Abstract: A system for streaming encrypted conditional access (CA) data, such as control words, from a primary or master conditional access provider (CAP) to one or more secondary CAPS. The primary CAP encrypts content (program data) that is to be access-controlled, such as a television program, according to the associated CA data. A first group of user terminals is compatible with the CA data of the primary CAP. The CA data is then provided to the secondary CAPs to provide corresponding CA data for the content in the secondary CAPs' associated formats for compatibility with other groups of terminals. The invention can be used in any packet-based distribution system, including a broadband television network headend, and avoids the need for the secondary CAPs to request the control words on an as-needed basis. Moreover, the CA data for a current crypto-period and a number of future crypto-periods are provided in a “sliding window” to allow the secondary CAP to begin preparing its CA data in advance.

Abstract: Commands received in a set-top-box are forwarded upstream to an augmentation unit. The augmentation unit executes commands. Record and play commands may enable personal video recording using a set-top-box as a command interpreter. Firmware patches enable a set-top-box to forward commands using a network protocol.

Abstract: A deal drawer apparatus (16) is used in carrying out transactions by transporting items between a service provider on a service provider side (34) of a wall (14) and a customer side (12) of the wall. The deal drawer apparatus includes a drawer assembly (76) with a movable drawer (92). The drawer may be moved by a mechanical drive (114) through a releasable connector (116). The drawer may be moved alternatively by connection of a handle (154) to the drawer such as through a releasable coupling (152). The drawer assembly is releasably mounted in a housing (36) through interengaging projections and recesses (82, 80). Movement of the drawer is operative to open and close a door (22). When the drawer is extended a customer is enabled to access the interior area of the drawer. When the drawer is retracted, a service provider accesses the interior area of the drawer through an opening (40), access through which is controlled by at least one movable panel (42).

Abstract: An automated merchant banking apparatus (10) which is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes a user interface (18) which includes a plurality of input and output devices. The apparatus further includes an item accepting depository (54) for accepting deposit items containing currency, instruments or other items of value. The apparatus includes cameras (58,326) for capturing images of a user and deposit items input by the user. The user and item inputs are stored in associated relation in a storage device. The images of the user and the deposit item are also output to the user simultaneously through a display (424) to assure the user that a record of the deposit transaction has been made.

Abstract: Primary presentation stream is received and presented to user. Alternate presentation stream received according to channel prediction stands ready for presentation if user selects channel processed as alternate stream. Prediction is made according to pre-indication of channel selection or time-selected usage history.

Abstract: An automated banking apparatus is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes an item accepting depository for accepting deposit items, such as deposit bags, currency, and checks. The apparatus further includes an input device that is operative to interrogate an RFID tag to obtain merchant deposit information therefrom. The information can include data representative of the deposit, such as an account number and the deposit amount. The RFID tag may be located on an item being deposited.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly downloading large files over a broadband communications link to a user segments the file into multiple segments and assigns the segments to be transmitted over a plurality of in-band or out-of-band channels. The segments are then carouseled on the assigned channels. Optionally, the segmenting algorithm may optimize the download time based on: file size, unused bandwidth per multiplex, the number of available multiplexes, or channels most viewed during the download period. The optimization program can begin the download process employing all available channels. Subsequently, based on acknowledgements regarding maximum successfully received segments, the optimization program can then reallocate the unsent segments among these channels.

Abstract: A system for carrying out transactions includes customer stations (118) and ATM stations (120) and a service provider station (114). The service provider station and customer stations are operated in a building (116) or other facility in which a service provider operates the service provider station in a secure room. Audio and video communications are established between the service provider and customers at the customer stations and ATM stations. Items can be exchanged between customer station customers and the service provider through carriers (26) transmitted through a pneumatic tube system (22). A video material presentation device (50) provides promotional or other video material which may be presented on displays at the customer stations. The video material may be presented to customers when the customer terminal is not in communication with the service provider terminal.

Abstract: A secure depository system (150; 158, 164, 180, 192) includes at least one secure depository (10, 152, 154, 160, 166, 168, 184, 194, 128). Deposits are enabled to be made into the secure depository by providing appropriate inputs to input devices (20, 22, 24) which are supported on a control panel (16). The control panel includes a processor (70) in operative connection with a data store (72). The data store includes data representative of inputs provided by authorized users who are authorized to operate the depository. Data concerning authorized users is delivered to the data store from a remote computer (174). Data concerning deposits made into the depository is stored in the data store and provided to the remote computer as well as to authorized service persons for purposes of auditing deposits made into the depository.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for distributing multimedia content over a network to a plurality of networked and portable devices affords a system operator the ability to control the unauthorized distribution and playback of content transferred by the system operator to a user of that system. The transferred content in the form of encrypted data is distributed over the network from a set-top terminal/personal versatile recorder to at least one playback device, in accordance with rights established by the system operator or the content provider, where the content is decrypted for subsequent playback by the authorized device (s). The method also addresses illegal propagation of content.

Abstract: User customizable advanced closed caption capabilities are provided using closed caption information, such as that described in the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) Television Data Systems Subcommittee standards, EIA-608 or EIA-708. The invention allows the user to override the closed caption presentation format as selected by the originator (e.g., programmer or broadcaster), in order to select alternate presentation attributes based on the user's preference. The invention may also be implemented to customize other forms of text information (e.g., subtitles.). The invention also allows for storage and subsequent retrieval and review of text included within the closed caption information, which text serves as a transcript of the program. The methods and apparatus provided are independent of the type of delivery network, content format, and receiver type. In an example embodiment, closed caption information is extracted (e.g.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus to enhance the use and recording features of the personal versatile recorder. The personal versatile recording includes plurality of tuners, wherein the content is individually selectable by each tuner of the plurality of tuners. When a first tuner of the plurality of tuners is tuned to an original channel to select original channel content for viewing, the original channel is the viewed channel. The original channel content is cached while presenting the original channel content for viewing. A second tuner of the plurality of tuners may be tuned to at least one subsequent channel to select subsequent channel content for viewing while simultaneously caching the original channel content for subsequent viewing. Other capabilities include annotation, frame cropping, graphical manipulation and storage, segment recording, automatic recording based on advertised content, and prevention of unauthorized disk portability and usage.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus to enhance the use and recording features of the personal versatile recorder. A method and apparatus for accurately recording selected events despite the ambiguity of start and end times is described. The recording is done by a personal versatile recorder that is connected to, or integrated in, a cable television set-top terminal, satellite, off-air or other wireless receiver. Also described is a method and apparatus for handling pay-per-view events, as well as wirelessly accessing and recording of various content on other connected peripherals. The personal versatile recorder includes a central processing unit and a hard drive for mass data storage. Preferably, the personal versatile recorder and associated set-top device have dual tuners for receiving and recording one or more transport streams from the cable system as well as analog or digital audiovisual programming.

Abstract: Support device for suspending pipes or tubes from a support surface. The support device is capable of supporting a plurality of tubes or pipes of varying size, and is capable of supporting pipes and/or tubes running transverse to each other.

Abstract: A blower assembly for a pneumatic transfer tube system alternately creates a pressure or a vacuum in a transfer tube. The blower is comprised of a housing having an internal cavity and a first and a second external port communicating with the cavity. A movable plate divides the internal cavity into two chambers which are generally isolated from each other. A blower having a vacuum end and a pressure end is mounted to the plate, wherein the vacuum end is on one side of the plate and the pressure end is on the other side of the plate. The blower when operating creates a pressure chamber on one side of the plate and a vacuum chamber on the other side of the plate.

Abstract: A wear ring constructed for use with a pneumatic tube system carrier of a type having two spaced apart wear rings positioned near the axial ends of the carrier. The wear ring is comprised of a rigid, yet flexible, annular support member having an outer cylindrical surface. A layer of woven fabric selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, or felt is bonded to the cylindrical surface of the support member. The fabric material preferably has a coefficient of friction with the interior transfer tube not greater than 0.35.