Abstract: Limiting the sound pressure level presented to the listener's ears by one or more headphones, using processing capabilities of a personal media device. Headphones, coupled to audio signals from a personal media device, include a sensor to measure the sound pressure level presented to the listener's ears, and provide that measure to the personal media device. The personal media device, optionally aided by one or more analog circuits, adjusts the audio signal so that the sound pressure level is maintained within a recommended range.

Abstract: A headphone system executing application programs on a media device to perform enhanced functions without burdening the headphones, including a headphone connector which receives signals from the media device, identifies command signals, and makes responses thereto. The system identifies the features of the headphones and what functions can be applied thereto, and performs those functions. The system includes one headphone cup for each ear, each including an embedded speaker and microphone. The microphones provide signals regarding sound present at the listener's ears, which are combined and input to the media device. The programs analyze signals from the microphones and apply signal processing techniques to outgoing signals.

Abstract: An interface apparatus for multifunctional gaming platform is provided. The interface apparatus couples a host device featuring a display and a gaming accessory. The host device is configured to generate at least one set of host-data. At least one set of host-data is selected from the group consisting of: a change of color of a display of the host-device; a variation of intensity of color of the display of the host-device; a sequence of flashing patterns generated by the display of the host-device; and a change of a background theme of the display of the host-device. The host data is used to enable the operation of the gaming accessory.

Abstract: A method of playing a game by a group of players by using a gaming platform is provided. The group of players consists of at least two players. The gaming platform comprises an electronic device coupled to a gaming accessory. The method comprises: (A) selecting a first player from the group of players. The first selected player is called a chooser, wherein each remaining player in the group of players is called a guesser. The method further comprises: (B) the chooser selects a first secret answer to a first posted question; (C) the first secret answer to the first posted question is recorded; (D) at least one guesser places a bet that is configured to correctly guess the recorded first secret answer; and (E) the recorded first secret answer to the first posted question is revealed.

Abstract: An improved method and fracturing fluid for hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation, the fracturing fluid including a surfactant, a water soluble or dispersible anionic organic salt, an acid and a low molecular weight organic solvent.

Abstract: Techniques are described for accurately processing playback signals of time-based servo patterns recorded on a data storage medium. In particular, techniques are described for determining values for signal peaks within a playback signal of a time-based servo pattern by applying interpolation to data points in proximity to each of the signal peaks. At least three data points are identified in proximity to a desired peak to be detected within the playback signal. A value is calculated for the desired peak based on interpolation of the at least three data points. A playback signal of a time-based servo pattern may include a sequence of signal peaks. A time-based servo pattern may be detected based on lengths of time measured between consecutive peaks in the sequence of peaks. A position error signal (PES) may be generated based on the values calculated for each of the sequence of peaks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that minimizes instruction gaps behind a branch instruction in a multistage pipelined processor is disclosed. A pre-branch instruction that corresponds to a branch instruction to inserted into the instruction stream a sufficient number of instructions ahead of the branch instruction to insure that the pre-branch instruction exits the decode stage of the pipeline at the same time the branch instruction exits the first instruction fetch stage of the pipeline. The pre-branch instruction is decoded and causes the instruction fetch unit either to begin fetching instructions at a target address, where the branch is known or predicted to be taken, or to continue fetching instructions along the main execution path, the branch is known or predicted to be not taken.

Abstract: A container having a base portion including four vertical square tube members with one tube member at each corner of the base portion, and bottom surfaces of the base portion sloping inwardly to an elongated opening along the bottom of the base portion that is closed off by a trap door. The upper portion of the container is formed with four additional vertical square tube members that provide support for the upper sides of the container, with the upper square tube members and sides of the container being pinned to the lower vertical square tube members such that the four sides of the container can be folded downwardly onto the base portion when the container is emptied. When folded to an upright position the four upper sides interlock and are held in position by pressure from within the container.

Abstract: A microelectronic LC circuit capable of being tuned to a desired center resonant frequency, comprising a trimmable capacitor, a principal fixed inductor and a printed trimmable inductor having an inductance which is small compared to that of the principal inductor. The printed inductor is one which is capable of having its inductance raised by trimming. In some cases, the fixed inductor can be omitted.