Abstract: Disclosed is a method for monitoring usage of a programmable video recording device that records television program segments selected by on-screen graphics. In the method, an on-screen graphic associated with selecting a television program segment is intercepted. The selected television program segment is recognized using the intercepted on-screen graphic, and record usage information associated with the selected television program segment is generated. The record usage information may be included in a database for analysis. Other similar television usage may be monitored such as recorded program playback, game play, pay-per-view, and video-on-demand viewing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a television audience reporting system, and related method. The television audience reporting system includes a plurality of audience monitoring devices, a database server, and an internet server. The plurality of audience monitoring devices are located at a respective plurality of viewing locations for providing real-time program viewing information based on television channel selection by viewers at the respective viewing locations. The database server gathers the real-time program viewing information from the plurality of audience monitoring devices and generates a program viewing summary from the real-time program viewing information. The internet server provides the program viewing summary in real-time to client computers.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.

Abstract: An invasive therapeutic probe assembly and related methods for application of RF energy to a volume of body tissue are provided. The probe assembly includes an RF source configured to provide an RF energy having selected characteristics, a probe having a probe shaft and an antenna positioned therein, and a feed line for providing conductivity from the RF source to the antenna probe. The probe assembly is adapted to generate a zone of therapeutic effectiveness having a selected geometry and volume. The related method includes positioning the probe in a selected location with reference to a target tissue, initiating an electromagnetic field from the antenna having a selected geometry, and producing a zone of therapeutic effectiveness having a selected geometry and volume. The producing step preferably includes, taking periodic temperature measurements from sensors positioned at a selected location, and manipulating the selected characteristics of the RF energy to include duration and/or power level.

Abstract: An invasive therapeutic probe assembly and related methods for application of RF energy to a volume of body tissue are provided. The probe assembly includes an RF source configured to provide an RF energy having selected characteristics, a probe having a probe shaft and an antenna positioned therein, and a feed line for providing conductivity from the RF source to the antenna probe. The probe assembly is adapted to generate a zone of therapeutic effectiveness having a selected geometry and volume. The related method includes positioning the probe in a selected location with reference to a target tissue, initiating an electromagnetic field from the antenna having a selected geometry, and producing a zone of therapeutic effectiveness having a selected geometry and volume. The producing step preferably includes, taking periodic temperature measurements from sensors positioned at a selected location, and manipulating the selected characteristics of the RF energy to include duration and/or power level.