Abstract: A network interface device located at a customer's premises includes an external interface that receives a plurality of telecommunication services via a fiber optic connection from a telecommunication service provider. The services are received using Internet Protocol. The network interface device also includes at least two distinct internal interfaces that distribute the plurality of telecommunication services to at least two distinct internal transport media. The network interface device also includes a processor that is programmed to receive combined signals comprising the telecommunication services from the external interface, process the combined signals into separate signals representative of distinct telecommunication services, and map each of the separate signals to separate ones of the at least two distinct internal interfaces for distribution at the customer's premises via the internal transport media.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for delivering a data stream to a video appliance. The data stream may have a computer video signal, such as provided by the output of a computational device. The data stream is received from the computational device. The computer video signal is converted to a converted television video signal, which is combined with television video signals received from an external source. The combined television video signals are transmitted to the video appliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing picture-in-picture, or other multi-picture displays. Some of the systems include two video signals that are coupled to a transmission device along with a selector signal. The transmission device further includes two video outputs associated with each of the respective video inputs. Based in part on the selector signal, one of the video outputs includes a derivative of one of the video inputs transmitted at a first bandwidth, while the other video output includes a derivative of the other video input transmitted at a second bandwidth. Some of the methods include supporting multi-picture displays by receiving two or more video inputs and a selector input. Based on the selector input, the video inputs are formatted and transmitted as video outputs that correspond to the respective video inputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting picture-in-picture displays, or multi-picture displays. Some of the systems include two video signals that are coupled to a compositing device. The compositing device is also coupled to a selector input that originates remote from the compositing device. The compositing device provides a video output that is a combination of two or more video inputs arranged in a picture-in-picture format, or a multi-picture format. The methods include receiving two or more video inputs and providing a composite output arranged in a picture-in-picture format, or a multi-picture format.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses, systems and methods for distributing public information. For example, some embodiments of the invention provide methods for determining an appropriate set of addresses to which to distribute an alert. One such exemplary method comprises maintaining a directory of alert gateways. The directory can comprise a plurality of directory entries, and each directory entry can be associated with a particular alert gateway. Each directory entry can also comprise at least one gateway characteristic associated with that alert gateway. In some cases, a gateway characteristic can include information to enable the alert distribution device to determine whether a given alert should be transmitted to the alert gateway.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide network interface devices and systems and methods for using them. For instance, a system in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention comprises a network interface device adapted to receive a plurality of sets of telecommunication information (telecommunication can include, inter alia, voice signals, Internet Protocol data, audio signals, data representing encoded audio signals, video signals and data representing encoded video signals) and distribute at least one of the plurality to a customer premises. The system can further include a control point operable to transmit configuration information to the network interface device. The configuration information can be operable to configure the behavior of the network interface device with respect to one or more of the information sets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating digital assets in relation to a telecommunications network. In various cases, the systems include a network interface device associated with a customer premises. The network interface device includes a local authentication authority operable to authenticate one or more digital assets maintained in relation to the customer premises. In some cases, a global authentication authority can authenticate the network interface device, and implicitly authenticate the one or more digital assets. Many other cases and/or embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for medical monitoring of a patient at a patient premises. A medical-data collection device is adapted to collect medical data from the patient. The medical-data collection device is interfaced with a transport medium internal to the patient premises. A network interface device is also provided with multiple application devices interfaced with the transport medium internal to the patient premises. One of the application devices is a medical-monitoring application device adapted to process the collected medical data. Another of the application devices is adapted to exchange data with a transport medium external to the patient premises. A processor in communication with the application devices is adapted to coordinate transmission of the collected medical data over the transport medium external to the patient premises.

Abstract: A network interface system is provided with an addressable application device and a processor. The addressable application device is adapted to interface with a transport medium internal to a customer premises. The processor is adapted to selectively process telecommunication information originating from a transport medium external to the customer premises. The processor is further adapted to transmit the processed telecommunication information to the addressable application device for implementation of an application over the transport medium internal to the customer premises in accordance with a state of the addressable application device. The addressable application device and the processor are disposed external to the customer premises.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and displaying video and/or data in a picture-in-picture, or multi-picture image format. Some of the systems include a video and data stream that are selected by a selecting device. The video and data streams are formatted and transferred to a network interface device via a transmission device. Various of the methods include receiving a selection input and, based on the selection input, selecting multiple video and/or data streams for transmission. The streams are formatted, and transmitted to a network interface device that creates a composite video signal based on the input data and/or video streams.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for distributing urgent public information. For example, one exemplary of the invention provides a method for providing an alert to a subscriber. The exemplary method comprises receiving an alert message from at least one alert source. The alert message often will be pertinent to at least one of the subscribers. The alert message can comprise an alert and associated alert information. The alert information can provide information about the alert such that the information can be analyzed determine whether a particular subscriber likely should receive the alert. Other embodiments provide systems, which can be used to perform the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method of replacing a network demarcation device that isolates an internal transport medium from an external transport medium includes establishing a connection from a service computer to the demarcation device via a service interface of the demarcation device and accessing a storage arrangement of the demarcation device with the service computer. The method also includes using the service computer to select configuration information of the demarcation device and establishing a connection between the service computer and a service interface of the replacement demarcation device. The method also includes using the service computer to cause the selected configuration information to be transferred from the demarcation device to the replacement demarcation device interfacing the replacement demarcation device to the internal transport medium and the external transport medium.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide network interface devices, as well as systems and methods for using them. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, a network interface device can comprise an isolation device, which can be configured to isolate an internal transport medium from an external transport medium, such that operational changes to the internal transport medium do not affect the external transport medium, and operational changes to the external transport medium do not affect the internal transport medium.

Abstract: A method for providing the communication of information services between customer premises equipment (CPE) at a customer's premises and a source of the information services includes providing a demarcation device at the customer's premises. The demarcation device defines an interface between an external transport medium that is substantially external to the customer's premises and an internal transport medium that is substantially internal to the customer's premises. The method also includes establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between the demarcation device and the source of information services and establishing a virtual local area network (VLAN) between the demarcation device and the CPE.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring visual displays in a picture-in-picture, or other multi-picture format. Some of the systems include two video inputs, with one being generated remote from a display, while the other is being generated local to the display. The systems include a selecting device that receives a selection input indicating one of the video inputs as a full screen display and the other input as a partial screen display. A compositing device combines the two video inputs as a single video output, where the single video output includes one of the video inputs layered over the other video input. Some of the methods include receiving the video inputs as selected, and combining the video inputs into a single video output.

Abstract: A telecommunications network is provided which includes a protector device for protecting an associated telecommunications line. The protector device protects the associated telecommunications line from hazardous voltages and/or currents. Further, and in accordance with the present invention, the protector device also protects the associated telecommunications line from unauthorized use. The protector device regulates the class of service provided over the associated telecommunications line. A filter circuit integral with the protector device can be readily configured to pass or block signal frequencies depending on the class of service purchased.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for filtering electrical power to and from an electrical appliance to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In one embodiment, an electrical outlet strip apparatus is provided for interconnection between an AC power source and an electrical appliance that provides transient voltage surge suppression for the appliance while substantially reducing or eliminating EMI from the AC power source from reaching the appliance. Additionally, the apparatus reduces or eliminates EMI produced by the appliance from propagating into the AC power system. The apparatus and method utilize a multistage EMI filter to filter the electrical power. In particular, the electrical power is filtered in a broadband range associated with digital subscriber line (DSL) systems to provide for improved DSL system performance.

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 decubitus mattress includes an inflatable cell surrounded by foam with a built-in low-voltage (AC) air pump assembly for controlling the air cell's inflation. In some embodiments, a mattress includes a plurality of inflatable cells, one or more of which (particularly at the foot end of the mattress) can be selectively deflated with valves that are located along the side of the mattress, in corresponding positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for filtering electrical power to and from an electrical appliance to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In one embodiment, an electrical outlet strip apparatus is provided for interconnection between an AC power source and an electrical appliance that provides transient voltage surge suppression for the appliance while substantially reducing or eliminating EMI from the AC power source from reaching the appliance. Additionally, the apparatus reduces or eliminates EMI produced by the appliance from propagating into the AC power system. The apparatus and method utilize a multistage EMI filter to filter the electrical power. In particular, the electrical power is filtered in a broadband range associated with digital subscriber line (DSL) systems to provide for improved DSL system performance.