Abstract: In a converged computer and television system, the TV network viewed in a TV mode can be changed by entering an alphanumeric channel macro on the computer keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cable Television (CATV) that includes a head end with a radio-frequency hub and an Ethernet hub to separately process data transmitted within the CATV. Specifically, the radio-frequency hub receives the data, extracts radio-frequency data therefrom, outputs the extracted radio-frequency data, and transmits the data to the Ethernet hub, which is external to the radio-frequency hub. The Ethernet hub receives the data from the radio-frequency hub, extracts Ethernet data from the data, outputs the extracted Ethernet data to an Ethernet data port, inputs additional Ethernet data from the Ethernet data port, incorporates the additional Ethernet data into the data, and transmits the data, with the additional Ethernet data incorporated therein, to a receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cable Television (CATV) that includes a head end with a radio-frequency hub and an Ethernet hub to separately process data transmitted within the CATV. Specifically, the radio-frequency hub receives the data, extracts radio-frequency data therefrom, outputs the extracted radio-frequency data, and transmits the data to the Ethernet hub, which is external to the radio-frequency hub. The Ethernet hub receives the data from the radio-frequency hub, extracts Ethernet data from the data, outputs the extracted Ethernet data to an Ethernet data port, inputs additional Ethernet data from the Ethernet data port, incorporates the additional Ethernet data into the data, and transmits the data, with the additional Ethernet data incorporated therein, to a receiver.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for dynamically defining individual channel behavior from a variety of tuner sources within an integrated PC/TV apparatus. The system includes a channel server database including a master channel list of all channels provided by various tuner sources within a PC/TV apparatus. Each channel within the database list includes various parameters and data associated therewith defining the behavior of the channel independently of other channels within a listing. A number of channels server functionalities enable a user to dynamically access and alter the channel parameters and data to tailor channel behavior to a user's personal preferences.

Abstract: A computer convergence system includes a convergence functionality module, a computer, and a display device. The convergence functionality module includes a first input for receiving a first video signal and a second input for receiving a second video signal. The computer is coupled to the convergence functionality module and receives therefrom indications of the first video signal received at the first input port and indications of said second video signal received at the second input port. The computer includes a controller for controlling the mapping of the indications of the first video signal to the primary video viewing surface, and further controls the mapping of the indications of the second video signal to either the second video viewing surface or the data acquisition destination.

Abstract: A computer convergence system includes a convergence functionality module, a computer, and a display device. The convergence functionality module includes a first input for receiving a first video signal and a second input for receiving a second video signal. The computer is coupled to the convergence functionality module and receives therefrom indications of the first video signal received at the first input port and indications of said second video signal received at the second input port. The computer includes a controller for controlling the mapping of the indications of the first video signal to the primary video viewing surface, and further controls the mapping of the indications of the second video signal to either the second video viewing surface or the data acquisition destination.

Abstract: A computer convergence system includes a convergence functionality module, a computer, and a display device. The convergence functionality module includes a first input for receiving a first video signal and a second input for receiving a second video signal. The computer is coupled to the convergence functionality module and receives therefrom indications of the first video signal received at the first input port and indications of said second video signal received at the second input port. The computer includes a controller for controlling the mapping of the indications of the first video signal to the primary video viewing surface, and further controls the mapping of the indications of the second video signal to either the second video viewing surface or the data acquisition destination.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the number of input/output ports of a computer system while maintaining the form factor of the computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first system or motherboard mounted within the computer chassis. The first edge of a riser board is connected to the motherboard such the riser board extends generally perpendicular to the motherboard. The second edge of the riser board is connected to a second system board. The second system board is mounted to a sub panel and includes multiple input/output connectors positioned at both the front of the chassis and the rear of the chassis. A front bezel, having openings corresponding to the input/output connectors, is placed over the front of the chassis.

Abstract: A DVD assembly, and an associated method, for a convergent device, such as a television converged into a computer. The DVD assembly is integrated into the convergent device to facilitate ease of user control over operation of the DVD assembly. Common control interfaces which include the "look and feel" of the control interfaces otherwise used by the convergent device simplify operational control over operation of the DVD assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for dynamically defining individual channel behavior from a variety of tuner sources within an integrated PC/TV apparatus. The system includes a channel server database including a master channel list of all channels provided by various tuner sources within a PC/TV apparatus. Each channel within the database list includes various parameters and data associated therewith defining the behavior of the channel independently of other channels within a listing. A number of channels server functionalities enable a user to dynamically access and alter the channel parameters and data to tailor channel behavior to a user's personal preferences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for bypassing a first RF broadband amplifier in a CATV network so as to permit substitution of a second broadband amplifier for the first amplifier to permit repair, replacement and/or analysis of the bypassed first RF amplifier. A switching circuit is employed to rapidly substitute the second amplifier for the first amplifier and to reinsert the repaired of replaced first amplifier in the CATV network following maintenance thereof. Bypassing of the first amplifier and utilization of the second amplifier in its stead allows maintenance to be performed on the first amplifier without disruption of service to the portion of the network downstream of the first amplifier.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed quick disconnect RF connector for use with hardline coaxial cable. In one embodiment the RF connector includes a chassis portion for mounting on a chassis and an adaptor portion for connection to a hardline coaxial cable. The adaptor portion and the chassis portion are configured to provide a quick disconnect electrical connection. The adaptor portion includes a locking member for locking the chassis portion of the connector and the adaptor portion of the connector together once the chassis portion and the adaptor portion have been engaged. Prior to locking, the locking member permits the chassis portion of the connector and the adaptor portion of the connector to quickly engage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for compressing plastic waste for the purposes of minimizing space, maximizing manageability and otherise improving the logistics of household recycling. The claimed invention is an electrically powered machine that rotates a plurality of converging, tapered cylinders. Each cylinder has chisel pointed teeth arranged in a helical pattern along the surface of each cylinder. Once a piece of plastic material is placed between the cylinders, the motor is turned on. The cylinders all rotate in the same direction. The pointed teeth on the cylinders grab the plastic material, forcing it deeper between the converging cylinders. The rotation of the cylinder, with the protruding teeth, cause the plastic material to twist as it is pulled downward. Eventually, the plastic material is passed through the bottom of the converging cylinders, wherein the plastic material is oriented in a tightly compressed and twisted cylindrical form.

Abstract: A CATV package housing electronic circuits designed especially for use in underground cable TV systems is vertically mounted with all connections on the bottom and includes a specialized electrically conductive T-plate that serves as a shield and heat sink positioned between two printed circuit boards to form an interior assembly. The T-plate includes a coaxial connector press fit through the plate to permit RF connection between the boards, with each board containing one or more right-angled coaxial connectors adapted to be inserted into mating connectors in the base of the unit when the circuit board/T-plate assembly is mounted to the base. The subject assembly is designed to be mounted in a small enclosure that may be mounted underground in an underground vault or within an enclosure flush with the ground.