Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for extracting digital data from a medium. Digital audio extraction techniques are implemented with additional features that improve the quality of the resulting audio playback files. In one embodiment of the invention, a user can extract digital audio data from a source medium and store the data as a file or, alternatively, stream the data into a memory. The file/stream can then be analyzed to determine the precise locations, in time, at which the sound levels represented by the data cross a specified threshold, particularly at locations near and between track edges. This information can be stored for reference. Subsequently, the file/stream can be accurately divided into smaller files wherein each file contains one or more complete and distinct tracks, and the data representing sound levels below the specified threshold can be excluded from the resulting files. The files may then be encoded and/or further divided into standard playback files.

Abstract: A digital watermark is affixed to an existing image file prior to being copied onto a destination media. In one embodiment, the image file is encrypted using content scrambling system (CSS) encryption. In another embodiment, the image file is also compressed prior to being copied onto the destination digital video media. A unique identification code associated with an intended recipient may be embedded into the digital watermark. In one embodiment, this unique identification code is stored in a database, along with information particular to the intended recipient. In this fashion, the identity of the intended recipient of the destination digital video media may be determined.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved way in which dog feases can be picked up from outside areas and be exposed. The apparatus consists of a light and well balanced walking cane or stick with a cup attached at the lower end of the cane. Inside the cup is an auger that is turned by a battery driven two-way motor. The handle of the cane holds the batteries which drive the motor and the switch starts the motor in forward or reverse drive. The user can easily, while walking his/her dog remove dog droppings from public and/or private areas, while disposing them quickly and conveniently. The cane or stick is designed to auger up, hold, and then deposit dog droppings with little effort and help keep yards, parks and walkways clean.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided that limit the current ramp rate applied to a laser bar or a single emitter laser diode to a predetermined value of 150 milliamps per millisecond or less. In addition to the laser diode and its power supply, the apparatus includes a power supply control circuit that performs the function of limiting the power supply ramp rate. The power supply control circuit can be separate from, or integrated within, the power supply.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for extracting digital data from a medium. Digital audio extraction techniques are implemented with additional features that improve the quality of the resulting audio playback files. In one embodiment of the invention, a user can extract digital audio data from a source medium and store the data as a file or, alternatively, stream the data into a memory. The file/stream can then be analyzed to determine the precise locations, in time, at which the sound levels represented by the data cross a specified threshold, particularly at locations near and between track edges. This information can be stored for reference. Subsequently, the file/stream can be accurately divided into smaller files wherein each file contains one or more complete and distinct tracks, and the data representing sound levels below the specified threshold can be excluded from the resulting files. The files may then be encoded and/or further divided into standard playback files.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for extracting digital data from a medium. Digital audio extraction techniques are implemented with additional features that improve the quality of the resulting audio playback files. In one embodiment of the invention, a user can extract digital audio data from a source medium and store the data as a file or, alternatively, stream the data into a memory. The file/stream can then be analyzed to determine the precise locations, in time, at which the sound levels represented by the data cross a specified threshold, particularly at locations near and between track edges. This information can be stored for reference. Subsequently, the file/stream can be accurately divided into smaller segments wherein each segment contains one or more complete and distinct tracks, and the data representing sound levels below the specified threshold can be excluded from the resulting segments. The segments may then be encoded and/or further divided into standard playback files.

Abstract: Retry request overload protection is described. A server system determines a client status based on retry requests received from the client. The client status may be used to determine whether to accept and/or process new retry requests received from the client and/or whether to transmit previously requested retry packets to the client. The client status may be based on a number of retry requests received from the client, a number of retry packets requested by the client, and/or a number of bytes of data associated with the retry requests received from the client. The client status may be updated periodically, enabling a non-favorable client status to be modified to a favorable client status if retry requests recently received from the client are within favorable limits.

Abstract: Accelerated channel change (ACC) strategies are described for supplying a client module with media information by transitioning between a first delivery of media information provided by first delivery functionality and a second delivery of media information provided by second delivery functionality without exceeding prescribed data rate limitations. The first delivery functionality can represent server-based functionality for delivering a unicast stream of media information at a data rate (or maximum data rate) of some excess amount over the nominal rate of delivery, starting at a selected location within the media information. The second delivery functionality can represent any functionality for delivering the media information at the data rate (or maximum data rate) of the nominal rate of delivery. A join interval separates the first delivery at the excess rate and the second delivery at the nominal rate.

Abstract: Strategies are described for performing retry analysis in an environment which involves the transmission of media information from a source module to a target module. In the context of the source module, the retry analysis determines whether the source module should satisfy the retry requests issued by the target module. In the context of the target module, the retry analysis determines whether the target module should generate the retry requests in the first place. Novel request reporting formats are also described. The target module performs analysis to determine what reporting format it should use to convey the retry requests to the source module.

Abstract: Failover and load balancing in a server cluster is described. In an implementation, a method includes receiving a plurality of requests from a plurality of clients, wherein each said request is for accessing a service provided by a plurality of servers arranged in a server cluster. A partial service map is generated for each of the clients such that each of the partial service maps reference a subset of the plurality of servers.

Abstract: A dielectric substrate having an embedded inductor wherein each turn of the inductor traverses several layers such that the top and bottom of each turn of the inductor are parallel to each other but are in different layers and the sides of each turn of the inductor traverse at least one layer to connect the top and bottom of the inductor.

Abstract: A dielectric substrate having an embedded inductor wherein each turn of the inductor traverses several layers such that the top and bottom of each turn of the inductor are parallel to each other but are in different layers and the sides of each turn of the inductor traverse at least one layer to connect the top and bottom of the inductor.

Abstract: A dielectric substrate having an embedded inductor wherein each turn of the inductor traverses several layers such that the top and bottom of each turn of the inductor are parallel to each other but are in different layers and the sides of each turn of the inductor traverse at least one layer to connect the top and bottom of the inductor.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying CDs is described. In one embodiment, the track offsets stored on the CD are used to perform a database lookup. A hash function such as an MD5 hash may be applied to the track offsets to generate an identification code. In the event that another CD has the same set of track offsets, an extension code may be generated using one or more secondary identification techniques. One identification technique which may be employed is an identification code generated based on a spectral analysis of the audio content stored on a portion of the CD. The identification code based on the spectral analysis may be used as either a primary identification code or a secondary identification code (i.e., the extension code).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for extracting digital data from a medium. Digital audio extraction techniques are implemented with additional features that improve the quality of the resulting audio playback files. In one embodiment of the invention, a user can extract digital audio data from a source medium and store the data as a file or, alternatively, stream the data into a memory. The file/stream can then be analyzed to determine the precise locations, in time, at which the sound levels represented by the data cross a specified threshold, particularly at locations near and between track edges. This information can be stored for reference. Subsequently, the file/stream can be accurately divided into smaller segments wherein each segment contains one or more complete and distinct tracks, and the data representing sound levels below the specified threshold can be excluded from the resulting segments. The segments may then be encoded and/or further divided into standard playback files.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical connector including providing a metallic sheet having a multitude of connector blanks formed therein, each of the connector blanks having a base portion, a contact portion and a singulation arm; forming each of the connector blanks into a connector having a predetermined shape wherein each of the connectors remain connected to the metallic sheet by their respective singulation arms and wherein the singulation arms are nonplanar with respect to the metallic sheet; joining the base of each of the connectors to a first substrate; and severing the singulation arms to separate each of the connectors from the metallic sheet wherein the base of each of the connectors is joined to the first substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the contact portion contacts a second substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical connector including providing a metallic sheet having a multitude of connector blanks formed therein, each of the connector blanks having a base portion, a contact portion and a singulation arm; forming each of the connector blanks into a connector having a predetermined shape wherein each of the connectors remain connected to the metallic sheet by their respective singulation arms and wherein the singulation arms are nonplanar with respect to the metallic sheet; joining the base of each of the connectors to a first substrate; and severing the singulation arms to separate each of the connectors from the metallic sheet wherein the base of each of the connectors is joined to the first substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the contact portion contacts a second substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for succesively loading solid objects (19) into a tube (27), for instance, nuclear fuel pellets into a nuclear fuel tube, includes means (17) for feeding the objects towards one, open end (29) of the tube. A reduced pressure is induced between each solid object and the tube end prior to entry of the object into the tube.

Abstract: A heat sealing assembly, for sealing thermoplastic film, comprising first and second jaws, an electrical impulse heat sealing element, electrical terminals, and an electrical and thermal insulating material between the first jaw and the heat sealing element, said heat sealing element being removably connected to said electrical terminals, at least one of said jaws being capable of transverse motion and adapted to collapse a tubular film made from said thermoplastic film and passing between said jaws, wherein said element has at each end an electrical contact male plug oriented at about 90 degrees angle from said element, said plugs being parallel to each other and having a shape which allows each to be received in correspondingly shaped sockets, said sockets being held by spring means adapted to apply force in tension to said element when said plugs are in said sockets, said plugs being adapted to fit into said sockets when said spring means are deflected toward said element, and wherein securing means for pr

Abstract: Disclosed is a flex die punching apparatus for forming an aperture in at least one sheet of material. There is a flexible, extrudable platen which, upon exertion of a force against it, extrudes at least a portion of at least one sheet of material through an aperture of a die. The flexible, extrudable platen may have a punch feature, corresponding to the shape and position of the die aperture, which assists in the extruding of the flexible, extrudable platen through the die aperture and also in the formation of the aperture in the sheet of material. In another embodiment of the invention, there may be a second die wherein the at least one sheet of material is placed between the first and second dies to form the aperture in the sheet of material.