Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for improving features that are made available to users for navigating through libraries of media items, searching for media items, and organizing groups of media items for consumption. An exemplary method includes receiving a user-tagged keyphrase for a media item from a plurality of media libraries, determining that the user-tagged keyphrase meets a predefined criterion, and sending a command to a selected media library to associate the keyphrase with the media item.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for making policy decisions relating to when to sync and when to default to cloud storage and for addressing the need for solutions relating to how to share media items between overlapping user accounts

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for intelligently managing a playlist of digital media provide an intelligent dynamic queue that is configured to manage the playback of digital media. The queue can transition between passive playback mode, active playback mode, and mixed playback mode. The queue can handle the playback of the songs in the queue according to the playback mode and/or a queue status field that is associated with each song in the queue.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula I: and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein “A” is S—; —SO—, —SO2—, —O— or NRa-, and Ra, and R1 through R5 are defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical formulations comprising a compound of Formula I and methods of treating, managing, or ameliorating diseases amenable to treatment, management, or amelioration by inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity, for example, Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide tools that allow a user to share content on one device with multiple other users using different devices. The content sharing tools allow the user to (1) create a shared stream that represents a set of shared content and (2) invite one or more recipients to subscribe to the shared stream. When a recipient subscribes to the shared stream, the set of content is streamed across one or more of his or her devices. In some embodiments, the content sharing tools are provided as part of an image application that executes on a digital media receiver or smart television.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I): and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein “A” is S—; —SO—, —SO2—, —O— or NRac—, wherein Rac is H, or C1-20 alkyl and R1 through R5 are defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical formulations comprising a compound of Formula I and methods of treating, managing, or ameliorating diseases amenable to treatment, management, or amelioration by inhibition of LRRK2 kinase activity, for example, Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for gardening having an elongate handle 12 and a tool head 18 located at one end of the handle 12 to extend at least in part at an angle to the lengthwise axis of the handle 12. The elongate handle 12 is arranged to enable selective movement of the elongate handle 12 from an extended condition to a contracted condition.

Abstract: A media radio system with user selectable content is provided, comprising a data storage system for storing a plurality of content files, each of the content files being categorized based on select criteria, and wherein each content file contains content information associated with one of a plurality of interest areas; a processing device operatively coupled to the data storage system for processing requests for the content files and the content information; a user interface operatively coupled to the processing device for communicating the requests for the content files and the content information, and for communicating the content files and content information to a system user; an access control system operative with the processing device for enabling access to the stored content file by an authorized system user; and a system for enabling the system user to select predetermined content files for broadcasting over radio frequencies to subscribing customers.

Abstract: A method at a client device includes displaying media library information corresponding to a set of media items. The media items include one or more local media items, the one or more local media items including media items stored at the client device, and one or more remote media items, the one or more remote media items including media items stored at a remote system and not at the client device. The method also includes displaying, concurrently with displaying the media library information, affordances identifying the remote media items; detecting user interaction with an affordance identifying a respective remote media item; and in response to detecting the user interaction, initiating a process for downloading a copy of the respective remote media item to the client device for storage at the client device.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for automatically controlling the operation of a media device based at least in part upon whether a portable presentation device coupled to the media device is currently being worn by a user. A portable presentation device may be any device that is meant to be worn by a user and that is capable of presenting media content to the user (e.g. earphones, headphones, goggles or faceplates with video/audio capability, etc.). With this mechanism, a user can affect the operation of the media device by simply putting on or taking off the portable presentation device. The user does not need to manually manipulate the controls of the media device. By automatically controlling the operation of the media device in this manner, use of the media device and the portable presentation device as a unit is made much simpler and more convenient.

Abstract: A method of booking talent is provided, comprising: storing a plurality of talent files on a data storage system, each of the talent files being categorized based on select criteria, and wherein each talent file contains talent information associated with one of a plurality of performing artists; searching the data storage system through a processing device operatively coupled to the data storage system for processing requests for the talent files and the talent information; communicating requests for the talent files and the talent information through a user interface operatively coupled to the processing device, and communicating the talent files and talent information to a system user; selecting one or more talent files for possible booking of the corresponding performing artist; making an offer to book one or more of the performing artists for a performance having specified terms; and receiving a response to the offer from the performing artist.

Abstract: A plug (1) for use in occluding a fallopian tube hysteroscopically comprising an elongate body (2) having an external thread (3) characterised in that the body and/or external thread has/have a roughened and/or pitted external surface (4), or in that the thread is fenestrated (5), or in that the leading end (6) of the elongate body (2) is provided with an extension nose (7) having a smooth external surface (8) and a rounded terminal end (9), or in that the leading end (6) of the elongate body (2) is provided with a conic helix (11) of the same hand as the external thread (3), generally forming a continuation of the external thread (3). The invention also includes a drive tool, for inserting a plug (1) incorporating an integral flexible hysteroscope, and comprising an outer sleeve housing a flexible drive rod adapted, at one end to engage, and apply torque to, the trailing end (12,13) of the elongate body (2) of the plug (1), with the other end of the drive rod being manually rotatable by the surgeon.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for determining the track of origin of a cigarette manufactured in a cigarette making machine having a plurality of tracks. The cigarette making machine (60) is arranged such that the circumferential position of the tipping paper seam and the circumferential position of the tobacco wrapping paper seam are different for different tracks. The apparatus comprises a detector (20, 22; 36; 50) arranged to detect radiation from the cigarette (18) and to produce a signal representative of the detected radiation, and a processor (30; 54) arranged to process the signal produced by the detecting means to identify a shadow cast by a tipping paper seam and a shadow cast by a wrapping paper seam.

Abstract: A golf putter shaft mounting device that gives the golfer improved feel, accuracy and distance control by maintaining face balance through a wide range of custom settings of lie angle and custom length selection. This invention also allows for ease of manufacture of a putter with custom features. This invention also relates to golf swing training, specifically to an apparatus that aids in learning and improving the alignment and swing for the putter.

Abstract: A method is provided for incentivizing a viewer to view advertisements presented during programming delivered over a content delivery system. The method includes receiving over a content delivery system a program and one or more advertisements associated therewith. At least a portion of the program and at least one of the advertisements associated therewith is rendered. A first video segment is received over the content delivery system. The first video segment prompts the viewer to provide user input indicating that the viewer has viewed at least one of the advertisements. The prompt is presented to the viewer. The user input is received in response to presentation of the prompt. The viewer is rewarded after at least one predetermined criterion is met. The predetermined criterion includes a determination that the user input is a proper response to the prompt.

Abstract: A method of indexing data in a multidimensional database includes creating a multidimensional logical access model, creating a multidimensional data storage model in which data is located in cells that are stored and retrieved in blocks, gathering data access information derived from one or more user queries of the database, and reorganizing one or more selected cells in the multidimensional data storage model based on the data access information to reduce the time taken to access the one or more selected cells in response to a user query of the database. A computerized apparatus in communication with a multidimensional database includes a program to perform the method. A computer readable medium contains instructions to cause a computer to perform the method.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for determining the track of origin of a cigarette manufactured in a cigarette making machine having a plurality of tracks. The cigarette making machine (60) is arranged such that the circumferential position of the tipping paper seam and the circumferential position of the tobacco wrapping paper seam are different for different tracks. The apparatus comprises a detector (20, 22; 36; 50) arranged to detect radiation from the cigarette (18) and to produce a signal representative of the detected radiation, and a processor (30; 54) arranged to process the signal produced by the detecting means to identify a shadow cast by a tipping paper seam and a shadow cast by a wrapping paper seam.

Abstract: A golf putter ball striking face with a geometrically spaced groove pattern that gives the golfer improved feel, accuracy and distance control. This invention also relates to golf swing training, specifically to an apparatus that aids in learning and improving the alignment and swing for the putter.

Abstract: A statistical multiplexer includes a plurality of primary encoders 120 and at least one backup encoder 130 which is activated a primary encoder fails. The statistical multiplexer also includes at least two multiplexers 140,160 such that at any given time one of the multiplexers 140,160 is in an active state and the other is in a backup state. The encoders 120, 130, the multiplexers 140, 160, and a rate processor 150 employ a dynamic identity allocation arrangement for identifying a source of the messages such that messages originating from the encoders 120, 130 indicate whether the source is a primary 120 or backup encoder 130 and messages originating from the multiplexers 140, 160 include a character selected from among a predetermined sequence of characters that is incremented to the next character in the sequence each time one of the multiplexers 140, 160 transitions between an active and a backup state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching a source of an audiovisual program configured for distribution among a plurality of user terminals is described. In one example, a first real-time digital bitstream and a second real-time digital bitstream are received. The source is mapped to the first real-time digital bitstream. A request is received from a remote controller. The request is operative to switch the source of the audiovisual program. The source of the audiovisual program is switched to the second real-time digital bitstream in response to the request. Time stamp data in the second real-time digital bitstream is adjusted to provide a continuous time base for the audiovisual program.