Abstract: In a method for communicating media content stored on a digital video recorder (DVR) protected by a first DRM system to a portable multimedia device (PMD) using a second DRM system, in which the first DRM system differs from the second DRM system, a request for communication of a media content item stored on the DVR to the PMD is received. In addition, a portable content key is employed to encrypt the media content item to a PMD format suitable content version and the encrypted PMD format suitable content version is communicated to the PMD along with a portable content identifier (ID).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for optimizing home networking interface selection in home networking applications. One embodiment of a method for selecting, at a set top box in a network, an active home networking interface from among a plurality of home networking interfaces includes activating the best performing home networking interface and deactivating the remainder of the home networking interfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for mitigating layer-2 loops in home networking applications. One embodiment of a method for mitigating layer-2 loops in a network includes detecting a loop between a first terminal in the network and a second terminal in the network, and deactivating at least one active home networking interface at the first terminal.

Abstract: A communications system and method is provided that includes multiple networked devices connected in a local area network and connected, via a gateway having enhanced functionality, to a wide area network such as the Internet using one or more Internet service providers. The system includes a source routing device (130), at least two networked customer premise equipment devices (118, 120), a gateway (123) for controlling communication between the source routing device (130) and the customer premise equipment devices (118, 120) and an address server (132) for providing the gateway (123) with at least two dynamically assigned Internet protocol addresses corresponding to different Internet service providers (138, 140) to enable each of the customer premise equipment devices (118, 120) to establish simultaneous connections with the different Internet service providers (138, 140).

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for removing unwanted plants from a specific area of soil. The invention is comprised of a blade that is adapted to penetrate the surface of the soil and moving substantially parallel to the surface thereof. Proper movement of the blade is assisted by fins positioned on the sides of the blade, and act similarly to the rudder of a boat. The blade has a support member that has one end attached to the blade and the other end is capable of receiving a handle. The handle is configured in an arcuate shape to better facilitate grasping and holding by the user. This combination allows the user to grasp the handle, one hand on each side of the support member and blade, and push the invention forward undercutting the undesirable plant roots, thereby killing them. Minimal disruption of the soil is experienced, thereby optimizing the efficiency of work done by the user.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a means of providing a means of removing unwanted plants from a specific area of soil. The invention is comprised of a blade that is adapted to penetrate the surface of the soil and moving substantially parallel to the surface thereof. Proper movement of the blade is assisted by fins positioned on the sides of the blade, and act similarly to the rudder of a boat. The blade has a support member that has one end attached to the blade and the other end is capable of receiving a handle. The handle is configured in an arcuate shape to better facilitate grasping and holding by the user. This combination allows the user to grasp the handle, one hand on each side of the support member and blade, and push the invention forward undercutting the undesirable plant roots, thereby killing them. Minimal disruption of the soil is experienced, thereby optimizing the efficiency of work done by the user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for removing unwanted plants from a specific area of soil. The invention is comprised of a blade that is adapted to penetrate the surface of the soil and moving substantially parallel to the surface thereof. Proper movement of the blade is assisted by fins positioned on the sides of the blade, and act similarly to the rudder of a boat. The blade has a support member that has one end attached to the blade and the other end is capable of receiving a handle. The handle is configured in an arcuate shape to better facilitate grasping and holding by the user. This combination allows the user to grasp the handle, one hand on each side of the support member and blade, and push the invention forward undercutting the undesirable plant roots, thereby killing them. Minimal disruption of the soil is experienced, thereby optimizing the efficiency of work done by the user.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing sausage is disclosed. This sausage is reduced in calories and is prepared by replacing a portion of the fat in the sausage with cooked rice.

Abstract: A sausage is disclosed which is reduced in calories by replacement of a portion of the fat with rice.

Abstract: In a packaging machine of the type in which a "tin-tie" strip is affixed to a bag to allow repeated reclosures of the bag, a machine for cutting a continuous strip of tin-tie material into predetermined lengths and feeding the cut lengths into a bonding station where they are adhesively bonded to the bag proximate its top opening. The machine comprises a frame supporting a pair of electromagnetic clutches, one for selectively coupling a continuously driven shaft to an output shaft to which a tin-tie strip feedwheel is attached and the other for selectively coupling a continuously driven shaft to an output shaft to which a rotary cutting head is secured. Passage of a bag past a sensor triggers the two clutches which function to withdraw a predetermined length of tin-tie material from a supply reel and to sever the strip while feeding the cut length to the bonding station at the same speed as the bag is moving.