Abstract: A system includes a show element with a first show element body coupled to a second show element body via one or more tether assemblies. Each tether assembly of the one or more tether assemblies includes a tether and a first retainer at a first end of the tether and positioned in a first recess of the first show element body. The one or more tether assemblies enable the first show element body to move relative to the second show element body to transition the show element between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: An image presentation system for an amusement park includes a first display with an opening extending therethrough, wherein at least a portion of the first display is viewable from a viewing area, a movable arm, wherein the movable arm is positioned within the opening, a second display supported by the movable arm and offset from the first display, wherein the second display conceals the opening from the viewing area, and a controller configured to provide a first image via the first display and a second image via the second display such that the second image comprises an image effect that accounts for the offset and coordinates with the first image to present as though the first image and the second image are a single image displayed by the first display.

Abstract: The digital video communications device includes a scalable video coding (SVC) controller including an encoder and associated block equalizer. The encoder is configured to receive digital video, and encode received digital video into a plurality of related streams including a base layer having a first modulation type, and scaled enhancement layers having different modulation types. The block equalizer is configured to generate a waveform by sequentially interleaving the plurality of related streams with equalizer probes. The digital video transmission approach allows the receiver to automatically provide the best video quality that the channel will support without negotiation with the transmitter.

Abstract: The digital video communications device includes a scalable video coding (SVC) controller including an encoder and associated block equalizer. The encoder is configured to receive digital video, and encode received digital video into a plurality of related streams including a base layer having a first modulation type, and scaled enhancement layers having different modulation types. The block equalizer is configured to generate a waveform by sequentially interleaving the plurality of related streams with equalizer probes. The digital video transmission approach allows the receiver to automatically provide the best video quality that the channel will support without negotiation with the transmitter.

Abstract: A communications system of the present invention includes a transmitter that is operative for combining an orthogonal Walsh modulation with a minimum shift keying or Gaussian minimum shift keying waveform to form a hybrid communications signal that carries communications data over a constant amplitude waveform that is spread in time and frequency. This communications signal can be transmitted to a RAKE receiver that has a plurality of correlators with output weights formed for processing this hybrid communications signal.

Abstract: A system communicates data and includes an encoder for encoding communications data with a forward error correction code. A data randomizer randomizes the communications data with a random bit sequence and a combining circuit combines the communications data with known symbols into frames. A modulator maps the communications data into minimum shift keying or Gaussian minimum shift keying (MSK or GMSK) symbols based on a specific mapping algorithm to form a communications signal having an MSK or GMSK waveform over which the communications data can be transmitted.

Abstract: A wireless communications device may include a wireless receiver for receiving signals comprising alternating known and unknown symbol portions, and a demodulator connected thereto.

Abstract: A wireless communications device may include a wireless receiver receiving wireless signals having alternating known and unknown symbol portions over a channel, and a demodulator systolic array connected to the wireless receiver.

Abstract: An annuity product for paying out a desired periodic income payment to an annuitant including, without limitation: a deposit amount determined based on at least the desired periodic income payment, the age of the annuitant, a term comprising a guaranteed period for payment of the desired periodic income payment, an interest rate, and a mortality probability; and an income annuity balance reflecting debits and credits to the deposit amount; wherein the annuity balance is periodically debited due to income payments and periodically credited due to interest accrual; wherein the annuity balance is calculated on a periodic basis; and wherein a statement disclosing the annuity balance is provided to the annuitant on a periodic basis.