Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system, for use with an electric grid having live conductors including a charging conductor, and a neutral conductor. The electric grid has a grid usage level and a grid capacity. The charging system includes a plurality of stages that each include a battery charger for charging an electric vehicle battery, a controller, and a charging relay. A current sensing unit inductively measures the current on the charging conductor and provides a sensed current to the controllers. When the grid usage level is low the battery chargers on all stages are active. As the grid usage increases toward peak usage, in response to an increase in the sensed current, the controllers consecutively deactivate the battery chargers at predetermined threshold levels.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and device for detecting a bridged tap within a telecommunication line. In order to reliably detect bridged taps of different types, in particular wire pair bridged taps and single wire bridged taps, and/or to determine a type of each detected bridged tap the method includes determining first transfer function data that characterize an actual transfer function of the telecommunication line; detecting the bridged tap depending on the first transfer function data; simulating the telecommunication line based on a result of the detecting; and identifying the type of the bridged tap by comparing results of the simulating with the first transfer function data.

Abstract: A ring-back tone generator system receives an inbound call connection request forwarded from a phone switch (such as an MSC) that receives the inbound call connection request from a caller phone attempting to connect to a target phone (e.g., a subscriber). The ring-back tone generator system initiates generation of a first call connection on which to provide the customized ring-back tone (and/or custom video image data) to the caller phone. The ring-back tone generator system also transmits, based on receiving the inbound call connection request, an outbound call connection request to the phone switch (such as the MSC) to establish a second call connection through the phone switch to the target phone. Consequently, an MSC that normally handles such call processing now relies on the ring-back tone generator system to handle call processing and provide a custom ring-back tone service.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for implementing a card product or access mechanism with multiple relationships with an issuing entity (e.g., bank, etc.) where each relationship may be defined by one or more sets of rules that are customized for a particular customer. A computer implemented method and system for implementing a mechanism with multiple customized relationships may involve identifying one or more customized rules for an access mechanism associated with a customer; establishing a plurality of accounts for the customer wherein the plurality of accounts comprise different accounts with different account characteristics; and invoking one of the plurality of accounts for a transaction through the access mechanism, based at least in part on the one or more customized rules; wherein the plurality of accounts share at least one funding account.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: An electrical switch using a gated resistor structure includes an isolation layer, a doped silicon layer arranged on the isolation layer and having a recessed portion with reduced thickness, the doped silicon layer having a predetermined doping type and a predetermined doping profile; a gate layer arranged corresponding to the recessed portion. The recessed portion in the doped silicon layer has such thickness that a channel defined under the gate can be fully depleted to form a high resistivity region. The recessed channel gated resistor structure can be advantageously used to achieve high interconnect density with low thermal budget for 3D integration.

Abstract: A method and system for bridging a call in a network as well as a bridged call are provided. A call is received via a network. The call is connected to a first destination. The call is then directed from the first destination to a second destination. Intermediate connection links connecting the network, the first destination, and the second destination are associated with a dialed number identification service (DNIS) label associated with the call. The call is selectively bridged from the network to the second destination via a virtual network by: analyzing the DNIS label associated with each intermediate communication link; determining that the analyzed DNIS labels identify the intermediate links as part of the same call flow; establishing a direct connection between the network and the second destination via the virtual network; and terminating at least one of the intermediate communication links.

Abstract: A call control system for connecting to a callee from a caller for phone call including a connection request receive section for receiving a connection request contains a telephone number of a telephone terminal of the caller and a telephone number of a telephone terminal of the callee from the caller to the callee, from an information terminal equipment of the caller. A call callee section for calling to the telephone terminal of the callee, and settles a callee voice call session to the telephone terminal of the callees a-call caller section for calling to a telephone terminal of the caller, and settling a caller voice call session to a telephone terminal of the caller after the callee voice call session is settled.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for testing analog telephone line equipment including, in particular to detect faults in their hybrid resistor arrays. It consists in isolating the equipment from the telephone line and then applying the normal ringing signal to it. If the resistor array is defective, the output logic signal of the off-hook/on-hook detector circuit comprises a succession of 0 and 1 at the frequency of the ringing signal, which indicates the fault. This makes it possible to eliminate the equipment test relay usually employed.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad (404, 438, 458) through which users input confidential data. Covers (400, 422, 430) prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels (462, 464) are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for an electronic hook switch for customer premises equipment. In an embodiment, a system includes a first lead configured to be coupled to a tip wire and a second lead and the second lead to a ring wire. A diode bridge is coupled to the first lead and the second lead had a positive output. A low side switch is coupled to the positive output of the diode bridge without a high side switch between the low side switch and the positive output of the diode bridge.

Abstract: A ring-back tone generator system receives an inbound call connection request forwarded from a phone switch (such as an MSC) that receives the inbound call connection request from a caller phone attempting to connect to a target phone (e.g., a subscriber). The ring-back tone generator system initiates generation of a first call connection on which to provide the customized ring-back tone (and/or custom video image data) to the caller phone. The ring-back tone generator system also transmits, based on receiving the inbound call connection request, an outbound call connection request to the phone switch (such as the MSC) to establish a second call connection through the phone switch to the target phone. Consequently, an MSC that normally handles such call processing now relies on the ring-back tone generator system to handle call processing and provide a custom ring-back tone service.

Abstract: A flexible data outlet includes a housing configured for placement in an operating area of a user, such as on a wall adjacent to a user's work space. User interface circuitry in the housing provides an interface to user equipment located in the user operating area, including a user telephone device and a user data device such as a personal computer. The user interface circuitry includes a link-layer interface to the user data device. Both wired and wireless user connections are supported. Premises interface circuitry in the housing provides an interface to premises equipment located generally outside the user operating area. The premises equipment includes data processing equipment and telephone communications equipment providing access to a public telephone network. Bridge circuitry in the housing provides communications connections between the user interface circuitry and the premises interface circuitry in a flexible manner, enabling the provision of a variety of information services to the user.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to remove the dead region of a diode bridge and maintain stable operations in a telephone terminal equipment interface circuit. In order to realize this object, a telephone terminal equipment interface circuit, according to the present invention comprises a diode bridge for rectifying line current supplied from a subscriber line and supplying the current to a call transmission/reception circuit, and a forward biasing circuit that supplies forward biased voltage to the diode bridge. Supplying forward biased current to the diode bridge makes the diode bridge operate in an activated state, thereby removing the dead region of the diode bridge and enabling more stable operations to be maintained in the interface circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for an electronic hook switch for customer premises equipment. In an embodiment, a system includes a first lead configured to be coupled to a tip wire and a second lead configured to be coupled to a ring wire. A diode bridge is coupled to the first lead and the second lead and has a positive output. A low side switch is coupled to the positive output of the diode bridge without a high side switch between the low side switch and the positive output of the diode bridge.

Abstract: A computer disconnect device that may have an external communications cable connector; a jumper communications cable connector; a switch; external wiring for connecting the external communications cable connector to the external side of the switch; and jumper wiring for connecting the switch to the jumper communications cable connector. The external communications cable connector may be adapted to be connected to an external communications cable, and a jumper communications cable may be connected between the jumper communications cable connector and a computer. The switch may be used to selectively connect and disconnect the computer and the external communications cable. The computer disconnect device may include a housing, a lock and a status indicator. The external communications cable may be connected to any suitable network, such as the Internet or an intranet, or to any other suitable communications device.

Abstract: In known telephone subscriber end stations a caller_ID IC detects a tone alerting signal TAS alerting that successive caller_ID information can be received for displaying on a display of the phone. The known station applies narrow frequency band filters to detect tones indicating the end of TAS. Such a detection is not flexible as it can only be used for a specific caller_ID signal protocol. A flexible detector is proposed which can easily be adapted to widely varying protocols and which can also be used for other purposes such as the detection of power drops in an FSK signal. The detector comprises means for determining a time-domain signal representing the signal energy of a signal on the subscriber line in a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A method of repeating a non-voice signal such as a dual tone, multiple frequency (DTMF) signal, by inserting a delay sequence of data values into an output data sequence of data values, a portion of the output data sequence following the delay sequence being the same as a corresponding portion of an input sequence of decoded data obtained from a low bit-rate speech decoder. The input sequence has at least one distorted non-voice sequence. The method provides for inserting a substantially undistorted non-voice sequence into the output sequence, the undistorted sequence being at least of substantially the same length as the distorted sequence, a portion of the output sequence following the undistorted sequence being the same as a corresponding portion of the input sequence, and the output sequence being substantially free of the distorted non-voice signal.

Abstract: A plain old telephone system (POTS) device, for example but not limited to, a telephone, facsimile machine, analog modem, caller identification (ID) system, speaker phone, cordless phone, etc., employs an on-board transistor-based linear polarity guard to enable decoupling of a POTS channel from one or more xDSL channels on a telephone connection (subscriber loop associated with a public service telephone network), while reducing undesirable interference, such as intermodulation distortion imposed upon the POTS and xDSL channels. Transistors associated with the polarity guard are operated in the ohmic region, or in a nonsaturated linear mode, to achieve a substantially linear transfer function through the transistors and through the overall linear polarity guard. Current that is input to the polarity guard and the voltage drop across the transistors that conduct the current in the polarity guard exhibit a substantially linear relationship, or linear VI transfer function.

Abstract: An authentication system and method uses information on a position of a card as determined, for example, by detecting a position of a user's cell phone and the position of a card reader determined from card reader identification data. If the card is used in a card reader located near the user's cell phone, and the usual card authorizations are approved, it is determined that the card use is authorized. The position information thus serves as an additional level of security against a lost or stolen card.

Abstract: Amplifier arrangement comprising: a resistive receive hybrid means adapted to pass a combination of a received signal and a transmitted signal, a resistive transmit hybrid means adapted to pass substantially only the transmitted signal, a tuneable gain means adapted for converting the transmit hybrid signal into a signal corresponding substantially to the reverse of the portion of the receive hybrid signal function of the transmitted signal passing through the receive hybrid means, signal treatment means adapted to add or subtract the gained signal to and/or from the receive hybrid signal, whereby said treatment is adapted for generating a signal which is substantially independent of the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A method and device for avoiding signal cancellation caused by a unterminated bridge taps, provides a cable extension, preferably in the form of a pair of coils having an impedance matching the impedance of the telephone wire, respectively coupling the conductors in each bridge tap to the incoming ring and tip conductors. The cable extension increases the effective length of the bridge tap, thereby eliminating destructive interference between the incoming telecommunications signal and the signal reflected from the unterminated end. In the preferred embodiment the cable extension is adaptable to various lengths by a switching network.

Abstract: A telephone system capable of judging kinds of various signals (line input signals) obtained through a line is disclosed, that enables reduction of the number of parts, detection with high accuracy, reduction of a mounting area, and reduction in costs. The telephone system includes an A/D converter for making A/D conversion of the line input signal such as a CPC signal, a bell signal, and a usage state signal indicating a telephone line usage state to output a digital line input signal, and a frequency analyzing unit for making frequency analysis of the digital signal converted by the A/D converter, and the central processing unit judges the kind of the line input signal based on a result of the frequency analyzing unit.

Abstract: A circuit for determining connection status of a phone line shared by multiple telecommunications devices, such as modems and phones, is provided. The phone line includes respective tip and ring lines. The circuit comprises a first transistor stage coupled to receive a signal indicative of a voltage difference between the respective tip and ring lines. The first transistor stage is configured to supply an output signal having a predetermined time response. The circuit further comprises a second transistor stage coupled to the first transistor stage and configured to supply an output signal having a slow time response relative to the output signal from the first transistor stage.

Abstract: An analog telephone subscriber terminal apparatus with means for realizing additional functions is provided. In the on-hook state of the subscriber terminal apparatus, and outside of the idle operating state of the subscriber terminal apparatus, a current supply device that draws current from the subscriber line and is integrated into the terminal apparatus is switched effective for the duration of the reception of data containing the additional functions. The current supply device provides the supply current to the means for realizing the additional functions, but is limited to such an extent that the increased subscriber line loop current that then flows is not indicated as a loop closure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a speakerphone within a personal computer having a voice-capable modem and an audio board is provided. The personal computer executes host software providing the user interface for speakerphone operation and the indirect interconnection for audio data routing between the voice-capable modem and the audio board without requiring physical jumpering between the modem and audio board. For half duplex speakerphone operation, the host software performs switching between transmit and receive modes by monitoring received audio signal energy levels and switching accordingly. For full duplex operation of the voice-capable modem, the modem's DSP provides echo cancellation of locally generated echoes. Also, for full duplex operation of the audio board, the host software provides echo cancellation for acoustic echoes generated by the speaker audio feeding into the user's microphone.

Abstract: A circuit and method for maintaining switch-hook detection (SHD) in the presence of a fault in a telephone system may include a comparison of one of a tip current and a ring current to a reference current. A switch-hook detection indicates that a request for service has been made. The reference current may be a conventional switch-hook detection threshold current, I.sub.SHD, times a factor (G.sub.0 +1).sup.-1, where G.sub.0 is the predetermined operating gain of the amplifier in the telephone subscriber line interface circuit. The line current may be reduced in response to detection of a fault in the telephone system without affecting the determination whether a request for service has being made.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus for connection to central office equipment to receive a caller ID signal therefrom and having an operating mode in which line current is less than a threshold at which off-hook state is detected, the line current drawn in said mode being sufficient to allow reception and processing of the caller ID signal. In this way, the telephone apparatus can receive and process the caller ID signal, and so can determine whether the call can be accepted, without the central office equipment recognizing the apparatus as having gone off-hook (i.e. having already accepted the call).

Abstract: An integrated loop current detector for a public switched telephone network modem. The present invention solves the loop current detect problem in general, and is especially useful in modems employing echo cancellation techniques due the linearity afforded by the invention. In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the current detector includes a solid-state loop hold circuit coupled to terminals of the PSTN. A current mirror circuit is coupled in parallel with the loop holding circuit, wherein the current mirror circuit includes a transistor having a control terminal coupled to the DC operating point of the loop holding circuit. The transistor is operable to detect interruptions in loop current. An opto-coupler device having an input coupled to the switching device has an output coupled to a current detect input line of said modem thereby providing an isolated output for quick and reliable indication of current interruptions in said loop hold circuit.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive telephone exclusion or privacy device. A conference feature is and am indicator light showing when the line is in use are also provided. The basic exclusion or privacy circuit includes only eleven components, thereby providing a very low cost device. The circuit includes a diode bridge with a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) connected across the midpoint of the bridge circuit. A resistor in series with the SCR limits the amount of current which the SCR can draw from the telephone line. A Zener diode in series with a resistor is connected between the anode and the gate of the SCR and a resistor in series with a capacitor is connected from the gate of the SCR to the second side of the bridge circuit i.e. to the point where the cathode of the SCR is connected.

Abstract: Changes in a telephone subscriber line voltage are detected in a telephone set by supplying a voltage dependent upon the subscriber line voltage to a potential divider having first, second, and third tapping points, the second tapping point being between the first and third tapping points, and comparing the voltages at the first and third tapping points with a smoothed version of the voltage at the second tapping point to produce pulses at respective terminals when the line voltage is falling or rising. An algorithm is described for responding to the pulses to distinguish changes in hook state of another telephone connected to the same subscriber line from interfering signals. The arrangement facilitates remote release from hold and privacy indication functions for the telephone set.

Abstract: A system for determining the cause of lost, delayed or erroneous responses in a network for authorizing payment card transactions from the point of view of the point-of-sale terminal that forms part of the network. A request for authorization is entered into the terminal, the terminal transmits a message requesting authorization to a computer in the network, and receives a return message in response from the computer. The terminal logs the origination time of the message, the elapsed time between the origination time and the time at which it receives the return message, the transaction serial number, and, optionally, other data for each request for authorization. In a variation, each computer in the network adds a time stamp to the message as the message returns from the computer to the terminal. The time stamp shows the computer elapsed time, computer identity, authorization status, etc. The terminal additionally logs the time stamps received in the return message.

Abstract: A telephone set is provided enabling seizure for originating and terminating calls of a telephone line connected thereto to be performed as well as release thereof, as the result both of a first command produced by a first switching entity actuated from the handset of the telephone set as well as via a second command produced by a second switching entity that is able to be actuated independently of the handset, switching entities producing the commands via individual communication establishment elements which are inserted in parallel in a loop which links, via the controlled power feeding arrangement, the output terminals of a first diode bridge, the input terminals of which are connected to the two line wires via a protection circuit, together with a second diode rectifying bridge, performing actual rectification, linked via capacitors to the output of the protection device, in parallel with the first diode bridge, and adapted to power a microprocessor and relevant circuits of telephone set circuitry, via a

Abstract: A telephone line bridging sensor circuit is provided which provides a variable output frequency signal to a microprocessor for measuring and storing the frequency count on a periodic basis. The circuit includes an isolation transformer to isolate the audio component of the telephone line from the sensing circuit. The loop current present in the telephone line is rectified through a full wave diode rectifier and the output of the rectifier is filtered and regulated to provide an input voltage to an astable, voltage controlled oscillator. As the current on the telephone line varies, the input voltage to the oscillator also varies a proportionate amount causing the output frequency of the oscillator to change accordingly.

Abstract: A telephone line loop current regulator combines the functions of current regulation, current detection, loop disconnect signalling and speech switching. It comprises a gyrator circuit formed by resistor (R1), capacitor (C1), transistor (T1) and resistor (R3). Loop current is regulated by transistor (T1) and resistor (R3) while loop current detection is achieved by monitoring the voltage across resistor (R3) by an opto-diode which forms part of an opto-electronic coupler (OP2). Speech switching is performed by transistor (T3) which also monitors the voltage across resistor (R3) so that speech is switched onto the line via transformer (TR1) when d.c. loop current is present. Line seizure and loop disconnect signalling are carried out by switching the opto-coupler (OP1) to turn the transistor (T1) on and off.

Abstract: A loop closure detector for a two-wire telephone line comprises a four-arm resistive bridge, in which the four arms are constituted respectively by a first battery feed resistor, the two-wire line in series with a second battery feed resistor, and two resistors forming a potential divider across the battery voltage which is coupled across one diagonal of the bridge. A voltage sensing circuit, constituted by a comparator or a light emitting diode, is connected across the other diagonal of the bridge to provide an output representing a loop closure state of the line. A ring-ground detector is also described using a similar bridge and voltage sensing arrangements.

Abstract: A circuit for implementing a connection of an operational amplifier, and for achieving the switchable sensitivity of the same, as well as the in-and-out switchable filter elements, which results in a low cost, universally applicable line circuit interconnect circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state telephone trunk interface circuit provides high isolation between a central office and telephone equipment. Opto-isolator transistors and a transformer are used to isolate the central office and the local equipment portions of the circuit. A switching transistor (Q4) is connected between a ring connector (3) and turned on and off via an opto-isolator transistor connected to a control connector (9). A ring detector (11) comprising a first diode bridge is connected between tip and ring connectors (2 and 3) via an opto-isolator transistor to a ring signal connector (13). First and second parallel and opposite sign line condition detectors are respectively connected between tip and ring connectors and via opto-isolator transistors to battery-reverse and battery-forward signal connectors (19 and 17). The voice circuit includes a second diode bridge connecting tip and ring connectors to a first winding of a transformer (T1).

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a telephone station with earth connection to the central supply device for the purpose of post-dialing signaling, operates independently of whether the negative or the positive pole of the exchange battery is earthed. This is achieved by provided that, on the actuation of the earthing key, the earth connection of the telephone is connected to the unearthed pole of the exchange battery via a transistor network which functions differently in dependence upon the polarity of the exchange battery earthing. The circuit arrangement is universally suitable for PBX exchanges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for a telephone station with ground connection to a central supply device for the purpose of post-dialling signalling. The circuit arrangement operates independently of which terminal of an exchange battery in the central supply device is connected to ground. A second polarity reversal protection device (rectifier bridge) is used as an indicator of the polarity of the exchange battery, so that, dependent upon the polarity, different grounding paths are formed in the telephone station. The circuit arrangement is universally suitable for PBX exchanges.