temperature triggered flooding device establishes, below the normal coolant level (16), a flooding communication between the vessel (12) and the interior of the beam pipe (46), thereby flooding the interior of the beam pipe (46) with the coolant (14) contained in the vessel (12).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for mounting an x-ray tube to a gantry disk of a CT scanner. The system is designed to make lifting and handling a heavy and cumbersome x-ray tube easier for a person removing or replacing the x-ray tube in a CT scanner. The system includes a harness adapted to be secured to the x-ray tube, at least two elongated rods secured to the harness, and two elongated tracks adapted to be secured to the gantry disk such that the tracks extend generally parallel with a z-axis of the CT scanner. Each track includes a channel for slidingly receiving one of the rods. The present disclosure also provides a method of mounting an x-ray tube in a gantry of a CT scanner.

Abstract: A method of detecting and analyzing abnormalities, like lung nodules, in thoracic computer tomography (CT) images uses digital image processing techniques and adaptive computing methods. The techniques include an automatic detection process to detect candidate abnormalities, an image matching process to match CT slices from two different CT scans, and a measurement process that determines parameters of the candidate abnormalities. Final results and processed CT images are displayed on a user interface.

Abstract: The relationship between the intensity distribution within the exposure field and the attitude and position of a collimator (21) is stored in a collimator position controller (24). The collimator position controller (24) outputs commands to actuators (22) in order to perform position control such that the collimator (21) is positioned with such position and attitude that the intensity within the exposure field becomes uniform. While an apparatus operates and exposure takes place, a light source position sensor (23) constantly measures the position of a light source (12), and the collimator position controller (24) controls the position and attitude of the collimator (21) on the basis of the data of the intensity distribution measured in advance described above, so that the intensity distribution of the exposure light within the exposure field becomes uniform.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic installation has an X-ray tube, a voltage generator, a planar solid state X-ray image converter for generating raw images, an image system and a playback device. The image system has a device for offset correction that acquires an offset image and stores it in a correction offset memory. The correction offset memory is preceded by a microphony detector that analyzes the current offset image for disturbances due to microphony and allows storage only of a current offset image, that is free of such disturbances.

Abstract: The invention relates to solutions where biased (photoelectric) (semiconductor) material (e.g. Ge, Si, Se, GaAs, HgI, CdTe, CdZnTe, PbI) converts X-ray quanta directly into electron-hole pairs, each of which, by using an intensive electric field connected across said material, can be collected, avoiding lateral diffusion, into the area of its respective pixel. The X-ray quanta are detected and the amount of the ones exceeding the possibly adjustable threshold level is counted. According to the invention the reading electronics (20) may be implemented by providing for each of the pixels (31, 31′, . . . ) its own junction surface (32) which is connected to the said semiconductor material in a manner by which the reading out of them, as well as for enabling the TDI imaging, the counters (23′, . . . ) for each of the pixels (31′, . . . ) can be loaded parallel from the counters (23, 23′, . . . ) for pixels on the same row in the preceding pixel column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for adapting a radiation dose of an X-ray source (1). The X-ray source (1) irradiates an object to be examined, for example, a patient (4), so as to form an X-ray image (7) on an X-ray detector (5). The X-ray image (7) is subdivided into image regions (A-I) and each time the brightest image region is successively separated from the remaining image regions in an iterative method if its mean grey value forms an indication of the presence of direct radiation (2b) in the relevant image region. The image regions still remaining at the end of the iteration operation correspond to an image region of interest which can be taken into account by a control unit (6) so as to calculate the optimum radiation dose.

Abstract: A scattered ray removal grid that has an overall shape of constant spherical curvature. The scattered ray removal grid has radiation absorbing portions arrayed in a lattice configuration and radiation non-absorbing portions made of thermoplastic resin disposed between the radiation absorbing portions and can therefore be easily produced to have an overall spherical shape at low cost.

Abstract: In order to obtain an image with artifacts suppressed when a helical scan is conducted employing a multi-row detector with a scan plane tilted, preprocessing such as sensitivity correction is applied to data collected by a helical scan employing a multi-row detector with a scan plane tilted (S1), tilt correcting processing is applied for correcting view-to-view variation of the positions of channels in the detector rows relative to an axis of translation due to the tilt of the scan plane (S2), multi-slice/helical interpolation processing is applied for calculating interpolated data from proximate data in an image reconstruction plane (S3), and backprojection processing is applied to the interpolated data to produce an image (S4).

Abstract: The automatic home alarm system and method invention comprises one or more sensors, at least one sensor hub that identifies and transmits a state change signal upon the occurrence of an alarm trigger to a system unit, and said system unit communicates such information to an alarm call center or alarm authority using one or more telecom paths (e.g., dial-up telephone, mobile phone).

Abstract: A method and device are provided for transmitting messages in an intelligent network in which a subscriber is assigned a multiplicity of different communications terminals. When a message for the subscriber is received, at least one communications terminal is selected for the reception of the message as a function of an accessibility profile of the subscriber and/or of the type of message, and the message is passed on to the at least one selected communications terminal.

Abstract: An IVR operative for voice communication with a telephone network and a data network and including a VoiceXML interpreter The VoiceXML interpreter being operative to provide a streaming audio output to the data network.

Abstract: A central station is provided to which the pharmacy can forward calls at the convenience of the pharmacy. A caller will call in to the pharmacy to request a refill and the call will be automatically routed to the central facility unbeknownst to the caller. The central station will obtain the refill information required, preferably by means of an automated computer system as is known in the art. This information can then be transferred to the pharmacist in a number of ways, such as by periodically faxing the information to the pharmacy. Voice messages could be flagged and the pharmacist would have to call into the central facility to obtain the voice mail message. Alternatively, a PC could be installed in the pharmacy having a reduced version of a complete, stand-alone program. The refill information can then be sent to the pharmacy by modem and the pharmacist could see a computer display of the refill orders and could hear voice messages. Alternatively, the information could be e-mailed to the pharmacy.

Abstract: A system and method for voice interaction for location-relevant mobile resource management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server transmits a voice message to a voice device at a mobile unit upon detection that the mobile unit is within a predetermined distance of a certain location. Pursuant to another embodiment, the network server receives a voice request for location-relevant information from a user at a mobile unit and transmits responsive location-relevant information to the user as a voice message. The network server may also conduct certain actions responsive to voice requests received from users at mobile units. Users may receive information from the server via voice devices even when not located at a mobile unit.

Abstract: A system for accessing web content from a wireless telephone is disclosed. A consumer first speaks with an operator who performs a database query which causes a personal WAP page to be created. The personal WAP page is accessed by the wireless telephone in a straight forward manner, because the network address associated with the personal WAP page does not change from one query to the next. In this manner, very few manual inputs are required by the consumer.

Abstract: Call related information regarding a called party (i.e., callee information) is provided back to the calling party using a telephone capable of receiving information regarding a called party back from either the central office, from the called party's telephone itself, or in limited applications from a local identification module capable of confirming the identity of the called party based on the dialed telephone number. The receiving telephone may be capable of determining or storing local call related information for transmission back to select callers. The callee ID information may be transmitted using conventional FSK techniques, e.g., between the second and third rings, to avoid collision with conventional transmissions of caller ID information.

Abstract: A soft key template table and a data template table are stored in both of a storage section of a main unit and a storage section of a voice mail server. The soft key template table and data template table are databases in which guidance messages to be displayed on a display of each key telephone are associated with corresponding numbers. Code information including template numbers is transmitted over a serial line. A conversion processing section converts the template number to a display message and causes the display to display the message.

Abstract: A Home Network telephone system and method are provided for backing up user data. The system comprises at least one endpoint to transceive telephone communications. The endpoints can be devices such as telephones or fax machines, for example. The system also comprises a gateway to service and transceive telephone communication with the endpoints. The gateway has a memory to store a copy of user data associated with each endpoint. The gateway stores user data such as telephone directories, calling line ID (CLID) lists, call-logs, and user preferences for organizing the stored data. The gateway can supply the endpoints with an initial start-up configuration of user data, or resupply an endpoint in response to the endpoint losing the copy of the user data stored in its local memory. Each endpoint receives the user data from the gateway and stores a copy of the user data in a local memory.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for multiline telephony in a home-network telephone system. The method comprises: establishing a gateway; using the gateway for transceiving calls on a plurality of external telephone lines; and, bridging a call between a home-network endpoint and a selected external telephone line. Transceiving calls on a plurality of external telephone lines includes the gateway communicating call information in a format such as voice-over broadband (VoBB) or POTS. Bridging a call includes the gateway: converting between the external format and a digital home-network format; establishing a traffic channel between the gateway and the endpoint to communicate information in the home-network format; and, establishing an out-of-band control channel to manage the corresponding traffic channel.

Abstract: An electronic-mail reception apparatus has a body and includes a facsimile receiver that negotiates with a sender before receiving image data, to receive image data in facsimile format from the sender via a telephone network. An electronic-mail receiver receives image data in an electronic mail format and character code data in the electronic mail format from a mail sender via a communication network. A converter converts the image data in the electronic mail format into image data in the facsimile format, a font section converts the character code data received by the electronic-mail receiver into image data, and an output section outputs the image data converted by the converter and the image data converted by the font section. The facsimile receiver, the electronic-mail receiver, the converter, the font section and the output section are integrated in the body of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and a method for distinguishing a telephone number to distinguish telephone systems or network systems of various telephone companies. A telephone number is dialed. The telephone system or the network system of this telephone number is distinguished and selected. The telephone number distinguishing system has a plurality of receivers, a telephone dial processor, a plurality of selected switches and a communication connector device.

Abstract: An efficient and effective method and system for providing to a customer an audible call notification of a current call and a subsequently received call waiting call. The present embodiments notify the customer that a current call is waiting in an effective manner that reduces confusion. Confusion is reduced by the combination of audible call waiting indicators and audible caller identification information associated with the calling telephone station. Additionally, both the indicator and the representation of the information can be provided automatically without significant delay. The indication is provided even when standard caller identification information is not available by prompting the caller to provide spoken caller identification information. The spoken caller identification information is provided to the called party along with call disposition options, such as options to accept or reject the call, route the call to voice mail or send a sales refusal message.

Abstract: A process, apparatus and system to support call tunneling, a private conversation between a subset of conference call participants, conducted over any network, the private conversation excluding other conference call participants. When call tunneling is activated, participants in the call tunnel route their audio/video/multimedia data selectively. The selectively routed data is sent only to other participants in the call tunnel, thus creating a private conversation within the conference call. The resulting private conversation may be identical in format type (audio, video, or multimedia) as the simultaneously occurring conference call.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, user-interface, and system to enable users to take advantage of new and existing telephony features. An internet access device determines its current call state, and displays help information, or menu options showing the features available in the current state. Internet access devices may download additional help information or menu items when new features become available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus recognizing that inactivity monitors, such as screen savers, may be used to determine the presence of a call recipient. When the call recipient is not present, calls may be forwarded to other destination devices or to voice mail.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling communications privacy in a Home Network telephone system. The method comprises: using a gateway to send and receive calls on at least one external telephone line; supplying privacy and public mode bridging options; and, selectively excluding bridges between external telephone lines and a plurality of Home Network endpoints. In response to the privacy mode being selected, the gateway bridges a call between a first external telephone line and a first endpoint, and prevents bridges between the first external telephone line and other endpoints in the system. Alternately, when the public mode is selected, the gateway bridges a call between the first external telephone line and the first endpoint; and permits bridges between the first external telephone line and other endpoints in the system. That is, while the call is bridged to the first endpoint, a bridge is added between the first telephone line and the second endpoint.

Abstract: A method, system and product for managing a hold queue is provided. A call center receives an incoming telephone call from at least one caller and places the caller in an initial position in the hold queue. When a caller is in a hold queue at a call center, a request can be made to pause the caller's position in the hold queue. When the caller is ready to return to the hold queue or when the pause duration has expired, the caller becomes active in the hold queue.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products, and methods of doing business by improving automated processing of customer contact requests such as telephone calls, wherein incoming contact requests (including voice and corresponding data, if any) are programmatically routed to an available customer service representative (“CSR”). A distributed architecture is defined for call center operation, which enables CSRs to access the call center using thin-client devices and also to move about from one physical location to another, yet still be able to access the call center and handle incoming calls. The CSRs may therefore be remotely located. The call center system stores information regarding the CSR's current location, and uses this information when routing customer contact requests.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic gain and slope equalization for provisioning telephone circuits is provided. A first unit is installed at the company end of a copper pair transmission line. A second unit is installed between customer premises equipment (CPE) and the copper pair transmission line. The second unit is programmed to disconnect the CPE, and to transmit a test signal, preferably comprising a square wave with a known amplitude and fundamental frequency of 1 kHz. The signal is received at the first unit, and the fundamental frequency and odd harmonic frequencies are analyzed. Based on the analysis, the first unit thereafter compensates for impairments in the transmission line. The test procedure can be initiated from either the first unit or the second unit. The first unit is programmed to produce a command sequence, preferably comprising a series of DC voltages applied to the tip and ring leads, and received at the second unit.

Abstract: A telephone line interface or data access arrangement (DAA) is provided which draws power for the customer premises equipment from the telephone line. The DAA includes a shunt regulator as the power source drawing power from the telephone line, and a line modulator in series with the shunt regulator. A sense resistor is placed in series between the line modulator and shunt regulator to sense the line current. Accordingly, DC termination and AC modulation characteristics as presented by the DM to the telephone line can be adjusted by variation of an AC signal with DC offset input to the amplifier driving the line modulator without requiring a different DAA for use in regions or countries having various DC termination and AC modulation requirements. The differential feedback from a sense resistor reduces the noise induced in the circuit from the shunt regulator.

Abstract: A wall phone filter housing unit adapted for interfacing between incoming telephone lines connected to a wall mounting plate and subscriber's network termination equipment is provided. The housing unit includes a base member, a cover member adapted for co-mating with the base member, and a PCB assembly having an impedance blocking filter mounted thereon disposed between the base member and the cover member. The housing unit further includes a first modular plug for connection to incoming telephone lines, a first filtered modular jack for connection to a telephone set, a second filtered modular jack for connection to an answering machine or Fax machine, and a third unfiltered modular jack for connection to DSL or HPN equipment devices.

Abstract: A supplementary hand free transceiver of a fixing network wired telephone installed to a wired telephone for providing to a non-built-in, non -amplified hand free transceiver is disclosed. The present invention has a hand free transceiver formed by a circuit box suitable for various telephones. No extension line is required and no original function is necessary to be changed. The original telephone can be added with a hand free function (no audio amplifying). Therefore, in using the telephone, the user's hands may operate freely. Furthermore, the receiver is not clamped in the neck portion so that the user may operate a telephone conveniently.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted telephone device for attaching to a wearer's wrist. The device comprises a bracelet configured to be attached to a wearer's wrist. The bracelet is configured to support a cellular phone mechanism accommodated in a housing and a battery power source coupled to the housing. The device also comprises a keypad attached to the bracelet and coupled to the cellular phone mechanism so as to provide signals thereto. The keypad has a plurality of adjustable sections, which close to a size which is smaller than the size of the keypad when in the open position. Advantageously, a first section of the keypad is attached to the bracelet and a second section of the keypad is pivotably attached to the first section so as to conceal the buttons on each of the first and second sections when the second section is pivoted relative to the first section into a closed position.

Abstract: As mobile phones have gotten smaller the speaker and microphone do not reach the ear and mouth on the average person's head. The present invention is a stylish and useful way to extend the reach of the microphone and speaker to the mouth and ear. Thin flexible rods extend out of the main body of the phone. The extensions can be retracted into the body of the phone. Push-button activation and automatic extension based on ring-detection are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to system and method for securely distributing secure documents over a network such that an intended recipient can print the secure document data using a home or office desktop printer. The secure document is printed on a specialty paper that includes integral therewith, a first authenticating code. The first authenticating code may be derived from any practical identification technology such as RFID. To generate a secure document, an appropriate detector is integrated into a desktop printing platform. The detector reads the first authenticating code from the specialty paper, which is communicated to a first transaction processor. The first transaction processor provides a second authenticating code and any other secure document data pertinent to the transaction, which is communicated back to the requestor of the secure document and printed on the specialty paper.

Abstract: A system for decrypting transmissions encrypted by a transmission station includes a receiver having a first conditional access module embedded within the receiver, and a second conditional access module that is removable from the receiver. The first conditional access module decrypts a first signal transmitted by the transmission station and the second conditional access module decrypts a second signal transmitted by the transmission station. The first and second signals are encrypted by separate conditional access modules. The transmission station provides the receiver with an entitlement code for allowing the receiver to decrypt the transmission upon verification by the transmission station that the receiver is entitled to decrypt the transmission.

Abstract: A receiver which receives a multichannel signal and which detects and outputs an unscrambled desired signal to a video display and speaker unit includes a first unit, a second unit and a controller. The first unit comprises a frequency agile tuner for receiving said multichannel signal and for outputting a selected CATV signal. The a second unit includes a unit means for receiving the selected CATV channel signal; a unit for detecting whether the selected CATV channel signal is scrambled; and a descrambler for descrambling a scrambled CATV channel signal and for outputting a descrambled CATV channel signal. The controller controls the output of the receiver such that a signal is output from the first unit to said video display and speaker unit when the selected CATV signal is unscrambled and a signal is output from the second unit to the video display and speaker unit only when a scrambled signal is detected. The content of the selected CATV channel signal controls the operation of the second unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for securing a communication information in a CDMA communication system are disclosed. The method of the invention comprises the steps of encoding a input analog signal as an information bit having a predetermined size and generating a vocoder packet information bit, and encrypting said encoded vocoder packet information bit using a block cipher and a security key, and adding a frame quality indicator and the encoder tail bits to the encrypted vocoder packet information bit and configuring it as a CDMA frame, and transmitting the CDMA frame which passes a convolutional encoder, interleaver, and modulator in sequence, to a base station through an assigned frequency band.

Abstract: A system for processing multimedia channels is described comprising: transmitting decryption keys for decrypting the multimedia channels, the keys encrypted in both a first encryption format and a second encryption format; the keys encrypted in the first encryption format being decryptable by a first type of multimedia receiver; and the keys encrypted in the second encryption format being decryptable by a second type of multimedia receiver.

Abstract: A mobile station location server determines the mobile station's location through various location techniques or by receiving the location information from the mobile station over an encrypted channel. The server stores the location in memory that may be access by authorized client access devices. A requesting client access device transmits a request to the server over the Internet. The server authenticates the request to verify that the client access device is authorized to receive the location information. If the client access device is authorized, the server can then transmit the information in either an encrypted or decrypted form to the device.

Abstract: A first station communicates with a second over first and second channels. The first station includes first and second ciphering configurations, and a ciphering engine. The ciphering engine uses the first or second ciphering configuration when ciphering data. Activation times are determined for the channels. A ciphering reconfiguration message is composed containing the activation times. The first station transmits the ciphering reconfiguration message to the second station along the second channel. A reset operation is performed on one of the channels, which does not affect the corresponding activation time. The ciphering engine uses the first ciphering configuration prior to the activation times, and uses the second ciphering configuration on or after the activation times.

Abstract: 23A wireless communications device has a first security key, a second security key, and established channels. Each established channel has a corresponding security count value, and utilizes a security key. At least one of the established channels utilizes the first security key. The second security key is assigned to a new channel. A first set is then used to obtain a first value. The first set has only security count values of all the established channels that utilize the second key. The first value is at least as great as the x most significant bits (MSBx) of the greatest value in the first set. The MSBx of the initial security count value for the new channel is set equal to the first value. If the first set is empty, then the initial security count is set to zero.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for utilizing encrypter hardware with a server. Initially, an encryption layer module is run on a server. Such encryption layer module is capable of selecting an encryption algorithm from a library of encryption algorithms. In operation, the encryption layer module offloads a host processor of the server by executing the selected encryption algorithm using dedicated encrypter hardware.

Abstract: Methods and systems in accordance with the present invention allow users' private keys corresponding to their digital certificates to be stored and archived outside of the control of a Certificate Authority (“CA”). A CA may have a policy that a user's private key must be archived in order to receive a digital certificate upon a registration request from the user. Typically, the CA knows that the user's private key is archived because it implements the archival of the key, for example, on a data recovery manager and associated internal database that the CA controls. Methods and systems in accordance with the present invention allow for the enforcement of such a policy while allowing the archival of the private keys to be outside of the control of the CA by having a data recovery manager supply a digitally signed proof of archival token with a digital certificate request to a CA. The CA is assured that the key has been archived.

Abstract: A signal processing system for permitting a user to set certain system parameters includes at least one compander, at least one system volume control for setting system gain, and at least one transform engine responsive to the user-set parameter or parameters for controlling the operation of the compander and the setting of the system volume control. The transform engine may operate by using kneepoints, attack and release parameters, gain calculation coefficients, zero dB offset values, or other techniques or parameters. A central power estimator mixer may also be included for integration of a plurality of companders.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving system incorporating an echo canceling means automatically initiates recording of the broadcast and also controls the sound volume by taking into account the viewer's movements and ambient conditions, by using echo canceling means of the type used in hand-free telephones. The broadcast receiving system includes a broadcast receiving unit for receiving a broadcast in the form of either digital or analog signals; an echo canceling unit; and a determining unit for monitoring the amount of residual echoes in the echo canceling unit, determining whether the amount of residual echoes has exceeded a predetermined value, and instructing a storage unit to store the broadcast if the amount of residual echoes is found to have exceeded the predetermined value.

Abstract: An ambient-aware headset is described. A mixer coupled to an external audio source receives an external audio signal. The mixer is also coupled to an ambient audio source to receive an ambient audio signal. The mixer mixes the external audio signal and the ambient audio signal according to a specified relationship. A speaker coupled to the mixer emits the external audio signal and the ambient audio signal into an ear canal of a user after the external audio signal and the ambient audio signal have been mixed by the mixer.

Abstract: A process and a device for producing a directed audio sound (3) on the basis of an amplitude demodulated ultrasound carrier signal (2) of high intensity. Therein, in accordance with the invention, the sound emitted by the ultrasound emitter (1) is reflected by a reflector (5) to a new direction. By appropriate shaping of the reflector surface, the audio sound (3) can be focused. The level of the ultrasound carrier signal (2) can be dampened by coating of the reflector (5) with an appropriate absorptive material, so that in the ideal case only the acoustic audio signal (3) reaches of the listener (4).

Abstract: Perceptual coding of spatial cues (PCSC) is used to convert two or more input audio signals into a combined audio signal that is embedded with two or more sets of one or more auditory scene parameters, where each set of auditory scene parameters (e.g., one or more spatial cues such as an inter-ear level difference (ILD), inter-ear time difference (ITD), and/or head-related transfer function (HRTF)) corresponds to a different frequency band in the combined audio signal. A PCSC-based receiver is able to extract the auditory scene parameters and apply them to the corresponding frequency bands of the combined audio signal to synthesize an auditory scene. The technique used to embed the auditory scene parameters into the combined signal enables a legacy receiver that is unaware of the embedded auditory scene parameters to play back the combined audio signal in a conventional manner, thereby providing backwards compatibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an audio amplifier using a pulse width modulation, and more particularly, to a pulse width modulation type audio amplifier which an average switching frequency or a cutoff frequency of a low pass filter is variable in accordance with frequency of input signal.