Abstract: A digital media receiver, method, and computer readable medium bearing instructions for transferring information from media to a connected computer system are described. The receiver includes a memory for storing instructions for execution, a first interface coupled with a processor for transmitting a signal representative of media information to a media presenting device, a reader coupled with the processor for transferring media information to the receiver, a second interface coupled with the processor and adapted to transfer information read by reader from media to a connected computer system, and the processor connected to the memory for executing the instructions enabling the processor to transfer information transferred by the reader to the connected computer system using the second interface. A method aspect includes responsive to input, reading information from media in a reader of a digital media receiver and transferring the read information from the media to a connection interface.

Abstract: An audio/video intercom system provides transmission of video and audio signals from a remote originating unit to a computer monitor and speaker for display and reproduction. The system includes an access point router coupled to the computer that receives the remotely originated video and audio signals. The access point router provides the remotely originated video and audio signals to the computer to enable display of the video signals on the monitor and reproduction of the audio signals on the computer speaker.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes removable speaker arrangements. A speaker structure is pivotally mounted with a first base such that the speaker structure pivots around an axis of rotation, and the first base configured to slidingly receive the speaker structure. A first plurality of electronic contacts are in electronic communication with the first base. A second plurality of electronic contacts are in electronic communication with the speaker structure and are configured to maintain electronic communication with the first plurality of electronic connectors throughout the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the first base further includes a wireless transmitter. In some embodiments, speaker arrangements further includes a second base configured to slidingly receive the speaker structure. In some embodiments, the second base includes a power supply and a wireless receiver for maintaining electronic communication with the first base.

Abstract: A digital media receiver, method, and computer readable medium bearing instructions for transferring information from media to a connected computer system are described. The receiver includes a memory for storing instructions for execution, a first interface coupled with a processor for transmitting a signal representative of media information to a media presenting device, a reader coupled with the processor for transferring media information to the receiver, a second interface coupled with the processor and adapted to transfer information read by reader from media to a connected computer system, and the processor connected to the memory for executing the instructions enabling the processor to transfer information transferred by the reader to the connected computer system using the second interface. A method aspect includes responsive to input, reading information from media in a reader of a digital media receiver and transferring the read information from the media to a connection interface.

Abstract: An engageable assembly comprising a socket and a heat sink. The socket comprises a surface having an array of mounting holes that receive connector pins of an electronic device in order to mount the electronic device within the perimeter of the socket. The heat sink has a footprint extending beyond the perimeter of the socket and is in thermal contact with the electronic device when it is engaged with the socket. The socket and the heat sink include cooperative alignment tabs and alignment slots located outside the array of mounting holes. A locking lever is pivotally connected to an arm extending from the socket to a position outside of the footprint of the heat sink.

Abstract: An image display device including a desktop computer system and a display projector connected to the desktop computer system is described. The desktop computer system and display projector form a single integrated device. In one embodiment, the integrated device is substantially surrounded and enclosed by a housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for updating data on a wireless device. One embodiment of a wireless device includes a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, a wireline access port in communication with the processor and memory, and program instructions stored in memory and executable on the processor. The program instructions include instructions to update data on the wireless device based on a comparison of data read from a computing device connected to the wireline access port with data on the wireless device.

Abstract: A digital media player includes a mass storage device coupled to control circuitry. The player receives wired digital content from a home network, broadcast signals containing encoded broadcast content, and occupant inputs indicating broadcast digital content to be stored on the mass storage device. The control circuitry operates in a storage mode to receive wired digital content from the home network and store the received content on the mass storage device. In this mode, the control circuitry also operates in response to occupant inputs to store selected broadcast content on the mass storage device. The control circuitry further operates in a play mode to select content stored on the mass storage device in response to user inputs and to play the selected content. The broadcast signal may be, for example, a broadcast AM or FM signal.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a circuit board, a socket, and an electronic device. The socket is connected to the circuit board and comprises a surface having a plurality of receptacles into which are disposed a plurality of connector pins from the electronic device. A heat sink is in thermal contact with the electronic device and has a footprint extending beyond both the electronic device and the socket. A locking lever pivotally connects to an arm extending from the socket to a position outside of the footprint of the heat sink.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a circuit board, a socket, and an electronic device. The socket is connected to the circuit board and comprises a surface having a plurality of receptacles into which are disposed a plurality of connector pins from the electronic device. A heat sink is in thermal contact with the electronic device and has a footprint extending beyond both the electronic device and the socket. A locking lever pivotally connects to an arm extending from the socket to a position outside of the footprint of the heat sink.

Abstract: A heat sink and processor assembly that can be easily installed and uninstalled from a circuit board without tools. One preferred embodiment of the heat sink assembly comprises a heat sink component, an alignment cage attached to the base of the heat sink and having an attachment point for releasably attaching a processor. The heat sink assembly further comprises a plurality of alignment pins and alignment tabs that are affixed to the base of the heat sink and interface with a specially designed socket and circuit board so as to align the mating components. The processor chip is installed onto the heat sink and then the combined assembly is installed onto a circuit board mounted socket. The alignment mechanisms provide a method for installing a processor without using tools or having to manually align the processor pins to the socket receptacles.

Abstract: A heat sink and processor assembly that can be easily installed and uninstalled from a circuit board without tools. One preferred embodiment of the heat sink assembly comprises a heat sink component, an alignment cage attached to the base of the heat sink and having an attachment point for releasably attaching a processor. The heat sink assembly further comprises a plurality of alignment pins and alignment tabs that are affixed to the base of the heat sink and interface with a specially designed socket and circuit board so as to align the mating components. The processor chip is installed onto the heat sink and then the combined assembly is installed onto a circuit board mounted socket. The alignment mechanisms provide a method for installing a processor without using tools or having to manually align the processor pins to the socket receptacles.

Abstract: An adjustable fountain dispenser merchandising system including: (1) a light-weight, adjustable framework for clamping onto a dispenser to support and anchor the merchandising system, and (2) merchandising panels removably attached to the framework.

Abstract: A carbonator and plain water booster includes a tank and a bladder mounted within the tank that separates the tank into a carbonated water chamber and a plain water chamber. The carbonated water chamber connects to a water source and a CO.sub.2 source to facilitate the forming of carbonated water, while the plain water chamber connects only to the water source. The pressure of the carbonated water and CO.sub.2 gas within the carbonated water chamber expands the bladder into the plain water chamber, resulting in the pressurizing of the water within the plain water chamber. That pressurization allows the dispensing of plain water with a beverage syrup at a pressure sufficient to maintain a proper mix ratio between the plain water and the beverage syrup.

Abstract: An apparatus permits a drink dispensing system to dispense more than one non-carbonated beverage. The drink dispensing system includes a housing supporting dispensing valves, a syrup source communicating through syrup lines, and a water source communicating through a water line. The apparatus includes first and second interfaces mounted onto the housing. A bridge connects the first interface with the second interface to permit the water line to service dispensing valves mounted on both the first and second interfaces. The bridge includes a telescoping feature that facilitates variable spacing between the first and second interfaces.

Abstract: A video tape cassette including a supply reel and a take-up reel and guide rollers for guiding the tape from said supply reel to the take-up reel. A portion of the tape is accessible to the reading head of a video player. A mutilating device, such as a cutting blade, is positioned adjacent the path of the leading portion of the tape so that the tape will be cut into strips prior to rewinding the tape on the take-up reel, whereby the video cassette is suitable for a one time only viewing. A cap is provided for locking the supply reel to the housing of the video tape cassette during shipment to prevent rotation of the supply reel. A simple dust cover is provided which may be completely removed from the video tape cassette and which seals the video tape cassette during shipment.