Abstract: Enhanced Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) functionality, including programmable digital domain modulators and demodulators for dynamic channel assignment, is incorporated into Fiber Nodes (FNs) or mini Fiber Nodes (mFNs), yielding enhanced Fiber Nodes (eFNs). These eFns distribute CMTS functionality deep into Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Networks (HFCN) rather than centralizing the CMTS functions within a single location. Moving the cable modem terminations closer to the subscribers shortens the analog RF paths required to support cable modems. Communication of both subscriber data and CMTS control data is performed over Ethernet-compatible packet networks between the field-based CMTSs and an upstream facility (e.g., the Head End), which includes an Internet gateway. Packet data for multiple subscriber cable modems is easily compressed and merged over common network paths, reducing cabling plant complexity and increasing bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for low NOx combustion of high hydrogen content fuels in gas turbines. In the method of the present invention, at least a portion of the fuel is combusted under fuel rich conditions and a portion of resulting reaction heat is transferred to combustion air prior to non-premixed combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: Enhanced Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) functionality, including programmable digital domain modulators and demodulators for dynamic channel assignment, is incorporated into Fiber Nodes (FNs) or mini Fiber Nodes (mFNs), yielding enhanced Fiber Nodes (eFNs). These eFns distribute CMTS functionality deep into Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Networks (HFCN) rather than centralizing the CMTS functions within a single location. Moving the cable modem terminations closer to the subscribers shortens the analog RF paths required to support cable modems. Communication of both subscriber data and CMTS control data is performed over Ethernet-compatible packet networks between the field-based CMTSs and an upstream facility (e.g., the Head End), which includes an Internet gateway. Packet data for multiple subscriber cable modems is easily compressed and merged over common network paths, reducing cabling plant complexity and increasing bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: A Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) is partitioned into Line Cards, I/O Cards, and a midplane to provide enhanced Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability. Each I/O Card provides a cabling interface for coupling an assigned Line Card to other portions of a Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Network. A plurality of RF signals is coupled via connectors between each Line Card and a corresponding I/O Card, via the midplane. This permits a Line Card to be removed for servicing without requiring recabling of the corresponding I/O Card. Preferably, a rectangular-multi-pin collinear connector-cascade (Line Card jack, midplane double-plug, and I/O Card jack) is used to couple the plurality of RF signals. The connector-cascade is configured with protective RF ground pins adjacent and surrounding each of a plurality of RF signal pins.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding a non-swirling gaseous flow exiting a conduit into a larger chamber. The flow conduit exhibits a curved flare exiting into the chamber and a gaseous flow is passed through the conduit along with a separate pilot flow centrally located within the conduit. The pilot flow is expanded by heating thus forcing the gaseous flow outward along the flared exit.

Abstract: A Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) is partitioned into Line Cards, I/O Cards, and a midplane to provide enhanced Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability. Each I/O Card provides a cabling interface for coupling an assigned Line Card to other portions of a Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Network. A plurality of RF signals is coupled via connectors between each Line Card and a corresponding I/O Card, via the midplane. This permits a Line Card to be removed for servicing without requiring recabling of the corresponding I/O Card. Preferably, a rectangular-multi-pin collinear connector-cascade (Line Card jack, midplane double-plug, and I/O Card jack) is used to couple the plurality of RF signals. The connector-cascade is configured with protective RF ground pins adjacent and surrounding each of a plurality of RF signal pins.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for tunneling (transparently transmitting) over a packet network, from a source to a destination, the spectrum of one or more bandpass channels individually selected from a larger spectrum at the source. Each channel is selected, translated to baseband (using sampling techniques), digitized, framed, merged with other digital services, transmitted (along with associated attribute information) using packet techniques, and later reconstructed. The present invention provides a selective and efficient use of available bandwidth, in that it is not necessary to transmit the entire spectrum, when only one or few portions of the spectrum are desired. This in turn, reduces bandwidth requirements all along the transmission path and at the source and destination. The reduced bandwidth requirements have associated reductions in power and costs.

Abstract: A stacked catalytic reactor is provided comprising of a plurality of housings, each housing defining a cavity having an entrance in fluid communication therewith, each housing further defining a plurality of first passages wherein each such first passage is in fluid communication with the cavity and each such first passage defines an exit. The plurality of housings are placed adjacent one to the other such that a second cavity and second passages are defined between successive housings, each second passage defines an exit, and the first passage exits and the second passage exits are interstratified and proximate one to the other. The stacked catalytic reactor employs backside cooling of a catalyst deposited therein in order to oxidize a fluid in the presence of a catalyst and transfer some heat of reaction into a second fluid and isolate the fluid to be reacted from the backside cooling fluid and then combine both fluids.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include moving bird decoy apparatus and related methods that address a bird decoy whose wings may be moved to simulate wing stretching motions exhibited by birds such as geese and ducks. An automated wing motion element together with a power source may be capable of moving decoy wings to simulate wing stretching motions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for flame stabilization immediately downstream of a plurality of discrete fuel and air streams, prior to the mixing of the fuel and air, thereby preventing auto-ignition and flashback events. Coplanar and interspersed discrete fuel and air streams are introduced into a multiple channel monolith that imparts a swirl to the fuel and air streams, promotes immediate mixing, and initiates recirculation of the fuel and air mixture in a downstream combustion zone while promoting micro-scale vortex breakdown.

Abstract: Composite sandwich panels that include a core having a permeable body that is sandwiched between two skins. An internal barrier is located between the skins and the core to provide an impermeable chamber surrounding the permeable core. The chamber is pressurized during formation of the panel to provide an interior counter pressure against the mold/press used to form the panel. The counter pressure applied by the chamber reduces the amount of voids in the skins and improves the surface finish of the skins. In addition, the impermeable material remains within the finished panel to provide an internal barrier surrounding the core.

Abstract: Enhanced Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) functionality, including programmable digital domain modulators and demodulators for dynamic channel assignment, is incorporated into Fiber Nodes (FNs) or mini Fiber Nodes (mFNs), yielding enhanced Fiber Nodes (eFNs). These eFns distribute CMTS functionality deep into Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Networks (HFCN) rather than centralizing the CMTS functions within a single location. Moving the cable modem terminations closer to the subscribers shortens the analog RF paths required to support cable modems. Communication of both subscriber data and CMTS control data is performed over Ethernet-compatible packet networks between the field-based CMTSs and an upstream facility (e.g., the Head End), which includes an Internet gateway. Packet data for multiple subscriber cable modems is easily compressed and merged over common network paths, reducing cabling plant complexity and increasing bandwidth utilization.

Abstract: A Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) is partitioned into Line Cards, I/O Cards, and a midplane to provide enhanced Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability. Each I/O Card provides a cabling interface for coupling an assigned Line Card to other portions of a Hybrid-Fiber-Coax Network. A plurality of RF signals is coupled via connectors between each Line Card and a corresponding I/O Card, via the midplane. This permits a Line Card to be removed for servicing without requiring recabling of the corresponding I/O Card. Preferably, a rectangular-multi-pin collinear connector-cascade (Line Card jack, midplane double-plug, and I/O Card jack) is used to couple the plurality of RF signals. The connector-cascade is configured with protective RF ground pins adjacent and surrounding each of a plurality of RF signal pins.

Abstract: A catalytic firebox reactor employing an exothermic catalytic reaction channel and multiple cooling conduits for creating a partially reacted fuel/oxidant mixture. An oxidation catalyst is deposited within an exothermic catalytic reaction channel. The catalyst is backside cooled. The heat of reaction is added to both the fluid in the exothermic catalytic reaction channel and the fluid passing through the cooling conduits. After discharge of the fluids from the exothermic catalytic reaction channel, the fluids mix to create a single combined flow.