Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering spatial audio in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a spatial audio system, including a primary network connected speaker, including a plurality of sets of drivers, where each set of drivers is oriented in a different direction, a processor system, memory containing an audio player application, wherein the audio player application configures the processor system to obtain an audio source stream from an audio source via the network interface, spatially encode the audio source, decode the spatially encoded audio source to obtain driver inputs for the individual drivers in the plurality of sets of drivers, where the driver inputs cause the drivers to generate directional audio.

Abstract: A magazine base plate assembly including a base plate having a base plate passage defined therein and a base plate aperture formed therethrough; a base plate insert adapted to be slidably positioned within at least a portion of the base plate passage and repeatably slidable between a retracted position and an extended position within the base plate passage, wherein the base plate insert aperture extends through a portion of the base plate insert; and an insert release button, wherein a portion of the insert release button is positioned through the base plate insert aperture and wherein the insert release button is repeatably slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the retracted position and the engaged position at least a portion of the insert release button extends through the base plate insert aperture and into at least a portion of the base plate aperture.

Abstract: A magazine base plate assembly including a base plate having opposing interior side walls with a base plate passage extending through the base plate, and wherein at least one opposing channel is formed within each of the opposing interior side walls; and a base plate insert that is slidably positioned within at least a portion of the base plate passage between a retracted position and an extended position within at least a portion of the base plate passage, wherein in the retracted position one or more of extending tabs extend from flexible tabs into at least a portion of each of the opposing channels, and wherein if each of the flexible tabs is urged a sufficient distance towards an internal insert chamber of the base plate insert, the extending tabs are withdrawn from the opposing channels, allowing the base plate insert to move toward the extended position.

Abstract: A magazine base plate assembly including a base plate having opposing interior side walls with a base plate passage extending through the base plate, and wherein at least one opposing channel is formed within each of the opposing interior side walls; and a base plate insert that is slidably positioned within at least a portion of the base plate passage between a retracted position and an extended position within at least a portion of the base plate passage, wherein in the retracted position one or more of extending tabs extend from flexible tabs into at least a portion of each of the opposing channels, and wherein if each of the flexible tabs is urged a sufficient distance towards an internal insert chamber of the base plate insert, the extending tabs are withdrawn from the opposing channels, allowing the base plate insert to move toward the extended position.

Abstract: A diaphragm optic sensor comprises a single crystal ferrule, preferably single crystal sapphire, including a bore having an optical fiber disposed therein and a diaphragm attached to the ferrule, the diaphragm being spaced apart from the ferrule to form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The cavity is formed by creating a pit in the ferrule or in the diaphragm, or by interposing a spacer between the diaphragm and ferrule. The components of the sensor are preferably welded together, preferably by laser welding. In some embodiments, the entire ferrule is bonded to the fiber along the entire length of the fiber within the ferrule; in other embodiments, only a portion of the ferrule is welded to the fiber.

Abstract: A diaphragm optic sensor comprises a single crystal ferrule, preferably single crystal sapphire, including a bore having an optical fiber disposed therein and a diaphragm attached to the ferrule, the diaphragm being spaced apart from the ferrule to form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The cavity is formed by creating a pit in the ferrule or in the diaphragm, or by interposing a spacer between the diaphragm and ferrule. The components of the sensor are preferably welded together, preferably by laser welding. In some embodiments, the entire ferrule is bonded to the fiber along the entire length of the fiber within the ferrule; in other embodiments, only a portion of the ferrule is welded to the fiber.

Abstract: A video server for providing Video-On-Demand is disclosed. A plurality of data sources are coupled individually to a first and second bi-directional data/instruction switch. The first switch is additionally coupled to a data storage system and the second switch is coupled to a network interface. A real time controller is coupled to the data sources and the switches and can couple any part of the data storage system to any selected data source and any given network channel to any selected data source. A control system coupled to the real time controller and the second switch provides support services to the real time controller and acts as a gateway to third party services and products. The data storage system is largely comprised of disk drive arrays. Video data is striped across the individual arrays, each video data program that a user requests being striped across one array. Each array provides video data to many users through the data sources.