Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for partitioning a manifest file to generate smaller manifest files for media content playback. A server partitions a manifest file prior to receipt of a request from a client or in response to a request from a client for a manifest for media content for a particular temporal range or subset of playback options.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for generating manifest files for media content playback. A server can generate manifest files that include initialization metadata obtained from initialization fragments of media content files. Client devices can initiate playback of media content for playback using the manifest files without downloading or parsing the initialization fragments of the media content files.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for segmenting a manifest file to generate smaller manifest files for media content playback. A server can segment a manifest file prior to receipt of a request from a client or in response to a request from a client for a manifest for media content for a particular fragment range.

Abstract: A portable animal excrement collecting apparatus for effectively discarding animal excrement in a sanitary manner includes an elongated shaft. A handle is fixedly attached to a proximal end of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a trigger and a trigger actuating mechanism that is operably coupled to the shaft and the handle respectively for resiliently biasing the trigger along an arcuate path defined proximate to the handle. A collection bag is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The collection bag has an open top end for allowing a user to scoop up and collect the animal excrement. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for automatically detaching the collection bag from the distal end of the shaft by selectively adapting the trigger to a tensed position via the trigger actuating mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic ballast and ballast housing having an integral ground for a circuit board positioned within the housing. A ‘snap in’ capture means holds circuit board under flexion so as to press a circuit grounding means in electrical contact with an integral grounding device attached to the ballast housing and providing electrical continuity between the circuit grounding means and the ballast housing. The coupler includes a grounding tab with a fulcrum extension extending from the housing and holding a ground plane surface of the circuit board by means of serrated teeth. An alignment tab disposed on a housing wall receives an alignment slot disposed in the circuit board so as to provide proper alignment of the electrical contacts. The coupler includes an overhead extension that engages a jumper wire in the circuit of the circuit board.

Abstract: A ballast housing having a rolled edge lead wire exit for providing protection and strain relief to lead wires extending out from the housing. Grommets are not required in order to provide protection and strain relief to lead wires exiting the housing. The housing includes a lead wire opening having rolled upper and lower edges. The housing includes a lid including the rolled upper edge and a can including the rolled lower edge. The rolled upper edge is vertically aligned with the rolled lower edge but horizontally misaligned with the rolled lower edge. As a result, the rolled upper edge is positioned away from the rolled lower edge a distance that is horizontally shorter than the diameter of the lead wire. Additionally, the lead wire opening has a vertical diameter that is shorter than the diameter of the lead wire.