Abstract: Filter criteria for a plurality of characterizing descriptor filters are displayed along with characterizing descriptions of programming options that correspond to a present setting of the filters. A viewer readily navigates these displayed elements to discern available programming options and/or to view and select other filter criteria in an intuitive manner and without resort to nested menus.

Abstract: While reviewing potential programs when using an interactive programming guide, a viewer can select to place information regarding specific programs in a list (in one embodiment, such entries are made on an automated basis). The viewer can then recall that list to make a final selection of a present program to view (or record). In some embodiments, this list can be automatically cleared in response to a predetermined trigger event.

Abstract: Characterizing descriptor information for a presently viewed program is used to develop selection criteria by which to identify other program choices of potential interest to the viewer. Such options are then displayed to the viewer, either upon command or automatically at a time that is temporally proximal to a conclusion of the presently viewed program.

Abstract: Presently selected filter criterion for each of a plurality of characterizing descriptor filters are displayed along with characterizing descriptions of programming options that correspond to a present setting of the filters. A viewer readily navigates these displayed elements to discern available programming options and/or to view and select other filter criteria in an intuitive manner and without resort to nested menus. Upon moving an area of focus into a region of the display that includes a presently selected filter criterion, other user-selectable filter criteria for that filter are also automatically displayed to permit the viewer to observe, consider, and select a new criterion by which to filter the available programming options.

Abstract: Programming material from various sources and/or of various types are aggregated and filtered with respect to common selection criteria. In one embodiment the selection criteria corresponds to a present viewer.

Abstract: A content guide, such as a program guide for use with a plurality of audio/visual programs, has a browsing and selection interface that comprises a two-dimensional display that presents three spatial dimensions of a three-dimensional object. This object (or objects) bear at least some characterizing descriptors that correspond to various program options available to a viewer. In a preferred embodiment the browsing and selection interface comprises a plurality of cylinders. A viewer can cause these cylinders to rotate to present previously hidden characterizing information for review and/or selection by the viewer.

Abstract: Discrete indicators as correspond to various content options are displayed. These discrete indicators move with respect to a segregated display area. When a predetermined orientation exists as between the segregated display area and one of the discrete indicators, additional content as pertains to the content option that corresponds to that particular discrete indicator is automatically displayed.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tether retraction device having particular utility with multi-line towed arrays. A system for retrieving and deploying a multi-line towed array having a plurality of array lines has at least one tether joinable between two of the plurality of array lines. A tether retraction device is incorporated into at least one of the array lines for retracting the tether. Each tether retraction device has a tether take-up spool, and a spring driven drive means which causes the tether to wind onto the take-up spool when the array is towed at slow speeds and allows deployment of the tether from the take-up spool when tension in the tether caused by tow forces exceeds the spring force applied by the spring driven drive means.

Abstract: A transport packet generation apparatus and method used in a system which delivers content such as movies and music is disclosed. This invention provides a mechanism for providing and retrieving content on a medium such as a DVD optical disc. One aspect of the present invention provides content by processing and packing data packets onto the medium. A further aspect of the present invention retrieves content by reading data off the medium and processing the data to functionally reconstruct the original data packets for use in the system for delivering content.

Abstract: A content distribution system and method which prevents unauthorized access to secured content such as movies and music. The apparatus includes a source, a receiver, an authorized security device such as a conditional access module (CAM) for decrypting authorized content, an output device for outputting content and a backend for managing accounts and system operations. One aspect of this invention provides a mechanism for providing secured content on a medium such as a DVD optical disc. These devices may verify that there is authorization to play the secured content, add watermarks to the secured content, convert the secured content to a displayable form and provide a means for preventing output of the secured content.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: To enable the source of an unauthorized copy of an information-bearing medium, such as a video DVD, to be traced, a compressed digital signal stream to be stored on the medium is altered to include “running marks,” that comprise pixel blocks changing in position frame by frame and encoded with information designating where and when the copy was made. The medium under test is played back synchronously with a reference medium containing the locations of the running marks together with original video. The source of copying message is advantageously encrypted and scrambled to avoid detection or alteration by a copyist. The message preferably is spread, for example into a spread spectrum carrier, to enhance discrimination among a large number of sources and enable demodulation in the presence of noise.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: Graphics in the same compressed digital format as that of a target video image are combined, on the fly, by an application. Combination is performed by frame modification or overlay techniques. In the preferred embodiment, the compressed video image format conforms to an MPEG-2 compression standard. A base image is produced by an I-frame, and MPEG-2 graphics elements formed either by modifying the I-frame or overlaying the I-frame with one or more P-frames.