Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method of simulating a flame. The apparatus and method provides a top down projection of a simulated flame. The simulated flame may include a multilayered flame effect and may be viewed from both the front and the rear so as to provide a realistic uninterrupted flame with varying color. One embodiment may include a light source, a gobo with a flame pattern formed therein, a rotating disc that spins on a motor, and a lens. The light is formed into a flame pattern by the gobo transmitted through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is constantly altered as the disc rotates. The lens focuses the flame pattern. In one embodiment the present invention may include a generally see-through viewing screen onto which the flame pattern is projected.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention is adapted to provide a telephone line connection over a coax cable distribution system. In a home having a plurality of set-top television boxes which each require a connection to a telephone line, the present invention allows a single telephone line connection to be provided to the plurality of set-top boxes via the coax cable distribution system. The invention uses a first interface device connected to a telephone line to modulate telephone signals and transmit them over the coax cable distribution system. The device also includes a demodulator to demodulate signals received over the coax cable distribution system to be sent over the telephone line. The invention includes a second interface device at each set-top box which also includes a modulator and demodulator to transmit and receive telephone signals over the coax cable distribution system.

Abstract: A method of operating a cable system having premium channel encoders and dedicated smart pay per view encoders, each associated with an individual channel. The pay per view encoders are provided with the addresses of certain subscriber stations that have been approved to decode pay per view events on the associated channels. These certain subscriber stations are addressed on a priority basis by the pay per view encoder handling the pay per view event to set their authorization memories to decode the pay per view event. The authorization memories are updated by RAM groups of five program tags. All of the PPV encoders are assigned to the same RAM group so that in updating authorization memories, the authorization of a subscriber station memory for another pay per view event is not altered. The authorization process is rapidly accomplished and is repeated for a period of time after commencement of the pay per view event.

Abstract: A first mixer block converts received MMDS channel frequencies to MMDS frequencies capable of being processed by an MMDS decoder. The MMDS decoder, which includes a crystal controlled reference generator, is located in a benign environment. The reference is supplied to a phase locked loop for controlling a fixed frequency local oscillator that supplies the first mixer. The local oscillator output is also supplied to a second mixer that produces a response signal, of a different frequency, by biphase shift key modulation of said reference that is transmitted back to the transmitting site via the antenna. A squelch circuit precludes transmission of the unmodulated reference.

Abstract: A dual in-band/out-of-band CATV receiver includes a coupler that couples input signals to a tuner and decoder for demodulation and recovery of in-band data and to an FSK receiver for recovery of out-of-band data. The recovered data outputs of the decoder and of the FSK receiver are coupled to a data switch that has a common output that is coupled to a tuner/decoder microprocessor. The tuner/decoder microprocessor in turn supplies information to a switch microprocessor for controlling operation of the data switch to couple either in-band or out-of-band data to the tuner/decoder microprocessor. The data switch defaults to the in-band data position whenever a channel change occurs.