Abstract: Luminance information and a subset of chrominance information associated with a video signal are encoded into a first encoded video signal. The subset of chrominance information does not include all of the received chrominance information. At least the remaining chrominance information that is associated with the video signal but is not encoded into the first encoded video signal is encoded into a second encoded video signal. The second encoded video signal could include all of the chrominance information, and not only the remaining chrominance information. In either case, a full set of chrominance information for the video signal is encoded.

Abstract: A pulse recoiling system located over the barrel portion of a sub-cal weapon. The pulse recoiling system is located above the barrel of the weapon and includes a shortened and modified bolt, a threaded operating rod which screws into the bolt transfer block, and a static buffer housing that contains a recoil spring with a small round spacer on a first end and an off-set pressure cap on a second end. When the trigger is depressed, a hammer strikes a firing pin and a cartridge discharges. The hammer resting against the modified bolt, forward spring tension and length of the operating rod hold the cartridge in chamber for a fraction of a second after discharge. The bolt then cycles rearward, the spent casing is ejected, and the forward buffer spring is compressed by the reward force created by the discharged cartridge.

Abstract: A geographic position dependent routing method and system for ad hoc networks, where are least one of the nodes of the ad hoc network can change its location. A position determination module is provided for determining the position of the current node. A communication mechanism is provided for communicating messages with other nodes in the ad hoc network. A geographic position dependent routing mechanism is coupled to the position determination module and communication mechanism for receiving messages, the position of the current node, and based thereon for one of transmitting the message and discarding the message.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ophthalmic materials and ophthalmic lenses that are a co-polymerization product of a (a) hydrophilic monomer with (b) a tris(siloxy)silyl group-containing monomer, (c) a wide variety of hydrophobic monomers (both aliphatic and aromatic) and usually a (d) polyfluorinated monomer, as well as optional monomers or monomer mixtures that can include a cationic monomer, a non-aromatic hydrophobic monomer and a poly(dimethylsiloxy)silyl group-containing monomer. A contact lens prepared from such a co-polymer exhibits enhanced water content, while maintaining exceptional oxygen permeability, thereby providing a lens that can be worn comfortably for prolonged periods of time. A process for the preparation of such lenses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure of present relates to art directed at effecting VPN capability among wireless users and subscribers. The teachings remain directed at voice, SMS, MMS, and data flows and generally towards any addressable wireless communication(s). Indeed, particularly (though not necessarily) aimed at corporate users, the invention permits for greater, more efficient and more economical usage of wireless communications.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ophthalmic materials and ophthalmic lenses that are a co-polymerization product of a (a) hydrophilic monomer with (b) a tris(siloxy)silyl group-containing monomer, (c) a wide variety of hydrophobic monomers (both aliphatic and aromatic) and usually a (d) polyfluorinated monomer, as well as optional monomers or monomer mixtures that can include a cationic monomer, a non-aromatic hydrophobic monomer and a poly(dimethylsiloxy)silyl group-containing monomer. A contact lens prepared from such a co-polymer exhibits enhanced water content, while maintaining exceptional oxygen permeability, thereby providing a lens that can be worn comfortably for prolonged periods of time. A process for the preparation of such lenses is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ophthalmic materials and ophthalmic lenses that are a co-polymerization product of a (a) hydrophilic monomer with (b) a tris(siloxy)silyl group-containing monomer, (c) a wide variety of hydrophobic monomers (both aliphatic and aromatic) and usually a (d) polyfluorinated monomer, as well as optional monomers or monomer mixtures that can include a cationic monomer, a non-aromatic hydrophobic monomer and a poly(dimethylsiloxy)silyl group-containing monomer. A contact lens prepared from such a co-polymer exhibits enhanced water content, while maintaining exceptional oxygen permeability, thereby providing a lens that can be worn comfortably for prolonged periods of time. A process for the preparation of such lenses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A geographic position dependent routing method and system for ad hoc networks, where are least one of the nodes of the ad hoc network can change its location. A position determination module is provided for determining the position of the current node. A communication mechanism is provided for communicating messages with other nodes in the ad hoc network. A geographic position dependent routing mechanism is coupled to the position determination module and communication mechanism for receiving messages, the position of the current node, and based thereon for one of transmitting the message and discarding the message.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ophthalmic materials and ophthalmic lenses that are a co-polymerization product of a (a) hydrophilic monomer with (b) a tris(siloxy)silyl group-containing monomer, (c) a wide variety of hydrophobic monomers (both aliphatic and aromatic) and usually a (d) polyfluorinated monomer, as well as optional monomers or monomer mixtures that can include a cationic monomer, a non-aromatic hydrophobic monomer and a poly(dimethylsiloxy)silyl group-containing monomer. A contact lens prepared from such a co-polymer exhibits enhanced water content, while maintaining exceptional oxygen permeability, thereby providing a lens that can be worn comfortably for prolonged periods of time. A process for the preparation of such lenses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing to a non-connected wireless device access to a wide area network through a wireless device having a connection facility (e.g., a wireless connection provider or wireless portal). First, the non-connected wireless device employs a short-range wireless communication link to negotiate with at least one wireless connection provider for connection services. Second, once the non-connected wireless device has selected a particular connection provider, the connection provider provides access to the wide area network resource through the connection facility and measures the usage. Third, the wireless connection provider bills the non-connected wireless device for the provided connection services. Fourth, the non-connected wireless device provides payment information to the wireless connection provider for enabling payment.

Abstract: The improved shoulder brace of the present invention includes a support having a cup-shaped central portion adapted to receive and support a human shoulder, a front portion adapted to extend over the chest area of a person wearing the brace, a lower portion depending below the central portion and adapted to encircle and support the upper portion of the arm adjacent the shoulder, and a rear portion adapted to extend over the scapular area adjacent the shoulder. The support can be a single piece of flexible sheet material, with or without padding, and preferably is porous, or can be separate pieces interconnected to form a unitary whole. Preferably, the support is of a porous mesh material or an elastomeric material with spaced openings.

Abstract: A digital video production switcher processes a plurality of video signals in a production environment. The switcher includes a control panel for receiving operator inputs and switching unit for receiving video input signals and for providing video output signals. The switcher also includes a pair of tightly coupled, independent processors synchronized to the video frame rate: a control processor and a general purpose processor. The control processor controls the "live critical" production functions. The control processor provides control signals, in response to operator inputs, that program the switching unit to provide desired video output signals in real time. The general purpose processor runs an open architecture operating system and provides control signals, in response to operator inputs, that cause the switching unit to provide desired video output signals in real time.

Abstract: A litter-cleaning animal litter box is comprised of two substantially identical nestably stacked animal litter receptacles, with aperture means at their bottoms sized to permit the passage of litter but retain solid waste. A false bottom, to which wetted litter adheres, is fitted into each receptacle. Litter is placed into the upper receptacle-false bottom combination. A retaining edge that keeps the cat from scratching litter from the box when instinctively digging and covering is press fitted onto the peripheral shoulder of the upper receptacle. The upper receptacle-false bottom combination serves as a litter and waste holding means. The lower receptacle-false bottom combination serves as a strained litter receiving means. When operated, the retaining edge is removed and set aside. The false bottom in the upper receptacle is removed along with the adhering wetted litter.