Abstract: A method and system to provide a media file appropriate for playback. The system identifies an ability of a computer system to playback media content locally by querying a computer system over a network to assess a local playback capability of the computer system. Next, the system creates the media file in response to the identification of the ability and based on the ability. Finally, the system provides the computer system with the media file based on the ability of the computer system to playback the media content locally.

Abstract: The invention presented here is a method and system for providing rich media content over a computer network. In accordance with the invention, a server on a physical or wireless computer network polls the software, hardware, or appliance of an end user on the network, for the availability of software and/or hardware necessary for the display of rich media content. This polling is transparent to the end user and requires no action on the part of the end user. Based on the client's response, the server sends an appropriately formatted version of the rich media file. The user is not necessarily aware that this transfer is taking place, as it is taking place in the background, while the user is performing other tasks or viewing content other than that which is being transferred. Once the rich media has been transferred in its entirety and stored, or cached, in the local memory of the client, the rich media content is displayed automatically in a designated display area.

Abstract: Variable shunt and series connected reactors are used in a complimentary combination in an electric arc furnace to provide improved flicker control. A power control system for an time-varying AC load, such as an electric arc furnace, connected to an AC power supply line includes a first variable reactance intermediate the power supply line and the load, and a second variable reactance connected in parallel with the power supply line. A control system is provided for (i) monitoring load current and adjusting the first variable reactance in response to changes in the monitored load current; and (ii) monitoring reactive power draw by the load and adjusting the second variable reactance in response to changes in the monitored reactive power draw. The first variable reactance and second variable reactance are each primarily used to mitigate flicker at different times during the load operation.

Abstract: Variable shunt and series connected reactors are used in a complimentary combination in an electric arc furnace to provide improved flicker control. A power control system for an time-varying AC load, such as an electric arc furnace, connected to an AC power supply line includes a first variable reactance intermediate the power supply line and the load, and a second variable reactance connected in parallel with the power supply line. A control system is provided for (i) monitoring load current and adjusting the first variable reactance in response to changes in the monitored load current; and (ii) monitoring reactive power draw by the load and adjusting the second variable reactance in response to changes in the monitored reactive power draw. The first variable reactance and second variable reactance are each primarily used to mitigate flicker at different times during the load operation.