Abstract: Methods and systems for managing media distribution are disclosed. Advantageously, the management of media distribution can be substantially computer implemented and include management of media distribution agreements. The management of media distribution agreements can operate to manage the creation and/or renewal of media distribution agreements in an automated and efficient manner. The methods and systems for management of media distribution can also take appropriate action when an established media distribution agreement expires.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of metadata content and media content to a media distribution system. The media content can include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a client submitting metadata content can validate the metadata content prior to submission of the metadata content and/or associated media content. A media distribution system receiving metadata content can also validate the metadata content.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of metadata content and media content to a media distribution system. The media content can include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a client submitting metadata content can validate the metadata content prior to submission of the metadata content and/or associated media content. A media distribution system receiving metadata content can also validate the metadata content.

Abstract: Methods and systems for submitting media to a media distribution site are disclosed. The submission of media to the media distribution site is able to be performed by numerous submitters in a uniform and computer-assisted manner. The submitted media can then be encoded in a largely automated manner at the media distribution site into a suitable digital form and then made available for online purchase and distribution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The media takes the form of a digital media item, which is assembled by a client application from one or more digital media item components, including at least one digital graphic associated with the media content contained in the digital media item. The digital media item components are stored on one or more server computers and are obtained by the client application, which requests, from a server computer, a media access response containing one or more pointers to digital media item components on one or more server computers. The assembled digital media item can then be encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the digital media item (e.g., play the digital media item).

Abstract: Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing media items are also disclosed. The methods and graphical user interfaces are particularly useful for a system that provides purchase and distribution of media in a client-server environment. The graphical user interfaces can be presented to a user at a client (client machine). In one embodiment, the methods and graphical user interfaces can assist users in locating media to be browsed, previewed or purchased. The media can, for example, be audio, video and/or image data. The methods and graphical user interfaces are particularly useful for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing classical music.

Abstract: Methods and systems for network-based purchase and distribution of media are disclosed. The purchase and distribution of media by these methods and systems are not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to media within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server and/or client. For example, a potential purchaser can search and browse through numerous media items on-line that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can thereafter purchase one or more media items on-line with great ease. Upon purchasing a media item, the content for the media item can be downloaded over the network to the purchaser. The content for the media item is then encrypted for the purchaser's use and stored on the purchaser's machine. Thereafter, the purchaser can make use of the media item (e.g., play the media item). Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing numerous media items are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic fish scale comprising a molded housing having upper and lower portions for supported hand grasping. An electronically controlled weight-sensing member and a viewable digital output screen are mounted within the housing. The output screen is electronically connected to the weight-sensing member whereby a weight held by gravity causes a digital numeric display on the output screen equal to the fish weight. A fish-engaging assembly extends downwardly from the weight-sensing member through an aperture formed in the bottom of the housing, and includes a pair of opposed c-shaped jaws. A longitudinally moveable jaw actuator is operably connected through a jaw control member via a rotation pin through diagonally extending aligned slots in the jaws whereby the jaws are opened when the jaw actuator is manually moved upwardly. A lower lip of a fish securely held and unhurt between the closed jaws will produce a digital display of the weight of the fish on the output screen.

Abstract: An electronic fish scale comprising a molded housing having upper and lower portions for supported hand grasping. An electronically controlled weight-sensing member and a viewable digital output screen are mounted within the housing. The output screen is electronically connected to the weight-sensing member whereby a weight held by gravity causes a digital numeric display on the output screen equal to the fish weight. A fish-engaging assembly extends downwardly from the weight-sensing member through an aperture formed in the bottom of the housing, and includes a pair of opposed c-shaped jaws. A longitudinally moveable jaw actuator is operably connected through a jaw control member via a rotation pin through diagonally extending aligned slots in the jaws whereby the jaws are opened when the jaw actuator is manually moved upwardly. A lower lip of a fish securely held and unhurt between the closed jaws will produce a digital display of the weight of the fish on the output screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the finishing treatment of shaft workpieces, in particular crankshafts and camshafts. The device comprises a carrier, at least one jaw for exerting contact pressure on the workpiece, and a linear guide for guiding the jaw. The linear guide is supported by a transverse guide to form a cross guiding system which follows the rotational motion of the workpiece by revolving around its axis of rotation. The transverse guide contains a main carriage guided on the carrier. The main carriage is radially aligned with respect to the axis of rotation of the workpiece. The main carriage has a fork-shaped head facing towards the side of the workpiece. A guide rail for the linear guide is chucked between the between the legs of the fork-like head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the finishing treatment of shaft workpieces, in particular crankshafts and camshafts. The device comprises a carrier, at least one jaw for exerting contact pressure on the workpiece, and a linear guide for guiding the jaw. The linear guide is supported by a transverse guide to form a cross guiding system which follows the rotational motion of the workpiece by revolving around its axis of rotation. The transverse guide contains a main carriage guided on the carrier. The main carriage is radially aligned with respect to the axis of rotation of the workpiece. The main carriage has a fork-shaped head facing towards the side of the workpiece. A guide rail for the linear guide is chucked between the between the legs of the fork-like head.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering solid particles suspended in a gas includes a housing divided by a plate into an upper clean gas chamber and a lower polluted gas chamber. Depending filter elements are secured to apertures in the plate. Polluted gas flows to a distributor, in the lower chamber below the filter elements, to which is coupled a plurality of vertically disposed pipes extending upwardly past the filter elements to outlets disposed in the vicinity of the plate. The upward discharge from these outlets is then deflected downwardly past the filter elements.

Abstract: In this plate electrode for use in alkaline electrochemical elements or disposable batteries and accumulators, the cover-walls are formed by two metal fabric pieces (1, 2) of plate size. A netting (3), made of thermoplastic material, is located in between. The netting apertures form squares (7) for receiving the active composition (6). In production, the plate, constructed in this way, is compressed over the whole surface under the influence of heat, so that the metal fabric pieces are fused into the plastic netting. The active composition is compressed at the same time. The metal fabrics consist of uniform wire material, especially of nickel. In comparison with conventional pocket plates comprising pockets produced or assembled from perforated metal sheet, the present plate electrode possesses advantages with respect to its quality features and production costs.

Abstract: The pretensioning element serves to elevationally position or pretension or bias a circulation track bearing member. In order to reduce the requirements imposed upon the support and mounting surfaces during manufacture, with regard to alterations in parallelism during pretension adjustment and during load changes, that is in the range of elastic deformation, there is provided a housing which comprises at least one guide track. Two wedge members are displaceably guided in the guide track by means of tightening screws or bolts. The wedge members contain first wedge surfaces. A support plate is provided and comprises two second wedge surfaces which cooperate with the first wedge surfaces of the wedge members.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning the soles of shoes such as bowling shoes. A rotary brush for cleaning leather shoe soles and an elastomeric roller for cleaning rubber shoe soles are mounted on a hinged platform along with a drive motor and a fan which is used to dry the shoes. The machine is equipped with a solid state circuit which provides an attract sound periodically and a sound which simulates the sound of an electric motor during operation. A power boost arrangement permits operation of the machine at a high speed and provides a sound simulating high speed operation of the motor.