Abstract: A memory control apparatus and method for operating a plurality of digital signal processors (DSPs) using a single memory slot and buffer are provided. Exemplary embodiments provide at least one DSP for processing different signals, a flash memory that can record and reproduce a digital signal, a plurality of selection switches located on signal lines between the DSP and the flash memory for switching the signals, a three-state buffer that selectively outputs insert information of the memory to the DSPs according to a control signal, a control unit for providing the control signal for controlling switching of the signals, and a key input unit for determining input/output operation modes. The control unit records and reproduces the data in the flash memory according to the operation mode determined through the key input unit.

Abstract: Provided are a network scanner and a method of organizing and maintaining a network scanning system, which makes a list of users who are currently connected to the network scanner and automatically maintains the users connections to the network scanner even when an Internet protocol (IP) address of the network scanner changes. The method involves (a) enabling the computer to transmit user information to the network scanner, the user information being input by a user of the computer with the use of a client program installed in the computer; (b) enabling the network scanner to receive the user information from the client program; and (c) enabling the network scanner to make a user list by using the received user information.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and method for converting analog signal into digital signal corresponding to an operation mode is disclosed. The image scanning device and method include an input unit for selectively inputting an operation mode based on a document to be scanned, an image sensor for scanning the image of the document corresponding to the selected operation mode in order to output the image as an analog image signal. The apparatus and method also include an analog to digital (A/D) unit for converting the scanned analog image signal into a digital image signal by variably applying an upper reference voltage and a lower reference voltage corresponding to the selected operation mode. The apparatus and method further include a control unit for controlling the A/D unit to convert the analog image signal into the digital image signal corresponding to the selected operation mode.

Abstract: A Digital Video Disc Player/Video Cassette Recorder (DVDP/VCR) combination system having a DVDP and a VCR provided with a DVDP driving information storage unit and a VCR driving information storage unit. The DVDP/VCR combination system controls the DVDP and the VCR in accordance with DVDP driving information and VCR driving information stored in the DVDP driving information storage unit and the VCR driving information storage unit, respectively.

Abstract: A downlink channel scheduling method and apparatus for obtaining optimal system performance in a downlink of a wireless communication system using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme are provided. Terminals compute a plurality of channel capacities and search for a channel with a maximum capacity. The terminals send, to a base station (BS), feedback information including a channel number and a capacity value of the channel with the maximum capacity. The BS performs a first channel allocation process for allocating a channel with an optimal capacity to each terminal on the basis of the feedback information. The BS performs a second channel allocation process for allocating an adjacent channel to a corresponding terminal using the window bit when the terminal is not allocated a channel in the first channel allocation process.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching symbols in parallel broadcast channels to time division multiplexed data streams comprises first and second ping-pong buffers. The first ping-pong buffer is configured to store a first plurality of the parallel broadcast channels therein. The second ping-pong buffer is operable to store a second plurality of the broadcast channels therein. The second plurality of broadcast channels arrive at the second ping-pong buffer prior to the arrival of the first plurality of broadcast channels at the first ping pong buffer. The apparatus also comprises a routing switch connected to the outputs of the first and second ping-pong buffers, and a first frame assembler connected to the routing switch. The routing switch controls the writing of the contents of the second ping-pong buffer to the first frame assembler.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of an FM-modulated audio signal from an auxiliary source, and operating a switch to provide that audio signal to a tuner in lieu of the radio frequency signal received at the tuner antenna. The tuner can be a vehicle tuner. The system also comprises a modulator unit for modulating the audio signal and an output plug for insertion into a cigarette lighter receptacle or power receptacle of a vehicle. A radio frequency transmission line, such as a coaxial cable, connects the cigarette lighter receptacle or power receptacle to the vehicle battery and to an antenna switch unit and transports both DC power and the FM-modulated audio signal. The antenna switch unit comprises switched inputs for the vehicle antenna and the output from the modulator unit, and a radio frequency signal detection device for detecting when the FM-modulated audio signal is present. The antenna switch unit provides the output from the modulator unit to the tuner whenever it is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus encode a source data stream via convolutional encoding. Plural encoded data streams are interleaved and transmitted on plural transmission channels. Data groups generated via convolutional encoding are interleaved via time-interleaving functions to disperse selected bits within puncture groups of the data groups, bits in between data groups, and bits in selected sets of data groups to facilitate reconstruction of the source data stream from at least a portion of the interleaved data stream received on at least one transmission channel. The time-interleaving functions are selected to facilitate reconstruction of the source data stream from one transmission channel following continuous blockage. Subsets of bits of puncture groups are selected to allow reconstruction of the source data stream from more than one of the transmission channels using a minimum number of subsets.

Abstract: A data encryption/decryption system is provided which encrypts a critical file to a software program using an embedded executable. The executable programs a user computer to prompt a user to purchase a license key to decrypt the critical file in order to run the software program.

Abstract: A premises gateway is provided with respect to a subscriber's premises and a plurality of different transmission media for connecting to network devices and host systems on a network. The premises gateway has interchangeable network interface cards and cards for communicating with different nodes on a subscriber's premises using different transmission media and protocols. The nodes are provided with premises network interfaces which operate in conjunction with the premises gateway to allow, for example, devices connected to the same telephone line, but to different telephone wall jacks, to be addressed separately. The premises gateway can communicate analog signals and broadband signals on a twisted pair to the same node. The premises gateway can also be provided at a central office to operate as an Internet protocol gateway.

Abstract: A satellite direct radio broadcast system is provided which assembles bits of broadcast programs into prime rate increments, several of which are assembled into a frame. Frames are divided into symbols which are demultiplexed into alternating ones of a plurality of prime rate channels. The prime rate channels are demultiplexed onto a corresponding number of broadcast frequencies for transmission to a satellite. The satellite payload switches the symbols into time division multiplexed (TDM) data streams. The receivers process the TDM streams using service control headers (SCHs) provided therein by broadcast stations. The SCHs facilitate transmission of different service components within broadcast channel frames, association of a primary broadcast channel with one or more secondary broadcast channels on a frame-to-frame basis, and the transmission of multiframe bit streams, or auxiliary data throughout a broadcast channel that are independent of a service, in contiguous or non-contiguous frames.

Abstract: A satellite direct radio broadcast system is provided which assembles bits of broadcast programs into prime rate increments, several of which are assembled into a frame. Frames are divided into symbols which are demultiplexed into alternating ones of a plurality of prime rate channels. The broadcast channel frame is encoded for forward error correction (FEC) using an R-½ Viterbi coder or a R-¾ Viterbi coder, depending on the desired bit rate for a time division multiplexed (TDM) stream comprising the broadcast channel. A broadcast station is configured to format FEC-encoded broadcast channel frames into TDM frames when transmission of the TDM frames by a transparent payload on-board a satellite is used.

Abstract: A composite gasket for forming a seal between a pipe bell and a spigot comprises a first axially disposed portion formed of an elastomeric material and has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge, and a second axially disposed portion, adjacent the first axially disposed portion, formed of a generally non-elastomeric substantially rigid plastic, which comprises multiple, axially extending, laterally spaced apart, ramp-like projections separated by circumferential valleys, which expose elastomeric material. Fluid entering the valleys during a high pressure surge force the composite gasket into a tighter seal.

Abstract: A system for managing a satellite and a number of broadcast stations, which generate programs for transmission to remote radio receivers on broadcast channels via the satellite, comprises a satellite control system for controlling the attitude and orbit of the satellite and on-board processing of the programs uplinked to the satellite. A broadcast control system is connected to the satellite control center and to the broadcast stations. The broadcast control system assigns selected ones of the broadcast channels to service providers desiring to uplink at least one of the programs to the satellite, to store channel data relating to the assignments of the broadcast channels and provide the channel data to the satellite control system, and to bill the service providers according to the number of the broadcast channels assigned thereto.

Abstract: A material spacer is disclosed for stacking warehouse materials such as sheets of drywall or other construction materials. The material spacer is basically an elongated member formed of an expanded high density polystyrene material having a density of approximately 2.5 to 6.0 pounds per cubic foot. Preferably, the material spacer is a rectangular block-shaped member having first and second ends with a pair of opposed support surfaces extending therebetween. The material spacer is at least approximately four feet in length between the first and second free ends. A black or dark resin is preferably used to form the material spacer. In a first embodiment, the material spacer has parallel support surfaces, while in a second embodiment, the material spacer has its bottom support surface angled to accommodate the slope of the bed or deck of a vehicle, e.g., the deck of a rail car.

Abstract: The Distributed Gaming System provides a user with remote location gaming, for example from within a hotel room. Using the room's television and a remote control, the user, such as a hotel guest, is able to play games similar to those available on a Video Lottery Terminal. The games are displayed on a TV through the use of a TV set-top box. The set top box connects the TV to a network of computer systems through which the Gaming System is distributed and managed. Game access is obtained using a payment swipe device. A special feature of system is the progressive jackpots that are available to game players; these jackpots are at the hotel, jurisdiction, and global levels.

Abstract: An electrically heated convection oven with built-in rotisserie for rotisserie roasting, baking, broiling, defrosting, and dehydrating foodstuff is characterized by the use of two motors. One for operating a fan which rotates within the heating chamber to create high velocity air flow throughout the heating chamber; the second one for rotating the rotisserie spit. The second motor is also utilized to drive a cooling fan that draws air over electronic controls to keep them safely cool. The electronic controls comprise a microcomputer which is pre-programmed to recognize input from a user and to process information from an air temperature sensor in the oven. The heating chamber features generously radiused, interior surfaces which from an integral, parabolic, reflective surface with substantial width for enhancing air flow, to increase air velocities and create evenness of heat within the heating chamber, thereby contributing to the performance of the oven.

Abstract: A sport shirt or other garment is provided with a load-distributing shoulder yoke for relieving the strain resulting from carrying a golf bag or the like. The load-distributing yoke comprises an outer layer of fabric and an inner layer of filler material below the outer layer of fabric, with the filler material serving to cushion the shoulders and upper torso of the wearer against the weight of the golf bag strap. The filler material preferably comprises a breathable, low-density material for venting body heat and evaporating moisture. The load-distributing yoke may further comprise a bottom layer of fabric below the inner layer of filler material.

Abstract: A modular battery terminal connector assembly designed to connect batteries together in series or in parallel. The connector assembly has a first electrically conductive elbow member, an electrically conductive connecting member and a second electrically conductive connecting member. The first conductive elbow member is coupled at one end to a first terminal of a first battery, preferably, by a toolless socket which frictionally engages and grips the first terminal of the first battery. The other end of the first conductive elbow member is coupled to a second terminal of a second battery, preferably, by a toolless socket. The conductive connecting member interconnects the first and second conductive elbow members together, preferably, by a pair of toolless sockets. In some embodiments, the toolless sockets are fixedly coupled to the elbow members, while the connecting member is either a single rod or a plurality of rods interconnected by sleeve members.