Abstract: The invention is a method and system for assigning notes to be played by a musical synthesizer to a predetermined number of channels of said musical synthesizer, so that the musical synthesizer may emulate the note allocation of a live orchestra section. The method includes the steps of selecting a note/channel assignment table corresponding to the number of notes to be played and the number of channels allocated to the playing of such notes, and assigning notes to the channels pursuant to the assignment table. The number of channels would typically be the same as the number of instruments in the orchestra section being emulated As new note events occur, notes are dynamically reassigned to channels so that hard and soft attacks are taken into account and, to the extent practicable, each channel plays a single note at a time.

Abstract: A method for selectively passing closed caption data from a source device to a display device includes receiving a data signal including un-rendered closed caption data and video data in the source device, separating the video data from the un-rendered closed caption data, determining closed caption processing capabilities of the display device, and if the display device is configured to process un-rendered closed caption data, transmitting the un-rendered closed caption data to the display device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting content (12) via a digital video interface (15) using a high-bandwidth digital content protection system (50). The content (12) has a first format in a first state, a second format in a second state, and vertical blanking intervals associated therewith. In the first state, the method includes: authenticating (302) that the receiver (25) is licensed to receive the content, signaling (304) that the content will be encrypted, and transmitting (306) the encrypted content in the first format. A transition of the content from the first format to the second format is detected (308), and the encrypted content continues (310) to be transmtitedtransmitted in the first format.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for providing a peer-to-peer architecture for sharing VOD content. Instead of requiring a large server to store VOD content, VOD content is distributed among one or more content devices. Upon receiving a request to view requested VOD content, an intelligent agent determines which content device contains the requested VOD content. The requested VOD content is then communicated to the requesting content device. Thus, the present invention alleviates the need for a typical content server, and therefore results in a more robust, flexible, and inexpensive network.

Abstract: A back for a patient chair having a back shell with a substantially rigid central S-shaped central portion and laterally extending wing portions which have sufficient flexibility to allow deflection in the direction of the front surface upon imposition of a force. The back consists of a formed back shell, a cushion layer laid thereover and an upholstery layer covering the cushion, with the upholstery layer adhered to the cushion and having edge margins wrapped around the outer edge margins of the cushion. The cushion and upholstery material are secured to the back shell through adhesive applied between the wrapped over edge margin portions of the upholstery material and the back shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber additive composition which contains at least one rubber additive (a), the at least one additive (a) being encased in coating material (b) accompanied by formation of microcapsules. The additive can in particular be sulphur or another vulcanization agent, a vulcanization accelerator and/or activator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for management of business transactions in a computer network are disclosed. A modified hierarchical database that includes document type definition objects that represents a DTD or DTD locations are utilized. Additional objects are included to control access to data content and to provide customized analytic formats for a report generator. The hierarchical database is able to interact with one or more nodes in the communication network to transparently provide the necessary content routing without additional user input beyond the initial user setup.

Abstract: The check positioning system includes a guide tray (12) which in turn includes a guiding edge (31). Roller assemblies (18,20,22) in combination with associated lower gripping wheels (40,42,44) and a system (16) for driving the roller assemblies (18,20,22) move the check longitudinally in both directions along the guide tray (12). A clamping apparatus (48) controls the clamping of the check. A deskewing roller (28) on each of the roller assemblies moves the check laterally as well as longitudinally when the check is not clamped. A laterally movable edge detector (14) detects the edges of the check so it can be located relative to the guide tray (12) for accurate printing/encoding of the check.