Abstract: In a network having a plurality of subscriber devices, a plurality of base stations and a server, a system and method of modifying policy settings are provided. Each base station transmits wirelessly across a geographic region. A subscriber device, capable of roaming between regions, establishes a wireless link with the server via the base stations. The network contains a communication policy determining from which other communication devices a subscriber device can receive voice calls. The server updates the policy based on requests from subscriber devices. The determination of whether to update the policy can be based on a record of rejections respective to the caller requested to be blocked. Alternatively, the policy can be updated according to a trust policy maintained on the server respective to the subscriber device making the request; the trust policy represents the procedure to follow when a request is received from that subscriber device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention provide for recording, accessing, responding to and archiving an audio journal stored in a dedicated voice mailbox via telephonic communication. A first user may dial a number and record a journal entry each week from a telephone or cell phone into a provided dedicated voice mailbox. A second user may access the dedicated voice mailbox where no direct phone connection with the first user is possible and respond with an appropriate reply message.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining the maximum achievable data rate on a DSL line, up to and including a rate to which a user subscribes is described. Performance monitoring is conducted on the DSL line on an ongoing basis to determine noise margins in each direction. Each noise margin is compared against pre-determined decreasing/increasing thresholds to determine whether the line characteristics dictate a data rate change without loss of synchronization. The invention supports dynamic provisioning changes including application driven service level change requests, e.g., new bandwidth-on demand services. In some embodiments, a combination of existing and new embedded operations channel (EOC) messages are used to implement the modem data rate changes. New EOC messages may be implemented using some of the reserved and/or vendor proprietary Opcodes currently permitted. Modem assigned data rate changes are implemented without a disruption of service, e.g.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes first and second substrates with a liquid crystal material therebetween; a first alignment film formed on the first substrate and a second alignment film formed on the second substrate; a first align mark on the first substrate, the first align mark formed of the same material as the first alignment film and formed in a shape of any one of a circle, square and cross; and a second align mark to be aligned with the first align mark on the second substrate.

Abstract: A multi-line telephony system and method deliver multiple concurrent telephone conversations to a customer premise via a single traditional twisted-pair communications connection, and support telephone services via a traditional dial-up connection. Improved packet-based communications are performed using the multi-line telephony system and method with better transmission characteristics, such as transmission speed, over traditional twisted-pair wire connections to provide H.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel with a uniform cell gap includes a pressurized device, a pressure distribution device and provide heat distribution. The pressurized device is used for assembling a first substrate and a second substrate of the LCD, and further used for heating the LCD panel, wherein the pressurized device is disposed on at least one of the first and second substrates. The pressure distribution device is used for distributing pressure imposed by the pressurized device evenly on a non-display area of the LCD panel so as to form a uniform cell gap. The pressure distribution device is disposed between the pressurized device, and one of the first and second substrate. The heat distribution device is disposed between the pressurized device, and one of the first and second substrate.

Abstract: A system for providing a bi-directional digital subscriber line connection to a network includes a digital subscriber line access multiplexer with a pool of digital subscriber line modems, and switching logic connecting customer premises to the modem pool. The switching logic has more inputs than outputs, and is configured to share access to the modem pool among the inputs on a per-session basis. A session has a dedicated modem connection to the network to provide a limited number of simultaneous dedicated digital subscriber line bi-directional connections to the network.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and associated method for communicating information to a predetermined location. The system includes a transmitter disposed at a first location and configured to transmit a signal containing an instruction code that uniquely identifies an instruction to be carried out. The system further includes a transceiver disposed remotely from the transmitter and configured to receive the transmitted signal. The transceiver circuit includes a line interface circuit configured to interface with a telephone line that is part of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and initiate a phone call over the telephone line. Finally, the system includes a central station remotely located from said transceiver but being in communication with said transceiver via the PSTN The central station further include a decoder configured to decode the instruction code.

Abstract: Voice call group functionality is provided in a satellite based air traffic control system to allow air traffic controllers and pilots of one or more aircraft to establish and maintain voice communication over a group call. A pilot of an aircraft may maintain voice communication with the same air traffic controller the entire duration of the flight over the entire globe. Voice communication between the pilot of an aircraft may be handed off from one air traffic controller to another by switching voice call groups. The voice call group functionality allows an air traffic controller to communicate simultaneously with pilots of different aircraft, and also allows pilots of different aircraft to communicate with each other.

Abstract: There is provided a phone control system for a life safety network which comprises a panel arrangement, a control center module, a loop controller module, a transponder and a remote handset. The panel arrangement has a local rail for receiving a plurality of control modules and for interconnecting the control modules in which inter-module data is transmitted and received along the local rail. The control center module and the loop controller module are control modules positioned on the local rail. The control center module includes a processor, a memory portion, input keys for receiving user input, an output screen for displaying alpha-numeric text output, a central handset for communication of voice messages along a voice communication line. Similarly, the loop controller module includes a processor, a memory portion, and a data line interface for receiving and transmitting loop controller signals along a loop controller line. The transponder and remote handset are position remote from the panel arrangement.

Abstract: A telephone subscriber system comprising a speech circuit and a ring circuit adapted to be integrated monolithically to a semiconductor material substrate and being coupled to a telephone subscriber line, respectively through first and second circuit switch of the diode bridge type, further comprises a first circuit changeover switch, under control by the user, which drives at least second and third circuit switching means connected between the first diode bridge circuit and the speech circuit. The third circuit changeover switch is connected to the speech and ring circuits at a circuit communication node which forms the system point of reference, physically coincident with the substrate. The system includes a circuit interface means for controlling the second and third circuit changeover switch by external electrical signals which are related to the circuit communication node.

Abstract: In a digital telephone set connected to a digital data exchange through a transmission line, a plurality of handsets, which are mounted on a telephone body, are for converting input sounds into input analog speech signals and for converting output analog speech signals into output sounds. Connected to the handsets, a plurality of analog-to-digital converters converts the input analog speech signals into input digital speech signals. Connected to the handsets, a plurality of digital-to-analog converters converts output digital speech signals into the output analog speech signals. On the telephone body are mounted a set of dialling keys for producing a numerical signal. Connected to the dialling keys, a control device is for producing input control data in response to the numerical signal and is for producing an output control signal in response to output control data.