Abstract: A crossbow de-cocking mechanism may include a trigger mechanism, a trigger latch mechanism and a winch assembly. A first rotational input to the winch may move a trigger latch to disengage the trigger mechanism. A second rotational input to the trigger latch, opposite to the first, may move the trigger mechanism to move a crossbow bowstring from a cocked position to an un-cocked position.

Abstract: A system and method for growing and protecting tree seedlings is provided. The system includes potting tubes that may function as a pot for growing seedlings and additionally as a tree guard for protecting transplanted tree seedlings from pests. The potting tubes are open at both ends and may be secured to a bottom end cap for use as a pot. After a growth period, the end cap can be removed and the tree can be transplanted with the tube surrounding the tree for use as a tree guard. The system includes a tray with end caps attached to the tray for transporting and transplanting large numbers of tree seedlings.

Abstract: A method can include detecting a cadence-changing event for a stream of data, the stream of data being provided in chunks having associated chunk boundaries according to an established cadence. An adjusted chunk boundary can be established at a location corresponding to the cadence-changing event to replace a closest scheduled chunk boundary in the stream of data.

Abstract: A system and method for growing and protecting tree seedlings is provided. The system includes potting tubes that may function as a pot for growing seedlings and additionally as a tree guard for protecting transplanted tree seedlings from pests. The potting tubes are open at both ends and may be secured to a bottom end cap for use as a pot. After a growth period, the end cap can be removed and the tree can be transplanted with the tube surrounding the tree for use as a tree guard. The system includes a tray with end caps attached to the tray for transporting and transplanting large numbers of tree seedlings.

Abstract: Methods of preserving captioning information in an input video stream through transcoding of the input video stream include extracting caption data from the input video stream, translating the caption data into at least one output caption format, packaging the translated caption data into data packets for insertion into a video stream, synchronizing the packaged caption data with a transcoded version of the input video stream, receiving a preliminary output video stream that is a transcoded version of the input video stream, and combining the packaged caption data with the preliminary output video stream to form an output video stream. Related systems and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method can include detecting a cadence-changing event for a stream of data, the stream of data being provided in chunks having associated chunk boundaries according to an established cadence. An adjusted chunk boundary can be established at a location corresponding to the cadence-changing event to replace a closest scheduled chunk boundary in the stream of data.

Abstract: Methods of preserving captioning information in an input video stream through transcoding of the input video stream include extracting caption data from the input video stream, translating the caption data into at least one output caption format, packaging the translated caption data into data packets for insertion into a video stream, synchronizing the packaged caption data with a transcoded version of the input video stream, receiving a preliminary output video stream that is a transcoded version of the input video stream, and combining the packaged caption data with the preliminary output video stream to form an output video stream. Related systems and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of encoding a video signal that includes a succession of images are disclosed. A system may include a plurality of independently programmable processing elements (PEs), an input interface device adapted to receive, buffer, and divide the input video signal in a manner appropriate to the plurality of PEs, and an output interface device adapted to receive encoded bitstreams generated by the plurality of PEs and provide an encoded video signal. Each PE is configurable to carry out the steps of a selected encoding algorithm and includes a digital processor and a memory in communication with the digital processor. The memories are independently accessible, and PEs communicate with each another during the encoding.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of one or more layers of void-maintaining synthetic drainable base courses (“VMSDBC's”) are provided as incorporated into landfills and other waste containment facilities. Key advantages of landfills and methods according to the invention include a substantial decrease in the necessity for conventional gravel and sand layers, and an increase in the effective volume of a landfill or similar facility. Moreover, the invention decreases the cost attendant to locating, transporting, and forming conventional rock, sand and gravel materials into discreet layers.