Abstract: A system for encoding data blocks and methods of operating the same result in a video encoder that provides advanced intelligent encoding. The video encoder comprises DCT (discrete cosine transformer) resources configured to DCT the data blocks. Quantizing resources is coupled to the DCT resources configured to quantize the data blocks to provide quantized data blocks. Inverse quantizing resources is coupled to the quantizing resources to inverse quantize the quantized data blocks. Frame reconstruction resources is coupled to the inverse quantizing resources configured to reconstruct previous compressed frames. Motion estimation resources is coupled to the frame reconstruction resources configured to provide predicted data blocks. Subtraction resources is coupled to the DCT resources and the motion estimation resources to subtract the data blocks and the predicted data blocks.

Abstract: An en route package apparatus and methods for operating the same comprise a reservoir having a fluid, a tilt indicator section having an X direction indicator including an X capillary coupled to the fluid in the reservoir, a Y direction indicator including a Y capillary coupled to the fluid in the reservoir, and a Z direction indicator including a Z capillary coupled to the fluid in the reservoir wherein the fluid from the reservoir flows through one of the X capillary, Y capillary, or Z capillary to a respective corresponding direction indicator in response to tilting the en route package sensing apparatus in a direction corresponding to the particular direction indicator.

Abstract: Designs and manufacturing methods provide flexibility in the manufacture and assembly of the communicating card of this invention. The communicating card includes a housing into which an electronic module is inserted. The housing is configured so that it can be manufactured independently of the electronic module. The electronic module is constructed to allow programming of the communication after the module has been manufactured, before or after insertion into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting differential signals and methods of operating the same result in a low cost passive multiport differential signal switcher.

Abstract: An apparatus for a surfable skateboard result in a skateboard that mimics surfing-like sensations and affords more maneuverability for the rider. The surfable skateboard comprises a deck having a tail end and a nose end, a pair of front wheel assemblies each mounted to an underside of the deck near the nose end, and a pair of rear caster assemblies each having limited swivel configured to swivelly mount to the underside of the deck near the tail end.

Abstract: A system for encoding and decoding data blocks and methods of operating the same result in an encoder that provides intelligent data rate control. The encoder comprises DCT (discrete cosine transformer) resources having a truncate controller configured to receive a truncate signal to truncate the data blocks to provide reduced data blocks. Quantizing resources is coupled to the DCT resources to quantize the reduced data blocks to provide quantized data blocks. Inverse quantizing resources is coupled to the quantizing resources to inverse quantize the quantized data blocks. Frame reconstruction resources is coupled to the inverse quantizing resources to reconstruct previous compressed frames. Motion estimation resources is coupled to the frame reconstruction resources to provide predicted data blocks. Subtraction resources is coupled to the DCT resources and the motion estimation resources to subtract the data blocks and the predicted data blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus for encoding input images and methods of operating the same result in a video encoder that improves compression performance of the video encoder engine. The video encoder comprises image interpolation resources configured to interpolate an input image to provide an interpolated input image. Block matching resources is coupled to the image interpolation resources having a last encoder input image to provide a best match input image from the interpolated input image in response to the last encoder input image. An encoder engine is coupled to the block matching resources to provide the last encoder input image to the block matching resources and to encode the best match input image.

Abstract: An inductive compensation apparatus for smooth compensation of a transmission bus and methods of operating the same result in improved impedance of the transmission bus for transfer of data signals. The inductive compensation apparatus having an input and an output and a transmission bus with an effective impedance comprises a first capacitance connected to the input and a second capacitance connected to the output. A first bus compensator is connected between the input and the first capacitance to compensate the first capacitance and raise the impedance of the transmission bus. A second bus compensator is connected between the first capacitance and the second capacitance to compensate the first capacitance and the second capacitance and raise the impedance of the transmission bus. A third bus compensator is connected between the second capacitance and the output to compensate the second capacitance and raise the impedance of the transmission bus for improved data transfers on the transmission bus.

Abstract: An apparatus for successive refinement of video frames, and methods of operating the same result in reduced latency for downloading the video frames. The apparatus for transmitting video frames comprises a plurality of video frames encoded to provide a plurality of program modules. A first program module provides a first video frame. A second program module provides an enhancement to the first video frame. A cataloging resource which provides scheduling requests for transmission of the plurality of program modules requests the first program module and the second program module for transmission. An output driver which transmits program modules receives the scheduling requests from the cataloging resource for the first program module and the second program module and selects the first program module and the second program module for transmission to produce a higher quality first video frame.

Abstract: A composite computer housing protects electronic components against shock and vibration. The housing has a midplane which divides the housing into a chassis section and a mainboard section. The chassis section holds hard disk drives. The mainboard section holds a mainboard, cards, a processor unit and other electronic components. A composite side cover assembly, having multiple layers, encloses the housing and provides a shell to inhibit flexion of the housing. The side cover presses against any number of the electronic components in the mainboard section to minimize vibration of these components and to enable the electronic components to provide internal support to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for encoding data blocks and methods of operating the same result in an encoder that provides constant data rate outputs. The encoder comprises DCT (discrete cosine transformer) resources having a truncate controller configured to receive a truncate signal to truncate the data blocks to provide reduced data blocks. Quantizing resources is coupled to the DCT resources to quantize the reduced data blocks to provide quantized data blocks. Inverse quantizing resources is coupled to the quantizing resources to inverse quantize the quantized data blocks to provide inverse quantized data blocks. Frame reconstruction resources is coupled to the inverse quantizing resources to reconstruct previous compressed frames. Motion estimation resources is coupled to the frame reconstruction resources to provide predicted data blocks. Subtraction resources is coupled to the DCT resources and the motion estimation resources to subtract the data blocks and the predicted data blocks.