Abstract: A system and method of powering a fiber optic communication network are provided which transmits communication data between a telephone company central office and remote user device. The system includes a power source configured to provide an electrical supply voltage to a digital subscriber line access multiplexer. The power source having an AC power feed for providing power to the digital subscriber line access multiplexer and a DC power feed for providing power to the digital subscriber line access multiplexer when the AC power feed is not supplying power. Further, an electrical conducting medium configured to conduct the electrical supply voltage and the communication data from the digital subscriber line access multiplexer to the remote user device is provided.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber coaxial communication (“HFC”) system configured to provide voice, video, and data services between a headend and a user gateway device at synchronous optical network (“SONET”) transmission rates. The HFC system comprises a broadband terminal in a headend, an optical to electrical (“O/E”) conversion node and a user gateway device. The user gateway device is located in a subscriber premise and provides the voice service to call devices, the video service to video display devices, and the data service to data display devices directly connected to the user gateway. The broadband terminal is configured to exchange voice, video, and data traffic with the user gateway via the O/E conversion node at SONET transmission rates. The optical to electrical conversion node is configured to convert upstream and downstream communications between optical carrier transmission rates and their electrical equivalent transmission rates.

Abstract: A system and method for providing broadband data service to a user site utilizes a plurality of well-known virtual paths between the host digital terminal and the network interface. The host digital terminal connects to a network that is connected to a plurality of data service providers. The plurality of well-known virtual paths allow several data service providers to share a single physical drop.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: A broadband communication system and method utilizing an asynchronous transfer mode core switch is provided. A plurality of central offices are connected to the asynchronous transfer mode network. An asynchronous transfer mode core switch connects to the asynchronous transfer mode network. The core switch is connected to each central office to allow an information provider, such as a video or data provider, to communicate with the plurality of central offices through the core switch. That is, the core switch provides numerous advantages, including a defined point of entry into the asynchronous transfer mode network.

Abstract: A foam core cushion mattress assembly provides semi-independent foam pillars on the upper surface of the mattress. The mattress may be unitary, or comprise three cushioning components: a base, a body support cushion, and a foot cushion insert. A removable fabric cover envelops the mattress assembly. The body support cushion is constructed from a flat, rectangular solid, foam element whose upper surface is cut into an array of rectangular solid pillars, preferably by a hot wire cutting method. The array of rectangular solid pillars is grouped into a central array comprising pillars with generally square top surfaces and edge rows of rectangular solid pillars having rectangular top surfaces. The depth of the hot wire cuts into the surface of the body support cushion is preferably approximately one-half the overall thickness of the body support cushion or approximately three fourths of the length of the shortest face of the pillar. A zippered fabric cover removably envelops the assembled cushioning components.

Abstract: An electrical interface arrangement includes a first buss bar, and a feed through connector fixed to the first buss bar. A second buss bar extends through the feed through connector, and is slidable relative thereto. The feed through connector electrically couples the first buss bar to the second buss bar as the second buss bar is slid through the feed through connector.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting, integrating, and distributing video, data, and telephony signals in a fiber optic communications network for transmission along a twisted copper pair to a customer location. The video, data, and telephony signals are received by a digital subscriber loop access multiplexer and are superimposed onto the twisted copper pair using a service area interface. The system and method enables a customer to receive video, data, and telephony communication data along a single twisted copper pair at relatively high data transfer rates. Additionally, since portions of the existing communication infrastructure are used the cost of implementation is reduced.

Abstract: An asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) based very-high-bit-rate subscriber line (VDSL) communication system includes an optical ring having a plurality of multiplexers. An information provider is connected to the optical ring via a first one of the multiplexers. The information provider includes an ATM core switch operable with the first one of the multiplexers for transmitting data and video signals on to the optical ring and for receiving data signals from the optical ring. Each of a plurality of central offices is connected to the optical ring via a respective one of the multiplexers. Each of the central offices includes an ATM edge switch operable with the respective one of the multiplexers for receiving video and data signals from the information provider via the optical ring and for transmitting data signals to the information provider via the optical ring. The information provider communicates with the central offices through a single optical ring.

Abstract: A method and system for providing telephony services utilizes an emulated telephony channel within an allocated portion of digital subscriber line bandwidth. The digital subscriber line connects to a packet switched network, and embodiments of the present invention derive telephony services over the digital subscriber line by utilizing a portion of the available bandwidth to emulate one or more telephony channels.

Abstract: An xDSL signal distribution system is provided having a DSL translator unit located between a central office XTU unit and a customer location for allowing equipment of multiple types of DSL signal format to be used within the same distribution system. The translator unit is arranged to decode the payload of transmitted signals of one type of DSL format into base digital data. The translator unit then performs line code conversion to a second desired type of DSL code format. In addition, the translator unit employs buffering to allow transmission of the converted xDSL signals at a transmission rate suitable for the type of coding.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating signal types to transmission channels in a multi-channel, multi-signal transmission system uses one or more decision rules to determine a signal-to-channel mapping based on a predetermined performance criterion, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), SNR margin, or target transport margin at a particular bit error rate (BER), rather than random assignment. The system and method improve overall performance of a transmission system carrying multiple signal types, such as telephony, compressed digital video, broadcast video, and low and high speed data. The decision rules are implemented over the entire transmission system to simplify recordkeeping and associated aspects of network operations.