Abstract: A method and system for enabling trick plays during a variable bit rate (VBR) playback of a media file transmitted to a user media device as a constant bit rate (CBR) flow includes determining a plurality of access points within the media file. The media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points. A minimum buffer value is calculated for each of the plurality of access points. The minimum buffer value identifies a minimum amount of the media file to transmit to the user media device before beginning playback of the media file from each of the plurality of access points to substantially ensure that the media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points continuously and uninterruptedly at a variable bit rate.

Abstract: A fuel system 10 includes a fuel tank 11, a demand valve 12, a primer pump 13, and an internal combustion engine 14. The demand valve 12 closes and prevents fuel flow to the engine and potential fuel spillage when the engine is not running, even if a positive pressure condition exists in the fuel tank 11. The demand valve 12 is opened to allow fuel flow to the engine 14 only when the engine is to be started or is running. This opening of the demand valve is caused by a vacuum in a central cavity 31 of the demand valve 12. The vacuum causes a diaphragm 43 to move laterally and act through a connector 44 against a pin 39 connected to a valve member 37, to tilt or rotate the valve member 37 relative to a valve seat 34.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing image acquisition and/or image display in a limited region of interest (ROI). The apparatus comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS), preferably integrating a light source, a cantilever, a lens, an actuator, a light detector, and a position sensor. The light source provides light for illuminating the ROI, displaying an image, providing a therapy, and/or performing other functions. The cantilever comprises a resin waveguide with a fixed end attached to a substrate that supports many or all other components. A free end of the cantilever is released from the substrate during fabrication and includes the lens. The actuator scans the free end in orthogonal directions to illuminate the ROI or display an image. The position sensors detect the position of the free end for control. The light detector receives light backscattered from the ROI separate from, or at the fixed end of the cantilever.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a circular array, each having a calibrated power input determined by the use of pulse width modulation and each having a unique wavelength band determined by the utilization of a unique fluorescent phosphor coating or lens. At least one of the LEDs comprising a phosphor-free high energy UV LED. Light reflected to the spectrophotometer is divided into predetermined wavelength ranges through the utilization of a linear variable filter and photo detectors wherein the analog signal from a photo detector is converted to a digital value through the use of auto-ranging gain technique.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating online payments are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a payment agreement is established at a payment service provider that defines terms of a payment relationship between a merchant and a user. The establishing of the payment agreement includes linking the payment agreement with a payment account of the merchant or user stored at the payment service provider. After establishing the payment agreement, a payment request associated with a transaction is received, whereby the payment request includes a unique identifier to identify the payment agreement stored at the payment service provider. Based on a verification that the payment request complies with terms of the payment agreement, the payment request is processed.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating merchant-initiated online payments are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a payment service provider's server receives a user's request, via a merchant's server, to establish a merchant-initiated payment relationship or agreement. Accordingly, the payment service provider presents the user with options to customize the terms of the merchant-initiated payment agreement. After the agreement has been established and the terms customized, the merchant server communicates a merchant-initiated payment request to the pavement service provider for a transaction entered into with the user. The payment service provider's server processes the payment request after verifying that processing the payment does not exceed the user-customized terms of the agreement.

Abstract: A technique includes operating an electrochemical cell stack in a power producing mode, including communicating a fuel flow in an anode chamber of the stack and communicating an oxidant flow in a cathode chamber of the stack. The technique includes halting the oxidant flow and monitoring a voltage of the stack while the oxidant flow is halted, and in response to the voltage decreasing below a predefined threshold, transitioning the stack into an electrochemical cell pumping mode.

Abstract: A dynamic mixer in which two members (1,2) are rotated relative to each other about a predetermined axis (XX), the members having facing surfaces (15, 16) which extend axially and between which is defined a mixing chamber through which a flow path extends between an inlet (7) for material to be mixed and an outlet (8). An array of two or more mixing formations is defined on at least one of the facing surfaces (15, 16) which extend radially towards the facing surface of the other element (15, 16) and which act to mix material within the mixing chamber, and which extend axially generally parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a circular array, each having a calibrated power input determined by the use of pulse width modulation and each having a unique wavelength band determined by the utilization of a unique fluorescent phosphor coating or lens. At least one of the LEDs comprising a phosphor-free high energy UV LED. Light reflected to the spectrophotometer is divided into predetermined wavelength ranges through the utilization of a linear variable filter and photo detectors wherein the analog signal from a photo detector is converted to a digital value through the use of auto-ranging gain technique.

Abstract: A method and system for pointing a Internet user requesting access to content on a particular web site to one of a plurality of content servers associated with that web site based on one or more cost measurements associated with serving said content. The identification of the web site is mapped to the content servers associated with that web site. The user's IP address is then mapped to a particular content server based on a cost function and the IP address of the selected content server is provided to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling trick plays during a variable bit rate (VBR) playback of a media file transmitted to a user media device as a constant bit rate (CBR) flow includes determining a plurality of access points within the media file. The media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points. A minimum buffer value is calculated for each of the plurality of access points. The minimum buffer value identifies a minimum amount of the media file to transmit to the user media device before beginning playback of the media file from each of the plurality of access points to substantially ensure that the media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points continuously and uninterruptedly at a variable bit rate.

Abstract: Among other things, techniques and systems are described for facilitating networked communication among media players of various platforms, PCs with various DVD-ROM drives, mobile data processing devices and one or more network servers. At a network server, a request for communication is received from a client device. A secured network connection is provided with the client device. In addition, the received request is processed. Processing the received request includes, when detecting that the received request is a request for data, retrieving or generating the requested data in a platform-neutral format and sending the retrieved or generated data in a format compatible with the client device. Processing the received request includes, when detecting that the received request is a request to send data to another client device, retrieving or generating the requested data in a platform-neutral format and sending the retrieved or generated data in a format compatible with the other client device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for decrypting a selected program. The system and method can receive at least one authorization message and at least one control message associated with a selected program. The system and method stores the at least one authorization message. The system and method transmits a first control signal if the at least one control message specifies a type of program that can be decrypted given the at least one authorization message and transmits a second control signal if the at least one control message specifies a type of program that can not be decrypted by the decryption device given the at least one authorization message.

Abstract: A swingarm and swingarm assembly for a rear wheel suspension are provided for a motorcycle or other two-wheeled vehicles, the swingarm having a pair of side spars attached to a cross member, the cross member having a seat formed therein to receive at least one of a plurality of mounting blocks having a yoke thereon for attachment to a shock absorber to provide a configurable swingarm assembly. Each mounting block has a different attachment point for the shock absorber to change the force vectors for the swingarm creating a softer or stiffer suspension for the rear wheel.

Abstract: A ventilation apparatus for a cooler combination. The ventilation apparatus has a first cooler engageable portion and a second cooler engageable portion. Each portion is configured to interoperate with either a first cooler location or a second cooler location. A body section connects the first and second cooler engageable portions together. The cooler has four perimeter walls and a lid. The ventilation apparatus is positioned at the first cooler location and second cooler locations which are located on the lid and the perimeter walls. The apparatus maintains a ventilation space between the lid and the cooler perimeter walls promoting ventilation of the interior space of the cooler.

Abstract: Among other things, methods, systems and computer program products for enhancing a viewing experience of digital content includes displaying a predetermined sequence of multiple introductory digital content. The predetermined sequence minimizes a time delay before a main digital content is displayed. In addition, a graphical user interface can be loaded during a time of displaying a first introductory digital content from the predetermined sequence of multiple introductory digital content. User access of the loaded graphical user interface is enabled while the playing of the predetermined sequence of multiple introductory digital content is pending.

Abstract: An accumulator apparatus for paper collations having an accumulation chamber for receiving sheet material, the chamber defined by a fixed guide on one side, a movable guide on the other side and a movable stop member at one end. Rollers are included for driving the sheet material against the stop member, and gates are provided for moving the movable guide between a first position in which it is spaced from the fixed guide by a gap sufficiently small to prevent buckling of the sheet material as it is driven by the rollers against the stop member, and a second position in which the movable guide is spaced away from the fixed guide for discharge of the sheet material from the chamber.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for decrypting a selected program. The system and method can receive at least one authorization message and at least one control message associated with a selected program. The system and method stores the at least one authorization message. The system and method transmits a first control signal if the at least one control message specifies a type of program that can be decrypted given the at least one authorization message and transmits a second control signal if the at least one control message specifies a type of program that can not be decrypted by the decryption device given the at least one authorization message.

Abstract: A method and system for communicatively linking one or more items of digital content to a fixed media for presenting to a user. A graphical user interface capable of receiving data from a user is provided. The received data can be used to identify the one or more items of digital content to be linked to the fixed media. Based on the received data and a private seed value, a hash file is generated, the hash file includes a first hash code. An executable file is also generated. Also, an output file including the hash file and the executable file is generated. The generated output file is stored on a fixed media object.