Abstract: An audio/video (A/V) component networking system comprises a plurality of source components each adapted to provide A/V program data. The system also comprises a presentation device adapted to present A/V program data to a user. The system further comprises a sink component communicatively coupled to each of the source components. The sink component is adapted to present to the user an aggregated listing of the A/V program data available from each of the plurality of source components to enable the user to select particular A/V program data from at least one of the plurality of source components for presentation on the presentation device.

Abstract: The invention teaches evaluating geographical information, typically from at least two sources, and defining the nature of the information so that it can be applied to a risk management system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: After FEMA flood maps are scanned and converted to raster maps on a computer system, they are georeferenced. The georeferenced raster maps are stored on the system. Map inset polygons are surrounded by a virtual bounding box and a determination is made whether each grid rectangle intersects any bounding box. For each such intersection, the relevant inset polygon is traced to determine if it actually intersects the grid rectangle. If there is such intersection, the inset polygon is added to a list attached to the grid rectangle. At the end of the process, the list for each grid rectangle identifies each inset polygon intersected thereby. When an address of a property subject to a flood zone determination is entered into the system and geocoded, the grid rectangle containing the address is immediately called up. If only one inset polygon is on the list, it is used to make the flood determination.

Abstract: After FEMA paper flood maps are scanned into a computer system, they are each displayed side-by-side with the relevant portion of a stored vector map covering the geographic area covered by all of the FEMA maps. During display, corresponding points, or “point-pairs,” on each map are marked by a keyboard or mouse device. The corresponding points may be such artifacts as roads, stream beds, railroad tracks, intersections of the foregoing, buildings, mountain peaks, etc., which are identifiable on each displayed map. When two point-pairs are marked, a stored algorithm calculates georeferencing functions which permit translation of the x,y coordinates of the raster map to the latitude,longitude coordinates of the vector map and vice versa. As more point-pairs are marked, the georeferencing functions are refined. Another algorithm removes apparent “bad” points from the georeferencing calculations, which points may re later used if it appears that they are not bad.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for closing the interior passage of a straw is disclosed. The locking arrangement includes a ring that is applied over the closable-end of the straw, and in the alternative, a latch can be provided between the closable-end of the straw.

Abstract: A communication module exchanges real-world information with a server in a network via wireless connectivity. The communication module has at least one of a short-range and a long-range communication device operating in at least one of an indoor and an outdoor environment in real-world interactive event.

Abstract: A multi-configurable office machine, which includes a control panel subassembly having a plurality of user-activated key-switches for controlling functions of the office machine. A first control panel cover is adapted for installation on the control panel subassembly, the first cover comprising a first cover structure providing user access to a first set of the key-switches when the first cover is installed on the control panel subassembly. A second control panel cover is adapted for installation on the control panel subassembly, the second cover comprising a second cover structure providing user access to a second set of the key-switches when the second cover is installed on the control panel subassembly. By installing a selected one of the panel covers, different groups of the key-switches are accessible to the user, thereby configuring the machine to a first configuration or a second configuration.

Abstract: Both a printing-medium support (such as a platen) and a printhead-carriage slide-rod are supported and located in common from a single chassis. Preferably a pair of positive stops is used to locate the slide-rod, and a biasing retainer forcibly abuts the rod against, selectively, either stop of the pair of positive stops. Alternatively the two positive stops are instead used to locate the print-medium support--or separate pairs of such stops are used to locate both the slide-rod and the print-medium support respectively. A respective biasing retainer forcibly engages each located support element against one or the other of its stops. In another facet of the invention, an accurate system establishes and adjustably controls printhead-to-print-medium spacing without an assembly fixture. An adjustable mechanism (such as the biasing retainer mentioned above), distinct from both support elements, locates one of the two supports relative to the other.