Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic coupling modules employed along the outer periphery of floating solar collector pods that can be introduced onto the surface of a body of water that operate to automatically connect to one another so that proximate pods form a reversible self-assembled physically and electrically coupled array that operate to harvest incident solar radiation and also operate to reduce the degree of evaporative water loss from that body of water. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed featuring normally open electrical connection elements that permit electronic coupling under magnetic attraction for improved electrical safety. Electromagnetic coupling modules are disclosed that are gimbaled to provide for increase flexibility and interconnectivity under angular displacement, such as when a floating solar pod array is subject to strong current, wind and wave forces.

Abstract: A method of downloading digital content to be rendered is provided in which a list of content servers that are capable of serving requested digital content is downloaded from a network accessible server. Service level statistics are tracked for the content servers in the list of content servers. A first content server to serve the requested digital content is selected from the list of content servers in dependence upon the service level statistics. A first segment of the requested digital content is downloaded from the first content server for rendering. In the event of a degradation in service, a second content server to replace the first content server is selected from the list of content servers in dependence upon the service level statistics, wherein the server replacement is substantially imperceptible. A second segment of the requested digital content is downloaded from the second content server for rendering.

Abstract: An image stream of static graphic images and a corresponding audio stream (e.g., a comic book image stream and an audio narration stream) are simultaneously rendered. One or more images from the image stream, which are each associated with time information relative to a timeline of the audio stream, are downloaded to the client device. A page is assembled from the images and is assigned time information relative to the timeline of the audio stream on the basis of the time information for the images. A portion of the audio stream including a time offset corresponding to a position on the page is downloaded to the client device. The page and the portion of the audio stream are simultaneously rendered on the client device by using the time information for the images or for the page, the portion of the audio stream being rendered in dependence upon the time offset.

Abstract: A method of downloading digital content to be rendered is provided in which a list of content servers that are capable of serving requested digital content is downloaded from a network accessible server. Service level statistics are tracked for the content servers in the list of content servers. A first content server to serve the requested digital content is selected from the list of content servers in dependence upon the service level statistics. A first segment of the requested digital content is downloaded from the first content server for rendering. In the event of a degradation in service, a second content server to replace the first content server is selected from the list of content servers in dependence upon the service level statistics, wherein the server replacement is substantially imperceptible. A second segment of the requested digital content is downloaded from the second content server for rendering.

Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a frame, a support coupled to the tabletop and the frame for supporting the tabletop vertically above the frame, and a powered rotator coupled to the frame. The powered rotator may be configured to move the support and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of curvature of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. A method of moving a tabletop of a workstation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a frame, a support coupled to the tabletop and the frame for supporting the tabletop vertically above the frame, and a powered rotator coupled to the frame. The powered rotator may be configured to move the support and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of curvature of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. A method of moving a tabletop of a workstation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a frame, a support coupled to the tabletop and the frame for supporting the tabletop vertically above the frame, and a powered rotator coupled to the frame. The powered rotator may be configured to move the support and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of curvature of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. A method of moving a tabletop of a workstation is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image stream of static graphic images and a corresponding audio stream (e.g., a comic book image stream and an audio narration stream) are simultaneously rendered. One or more images from the image stream, which are each associated with time information relative to a timeline of the audio stream, are downloaded to the client device. A page is assembled from the images and is assigned time information relative to the timeline of the audio stream on the basis of the time information for the images. A portion of the audio stream including a time offset corresponding to a position on the page is downloaded to the client device. The page and the portion of the audio stream are simultaneously rendered on the client device by using the time information for the images or for the page, the portion of the audio stream being rendered in dependence upon the time offset.

Abstract: A plurality of digital media streams are synchronized by using a descriptor file. The plurality of digital media streams includes a first digital media stream containing a digital audio narration of an originating work and a second digital media stream containing digital media content corresponding to the same originating work. The descriptor file contains location information for the plurality of digital media streams, synchronization time offsets in a timeline of the digital audio narration of the first digital media stream, and synchronization points in the digital media content of the second digital media stream that correspond to the synchronization time offsets. Two or more of the plurality of digital media streams, including the second digital media stream, are simultaneously rendered in a synchronized manner by accessing the descriptor file and correlating the synchronization points and the synchronization time offsets.

Abstract: A method of downloading digital content to be rendered is provided in which a list of content servers that are capable of serving requested digital content is downloaded from a network accessible server. Service level statistics are tracked for the content servers in the list of content servers. A first content server to serve the requested digital content is selected from the list of content servers in dependence upon the service level statistics. A first segment of the requested digital content is downloaded from the first content server for rendering. In the event of a degradation in service, a second content server to replace the first content server is selected from the list of content servers in dependence upon the service level statistics, wherein the server replacement is substantially imperceptible. A second segment of the requested digital content is downloaded from the second content server for rendering.

Abstract: A method and a system for rendering digital content across multiple client devices are provided. At least a portion of first digital content is rendered on a first client device. An identifier corresponding to the first digital content, which identifies a descriptor of the first digital content, and a first position in the first digital content are determined on the first client device. The identifier and the first position are transferred from the first client device to a second client device via a network accessible library. The descriptor is downloaded from the network accessible library to the second client device by using the identifier. At least a portion of ancillary digital content associated with the first digital content is rendered on the second client device by using the descriptor and the first position. Thus, rendering of the first content and the ancillary digital content may be synchronized across multiple devices.

Abstract: A method and a system for rendering digital content across multiple client devices are provided. Digital content is downloaded to a first client device from a network accessible library. As the digital content is rendered, a current position is tracked. A bookmark is created by setting the current position as a bookmarked position. The bookmark is transferred to a second client device, and digital content including the bookmarked position is downloaded to the second client device from the network accessible library, enabling a continuous user experience across multiple client devices.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable code for the management of digital media on a device with memory and storage restrictions. As with any device, memory and storage is limited. With the ultimate goal of providing a user with a hands-off literary experience involving multiple media types, it is necessary to automate the clean-up of unneeded content that has previously been transferred to the device. Utilizing bookmark information that describes various positions in one or more media streams, time information that describes the various media streams and related content used to integrate various types of content for each media stream, content and storage can be managed such that the user never has to interact directly with stored content beyond the controls provided with a basic media player. The user still experiences a completely automated and seamless literary experience regardless of the number of open media streams, bookmarks and various related content the user has.

Abstract: A plurality of digital media streams are synchronized by using a descriptor file. The plurality of digital media streams includes a first digital media stream containing a digital audio narration of an originating work and a second digital media stream containing digital media content corresponding to the same originating work. The descriptor file contains location information for the plurality of digital media streams, synchronization time offsets in a timeline of the digital audio narration of the first digital media stream, and synchronization points in the digital media content of the second digital media stream that correspond to the synchronization time offsets. Two or more of the plurality of digital media streams, including the second digital media stream, are simultaneously rendered in a synchronized manner by accessing the descriptor file and correlating the synchronization points and the synchronization time offsets.

Abstract: A method is provided in which a descriptor file is created for synchronizing a plurality of digital media streams. A plurality of time offsets are identified in a timeline of a digital audio narration of a first digital media stream, and the plurality of time offsets and a corresponding plurality of content points are stored in the descriptor file in a manner indicating a correlation therebetween. Synchronization points are identified in digital media content of one or more other digital media streams, and synchronization time offsets are selected that correspond to the synchronization points from the plurality of time offsets. The synchronization time offsets and the corresponding synchronization points are stored in the descriptor file in a manner indicating a correlation therebetween, such that the descriptor file allows a synchronized rendering of the plurality of digital media streams on a client device.

Abstract: RailPods are an alternative personal rapid transit system that operate on and utilize existing railroad infrastructure. RailPods are one to two passenger vehicles that travel on one rail of a traditional railroad track. RailPods provide on-demand transportation to cities and towns where rail exists or can be built.

Abstract: A method and a system for rendering digital content across multiple client devices are provided. At least a portion of first digital content is rendered on a first client device. An identifier corresponding to the first digital content, which identifies a descriptor of the first digital content, and a first position in the first digital content are determined on the first client device. The identifier and the first position are transferred from the first client device to a second client device via a network accessible library. The descriptor is downloaded from the network accessible library to the second client device by using the identifier. At least a portion of ancillary digital content associated with the first digital content is rendered on the second client device by using the descriptor and the first position. Thus, rendering of the first content and the ancillary digital content may be synchronized across multiple devices.

Abstract: A method is provided in which a descriptor file is created for synchronizing a plurality of digital media streams. A plurality of time offsets are identified in a timeline of a digital audio narration of a first digital media stream, and the plurality of time offsets and a corresponding plurality of content points are stored in the descriptor file in a manner indicating a correlation therebetween. Synchronization points are identified in digital media content of one or more other digital media streams, and synchronization time offsets are selected that correspond to the synchronization points from the plurality of time offsets. The synchronization time offsets and the corresponding synchronization points are stored in the descriptor file in a manner indicating a correlation therebetween, such that the descriptor file allows a synchronized rendering of the plurality of digital media streams on a client device.

Abstract: A method and a system for rendering digital content across multiple client devices are provided. Digital content is downloaded to a first client device from a network accessible library. As the digital content is rendered, a current position is tracked. A bookmark is created by setting the current position as a bookmarked position. The bookmark is transferred to a second client device, and digital content including the bookmarked position is downloaded to the second client device from the network accessible library, enabling a continuous user experience across multiple client devices.

Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a frame, a support coupled to the tabletop and the frame for supporting the tabletop vertically above the frame, and a powered rotator coupled to the frame. The powered rotator may be configured to move the support and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of curvature of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. A method of moving a tabletop of a workstation is also disclosed.