Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to modify existing overlay system architectures in a cost effective manner to meet the growing demand for narrowcast services and to position the existing overlay systems for additional future modifications. The implementations of the improved overlay system of this disclosure re-digitize narrowcast analog signals after they have been QAM modulated and upconverted to RF frequencies and replace the analog narrowcast transmitters with digital narrowcast transmitters. In the fiber nodes, the received narrowcast signals are converted back to analog signals and combined with analog broadcast signals for transmission to the service groups.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for bidirectional communication in a network, such as a cable television (CATV) system, for return band with echo cancellation. The techniques result in a minimum loss of available return bandwidth to facilitate forward out of band (OOB) communication to a client device, e.g., set top box (STB), within the extended return band, such as a return band extended beyond a frequency previously used for OOB communications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for bidirectional communication in a network, such as a cable television (CATV) system, for return band with echo cancellation. The techniques result in a minimum loss of available return bandwidth to facilitate forward out of band (OOB) communication to a client device, e.g., set top box (STB), within the extended return band, such as a return band extended beyond a frequency previously used for OOB communications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for bidirectional communication in a network, such as a cable television (CATV) system, for return band with echo cancellation. The techniques result in a minimum loss of available return bandwidth to facilitate forward out of band (OOB) communication to a client device, e.g., set top box (STB), within the extended return band, such as a return band extended beyond a frequency previously used for OOB communications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to modify existing overlay system architectures in a cost effective manner to meet the growing demand for narrowcast services and to position the existing overlay systems for additional future modifications. The implementations of the improved overlay system of this disclosure re-digitize narrowcast analog signals after they have been QAM modulated and upconverted to RF frequencies and replace the analog narrowcast transmitters with digital narrowcast transmitters. In the fiber nodes, the received narrowcast signals are converted back to analog signals and combined with analog broadcast signals for transmission to the service groups.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to modify existing overlay system architectures in a cost effective manner to meet the growing demand for narrowcast services and to position the existing overlay systems for additional future modifications. The implementations of the improved overlay system of this disclosure re-digitize narrowcast analog signals after they have been QAM modulated and upconverted to RF frequencies and replace the analog narrowcast transmitters with digital narrowcast transmitters. In the fiber nodes, the received narrowcast signals are converted back to analog signals and combined with analog broadcast signals for transmission to the service groups.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for a full or partial elimination of a diplexer in the communication system. Embodiments disclosed include techniques for avoiding the loss of usable frequency spectrum to reduce the bit/Hz efficiency needed in a bidirectional high bitrate system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to modify existing overlay system architectures in a cost effective manner to meet the growing demand for narrowcast services and to position the existing overlay systems for additional future modifications. The implementations of the improved overlay system of this disclosure re-digitize narrowcast analog signals after they have been QAM modulated and upconverted to RF frequencies and replace the analog narrowcast transmitters with digital narrowcast transmitters. In the fiber nodes, the received narrowcast signals are converted back to analog signals and combined with analog broadcast signals for transmission to the service groups.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aggregating service groups are provided. A chain of fiber nodes in a DOCSIS system is formed to aggregate the service groups served by the fiber nodes to form a super-service group. Multiple channels of a multiplexed data stream are used to transmit the signals from the super-service group. By creating a chain of fiber nodes and using multiple channels to transmit the signals from the super-service group, a DOCSIS system can be more efficiently reconfigured to segment a super-service group once the system has become exhausted.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring accurate reception of digitally encoded files that are transmitted in non-real time from a distribution station to a plurality of receiving stations, e.g. cable headends. Each file is divided into a plurality of data packets, with the packets being transmitted via satellite to the headends. Each headend determines which packets are in error (i.e. missing or jumbled) and need to be re-transmitted to the headend from the distribution station. After such a determination, each headend communicates a request over a land-link, e.g. telephone line or internet, to the distribution station requesting re-transmission of the packets in error. The distribution station then re-transmits these particular packets either via the land-link or the satellite. Re-transmission in non-real time via the land-link allows the headend to simultaneously receive packets via satellite and land-link so as to reduce the time taken to transmit files from the distribution station to the headends.

Abstract: An attenuator element, for high frequency electrical signals, at a characteristic impedance such as 50 ohms. One or more distributed resistance regions are interposed between an input and an output and are coupled to a ground pad. The impedance of the distributed resistance portion or portions is higher than the desired 50 ohms and additional input and output resistances, nondistributed, are interposed between the input pad and the ground pad and between the output pad and the ground pad to bring the effective impedance at the input and output to the desired characteristic impedance level. Utilizing the nondistributed resistances at input and output increases the power capability of the attenuator element and also results in a larger size for the distributed resistance region or regions, providing less critical tolerances for producing the distributed resistance regions.

Abstract: A rotary step attenuator having a housing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing. An array of attenuator elements is mounted on the rotor, appearing in an end view as chords of a circle whose center is at the axis of rotation of the rotor. Each attenuator element has a first surface bearing an electrically conductive pad facing the axis of rotation of the rotor, and additionally there is a blade contact member having a first surface facing away from the axis of rotation mounted in a fixed position relative to the housing and operable to touch a selected one of the conductive pads as the rotor is rotated within the housing. There are no spring biased signal contacts other than the blade contact member itself for effecting electrical coupling between the attenuator elements and the electrical connections to the rotary step attenuator.

Abstract: A newly found seedling of a fruit bearing citrus plant characterized by the large size, bright distinctive color, pleasant taste, ease of peeling and sectioning, and flattened shape of the fruit.