Abstract: A method and device for producing and delivering constant quality digital video bitstreams over channels of any bit-rate and variability are provided. The method and device may be applicable to any standardized video coding system, but preferably within the MPEG-4 standard. For constant capacity networks, the method and the device re-distribute the coded bits in a constant-quality variable bit-rate bitstream to construct a constant bit-rate bitstream. For variable capacity networks, the method and the device achieve constant quality as described by a metric that incorporate both spatial and temporal visual quality. The method and the device incorporate user, network, and channel parameters in controlling the bit-rate while encoding video material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus automatically manipulates a digitally compressed video bitstream such that the result is compatible with different bandwidth and error resilience requirements at a receiving point in a heterogeneous communication network. The method and device provide for analysis of bitstream header information to determine its relevant coding syntax parameters. Feedback from the receiving point on the network is then used to identify error robustness requirements for an intermediate bitstream. The bitstream is then manipulated by an error robustness regulator to achieve error protection in the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a screw assembly apparatus and a method of using the same. More specifically, a screw assembly apparatus is provided having a carriage attached to a nut assembly and a dog for engaging a workpiece. The carriage runs along the length of a screw within a carriage guide that may surround the nut assembly thereby protecting the nut assembly from debris and contamination. An opening may be contained within the carriage guide for the carriage to extend therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game, played on an electronic or tangible board, in which the theme of the game is the capture of characters, such as mobsters. In addition, the present invention provides a method for playing the game. A minimum of two players play the game. In the game, a mobster may be represented by a card bearing an illustration of the mobster. A player, acting as an agent, for example, of the law, captures a mobster by acquiring the mobster card for the particular corresponding mobster. A player may then place the corresponding mobster's card in a section of a game board designated as a player's personal penitentiary. Placement of a mobster card in the area designated as a player's personal penitentiary represents placement of that mobster in a prison. A secondary object of the game is to obtain the highest amount of money of any participating player.

Abstract: An output control device for an optical pick-up used in an optical disc drive for reproducing and recording an optical disc is disclosed. The optical pick-up is adapted to project light having a quantity of light of either high level or low level to the optical disc.

Abstract: An optical disc drive which can at least read out data from an optical disc is disclosed. The optical disc drive comprises a rotational drive mechanism for rotating the loaded optical disc at a predetermined rotation speed which is one of multiple rotation speed levels; an optical pick-up for reading out data from the optical disc which is rotated by the rotational drive mechanism; a judgement device for making a judgement as to whether the data has been properly read out from a predetermined portion of the optical disc; and a retry control device for lowering the rotation speed of the optical disc from the predetermined rotation speed when the judgement device has judged that the data has not been properly read out from the portion of the optical disc, and then for retrying to read out the data from the same portion of the optical disc rotating at the lowered rotation speed.

Abstract: A system for automatically imaging special service forms and affixing same to an envelope is provided. The system has a mailpiece handler for accepting mailpieces having a machine readable code. The system also has a data storage unit for storing addressee and/or sender data related to the mailpieces. A code reader constructed and arranged to read the machine-readable code on the mailpieces is provided. An imaging unit is provided for imaging data onto special service forms wherein the data is obtained from the data storage unit. Further, an assembly unit assembles the special service forms to the mailpieces. Further, a method of fully automating imaging of special service forms and affixing same to an envelope is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly for mailing an article requiring delivery by a special service and a method and system for imaging the same are provided. The assembly includes a generic mailing label having a back side adhesively and detachably affixed to a backing sheet as well as a multi-colored panel ribbon for imprinting special service mailing information thereon. The label may be imaged with all of the information necessary, including a colored background, to serve as one of many types of special service mailing labels. Removal of the label from the associated backing sheet allows the label to be permanently affixed to a mailpiece. Upon delivery of the mailpiece, a return receipt postcard portion of the label may be removed and forwarded to the sender of the mailpiece as a return receipt.

Abstract: A gearing with duplex floating toothed portions for transmission between either two parallel shafts or two intersecting shafts comprising two meshing gears(12) and (14). Gear (14) having coaxially disposed toothed portions (16) and (18) interacting with component (20) by spiral joints (22) and (24) different characteristics and an arrangement limitative divided spiral motions of toothed portions (16) and (18) relatively component (20) by parting plane “A” and arresting device (26). Both toothed portions (16) and (18) of gear (14) and meshing gear (12) have mating teeth whereby both toothed portions (16) and (18) are coupled positively with component (20). Even distribution of applied force between toothed portions (16) and (18) or elimination of the free angular displacement of the gear (12) and (14) with respect to each other within backlash are provided by choice of characteristics of spiral joints (22) and (24).

Abstract: A positioning structure of a flexible printed circuit for a pick-up used in a disc drive is disclosed. The structure comprises a turntable driven by a motor for supporting a disc thereon, a pick-up movable in a radial direction of the disc for reproducing information recorded on the disc to be supported on the turntable, a chassis provided with the turntable and the pick-up and having an opening and positioning members provided at or near the opening, a printed circuit board arranged below the chassis and provided with electrical circuits for inputting and outputting electrical signals to and from the pick-up, and a flexing printed circuit for connecting the pick-up to the printed circuit board through the opening of the chassis, wherein the flexible printed circuit is formed with engaging members to be engaged with the positioning members, respectively. This structure is capable of positioning the flexible printed circuit with respect to the chassis easily and reliably.

Abstract: A label/form is provided for effecting delivery of a mailpiece by a special service. The label/form contains detachable parts for subsequent attachment to a return postcard and/or a mailpiece to effect delivery of the mailpiece by the special service. Further, a plurality of auxiliary labels are provided. The auxiliary labels correspond to address labels, receipt labels and/or a special service designator section. A second special services designator section may be provided to give the sender of the mailpiece a choice between two or more special services.