text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Dec 22, 1992
|Filing date
|Nov 30, 1990
|Priority date
|Nov 30, 1990
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Michael A. Dariano
|Original Assignee
|Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (14), Referenced by (33), Classifications (13), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications and more particularly to a device for simulating a T-Carrier network.
The telecommunications system provided in the United States and throughout the world was initially designed to transmit voice signals over high capacity transmission links, such as optical fiber, coaxial cable, and microwave. Part of the evolution of these telecommunications networks to digital technology has been the adoption of synchronous TDM transmission structures. This has led to the development of a hierarchy of TDM structures of varying capacities. The basis of the TDM hierarchy in the United States is the DS1 transmission format which multiplexes 24 channels. Each frame contains 8 bits per channel plus a framing bit or 193 bits. For voice transmission each channel contains one word of digitized voice data and the original analog voice signal is digitized using pulse code modulation (PCM) at a rate of 8,000 samples per second. Thus each channel slot and hence each frame repeats 8,000 times per second to produce a data rate of 1.544 Mbps. The same DS1 format is used to provide digital data service at the same 1.544 Mbps. data rate. The DS1 format can also be used to carry a mixture of voice and data channels.
The basic digital transmission facility is a T-1 line, which consists of an office repeater at each end feeding twisted pair wire, with digital regenerators or repeaters spaced every 6,000 feet. The function of the office repeater is to match the output of the office terminal equipment to the impedance of the line and to feed power over the line to the repeaters. The line repeaters regenerate the incoming pulses to eliminate distortion caused by the cable.
T-1 signals are kept in synchronization by loop timing in which synchronizing pulses are extracted from the incoming bit stream. The PCM output of a channel bank is encoded in bipolar format and the transition of each "1" bit is detected by the repeaters and the receiving terminals and used to keep the system in synchronization. T-1 carrier lines can be extended for about 200 miles, although most private and common carrier applications are considerably shorter because longer circuits are usually deployed over radio or fiber optic facilities.
Companies who either provide DS1 (1.544 Mbps) services or use them extensively require an economical, comprehensive method to train employees who perform DS1 testing. Telephone companies generally perform DS1 training either in a classroom environment or in the field. In the classroom, much of the training is theoretical in nature. In many cases, expensive lab equipment is available but provides only a limited range of DS1 testing scenarios. In the field, testing can be taught using actual DS1 circuits but there is limited control over test conditions.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved arrangement to train technicians to perform DS1 maintenance and testing.
It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, self-contained device which faithfully represents a DS1 circuit from one customer premise facility through a central office to another customer premise facility.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a portable self-contained training device which simulates both fiber and wire connecting links including below-ground links.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a DS1 simulator which includes actual network modules which may be tested in circuit but which may be replaced with substitute modules of the same or competitive manufacturers and with faulty or impaired modules.
It is another object of the invention to provide a portable DS1 simulator which may be set up to simulate actual working T1 spans from customer premise to and through a central office to customer premise to permit training in sophisticated methods of isolating equipment and facility faults.
It is another object of the invention to provide a portable DS1 simulator which may be set up to simulate specific impairments at predetermined positions in the span including impairments in actual network equipment in the span as well as impairments in the span itself.
It is another object of the invention to, provide a DS1 simulator having a front panel bearing a diagram of the simulated network while providing accessible slots for actual network elements.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a DS1 simulator for training of engineering, repair, installation, and maintenance personnel which is compatible with telephone company standard test equipment and test procedures.
It is another object of the invention to, provide a T-Carrier network simulator apparatus which includes a first customer premise simulation, a first T-Carrier link simulation, a switching office, repeater hut or controlled environmental vault simulation, a second T-Carrier link simulation, a second customer premise simulation, and a power connection, wherein units of the apparatus are provided in modular form removably mounted in a portable housing and wherein the T-Carrier simulations include fiber and wire link simulations.
These and further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification, claims and drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a DS1 network which may be simulated by the simulator of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective illustration of the housing and general arrangement for a DS1 simulator constructed according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the connection and arrangement of the multiple units or elements of the simulator of the invention;
FIGS. 4A and 4B show a front elevation view of the front panel of the simulator of FIG. 3 illustrating the diagram appearing on the front panels of the modules;
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a bridge tap on a line;
FIG. 6 is an illustration of the effect of a bridge tap on a pulse;
FIG. 7 is a depiction of an actual test pulse on a CRT of a tester showing the pulse masks and data printout; and
FIG. 8 is a depiction of the effect of a bridge tap on the pulse of FIG. 7.
Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a DS1 telecommunication network comprising a first customer premise (CP) installation 10 which may house a CSU and PBX, multiplexer or other devices along with other customer facility equipment. This CP installation is connected to a central switching office (CO), repeater hut or controlled environmental vault (CEV) 12 through a fiber link 14. The central switching office 12 is connected to a second customer premise installation 16 and its equipment through a wire link which is at least partly above ground as at 17 and partly underground as indicated at 18. The underground portion may be accessed through one or more manholes indicated diagrammatically at 20 and 21.
Referring to FIG. 3 there are illustrated the units which may comprise a simulation of the network of FIG. 1 in the simulator of the invention. In FIG. 3 the first customer premise is indicated at 10, the fiber link is indicated at 14, the central switching office is indicated at 12, the wire link is indicated at 17 and 18 and the second customer premise is indicated at 16.
According to the invention the first customer premise 10 is comprised of a CP jack unit or module 22 having CP OUT and IN jacks 24 and 25 mounted on the face of the panel to be described. These could be 310, 309 or bantam size jacks. Also mounted on the panel representing module 22 may be an RJ48 jack 27. The RJ48 jack has four connector terminals parallelled with the tip and ring connections of the jacks 24 and 25. The CP OUT and IN jacks 24 and 25 and the RJ48 jack 27 are mounted on the front panel 15 of the simulator illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 2 and illustrated in detail in FIG. 4. The module 22 is indicated by the rectangle bearing that number in FIG. 4. This rectangle forms a part of the representation of the circuitry of the simulator which is applied to the front of the panel 15 by silk screen or the like process.
Referring to FIG. 2 the simulator of the invention is illustrated housed in a container or enclosure 26 which is provided with carrying handles 13. The front panel 15 is secured on the face of the enclosure 26 in any suitable removable fashion such as by screws 11 seen in FIG. 4. Line power to the portable unit is provided by any suitable line cord such as indicated at 19 in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 3 the CP jacks 24 and 25 and RJ48 jack 27 are connected to a smart jack 29.
The typical smart jack provides signal loop-back, line or local powering looping of the telephone company simplex power, and isolates and terminates a telephone company T1 span line on customer premises. Loop-back, transmit and receive line monitor jacks 28 and 30, and a loop-back switch 32 may be located on the front panel. Loop back control may be local, as through manual operation of the switch or may be remote. It will be understood that the drawing of the jacks and switch is representative only and is not intended to illustrate all front panel connection points or switches conventionally provided on commercial smart jacks. The smart jack module 29 in the simulator is an actual commercial network module and it will be understood that other jacks and switches may be provided on the front panel depending upon the particular brand and model of jack which is used. Illustrative examples are the Larus Model LA103e and the various Westell models. Line or local power may ordinarily be used. An internal power supply may also be provided. It is not intended that the simulator will be connected to an operating network.
Connected to the smart jack 29 through the backplane wiring is a line build out attenuator or pad 34 which may provide fixed or variable attenuation. Variable attenuation may be controlled by means of a selector switch 36. Attenuator 34 represents distance electrically between the CPE line side and CPE equipment side of the CPE-line interface.
The smart jack module comprises an actual network component and had a conventional front panel with one or more rearwardly extending circuit boards carrying rear plug-in type terminal connectors for mounting in standard backplane hardware. The module is mounted in a 400 type mechanics mounting provided in the enclosure or cabinet 26. An opening 31 is provided in the front panel 15 through which the smart jack may be slidably inserted and connected to the backplane connector hardware. The CP jacks 24 and 25 and the RJ48 jack 27 are connected to the smart jack through the backplane wiring. The CP jacks and RJ48 jack permit connection of test equipment as well as connection of typical customer load components such as CSU, MUX, PBX, etc.
The attenuation in attenuator 34 is illustrated on the front panel in FIG. 4 by the broken line connections to the smart jack in the opening 31. Between those broken line connections there is shown a block bearing the legend "line loss". In this instance the line loss is fixed and there is no variable control on the front panel of the unit. In this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 the attenuator 34 is not a removable module.
Referring to FIG. 4, attenuator 34 is connected to a line extension repeater 38 which is also an actual network component using 400 mechanics. The repeater provides impedance matching and provides any regeneration which is desirable following the attenuation in attenuator 34. The repeater also may incorporate addressable loop back which is provided in a Westell extension repeater by way of example. As stated, the repeater 38 is an actual network unit and is provided with front panel monitor jacks 40 and may be provided with test points for span current and voltage, loop-back and other switches and indicator lights (not shown). The repeater may be span powered or self-powered from the line source provided to the portable device. Repeater 34 is mounted in the opening 33 in front panel 15 as shown in FIG. 4.
The repeater 38 feeds one termination DFM of digital fiber multiplexer (DFM) 42 of a simulated fiber optic link generally indicated at 14. DFM 44 provides the other termination of the fiber optic link. The fiber optic link comprises the terminations 42 and 44 and the module 46 which collectively provide an electronic simulation of the fiber link 14 in FIG. 1. This is illustrated on the front panel in FIG. 4 by broken lines and a circular symbol labeled Fiber Link. Except for special applications, the digital signal input of fiber optic systems is designed to interface Bell or CCITT digital signals. While the output signal is determined by the manufacturer it is retranslated back to Bell or CCITT standards by the interface. The Bell specifications include Bell Communications Research CB119, CB135 MX3/FT3, PUB 43806 and related specifications. The basic characteristics of such links are well known and include by way of example removal of bipolar violations and passage of a line code AMI and the standard test codes. Thus a basic simulator may comprise a smart jack with a bipolar violation eliminator and optical decoupling or isolation between the input and output terminations.
From the fiber link termination DFM 44 there commences the central switching office, CEV or the like 12 which contains a conventional digital signal cross-connect (DSX) module 47 and office repeater module 50. The transmit and receive circuits of the DSX1 are wired through jacks in the front panel 15 of the enclosure to provide test access, patching, rearranging circuits and manually transferring to a spare line in case of failure. In and out monitor jacks 48, 49, 51 and 53 are provided.
The output of the DSX 47 is connected to the station repeater 50 which is generally similar to the CP repeater 38. Monitor jacks 52 and other test jacks and control switches (not shown) are provided. The repeater 50 is an actual network unit and is received in opening 51 in the front panel 15 using standard 200 mechanics. Addressable loop back may be provided.
The signal from repeater 50 represents the signal leaving the central office, CEV, etc. via wire transmission facilities 17 in FIG. 1. The wire line simulation commences with attenuator 54 which simulates line loss. Attenuator 54 may be fixed or variable. This is followed by a first actual network manhole repeater module 56. This repeater is provided with monitor jacks 58 and other conventional test jacks, control switches and indicator lights (not shown). As with the repeaters 38 and 50 addressable loop back may be provided. The manhole repeater 56 may be regarded as associated with the first manhole 20 in FIG. 1. The manhole repeater 56 is an actual network unit and is received in opening 57 in the front panel 15 using standard 200 mechanics.
A second manhole repeater 55 is connected to the first manhole repeater 56 through a fixed attenuator 59 representing the line loss shown as broken lines and a line loss square on the front panel as represented in FIG. 4. Both repeaters are actual network units with the second manhole repeater being inserted in a front panel slot 61 for mounting using standard 200 mechanics. The second manhole repeater 55 is provided with monitor jacks 63 for the IN and OUR lines. The second manhole repeater may be considered to be mounted at the second manhole 21 in FIG. 1. Manholes 20 and 21 are separated by a length of wire line represented by the attenuator 59. The second manhole repeater is also provided with loop back and may possess addressable loop back.
It will be understood that in network practice feeder cables and distribution cables are designed to avoid bridge tap to the greatest degree possible. Bridge tap may be defined as any portion of the cable pair that is not in the direct path between the user and the central office. It generally has the electrical effect of a capacitor across the pair and impairs the high frequency response of the circuit. Bridge tap can create distortion which may render DTMF signals and data modems inoperative.
A controllable simulation of a bridge tap is provided through a variable attenuator 65, bridge tap switching unit 60 and variable attenuator 67. The variable attenuators 65 and 67 may be provided with controls 69 and 71 to provide stepped attenuation between 0 and 30 db. by way of example. The attenuator 67 may also be provided with a variable resistance network for simulating additional line voltage drops representing DC loss. This may be variable and controlled by a knob 73. The bridge tap module 60 is provided with a suitable switch 75 for connecting and disconnecting the simulated bridge tap as illustrated by the circuit on the front panel shown in FIG. 4. Thus a capacitive and LCR network may be connected and disconnected to the OUT line to apply or remove the bridge tap. A monitor connector 77 provides test access to the point of bridge tap connection.
When the bridge tap is connected it's position on the line may be varied by increasing and decreasing the attenuation provided in attenuators 65 and 67. For example, the first attenuator 65 may be set for 0 attenuation and the second attenuator 67 may be set for maximum attenuation which would have the simulated effect of placing the bridge tap at the manhole repeater 55. With increase of one attenuator and decrease of the other attenuator any position between the manhole repeater 55 and following customer premises may be simulated. In addition to the foregoing, the length of the bridge tap may be simulated to variation in the LCR filter network through a control 77. While the front panel diagram illustrated in FIG. 4 shows the bridge tap lines extending away from the OUT span in actuality the LCR unit is preferably included within the bridge tap module 60.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 the effect of bridge tap is illustrated. In FIG. 5 there is shown a transmission line or loop 101 extending between a pair of repeaters 103 and 105. The transmission line 101 may be considered the OUT line in FIG. 3 extending between the manhole repeater 55 and the customer premises equipment at 16. Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown at 1 a pulse traveling toward the bridge tap 107 as indicated by the circled numeral 1 and arrow in FIG. 5. This pulse travels outwardly along the bridge tap 107 in the direction of the circled numeral 2 and arrow. The pulse is attenuated in an amount depending upon the length of the bridge tap as shown in FIG. 6 by the numeral 2. If the bridge tap is open there is a reflection of the pulse 2 as indicated by the numeral 3 in FIG. 6 and by the numeral 3 and arrow in FIG. 5. The reflected signal is combined with the original pulse and appears on the OUT side of the bridge tap at the position indicated by the circled numeral 4 and arrow in FIG. 5 in the form illustrated by the numeral 4 in FIG. 6. Thus there is an attenuated original pulse in addition to the reflected smaller pulse.
With the unit of this invention it is possible to observe this condition by connection of a test instrument to the DS1 simulator at the test and monitor points provided. Thus, for example, a conventional test instrument, such as a T-Berd 209 may be connected at the OUT line monitor jack of the manhole repeater 55 to show a pulse as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 7. As will be understood by those skilled in the art the test instrument provides an acceptability mask indicated by the dotted lines 111 and 113 with a printout as to the characteristics of the pulse at 115.
Referring to FIG. 8 there is shown the effect of the bridge tap previously described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. The original pulse 109 is distorted and attenuated by the bridge tap and has added thereto the reflection pulse 117. As will be seen the boundaries of the mask have been violated. Again, the test data is provided at 119. The test instrument may be connected at the line reversal module 70 whose circuitry is indicated on the front panel of the unit. Monitor jacks are provided at 121 and 123. The shape of the output pulse signal following the bridge tap is dependent upon the loading of the bridge tap 107 in FIG. 5 and the position of the bridge tap which may be observed at various points along the simulated DS1 T-carrier link and varied by the controls of the unit for training and other purposes. In addition to the foregoing test illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 it is possible to demonstrate the effect of the bridge tap on the signal transmitted when all types of stress tests are applied. It will be realized that this constitutes valuable information particularly for training purposes.
The line reversal unit 70 is connected to an open ring and ground simulator module 72 having tip and ring OUT line ground switches 125 and 127, open ring switch 129 and tip ground and ring ground monitor connections 131 and 133. The circuit for these switches and connections is indicated in the front panel depiction of the circuitry in FIG. 4. An open ring monitor connection is provided at 135. IN line ground switches are provided at 137 and 139 and tip ground and ring ground monitor connections are provided at 141 and 143. The circuitry is illustrated on the front panel illustration of FIG. 4.
It will be seen that the effects of open ring may be created and observed as well as the effect of grounding of any one or more of the tip or ring lines in either the OUT or IN transmission link.
The switching unit 72 terminates the simulation of the wire link spans 17 and 18 of FIGS. 1 and 3. This is followed by the second customer premise station indicated at 16. This customer premise is provided with a smart jack 84 which is an actual network module which may be similar to the module 29 in the first customer premises. The smart jack 84 may be provided with a switch 145 and connections 147 and 149 corresponding to the connections to the smart jack 29 in the first customer premises.
The smart jack 84 is connected to CP connector unit 86 having IN and OUT jacks 90 and 91 and an RJ48 connector 151. A voltage drop control resistor may be provided as indicated at 153 to provide variable drop in the DC voltage between the smart jack 84 and the output test terminals.
The smart jack 84 is an actual network unit and is received in an opening 155 in front panel 15. The connector module 86 is mounted on the front panel. A CSU or other customer premise load may be connected to the output connection 86. The control 153 may be varied to demonstrate the effect of customer loading.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention a depiction of the circuit and/or module functions is silk screened or otherwise reproduced on the faces of the various modules. This provides marked simplification for trainees and facilitates not only understanding of the system but also a quick location of the desired module. An example of such a depiction is illustrated in FIG. 4. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific modules described nor to the specific number of modules and that other arrangements of modules may be used.
The operation of the device is now described.
Generally speaking telecommunications network testing has two objectives:
1. To measure operating variables that have been designed into the network, to confirm that design objectives have been achieved, and to field test new units in the network.
2. To locate faulty network elements by sectionalizing and isolating defective items of equipment.
The first category of tests is usually called acceptance or proof of performance tests. These are conducted to establish a data base that can later be the basis for fault locating tests or field proving new units. The second category of tests usually does not require the depth and sophistication of the former but presents a large variety of problems of a different nature. With today's networks, testing is complicated by numerous factors including the following:.
Network elements are obtained from multiple vendors and frequently present incompatibility problems.
Trouble must be sectionalized by testing to interfaces between vendors.
The responsibility for impairments such as high noise and data errors is often unclear, and vendors are not quick to claim responsibility.
Incompatibility at interfaces may arise under some conditions, and lacking interface standards, the user must be left to negotiate the solution between vendors.
A common problem for all types of circuit tests is how to obtain test access to the circuit. Access is obtained by one of three methods:
Manual access through jacks, test points, or distributing frames;
Switched access;
Permanently wired test equipment.
The DS1 simulator of the present invention provides a unique tool for demonstrating and instructing with respect to all of the foregoing test methods.
Illustrative of the tests and demonstrations that may be performed with the simulator of the invention are the following:
Assuming an actual network testing situation, if both technicians at customer facilities 10 and 16 are available, they may individually pulse the interoffice facility 12 and each may test his/her respective smart jacks 29 and 84. Alternately a technician at the CO location may pulse and test the smart jacks. With the two technician test the technician at customer facility 10 may test through to customer facility 16 smart jack 84 and the technician at customer facility 16 may test through to customer facility 10 smart jack 29. This procedure verifies DSX 47 cross-connect continuity.
If only one of the technicians is available, that technician must first loop the smart jacks at both stations and then run a "round robin" test from the DSX 47 to determine cross-connection continuity. The "round robin" test involves sending a signal at the "in" jack of the DSX location, letting it loop through both smart jacks and reading it at the "out" jack of the other DSX location. The foregoing constitute actual network testing procedures. This "round robin" test and numerous variations thereof may be readily demonstrated in a "table top" manner with the simulator of the invention for education and training purposes. For example:
The loop-back condition may be established by remote control from the CO. A conventional test set having send and receive terminals such as, for example, a T-Berd 209A, may be set up with its send terminal connected to "in" connection 48 and its receive terminal connected to "out" connection 51 in DSX 47. Any direct interconnect between these two points 48 and 51 has been previously removed and a connection between terminals 49 and 53 has been established.
The test set may now be used to transmit a signal into in-connection 48 to proceed through DFM 44, fiber link 46, DFM 42, repeater 38, attenuator 34, to looped smart jack 29 for loop-back through that smart jack (or optionally through a looped CSU if added), attenuator 34, repeater 38, DFM 42, fiber link 46, DFM 44, DSX 47, repeater 50, attenuator 54, manhole repeater 56, attenuator 59, bridge tap attenuator 65, bridge tap unit 60, bridge tap attenuator 67, line reversal 70, open ring/short simulator 72, and looped smart jack 84 (or optionally through a looped CSU if provided) back through that smart jack to open ring/short simulator 72, line reversal 70, bridge tap attenuator 67, bridge tap simulator 60, bridge tap attenuator 65, second manhole repeater 55, attenuator 59, first manhole repeater 56, attenuator 54, repeater 50 and connection 51 back to the receive terminal on the test set.
As the final step in the "round robin" test, a connection between in-out terminals 48 and 51 may be established and a connection between out-in terminals 49 and 53 may be broken. The test set is then connected to terminals 49-53 with the test set send terminal connected to in-connector 53 and receive terminal connected to out-terminal 49. The "round robin" may then be performed in the opposite direction. Thus a signal from the send terminal of the test set enters DSX in-terminal 53 and passes sequentially through repeater 50, attenuator 54, first manhole repeater 56, attenuator 59, second manhole repeater 55, bridge tap attenuator 65, bridge tap unit 60, bridge tap attenuator 67, line reversal 70, open ring/short simulator 72, to looped smart jack 84, where the signal is looped back to open ring/short simulator 72, line reversal 70, bridge tap attenuator 67, bridge tap simulator 60, bridge tap attenuator 65, second manhole repeater 55, attenuator 59, first manhole repeater 56, attenuator 54, repeater 50, DSX terminals 51-48, DFM 44, fiber link simulator 46, DFM 42, repeater 38, attenuator 34, to looped smart jack 29, where it is looped back through attenuator 34, repeater 38, DFM 42, fiber link simulator 46, DFM 44 and out terminal 49 of DSX 47 to the receive terminal of the test set which originated the signal.
It will be obvious that many variations of this test procedure are possible. Also the effect of numerous variables can be demonstrated such as variation in the setting of any of the attenuators 34, 54, 59, 65 and/or 67, actuation of the open ring simulation or any of the short simulations. At the same time it is possible to provide signal indications and levels at any of the monitor jacks in the circuit.
In other demonstration and testing procedures test sets may be connected at either or both ends of the network such as CPE jacks 22, 24-25, RJ48 and 90, 91 or RJ48 and the effect of adjustment of the various variables observed.
The foregoing and still additional tests may be conducted using conventional Quasi-Random Signal (QRS) patterns currently employed in establishing DS1 services as well as any of the currently used stress tests. The DS1 simulator of the invention makes it possible to very conveniently demonstrate to trainees the different defects which ma be detected utilizing such stress tests.
Certain standard testing is performed at the network interface at the CP jacks in unit 22 and other standard tests are made at the DS1 interface. There are ANCI and CCITT requirements of the pulse configuration at both official locations and this may be demonstrated or observed on suitable test units at these interfaces to determine whether or not the appropriate masks (as in FIGS. 7 and 8) are being satisfied or violated.
Another capability of the DS1 simulator of the invention is to permit the development of test patterns. By way of example it is possible to use the DS1 simulator to create an impairment and then run a series of different test patterns to determine a pattern which will most readily locate that impairment.
The simulator makes possible the test of new equipment and competitive devices. For example, it is possible to connect a test set at the DSX, put an address in and bring up any repeater having an addressable loop back capability. The same is true with respect to a CSU having such capability. In the manhole repeaters 55 and 56 it is possible to use Lynch or AT&T repeaters currently available which do not have addressable loop backs. The effect of changeover to equipment having addressable loop back may be demonstrated. If the manhole repeaters are addressable loop back type it is then feasible to loop back either one or the other repeater from the DSX. Another important aspect of the invention is the possibility of inserting actual network units having known impairments or faults. It is possible to insert a faulty unit and have the trainee conduct tests to locate the unit. In addition the DS1 simulator can be used to compare competitive units and also may be used to test compatibility.
Another feature of the invention is that it permits a technician to remove a smart jack, insert a 400 mechanics extender, and engage in DC testing on the cable pair. For example, it would be possible to use an extender in the slot for the central office repeater 50 and test all the way out to the customer location with a conventional test set. The same can be done from the manhole repeaters. In such DC testing it is possible to vary the DC resistance through control 73 in attenuator 67 thereby changing the DC length of the line. Extenders may also be used with the smart jacks and this is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2. At the same time it is possible to insert grounds at the switching unit 72. With such DC testing it is possible to determine whether or not a pair is qualified for DS1 transmission. This is accomplished by standard 113 tests. The use of extenders with the DS1 simulator of the invention permits basic testing for grounds and opens using voltmeters and the like.
Another feature of the invention permits detection, observation and demonstration of phase jitter. It is known that some repeaters have more phase jitter than others. This can be readily demonstrated using a conventional test unit such as the T-Berd. With the unit it is possible to demonstrate that with a smart jack having significant phase jitter and with maximum simulated cable length from a DC standpoint as controlled by resistance control 73, a low quality CSU which is span powered will fail because of the phase jitter.
Another demonstration and test that can be made with the unit is the testing of timing slips. This can be accomplished by providing external clocking. By taking one clock from one test set and another clock from another test set it is possible to emulate timing slips. Also by using a smart jack clocked externally and another smart jack clocked from another external source it is possible to create an impairment or create timing slips.
Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, wherein only the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jul 9, 1973
|Oct 8, 1974
|Arrangement to test a tasi communication system
|Aug 10, 1976
|May 30, 1978
|Honeywell Inc.
|Automated instructional apparatus and method
|Dec 29, 1977
|Jul 17, 1979
|Wandel & Goltermann
|Method of and system for generating digital test signals
|Sep 12, 1977
|Sep 2, 1980
|The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army
|Location of a faulty pulse form restorer in a cable system
|Aug 31, 1978
|Mar 31, 1981
|Keweza Joseph T
|Wireless logic trainer
|Oct 15, 1979
|Nov 24, 1981
|Regie Nationale Des Usines Renault
|Power-assisted steering system
|Oct 31, 1984
|Nov 18, 1986
|Training Labs, Inc.
|Changeable modular training system to provide instruction for installing, servicing, troubleshooting and operating electromechanical control systems
|Oct 26, 1984
|May 5, 1987
|Teleprobe Systems Inc.
|Method and apparatus for testing remote communication systems
|Sep 10, 1987
|Apr 25, 1989
|Gte Laboratories Incorporated
|Variable bandwidth control system
|Jul 5, 1985
|May 9, 1989
|Data Switch Corporation
|Bus and tag cable monitoring tap
|Jun 3, 1987
|Jul 25, 1989
|Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
|Method for simulating a fault in a logic circuit and a simulation model for the implementation of the method
|Aug 18, 1988
|Dec 12, 1989
|Siemens Transmission Systems, Inc.
|Digital activity loss detector
|Dec 14, 1988
|Jul 24, 1990
|Interplex Electronics, Inc.
|Automotive electronic instructional and diagnostic training apparatus
|Oct 26, 1989
|Jul 2, 1991
|Dsc Communications Corporation
|Operational status controller for echo canceling
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Nov 12, 1993
|Aug 22, 1995
|Teltrend Inc.
|Bridge for a network interface unit
|May 12, 1992
|May 21, 1996
|Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
|Circuit for a line simulating device
|Mar 19, 1996
|Sep 8, 1998
|Zwan; Bryan J.
|Dynamic communication line analyzer apparatus and method
|Jan 9, 1998
|Nov 23, 1999
|Digital Lightwave, Inc.
|Dynamic communication line analyzer apparatus and method
|Oct 22, 1997
|May 16, 2000
|Telecommunications Techniques Corporation
|Modular test instrument
|Apr 21, 1999
|Jan 23, 2001
|Sunrise Telecom, Inc.
|Detection of bridge tap using frequency domain analysis
|Apr 24, 1998
|May 8, 2001
|Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
|Signal transmission system and method for supervising the same
|Jul 7, 2000
|Jun 5, 2001
|Apcon, Inc.
|Electronically-controllable fiber optic patch panel
|Aug 11, 2000
|Jul 9, 2002
|Sunrise Telecom, Inc.
|Detection of bridge tap using frequency domain analysis
|Nov 30, 2001
|Jul 8, 2003
|Modular test instrument
|Mar 7, 2000
|Feb 10, 2004
|Telesector Resources Group, Inc.
|Automated testing of modem training
|Feb 24, 2003
|May 18, 2004
|Acterna Llc
|Modular test instrument
|Dec 18, 1998
|May 10, 2005
|Sunrise Telecom, Inc.
|Telecommunications transmission test set
|Jul 3, 2001
|May 31, 2005
|Sprint Communications Company L.P.
|Communication media simulation for a service provider
|Jul 3, 2001
|Jul 5, 2005
|Sprint Communications Company L.P.
|Customer premises simulation for a service provider
|Oct 8, 2002
|Jul 12, 2005
|Sunrise Telecom, Inc.
|Telecommunications transmission test set
|Dec 11, 2003
|Aug 1, 2006
|Spirent Communications Of Rockville, Inc.
|Smartjack for fault-testing network segments on Ethernet and other internet protocol network architectures
|Feb 25, 2003
|Jul 15, 2008
|Avaya Technology Corp.
|Collaborative remote communication circuit diagnostic tool
|Sep 1, 2004
|Aug 5, 2008
|Nettest, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for performing a loopback test in a communication system
|Apr 12, 2004
|Sep 15, 2009
|At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
|System and method for providing telecommunications service using a wireless link
|Jun 16, 2008
|Jan 4, 2011
|Anritsu Instruments Company
|Apparatus and method for performing a loopback test in a communication system
|Oct 24, 2007
|Oct 11, 2011
|Invensys Systems, Inc.
|System and method for validating channel transmission
|Jul 9, 2013
|Jul 14, 2015
|Cisco Technology, Inc.
|Self-tuning an optical network at an operating point
|Feb 25, 2003
|Aug 26, 2004
|Izundu Anthony E.
|Collaborative remote communication circuit diagnostic tool
|May 12, 2004
|Oct 21, 2004
|Acterna Llc
|Modular test instrument
|Apr 12, 2004
|Dec 30, 2004
|Sbc Properties, L.P.
|System and method for providing telecommunications service using a wireless link
|Dec 11, 2003
|Jun 30, 2005
|Mcbeath Tom
|Smartjack for fault-testing network segments on Ethernet and other internet protocol network architectures
|Sep 1, 2004
|Mar 2, 2006
|Nettest (New York), Inc.
|Apparatus and method for performing a loopback test in a communication system
|Oct 24, 2007
|May 8, 2008
|Rasmussen David C
|System and method for validating channel transmission
|Jun 16, 2008
|Dec 11, 2008
|Aaron Thomas Deragon
|Apparatus and method for performing a loopback test in a communication system
|May 20, 2009
|Dec 3, 2009
|Trilithic, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for displaying network status
|Aug 10, 2009
|Mar 11, 2010
|Powell Thomas J
|Wireless communication between testing instrument and network
|Jul 9, 2013
|Jan 15, 2015
|Cisco Technology, Inc.
|Self-Tuning an Optical Network at an Operating Point
|U.S. Classification
|370/249, 370/502, 370/516, 379/21
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Nov 30, 1990
Owner name: BELL ATLANTIC NETWORK SERVICES, INC., VIRGINIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:DARIANO, MICHAEL A.;REEL/FRAME:005531/0793
Effective date: 19901028
|Jun 14, 1996
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Mar 10, 2000
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Jun 22, 2004
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12
|Apr 7, 2008
Owner name: VERIZON SERVICES CORP., VIRGINIA
Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BELL ATLANTIC NETWORK SERVICES INC.;REEL/FRAME:020768/0651
Effective date: 20000801
Owner name: VERIZON SERVICES CORP., VIRGINIA
Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BELL ATLANTIC NETWORK SERVICES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020762/0830
Effective date: 20000801
|May 8, 2014
Effective date: 20140409
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VERIZON SERVICES CORP.;REEL/FRAME:032851/0319
Owner name: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC., NEW JERSEY


text:
Welcome to South Shore Conservatory
|2-Day Morning Preschool
MWF/TuTh, 9 am - 11:30 am
3-Day Morning Preschool
MWF/TuTh, 9 am - 12 pm
Age 2.9 by Sept. 1 for 2-day
Age 3 by Sept. 1 for 3-day
|Afternoon PreK
M-F, 12 - 3:30 pm
Age 4 by Sept. 1
|Full-Day PreK/Kindergarten
M-F, 9 am - 2:30 pm
Age 4.9 by Sept. 1
Come on in a Take a Peek to see what SSC's Arts-Integrated Preschool/PreK/Kindergarten is all about!
Call 781-749-7565 x10 today to reserve a spot or visit
Contact Us
Media coverage
CONSERVATORY NOTES: Embracing arts-integrated programs
Every child is an artist. The need to create and express is inherent in all of us. When this need is nurtured, learning occurs, and wonderful things happen.
Wicked Local
It was a crisp day in late autumn last year, as I strolled Bare Cove Park with my pooch in tow; typical after a long day. Instead of walking towards the water, which was our normal route, we decided to pick a new path. On that path we passed a beautiful, large building in a quiet, lovely neighborhood. Out of the windows bellowed the sounds of flutes, pianos, drums, and singing voices. Children were laughing and playing on the playground in the rear of building. Families congregated near an outdoor amphitheater chatting and smiling. What was this magical place? So, like anyone else does in the 21st century, I took out my iPhone and "googled it."
South Shore Conservatory. Interesting. I dove deeper into the website. That is when I saw it. An arts-integrated Preschool/PreK/Kindergarten program! It was as if fate had steered me away from the usual path to put me on this new path (literally and figuratively) where I belonged. I had spent my career previously as a preschool teacher in Braintree, and at that moment was working as a coach and mentor to educators to help enhance their curriculum on the South Shore. I was enrolled in a Master's Program through Lesley University in Education, specifically Integrating Teaching through the Arts. Clearly the conservatory is where I needed to be.
Here I am one year later, director of the arts-integrated Preschool/PreK/Kindergarten program. More than a month into the position, I have a deeper understanding of the many layers that make up the Conservatory. SSC is the "Cheers" of the South Shore; a place where everybody knows your name. As you enter the bright, sunny lobby, you are met with a smile and personal greeting by everyone with whom you cross paths. A place where you immediately feel comfortable, a necessity for learning to occur. Read more...
|Talking to your children about tragic events

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Contact Info / Websites
Recent Movie Reviews
JD Showreel 2010
Rated 5 / 5 stars
nice music, all the clips actually go together really well.
What it did , it did great. btw, cool name
hey ur JD too!
Comments Appreciated
Rated 5 / 5 stars
well animated, liked it a lot, metallica and megadeth too, nice!
bet you had one hell of a time trying to draw that 3/4 angle for the camera
at the begininning. Nice work all around.
The camera part took me about an hour to do. Not that much, considering that some people spend days to make a scene. Thanks for the comment, and yeah, Metallica and Megadeth are awesome. :D
Sketched-Runaway Wedding
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Great jokes, I espically liked the wayne's world 2 reference
but I gave it a ten for one main reason
oh and animation and sound were good too
Recent Game Reviews
Kirby in Flash! *Engin*
Rated 4 / 5 stars
pretty good
this has some serious potencial with some good level design and some good abilitys you could have an awesome flash version of kirby, but I gave you 8 out of ten mostly because it was kind of boring
music euphoria
Rated 5 / 5 stars
While I was playing I realized this would be a perfect, I mean perfect game for wiiware, seriously, is this game playable on the wii?
Recent Audio Reviews
Lament [TRANCE]
Rated 4.5 / 5 stars
Very good!
I'm not usually a fan of anything but rock, but this is very good. It reminds me a lot of Daft Punk's soundtrack to Tron. It sounds like it would be the soundtrack to something epic.
Thanks! I've been getting that a lot, I need to come up with a more original sound haha.
Recent Art Reviews
Howard & Nester
Rated 5 / 5 stars
I wish I could've said that to him myself, did you see nester in the 25th anniversry issue of nintendo power?
I did, and it was kind of depressing...mostly because it reminded me that I'm old. XD


text:
Whether you're writing science fiction, historical friction or a crime novel, you want to write a story that will draw readers in - that will engage them. We're talking about writing realistic fiction or fiction that is at least entertaining enough that the reader will be willing to suspend disbelief. So how do you write a story that feels real to the reader? Research is the answer your looking for.
Requirements: The desire to achieve beyond what you thought you could.
Find out the in's and out's for your research journey! Simplify the task so you have more time to write!
©2014 Ora Rosalin (P)2014 Ora Rosalin
"Tongue in Cheek Comments"
Lacked content. Could have just said "just do the research and fabricate."
probably but I wouldn't buy it.
Too flip!
I would say come up with some constructive advice.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


text:
I've been sick for the past million days. Okay, maybe it's only been 5 days, but it FEELS like a millions days....Read more Comments Off on Smoothness
Check it Out
Popular Posts
The Window: Part TwoClif - December 14, 2016
Festive Stockings From My 8-Year-Old SonClif - December 25, 2016
Age and the 4 Stages of Musical HipnessClif - December 21, 2016
Site Move and FaceliftClif - December 4, 2016
I'm a Real Stand Up Employee with My New Standing DeskClif - January 20, 2017
My Tweets
Follow me on Twitter
Now Reading
I honestly have no idea why you might want to donate to my bog unless your judgement is currently impaired by illicit intoxicants. If so, then I urge you to give generously:


text:
While taking tour trip to abroad, the most important thing to do is buying the airplane ticket, it is wasting time while you searching for available flights for your desired time and destination, exclusively if you search it by browsing the websites of airways one by one. Just try to use comprehensive flights search that have a link to all airways company in the world. You can look for domestic flights, and international flights.
By simply open your internet connection and write down travel.com.au on your web browser, and you were already connected to the flights schedule of international airfares right on your computer desk at home! Using this site you will also search for the cheap flights and do the early booking from this site. What a helpful site! By selecting the kind of trip which is return, one way, round the world, or multi stop flights, you also simply just fill the departure target, date, and time completed with the arrival target, date, and time you desired to.
You can choose also the class of your desired flights with your wanted airline, such as singapore airlines, qantas, jetstar, united airlines. You were currently doing the online booking by listing the numbers of passengers. After that you will given a lot of airlines list that match with your specification, and you can select which one do you prefer. So come check out their website for airline ticket booking right now!


text: For both experienced psychologists and graduate students, the book begins with the essentials of WISC-IV interpretation, and quickly moves on to a deeper analysis of the major cognitive domains assessed by WISC-IV. Societal and home environment factors are explored that affect development of children's cognitive abilities and their scores on intelligence tests. Subsequent chapters address the assessment of cognitive abilities that compose 'g', with special emphasis on the clinical correlates of working memory and processing speed. Later chapters explain the processing approach to interpretation that is the cornerstone of the WISC-IV Integrated. Subsequent chapters address the interpretation of WISC-IV findings within the context of other instruments as part of a full psychological evaluation. The final chapter exemplifies how to write psychological evaluation reports from a child-centered, rather than a score-centered, perspective that can transform how parents and teachers respond to a child.


text: Rick Perry Daily updated news, gossip, rumors, pictures, videos and more about Rick Perry.TranslationsFrançaisEspañolDeutschItalianoPortuguês中文 Tweeter ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Rick Perry67-year-old politicianRick Perry is a 67-year-old American politician, best known as Texas Governor.Quick FactsName: Rick PerryFull name: James Richard PerryOccupation: politicianAge: 67Born: March, 4 1950 in Paint CreekCitizenship: United StatesThe latest Rick Perry newsRick PerryPolitician to announce shock retirement, at age 67AMP™, 23-11-2017 | Sad news for Perry fans as speculation had been rife that Texas Governor is about to announce his retirement from politics, at age 67, with immediate effect.Read It »Rick PerryDid he get married over the weekend?AMP™, 23-11-2017 | Reports from the Daily News yesterday (November 22, 2017), suggest the 67-year-old politician has secretly got hitched to hist long-term relationship. Sorry ladies, Rick Perry seems to be off the market.Read It »Rick PerryRick Perry goes 'Gangnam Style'AMP™, 23-11-2017 | The 67-year-old politician is said to have been secretly practising 'Gangnam Style' steps, after singer PSY has invited him to join in the famous dance earlier this year.Read It »Rick Perry67-year-old Politician to Be a Dad?AMP™, 23-11-2017 | Speculation is rampant that Rick Perry is expecting a baby after long-time partner was spotted with a prominent stomach bulge on Wednesday evening, during romantic dinner date. Is the 67-year-old politician about to be a dad to a little boy or girl?Read It »Rick PerryDid he just Get Engaged?AMP™, 23-11-2017 | On Tuesday morning the Sun-Times reported the 67-year-old politician Rick Perry and his girlfriend, to be shopping for engagement rings. Naturally, the article sent the Facebook and Twitter into a frenzy.Read It »Rick PerrySplit Rumors: Is the 67-year-old Politician Single Again?AMP™, 23-11-2017 | Earlier this week news reports surfaced that Rick Perry, 67, and his partner had split up. Is Texas Governor really single again?Read It »Rick PerryHighest-Paid Politician in the WorldAMP™, 23-11-2017 | It's been a rough year for the politician, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 67-year-old Rick Perry has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money's highest-paid celebrity list for 2017.Read It »Rick PerryHis Beloved Dog Recovering from SurgeryAMP™, 19-11-2017 | Rick Perry's adored labrador retriever "Spinee" has undergone a risky surgery on Tuesday and is luckily beginning the slow process of recovery. The 67-year-old politician has received waves and waves and support for Spinee, as he offered his Twitter followers an update on pooch's status regularly.Read It »Rick PerryRick Perry named "Sexiest Politician Alive"AMP™, 23-11-2017 | Rick Perry, 67, has been dubbed "the Sexiest Politician Alive" by Glamour's magazine in its December 2017 issue out this week. For the second year in a row, our gorgeous hottie beat out some other equally hot men for the number one spot!Read It »Rick PerryDeath Hoax says "Texas Governor Dies at 67"AMP™, 19-11-2017 | Rick Perry was reported as dead earlier this week, causing concern among fans across the world. However, the November 2017 news has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports.Read It »Rick PerryTime magazine's Person of the Year for 2017?AMP™, 23-11-2017 | According to a reliable source, Texas Governor Rick Perry is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2017. But while the politician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.Read It »


text:
No matter what's been said before, there is no doubt that it is an exciting time to be living in the West Farms. The community of West Farms, located in the west central part of The Bronx, is presently undergoing a major changes in urban renewal. This once vital area was once known for being a hub of commerce during the 19th century. This territory was populated with a multitude of taverns, stores, and a post office, along with a few factories, schools and a couple of mills. West Farms was an essential part of building up that section of the Bronx, as well as its neighboring communities of Morrisania and Fordham. Unfortunately, things took a downward turn for this area in post-war times especially in the turbulent 60s and 70s when the country was undergoing radical changes. However, after a prolonged period of being one of the major designated areas for low-income housing, it is now making strides in becoming upwardly mobile and reclaiming its former glory. Since the millennium, the neighborhood has seen a steady flow of improvements. The plethora of 5-story and 6-story apartment buildings have been renovated and retrofitted to accommodate a number of energy efficient systems. In 2011, there was the conversion of West Farms Square -- a cluster of eight buildings originally built in the 1970s. The renovations included upgraded bathrooms and kitchens as well as individual thermostats and a complete replacement of the buildings' heating system. This has brought about lots of other enhancements in the area. The most exciting of which is a massive development which began in January 2014. The project includes the construction of new buildings totaling 1,325 residential units along with 46,000 square feet of retail space. The area for this complex is located just south of The Bronx Zoo, and is not very far from the 12-acre Starlight Park (across the Sheridan Expressway), which is presently undergoing a major facelift as well. There is also a shopping center and a supermarket close by, making this area quite livable. And, of course, it is also commuter-friendly for those who like to travel to the other boroughs. There is a subway stations at West Farms-E Tremont (formerly 177th St.), and another at 174th Street, where you can catch either the #2 (West Side train) or the #5 (East Side train). Either will get you into Midtown Manhattan in 40-45 minutes.
Image courtesy of Jim Henderson. Used by permission under Public Domain. License Info Photo has been cropped.
Image courtesy of Jim Henderson. Used by permission under Public Domain. License Info Photo has been cropped.
West Farms Market recap(0 availabilities)
Studio: $0 / mo. | 0 Available
Studio: N/A
1BR: $0 / mo. | 0 Available
2BR: $0 / mo. | 0 Available
3BR: $0 / mo. | 0 Available
4BR: $0 / mo. | 0 Available
Penthouses: $0 / mo. | 0 Available
Penthouses: N/A
Neighborhood Information
Subway Lines
- 2
- 5
- Ps 214
- Ps 61
- Ps 67
- Ps 6 West Farms School
- Wings Acad
- Crotona Parkway Malls
- Daly Ave Garden
- Krystal Garden Group
- Mohegan Triangle
- River Garden
- Vidalia Park
- Volky Garden & Flowers
- West Farms Rapids
- West Farms Soldiers Cemetery
Featured buildings
Most viewed listings
Most viewed buildings
Nearby neighborhoods
Most Popular Search Terms
- 1. Queens County, NY
- 2. Harlem - Manhattan, NY
- 3. 1 Bedroom
- 4. 2 Bedrooms
- 5. Elevator
- 6. Laundry in Building


text:
Actual cost�inventory costing method used in manufacturing environments that uses the actual materials costs, machine costs, and labor costs reported against a specific work order to calculate the cost of the finished item.
ASP, Application service provider�a twist in software marketing in which the software licenses are owned by the ASP and reside on their system while the client rents the rights to use the software. The ASP may be the software manufacturer or a third party business. The benefits to an using an ASP are lower upfront costs, quicker implementations, and the reduction of the need for internal IS personnel and mainframe/server hardware. It is hoped that ASPs will allow small to midsize businesses greater access to technology than was previously available. More recently the terms SaaS (Software as a Service) and On-demand Software have emerged to describe this same scenario..
Available�refers to the status of inventory as it relates to its ability to be sold or consumed. Availability calculations are used to determine this status. Availability calculations vary from system to system but basically subtract any current allocations of holds on inventory from the current on-hand balance. An example of an availability calculation would be: [Quantity Available] = [Quantity On Hand] -[ Quantity On Hold] - [Quantity Allocated To Sales Orders] - [Quantity Allocated to Production Orders].
Cantilever Rack�racking system in which the shelving supports are connected to vertical supports at the rear of the rack. There are no vertical supports on the face of the rack allowing for storage of very long pieces of material such as piping and lumber.
Capacity requirements planning�process for determining amount of machine and labor resources required to meet production.
Clear height�distance measured from the floor to the bottom of the lowest hanging overhead obstruction. Sometimes realtors will use the distance to the bottom of the roof trusses to calculate clear height even though portions of the building may have lower clear heights due to HVAC units or other equipment suspended from the roof.
Demand�the need for a specific item in a specific quantity. See Dependent Demand and Independent Demand.
Distribution�describes the process of storing, shipping, and transporting goods. Also describes the facilities (distribution operations, distribution centers) that conduct these activities. In statistical analysis, describes the measurement of a group of events or occurrences (see Normal distribution).
Double-deep rack�a type of pallet rack designed to be used with double-deep reach trucks that allow storage of palletized loads 2-deep in rack. Double-deep rack may be a unique design (designed specifically for double-deep storage) or may just be a double-deep configuration of standard selective pallet rack. Also see Reach truck
Drive-in rack�racking system designed to allow a lift truck to drive into the bay creating very high density storage for non-stackable loads. Useful for operations with limited SKUs and high quantities of pallets per SKU. FIFO is difficult to maintain in drive-in racking systems. a.k.a. Drive-thru Rack.
Drum-handling attachments�describes the various designs of lift-truck attachment used to handle 55 gallon drums. Some are smaller versions of a paper roll clamp while others may engage the upper rim of the drum, or the lower rings. Some drum attachments are capable of picking up multiple drums at the same time.
Flow rack�racking system that incorporates sections of conveyor to allow the cartons or pallets to flow to the face of the rack. Stocking is performed from the rear of the rack.
Forklift�a.k.a Fork Lift. See Lift Trucks.
Forklift-free plants�a strategy to eliminate or reduce forklift use in operations. Used mainly in manufacturing operations, forklift-free usually involves finding ways to eliminate forklift use in specific areas (mainly the production areas). A key benefit is the safety of workers, but other benefits such as better space utilization and reduction of costs associated with lift trucks may also be factors.
Fork positioner�lift truck attachments that allow the operator to adjust the distance between the forks without getting off of the truck. Used primarily in high volume operations where there is a great variety of pallet and crate sizes handled.
Industrial Truck�vehicles used for industrial purposes. Generally used to transport materials and personnel within industrial facilities. Lift trucks (forklifts) are the most well known type of industrial truck.
Inventory�any quantifiable item that you can handle, buy, sell, store, consume, produce, or track can be considered inventory. This covers everything from office and maintenance supplies, to raw material used for manufacturing, to semi-finished and finished goods, to fuel used to power equipment used in the business.
Lead time�amount of time required for an item to be available for use from the time it is ordered. Lead time should include purchase order processing time, vendor processing time, in transit time, receiving, inspection, and any prepack times.
Lead-time demand�forecasted demand during the lead-time period. For example, if your forecasted demand is 3 units per day and your lead time is 12 days, your lead-time demand would be 36 units.
Lift truck�vehicles used to lift, move, stack, rack, or otherwise manipulate loads. Material handling workers use a lot of terms to describe lift trucks; some terms describe specific types of vehicles, others are slang terms or trade names that people often mistakenly use to describe trucks. Terms include, industrial truck, forklift, reach truck, motorized pallet trucks, turret trucks, counterbalanced forklift, walkie, rider, walkie rider, walkie stacker, straddle lift, side loader, order pickers, high lift, cherry picker, Jeep, Towmotor, Yale, Crown, Hyster, Raymond, Clark, Drexel.
Lights-out warehouse�a.k.a. Lights-out facility. Describes fully-automated facilities. The idea being that if the facility requires no human operators, you can run it with no lights. Use of AS/RS units, AGVs, automated conveyors, robots, etc makes this possible.
Maintenance, repair, and operating inventory�(MRO). Inventory used to maintain equipment as well as miscellaneous supplies such as office cleaning supplies.
Man-up�term used to describe lift trucks designed to raise the operator with the load. Order selectors and turret trucks are the most common types of man-up vehicles.
Motorized pallet truck�motorized pallet trucks are the motorized version of the pallet jack. They come in "Walkie" versions or "Rider" versions. As you would expect, the walkie is designed for the operator to walk along with the truck as they move loads, while the rider has a small platform that the operator stands on. The riders work great for frequent moving of loads over extended distances within warehouses and manufacturing operations. a.k.a. Walkie, Walkie-rider, Rider.
Narrow aisle�describes lift trucks that operate in aisles of 8' to 10'. Narrow-aisle trucks are generally stand-up vehicles such as reach trucks.
Order selector�a.k.a. Order Picker. Lift truck designed specifically for manual handling of less than pallet load quantities in racking. Man-up design has fixed forks attached to a platform that elevates the load and the operator to facilitate manual loading and unloading from racking. Order selectors are very-narrow-aisles vehicles that operate in aisles of less than 6'.
Paperless�when referring to processing in the warehouse (paperless picking, paperless receiving) or on the shop floor, paperless generally suggests that the direction of tasks and execution of transactions are conducted electronically without the use of paper documents. This is usually accomplished through the use of fixed or portable computers, bar code scanners, RFID readers, light-signaling technology (pick-to-light), or voice technology. Or maybe it just means you ran out of paper.
Paper-roll clamp�designed specifically for the handling of large paper rolls, the paper roll clamp is a lift truck attachment that clamps around the roll and also allows for a full 360 degree rotation.
Pallet �a portable platform designed to allow a forklift or pallet jack to lift, move, and store various loads. Most pallets are made from wood , but pallets are also made from plastic, steel, and even paper-based materials. Spec'ing a wood pallet involves identifying wood type (hardwood or softwood), overrall pallet size, number and size and spacing of stringers, whether stringers are to be notched for 4-way use, number and size and spacing of deckboards, number and size and spacing of bottom boards, whether deck boards and bottom boards are attached flush with outside stringers or overhang outside stringers. Other options include using a solid deck (rather than separate deck boards), chamfering the deck boards, using treated wood (for international shipments). 2-way pallets allow entry by a forklift from the front or back of the pallet, 4-way pallets have the stringers notched (or use a blocking system instead of stringers) so a forklift can also enter the pallet from either side. The most common sized pallet is the GMA (Grocery Manufacturer's Association) pallet, also called a grocery pallet. It is a 4-way pallet that is 40 inches wide, by 48 inches deep, by 5 inches in height and has the deck boards and bottom boards mounted flush with with the outside stringers. Also see Skid.
Pop-up sorter�sorting equipment integrated into conveyor to move materials off of conveyor at fixed points. Pop-up sorters are installed in fixed positions and may consist of a series of wheel or small belts that are normally located slightly below the conveyor rollers. The wheels or belts are momentarily raised (pop up) to enable diverting materials off of the conveyor.
Purchase order�a document used to approve, track, and process purchased items. A purchase order is used to communicate a purchase to a supplier. It is also used as an authorization to purchase. A purchase order will state quantities, costs, and delivery dates. The purchase order is also used to process and track receipts and supplier invoices/payments associated with the purchase..
Push-back rack�racking system that incorporates a carriage or other sliding device to allow you to feed multiple pallets into the same location "pushing back" the previous pallet.
Push sorter�a very simple fixed-position sorting device used with conveyor systems. A push sorter may use a swinging arm or a simple piston-type pushing device to push materials across the conveyor.
Rack-supported building�warehouse design that uses structural pallet rack to support the roof of a building, eliminating the need for posts. Rack-supported buildings are usually designed for AS/RS systems or turret truck systems where racking is 40 to 100 ft in height.
Reach truck� a.k.a. Stand-up reach, Straddle reach , Double-deep reach. The reach truck is a narrow-aisle (8'-10') lift truck designed specifically for racked pallet storage. It consists of outriggers in front and telescoping forks that use a hydraulic scissors-type mechanism that allow you to pick up the load and retract it over the outriggers reducing the overall truck and load length, allowing you to turn in a narrower aisle. Double-deep reach trucks use an extended reach mechanism that allows you to store pallets two-deep in specially designed double-deep rack. Reach trucks are designed for racking areas only and do not work for loading trucks or quickly moving loads over distances.
Roller conveyor�type of conveyor that uses rollers to move materials. Roller conveyor may be automated (live roller) or simply use gravity (gravity roller) to move materials.
Selective pallet rack�the term selective pallet rack implies standard single-deep pallet rack configurations (and rack designs) where each pallet is immediately accessible from an aisle. In contrast to double-deep rack, drive-in or drive-thru rack, or push-back rack where some loads will be stored behind other loads.
Sideshift�a very common lift truck attachment, the sideshift device allows the fork carriage to slide left and right to allow more accurate placement of the load. Sideshifts will increase productivity and safety as well as reduce product damage by allowing the operator more flexibility in load placement.
Slip-sheet attachment�lift truck attachment used where slip sheets (a sheet of cardboard, paperboard, or plastic) are used rather than pallets. The slip-sheet attachment has a push/pull mechanism that clamps onto the slip sheet and pulls the load onto a thin platform and then pushes the load off of the platform when the truck reaches the destination
Standard cost�inventory costing method used in manufacturing environments that uses the materials costs in the bill of materials combined with the labor costs (based on standard labor hours and rates per operation) and machine costs in the routing to calculate the cost of the finished or semi-finished item.
Straight truck�delivery trucks that do not have a separate tractor and trailer. Straight trucks (also called box vans, or box trucks) usually only have 2 axles and generally have box lengths of between 12 and 30 feet (as opposed to tractor trailers that have 5 axles and trailer lengths of 45 to 53 feet). .
Structural pallet rack�racking system that uses bolts or other mechanical fasteners (as opposed to Boltless Pallet rack). Structural Pallet Rack is sometimes used to support the roof of the structure (Rack-supported buildings), eliminating the need for posts.
Tandems�Refers to the rear tandem axles (the back 8 wheels on an 18 wheeler) on a trailer that can be adjusted forward or backward on the trailer to even out load weights or make for more stable loading (tandems all the way back).
Trailer� a.k.a. Semi Trailer, Tractor Trailer. Generally describes enclosed trailers used to transport materials between locations. Standard lengths for trailers are 45', 48', and 53, with standard internal width of 98" to 99" and internal height of 105" to 110". Refrigerated trailers, also known as "reefers," have smaller internal widths of between 90" and 96" and heights of 96" to 100". Other types of trailers include flatbeds, low boys, and container chassis. Also see Container
Turret truck�turret trucks are a man-up lift truck similar to an order selector with the exception that rather than fixed forks the forks are mounted on an additional mast and carriage that operates as a turret, turning 90 degrees in either direction facilitating picking and stocking on either side of the aisle. The man-up design makes it easer to handle loads in very tall racking. Very-narrow-aisle trucks are generally recommended to be used in conjunction with a guidance system (wire, rails, optical) within the aisles to increase safety and reduce property damage. Also Turret Trucks require that the floor be perfectly flat and level to operate correctly.
Very narrow aisle�Lift trucks that operate in aisles less than six feet and often use guidance systems (wire, rail, or optical) to travel within the aisles. Types of VNA trucks include order selectors, swing mast, pivot, mast, and turret trucks.
VNA�Very narrow aisle (see separate listing)
Walkie or Walkie-rider�see Motorized Pallet Truck
For more go to: http://www.inventoryops.com/dictionary.htm


text:
While 15 Muslim leaders boycotted the mayor's annual interfaith breakfast Friday morning, others there distanced themselves from the protesters by praising Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the NYPD for keeping the city safe.
"We support the mayor and the [police] commissioner for their efforts and, regarding this issue, I think some of . . . are misguided," Mohammad Razvi, executive director of the nonprofit Council of Peoples Organization, said at the event in midtown's New York Public Library.
The leaders had called for the boycott because of the mayor's support for the NYPD's surveillance of the Muslim community.
Imam Qazi Mohd A. Qayyoom of the Muhammadi community center in Jackson Heights said, "If they have anything to say, they must come here, join together and say it." He called the boycotting leaders "radicals," adding "somewhere they're doing something wrong, that's why they don't want police to go there to find out what they're doing."
Linda Sarsour, executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, one of the groups that participated in the boycott, disagreed, saying: "While there were Muslims in attendance, there is consensus among the Muslim American community that NYPD's suspicionless surveillance is unequivocally wrong and must be investigated."
According to an Associated Press investigation, police sent informants into mosques, monitored people who legally changed their names or adopted the Islamic faith, and infiltrated organizations in the name of preventing terrorism.
Bloomberg has defended the NYPD, which denies the accusations in the AP report. Bloomberg did not address the controversy during his 13- minute speech at the breakfast, but he quoted his father, who said "discrimination against anyone is discrimination against everyone." Some of those at the breakfast supported the boycott. Rabbi Michael Weisser of the Free Synagogue of Flushing said that he understood what it was like when a government singled out a certain community. He said that he would work with Muslim leaders to sit down with the mayor and "bridge the gap between the city's story and the AP story."
"I think that other faith groups should be concerned because, if it's true that there's unfettered surveillance, anybody can be surveilled. It almost goes with what the mayor said when he quoted his father," Weisser said.
With AP


text:
Foundation stone
I've just come across this quote from Jürgen Habermas, but can find little about what he says to back it up.
Christianity, and nothing else, is the ultimate foundation of liberty, conscience, human rights, and democracy, the benchmarks of Western civilization. To this day, we have no other options [than Christianity]. We continue to nourish ourselves from this source. Everything else is postmodern chatter.
It interests me because this notion has been with me for some time, but I do not know enough to delve any deeper. Put crudely, the concern is this: on fundamental questions such as the equal value of each individual, which derives from the Judeo-Christian vision of the immortal soul, will it be enough for a secular society to assert their truth in law? Or will that position be gradually and irretrievable undermined by technology? Lacking a metaphysical or transcendent anchor, will a secular society merely be able to reflect what can be done rather than impose what should be done?
I found another statement of Habermas's views here at Aimee Milburn's blog. She quotes Virgil Nemoianu, Professor of Literature and Philosophy at Catholic University of America, who has examined the transcripts of the Habermas-Ratzinger debate in 2004.
From the very beginning . . . Habermas admits the legitimacy of the question as to whether the secularized and rights-founded state is not nourished from normative premises that are alien to its own nature and antedate it. "This would raise some doubts as to the ability of the constitutional democratic state to renew its existential foundations from its own resources, rather than from philosophical and religious, or at least from a general ethical communal prior understanding."


text:
Beyond Two Souls : preview
In a nondescript office block on the east side of central Paris, there is a game development studio that is very, very interested in emotion. Even if you had never heard co-founder David Cage talking on the subject, even if you missed wrought psychological thrillers such as Fahrenheit and Heavy Rain, you'd know that 'emotion' is an important abstract noun here. That's because huge letters spelling out the word have been hung on one wall overlooking the area where many of the staff sit and code. Whenever they look up from their PCs, the word emotion towers over them with Orwellian menace. Quantic Dream is a factory of feeling.
And its latest product, Beyond: Two Souls, certainly has emotional drama in surfeit. It has life, it has death, it has birth. Yes, birth. Just keep that in mind, we'll come back to it.
You may already be aware of the concept behind the game. Jodie Holmes is a girl with a gift – though at dark times in this supernatural biopic she will call it a curse. Since birth, she has been psychically attached to a spectral presence named Aiden, which has taken on the role of a rather jealous and angry guardian. Holmes is played by Ellen Page who filmed for weeks in Quantic Dreams' advanced motion capture studio, lending not only her voice, but her body and face to the character. It is one of the most convincing digital performances we've yet seen: 80 reflective markers were placed on the actor's face through the capture sessions and they convey every nuance of emotion; it is eerily photographic at times. And Page inhabits this character with as much conviction as she has in any of her movie roles. "It was surprising," says Cage. "She told me that there were many aspects of Jodie's story that reminded her of her own life and things that she went through. She really became jodie - she would sometimes refuse to deliver lines, saying, 'no Jodie would never say that'. I had to say, 'hey Ellen, I'm the writer!'"
We follow Jodie's story from the age of eight to 23 – an ambitious 15-year span in a medium that rarely shows characters ageing. We see her taken away for analysis by the apparently well-meaning psychic researcher Nathan Dawkins (played by Willem Dafoe), and later we see her homeless on the streets of some dead-end town, contemplating suicide. What happens in between is the emotional meat of the game and it seems to take her from a claustrophobic and observed childhood through to the vast deserts of the American West. "While writing Beyond, I was thinking about what makes a life," continues Cage. "There's love, hate, death - there are happy moments, there are very depressing moments. I thought, how can I put all this in this in a game? How can we offer that journey? I think we're only just at the beginning of an era in which games can address these wider themes."
Players don't just control Jodie, they can also hit the Triangle button to play as Aiden, free to whoosh through floors, ceilings and walls, while using telekinetic powers to shove and smash objects. The two characters must collaborate to progress, and Aiden can only ever move a certain distance from his human charge – they are bound by some sort of ethereal chain. There is no escape for either of them. In practise, this relationship works like most asymmetric partnerships in games: if there is an object Jodie can't reach, Aiden can probably get to it.
Deliberately and characteristically, Cage is keeping many of the plot details hidden. We know that something terrible happens. While Jodie is still assisting Dawkins, a government paranormal research facility accidentally unleashes a group of furious and psychotic phantasms, which murder a lab full of scientists and their would-be military rescuers. Jodie offers to go in and look for survivors. What she finds haunts her for the rest of her life.
The game is essentially a narrative adventure, each 'scene' playing out a key moment in the character's life. In a structure Cage refers to as 'chronological disorder', these scenes are experienced out of sequence: one minute you might be controlling Jodie as a child, undergoing telepathy tests in Dawkins's creepy lab; the next you might be the teenage Jodie, on the run from government forces. It's a structure inspired by movies like Memento and Pulp Fiction. "It's very intriguing, it provides a new level of interactivity," explains Cage. "You don't just watch a story, you have to think about it, you have to connect the dots - the player is a part of the process of reconstructing the events. When people first read the script they were worried gamers would get completely lost, but when it was in the game, testers were really positive, they felt clever because they had to put the pieces together."
During a press tour of the Quantic Dreams office, Cage sits a large group of journalists down in the motion capture studio and talks us through a 45 minute demo of quite arresting intensity. It is a scene named Homeless. Jodie is 23 and freezing to death on the streets when she is saved and befriended by a homeless man named Stan; he takes her back to a small vagrant community making shelter beneath a concrete overpass – they are troubled individuals, existing on begged food and each other's companionship; one of them is Tuesday a heavily pregnant woman terrified to seek medical help for the delivery in case her child is taken into care. Throughout the scene, Jodie helps Stan as he begs for food; when Stan is attacked by a bunch of thugs, Jodie steps in and saves him, using the game's fluid combat system to see them off.
The interface is an evolution of the system that Quantic Dreams designed for Heavy Rain. Players move Jodie around the environment using the left analogue stick, and anything she can interact with is marked with a white dot: to use the object, you simply move the right analogue stick in the appropriate direction – so if Jodie approaches a door, pushing the right stick forward makes her stretch out her arm to push it open. Every action in the game is contextual - there are no real gameplay mechanics, no jump or crouch functions. Sometimes, if Jodie has to climb along a ledge or through an open window, there will be a specific button to press, with a command displayed onscreen, as in Heavy Rain, but this apparently is rare.
And the story changes with the decisions and actions of the player. There are apparently dozens of ways each scene can play out, the ramifications stretching away into the future. Gameplay, too, is affected by chronology. "Every scene of Jodie's life is a challenge, and you have to adapt to each context," says lead gameplay designer, Caroline Marchal. "Aiden's powers are more limited when Jodie is a child, for example."</lj-cut>Read the rest at the source, UK Guardian.
Looks really interesting; the interactive novel-type game and ones with popular actors seem to have hit roadblocks on their past attempts, so I wonder if this will really shine a light on the genre?


text:
Free Shipping Over $75* Holiday Sale Event >Why Shop Eurway.com?
• 150 Watt rotary switch• Brushed steel body• Smoked mercury glass outer shade• Off-white fabric inner shade
The Presley Tall Floor Lamp has a simple, brushed steel rectangular base and central support pole body. It is topped by a bell-shaped, up light mercury glass shade from which an inner off-white fabric shade liner may be removed so that a decorative antique bulb can be used and will be visible through the glass. This modern floor lamp requires a 150 Watt three-way incandescent or three-way CFL bulb operated by a rotary socket switch. A matching table lamp and a shorter floor lamp are also available.
Price: $489.00
Price: $119.00
Price: $169.00
Price: $218.00
Price: $318.00
Price: $339.00
Price: $329.00
Price: $249.00
Price: $299.00
Price: $398.00
Price: $359.00
Price: $99.00
Price: $129.00
Price: $149.00
Price: $229.00
Price: $429.00
Price: $69.00-$79.00


text:
Related Articles
- Saniflo reach their silver jubilee. // Builders Merchants Journal;Jun2004, p38
Features the several products manufactured by Saniflo company. Introduction of the Sanicompact, a systemless WC with an in-built macerator pump; Features of Sanitop which can accommodate waste from showers , baths and bidets; Product design of the Sanivite unit that can resist the hot water...
- Modern HR and sweeping reforms help to cut police force sick days. // Personnel Today;1/14/2003, p4
Focuses on the annual report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) on the percentage drop in working days lost per officer due to sickness between 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 in Great Britain. Reason for the decline in sick leaves; Decline in number of police officers retiring on...
- UNIVERSAL SICK PAY COVERAGE ADOPTED IN DENMARK. // Monthly Labor Review;Jul73, Vol. 96 Issue 7, p49
Reports on key issues and developments relevant to the universal sick pay coverage adopted in Denmark compiled as of July 1973. Extension of the sick pay coverage to all income earners; Beneficiaries; Coverage requirements; Features of the sick pay system; Implications on labor and employee...
- Ministry's sick leave remedy under fire. Carey, Nick // Prague Business Journal;3/4/2002, Vol. 7 Issue 9, p1
Focuses on the proposal of Czech government on sick leave issues. Changes in sick-leave payments; Percentage of salary received by employees during leave of absence; Effect of the existing system on employees with high salary.
- Changes to sick-pay plan. // Accountancy;Apr1981, Vol. 92 Issue 1052, p18
Reports on the British government's plan to make employers responsible for the first eight weeks of statutory sick-pay benefits to their employees.
- Employers feel most ills of sick-leave plan. Gabrielsen, David // Crain's Cleveland Business;8/25/2008, Vol. 29 Issue 34, p8
The article presents the author's views on an initiative in which Ohio employers would be required to give their employees a minimum of seven sick days per year. He informs that people in Ohio are the third-most taxed in the U.S. He says that many manufacturers have left Ohio because the cost of...
- Auxiliary cops in malls able to create safer environment. SHARIF, AIZAT // Malay Mail;10/18/2012, p2
The article reports on the deployment of auxiliary policemen in shopping malls in Malaysia to provide a safer environment.
- San Diego report: All tearoom users got the eye. Wargo, Douglas A. // Advocate;11/6/74, Issue 150, p22
Reports on the observation of male customers using sinks and urinals inside a men's restroom of a departmental store in San Diego Mission Valley Shopping Center, May Co. San Diego, California by police squad. Involvement of men in acts of sodomy, oral copulation and lewd activities in the...
- High sick rates for Kent Police. // Personnel Today;2/12/2008, p2
The article reports that Kent Police, Kent, England has defended its absence rate following a report revealing that almost 10% of officers take more than 28 days off sick every year. The force released figures under the Freedom of Information Act, showing that more than 300 workers were sick for...


text:
Libya Dialogue members meet in Tunisia but without eastern members
(January 22) The UN-brokered Libya Dialogue met in the town of Mammamet in Tunisia to assess the progress of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and discuss changing parts of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA).
|However, the delegation from the eastern-based rival government the House of Representatives (HoR) was absent from the meeting. According to HoR spokesperson Abdullah Bulaihak, the parliamentary deputy president Emhemed Shouaib and others were ordered not to attend by Ageela Saleh head of the HoR. Apparently Shouaib and the other members of the HoR delegation are no longer representatives of the HoR. There are unconfirmed reports that Shouaib was to fly back to Tobruk, the site of the HoR government, for consultations. Bulahaik said a new team had to be chosen and this would not happen until tomorrow at the earliest.