Abstract: A hand-held gripping device that allows a surgeon to reach interior portions of a person's anatomy, includes a gripping portion having a pair of jaws and/or nets movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that is hollow and corrugated, with a cord extending therethrough.

Abstract: Full-duplex communications over a single-wire bus is described in the present disclosure. In embodiments disclosed herein, a master circuit and a slave circuit(s) are able to communicate forward (master to slave) bus telegrams and reverse (slave to master) bus telegrams concurrently over a single-wire bus consisting of one wire. Specifically, the master circuit is configured to modulate the forward bus telegrams based on voltage pulse-width modulation (PWM), while the slave circuit(s) is configured to modulate the reverse bus telegrams based on current variations. In addition, the slave circuit(s) is further configured to harvest power from the master circuit concurrent to receiving the forward bus telegrams and sending the reverse bus telegrams. By supporting full-duplex communications over the single-wire bus, it is possible to improve efficiency, cost, and power consumption in an electronic device wherein the single-wire bus is deployed.

Abstract: A measurement transmitter for a multisensor system for process automation technology, wherein the measurement transmitter, for processing in- and output signals, has a processor, which is connected with an interface, to which a sensor is connected for transmission of data via a transmission line. In communication between the processor and the interface, or the sensor and the interface, different transmission rates of data occur. In order to be able to connect to the measurement transmitter a plurality of sensors working with different principles of operation, and, in spite of the plurality of sensors, largely avoid errors in the data transmission, at least two sensors are present, wherein a function module is present in the interface for each sensor and the function module for each sensor is connected with such sensor via a dedicated transmission line.

Abstract: A dc input circuit receives a dc input voltage. At least four rectification elements are coupled to each other in a diode bridge configuration, where an input of the diode bridge configuration is coupled to the dc input circuit to receive the dc input voltage. At least one of the rectification elements includes a transistor. A decision circuit indicates, as a function of one of collector current and emitter current of the transistor, that the received dc input voltage has normal or reversed polarity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing, manipulating, retrieving, and forwarding state, e.g., context and other information, used to support communications sessions with one or more end nodes, e.g., mobile devices, are described. Various features are directed to a mobile node controlling the transfer of state from a first access node to a second access node during a handoff operation thereby eliminating any need for state transfer messages to be transmitted between the second access node and the first access node during handoff. Other features of the invention are directed to the use of a core network node to store state information. State information stored in the core node can be accessed and used by access nodes in cases where a mobile node does not send a state transfer message during a handoff, e.g., because communication with the first access node is lost or because such messages are not supported.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining a communication network including a plurality of call processors, a plurality of packet gateways, and a plurality of trunk groups connected to each packet gateway. Queries are transferred to at least one call processor of the plurality of call processors, and responses are received from the one call processor. The responses are processed to associate the one call processor with a packet gateway and to associate the packet gateway with trunk groups connected to the packet gateway. The association of the packet gateway with the trunk groups is displayed, and a user selects one of the trunk groups. Then an instruction is transferred to the one call processor to seize and release the user-selected one of the trunk groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless backbone for use with a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In one embodiment, the wireless backbone includes a central office switch coupled to the PSTN and configured to process a plurality of calls associated with the PSTN. Additionally, the wireless backbone also includes a wireless transmission unit coupled to the central office switch and configured to cooperate with another wireless transmission unit to yield a wireless trunk for communicating the plurality of calls to another central office switch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing, manipulating, retrieving, and forwarding state, e.g., context and other information, used to support communications sessions with one or more end nodes, e.g., mobile devices, are described. Various features are directed to a mobile node controlling the transfer of state from a first access node to a second access node during a handoff operation thereby eliminating any need for state transfer messages to be transmitted between the second access node and the first access node during handoff. Other features of the invention are directed to the use of a core network node to store state information. State information stored in the core node can be accessed and used by access nodes in cases where a mobile node does not send a state transfer message during a handoff, e.g., because communication with the first access node is lost or because such messages are not supported.

Abstract: An office-line trunk circuit is provided to selectively operate on ground-start and loop-start modes. In this circuit, a DC current detection circuit has (i) a first photo coupler detecting a DC loop current caused responsively to supply of the ground to a tip line and a negative power to a ring line from an office bilateral trunk and (ii) a resistor whose resistance is adjusted to prevent a loop start in the office bilateral trunk and allow DC current to be detected. The first photo coupler detects the loop current using the resistor. An incoming detection circuit has a second photo coupler detecting a ring signal coming from the office bilateral trunk. A DC sink circuit has a diode bridge placed between the tip and ring lines and configured to have a DC circuit provided with a transistor controlling the DC loop current so that the office bilateral trunk is allowed to selectively be loop-activated and loop-held.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for Late-Entry in CDMA or other trunking systems. The method includes the following steps: after a group call is established, the base station checks the load condition of the paging channel, and if the load on the paging channel is relatively light, then the base station sends paging message carrying channel resource, and the terminal directly establishes the corresponding channel and the call is accessed through the matching for group identifier address after it receives the paging message; otherwise, the base station sends the paging message not carrying channel resource, and sends the message carrying channel resource after it receives the response message from the terminal, and then the terminal establishes the corresponding channel based on the resource information in said message and the call is accessed. By employing the method of the present invention, the load on the paging channel is alleviated and the access speed of the terminal is guaranteed.

Abstract: An IP-based node in communication with IP-based gateway devices is configured for executing circuit selection for a prescribed trunk group having multiple sets of connected trunk groups, the multiple sets of connected trunk groups managed by the respective IP-based gateway devices. The prescribed trunk group is configured for connecting with a two-way trunk group of a switch, for example a PSTN-based switch, having substantially more circuits than any one of the multiple sets of connected trunk groups for the IP-based gateway devices. The IP-based node executes circuit selection at least based on a first message, received from one of the IP-based gateway devices via an IP connection and specifying circuit availability for at least a portion of the corresponding set of connected trunk groups.

Abstract: There is disclosed a keypad apparatus and a method for determining the status of a keypad apparatus. In one embodiment, the keypad apparatus includes a keypad having a plurality of keys and a keypad matrix associated with the keypad and having a switch. The keypad apparatus also includes a cover moveable between an open and a closed position. The keypad apparatus still further includes a means for engaging that cooperates with and allows the switch to provide a status indicating a position of the cover.

Abstract: A multifunctional analog TRK circuit board is designed so as to serve as both loop, ground start, DID, E&M, ring down and both way TRK. Thus, the various analog TRK circuits are embodied in a single TRK board, thereby increasing productivity compared to the conventional system requiring separate TRK circuit boards. The multifunctional TRK circuit is selectively controlled to provide desired TRK functions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an exchange control method, wherein an old host exchange accommodating a remote switch unit or subscribers is adapted to be accommodated in a new host exchange, and its object is to allow call processing control to be performed by the new host exchange while making effective use of the resources of the old host exchange including the remote switch unit. The new host exchange and the old host exchange are connected in an interoffice configuration by a signaling link, and each exchange includes an emulation processor; the old host exchange and the new host exchange perform message editing and exchange between the respective emulation processors, and exchange control is performed in such a manner that when there occurs data or a request for basic control that is normally processed at the old host exchange, the data or request is transferred to the new host exchange, and the new host exchange processes the data or request and sends a notification to the old host exchange.

Abstract: An improved terminal block includes a first connection mechanism which, when enabled, connects a customer to a first service provider, a second connection mechanism which, when enabled, connects the customer to a second service provider, and an enabling mechanism for enabling either the first connection mechanism or the second connection mechanism.

Abstract: A common package serves as, for example, a common network interface package for a switching system. Since the common package is usable for various purposes, its cost is reduced and the cost of maintenance and management of the switching system is reduced. The common package is a printed board package (35) installed in an apparatus and used for a variety of purposes. The common package includes a programmable device (36), memories (45 to 48) for storing programs to configure the programmable device, a selector (41) for selecting one of the programs from the memory so that the selected program may so configure the programmable device as to make the common package serve as a specific circuit, and an instruction unit (51) for issuing an instruction to specify the program to be selected by the selector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for switching between two network lines, such as telephone subscriber lines. Households and offices are increasingly equipped with multiple network lines for voice and data communications. The line switching unit of the present invention has a first terminal for receiving a CPE line from a CPE device. First and second switches of the unit each connect a common terminal to a first switched terminal responsive to a first value of a control signal received at a control terminal of each switch and to a second switched terminal responsive to a second value of the control signal. The first switched terminal of the first switch is connected to the first terminal and the second switched terminal of the second switch is connected to the first terminal. The common terminal of the first switch is connected to a first network line and the common terminal of the second switch is connected to a second network line.

Abstract: A front access splitter assembly that fully supports lifeline POTS and lifeline ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) service requirements is shown and described in this disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer telephony device with a telephone line distribution system. The invention enables simultaneous operations of computer telephony and connected equipment. The connected equipment can be modems, telephones, fax machines, answering machines or any other device that needs access to a telephone line. Priorities for telephone line usage by the equipment or the routing of incoming calls to the equipment can be set by the user via software selection. The invention can work in digital and analog environments, and if necessary, perform digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions.

Abstract: An intelligent apparatus comprises a master module and a plurality of slave modules each having a CPU, a control circuit and an associated software, wherein each of the slave modules is in communication with the master module, and the CPU of the master module may control the CPUs of the slave modules respectively to form a single system. When the master module detects that a monitoring device coupled to a single user I/O interface installed in the apparatus is performing network monitoring and management with respect to a certain module, the CPU of the master module may transfer an access right of the user I/O interface to the certain module by closing or opening switches installed in the master modules enabling the certain module to receive the access signal from the user I/O interface by closing a switch thereof.

Abstract: Of the line concentrator with a storage function, an insertion end to be connected to a connecting port and a housing provided with a plurality of connecting ports compose its main body. The housing has therein a serially connected line concentrating circuit and a flash memory storage circuit being integrated therein. A line concentrating and distributing control loop in the serially connected line concentrating circuit is connected with a serial connecting-line interface in the flash memory storage circuit to form integration of the serially connected line concentrating circuit with the flash memory storage circuit. So that the entire line concentrator can afford expanding and connecting of other peripheral implements by taking advantage of the provision of the connecting ports, and can form a personal disk for storing data by taking advantage of the memories in the flash memory storage circuit.

Abstract: Method steps and component combinations for establishing a telephony exchange, with benefits of hardwiring, free of a requirement for first installing telephone copper wire service to a concentration of electric power consumers. An operations center for the telephony exchange provides worldwide access by means of a public-switched telephone network and an Internet service provider. Communications received are converted to packetized data signals which are routed for sorting at a transformer service unit (TSU) for electrical power-line transfer with the output of a local transformer. The consumer voltage level transformer output is reactance coupled by the transformer service unit (TSU) to transfer packetized data signals, with transformer output electrical power to a plurality of subscriber service units (SSU's) served by the TSU.

Abstract: A method for providing automatic restoration of network access for user lines within a communication system. The user lines interface with groups of transmission lines that include dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The method includes steps for making a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and for coupling each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The method may also include steps for delaying the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.

Abstract: A modular digital telephone system and method featuring a universal telephony shelf adaptable for incremental expansion of legacy telephone switches and as a building block in the construction of new telephony switches. The shelf includes identification and connectors for shelf pairing, and is adapted to receive redundant power supplies, plural line cards, and either a peripheral shelf interface unit or a switch array card upon which is located a flash memory device utilized for reconfiguration purposes of a resident field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A subscriber system transmission apparatus has a line concentrating capability which is performed a relatively simple efficient redundant structure for increased overall system reliability. A remote terminal has a mode selector for switching between modes of operation such that when a remote terminal line concentrating and connecting unit suffers a fault, no line concentrating process is effected on a call from a subscriber's terminal, and the call is connected directly to a trunk transmission line by a bypassing unit. When the remote terminal line concentrating and connecting unit suffers a fault, since the call is not subjected to a line concentrating process in the remote terminal, the call from the remote terminal is subjected to a line concentrating process by a central terminal line concentrating and connecting unit in a central terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for searching trunks in exchange systems that a subsystem searches a standby idle trunk for preparing a next trunk usage, stores information of the standby idle trunk and then processes a current call service by connecting the preset trunk when the call is required, whereby minimizing load of the system as well as improving a search speed of the trunk. The exchange system applied to the present system is composed of a subscriber call processing unit, a number decoding unit, a routing control unit, and a plurality of switching subsystems. The present invention has advantages to prevent the processor load from increasing according to the call processing as well as improve the system stability efficiently.

Abstract: Method for concentrating subscribers in a local exchange (LE), which comprises an exchange terminal (1), a V5 interface (V5) connected to the exchange terminal, a group switch (3) and an interconnecting line (4) between the exchange terminal and the group switch for connecting subscribers connected to the exchange terminal to the group switch. According to the invention, a number of V5 interfaces (V5) are connected to the exchange terminal (1) and the exchange terminal is connected to the group switch (3) via the interconnecting line (4), thus forming between the exchange terminal and the group switch an internal interface within the local exchange for concentrating V5 subscribers.

Abstract: An address registration device is used in a telecommunications network in which subscribers are connected to remote subscriber stages, RSSs. The RSSs are connected to local exchanges. The address registration device includes a first table providing information about the RSS to which each subscriber is connected, and a second table providing information about the local exchange to which each RSS is connected. To move an RSS with all subscribers connected to it, from a local exchange to another, the table entry for this RSS in the second table is changed. The address registration device may be included in a supervision node monitoring the state of the local exchanges to moves an RSS from one local exchange to another automatically when needed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing circular hunts within a switch. Only a limited number of trunk groups are searched in a PSTN switch which has large numbers of trunks available. Additionally, the starting point of the search varies among the trunk groups. This search method is called a circular hunt with window. The invention limits the amount of time and resources spent searching for available call routes and more efficiently distributes traffic across trunk groups.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes an access terminal coupled to subscriber lines, a local exchange carrier (LEC) network, and a channel unit card coupling the access terminal to the LEC network. The channel unit card includes a processor configured to convert call processing signals received from the LEC network and formatted according to a protocol used by the LEC network to a message-oriented signal whose format is independent of the protocol used by the LEC network. The message-oriented signal then can be delivered to the access terminal. The channel unit card processor is further configured to convert message-oriented signals representing call processing communications received from the access terminal and having a format independent of a protocol recognized by the LEC network to one or more signals formatted according to the protocol recognized by the LEC network. The signals converted to the format recognized by the LEC network then can be routed to the LEC network.

Abstract: Local telephone number portability is effected with automatic changeover of local telephone service for a subscriber station from an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) loop to a competing local exchange carrier (CLEC) loop. A relay device that may be placed remotely at the subscriber's location automatically effects a change in physical connection of the subscriber's line in response to an incoming call routed to the customer premises via the CLEC switching facility. The physical presence of a technician thus is not required at the customer premises at the time changeover of service is made. Delay in the capability of receiving incoming calls at the customer premises during changeover of service is avoided by ensuring that physical reconnection is made only after the appropriate updated routing information has been made to the PSTN network. If a call via the old subscriber service is in progress, automatic reconnection is inhibited until an off-hook condition is realized.

Abstract: An order wire accommodation system comprises four interface boxes each of which has the same order wire interface section as the others. The order wire interface section has a circuit which digitally adds order wire signals of the transmission lines from two ports and the order wire signals which interface with the other interface boxes or a telephone through the other two ports. Each output from the order wire interface section is a sum of all the order wire signals inputted except for those of the order wire interface section itself. Because of a provision of two ports which interface externally, the interface boxes can be cascaded connected to one another, by which order wire communications among all the transmission lines accommodated in the interface boxes become possible. Further, the order wire accommodation system can be minimized and be simplified.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes an access terminal coupled to subscriber lines, a local exchange carrier (LEC) network, and a channel unit card coupling the access terminal to the LEC network. The channel unit card includes a processor configured to convert call processing signals received from the LEC network and formatted according to a protocol used by the LEC network to a message-oriented signal whose format is independent of the protocol used by the LEC network. The message-oriented signal then can be delivered to the access terminal. The channel unit card processor is further configured to convert message-oriented signals representing call processing communications received from the access terminal and having a format independent of a protocol recognized by the LEC network to one or more signals formatted according to the protocol recognized by the LEC network. The signals converted to the format recognized by the LEC network then can be routed to the LEC network.

Abstract: A digital loop carrier system in a communications network that provides automatic restoration of network access for user lines in the event of a failure. The system includes a plurality of user lines and groups of transmission lines interfaced with the user lines. Each group of transmission lines includes dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The system also includes a reprovisioning monitor that makes a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and that couples each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The monitor may delay the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.

Abstract: A method of operating a switched communications network redirects certain types of messages away from the switch to free up switch resources for other messages, thereby decreasing the size of switch needed or delaying necessary switch size upgrading. Messages are redirected by intelligent concentrators that can connect certain types of messages to their destinations without routing them through the switch. For example, messages between an origination and a destination connected to the same concentrator need not be sent through the switch. Similarly, messages between originations and certain high-volume, long-duration destinations such as data service gateways can be connected directly without passing through the switch. The intelligent concentrators communicate with the switch on a control channel so that the switch remains aware of the status of each origination or destination (e.g., so that it knows not to attempt to route messages to an origination or destination that is in use).

Abstract: A cutover or reconnection LRD device capable of being remotely controlled has been developed. The cutover or reconnection device consists of a switch under control of a control circuit which can receive tone or other special signals sent remotely, such as via the network from the central office, or via portable devices. In response to those signals, the control circuit changes the state of the switch, thus connecting the subscriber to either the old electric telephone circuit, or the new network circuit. In the below-described preferred embodiments, the latter circuit may be a fiber optic circuit or a broadband or CATV circuit, for example.

Abstract: A centralized command system for a telecommunications network, in which system a central exchange of a telecommunications network and network elements, such as local concentrators, under its control form an entity which is controllable in a centralized manner from the central exchange by means of user interfaces of individual concentrators. The system includes a program command structure in which the command sequences required by each task and directed to the central exchange and/or one or more network elements are combined so as to form a single logical task entity, or macro, on the basis of which the system automatically initiates embedded terminal sessions with the necessary network elements and executes the commands necessary for performing the given task.

Abstract: A cellular radiotelephone network including a connection unit having a conventional first No. 7 signalling point for providing conventional control of access to a parent exchange for subscribers connected to connection units by means of signalling messages in compliance with interface A as defined by a the Special Mobile Group (GSM) and a second No. 7 signalling point and No. 7 links to a signalling point of a service control point, where the links convey an "intelligent network interface" for enabling the control point to control connections established by one of the connection units between subscribers connected to that unit, or connections established directly to other connection units, or connections established to the public network without said connections requiring a link via the parent exchange of the units.

Abstract: The arrangement is such that to a transmission apparatus of the subscriber side in a subscriber transmission system wherein the transmission apparatus of the subscriber side which serves a plurality of subscribers and a transmission apparatus connected to a switching system are connected to each other via multiplexed transmission lines, there are provided memories to store originating and terminating call signals, and a controller not only to control so that only subscriber transmitter-receivers corresponding to a specific number of subscribers in the subscriber transmitter-receivers for transmitting and receiving signals of subscribers enter an operating state, but also to cause the memories to operate, so that electric power is supplied only to circuits corresponding to a specific number of subscribers in the transmission apparatus of the subscriber side by controlling through the controller when the rate of telephone use is low.

Abstract: A message information terminating system in a switching center is connected to a plurality of remote stations by Derived Data Link interfaces and includes transmission lines connected to the same data terminal unit of the switching center, for transmitting message information containing various information such as subscriber information with communication data by framing bits between the switching center and each of said remote stations, and a message terminating equipment provided with a processing unit for analyzing the message information and disposed in a network at the switching center. The data terminal unit collects the message information from a plurality of the remote stations and transmits the message information to the message terminating equipment through the network.

Abstract: An improved subscriber line carrier (SLC) with enhanced performance for monitoring and remote provisioning. Communication between the new control unit and new channel units (such as universal remote provisionable channel unit) utilizes a back plane read disable bus line (RNDIS). Serial digital signals are modulated within a high level on the read disable bus line for transmission of information between control unit and the new channel units.

Abstract: In a radio concentrator system, a master station and a terminal station cooperate with each other to establish connections between remote subscriber terminals and a public switched network through radio message channels. An intraoffice call is set up between first and second subscriber terminals through the connections established in the terminal and master stations via the network. Upon establishment of such an intraoffice call, the terminal and master stations clear their connections and reestablish local connections in the terminal station between the subscriber terminals. The master station transmits a polling signal at periodic intervals to the terminal stations, which responds to it by transmitting an acknowledgement signal as long as the local call is in progress. The master station detects if the acknowledgement signal is received in response to the polling signal.

Abstract: After connecting a device to the switching device through device-specific connect command and transmission of a start command as well as transmission back of a start command acknowledgement signal, the connect command is partially or slightly changed and transmitted again, whereupon the switching device transmits a stop command to the particular device. The stop command is responded to by the particular device with a stop command acknowledgement signal transmitted back only, if after established connection it has received a start command before a stop command. The activation error is recognized in that after output of the changed connect command and the stop command transmitted thereupon each time, a stop command acknowledgement signal arrives in the switching device.

Abstract: A concentrator equipped with two processors is connected via two corresponding channel systems to a higher ranking exchange. Both processors operate independently of each other and poll all subscriber line circuits for switching codes. In the event that a channel system malfunctions, but the concentrator processor is operational, one processor transmits request signals, as well as an emergency operating state signal, to the subscriber line circuits. If the processor itself malfunctions, it transmits request signals and, in addition, an out-of-order state signal. The emergency operating signal and out-of-order signal are stored by each of the subscriber line circuits. Switching codes are transmitted to each of the two processors when both of these processors are in standard operating mode or in emergency mode.

Abstract: A digital satellite exchange for connecting analog and digital subscriber lines comprises a digital control unit and subscriber line digital concentrators of at least one of the following types: local analog subscriber line type, remote analog subscriber line type, local digital subscriber line type, remote digital subscriber line type, remote analog/digital subscriber line type. Each concentrator is connected to the control unit by a multiplex link. The control unit concentrates the multiplex links and is connected to a digital subscriber exchange by a further multiplex link.

Abstract: In a subscriber line radio concentration system for concentrating a plurality of subscriber terminal stations through radio channels to a master station, at least one of the subscriber terminal stations comprises an automatic response equipment. The automatic response equipment can automatically respond to a continuous ringing signal from the master station, thereby enabling a loop back test to be carried out automatically without the necessity of the attendance at the subscriber station of maintenance or other personnel.

Abstract: Method steps and component combinations for establishing a telephony exchange, with benefits of hardwiring, free of a requirement for first installing telephone copper wire service to a concentration of electric power consumers. An operations center for the telephony exchange provides worldwide access by means of a public-switched telephone network and an Internet service provider. Communications received are converted to packetized data signals which are routed for sorting at a transformer service unit (TSU) for electrical power-line transfer with the output of a local transformer. The consumer voltage level transformer output is reactance coupled by the transformer service unit (TSU) to transfer packetized data signals, with transformer output electrical power to a plurality of subscriber service units (SSU's) served by the TSU. Each SSU sorts packetized data signals for an individual subscriber, selectively providing for plain old telephone service, digital phone service, and worldwide Internet service.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer telephony device with a telephone line distribution system. The invention enables simultaneous operations of computer telephony and connected equipment. The connected equipment can be modems, telephones, fax machines, answering machines or any other device that needs access to a telephone line. Priorities for telephone line usage by the equipment or the routing of incoming calls to the equipment can be set by the user via software selection. The invention can work in digital and analog environments, and if necessary, perform digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions.