Abstract: A method, apparatus and non-transitory computer medium are provided for encoding data of a media file for playback by a user equipment in a communications network. A request for a range of encoded data is received from the user equipment, the encoded data to be generated by encoding data from an original media file. The request for a range of encoded data is converted into a request for a range of original data from the original media file. The range of original data is retrieved and the range of original data is encoded to generate encoded data. The requested range of encoded data, from the generated encoded data, is provided to the user equipment.

Abstract: An edge sharpness measurement apparatus includes a clamp for securing a test medium against a frictional member, and an engagement mechanism for a normal force, such that the normal force directs the test medium against the frictional member with a force based on operational conditions of the test medium. A further engagement mechanism is for a tangential force, in which the engagement mechanism is adapted to increase the tangential force to identify a tangential force sufficient to dispose the frictional member across the test medium. A pivot defines an angle of application of the tangential force relative to the normal force, such that disposing the frictional member across the test medium defines a point of overcoming frictional forces between the test medium and the frictional member. A measurement device, such as a gauge or range on a spring, measures the tangential force sufficient to dispose the frictional member.

Abstract: A power-actuated platform affixed to the frame of the marine vessel that rides on wheels that follow tracks to form a moving carriage. The relative angle of the platform in relation to the deck or water surface changes as the platform travels from a stowed position to a deployed position. The device is uses a powered actuator attached to a fixed substrate of the device at one end and the carriage on the other. The actuator can be controlled remotely by the vessel operator using a directional power controller affixed to the helm, by radio signal from a handheld unit that can be a cellular telephone, or by means of a plug-in the lanyard multidirectional controller. On a pontoon boat or catamaran, the platform of the present invention can be attached to the forward deck area for convenience. When deployed, the platform provides easy ingress and egress to the vessel.

Abstract: Techniques are described for managing the execution of programs on multiple computing systems, such as on virtual machine nodes executing on the computing systems. A program execution service may in some situations provide the multiple computing systems and manage the program execution on behalf of multiple customers or other users, including to select appropriate computing systems to execute one or more instances of a program for a user, such as based in part on configuration information specified by the user. The described techniques may further include managing communications between multiple intercommunicating computing nodes in some situations.

Abstract: Various apparatuses for rope-climbing and associated methods are provided. Embodiments include a circular loop of rope and a variable braking system allowing for a freely suspended rope-climbing experience a safe distance from the ground and at a speed variable to individual users.

Abstract: There is described a method for controlling bandwidth between a client and a content server in a data network. The method is implemented by an intermediate network entity that is between the client and the content server in the data network. A dataflow between the content server and the client is monitored and based on the monitoring, the dataflow is categorized as being an Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) streaming dataflow that comprises segments of media data of a particular quality variant of a plurality of quality variants potentially available at the content server. A different quality variant of the plurality of quality variants is selected as a target quality variant and a bandwidth value is determined to apply to the dataflow to try to cause the client to request segments of media data of the target quality variant for the dataflow. The determined bandwidth value is applied to the dataflow.

Abstract: The apparatus includes: a hardware-side processing section including one or more programmable hardware-implemented chips configured to process request packets, which are received from host computers and relate to access requests to one or more file systems managed by the apparatus, and to generate response packets for the processed request packets; and a software-side processing section including one or more CPUs configured to execute decoding of requests packets sent from a host computer based on one or more computer programs stored in a memory of the software-side; wherein at least one programmable hardware-implemented chip of the hardware-side processing section is configured to process a credit request included in a received request packet, in particular without involvement of the hardware-side processing section.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle, comprising an accessory support including a first wall portion defining an outer support surface and an inner support surface; and a fastening device for fastening an accessory to the accessory support; wherein the fastening device includes a first structure and a clamping formation arranged to engage with the inner support surface so as to clamp the accessory support between the clamping formation and the first structure of the fastening device. A further aspect of the invention relates to an accessory for use in the system.

Abstract: Various apparatuses for rope-climbing and associated methods are provided. Embodiments include a circular loop of rope and a variable braking system allowing for a freely suspended rope-climbing experience a safe distance from the ground and at a speed variable to individual users.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system comprising a head mounted display (HMD) configured to display one or more AR visualizations within an operator's field of view (FOV), a control system including a processor and a storage system configured to store machine readable instructions, sensors configured to determine at least location and/or orientation of said sensors including a head mounted and device mounted sensor, and a communication system configured to communicate data between elements of the AR system. The software including various subroutines or machine readable instructions including an orientation/location instructions for determining orientation and/or position of the sensors, a visualizations generation instructions section configured to generate a visualization showing an aim point of a device coupled to said device mounted sensor, a path of travel of a projectile launched from said device, or an impact point of said projectile. Embodiments can include one or more photogrammetry processing sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards managing application delivery over a network. Change information that corresponds to changes to an application may be provided to a delivery pipeline. The change information may be verified in part based on a static analysis of the content of the change information, compiling, and unit testing. Reviewers may be notified to approve the change information. A version of the application that includes the change information may be generated. Acceptance testing may be performed that includes provisioning computing resources in an acceptance computing environment. And, deploying a version of application that includes the change information into the acceptance computing environment. If the acceptance testing passes, a shipping operation may be enabled pausing the delivery pipeline until an authorized user activates the shipping operation restarting the delivery pipeline and deploying the application to one or more computing environments.

Abstract: A device for securing an elongate article comprising four finned holder elements, each finned holder element being fabricated of an elastomeric material, the four finned holder elements being oriented in two pairs, a top pair and a bottom pair, each pair having a left and right finned holder element which are mirror images of each other. The element are upwardly disposed relative to the horizontal, and have a side portion contiguous with an upper portion, a base portion, and a back portion and a free edge having a receiving portion and a linear securing portion having a recess. A housing member having left and right cavities holds the left and right finned holder elements in opposing juxtaposition and has a rear portion with a vertical support that separates a left through-hole and a right through-hole.

Abstract: A method of enhancing binaural representation for a subject includes receiving a first signal and a second signal in response to a plurality of sound sources, generating a number of estimated interaural time differences using the first signal and the second signal, converting each of the number of estimated interaural time differences to a corresponding interaural level difference, using one or more of the corresponding interaural level differences to generate an adjusted first signal, and using the adjusted first signal to generate a number of signals delivered to the subject for enhancing the hearing of the subject.

Abstract: A vehicle recovery or anchoring system is provided including a winch coupled to a vehicle, a cable retractably disposed in the winch, a selectively removable dual use vehicle component and anchoring structure (DUVCAC), e.g., a spare tire, and a retaining structure that is configured to retract and hold the DUVCAC or extend the same based on operation of the winch. The cable is adapted to selectively couple and decouple with the retaining structure, wherein the cable is passed through a section of the DUVCAC and be drawn against the vehicle and/or winch. Different types of retaining structures are provided including retaining structures that are formed with additional anchoring elements, e.g., folding spades, as well as different structures, e.g., cable sections or loops, to couple with the DUVCAC. Different cable configurations as well as coupling arrangements are also provided. Various methods are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.