Abstract: Systems and methods for quantifying the suitability of a coax network segment to support MoCA communications, comprising: transmitting a test signal associated with MoCA communications through the segment's first end; receiving the test signal through the segment's second end; determining a response function; determining a channel degradation reference based on the highest power level of the response function and a predetermined reference; calculating subcarrier degradation for each MoCA subcarrier, in accordance with the difference between the channel degradation reference and the subcarrier response function; and quantifying the suitability of the segment to support MoCA communications from the first end to the second end in accordance with the subcarrier degradation of all subcarriers in the response function.

Abstract: A diagnostic data acquisition system for analyzing impairments in a QAM digital communication system is triggered by diagnostic data generated by a QAM demodulator when demodulating a QAM signal. Upon triggering, the data acquisition system can capture the diagnostic data used for triggering, and/or some other diagnostic data. The captured data may be stored for subsequent analysis to determine a probable cause of the impairment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting network impairments through tilt-normalized measurement data, the method including: collecting data for a network signal; computing a best-fit tilt for the collected data; performing tilt-normalization of the collected data responsive to the computed best-fit tilt; and determining whether the tilt-normalized data crosses a threshold, and if so, pattern matching the tilt-normalized data to detect a network impairment; and the apparatus including: an input unit for collecting data from a network signal; a tilt unit connected to the input unit for computing a best-fit tilt for the collected data and performing tilt-normalization of the collected data responsive to the computed best-fit tilt; and a pattern matching unit connected to the tilt unit for determining whether the tilt-normalized data crosses a threshold, and if so, pattern matching the tilt-normalized data to detect at least one network impairment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for testing susceptibility of a receiver to intermodulation distortion of a digital channel, the method including selecting a first digital channel from channels in a composite signal, determining a first power measurement from the first digital channel, determining a total power measurement from other channels in the composite signal, and determining susceptibility of the first digital channel to intermodulation distortion by comparing the first power measurement and the total power measurement with intermodulation distortion characteristics of the receiver.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for mobile media services media services may comprise content delivery via a mobile platform. User engagement may be facilitated by developing locally produced, personalized channels for delivery of relevant content. The mobile platform may enable building mobile-oriented communities around original content. Content may be local, authentic, relevant, insider, original, aggregated, a multi-modal mash-up, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring Hum on a digital QAM carrier using a testing device for testing digital TV signals including a QAM demodulator therein, and to a testing device implementing the method. A controller is used to sample a register associated with a final AGC stage in a QAM demodulator, and to process the collected register values to obtain one or more Hum characteristics. In one embodiment, a circular buffer is used to collect aligned sequences of AGC samples that have a pre-determined feature of time-domain Hum at a specified position therein. The aligned AGC sequences are then correlated to assess causes of Hum.

Abstract: The invention relates to measurement-capable cable modems for cable networks. Idle receivers and transmitters of a cable modem are used to perform upstream and downstream measurements on DOCSIS and non-DOCSIS digital and analog TV channels without disrupting customer services. A currently idle receiver is tuned to a target downstream channel under directions of a modem measurement controller, and is queried by the measurement controller to perform a measurement as specified by a measurement plan. A currently idle transmitter is tuned to a target upstream channel to transmit a test signal that is received by an upstream measurement system. Measurements are communicated to a central measurement controller, for example located at the headend, which collects measurements from a plurality of cable modems and the upstream measurement system. The resulting monitoring system performs cable network wide monitoring using existing cable modems without requiring additional monitoring devices.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for media services may comprise transmitting a message comprising content to a handset, soliciting a response message, wherein the solicitation indicates a short form command structure for the response, receiving a response from the handset comprising a short form command, and processing the response using the short form command. User engagement may be facilitated by developing locally produced, personalized channels for delivery of relevant content. The mobile platform may enable building mobile-oriented communities around original content. Content may be local, authentic, relevant, insider, original, aggregated, a multi-modal mash-up, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring Hum on a digital QAM carrier using a testing device for testing digital TV signals including a QAM demodulator therein, and to a testing device implementing the method. A micro-controller is used to sample a register associated with an AGC circuit in the QAM demodulator, and to process the collected register values to obtain one or more Hum characteristics.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for a method for multi-modal mobile media services may comprise delivering a message comprising content to a user handset, associating an offer for related content with the message, associating at least one request for response with the offer, wherein the request for response is associated with a mode for accessing the related content, and transmitting the related content via the mode indicated by the response. User engagement may be facilitated by developing locally produced, personalized channels for delivery of relevant content. The mobile platform may enable building mobile-oriented communities around original content. Content may be local, authentic, relevant, insider, original, aggregated, a multi-modal mash-up, and the like.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for organizing content for media services may comprise organizing content from a plurality of data sources having information relevant to a channel, transforming the content into short messages suitable for delivery to a user via at least two of SMS, MMS, WAP, e-mail, and the Internet, and managing a script of such messages, wherein the next short message in a series is based on a user response to a prior short message in the series. User engagement may be facilitated by developing locally produced, personalized channels for delivery of relevant content. The mobile platform may enable building mobile-oriented communities around original content. Content may be local, authentic, relevant, insider, original, aggregated, a multi-modal mash-up, and the like.

Abstract: The new injection system provides rapid, high pressure, high density, and transient batch injection of cryogenic liquids. The system stores and maintains the temperature of liquids in vacuum jacketed tanks, increases pressures using pumps, and stores the high pressure fluid in accumulators. The accumulator periodically injects the fluids at high pressure in measured mass batches into a combustion chamber. The system injects enough liquid or gas in 0.5 to 3.0 seconds to provide 500 to 6500 psi in a closed chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for calculating a digital quality index (DQI), which provides a rating on a predetermined scale, indicative of the impairments in a received quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) signal in a CATV cable system. The DQI system utilizes bit error rates prior to and after forward error correction to calculate the DQI value. To increase the calculation rate, the bit error rates can be estimated using voltage errors, signal to noise ratios and/or average corner error metrics.

Abstract: A gas operated part forming die apparatus has compact high tonnage presses which are operated by high pressure gas generated within chambers and controlled to operate high pressure pistons and dies for compressing particulate material into dense formed parts. Combustion chambers are filled with pressurized mixtures of combustible gases and diluents. Elongated chambers have insulating walls and spaced electrodes. Some contain liquid or particulate ablatable materials or ablatable liners. Others extend fuzes between the electrodes and are filled with pressurized gases. Gas is removed from the particulate material. Die cavities may be precompressed during filing of chambers with pressurized gas. Igniting the combustible gases or creating arcs between the electrodes produces rapidly expanding high pressure resultant gases for driving pistons and movable dies and rapidly compressing die cavities. Pressures in the chambers are contained, or pistons are restrained until releasing and driving the pistons.

Abstract: Compounds having anti-psychotic activity are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the compounds are atypical anti-psychotics. In some embodiments, the compounds are selective for the 5-HT2A receptor over the D2 receptor. Pharmaceutical derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds are disclosed herein. Methods for treating a psychotic condition that include administering the compounds, a pharmaceutical derivative thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test device and a method enabling automatic detection of an imbalance in a power level of a channel. The test device includes a tuner, a power-level measurement system, and an evaluation unit. According to the method, a test channel is selected from a plurality of channels, by means of the tuner. A power level of the test channel and a total power level of the plurality of channels are measured, by means of the power-level measurement system. A ratio of the total power level of the plurality of channels to the power level of the test channel is then evaluated, by means of the evaluation unit, to detect an imbalance in a power level of the test channel.

Abstract: A system and method for storing items and tracking usage of items in a user configurable medication dispensing cabinet is disclosed. Items are stored in a tray or drawer having user-adjustable storage spaces. A graphical user interface comprising a touch screen enables users to rapidly customize the layout of storage spaces, which allows a wide variety of shapes and sizes of items to be stored in the tray. A kit of items that are identified in advance may be removed more efficiently by ordering removal based on the location of the storage spaces in which the items are stored. Items not identified in advance may be removed and tracked more efficiently through the use of the graphical user interface or a scanner for reading machine-readable identification tags on the items or the storage spaces. Bar codes and RFID devices are contemplated for use as identification tags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting network impairments through tilt-normalized measurement data, the method including: collecting data for a network signal; computing a best-fit tilt for the collected data; performing tilt-normalization of the collected data responsive to the computed best-fit tilt; and determining whether the tilt-normalized data crosses a threshold, and if so, pattern matching the tilt-normalized data to detect a network impairment; and the apparatus including: an input unit for collecting data from a network signal; a tilt unit connected to the input unit for computing a best-fit tilt for the collected data and performing tilt-normalization of the collected data responsive to the computed best-fit tilt; and a pattern matching unit connected to the tilt unit for determining whether the tilt-normalized data crosses a threshold, and if so, pattern matching the tilt-normalized data to detect at least one network impairment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring Hum on a digital QAM carrier using a testing device for testing digital TV signals including a QAM demodulator therein, and to a testing device implementing the method. A micro-controller is used to sample a register associated with an AGC circuit in the QAM demodulator, and to process the collected register values to obtain one or more Hum characteristics.

Abstract: A device for rapidly moving mechanically actuated devices, such as switches and valves with the capability of sub-millisecond response times being achievable with moving masses exceeding one kilogram. Response times approaching that of explosively actuated devices are obtained while retaining the repetitive cycling capability of non-explosively operated devices. Electrical energy stored in a capacitor pulses through electrodes and closed and open ends of a capillary tube to rapidly heat a gas and raise its pressure to a thousand atmospheres or more. The high pressure gas acts on a piston, accelerating it for a short distance before the pressure is vented around the piston to quickly reduce the drive force. The moving piston is brought to a stop by a hydraulic damping device. A reset device resets the piston, the capillary is refilled with working gas, and the capacitor is charged fro the next operation.