Abstract: A method is provided for streaming transcoded HLS video from a video asset to allow a minimum startup delay time. A method includes pre-transcoding a first number of the HLS chunks. Then, once a request is received from a remote HLS client for the HLS video asset, transmitting a number of the pre-transcoded chunks to the remote HLS player. The pre-transcoded chunks are transmitted during a startup period until real-time transcoded chunks can be received and processed by the remote HLS player at a time position to allow seamless transition from the pre-transcoded chunks.

Abstract: A method to improve a system's signal performance may comprise: generating a first signal, transmitting the first signal, receiving the first signal, and generating a second signal. The method may further comprise: identifying signal distortions generated by at least one of, a transmitter hardware that transmits the first signal and a receiver hardware that receives the first signal, modifying the second signal based upon the identified signal distortions, correlating the first signal and the second signal by a correlator to generate a correlated signal, and outputting the correlated signal.

Abstract: A method to improve a system's signal performance may comprise: generating a first signal, transmitting the first signal, receiving the first signal, and generating a second signal. The method may further comprise: identifying signal distortions generated by at least one of, a transmitter hardware that transmits the first signal and a receiver hardware that receives the first signal, modifying the second signal based upon the identified signal distortions, correlating the first signal and the second signal by a correlator to generate a correlated signal, and outputting the correlated signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided of communicating in a wireless communication system. The method comprises (a) setting a decrement burst variable to be equal to a predetermined number representing a number of bursts of data from which to prematurely decode a USF codeword, (b) receiving a received burst of data comprising USF related data related to a portion of a USF codeword, (c) extracting said USF related data from said equalized received burst of data, (d) determining if a burst number variable is equal to said decrement burst variable, (e) incrementing said burst number variable and repeating (b) through (d) if said burst number variable is not equal to said decrement burst variable, and (f) decoding said USF codeword if said burst number variable is equal to said decrement burst variable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided of communicating in a wireless communication system. The method comprises (a) setting a decrement burst variable to be equal to a predetermined number representing a number of bursts of data from which to prematurely decode a USF codeword, (b) receiving a received burst of data comprising USF related data related to a portion of a USF codeword, (c) extracting said USF related data from said equalized received burst of data, (d) determining if a burst number variable is equal to said decrement burst variable, (e) incrementing said burst number variable and repeating (b) through (d) if said burst number variable is not equal to said decrement burst variable, and (f) decoding said USF codeword if said burst number variable is equal to said decrement burst variable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying cuttings from a wellbore is disclosed. The cuttings can be identified by measuring emissions such as alpha, beta, or gamma particles which emanate from the cuttings. A continuous wellbore profile of the alpha or beta emissions can be constructed by measuring the emissions from cuttings taken from different locations in the wellbore, and by documenting such emissions. The effects of cuttings dispersion caused by differing particle sizes can be reduced by collecting cuttings of an intermediate size for analysis. The profile of the intermediate size cuttings can be compared with a well log to identify the original elevation of the cuttings within the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for adapting a decision directed adaptive neural network (10). The method finds the best matches between a plurality of input data vectors (16) and an associated plurality of input portion of weight vectors. The input portion of the weight vectors are adapted. The identification codes (12) which represent the sequence of best matched weight vectors are stored in a memory (12) and the associated output portion of weight vectors (22) are output. A sequence of output portion of weight vectors (22) is matched with predetermined models (21). A sequence of labels (24) associated with the best matched model is stored which identifies the categories of match data. The labels (24) are sequentially combined with the identification codes (12) to build adaptation vectors. The adaptation vectors are then used to sequentially adapt the output portion of weight vectors (22).

Abstract: A processing element utilizing the learning algorithmW.sub.i =W.sub.i-1 +A.sub.iwhere A.sub.i is one of .eta.*(X.sub.i -W.sub.i-1), +1, -1, and 0, andwhere:W.sub.i =a weight,W.sub.i-1 =a previous weight,.eta.=a plasticity signal, andX.sub.i =an input signal.A method of generating adaptive weight adjustments, A.sub.i, including generating .eta.*(X.sub.i -W.sub.i-1) and additional least significant bits of data representative of the term .eta.*(X.sub.i -W.sub.i-1). Comparing the additional least significant bits of data to a random number and providing >, = and <, comparison signals. Adding one of .eta.*(X.sub.i -W.sub.i-1), +1, -1 and 0, respectively, to the term W.sub.i-1 when one of the following occurs: at least one bit of .eta.*(X.sub.i -W.sub.i-1) equals one; .eta.*(X.sub.i -W.sub.i-1) equals zero, the comparison signal is < and the sign bit is +; .eta.* (X.sub.i -W.sub.i-1) equals zero, the comparison signal is < and the sign bit is -; or .eta.*(X.sub.i -W.sub.

Abstract: A kit for converting a small boat, such as a canoe, into a sail boat provides a mast support, leeboards, hiking seats, and a rudder assembly. All of these parts are attached to the boat without the need to permanently alter the boat. The mast assembly provides the option of tilting the mast in the fore and aft direction, and the rudder is mounted along one side of the boat. Both the rudder and the leeboards may be deliberately raised from their normal operating positions to permit the boat to be beached. Also, both the leeboards and the rudder are yieldably biased to their normal operating positions, but pivot upwardly and rearwardly upon colliding with an underwater obstacle, to prevent them from being damaged. After the obstacle has been passed, the leeboards and the rudder resume their normal operating position.