Abstract: Systems and methods for playing videos and video advertisements utilize background loading techniques to shorten any delay between the time that a first video finishes playing and the time that a subsequent video begins playing. These techniques can be utilized when videos are playing automatically, one after another. These techniques also can be used when videos and video advertisements are playing in an alternating fashion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the flow through a compressor with a valve assembly comprising a rotating body having an outer surface. The rotating body is disposed within a valve cavity in the compressor. A non-contacting seal operates to limit the flow of fluid between the outer surface of the rotating body and the valve cavity. An aperture is disposed through the rotating body. A drive assembly rotates the rotating body such that the aperture intermittently allows fluid to bypass the non-contacting seal as the rotating body is rotated.

Abstract: A reciprocating thermal actuator system with hydraulic coupling to hydraulic motion output such as a motor is powered through cooling or alternatively heating of a thermally expansible liquid contained within respective chambers of ring shaped cross section, the heating and cooling provisions being integral with the unit and adaptable for either natural or artificial heating and cooling; details of a thermal switch in two embodiments, and of an electrical system synchronizing the heating are disclosed.

Abstract: A reciprocating thermal actuator with hydraulic multiplier has a thermally expansible fluid (expansible by heating or in an alternative embodiment by cooling) and heat exchange means including powered means for causing the thermally expansible fluid to cycle from expanded to nonexpanded state, in the process linearly driving a small area portion of a first piston which, in turn, through a large area portion of the first piston and hydraulic fluid provision drives a second, smaller-area piston to produce a linear output motion; return may be under spring bias; a free-floating bore-fitting second piston structure and a piston sleeve head at the motion output which has a sleeve returning and guiding on a portion of the housing for stability are also disclosed.