Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for handling trick mode operation using multiple video streams are provided. A media server presents a first video stream having a first level of a video characteristic for display. The media server, in response to receiving a first command, presents a second video stream having a second level of the video characteristic for display while stopping presenting the first video stream for display based on a determination determined using the first level of the video characteristic and the second level of the video characteristic. The first video stream and the second video stream are directed to the same video content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for handling trick mode operation using multiple video streams are provided. A media server presents a first video stream having a first level of a video characteristic for display. The media server, in response to receiving a first command, presents a second video stream having a second level of the video characteristic for display while stopping presenting the first video stream for display based on a determination determined using the first level of the video characteristic and the second level of the video characteristic. The first video stream and the second video stream are directed to the same video content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a network and generating overall health scores for communications nodes in the network are described. A monitoring system receives information from a variety of system elements and/or devices which provide information relating to communications service. The information received by the network monitoring system includes information indicating the number of outstanding work orders issued in regard to a trouble report, signal power level variance information, signal alarm information, uncorrectable error information, correctable error information, offline device information, etc. A set of scores for a node are generated based on the different types of received information. The scores are combined using a weighted sum to generate an overall node health score. Nodes are ranked based on overall node health scores and maintenance personal can view the scores as well as the underlying information corresponding to a node to facilitate identification of possible faults.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for handling trick mode operation using multiple video streams are provided. A media server presents a first video stream having a first level of a video characteristic for display. The media server, in response to receiving a first command, presents a second video stream having a second level of the video characteristic for display while stopping presenting the first video stream for display based on a determination determined using the first level of the video characteristic and the second level of the video characteristic. The first video stream and the second video stream are directed to the same video content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for handling trick mode operation using multiple video streams are provided. A media server presents a first video stream having a first level of a video characteristic for display. The media server, in response to receiving a first command, presents a second video stream having a second level of the video characteristic for display while stopping presenting the first video stream for display based on a determination determined using the first level of the video characteristic and the second level of the video characteristic. The first video stream and the second video stream are directed to the same video content.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for handling trick mode operation using multiple video streams are provided. A media server presents a first video stream having a first level of a video characteristic for display. The media server, in response to receiving a first command, presents a second video stream having a second level of the video characteristic for display while stopping presenting the first video stream for display based on a determination determined using the first level of the video characteristic and the second level of the video characteristic. The first video stream and the second video stream are directed to the same video content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a network and generating overall health scores for communications nodes in the network are described. A monitoring system receives information from a variety of system elements and/or devices which provide information relating to communications service. The information received by the network monitoring system includes information indicating the number of outstanding work orders issued in regard to a trouble report, signal power level variance information, signal alarm information, uncorrectable error information, correctable error information, offline device information, etc. A set of scores for a node are generated based on the different types of received information. The scores are combined using a weighted sum to generate an overall node health score. Nodes are ranked based on overall node health scores and maintenance personal can view the scores as well as the underlying information corresponding to a node to facilitate identification of possible faults.

Abstract: A wireless interface module interfaces a machine control system, such as a vending machine controller, with one of plural wireless networks through one of plural removably coupled wireless transceivers. Communication between geographically distributed vending machines and a desired wireless network is supported by coupling a transceiver associated with the desired network to the wireless interface module. This advantageously provides flexibility in selecting from one of plural wireless networks for a distributed vending machine so that communication between the control system and a distal operating center is supported over a preferred wireless network through a standardized wireless interface module incorporated in the vending machine by changing the wireless transceiver removably coupled to the wireless interface module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering control system/method for a process line running a web material including at least two steering units, a downstream and an upstream steering unit. At least one controller is in communication with the downstream and upstream steering unit. The downstream steering unit collects downstream data concerning a downstream position of the web material and sends the downstream data to the controller. The upstream steering unit collects upstream data concerning an upstream position of the web material, and sends the upstream data to the controller. The data may be an actual position of the web material or a position of a frame or a roller of the steering unit. The controller utilizes the downstream data to effect a downstream adjustment of the downstream steering unit. The controller utilizes the downstream data and the upstream data to effect an upstream adjustment of the upstream steering unit.

Abstract: A wireless interface module interfaces a machine control system, such as a vending machine controller, with one of plural wireless networks through one of plural removably coupled wireless transceivers. Communication between geographically distributed vending machines and a desired wireless network is supported by coupling a transceiver associated with the desired network to the wireless interface module. This advantageously provides flexibility in selecting from one of plural wireless networks for a distributed vending machine so that communication between the control system and a distal operating center is supported over a preferred wireless network through a standardized wireless interface module incorporated in the vending machine by changing the wireless transceiver removably coupled to the wireless interface module.

Abstract: A wireless interface module interfaces a machine control system, such as a vending machine controller, with one of plural wireless networks through one of plural removably coupled wireless transceivers. Communication between geographically distributed vending machines and a desired wireless network is supported by coupling a transceiver associated with the desired network to the wireless interface module. This advantageously provides flexibility in selecting from one of plural wireless networks for a distributed vending machine so that communication between the control system and a distal operating center is supported over a preferred wireless network through a standardized wireless interface module incorporated in the vending machine by changing the wireless transceiver removably coupled to the wireless interface module.

Abstract: A walking beam assembly includes a pair of axles in parallel spaced relation. At least one of the pair of axles being a drop axles having end portions and an intermediate portion that extends between the end portions. The intermediate portion drops down and has a secondary axis which is offset from and substantially parallel to a primary axis provided by the end portions. A pair of walking beams extend in parallel spaced relation between the pair of axles. Each walking beam has opposed ends, a central transverse pivot axis intermediate the opposed ends, and a longitudinal pivot axis. The opposed ends of each walking beam are secured via connectors on top of the intermediate portion of the at least one drop axle adjacent one of the end portions. Each of the connectors allow limited pivotal movement about the longitudinal pivot axis of the walking beam.

Abstract: A positional control device is provided to prevent accidental drifting of an overhead sectional door upward or downward from a fully opened, partly opened or fully closed position. The device allows the door to be manually moved to a different elevation without requiring a separate operation to release the door from its original position. This is achieved by a mechanism which couples the upward and downward motion of the door to the rotation of a sprocket wheel engaged with a spring loaded ratchet arm with a bifurcated head specially shaped for ratcheting engagement with the teeth of the sprocket wheel. Suitable adjustment of the spring allows the ratchet mechanism to hold the door in its given position by exerting a force which can readily be overcome by manual raising or lowering the door to a different position.

Abstract: A walking beam assembly includes a pair of axles in parallel spaced relation. At least one of the pair of axles being a drop axles having end portions and an intermediate portion that extends between the end portions. The intermediate portion: drops down and has a secondary axis which is offset from: and substantially parallel to a primary axis provided by the end portions. A pair of walking beams extend in parallel spaced relation between the pair of axles. Each walking beam has opposed ends, a central transverse pivot axis intermediate the opposed ends, and a longitudinal pivot axis. The opposed ends of each walking beam are secured via connectors on top of the intermediate portion of the at least one drop axle adjacent one of the end portions. Each of the connectors allow limited pivotal movement about the longitudinal pivot axis of the walking beam.

Abstract: A method of accommodating stepping movement in a walking beam assembly that has air suspension and a walking beam assembly with air suspension which includes a saddle and a pair of walking beams pivotally mounted in parallel spaced apart relation to the saddle. Supports for air bags are positioned on the saddle. A frame bracket is provided which is adapted for mounting to a chassis of a vehicle. The saddle is pivotally mounted to the frame bracket by a pivot bearing. In accordance with the teachings of the invention, the pivot bearing includes a housing and a ball having integral support shafts extending outwardly in opposed relation. The ball is supported within the housing for limited omnidirectional movement. In addition to accommodating up and down pivotal movement of the saddle, this configuration of pivot bearing accommodates limited yaw and limited roll.

Abstract: A positional control device is provided to prevent accidental drifting of an overhead sectional door upward or downward from a fully opened, partly opened or fully closed position. The device allows the door to be manually moved to a different elevation without requiring a separate operation to release the door from its original position. This is achieved by a mechanism which couples the upward and downward motion of the door to the rotation of a sprocket wheel engaged with a spring loaded ratchet arm with a bifurcated head specially shaped for ratcheting engagement with the teeth of the sprocket wheel. Suitable adjustment of the spring allows the ratchet mechanism to hold the door in its given position by exerting a force which can readily be overcome by manual raising or lowering the door to a different position.

Abstract: A wireless interface module interfaces a machine control system, such as a vending machine controller, with one of plural wireless networks through one of plural removably coupled wireless transceivers. Communication between geographically distributed vending machines and a desired wireless network is supported by coupling a transceiver associated with the desired network to the wireless interface module. This advantageously provides flexibility in selecting from one of plural wireless networks for a distributed vending machine so that communication between the control system and a distal operating center is supported over a preferred wireless network through a standardized wireless interface module incorporated in the vending machine by changing the wireless transceiver removably coupled to the wireless interface module.

Abstract: An electrical transformer box for mounting a low-voltage transformer partitioned into two spaces. A box-like transformer is divided by a partition into two volumes with the first volume being approximately one-half of the second volume. The transformer enclosure is nailed to a wall stud or fixed structure. Household current wires enter and exit into the smaller space. Wires connecting the household current pass through a bore in the partition into the larger space where a low-voltage transformer is mounted for connection to the household current wires. Low-voltage wires pass from the low-voltage transformer to a low-voltage appliance outside of the transformer enclosure.

Abstract: An electrical transformer box for mounting a low-voltage transformer partitioned into two spaces. A box-like transformer is divided by a partition into two volumes with the first volume being approximately one-half of the second volume. The transformer enclosure is nailed to a wall stud or fixed structure. Household current wires enter and exit into the smaller space. Wires connecting the household current pass through a bore in the partition into the larger space where a low-voltage transformer is mounted for connection to the household current wires. Low-voltage wires pass from the low-voltage transformer to a low-voltage appliance outside of the transformer enclosure.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for manufacturing flexible, reclosable containers is described herein. A continuous web of flexible film is formed into a tube around a forming tube. The lateral edges of the continuous web are guided so as to extend substantially perpendicularly from the forming tube, thereby forming a longitudinal seam. A pair of interlocked continuous fastener profile strips are then directed downwardly into the seam between the lateral edges of the film. Intermittent impulse sealing bars are utilized for heating the exterior surfaces of the seam so as to heatseal the bases of the fastener strips to the interior surfaces of the seam. Vertical longitudinal sealing bars are further provided externally from the impulse sealing bars which seal the longitudinal seam proximate the lateral edges of the continuous web. A pair of transverse sealing bars form the top seal of a first container and the bottom seal of a second container.