Abstract: A cable distribution system includes a head end connected to a plurality of customer devices through a transmission network that includes a remote fiber node that converts digital data to analog data suitable for the plurality of customer devices, where the head end includes at least one server each of which includes a respective processor.

Abstract: A cable distribution system includes a head end connected to a plurality of customer devices through a transmission network that includes a first remote physical device, where the first remote physical device includes remote physical layer processing, that converts digital data to analog data suitable for the plurality of customer devices, where the head end includes at least one server each of which includes a respective processor.

Abstract: A method for extended-pulse sampling includes providing a continuous-time signal comprising a frequency spectrum within a predetermined passband. The continuous time signal is sampled with a plurality of discrete sample pulses having a pulse shape in a time domain that is an impulse response of a filter having the predetermined passband. The plurality of discrete time samples of the continuous-time signal is then provided to an output.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising receiving an indication of a first drag input on a user interface object within a user interface on a touch screen and in response to receiving a stationary input on the touch screen, interpreting the first drag input as an instruction to detach the user interface object from the user interface.

Abstract: A method of selling products and services over the Internet for HVAC and other related devices and services. The customer is kept online as questions are asked so that an eventual work estimate and contract can be prepared electronically for the customer. The customer always has the option of contacting a person for help so that the customer does not feel as if s/he is being abandoned and left to answer questions online without assistance. The method takes the place of a live person having to actually visit, educate, and sell products to a customer in the customer's home.

Abstract: A chuck including a cylindrical body with a nose section and a tail section, the nose section having an axial bore formed therein. A sleeve is rotatably mounted about the body. Rotation of the sleeve in a closing direction moves the jaws toward a longitudinal axis of the axial bore and rotation of the sleeve in an opening direction moves the jaws away from the longitudinal axis. An O-ring is disposed adjacent the sleeve in a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. A bearing has a first race adjacent the body, a second race adjacent the sleeve and bearing elements therebetween. One race defines a ratchet and the other of the first race and the second race defines a pawl biased toward the ratchet. The O-ring biases the pawl toward the ratchet and when the pawl engages the ratchet prevents the second race from rotating in the opening direction with respect to the first race.

Abstract: A device selection module and a method for selecting one or more devices to be controlled based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a moveable member. The device selection module includes a first switch having a first operational state for selecting a first device. The device selection module includes a processor configured to detect an operational state of the first switch. The device selection module includes an RF receiver operably communicating with the processor. The RF receiver is configured to receive a first RF signal. The first RF signal indicates at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus. The device selection module further includes an RF transmitter operably communicating with the processor.

Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling at least a first device based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a movable member. The system includes a first module configured to transmit a first RF signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The first signal has a first identifier. The system further includes a second module configured to receive the first RF signal and to transmit a second RF signal having the first identifier and a second identifier in response to the first RF signal. The system further includes a third module configured to receive the second RF signal and to control operation of the first device in response to the second RF signal.

Abstract: A device control module and a method for controlling at least first and second devices based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus having a moveable member are provided. The device control module includes an RF receiver configured to receive a first RF signal at a first time indicating at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The first RF signal has a first identifier value indicating the first device is to be controlled. The device control module further includes a processor operably coupled to the RF receiver. The processor is configured to activate the first device in response to the first RF signal. The RF receiver is further configured to receive a second RF signal at a second time after the first time. The second RF signal indicates at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from the first operational position.

Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling at least a first device based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a movable member. The system includes a first module configured to transmit a first RF signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The system further includes a second module configured to receive the first RF signal when a position of the second module is less than or equal to a threshold distance from the first module. The second module is configured to transmit a second RF signal in response to the first RF signal. The system further includes a third module configured to receive the second RF signal and to control operation of the first device in response to the second RF signal.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for riveting a two-piece suture tray package. A two-piece suture tray assembly is provided having a top member and a bottom member. The top member has a top and a bottom, and plurality of rivet members extending down from the bottom of the top member. The rivet members have free ends. The bottom member has a top and a flat bottom surface, and a plurality of rivet receiving openings extending therethrough. A counterbore surrounds each rivet receiving opening in the flat bottom surface. An ultrasonic riveting apparatus is provided having a clamp member with a cavity, and an ultrasonic horn member having a flat bottom moveably mounted in the cavity. The assembly is mounted in the riveting apparatus and engaged by the clamp member.

Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling devices are provided. The system includes a foot pedal unit having a moveable member. The system further includes a transmitter operatively associated with the moveable member. The transmitter transmits a first signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a first device is selected. The transmitter transmits a second signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a second device is selected.

Abstract: A system and a method for remotely controlling devices are provided. The system includes a foot pedal unit having a moveable member. The system further includes a transmitter operatively associated with the moveable member. The transmitter transmits a first signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a first device is selected. The transmitter transmits a second signal in response to at least partial displacement of the moveable member when a second device is selected.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for riveting a two-piece suture tray package. A two-piece suture tray assembly is provided having a top member and a bottom member. The top member has a top and a bottom, and plurality of rivet members extending down from the bottom of the top member. The rivet members have free ends. The bottom member has a top and a flat bottom surface, and a plurality of rivet receiving openings extending therethrough. A counterbore surrounds each rivet receiving opening in the flat bottom surface. An ultrasonic riveting apparatus is provided having a clamp member with a cavity, and an ultrasonic horn member having a flat bottom moveably mounted in the cavity The assembly is mounted in the riveting apparatus and engaged by the clamp member.

Abstract: A method of printing with an ink jet printer uses inks of the same hue but of different saturation. The method utilizes a single dither array to control the printing application of the ink, preferably a full strength ink and a dilute ink to achieve gray scale printing. The dither array has threshold values defined for a subset of values of the range of pixel values of an image area, preferably 50% thereof, corresponding generally to threshold values between 0 and 127 inclusive. Pixel values are determined to be either within or outside of the threshold array range. Consequently, an ink dot is either printed or not, utilizing either the dilute or full strength ink. When the pixel value is within the threshold array range, the pixel value is then compared to the threshold value of the overlaid cell of the dither array. Where the pixel value is greater than the corresponding threshold value, an ink dot is printed utilizing dilute ink, else no dot is printed.