Abstract: A method and apparatus for transcoding digital video data, for example, at the headend of a cable or satellite television network. A generic multi-functional transcoder architecture has a “post-pre-processing engine” that provides a number of processing functions for implementing desired format conversions according to a user selection signal or an automatically generated selection signal. The processing functions can change frame size, frame rate, color space sampling format, interlaced or progressive scan format, resolution, and provide noise/deblocking filtering, for example. The system also allows the control of several transcoders to convert several bit streams with different formats into corresponding bit streams with a common format. Furthermore, the transcoder avoids the need for motion estimation.

Abstract: A bending machine for flat material, comprising a lower beam and an upper beam, with which the flat material can be fixed, a lower as well as an upper bending tool moving device, with which the bending tool not used for an operation on the flat material can be brought into a rest position, in which a bending space free from machine elements of the bending machine exists between the clamping plane and the bending tool located in the rest position and its bending tool carrier, this space extending over an angular area of at least 100° around the respectively operative bending edge.

Abstract: An enhanced Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) management system for telecommunications networks which efficiently provides many of the sophisticated management techniques enabled by Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP) and Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) protocols, while maintaining the simplicity of SNMP. The enhanced SNMP defines a management state of each SNMP agent, define events which are to be reported from the agent to the management station, and provides a log for recording particular events and associated agent data vales when the events occur. The enhanced SNMP also provides the capability for an alarm, state change, and value change notification to be communicated from the SNMP agents to an SNMP management station when specific events occur at the agent.

Abstract: Interactive Program Guide (IPG) data for television is delivered to integrated receiver-decoders (IRDs) in a decoder population via, for example, a satellite network. The IPG data provides scheduling information for global and local programming services which are carried via the satellite network as well as another network such as a CATV network or a terrestrial broadcast network. Each IRD is assigned to an IPG region using unit addressing. At the IRD, IPG data is filtered so that only the global data and the region-specific data for the IRD's IPG region is retained and processed by the IRD. Channel map data is also delivered to the IRDs so that bundles of IRD data can be filtered out using firmware filtering to discard program sources that are not present in the channel map. The IRD data which is retained after filtering is used to provide scheduling information via an on-screen display. A preferred source may be designated when there are duplicative channels on the different networks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for managing accounting information of entities having different fiscal calendars. A memory stores accounting data for at least two entities, each of the entities maintaining the accounting data according to a different fiscal calendar. A user interface enables a user to request consolidated accounting information for the entities. Accounting data and/or calendar information of the entities is mapped to a base calendar maintained in the computer system. A processor is provided for accessing the accounting data according to the base calendar instead of the entity calendars to recover, for a specified time period, accounting information responsive to a user request entered via the user interface. The processor consolidates the accounting information for the different entities according to said base calendar.

Abstract: In order to be able to ascertain the position of the bone in the body without complicated procedures in a process for the preoperative determination of the positioning data of endoprosthetic parts of a central joint relative to the bones forming the central joint, a respective outer articular point is determined by way of movement of the bones about a respective outer joint which is located at the end of the two bones facing away from the central joint. An articular point is determined for each of the two bones in the area of the central joint, and a direction characteristic for each of these bones is determined by way of a straight-line connection of the two articular points obtained in this manner for the two bones. The orientation of the endoprosthetic parts relative to this characteristic direction is then determined. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: In order to improve a roof load carrier system for motor vehicles, comprising a roof rack with a cross member receiving loads and with holders which are arranged on both sides of the cross member and have holder feet with fixing devices arranged on them, wherein the holder feet can be inserted into receiving means arranged on the vehicle and can be fixed in these with the fixing devices, in such a manner that this is easy to mount and dismount it is suggested that a hand-operated element be arranged on one side of the roof rack, that a coupling device be provided which couples the hand-operated element with the fixing devices such that the fixing devices on both holder feet can be actuated via the hand-operated element.

Abstract: In order to develop an apparatus for safeguarding a merchandise item against theft, having a safeguarding part for fixing to the merchandise item and having a connecting cord for connecting the safeguarding part to an object which is not at risk of theft in such a way that it allows improved presentation of the merchandise item, it is proposed that the safeguarding part comprises a substantially rigid base part and also a fixing part, which can be fixed to the merchandise item and can be adapted to the form of the merchandise item at least in a partial region of its surface associated with the merchandise item.

Abstract: In order, in the case of a sterile container for medical purposes having a tub-shaped lower portion and a lid positionable thereon in sealing manner, which lid may be clamped against the lower portion by a closure, wherein the closure comprises a flap swivellable between an open position and a closed position, said flap having a locking projection, and a locking lug with a recess for accommodating the locking projection when the flap is in the closed position, to be able better to accommodate structural tolerances, it is proposed that the locking projection be mounted in the flap so as to resiliently displaceable in a direction in which it is moved out of the recess in the locking lug.

Abstract: A color measurement instrument such as a reflection densitometer or a spectral reflectometer is fitted with an asymmetric tapered sample area optical enclosure to allow an improved operator sight line to the sample target area and allow ease of placement on the sample target, while allowing for the standard 45° illumination/90° measurement geometry. The disclosed structure is particularly suitable for use as a hand-held instrument.

Abstract: In order to permanently position a tubular implant in a vessel in such a way that it is sealed off in relation to the vessel wall, a device for inserting such an implant is proposed, which is characterized by an introducing head having an advancing handle and being insertable into the implant, with radially outwardly movable spreading elements arranged on the circumference of the introducing head, and by a locking member mounted for displacement on the introducing head and displaceable via a transmission member between a rest position in which the spreading elements are radially retracted and a spread position in which the spreading elements protrude radially outwards.

Abstract: In order to improve a screw compressor for compressing a working medium, comprising an outer housing, two screw rotors which are arranged in the outer housing in rotor bores provided for them and a drive for the screw rotors, in such a manner that the sealing gap is subject to as little variation as possible it is suggested that a compressor screw housing, in which the rotor bores for the screw rotors are arranged, be provided within the outer housing and that a space be arranged between a substantial part of the compressor screw housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: An attachment for a dicing saw having a housing, a carriage mounted in the housing, a bellows coupled to the carriage, and at least one drainage channel in the housing, the attachment including a collector for automatically collecting debris and fallen dice during operation of the dicing saw. There is also provided a method for cleaning a dicing saw having a housing, a carriage mounted in the housing, a bellows coupled to the carriage, and at least one drainage channel in the housing, the method including the steps of automatically collecting debris and fallen dice in a collector during operation of the dicing saw.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for visualizing a control program of a machine tool. The machine tool is provided with operating units. The operating units may comprise machining units, which are provided with tools, and at least one workpiece receiving in accordance with a machine tool configuration. The machine tool is also provided with a computerized control for controlling movement of the operating units in accordance with a control configuration. Sets of control data are read from the control program with a data processing unit. Virtual operating units corresponding to the operating units of the machine tool, linkings of the virtual operating units, and virtual actions of the virtual operating units are automatically determined taking into account the machine tool configuration and the control configuration. The virtual operating units and their virtual actions are then represented for a user in the form of a machine display.

Abstract: In order to keep the dimensions of the drive motor as small as possible in a combined high pressure cleaning and suction appliance incorporating a drive motor whose drive shaft drives both a high pressure pump and a suction fan, it is proposed that the drive shaft of the drive motor be connected to the high pressure pump and to the suction fan via a respective coupling, and that there be provided switching means which, on each occasion, selectively close one of the two couplings and open the other one.

Abstract: A computer based interactive method and apparatus for teaching vocabulary words. In particular, a vocabulary game aimed at preparing children for the SAT. The invention is also applicable to other vocabulary words for children and adults of all ages and learning levels, as well as teaching subjects and concepts other than vocabulary. The vocabulary game comprises a synonym matching game which provides audio and visual reinforcement of words, their definitions, and dialogue that uses the word, and requires the user to physically interact (i.e. select words, approve word choices, and the like). Reinforcement of vocabulary words is enhanced through the use of various support materials, including support tests, index cards containing phrases using the vocabulary words, and mnemonic aids.

Abstract: Bandwidth is adaptively allocated in an upstream channel of a layered data communication network such as that used for carrying messages from a number of subscriber units (250, 252, . . . , 254) to a central controller (210), for example, to allow the subscriber units to send data for Internet access, videoconferencing, or voice communication. A running total of unallocated bandwidth (BWA(j)) is maintained in successive control intervals. A traffic count (C(i)) is determined for each subscriber unit by measuring the bandwidth which is used, for example, by counting the number of slots used in a control interval. The assigned bandwidth (B(i)) of the subscriber units is then adjusted when a ratio (K) of the traffic count to the assigned bandwidth is at or below a lower threshold (T1), and the running total of unallocated bandwidth is incremented by the decrease in the assigned bandwidth.

Abstract: In order to facilitate moving with a cleaner comprised, on one side, of two parallel brush-rollers secured to a frame and actuated so as to rotate in opposite directions and, on the other side, of a push bar attached to the frame, it is suggested by the invention that the push bar be fixed at a distance from the frame in the direction of the rotating axis of the brush-rollers and rotationally fixed to the frame to enable a rotation following a cycle parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, at least one workpiece receiving means which can be rotated about an axis and fixed in a defined rotary position, a tool carrier arrangement, with a rotatingly driven tool which can be moved by means of a control and aligned such that the tool spindle axis is located in planes intersecting the axis and forming with this axis an angle in the range of approximately 0° to approximately 90°, in such a manner that the distances to be traveled can be reduced it is suggested that the tool carrier arrangement comprise a tool spindle carrier which can be pivoted about a pivot axis in relation to a bearing housing, can be fixed on the bearing housing in at least one machining position and extends only on one side of the pivot axis in an angular range of less than 180° around the pivot axis and away from it and that the tool spindle be arranged on the tool spindle carrier such that its tool spindle axis is in a position non-coaxial to the pivot a

Abstract: An endoscopic insertion apparatus for a spinal column implant system is provided having a screwing-in tool and an elongated holding device for holding a bone plate. The implant system essentially comprises at least one anchoring element, a bone plate connected to the anchoring element and at least one connection element for connecting at least two bone plates. The holding device comprises an insertion sleeve and a centering element. The centering element and the insertion sleeve can be connected to one another in a screwing-in position by a coupling mechanism in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the holding device, and the centering element and insertion sleeve can be separated from one another in a centering position. The invention reduces the number of parts used as compared to prior art insertion apparatus and simplifies handling, particularly of the centering element, since the centering element is provided as part of the holding device.