Abstract: A bidirectional radio system for low cost, high through-put accumulation of data from a large number of site units. The site units are connected to remote radio transceivers in radio communication with a plurality of base stations. Accurate frequency synchronization allows multiple carriers within a 12.5 kHz FCC bandwidth. Frequency synchronization is achieved at low cost by transmitting a high accuracy carrier and clock signal at a base station, and using receiving circuitry a remote stations to extract the base clock signal and base carrier frequency and a phase-lock loop to stabilize the remote station carriers. The reception circuitry at a remote station provides independent carrier frequency and clock rate recovery, a phase-lock loop at baseband, and a coarse clock rate recovery circuit coupled to a fine clock rate recovery circuit. Remote station responses are time domain multiplexed.

Abstract: A cable television system has a multiplicity of television program sources providing television signals in various predefined television signal formats. The program sources include continuous television sources provided to all users free of charge as well as pay-per-view program sources transmitted to users only upon request. Each television has a multi-standard receiver for receiving television signals in those predefined television signal formats, and is coupled to a transmission medium such as a coaxial cable. A television signal switch transmits the television signals from various ones of the program sources onto the transmission media in assigned respective frequency channels. Hidden behind each television, or elsewhere out of view of the user, is a converter coupling the respective television to the transmission media. The only connection from the converter to the television is a cable connected to the television's cable or antennae input port.

Abstract: An active multichannel video processing hub which provides optinum transition from fiber to coaxial cable, provides optimum trading of bandwidth for signal to noise ratio. Fiber optic links have a very large bandwidth capability. Larger distances can be covered with fiber optic links without repeaters. This offers not only saving in maintenance, but has no radiation and offers bidirectional capabilities not easily achievable with coax-based trunks. Scrambled signals are transmitted over the fiber and converted to VSB-AM signals at the hub for transmission over the coaxial portion of the trunk. This keeps the bulky and complex headend scrambling equipment in one central location instead of spreading it over many hub locations. The inherent heterodyne processing capabilities of the hub permit it to link headends with different frequency plans. Also, the hub-based trunk does not obsolete existing equipment and method of operation.

Abstract: A subscription television distribution system provides a plurality of sources of television program channels, each of which include a video signal and an encrypted audio signal with the encrypted audio signal including encrypted control and subscriber address data. There is a communication link connecting the plurality of sources with at least one receiving site such as a cable system head end which has means for receiving the plurality of television channels. At the receiving site, the encrypted audio signals are separated from the television channel and are multiplexed together on an non-television channel carrier. An identifying tag is added to each of the video signals for use in subsequently selecting the audio signal corresponding to its associated video signal when the encrypted audio signals are demultiplexed at subscriber locations. At each subscriber there is a TV audio decrypter which selects the tag from a video signal and uses that tag to demultiplex a particular audio signal.

Abstract: A TV remote volume control includes an RF input for receiving the video modulated RF carrier and the audio modulated RF carrier, both with common mode spurious deviation. The audio modulated RF carrier is demodulated to provide a baseband audio signal without common mode spurious deviation. The video modulated RF carrier is used to provide a video RF carrier signal with common mode spurious deviation. The baseband audio is volume controlled and the volume controlled baseband audio is then used to provide an audio modulated IF carrier. The volume controlled audio modulated IF carrier is combined with the video carrier with common mode spurious deviation to provide a volume controlled audio modulated RF carrier with common mode spurious deviation.

Abstract: A TV frequency modulation feedback loop (FMFB) remote volume control includes an RF input and a mixing means with the RF input being connected to and providing one input for the mixing means. A voltage controlled oscillator is connected to the mixing means and provides the other input thereto. The output from the mixing means is an IF FM sound signal which is connected to a demodulator. A remotely operable deviation control is connected to the output of the demodulator for changing the amplitude of the demodulated sound signal. The deviation control is connected to and provides a deviation controlled input for the VCO.

Abstract: An electrical control module to provide both remote and wall-operated switching for an electrical device such as a lamp. The control module includes a receptacle for the lamp plug, a remote on/off switch and a plug for insertion into the outlet connected to the wall on/off switch for the lamp. A power input is provided for the control module either from the wall outlet receptacle or from a separate receptacle. There are first and second relays within the control module which are effective to provide for independent on/off switching of the lamp by either the remote switch or the wall switch.

Abstract: A hybrid TV frequency modulation feedback loop (FMFB) remote volume control includes an RF input and an intercarrier audio detector circuit connected thereto to provide a baseband audio signal. An amplitude control is provided for the audio signal. There are means for using the video carrier at the RF input to provide a signal representative of common mode spurious deviation (CMSD). There are circuit means for combining the common mode spurious deviation signal the amplitude controlled baseband audio signal, from the intercarrier audio detector and for providing an aural carrier signal having common mode spurious deviation and amplitude controlled audio.