Abstract: A content delivery network transcodes content objects from a content provider for transmission to end users. The content delivery network includes network storage and servers. When a content object is uploaded, the network storage stores a copy of the content object, and a copy of the content object is directed to external file-based storage. At least one of the servers directs segments of the content object to a plurality of transcoding servers. Each of the transcoding servers informs a segment engine about which of the segments the transcoding server has received, transcodes the received segment to form a transcoded segment receivable by at least one of the end users, and transmits the transcoded segment to a permanent storage location. The content delivery network verifies that the copy of the content object is stored in the external file-based storage, and deletes the local copy of the content object.

Abstract: A rotary die apparatus and method for determining a registration error of a pattern applied to a strip of material by a rotary die. The rotary die apparatus may comprise the rotary die and a control system which senses signals from a sensor and a rotary encoder to determine an actual position of the rotary die when a fiducial on the strip of material is sensed. The control system may calculate the registration error by comparing the actual position with a registration target corresponding to a pattern length. The pattern length may correspond to the number of encoder pulses output per revolution of the rotary die divided by the number of patterns spaced apart around the circumference of the rotary die. An encoder count used to determine the actual position of the rotary die may reset each time it reaches the pattern length.

Abstract: A machine-implementable method for managing cloud-based transcoding resources available to a content delivery network includes maintaining a queue of video transcoding jobs that may be executed by internal transcoders of the content delivery network or by external transcoders of a plurality of cloud-based resources, utilizing a server of the content delivery network. The method further includes determining, at first and second times, corresponding first and second transcoder supply deviations, and a trend indicator; and determining whether to activate, deactivate, or make no change to the number of transcoders that are currently activated for transcoding, based at least on the second transcoder supply deviation and the trend indicator.

Abstract: A machine-implementable method for uniquely watermarking a content object according to end user identity includes transcoding an original content object to a format that is compatible with end user systems, and storing the transcoded content object where it is accessible by one or more points of presence (POPs) of a content delivery network. One of the POPs receives identifying information associated with a specific one of the end user systems. A digital watermark engine adds uncorrected digital watermark information correlating to the end user system, to the content object, to form a uniquely watermarked content object. The uncorrected digital watermark information is correctable by error correction capability of the specific end user system to deliver a version of the content object that is indistinguishable by a human from the original content object. The method further includes transmitting the uniquely watermarked content object to the specific end user system.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus and method of use provides for increasing the visibility of a cyclist. The lighting apparatus includes a plurality of lights that may be arranged in a linear array to facilitate attachment to elongate members of a bicycle. The plurality of lights can be mounted on a substrate that is received in a mounting member, which in turn can be attached to a bicycle. Alternatively, the lighting apparatus may be formed integrally as part of a bicycle. Attachment of one or more lighting apparatuses to a bicycle can provide for increased visibility of a cyclist from the front, the rear, or the side, and may be configured to provide increased visibility when it is either dark or light outside.

Abstract: A method of managing resources dedicated to a content object in a content delivery network includes transcoding and storing the content object in one or more of a plurality of delivery formats, and associating a transcoding profile with the content object, the transcoding profile including records of the content object with respect to delivery of the content object to end users across the plurality of delivery formats. The method also includes periodically executing a process that determines, utilizing the transcoding profile, an elapsed time since a most recent delivery of the content object in a particular delivery format to one of the end users, and deletes a copy of the content object in the particular delivery format when the elapsed time exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A machine-implementable method for managing cloud-based transcoding resources available to a content delivery network includes maintaining a queue of video transcoding jobs that may be executed by internal transcoders of the content delivery network or by external transcoders of a plurality of cloud-based resources, utilizing a server of the content delivery network. The method further includes determining, at first and second times, corresponding first and second transcoder supply deviations, and a trend indicator; and determining whether to activate, deactivate, or make no change to the number of transcoders that are currently activated for transcoding, based at least on the second transcoder supply deviation and the trend indicator.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for suppressing a handoff of a media stream associated with a communication session between communication devices one of which is a mobile device capable of making and receiving calls on separate networks. The technique suppresses an automatic media stream handoff between the mobile device and an IP network based call server in which the automatic media stream handoff comprises switching a communication path of the media stream between the mobile device and the IP network based call server from one including an IP access point to one including a cellular access point. The technique stores a list of IP access points to which the mobile device has previously connected and accepts input indicative of selecting one or more of the IP access points. Thereafter, either the mobile device or the call server prevents an automatic handoff process for any of the selected IP access points.

Abstract: A compact electrical plug characterized as a receptacle with a self-contained programmable, networkable controller which can be installed directly onto an electromechanical valve or relay. The plug has a controller built into the receptacle housing. It can be configured to run autonomously based on an internal closed loop feedback algorithm or manually controlled based on commands received remotely by a computer or custom control interface. The invention can be networked with other plugs like it providing a streamlined network where multiple electromechanical valves and\or relays can be controlled at one time. The plug has multiple visual indications providing the operating status and error states of the connected component and contained controller.

Abstract: A method and system for performing processing tasks is disclosed. At a resource, a detection is made as to when the resource is available to perform a processing task. Usage of the resource for performing processing tasks associated with each client of a set of clients is monitored. A restriction limiting which processing task is to be assigned to the resource is identified. The restriction identifies a hierarchy amongst at least two clients of the set of clients. The hierarchy is based on the monitored usage. A query identifying the restriction is generated. The query is transmitted to a remote queue in communication with a plurality of independent resources. The plurality of independent resources includes the resource. A response is received from the queue. The response identifies a processing task.

Abstract: Loudness control systems or methods may normalize audio signals to a predetermined loudness level. If the audio signal includes moderate background noise, then the background noise may also be normalized to the target loudness level. Noise signals may be detected using content-versus-noise classification, and a loudness control system or method may be adjusted based on the detection of noise. Noise signals may be detected by signal analysis in the frequency domain or in the time domain. Loudness control systems may also produce undesirable audio effects when content shifts from a high overall loudness level to a lower overall loudness level. Such loudness drops may be detected, and the loudness control system may be adjusted to minimize the undesirable effects during the transition between loudness levels.

Abstract: A fold-in-half table may include a first half constructed from molded plastic, such as blow-molded plastic, and a second half constructed from a wire rack. An inner engagement surface of the first half of the table top may engage an inner engagement surface of the second half of the table top when the table is in the unfolded position. The first and second inner engagement surfaces may be spaced apart when the table is in the folded position. The fond-in-half table may also include first and second support structures connected to the first and second halves of the table top and the support structures may be movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top.

Abstract: A method and system for performing processing tasks is disclosed. At a resource, a detection is made as to when the resource is available to perform a processing task. Usage of the resource for performing processing tasks associated with each client of a set of clients is monitored. A restriction limiting which processing task is to be assigned to the resource is identified. The restriction identifies a hierarchy amongst at least two clients of the set of clients. The hierarchy is based on the monitored usage. A query identifying the restriction is generated. The query is transmitted to a remote queue in communication with a plurality of independent resources. The plurality of independent resources includes the resource. A response is received from the queue. The response identifies a processing task.

Abstract: The disclosed process comprises freeze-drying a biodegradable implant device comprised or one or more polyesters to thereby reduce moisture content in the device.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods and apparatus for decomposing a signal having a plurality of channels into direct and diffuse components. The correlation coefficient between each pair of signals from the plurality of signals may be estimated. A linear system of equations relating the estimated correlation coefficients and direct energy fractions of each of the plurality of channels may be constructed. The linear system may be solved to estimate the direct energy fractions. A direct component output signal and a diffuse component output signal may be generated based in part on the direct energy fractions.

Abstract: A compact electrical plug characterized as a receptacle with a self-contained programmable, networkable controller which can be installed directly onto an electromechanical valve or relay. The plug has a controller built into the receptacle housing. It can be configured to run autonomously based on an internal closed loop feedback algorithm or manually controlled based on commands received remotely by a computer or custom control interface. The invention can be networked with other plugs like it providing a streamlined network where multiple electromechanical valves and\or relays can be controlled at one time. The plug has multiple visual indications providing the operating status and error states of the connected component and contained controller.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for measurement and reduction or prevention of fluid movement in lactiferous ducts, detection of diseased conditions in the breasts, and treatments thereof. Such techniques, methods and devices are applicable to a variety of conditions including carcinomas.

Abstract: A process of making a fuel product from spent grain from a beer brewing process. In the brewing process, the grain is pulverized to a particle size whose mean particle size is generally in the range of 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm with less than 1% greater than 2 mm. After the brewing sugars are extracted from the grain, the spent grain is pressed against a filter to reduce moisture below sixty-five percent (65%), and then the grain is dried to further reduce its moisture to less than ten percent (10%). The dried spent grain, after the aforementioned processing, is fed into a combustion chamber for a steam boiler that is used for beer brewing, and the spent grain is advanced downward through the combustion chamber with agitation to aid combustion.

Abstract: A table and chair set may include a table, a plurality of chairs and a storage case. The table may include a folding table top that has a footprint in the folded position. The chairs may be folding chairs that have a footprint generally equal to or slightly smaller than the footprint of the table in the folded position. The case may include an interior cavity that is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the table and the chair in the folded positions.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus and method of use provides for increasing the visibility of a cyclist. The lighting apparatus includes a plurality of lights that may be arranged in a linear array to facilitate attachment to elongate members of a bicycle. The plurality of lights can be mounted on a substrate that is received in a mounting member, which in turn can be attached to a bicycle. Alternatively, the lighting apparatus may be formed integrally as part of a bicycle. Attachment of one or more lighting apparatuses to a bicycle can provide for increased visibility of a cyclist from the front, the rear, or the side, and may be configured to provide increased visibility when it is either dark or light outside.