Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for receiving multiple channels in a communications receiver. The system includes a first module further including an analog to digital converter for converting an input signal to a first and second digital signal and a first processor for processing the first digital signal, and a second module further including a second processor to process the second digital signal. The method involves receiving an analog signal, converting the analog signal to a first and second digital signal, passing the first digital signal through a first interface, processing the first digital signal to a produce a first plurality of output signals, passing the second digital signal through a second interface, and processing the second digital signal to produce a second plurality of output signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to system diagnostic circuitry for antenna systems with active antenna components. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus comprising a connection between an antenna and a power supply conducting a first DC voltage, a source of a pulse width modulated signal, a lowpass filter for converting the pulse width modulated signal to a second DC voltage, and a comparator for comparing the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage and generating an output signal responsive to the difference between the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage.

Abstract: A system and method which provides simultaneous display of characters on one or more display monitors in multiple languages. The languages can include icon based languages such as Chinese and Japanese or can be traditional character based languages such as romance and Germanic languages. The system includes a main unit having a first memory in which the first memory includes character data stored in a plurality of languages. A portion of the character data in a first language corresponds to another portion of the character data in a second language, the portion of the character data in the first language and the portion of the character data in the second language are stored in the first memory at memory locations having an offset value from each other.

Abstract: An architecture and protocol enables signal communications between a frequency translation module and a plurality of decoders within a dwelling. According to an exemplary embodiment, the frequency translation module includes a plurality of inputs operative to receive a plurality of bands of television signals. A plurality of tuners is connected to the inputs. The tuners convert the bands of television signals to a plurality of intermediate frequencies. A controller is operative to receive request commands for the bands of television signals from the decoders. Each of the decoders transmits one of the request commands to the frequency translation module during a separate time slot.

Abstract: Hacking of a class of Set-Top Boxes known as Integrated Receiver-Decoders (IRDs) used to receive satellite broadcasts for display on television sets is prevented by use of connections to the reprogramming enable pin of a flash memory. If a user attempts to reprogram the boot sector of the flash memory in order to obtain free service via privacy, the set-top box is destroyed. The invention relates to the design and manufacture of IRDs that are resistant to hacking via unauthorized reprogramming.

Abstract: An RF multiple switching apparatus, such as one included in or coupled to a broadcast satellite signal receiver, having a plurality of multiple RF signal input ports for receiving respective ones of a plurality of RF signals, such as broadcast satellite television signals, utilizes a relative signal strength indicator, such as an automatic gain control signal, to determine the difference between the actual input signal that is present at one of the plurality of signal input ports and a false signal that appears to be present at another signal input port of the plurality of signal input ports due to the RF signal bleeding between the multiple signal input ports. During a setup configuration determination or routine, the switching apparatus steps through each RF signal input, extracts pertinent transmission network (such as a satellite transmission network) information, determines a relative signal strength indicator for the RF signal, and compares the obtained information.

Abstract: A magnetic field compensation winding arrangement for a cathode ray tube includes a magnetic field compensation winding positioned on the cathode ray tube to compensate for an ambient magnetic field. An operational amplifier is used for generating a magnetic field compensation current in the winding. A pair of digital-to-analog converters are used for generating a pair of signals, respectively, that are coupled to the amplifier to control the magnetic field compensation current.

Abstract: A power supply for a satellite receiver system includes a dual input supply voltage arrangement. When a higher output voltage is selected, a source of a lower supply input voltage is coupled to an input main current conducting terminal of a series pass transistor. On the other hand, when a lower output voltage is selected, a source of a lower supply input voltage is coupled to the input main current conducting terminal of the series pass transistor. A comparator senses a magnitude of an output voltage produced by the series pass transistor. When, as a result of an over current condition, the output voltage is lower than a reference threshold level, any selection of the higher output voltage is automatically overridden and the source of the lower supply input voltage, instead, is coupled to the input main current conducting terminal of the series pass transistor.

Abstract: A signal channel extends from motherboard to a daughter card across an edge connection. The daughter card includes a conductive plane that is held at a constant electrical potential. In order to compensate for a number of sources of inductance within the signal line at the edge connection, a circuit trace forming a portion of the signal channel includes an enlarged portion, spaced inward along the daughter card from the contact pads forming the edge connection, that adds capacitive coupling of the signal channel with the conductive plane.

Abstract: A system and method which provides simultaneous display of characters on one or more display monitors in multiple languages. The languages can include icon based languages such as Chinese and Japanese or can be traditional character based languages such as romance and Germanic languages. The system includes a main unit having a first memory in which the first memory includes character data stored in a plurality of languages. A portion of the character data in a first language corresponds to another portion of the character data in a second language, the portion of the character data in the first language and the portion of the character data in the second language are stored in the first memory at memory locations having an offset value from each other.

Abstract: A video apparatus and method which stores at least one main list of characters. An input device can be used to select characters from the main list and store them in memory as a working list. A central processing unit is electrically coupled to the memory and is configured to activate a selected working list, display the working list on a display monitor, and store selected characters corresponding to a camera view location being programmed.

Abstract: A snowboard boot includes an upper and a binding interface that is adapted to engage with a snowboard binding. The interface is supported from the boot upper so that even when the interface is rigidly engaged by the binding, the boot upper can advantageously roll or flex side-to-side relative to the interface, and consequently the snowboard, to provide a rider with a desirable feel of foot roll. The boot may be configured so that a segment of the boot upper rearward of its toe portion can flex in the side-to-side direction relative to the binding interface, while the forward toe portion of the boot upper remains fixed against side-to-side flexibility. A flexible connection may be employed to couple the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow the segment of the lower portion thereof to flex relative to the binding interface. The flexible connection may extend along a substantial length of at least one of the heel portion, the in-step portion and the toe portion of the upper.

Abstract: A terminator assembly for a twinax wire. According to this embodiment, a PCB is provided which receives the twinax wire and provides a positive connection between a grounding bar of the PCB and the drain wide of the twinax pair. The drain wire is extended in an orthogonal direction to the twinax pair, and is engaged using an interference fit with the grounding bar. The grounding bar assembly also provides improved shielding for the twinax pair, where the integral shielding of the twinax wire has been removed to provide the connection. In an alternate embodiment, the terminating end of the twinax wire itself is encased in a termination clip. This clip provides shielding for the twinax pair, while electrically connecting with the twinax drain wire. The twinax wire, with the terminating clip, can then be easily attached to a connector PCB adapted to receive the terminator clip.

Abstract: A computer processor socket has a base with grounding and signal holes. Each hole contains a pin for electrical interconnection with a circuit board. The socket also contains a grounding device around its perimeter. The grounding device has a continuous ring of wiping members on its upper end. When a processor is mounted to the top of the socket, the wiping members extend slightly above the processor. The heatsink mounted on top of the processor engages the wiping members which are spring-biased against its lower surface. Since the wiping members extend completely around the perimeter of the socket, a continuous electrical ground interface is formed between the heatsink and the socket. The lower ends of the grounding device are electrically interconnected with the socket grounding pins which are grounded to the board.

Abstract: The RF signals received from the LNB and the corresponding IF signal produced by the tuner may be offset in frequency due to reasons other than a frequency drift of the oscillator of the LNB, such as satellite transponder frequency adjustments made by the satellite transmission system. A tuner (9) includes a local oscillator (911) controlled by a controller.

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector edge tab design has increased tab contact area with a large local capacitance at the connector interface. This serves to balance out the inductive effects of the connector and results in a lower overall channel impedance at the interface. The invention replaces the prior art plated pathway to the upper row of tabs with wider tabs on the lower row. The edges of the lower row tabs are spaced such that each of the connector pins destined for the upper row straddle two of the lower tabs as they travel upward. This design prevents the pins from contacting the fiberglass substrate of the board while it traverses the lower row of tabs. The absence of the prior art plated pathways allows each of the lower row tabs to be expanded into the space formerly occupied by the pathways. This design also allows the increased capacitive area of the edge tabs to be located in very close proximity to the connection area between the connector pins and the edge tabs.

Abstract: A switching circuit for a television set is coupled to the television microprocessor and associated power supply on one end, and to the standby power supply portion of a T-chip on the other end. The T-chip is not powered during the "off" times of the television thus reducing the power consumption of the circuit. The switching circuit operates to enable the standby power supply of the T-chip upon receipt by the microprocessor of an "on" command after which the T-chip will enable the horizontal drive circuits upon the receipt of a further "on" command.

Abstract: A large plastic lawn or trash bag is provided including a tubular hem extending about its open end. An access opening is formed at one point about the hem opening thereinto and a plurality of pairs of registered openings are formed through the bag and the material defining the free marginal edge of the hem along the path the free marginal portion of the hem is secured to the bag. An elongated stiff but flexive reinforcing strip is provided of a length somewhat greater than the length of the periphery of the open end of the bag and the opposite ends of the strip are provided with coacting structure by which the opposite ends may be secured together in adjusted overlapped relation.