Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the playback of a media title to a group of client device platforms is disclosed. A synchronizer may make adjustments to the playback modes of one or more client device platforms within a group watching the same media title in order to ensure synchronized playback. When a client device platform is behind the group its playback mode may be changed to a fast playback mode. When a client device platform is ahead of the group its playback mode may be changed to a slow playback mode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the playback of a media title to a group of client device platforms is disclosed. A synchronizer may make adjustments to the playback modes of one or more client device platforms within a group watching the same media title in order to ensure synchronized playback. When a client device platform is behind the group its playback mode may be changed to a fast playback mode. When a client device platform is ahead of the group its playback mode may be changed to a slow playback mode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal (10) for ATR spectroscopy of a sample to be analysed. The ATR crystal is formed of a diamond material and configured to have an inlet surface (12) for an infrared analysis beam, an outlet surface (14) for the infrared analysis beam, and a working surface (16) for contacting the sample to be analysed. The ATR crystal (10) is in the form of a chamfered cylinder comprising two flat chamfered side walls forming the inlet and outlet surfaces (12, 14), and an end surface of the chamfered cylinder forming the working surface (16). The analysis beam can be directed through the inlet surface (12) to an inner side of the working surface (16) in contact with the sample to be analysed and internally reflected at the inner side of the working surface (16) in contact with the sample to be analysed such that the analysis beam passes out of the ATR crystal through the outlet surface (14). The working surface (16) is convexly curved.

Abstract: An attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal (10) for ATR spectroscopy of a sample to be analysed. The ATR crystal is formed of a diamond material and configured to have an inlet surface (12) for an infrared analysis beam, an outlet surface (14) for the infrared analysis beam, and a working surface (16) for contacting the sample to be analysed. The ATR crystal (10) is in the form of a chamfered cylinder comprising two flat chamfered side walls forming the inlet and outlet surfaces (12, 14), and an end surface of the chamfered cylinder forming the working surface (16). The analysis beam can be directed through the inlet surface (12) to an inner side of the working surface (16) in contact with the sample to be analysed and internally reflected at the inner side of the working surface (16) in contact with the sample to be analysed such that the analysis beam passes out of the ATR crystal through the outlet surface (14). The working surface (16) is convexly curved.

Abstract: A mirror for use in high power optical applications, the mirror comprising: a support plate comprising a synthetic diamond material; and a reflective coating disposed over the support plate, wherein the reflective coating comprises a bonding layer of carbide forming material which bonds the reflective coating to the synthetic diamond material in the support plate, a reflective metal layer disposed over the bonding layer, and one or more layers of dielectric material disposed over the reflective metal layer, wherein the bonding layer and the reflective metal layer together have a total thickness in a range 50 nm to 10 ?m with the reflective metal layer having a thickness of no more than 5 ?m, and wherein the support plate and the reflective coating are configured such that the mirror has a reflectivity of at least 99% at an operational wavelength of the mirror.

Abstract: A mirror for use in high power optical applications, the mirror comprising: a support plate comprising a synthetic diamond material; and a reflective coating disposed over the support plate, wherein the reflective coating comprises a bonding layer of carbide forming material which bonds the reflective coating to the synthetic diamond material in the support plate, a reflective metal layer disposed over the bonding layer, and one or more layers of dielectric material disposed over the reflective metal layer, wherein the bonding layer and the reflective metal layer together have a total thickness in a range 50 nm to 10 ?m with the reflective metal layer having a thickness of no more than 5 and wherein the support plate and the reflective coating are configured such that the mirror has a reflectivity of at least 99% at an operational wavelength of the mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the playback of a media title to a group of client device platforms is disclosed. A synchronizer may make adjustments to the playback modes of one or more client device platforms within a group watching the same media title in order to ensure synchronized playback. When a client device platform is behind the group its playback mode may be changed to a fast playback mode. When a client device platform is ahead of the group its playback mode may be changed to a slow playback mode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Relevant information for a plurality of consumers may be gathered from a plurality of electronic devices. Influence information is determined from a correlation between the relevant information and one or more items. The influence information may be used to identify one or more influencers. Information gathered from contemporary online behavior of the one or more influencers with respect to one or more categories of items may be used to identify a trend with respect to one or more particular items in the one or more categories. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the playback of a media title to a group of client device platforms is disclosed. A synchronizer may make adjustments to the playback modes of one or more client device platforms within a group watching the same media title in order to ensure synchronized playback. When a client device platform is behind the group its playback mode may be changed to a fast playback mode. When a client device platform is ahead of the group its playback mode may be changed to a slow playback mode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the preferences of web site visitors. The system and method can be computer-based and can be embodied as an application program or module connected to or incorporated into any communications network including: the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, and/or a wide area network. The system and method can voluntarily collect statistically relevant data regarding customers wants, needs and practices through a non-intrusive pop-up window.