Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for authenticating data stored on media in order to prevent piracy. According to the present invention, a lookup table contains broken or modified modulation rules comprising one or more authentication keys or components thereof, that are derived by the table's intentional breaking of standard 8-14 and 8-16 modulation rules. The authentication keys are formed and remain hidden without being transferred in the audio/video. Additionally, the lookup table is employed using conventional hardware and/or software in CD or DVD players. Each output value according to the present invention is a function of the physical characteristics of a disc that does not travel with the audio or video or graphics data. Authentication systems of the present invention optionally encompass singular, multiple or multi-level authentication systems, each of which successively must be deciphered before the audio/video is finally available.

Abstract: An enhanced passive optical network (PON) processor adapted to serve a plurality of PON applications is disclosed. The PON processor is a highly integrated communications processor that can operate in different PON modes including, but not limited to, a gigabit PON (GPON), a broadband PON (BPON), an Ethernet PON (EPON), or any combination thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention the provided PON is fabricated on a single integrated circuit (IC).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ejecting fluid from a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system has a pneumatic assembly that when triggered injects gas into a hydraulic assembly, which in turn ejects fluid through an external interface. An electronic interface displays various measurements, for example, how much fluid has been ejected and if the hydraulic system is closed the pressure of the system. The pneumatic assembly can also be depressurized such that fluid can reenter the hydraulic assembly through the external interface.

Abstract: A stand for a stereo speaker. The stand comprises a support and a plurality of isolating and polarizing assemblies that engage the support and allow movement of the speaker relative to the support in one direction more than in another direction and to isolate that movement relative to the floor surface upon which the support rests. Preferably, the stand also includes a shelf and a plurality of rods that engage the assemblies and connect the shelf to the support. A first assembly engages a first end of each rod with the shelf and a second assembly engages the second end of each rod with the support. The assemblies are configured to permit more movement of the rods in a first horizontal direction than in a second horizontal direction. Thus, the assemblies allow the shelf to move back and forth in the first horizontal direction in response to vibrations in the speaker and air movement adjacent the same.

Abstract: Various embodiments can utilize a distributed solution for scheduling connections between peers in a file sharing environment. In accordance with at least some embodiments, individual nodes in a peer-to-peer system include scheduling software that enables the nodes to make scheduling decisions with regard to how, when and where connections are made with other peers. Scheduling decisions can be based on a number of different parameters. In at least some embodiments, a synchronization negotiation manager is embodied with logic that drives the negotiation and scheduling process. This logic is represented by an innovative state machine that is designed to implement the negotiation and synchronization process.

Abstract: Method, system, and article of manufacture for assembling a compound document according to a collection of domain-specific rules. For example, a content management system (CMS) may be configured to process the domain-specific compound document according to domain-specific schema and rules (e.g., an XML schema and DTD), while at the same time, maintaining the compound document in a generic form according to a generic schema for a compound document format used by the CMS.

Abstract: A thermostat system having dedicated informational regions in a display and associated buttons or softkeys for sequential operation. The system may maximize utilization of a sectioned display and buttons for system navigation. The informational, selection and/or action design takes into consideration operational button groupings for straightforward comfort settings as well as editing of the clock, day-of-week, schedules, and so forth. Sections, regions or areas of the display may indicate immediate button operations. The changeable information in the regions associated with the softkeys or buttons may provide sequential operation of the thermostat system. The system may have multiple schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling comfort setting flexibility. A combining of individual schedules may be automatically selected. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules may be individually edited.

Abstract: An automated financial transaction apparatus (10) includes a touch screen interface (14) and a plurality of transaction function devices (22, 34, 36, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58) which operate to carry out financial transactions for users. A reading device (18, 78) senses characteristic features of users who operate the machine. Data stored in at least one data store associated with at least one computer (62, 118, 120) includes data representative of the characteristic features associated with a plurality of users and for each user, at least one interface parameter. The apparatus operates so that when the characteristic feature associated with a particular user is sensed by the reading device, the display screen and other input and output devices are changed in position or operation to accommodate the stature, disabilities, desires or other special requirements of the user.

Abstract: The PIP system enables display of a mosaic of favorite channels in a Picture-in-Picture (PIP) format to a subscriber terminal. Picture-in-Picture support is efficiently provided by sending only I-Frames of the secondary video channel to the end-user. That is, any unnecessary packets (null, B-P frames, audio, etc.) in the secondary video channel are stripped away. This method uses very little bandwidth and is STB agnostic.

Abstract: A bioactive/biodegradable nucleus implant for repairing degenerated intervertebral discs that is inflated inside the nucleus space after the degenerated nucleus has been removed to re-pressurize the nuclear space within the intervertebral disc. The implant is inflated with a high molecular weight fluid, gel or combination of fluid and elastomer, preferably an under-hydrated HA hydrogel/growth factor mixture with or without host cells. The implant includes an internal, integral, self-sealing valve that allows one-way filling of the implant after it is placed within the disc, and is made from a material that allows fibrous in growth thereby stabilizing the implant. A variety of substances can be incorporated into the implant to promote healing, prevent infection, or arrest pain.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having an n-channel MOSFET device and a JFET device. The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor layer having an upper surface, an MOS transistor device formed in a doped well of a first conductivity type extending from the semiconductor upper surface and a JFET device. The JFET device includes a channel region in the semiconductor layer spaced from, and having a peak concentration positioned a predetermined distance below, the upper surface. An associated method of manufacturing includes introducing p-type dopant into the semiconductor surface to form a p-well in which the NMOS device is formed and a source and a drain of the JFET device. N-type dopant is introduced into the semiconductor surface to form an n-type region of the NMOS device below the p-well and a gate region of the JFET device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a semiconductor structure defining a mesa having a mesa surface and mesa sidewalls, and first and second passivation layers. The first passivation layer may be on at least portions of the mesa sidewalls, at least a portion of the mesa surface may be free of the first passivation layer, and the first passivation layer may include a first material. The second passivation layer may be on the first passivation layer, at least a portion of the mesa surface may be free of the second passivation layer, and the second passivation layer may include a second material different than the first material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for accessing three dimensional representation of an anatomical surface and flattening the anatomical surface so as to produce a two dimensional representation of an anatomical surface. The two dimensional surface can be augmented with computed properties such as thickness, curvature, thickness and curvature, or user defined properties. The rendered two dimensional representation of an anatomical surface can be interacted by user so as to deriving quantitative measurements such as diameter, area, volume, and number of voxels.

Abstract: An apparatus that is adapted to reduce wobble in a tripod that is used to hold an optical instrument, includes a triangular shaped base plate that includes an attachment to each leg of the tripod. The base plate includes slots at each corner or apex thereof that provides for an adjustment range sufficient for most types of tripods. A member that is attached to each leg of the tripod is attached to each corner of the base plate. A lighted carousel that includes a battery operated light and is adapted to hold a plurality of lenses is disposed above the base plate. According to a modification, the slots are eliminated from the base plate and an adjustment bar having a slot therein is attached at one end to a modified base plate and, at a remaining end, to a member that is attached to each of the legs of the tripod.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated 08530757. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line 08530757, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line 08530757 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line 08530757, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting the amount of hydrogen being bled from an anode exhaust line. The method includes maintaining a pressure bias between an anode outlet and a cathode outlet of a fuel cell stack so that when an anode exhaust gas is bled from the anode exhaust line and mixed with the cathode exhaust gas, the concentration of hydrogen in the mixed gas is maintained below a predetermined percentage. The pressure bias is such that the anode exhaust gas has a higher gas pressure than the cathode exhaust gas.

Abstract: A pipelined linecard architecture for receiving, modifying, switching, buffering, queuing and dequeuing packets for transmission in a communications network. The linecard has two paths: the receive path, which carries packets into the switch device from the network, and the transmit path, which carries packets from the switch to the network. In the receive path, received packets are processed and switched in a multi-stage pipeline utilizing programmable data structures for fast table lookup and linked list traversal. The pipelined switch operates on several packets in parallel while determining each packet's routing destination. Once that determination is made, each packet is modified to contain new routing information as well as additional header data to help speed it through the switch. Using bandwidth management techniques, each packet is then buffered and enqueued for transmission over the switching fabric to the linecard attached to the proper destination port.

Abstract: Malicious software is identified in an executable file by identifying malicious structural features, decryption code, and cryptographic functions. A malicious structural feature is identified by comparing a known malicious structural feature to one or more instructions of the executable file. A malicious structural feature is also identified by graphically and statistically comparing windows of bytes or instructions in a section of the executable file. Cryptography is an indicator of malicious software. Decryption code is identified in an executable file by identifying a tight loop around a reversible instruction that writes to random access memory. Cryptographic functions are identified in an executable file be obtaining a known cryptographic function and performing a string comparison of the numeric constants of the known cryptographic function with the executable file.

Abstract: A new variety of Grandiflora rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of golden yellow edged and blushed with an intense ruby coloration.