Abstract: In one implementation, a method for implementing gain control enhancement for modulated communications includes establishing a communication session between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The communication session involves forwarding a call signal using an initial gain level until a state transition is detected in the communication session at a digital signal processor. The detection may occur in a transmitting gateway associated with the first endpoint or a receiving gateway associated with the second endpoint. The state transition indicates modulated communications, which may include fax, modem, or text telephony. For example, communication session may be fax over IP (FoIP). The call signal is forwarded using an adjusted gain level based on the state transition. The adjusted gain level may be selected to avoid clipping in the call signal.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes establishing a path for a media session between a first network element and a second network element. A third network element is detected along the path. A response is received from the third network element indicating that it is capable of performing a loopback activity that involves the first network element. A test packet is communicated from the first network element to the third network element in order to evaluate characteristics associated with the media session. In more specific implementations, the response includes an indication as to a proximity of the third network element in relation to the first network element. The first network element can receive additional responses from a plurality of network elements such that the first network element generates a list of available network elements for performing loopback activities.

Abstract: An example method is provided and includes identifying a change in header information within a packet of a communication flow. The change in header information reflects a predetermined type of header change that signifies a degradation condition for the communication flow. The method also includes changing a header field within an outgoing frame to initiate a trace through a network path. Diagnostic data associated with the communication flow can be collected. In more particular embodiments, the changing of the header field includes changing an Ethernet header field for a layer two frame, or changing an Internet Protocol (IP) header field for a layer three frame. Changing of the header field can also include changing a field within an outgoing layer three header to identify an IP socket associated with the communication flow. The change to the header field can be propagated by network elements along the network path.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for disconnecting storage devices from a network-attached storage device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a network-attached storage device includes a bus that interconnects a central-processing unit, internal storage, and a port. The port is capable of interconnecting to an external storage device. The network-attached storage device also includes a control program stored in the internal storage and executed by the central-processing unit that responds to an indication that the external storage device is to be disconnected. The network-attached storage device may also include a disconnection indicator that indicates that the external storage device is ready to be disconnected from the network-attached storage device.

Abstract: A system comprises a media player adapted to receive a removable medium. The media player is adapted to couple to a display device. A device external to and communicatively coupled to the media player comprises storage. The media player stores information on the external device's storage. Such information is used by the media player when rendering on said display.

Abstract: A belt drive kit comprising a driver sprocket, a driven sprocket, an idler, a belt tensioning device and a toothed belt and fasteners for attaching the components to an engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for disconnecting an external data storage device from a computer. More specifically, there is provided an external data storage device comprising an activatable component to transmit a request to disconnect the external data storage device from a computer, wherein the activatable component comprises an apparatus capable of being physically or electrically activated.

Abstract: Embodiments for transferring a set of digital images from an electronic device to a storage medium are provided. One embodiment comprises detecting the presence of the electronic device, and when the electronic device is detected, automatically retrieving a set of at least one digital image from the device for transfer to a removable storage medium, analyzing the set, adjusting the set based on the analysis of the set, and storing the set to the removable storage medium. Other embodiments comprise systems, apparatus and machine-readable medium for transferring digital images.

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) request processing system comprises a drive command module adapted to receive an I/O request referencing a local peripheral address for processing of the I/O request. The system also comprises a redirector communicatively coupled to the drive command module. The redirector is adapted to automatically convey the I/O request over a communication network to a remote peripheral device for processing of the I/O request.

Abstract: A method of processing an audio stream comprises receiving a digital audio stream and automatically determining the received digital audio stream comprises a single channel of audio data and automatically generating a multi-channel audio stream having at least two audio channels each comprising the single channel of audio data.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a moving pictures expert group (MPEG)-formatted file comprises a format analysis application and a processing element operable to execute the application. The application is adapted to read a rule having at least one logical instruction defining a format requirement and compare a portion of the file with the rule. A determination of validity of the file is made by the application dependent upon a result of the comparison.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system comprises a client system including a plurality of functional components. The system further comprises an agent executing in the client system for accessing a server and determining if any messages identified as relating to at least one of the plurality of functional components are available, wherein if a message identified as relating to at least one of the plurality of functional components is available, the agent causing such message to be output.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for scoring presentations comprising capturing data forming at least a part of a particular presentation of the presentations, electronically analyzing the captured data to determine variations from accepted criteria, and scoring the captured data based on deviations from the accepted criteria.

Abstract: An index validation system comprises a processor and a validator accessible by the processor. The validator is adapted to access index data corresponding to video data and validate the index data after editing of the video data.

Abstract: A method of guaranteeing a minimum sustained data transfer rate to a chosen device connected to a USB bus. A set of filter drivers are inserted in the driver stacks for at least two USB devices. These filter drivers are controlled by a filter driver controller that provides and receives information from the filter drivers. When a particular device needs a minimum sustained bandwidth for a transaction, the filter driver for that device notifies the filter driver controller. The filter driver controller then instructs the filter drivers for at least one other device to start interfering with USB transactions. This interference prevents the interfered with devices from using any of the USB bus bandwidth thereby providing a minimum sustained bandwidth to the non-interfered with device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a self-contained mechanical belt tensioner that produces damping which is a function of the applied hubload through the effect of frictional forces derived from the sliding action of mutually opposing wedges. A first wedge or conical piston is contained within a housing. The conical piston cooperates with a second or conical wedge. A surface of the conical wedge slides on the inner surface of the housing. The conical wedge is expandable in a direction normal to the inner surface of the housing. A spring urges the conical wedge into engagement with the conical piston. As the pulley is loaded, as with an impulse load, the piston will move into the conical wedge. This, in turn, will cause the conical wedge to expand against the inner surface of the housing. The expansion of the conical wedge in the housing will increase the frictional force between the conical wedge and the housing. This will have the effect of damping movements of the conical piston and, in turn, of the pulley.

Abstract: The invention comprises a self-contained mechanical belt tensioner that produces damping which is a function of the applied hubload through the effect of frictional forces derived from the sliding action of mutually opposing wedges. A first wedge or conical piston is contained within a housing. The conical piston cooperates with a second or conical wedge. A surface of the conical wedge slides on the inner surface of the housing. The conical wedge is expandable in a direction normal to the inner surface of the housing. A spring urges the conical wedge into engagement with the conical piston. As the pulley is loaded, as with an impulse load, the piston will move into the conical wedge. This, in turn, will cause the conical wedge to expand against the inner surface of the housing. The expansion of the conical wedge in the housing will increase the frictional force between the conical wedge and the housing. This will have the effect of damping movements of the conical piston and, in turn, of the pulley.

Abstract: The invention comprises a self-contained mechanical belt tensioner that produces damping which is a function of the applied hubload through the effect of frictional forces derived from the sliding action of mutually opposing wedges. A first wedge or conical piston is contained within a housing. The conical piston cooperates with a second or conical wedge. A surface of the conical wedge slides on the inner surface of the housing. The conical wedge is expandable in a direction normal to the inner surface of the housing. A spring urges the conical wedge into engagement with the conical piston. As the pulley is loaded, as with an impulse load, the piston will move into the conical wedge. This, in turn, will cause the conical wedge to expand against the inner surface of the housing. The expansion of the conical wedge in the housing will increase the frictional force between the conical wedge and the housing. This will have the effect of damping movements of the conical piston and, in turn, of the pulley.

Abstract: A belt tensioner suitable for use with an automotive serpentine belt system comprising a fixed structure adapted to be mounted on an automotive engine, a pivoted structure mounted on the fixed structure for pivotal movement about a pivotal axis between an installation position and a maximum extension position, a torsional metal spring operatively connected between the fixed structure and the pivoted structure for resiliently biasing the pivoted structure toward the maximum extension position, and a belt engaging pulley rotatably mounted on the pivoted structure for rotational movement about a rotational axis spaced from the pivotal axis. The torsional metal spring is in the form of a helical coil having opposite end portions connection with the fixed and pivoted structures respectively with a major portion of the helical coil formation between the opposite end portions being disposed in spaced relation with the fixed and pivoted structures.