Abstract: Random number generation apparatus (2) is described that comprises a threshold detector (4) and an electrical noise generator (6). The electrical noise generator (6) has at least two channels (8a-8d) and each channel is arranged to generate an electrical noise signal. The threshold detector (4), which may comprise a digital input-output (DIO) card, is arranged to periodically compare this electrical noise signal with a threshold and to provide a binary data output that indicates whether the threshold has been exceeded. Each channel of the electrical noise generator comprises at least two amplifiers (10a-10c) electrically connected in series that preferably provide a gain of 50,000 or more. Use of the random number generation apparatus (2) for quantum cryptography applications is also described.

Abstract: An electrical box is mounted on a wall stud, and a wiring panel is installed within the electrical box so as to partition the interior of the electrical box into a user inaccessible wiring compartment and a user accessible module compartment. A protective cover is attached to the wiring panel so as to protect the wiring panel during a makeup phase of wall panel installation and painting. After the makeup phase, the protective cover is removed from the wiring panel and a module having a user operable electrical function is mounted to the wiring panel within the user accessible module compartment.

Abstract: A motion detector comprises a housing having a front side and a back side. Conductors are disposed on the back side so as to electrically connect to a wiring module installed within an electrical box. An infrared (IR) sensor is mounted within the housing and configured to receive IR radiation focused from a lens disposed on the front side. The IR sensor generates a sensor signal in response to motion across the field-of-view of the lens. A controller is responsive to the sensor signal so as to generate a switch signal. A relay is responsive to the switch signal so as to switch an electrical power source connecting to an electrical power load via the conductors and the wiring module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely and remotely enabling the playing of a media program encrypted by a content encryption key over the Internet is disclosed. A license encryption key and a content decryption key are separately and securely transmitted to the receiver. The license encryption key is stored in the CAM and later used to decrypt the content encryption key so that the media program may be recovered.

Abstract: A modular electrical wiring component comprises a wiring module having a wiring portion for coupling to a source of electrical power and a user-accessible portion configured to accept and provide electrical power to a functional module that provides a selected electrical distribution function, wherein the wiring module is configured to accept the functional module without access to the wiring portion. The modular electrical wiring component also comprises an adjustable plaster ring configured to couple to the wiring module and to an electrical junction box, wherein the adjustable plaster ring provides a variable distance between the electrical junction box and the wiring module.

Abstract: A system and method for null packet replacement having a global scheduler (12) select data from a plurality of self-managed queues (14) to insert in to the data stream in place of null packets. The queues (14) managed by the global scheduler have rules that are private to each queue Q1, Q2, . . . QN. The global scheduler (12) has a set of rules (16) for prioritizing the queues (14). The global scheduler (12) knows the average data rate for each queue (14) and has a priority assigned to each queue (14). Rules for the global scheduler policy (16) are limited to the order of service for the queues. The present invention is advantageous in that the order of service may be changed at the global scheduler (12) without affecting the independent queues (14).

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes a digital switch, a local loop coupling the digital switch to a subscriber location, wherein a segment of the local loop includes copper twisted pair and wherein an asymmetrical digital subscriber line is carried by the local loop, the asymmetrical digital subscriber line including a plurality of data packets capable of carrying a plurality of derived digital telephone lines. The telecommunication system further includes a subscriber unit coupled to the asymmetrical digital subscriber line. The subscriber unit monitors the content of at least one of the plurality of data packets, receives an off-hook signal in response to an action of a user, and initiates a first derived digital telephone line of the plurality of derived digital telephone lines in response to the off-hook signal.

Abstract: A wide area communications network or simply a communications network is includes a broadband communication line having a first voice channel and a second voice channel, wherein the first and second voice channels are derived channels. The communications network further includes a residential gateway in communication with the broadband communication line. The residential gateway includes a network switch, a network interface device in communication with the network switch wherein the network switch is configured to select at least one of the first or second voice channels for voice communication over the broadband communication line.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system has a wiring module and a switch module. The wiring module is configured to mount within an electrical box and has a wiring side, a functional side, terminals accessible from the wiring side and breakaways disposed between pairs of the terminals. The switch module is configured to removable install in the wiring module proximate the functional side. The switch module has contacts that configure the switch module as a type comprising one of a single-pole switch, a three-way switch and a four-way switch. The electrical function of wires routed to the wiring module terminals and the gap or link status of the wiring module breakaways determines the wiring module configuration and a corresponding switch module type.

Abstract: A dimmer switch module removably connects to a wiring module mounted within an electrical box and connected to a power source. The dimmer switch module is configured to control electrical current flowing from the power source to a power sink, such as a light. The dimmer switch module has a front cover and a back cover housing a circuit board. A dimmer control is accessible on the front cover. Shielded plugs are disposed on the back cover and are configured to mate with corresponding structured sockets of a wiring module so as to electrically connect to a power source routed to the wiring module. A power control element mounted on the circuit board is responsive to the dimmer control so as to vary the amount of electrical current flowing between the shielded plugs.

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes a digital switch, a local loop coupling the digital switch to a subscriber location, wherein a segment of the local loop includes copper twisted pair and wherein an asymmetrical digital subscriber line is carried by the local loop, the asymmetrical digital subscriber line including a plurality of data packets capable of carrying a plurality of derived digital telephone lines. The telecommunication system further includes a subscriber unit coupled to the asymmetrical digital subscriber line. The subscriber unit monitors the content of at least one of the plurality of data packets, receives an off-hook signal in response to an action of a user, and initiates a first derived digital telephone line of the plurality of derived digital telephone lines in response to the off-hook signal.

Abstract: Tool rolls and methods of using the tool rolls to manufacture articles with one or more structured surfaces are disclosed. The tool rolls include an outer surface that, when used in connection with materials of the proper viscosity or formability, can form a structured surface on an article. Because the tools are manufactured in roll-form, they can be advantageously used in continuous manufacturing processes. Alternatively, discrete articles may be processed using the tool rolls. The tool rolls are constructed of a cylindrical base roll and are wrapped with one or more continuous wires in a helical pattern. The wires are used, in essence, to form a structured surface on the tool roll that is the negative of the structured surface to be formed on the articles processed using the tool roll. One of the wires wound around the base roll may include depressions formed therein that, when wound in helical coils about the base roll, form cavities on the outer surface of the tool roll.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel cell power plant to provide end-use electricity, end-use heat and end-use reformate includes the steps of providing a fuel cell power plant that consumes reformate to provide electricity and heat, said fuel cell power plant having a nominal reformate flow rate and including a fuel processor system for generating reformate from a hydrocarbon fuel; operating the fuel processor system so as to provide a reformate flow at a rate greater than the nominal reformate flow rate; operating the fuel cell power plant using a first portion of the reformate flow to generate the electricity and the heat, the first portion being less than or equal to the nominal reformate flow rate; and providing a second portion of the reformate flow as the end-use reformate.

Abstract: A method of protecting a substrate using a protection sheet is disclosed. The protection sheet comprises a multilayer structure having a support layer and a thermoplastic backing layer, wherein the support layer contains a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of anchor portions bonded to a surface of the backing layer. The raised portions of the protection sheet are capable of releasably engaging with a mechanical mating member. In an embodiment, the backing layer of the protection sheet is surface treated to increase wetting tension to facilitate the adherence of paint particles to the surface of the protection sheet. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal substrates, vertical substrates, and objects, such as the walls of a paint booth, a work surface and a vehicle.

Abstract: A wiring module adapted to mount within an electrical box has a functional side and an opposite wiring side. The functional side has sockets adapted to removably connect with a functional module. A terminal set provides a conductive portion of the sockets and is adapted to terminate a power cable. A shield is disposed proximate the wiring side so as to seal the terminal set.

Abstract: A method and device for distributing both high-speed data service, such as digital computer, video and multimedia data, and lower speed data service, such as POTS voice telephone signals, throughout a customer premises. High-speed digital data and lower speed POTS voice signals are separated by a POTS splitter and distributed throughout the customer premises on separate distribution networks. The lower speed POTS is carried on a wireless distribution network and the high-speed data carried on the existing customer premises wiring ordinarily used for POTS.

Abstract: An outlet module has a housing with a functional side and a plug-in side. A covered receptacle is located on the functional side. Conductors are retained at least partially within the housing and extend from the plug-in side. The conductors are adapted to removably insert into a wiring module mounted within an electrical box so as to connect to an electrical power source. The covered receptacle is adapted to accept a corresponding plug so as to transfer power from the electrical power source to an electrical load.

Abstract: A functional module comprises a front cover having a front side defining an electrical distribution function and a back cover having a back side defining a plurality of shielded plugs. A contact set is adapted to communicate electrical power via the shielded plugs for the electrical distribution function. The front cover and said back cover are configured to latch together so as to enclose at least a portion of the contact set.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system comprises a wiring module and a functional module. The wiring module mounts within an electrical box and has a functional side and a wiring side. The functional module has a front side and a back side and removably installs in the wiring module functional side. A key extends from, and is positioned on, the back side so as to identify a type of functional module. An aperture is positioned on the wiring module functional side so as to accept the key only when the functional module is properly oriented with respect to the wiring module. The wiring module is mounted within the electrical box according to the functional module type.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for detecting sports object impact location detection and object velocity are provided. Integrated game systems for simulating sports for use as player and coaching aids are also provided.