Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products, services, or individuals. A feature of the system is the ability to associate an identification image with a plurality of accounts, transactions, or records and identify a user not physically present at the client computer. Textual information and image data from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server computer, requests for information are entered from remote terminals, the system being able to respond to multiple user requests simultaneously, and the information requested is recalled and downloaded for review to be displayed at the remote site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products, services, or individuals. A feature of the system is the ability to associate an identification image with a plurality of accounts, transactions, or records and identify a user not physically present at the client computer. Textual information and image data from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server computer, requests for information are entered from remote terminals, the system being able to respond to multiple user requests simultaneously, and the information requested is recalled and downloaded for review to be displayed at the remote site.

Abstract: Electronic teleconferencing configurations use one or more remote microphones for added functionality. A base unit includes an interface to a telecommunications network and at least one remote microphone in wireless communication with the base unit, enabling a carrier of the microphone to speak to a listener through the base unit over the telecommunications network. The base unit may form part of a telephone, and would preferably further include a docking station to receive the remote microphone along with electrical contacts causing the telephone to enter into a speakerphone mode when the remote microphone is removed for use. A speaker may either be provided in the base unit, or may be disposed in the housing of the remote microphone, for example, in the form of a headset. With multiple wireless microphones audio processing circuitry may be added for level control or microphone/speaker discrimination.

Abstract: A multi-format digital video production system enables a user to process an input video program to produce an output version of the program in a final format which may have a different frame rate, pixel dimensions, aspect ratio, or any combination thereof. An internal production format of 24 fps is preferably chosen to provide the greatest compatibility with existing and planned formats associated with HDTV standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 high-definition television, and film. Images are re-sized horizontally and vertically by pixel interpolation, thereby producing larger or smaller image dimensions so as to fill the particular needs of individual applications. Frame rates are adapted by inter-frame interpolation or by traditional schemes, including “3:2 pull-down” for 24-to-30 fps conversions.

Abstract: A multilayer sliding bearing includes a rigid metal backing having a metal bearing liner attached thereto. The metal bearing liner includes a metal bearing liner layer which is attached to the bearing surface of the metal backing layer and at least one metal overplate layer deposited over an outer surface of the metal bearing liner layer. The metal bearing liner layer has a layer of hard particles embedded in an outer surface thereof which is adjacent to the inner surface of the at least one metal overplate layer. The bearing may also include a barrier layer interposed between the metal bearing liner layer and the metal over plate layer to inhibit diffusion therebetween and/or promote adhesion of the metal over plate layer to the metal bearing liner layer. The invention may also include a thin metal protective coating layer over the outer surface of the bearing liner and backing layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products, services, or individuals. Textual information and image data from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server computer, with the image data being in compressed form, and with the textual information being included in a relational database with identifiers associated with any related image data. Means are provided at the central computer for management of all textural information and image data received to ensure that all information may be independently retrieved. Requests are entered from remote terminals specifying particular subject matter, and the system is capable of responding to multiple simultaneous requests.

Abstract: A multilayer sliding bearing includes a rigid metal backing having a metal bearing liner attached thereto. The metal bearing liner includes a metal bearing liner layer which is attached to the bearing surface of the metal backing layer and at least one metal overplate layer deposited over an outer surface of the metal bearing liner layer. The metal bearing liner layer has a layer of hard particles embedded in an outer surface thereof which is adjacent to the inner surface of the at least one metal overplate layer. The bearing may also include a barrier layer interposed between the metal bearing liner layer and the metal over plate layer to inhibit diffusion therebetween and/or promote adhesion of the metal over plate layer to the metal bearing liner layer. The invention may also include a thin metal protective coating layer over the outer surface of the bearing liner and backing layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products, services, or individuals. A feature of the system is the ability to associate an identification image with a plurality of accounts, transactions, or records and identify a user not physically present at the client computer. Textual information and image data from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server computer, requests for information are entered from remote terminals, the system being able to respond to multiple user requests simultaneously, and the information requested is recalled and downloaded for review to be displayed at the remote site.

Abstract: An audio/video production system is implemented on a PC-based platform, preferably utilizing various forms of removable magnetic, optical, or magneto-optical storage media. Specially modified cameras or other sources provide digitally data-compressed audio and video program materials in two formats, a first format having a higher data-compression ratio and intended for use in off-line systems to develop edit decision lists, and a second format having a lower data-compression ratio and intended for use in on-line editing and to produce the final representations of the programs. Off-line editing decisions may thus be developed on a PC using removable storage media, and final representations of the programs may be produced on-line in accordance with stationary-head or rotary-head digital-tape-based formats, such as DAT, 6-mm or 8-mm tapes. In an alternative embodiment, automatic and unattended editing, or extended program playback of more than 40 hours duration of digital video, is available.