Abstract: The problem of allocating bandwidth on the upstream channel of an HFC cable network for contention-based transmission of requests that are used to reserve upstream bandwidth for transmission of user data is solved by a method of allocation which dynamically adapts to the prevailing offered load of reservation requests. In one embodiment this is done by determining an appropriate size for a contention interval in each upstream transmission frame by attempting to balance the rates of flow of user data into and out of a virtual global data queue using a fluid approximation method that is based on a solution to a balanced equation relating the demand and supply of slots for data transmission within each frame.

Abstract: A first data stream (26) requested by a first client (1) is received at a router (16). A second data stream (24) requested by a second client (2) is also received at the router (16). The router (16) determines that the first data stream (26) and the second data stream (24) are identical. The router (16) multicasts the first data stream (26) and the second data stream (24) into a single multicast data stream (28). The single multicast data stream (28) is transmitted to the first client (1) and to the second client (2).

Abstract: A cable management system for electronic patchboard and routing systems. Cables are fabricated in a uniform length with appropriate termination Functional sets of cables are bundled and enclosed in a distinctly identifiable bundling material. Bundles are wrapped around a reel which has features for removable attachment to a cabinet. Reels are removably mounted to the cabinet at locations chosen to facilitate neat cable dressing. Appropriate lengths of cable are unwound from the reel. Cables are connected to associated connection points while leaving excess cable lengths wrapped around the reel.

Abstract: An artificial valve stent for maintaining patent one way flow within a biological passage is disclosed. The artificial valve includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with the interior surface of a generally tubular passage. Also disclosed is a deployment catheter including an inner catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon at its the distal end for dilation and occlusion of the passage, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of and proximal to the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions in conformance with the interior surface of the passage. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed or functioning artificial valve, and a microembolic filter tube are usable with the deployment catheter.

Abstract: A television receiver includes an MPEG decoder for providing decoded pixel blocks. Decoded pixels are recompressed prior to storage in frame memory. In the recompression process a reference first pixel is compressed as a function of a pixel block parameter. A reconstructed reference pixel value is used in a prediction network when reconstructing remaining pixels of the pixel block prior to display. A first pixel processor accurately compresses a reference pixel which prevents the propagation of a prediction error throughout the reconstructed block.

Abstract: A method whereby a programmable signal source produces a desired output signal which is transferred by a conduit means or conducting means into a patient by percutaneous venous insertion. The output signal is either vibrational or electrical. If vibrational, the conduit means or one or more transducers radiates the output signal into the treatment site within a patient. If electrical, one or more transducers receive the output signal and convert the output signal into vibration and then radiate it into the treatment site within a patient. The treatment site is the location of a catheter or other intravenous device, residing within the patient for the purposes of gas exchange in the blood stream or for other long-term treatment. The presence of the vibration increases the efficiency of intravenous gas exchanging devices significantly, and prevents clot formation on the surface of intravenous devices.

Abstract: A flexible and kink-proof intra-cavity delivery catheter for precise placement and injection of therapeutic agent(s) into and/or through the wall of a body cavity at a precise treatment site with even distribution throughout. One or more needle assemblies are disposed around a calibrated balloon which, when inflated, brings each needle assembly into contact with and enables the piercing of the cavity wall to a calibrated depth. Each needle assembly consists of a plurality of tissue insertion needles along the longitudinal axis of the needle assembly. Precise amounts of the therapeutic agent are then quickly delivered through the needle assembly directly into the diseased body tissue. When the calibrated balloon is deflated, retraction members pull the needle assemblies back into the catheter body for catheter repositioning or catheter withdrawal.