Abstract: A weightlifting apparatus consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention has a bar having a first and a second opposing end. A weight having a central aperture is dimensioned so that the bar can be passed through the aperture. The bar has an end cap having an outer dimension larger than that of the bar and the aperture, with the end cap being situated adjacent the first end of the bar. A clamp secures the weight to the bar adjacent the end cap. An aperture through the bar adjacent the second end of the bar is provided for either pivotal or direct attachment of the gripping plate. The gripping plate may be round, elliptical, continuously variable diameter, or irregular or other shapes. The gripping plate may be firm and flexible and have weights built into the plate itself.

Abstract: An encryption arrangement for multiple encryption of television programs. A system according to embodiments of the present invention multiple encrypts only a portion of the data required for full presentation of a television program to permit coexistence of multiple conditional access encryption systems associated with multiple manufacturer's set-top boxes within a single system. In one embodiment, a time slicing technique is used to encrypt portions of a program on a time allocated basis. By only encrypting a portion of the program, dramatically less bandwidth is consumed than the alternative of multiple encryption of all program data, thus permitting a larger number of programs to be carried over the same bandwidth while permitting coexistence of multiple conditional access systems in a single cable television system.

Abstract: An intelligent sensor platform is provided with an architecture that takes advantage of a low cost microcontroller for overall sensor control. Outputs are all controlled directly by the microcontroller as are gains of signal processing amplifiers and thresholds for threshold detectors. The sensor can be remotely programmed using a remote control device or simple push button programming can be implemented. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An encryption arrangement for multiple encryption of television programs. A system according to embodiments of the present invention multiple encrypts only a portion of the data required for full presentation of a television program to permit coexistence of multiple conditional access encryption systems associated with multiple manufacturer's set-top boxes within a single system. By only encrypting a portion of the program, dramatically less bandwidth is consumed than the alternative of multiple encryption of all program data, thus permitting a larger number of programs to be carried over the same bandwidth while permitting coexistence of multiple conditional access systems in a single cable television system.

Abstract: An encryption arrangement for multiple encryption of television programs. A system according to embodiments of the present invention multiple encrypts only a portion of the data required for full presentation of a television program to permit coexistence of multiple conditional access encryption systems associated with multiple manufacturer's set-top boxes within a single system. In one embodiment, only audio data are encrypted leaving video in the clear. By only encrypting a portion of the program, dramatically less bandwidth is consumed than the alternative of multiple encryption of all program data, thus permitting a larger number of programs to be carried over the same bandwidth while permitting coexistence of multiple conditional access systems in a single cable television system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling use of multiple digital rights management scenarios (DRM). Unencrypted data representing digital content is examined to identify at least segments of content for encryption. The identified segments of content are duplicated and then encrypted using a first encryption method associated with a first DRM to produce first encrypted segments. Duplicates are encrypted using a second encryption method associated with a second DRM to produce second encrypted segments. A set of pointers are generated that point to the first and second encrypted segments content. A file is then created containing first and second encrypted segments of content, pointers and unencrypted content along with DRM rights data to produce a selectively encrypted multiple DRM enabled file.

Abstract: In a local stethoscope unit, acoustic auscultation sounds picked up by the stethoscope chest piece assembly of a local stethoscope unit are converted to analog electrical signals and then converted to digital signals. The digital signals are conveyed to a data communications system, having data communications device and a data communication channel. The digital signals are transmitted over the digital communications system to a remote stethoscope receiving unit. The remote stethoscope unit converts the digital signals back to the original analog signals suitable for listening.

Abstract: A data sharing methodology and structure for communication between users of digital Internet-accessible devices, such as set-top boxes, is described. Users of Internet-accessible devices can establish connections between trusted users of other Internet-accessible devices and transfer personal information using either the Internet or the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Some examples of the type of information that may be transferred include IP addresses, e-mail, multimedia objects, and voice data. Once personal identification information has been exchanged, future communications may be easily re-established and maintained.

Abstract: An electrical fixture consistent with certain embodiments has a light fixture and a mount used to attach the light fixture in a fixed relationship with a ceiling. An electrical outlet is electrically connected to a source of line voltage by an electrical cable. A retraction mechanism, connected to the mount, dispenses and retracts the electrical cable, so that the electrical outlet can be moved between a retracted position adjacent the light fixture with the electrical cable fully retracted and at least one extended position wherein at least a portion of the electrical cable is dispensed from the retraction mechanism. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A Set Top Box or other client/server device including an Internet appliance which runs an application and operates under any of several operating systems. The Set Top Box boots from boot code stored, for example, in a ROM which permits a user to select an operating system and application. The Set Top Box contacts a Master Server and obtains a URL for download of the operating system and application. The URL is contacted and the application and operating system are downloaded. The Set Top Box operates under the operating system to run the application until another application is selected.

Abstract: A transaction for purchasable content is facilitated over an electronic network, wherein the purchasable content includes downloadable digital data. A first presence is maintained on the electronic network to which a consumer may connect. A first page is transmitted from the first presence to the consumer over the electronic network, such that the first page includes information concerning the purchasable content. A command is received from the consumer over the electronic network indicating that the consumer wishes the transaction for the purchasable content. The consumer is automatically linked to a second presence on the electronic network in response to the command such that the consumer may interact with the second presence over the electronic network to complete the transaction for the purchasable content.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for combining signals in a cable set-top box or television receiver. An out-of-band upstream amplifier and a cable modem upstream amplifier have their outputs combined at a combiner before being passed to the cable through a diplexer. The output of the diplexer provides incoming signals for an in-band tuner, a cable modem tuner and an out-of-band tuner that can be passed through a low noise amplifier before passing through a three-way splitter to divide the signals to each of the tuners.

Abstract: A video on demand (VOD) method, consistent with the invention involves storing multiple selective encrypted VOD content on a VOD server; receiving an order for the VOD content specifying delivery to a target decoder; determining what CA encryption system is associated with the order; stripping all encrypted segments from the multiple selectively encrypted content that are not associated with the order to produce single selectively encrypted VOD content; and sending the single selectively encrypted VOD content to the target decoder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing ATM formatted MPEG SI data in a television set-top box. A virtual channel indicator (VCI) is used to associate a segment of SI data with a virtual channel. An ATM processor receives a stream of ATM packets containing SI data from an out-of-band tuner. The ATM packets include the VCI in a header thereof. The ATM processor stores the SI data in a buffer memory associated with the VCI for retrieval by the ATM processor at the request of the STB system processor.

Abstract: A pop-up option palette for controlling electronic equipment such as a set top box. The pop-up option palette of the present invention is implemented as an overlay window enabled by HTML. The pop-up option palette appears anywhere on the system at the touch of a particular key on the remote control and disappears at the touch of the same key in the preferred embodiment. The pop-up option palette provides shortcut methods for jumping to other areas of the system, eliminating the need for actual toolbars or menus. When the pop-up key is activated, a window providing a palette of options appears overlaying the browser's main window. The content of the window can be determined based on the page being displayed so that appropriate information relevant to the page being displayed appears within the pop-up option palette window. Thus, the options available on the pop-up option palette are context sensitive. Additionally, help available through the help button is also context sensitive.

Abstract: An extended sanding support tool, consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention has an elongated metal housing having first and second ends. A first bearing is coupled to the housing adjacent the first end and a second bearing is within the housing closer to the second end than the first end. A mandrel has a drill attachment end and a working end and passes through the first and possibly second bearings with the working end extending beyond the first end of the housing. In one embodiment, a cavity between the second end of the housing and the second bearing is provided for engaging a stationary portion such as a collar of an outer surface of a rotary tool housing an outer surface of a chuck of a rotary tool. In another embodiment a cone shaped structure receives the outer surface of the chuck. A cutting or sanding device is attached to the working end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A portable content playback device that includes the ability to accept a media with electronic playback credits, i.e. a smart card, that is pre-loaded with credits. Alternatively, the device may have internal memory that is capable of storing electronic credits. Consequently, when a user plays the content that is protected so that it may only be played only in a “pay per play” application credits are deducted from the media that manages the amount of electronic credits available to the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying medium content and updating database information. A medium identifier is created from both track fingerprint as well as physical media characteristics. The medium identifier is then used to query either a local or remote database of content information. A non-commercial medium test is conducted and if the medium is determined to be non-commercially created or if the medium is not identified in a database, fingerprints for all tracks are extracted and an extended medium identifier is created to query a database for information on all tracks on the medium.

Abstract: A slope measurement instrument consistent with certain embodiments has a magnetic base with a compartment attached to the magnetic base, the compartment having an inner face and a clear outer face, with the inner face having indicia of angular graduations thereon, the indicia being viewable through the outer face. The angular graduations are arranged in a semi-circular pattern with a zero grade position at the bottom and increasing angles indicated on either side of the bottom. An indicator needle is pivotally suspended so that gravitational forces acting on the needle cause the needle to point to the zero grade position when the instrument is positioned at a zero degree grade. A fluid disposed within the compartment between the inner face and the outer face to stabilize movement of the needle. The volume of the fluid can be adjusted to adjust the amount of fluid stabilizing effect provided for various conditions.

Abstract: A PC card video recorder. The conditional access functionality of a Point Of Deployment module (POD) is augmented by providing solid state memory on a PC card for recording and playback of programming. An encrypted video stream from a television Set-Top Box (STB)or other appliance is decrypted in the PC card. The decrypted video stream is then filtered to remove information not relevant to a program to be stored. The filtered video stream is then applied to the solid state memory. During playback, the video stream is retrieved from the memory and encrypted prior to transmission to the STB. Intra-pictures can be played back rapidly to provide a fast forward mode by reference to a table or packet header storing starting and ending address of the intra-pictures. Multiple POD card interfaces can be provided in the STB to accept multiple PC card recorders. Pairing security can be provided by checking a recording STB identifier against a playback STB identifier.