Abstract: This invention is a synchronization abstraction layer (SAL) providing a uniform interface to frameworks operating on sequenced flow data. It allows content developers to design and build interactive content that will operate interchangeably in different multimedia frameworks (e.g., Apple Computer, Inc.'s QuickTime™, Microsoft Corporation's NetShow™, RealNetworks, Inc.'s RealPlayer™, Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s Java™ Media Framework) and on different hardware platforms (e.g., desktop PC, Macintosh™, Television set-top boxes such as those from General Instrument Corporation and Scientific Atlanta Inc., Inc., Internet appliances such as AOL™-TV, and other appliances, e.g., a kitchen Internet radio). The uniform interface is independent of the particular framework and the platform on which the SAL is implemented, so that a single instance of content, whether created in Java™, JavaScript, VBscript, HTML, XML, or some other language, can run appropriately on different hardware, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal for use with a pipe and flange assembly. The seal is intended to prevent leakage during axial movement of the pipe relative to a flange. The invention comprises a central cylindrical elastomeric member located between two circular elastomeric end rings.

Abstract: This invention is a synchronization abstraction layer (SAL) providing a uniform interface to frameworks operating on sequenced flow data. It allows content developers to design and build interactive content that will operate interchangeably in different multimedia frameworks (e.g., Apple Computer, Inc.'s QuickTime™, Microsoft Corporation's NetShow™, RealNetworks, Inc.'s RealPlayer™, Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s Java™ Media Framework) and on different hardware platforms (e.g., desktop PC, Macintosh™, Television set-top boxes such as those from General Instrument Corporation and Scientific Atlanta Inc., Inc., Internet appliances such as AOL™-TV, and other appliances, e.g., a kitchen Internet radio).

Abstract: A method and system for extending an extensible framework is provided. An extension module for an extensible framework is coupled with an abstraction layer overlaying the extensible framework. The abstraction layer includes a uniform cross-platform interface between the extension module and the extensible framework.

Abstract: Techniques for employing a television set and a television set controller as the control interface for devices which themselves do not have display capability and for services provided via the telephone network. The techniques involve control apparatus which is connected to the telephone network and a television set and is responsive to inputs from a hand-held controller for the television set. The control apparatus outputs a screen which contains control selections to the television set and the user employs the controller to make a selection. The control apparatus then performs the control function specified by the selection. One application is a telephone messaging system: integral with the control apparatus is a system which can answer calls and store voice messages, fax messages, character-string messages, and script messages. The control apparatus plays the voice messages on the television set and provide screens to the television set which display the fax and character-string messages.

Abstract: A plurality of open trenches or sluices is suspended from the underside of the forming floor of a glass factory to register with the lower, discharge ends of hot gob reject or cullet chutes. Each sluice is suspended with one end higher than the other, and with their lower, discharge ends communicating with one end of a large quenching tank, which is mounted on the floor beneath the forming floor. The tank contains a supply of cooling water, which is continuously pumped to the upper ends of the sluices, so that as hot gobs drop from the chutes into the sluices they are immersed in the cooling water and travel by gravity with the cooling water downwardly in the sluices to the quenching tank. A conveyor in the tank transports the cullet through the cooling water to a discharge point adjacent the opposite end of the tank. The bottom of each sluice is generally V-shaped in configuration so that frictional engagement of the hot cullet with opposite sides of a sluice is minimized.