Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that facilitates communication between devices that implement at least one proprietary feature in a DOCSIS-compliant broadband communication system. A logical channel is established for communication between a first device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS), that implements at least one proprietary feature, and other devices that also implement the at least one proprietary feature. Registration information is then received from a second device, such as a cable modem, wherein the registration information indicates that the second device also implements the at least one proprietary feature. In response to receiving the registration information, the second device is assigned to the logical channel.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that facilitates communication between devices that implement at least one proprietary feature in a DOCSIS-compliant broadband communication system. A logical channel is established for communication between a first device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS), that implements at least one proprietary feature, and other devices that also implement the at least one proprietary feature. Registration information is then received from a second device, such as a cable modem, wherein the registration information indicates that the second device also implements the at least one proprietary feature. In response to receiving the registration information, the second device is assigned to the logical channel.

Abstract: A plurality of downstream channels enables communications between a CMTS and a plurality of legacy and non-legacy cable modems. A dispersion mechanism optimizes channel bonding, such that the downstream channels are interoperable with DOCSIS™-compliant, legacy cable modems. A program identifier field distinguishes between bonded and non-bonded flows. For bonded flows, a bonding group is defined to bond a set of downstream channels. The packets for each bonding group are classified into channel queues at or near a MPEG level or a packet level. To mitigate congestion and multiplexing inefficiencies, the dispersion mechanism collects real-time information to determine which channel receives the bonded packets. The dispersion mechanism includes a queue manager and a priority manager. The queue manager dynamically creates queues and allocates queue memory. The priority manager spools the appropriate bytes to an MPEG encapsulation engine for the appropriate outgoing modulator.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and assemblies for enhancing heat transfer in electronic components using a flexible thermal pillow. The flexible thermal pillow has a thermally conductive material sealed between top and bottom conductive layers, with the bottom layer having a flexible reservoir residing on opposing sides of a central portion of the pillow that has a gap. The pillow may have roughened internal surfaces to increase an internal surface area within the pillow for enhanced heat dissipation. In an electronic assembly, the central portion of the pillow resides between a heat sink and heat-generating component for the thermal coupling there-between. During thermal cycling, the flexible reservoir of the pillow expands to retain thermally conductive material extruded from the gap, and then contracts to force such extruded material back into the gap. An external pressure source may contact the pillow for further forcing the extruded thermally conductive material back into the gap.

Abstract: A miniMAC implementation of a distributed CMTS in a hybrid fiber/coaxial (HFC) plant. The distributed CMTS comprises at least one network layer, at least one media access layer, and one or more physical layers. The at least one media access layer includes one or more miniMAC layers. The one or more miniMAC layers are remotely located from a remaining part of the at least one media access layer. The at least one network layer, the remaining part of the at least one media access layer, the one or more miniMAC layers, and the one or more physical layers each function as separate modules, enabling each layer to be in separate component locations of the HFC plant, yet having the at least one network layer connected to the remaining part of the at least one media access layer, the at least one media access layer connected to each of the one or more miniMAC layers, and each of the one or more physical layers connected to each of the one or more miniMAC layers.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and assemblies for enhancing heat transfer in electronic components using a flexible thermal pillow. The flexible thermal pillow has a thermally conductive material sealed between top and bottom conductive layers, with the bottom layer having a flexible reservoir residing on opposing sides of a central portion of the pillow that has a gap. The pillow may have roughened internal surfaces to increase an internal surface area within the pillow for enhanced heat dissipation. In an electronic assembly, the central portion of the pillow resides between a heat sink and heat-generating component for the thermal coupling there-between. During thermal cycling, the flexible reservoir of the pillow expands to retain thermally conductive material extruded from the gap, and then contracts to force such extruded material back into the gap. An external pressure source may contact the pillow for further forcing the extruded thermally conductive material back into the gap.

Abstract: A purchase transaction device is attached to each product to be purchased in a retail environment. The purchase transaction device is equipped with Electronic Article Surveillance (ESA), a biometric (thumbprint) or non-biometric reader, and the ability to transmit and receive information from a network. The purchase transaction device is also configured with a releasable locking mechanism attaching the device to the product.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for monitoring the environment surrounding a product in a product carrier and events affecting the product carrier and product in the product carrier during manufacture of the product. The apparatus including: a product carrier adapted to transport product undergoing manufacture; and a first device adapted to sense an attribute of an environment within the product carrier or an event affecting the product carrier.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that facilitates communication between devices that implement at least one proprietary feature in a DOCSIS-compliant broadband communication system. A logical channel is established for communication between a first device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS), that implements at least one proprietary feature, and other devices that also implement the at least one proprietary feature. Registration information is then received from a second device, such as a cable modem, wherein the registration information indicates that the second device also implements the at least one proprietary feature. In response to receiving the registration information, the second device is assigned to the logical channel.

Abstract: A miniMAC implementation of a distributed CMTS in a hybrid fiber/coaxial (HFC) plant. The distributed CMTS comprises at least one network layer, at least one media access layer, and one or more physical layers. The at least one media access layer includes one or more miniMAC layers. The one or more miniMAC layers are remotely located from a remaining part of the at least one media access layer. The at least one network layer, the remaining part of the at least one media access layer, the one or more miniMAC layers, and the one or more physical layers each function as separate modules, enabling each layer to be in separate component locations of the HFC plant, yet having the at least one network layer connected to the remaining part of the at least one media access layer, the at least one media access layer connected to each of the one or more miniMAC layers, and each of the one or more physical layers connected to each of the one or more miniMAC layers.

Abstract: A distributed cable modem termination system (CMTS) in a hybrid fiber/coaxial (HFC) plant. The distributed CMTS comprises a network layer, at least one media access control layer, and at least one physical layer. The media access control layer implements a media access control chip. The media access control chip interfaces with the physical layer to provide timing to maintain components within the physical layer. The network layer, media access control layer, and physical layer each function as separate modules. The media access control chip provides the packet level media access control functions, and thus, does not require packet level media access control functions to be implemented in the same physical location. The media access control chip also provides a timing offset feature for handling time delays between the media access layer and the physical layer.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate. A polymer is applied to a substrate. A portion of the polymer is not retained on the substrate and is collected by a catch basin. The catch basin is cleaned by exposing the catch basin and collected polymer to a material comprising acetic acid.