Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing a user to correct a discontinuous 2-3 field sequence within a disrupted video signal. A 2-3 field pattern fixer can be operated in a one-pass mode and/or a two-pass mode. In the one-pass mode, the disrupted video signal is analyzed to generate correction information, which is used to correct the disrupted video signal as it passes through the 2-3 pattern fixer, resulting in an undisrupted video signal with a continuous 2-3 field sequence. In the two-pass mode, the disrupted video signal is analyzed to generate correction information, which is then stored. This correction information is then used to correct a duplicate of the disrupted video signal, resulting in an undisrupted video signal with a continuous 2-3 field sequence. In this connection, the 2-3 field pattern fixer includes a field sequence detector, a field sequence analyzer, a field sequence generator and a multiple delay tap circuit.

Abstract: A method for conveying a multimedia sequence from a source computer to a destination computer, including, providing an ordered series of data frames at the source computer, each data frame corresponding to an image in the sequence and including data representing one or more media associated with the image, producing a table including pointers, each pointer associated with one frame in the series, transmitting the table to the destination computer, and responsive to selection of one of the pointers in the table, transmitting at least a sub-series of the series of data frames, said sub-series beginning with the frame with which the selected one of the pointers is associated.

Abstract: A message exchange server, method and software are disclosed. An exemplary exchange server allows a plurality of users to communicate with each other is operated so that paying users may communicate with all of the plurality of users using the device and non-paying users are restricted from communicating with other non-paying users. Example embodiments prevent non-paying users from hearing personal greetings of other non-paying users; non-paying users may from sending messages to non-paying users; or non-paying users may from bridging telephone calls with other non-paying users. Corresponding paying users, on the other hand, may hear all personal greetings; send messages to all users; bridge calls with all users. Additionally the server may allow a charge associated with sending a message from a message originator to a recipient at a message exchange server to be allocated based on an indicator received from the message originator.

Abstract: A method for real-time broadcasting from a transmitting computer to one or more client computers over a network, including providing at the transmitting computer a data stream having a given data rate, and dividing the stream into a sequence of slices, each slice having a predetermined data size associated therewith. The slices are encoded in a corresponding sequence of files, each file having a respective index, and the sequence is uploaded to a server at an upload rate generally equal to the data rate of the stream, such that the one or more client computers can download the sequence over the network from the server at a download rate generally equal to the data rate.

Abstract: A digital department system is disclosed. The digital department system of the present invention includes a network management center, a network operating center that is coupled to the network management center, a multimedia server, a multicasting transmission medium coupling the network operating center and the multimedia server, a listening post coupled to the multimedia server by the network, and one or more audio/video display capable of displaying video and capable of playing audio, the audio video display coupled to the multimedia server by the network. The audio and video content are stored in digitized files on the multimedia server for distribution throughout the site via the network.

Abstract: The floor advertising apparatus is used in a cavity formed in a flexible floor mat. In one embodiment, the floor mat has a base with fibers on its upper side with an area free of the fibers forming the cavity. In another embodiment, a solid portion surrounds the area defining the cavity. The advertising apparatus includes a top transparent layer removably held in the cavity of the floor mat by different types of magnetic arrangements, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or mechanical fasteners. In use, an advertising medium is located below the transparent layer.

Abstract: A hand tool wrench set includes a plurality of wrenches rotatably mounted to one or more pivot pins. The tool includes an elongated body having a channel defining by a channel bottom and side walls. The wrenches comprise a shank portion and a working tip portion, such as a crescent or boxed end wrench tip. The pivot pin is slidably mounted through a longitudinal locking slot in the wrench shank. The longitudinal locking slot defines a proximate portion and a distal portion. The shank may freely rotate about the pivot pin when the pivot pin is positioned in the proximate portion of said slot, however, the shank is biased against the channel bottom when the pivot pin is positioned in the distal portion of the locking slot. This allows a user to fixedly secure the wrench to the hand tool and use the wrench in either a clockwise or counter clockwise manner without reversing the direction of the wrench.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a predetermined sequence of data files on a data bus is described. The data files are stored on a plurality of memory drives. Each of a first type of data file is stored on only one of the memory drives. Each of a second type of data file is stored on at least two of the memory drives. Upon encountering a first data file of the first type in the predetermined sequence, it is determined whether the corresponding memory drive is available. Where the corresponding memory drive is available, the first data file is transmitted on the data bus. Where the corresponding memory drive is not available, first data corresponding to the first data file is written to a temporary data file. The first data file is then transmitted on the data bus after the corresponding memory drive becomes available. Upon encountering a second data file of the second type in the predetermined sequence, the second data file is transmitted on the data bus.

Abstract: A chewing gum composition for whitening teeth comprising a water insoluble gum base in admixture with a plasticizer, a flavorant, sweetener, filler, texturizer, color, stabilizer, surface active agent and the like, some of the foregoing being optional, and a safe and effective whitening amount of a water soluble alkali metal percarbonate, a safe and effective amount of neem oil, sodium bicarbonate and parsley extract.

Abstract: A multi-purpose landscaping device for use with as hand-held rotary power tool such as an electric drill includes a shaft adaptable at one end for removable and operative connection to such a power tool, and a rotatable implement removably attached to the other end of the shaft, so that replacement of the rotatable implement is possible without replacement of the shaft. The rotatable implement is selected from the group consisting of a greenery cutter, a blower, a pruner, a soil augur and a weed extractor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved ball striking device, such as a golf club, hockey stick, or tennis racket, in which a greater striking power is imparted to the ball, puck or the like by inserting a connecting elastomeric member between the head or striking portion and the shaft portion of the device. The inherent resilient characteristics of the member allows an enhancement of the forward motion imparted to the ball.

Abstract: A universal socket wrench is provided comprising a housing having an internal chamber which is open at a first end thereof. A bundle of members having relatively large cross-sectional area-to-length ratios is supported in a slidable relationship within the chamber. The first ends of the slidable members are arranged for engagement with a fastener component. The slidable members have a chevron shape and a generally nonuniform cross-sectional area, and are arranged in sets, the outer and inner perimeter of each set having a fragmentary, asymmetrical shape. The slidable members are supported within the housing by outwardly extending flanges on the second ends of the members, which conform to and engage with inset shoulders on the chamber and on the second ends of the members.