Abstract: A system is described for controlling access to non-volatile memory. The system can include logic configured to determine whether to delay access to the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A reprogrammable subscriber terminal of a subscription television service which can have the control program code of its control processor modified by downloading new program code from the headend. The control processor stores a boot program in an internal read only memory. Upon start up and resets, the boot program determines whether the control program should be changed from a command sent from the headend. The command, termed a parameters transactions, includes the number of expected download program code transactions required to complete the control code modification, the memory space areas where the code is to be loaded, and the channel over which the download program code transactions are to be transmitted. The channel is tuned and when the boot program receives all the download program code transactions accurately and stores them, the boot program will cause the control program to be restarted at a selected address of the new or modified control program code which has been downloaded.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using discarded carpet segments or other recycled textiles to make wood-like material in sheets that are comparable to plywood. The carpet segments or other recycled materials are shredded, then layered across a slow-moving conveyor to form a thick, low-density belt of fibers. This belt is compressed between rollers, and then needle-punched, using needles with surface barbs that pull fibers downward and upward. This needle-punching causes fibers inside the mat to be pulled into vertical alignment (i.e., perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of a horizontal mat), to form a needle-punched mat that will hold together without chemical adhesives. A binder material is then applied to at least one and possibly both surfaces of the mat, by means such as spreading or spraying a liquid binder on either or both surfaces of the mat, or stretching a continuous film of the binder material across either or both surfaces of the mat.

Abstract: A reprogrammable subscriber terminal of a subscription television service which can have the control program code of its control processor modified by downloading new program code from the headend. The control processor stores a boot program in an internal read only memory. Upon start up and resets, the boot program determines whether the control program should be changed from a command sent from the headend. The command, termed a parameters transactions, includes the number of expected download program code transactions required to complete the control code modification, the memory space areas where the code is to be loaded, and the channel over which the download program code transactions are to be transmitted. The channel is tuned and when the boot program receives all the download program code transactions accurately and stores them, the boot program will cause the control program to be restarted at a selected address of the new or modified control program code which has been downloaded.

Abstract: A prop assembly for vehicle bed covers and the like comprises an L-shaped lower arm and a straight upper arm, each of which have a spring mount disposed between opposite ends thereof. The upper and lower arms are pivotally interconnected at adjacent ends in a manner which positions the arms in a vertically aligned relationship. Brackets pivotally connect the lower end of the lower arm with the vehicle bed, and the upper end of the upper arm with the cover. A longitudinally extending spring is disposed in a vertically aligned relationship with the lower and upper arms, and has opposed ends thereof pivotally connected with the spring mounts, such that outwardly extending biasing force generated by the spring assists in lifting the cover from the closed position and retains the cover in the open position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding and processing back-to-back transactions for an addressable cable television tap. The addressable tap includes an input port for receiving an input signal and output ports for providing outgoing signals to receiving equipment and a controller for providing addressable per port (RF) switching. The controller is adapted to communicate with multiple addressable ports. The controller also includes storage for storing the remaining portions of partially processed commands. Further, the addressable tap includes a relay for enabling or disabling signals to the addressable output ports. Processing commands in the addressable tap includes receiving continuous commands having back-to-back transactions, from a headend and forwarding signals to receiving equipment.

Abstract: A system is described for controlling access to non-volatile memory. The system can include logic configured to determine whether to delay access to the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A prop assembly for vehicle bed covers and the like comprises an L-shaped lower arm and a straight upper arm, each of which have a spring mount disposed between opposite ends thereof. The upper and lower arms are pivotally interconnected at adjacent ends in a manner which positions the arms in a vertically aligned relationship. Brackets pivotally connect the lower end of the lower arm with the vehicle bed, and the upper end of the upper arm with the cover. A longitudinally extending spring is disposed in a vertically aligned relationship with the lower and upper arms, and has opposed ends thereof pivotally connected with the spring mounts, such that outwardly extending biasing force generated by the spring assists in lifting the cover from the closed position and retains the cover in the open position.

Abstract: In a conditional access system, a system and method for descrambling a scrambled instance having a predetermined encryption cycle rate is claimed. The invention takes advantage of the inherent encryption period associated with a scrambled instance to control subscriber access to scrambled information.

Abstract: A rotary paddle handle assembly for vehicle closures and the like includes a horizontally pivoting handle with a tab, a vertically reciprocating rack disposed adjacent the tab and a pinion engaged with the rack. The pinion is configured for operable connection with an associated latch, such that when the handle is lifted, the tab shifts the vertically reciprocating rack and rotates the pinion for unlocking the latch.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention varies the speed of processor execution, including associating a clock rate with each thread in a plurality of threads and executing each thread in the plurality of threads on the processor at the clock rate associated with the thread.

Abstract: A reprogrammable subscriber terminal of a subscription television service which can have the control program code of its control processor modified by downloading new program code from the headend. The control processor stores a boot program in an internal read only memory. Upon start up and resets, the boot program determines whether the control program should be changed from a command sent from the headend. The command, termed a parameters transactions, includes the number of expected download program code transactions required to complete the control code modification, the memory space areas where the code is to be loaded, and the channel over which the download program code transactions are to be transmitted. The channel is tuned and when the boot program receives all the download program code transactions accurately and stores them, the boot program will cause the control program to be restarted at a selected address of the new or modified control program code which has been downloaded.

Abstract: A reprogrammable subscriber terminal of a subscription television service which can have the control program code of its control processor modified by downloading new program code from the headend. The control processor stores a boot program in an internal read only memory. Upon start up and resets, the boot program determines whether the control program should be changed from a command sent from the headend. The command, termed a parameters transactions, includes the number of expected download program code transactions required to complete the control code modification, the memory space areas where the code is to be loaded, and the channel over which the download program code transactions are to be transmitted. The channel is tuned and when the boot program receives all the download program code transactions accurately and stores them, the boot program will cause the control program to be restarted at a selected address of the new or modified control program code which has been downloaded.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention varies the speed of processor execution, including associating a clock rate with each thread in a plurality of threads and executing each thread in the plurality of threads on the processor at the clock rate associated with the thread.

Abstract: A rotary paddle handle assembly for vehicle closures and the like includes a horizontally pivoting handle with a tab, a vertically reciprocating rack disposed adjacent the tab and a pinion engaged with the rack. The pinion is configured for operable connection with an associated latch, such that when the handle is lifted, the tab shifts the vertically reciprocating rack and rotates the pinion for unlocking the latch.

Abstract: A lightweight overcap for a cylindrical container that requires substantially less material. The material savings is realized by the use of thinner walls and intermittent closure, nesting and stacking structures.

Abstract: In a conditional access system, a system and method for descrambling a scrambled instance having a predetermined encryption cycle rate is claimed. The invention takes advantage of the inherent encryption period associated with a scrambled instance to control subscriber access to scrambled information.