Abstract: Systems and related methods for supplying power to an implantable blood pump are provided. A system includes a base module and a plurality of energy storage devices. A first energy storage device is operatively coupled to the base module. A second energy storage device is operatively coupled to the first modular energy storage device. The energy storage devices are mechanically coupled in series, electrically coupled in parallel, and configured to provide redundant sources of power to drive an implantable blood pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to generate digital audio signals, such as stereo signals, from a multimedia program. The program can be distributed directly through an electronic network, or indirectly by recording the program on a medium such as a DVD or CD. The multimedia program is normally compressed using a standard DVD, MPEG or similar compression protocol. In accordance with the invention, the program is decoded to generate a multimedia output signal and an audio output signal. The multimedia signals can be played immediately or at will on a suitable multimedia device. The audio output signal is compressed, using for instance MP3 or ATRAC3, and then transmitted to an external device for storage as a digital file. The digital file can then be replayed at will.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to generate digital audio signals, such as stereo signals, from a multimedia program. The program can be distributed directly through an electronic network, or indirectly by recording the program on a medium such as a DVD or CD. The multimedia program is normally compressed using a standard DVD, MPEG or similar compression protocol. In accordance with the invention, the program is decoded to generate a multimedia output signal and an audio output signal. The multimedia signals can be played immediately or at will on a suitable multimedia device. The audio output signal is compressed, using for instance MP3 or ATRAC3, and then transmitted to an external device for storage as a digital file. The digital file can then be replayed at will.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to generate digital audio signals, such as stereo signals, from a multimedia program. The program can be distributed directly through an electronic network, or indirectly by recording the program on a medium such as a DVD or CD. The multimedia program is normally compressed using a standard DVD, MPEG or similar compression protocol. In accordance with the invention, the program is decoded to generate a multimedia output signal and an audio output signal. The multimedia signals can be played immediately or at will on a suitable multimedia device. The audio output signal is compressed, using for instance MP3 or ATRAC3, and then transmitted to an external device for storage as a digital file. The digital file can then be replayed at will.

Abstract: Distribution of audio and other multimedia content is accomplished by generating a multimedia session consisting of at least one multimedia program, generating a data session consisting of digital files including at least one software player program and a digital compressed file corresponding to the multimedia program; and distributing the multimedia and data sessions to consumers. The consumers can selectively play the multimedia program from said multimedia session through a player device, and through a computer by using the software player program to manipulate the compressed file. In one aspect of the invention, the multimedia and data sessions are recorded on a physical medium, such as a CD or DVD, and the medium is then distributed. In another aspect, the sessions are combined and transmitted electronically. The data session can include information associated with the multimedia content, in the form of text and graphic files.

Abstract: Distribution of audio and other multimedia content is accomplished by generating a multimedia session consisting of at least one multimedia program, generating a data session consisting of digital files including at least one software player program and a digital compressed file corresponding to the multimedia program; and distributing the multimedia and data sessions to consumers. The consumers can selectively play the multimedia program from said multimedia session through a player device, and through a computer by using the software player program to manipulate the compressed file. In one aspect of the invention, the multimedia and data sessions are recorded on a physical medium, such as a CD or DVD, and the medium is then distributed. In another aspect, the sessions are combined and transmitted electronically. The data session can include information associated with the multimedia content, in the form of text and graphic files.

Abstract: Distribution of audio and other multimedia content is accomplished by generating a multimedia session consisting of at least one multimedia program, generating a data session consisting of digital files including at least one software player program and a digital compressed file corresponding to the multimedia program; and distributing the multimedia and data sessions to consumers. The consumers can selectively play the multimedia program from said multimedia session through a player device, and through a computer by using the software player program to manipulate the compressed file. In one aspect of the invention, the multimedia and data sessions are recorded on a physical medium, such as a CD or DVD, and the medium is then distributed. In another aspect, the sessions are combined and transmitted electronically. The data session can include information associated with the multimedia content, in the form of text and graphic files.

Abstract: Distribution of audio and other multimedia content is accomplished by generating a multimedia session consisting of at least one multimedia program, generating a data session consisting of digital files including at least one software player program and a digital compressed file corresponding to the multimedia program; and distributing the multimedia and data sessions to consumers. The consumers can selectively play the multimedia program from said multimedia session through a player device, and through a computer by using the software player program to manipulate the compressed file. In one aspect of the invention, the multimedia and data sessions are recorded on a physical medium, such as a CD or DVD, and the medium is then distributed. In another aspect, the sessions are combined and transmitted electronically. The data session can include information associated with the multimedia content, in the form of text and graphic files.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to generate digital audio signals, such as stereo signals, from a multimedia program. The program can be distributed directly through an electronic network, or indirectly by recording the program on a medium such as a DVD or CD. The multimedia program is normally compressed using a standard DVD, MPEG or similar compression protocol. In accordance with the invention, the program is decoded to generate a multimedia output signal and an audio output signal. The multimedia signals can be played immediately or at will on a suitable multimedia device. The audio output signal is compressed, using for instance MP3 or ATRAC3, and then transmitted to an external device for storage as a digital file. The digital file can then be replayed at will.