Abstract: In order to so improve a lathe comprising a machine frame, a first workpiece spindle with a vertical first spindle axis and a first workpiece holder, a first carriage system for moving the first workpiece spindle, a second workpiece spindle with a vertical second spindle axis, and a second workpiece holder facing the first workpiece holder, a second carriage system for moving the second workpiece spindle, the first workpiece spindle and the second workpiece spindle being adapted to be brought into a transfer position, that the machine frame can be manufactured in as simple and cost-efficient a manner as possible, it is proposed that the machine frame comprise a first machine bed and a second machine bed constituting an assembly separate from the first machine bed, and that the first carriage system be guided solely on the first machine bed, and the second carriage system be guided solely on the second machine bed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for printing and validating a document, such as a ticket or voucher printed on a substrate such as paper. After the document is printed, at least a portion thereof is read to test a validity criteria. The document is dispensed to a recipient if the validity criteria is met. If the validity criteria is not met after the first read, the document can optionally be re-read. If the validity criteria is never met, the document is voided. The voided document can be held or dispensed to the recipient and a replacement document can be printed, read for validation purposes and dispensed. If the replacement document is not valid, it is voided. A voided replacement document can be either held or dispensed. Assistance from a machine attendant is required only in the event that a predetermined number of invalid print/read/validate cycles occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for immobilizing adjacent bone segments. An osteosynthesis plating system is provided for fixing or immobilizing several pieces or segments of bone utilizing screws which may be screwed into the segments of bone through openings provided in the osteosynthesis plate. The osteosynthesis plate is pressed against the bone surface by the screws and fixed thereto. In particular, the invention relates to an osteosynthesis extension plate for immobilizing adjacent segments of bone in a second surgery wherein the removal of a previously implanted osteosynthesis plate is avoided. In this manner the disadvantages associated with removal of the previously implanted plate are avoided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securely transmitting and processing digital image data for display. The invention provides for decomposing, compressing, and scrambling digital image data and forwarding the decomposed, compressed and scrambled image data to a destination where the image data is decompressed, re-composed, and descrambled prior to display. In particular, digital image data is scrambled before or after being compressed and is subsequently descrambled after being decompressed and prior to display such that unauthorized use of the image content is prevented. The invention can be used in conjunction with most standard block-based image compression algorithms such as JPEG as well as some types of wavelet transform based systems.

Abstract: A transcoder architecture that provides the lowest possible complexity with a small error, e.g., for converting an MPEG-2 bitstream into an MPEG-4 bitstream. The transcoder reads header information from an input bitstream and provides a corresponding header in the new format for the output bitstream. In one embodiment, a low complexity front-to-back transcoder (with B frames disabled) avoids the need for motion compensation processing. In another embodiment, a transcoder architecture that minimizes drift error (with B frames enabled) is provided. In another embodiment, a size transcoder (with B frames enabled) is provided, e.g., to convert a bitstream of ITU-R 601 interlaced video coding with MPEG-2 MP@ML into a simple profile MPEG-4 bitstream which contains SIF progressive video suitable for a streaming video application. For spatial downscaling of field-mode DCT blocks, vertical and horizontal downscaling techniques are combined to use sparse matrixes to reduce computations.

Abstract: The Domain Name System (DNS), which has been used for mapping names to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, is adapted to a broadcast environment, such as a broadband cable or satellite television network. A number of master files are stored on a broadcast name server that define zones of domains in a domain name space, which may include a television-related domain, with sub-domains for different service providers (e.g., ABC, HBO), and a cable domain, with sub-domains for applications, administrative functions and operating system-functions, e.g., at a set-top terminal. The television sub-domains may have their own sub-domains. For example, “ABC” may have the sub-domains “NEWS”, “WEATHER”, and “SPORTS.” The master files are used to form broadcast resource records, which include an identifier for broadcast services (e.g., “ABC”) or other data sources, and which are transmitted to end user terminal devices periodically, or in response to a query.

Abstract: In order to provide a lever clamp which is straightforward and cost-effective to produce and comprises a slide rail, a fixed arm, which is arranged on the slide arm, and a slide arm, which can be displaced on the slide rail and on which a lever element is mounted in a pivotable manner and a pressure plate is mounted such that it can be displaced transversely to the slide arm, it being possible for the closing movement of the pressure plate in relation to the fixed jaw to be actuated by a pivoting movement of the lever element, so that a workpiece can be clamped between the fixed jaw and pressure plate, it is provided that, in order to form a pivot bearing for the pivotability between the lever element and slide arm, a pivoting-shaft element is arranged on the lever element or the slide arm and the slide arm or the lever element has a pivoting-shaft mount, in which the pivoting-shaft element can be inserted and by means of which the pivoting-shaft element and the pivoting-shaft mount can be rotated relative to

Abstract: A system for rate control during transcoding and encoding of digital video data in a multi-program transmission environment accommodates changes in the GOP structure of any of the programs, e.g., due to a commercial insertion or the like. A hierarchical bit allocation scheme is used, where bits are allocated on a super group of pictures (GOP) level, i.e., a grouping of multiple GOPs, a super frame level, and an individual frame level. The bit allocation for the super GOP and each picture is adjusted when a change in the structure of a group of pictures (GOP) is detected for any of the pre-compressed programs. The super GOP length may also be adjusted if required to maintain an integer number of GOPs therein. A change in the GOP structure is detected based on a change in the GOP length or sub_GOP length (distance between P pictures). For pre-compressed data, initial GOP lengths and sub_GOP lengths can be assumed and adjusted as required based on actual measurements.

Abstract: In order to improve a sensor assembly comprising a sensor which can be fixed in position on a functional unit and has a sensor housing, in which a sensor element with evaluation electronics is arranged, in such a manner that as simple and universal a fixing of the sensor as possible on the functional unit is feasible it is suggested that the sensor assembly comprises a sensor holder which can be brought into a position following the sensor housing in longitudinal direction and can be detachably connected to the sensor housing in this position by means of form-locking elements and that the sensor be fixable on the functional unit by means of the sensor holder.

Abstract: In order to provide an easily usable string holder for a musical instrument with a holding body, on which a holding device for strings of the musical instrument is disposed and which is provided with an attachment element forming an attachment bow for fixing the holding body to the musical instrument, it is proposed that an adjusting device for adjustment of the distance of an attachment bow apex of the attachment element from the holding body be disposed on the holding body, and that the adjusting device be constructed to be operable from outside the holding body.

Abstract: In order to further develop a process for making a groove in a board-like workpiece by means of a processing machine, wherein the workpiece is placed on a supporting table of the processing machine aligned essentially horizontal for holding the workpiece in a machining plane and wherein a milling unit held on a machining head of the processing machine is displaced and a groove is thereby milled into a workpiece by means of a milling disk rotating about a drive shaft aligned parallel to the machining plane, in such a manner that the groove can be milled more precisely with a defined groove depth it is suggested in accordance with the invention that the milling unit be guided at right angles to the machining plane by means of a touch roller associated with the milling disk and adapted to roll on the workpiece. In addition, a processing machine for carrying out the process is suggested as well as the use of the processing machine for the milling of a groove into a multilayered or composite material board.

Abstract: A two phase fuel oil atomizer utilizing a secondary media such as high pressure steam or air to assist in the atomization of heavy fuel oil, while reducing NOx and other polluting emissions. The fuel oil atomizer comprises a mixing plate and a sprayer plate which are configured to discharge atomized fuel oil at varying spray angles in order to provide staging of the atomized fuel as it exits the sprayer plate with the surrounding combustion chamber air to provide a fuel/air ratio that is appropriately rich and lean in order to allow lower flame temperatures. NOx generation is accordingly reduced at the lower flame temperatures. With atomized fuel droplet size small enough to enable rapid fuel evaporation and complete combustion, low CO, opacity and particulate generation are achieved with minimum excess oxygen.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, a first work piece spindle with a first work piece receiving means, a second work piece spindle with a second work piece receiving means which is arranged to face the first work piece receiving means, a first tool carriage disposed on one side of the first spindle axis and movable in the X direction in a position-controlled manner with a first tool carrier, for first tools in such a manner as to enable a work piece machining operation which is optimized with respect to the support sides, it is proposed that at least one further tool facing the second work piece receiving means is provided on the first tool carriage, that in order to conduct a machining operation of a work piece in the second work piece receiving means with the further tool simultaneously with a machining operation of a work piece in the first work piece receiving means with one of the first tools, the second work piece spindle is movable in X and Z direction, its position contro

Abstract: The present invention involves a plate-shaped filter holder for use with a sterilizing container. The filter holder comprises a peripheral outer pressure rim, a central pressure region, a mounting device for fixing the filter holder on the sterilizing container and including webs between the outer pressure rim and the central pressure region which leave open breakthroughs therebetween. In order to prevent undesirable deformations in the filter holder, the webs extend at least partially in a direction which comprises a component in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: To improve a control circuit for at least one inductive load, comprising a first load branch, which lies between a first voltage terminal and a second voltage terminal and comprises an electronic switch and the inductive load connected in series, the electronic switch lying between a first terminal of the inductive load and the first voltage terminal, and a second terminal of the inductive load being in connection with the second voltage terminal, a freewheeling diode, via which a freewheeling current of the inductive load flows when the electronic switch is open, in such a way that smallest possible fluctuations of the supply current and smallest possible voltage peaks occur at the voltage terminals, it is proposed that there is provided a freewheeling branch which has, as a series connection, a capacitance connected to the first voltage terminal and an inductance connected to the second terminal of the inductive load, and also a freewheeling diode lying between a center tap between the capacitance and the i

Abstract: In an intervertebral implant having an upper and a lower supporting surface for abutment with adjacent vertebral bodies, having a concave dorsal longitudinal side, a ventral longitudinal side lying opposite the latter, having a rounded contour at the two end faces connecting the longitudinal sides and having at least one hole extending through the implant from the upper to the lower supporting surface, in order to facilitate the introduction of bone material after insertion of the intervertebral implant into an intervertebral space it is proposed that in the region of the middle portion of the ventral longitudinal side at least one introduction channel for bone material, which extends through the implant, exits from the implant.