Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for efficient cross-fading of compressed domain information streams on a user/client device. Exemplary systems may provide cross-fade between AAC/Enhanced AAC Plus information streams, between MP3 information streams, or between information streams of unmatched formats. These systems are distinguished in that cross-fade is directly applied to compressed bitstreams so a single decode operation is performed on the resulting bitstream. Thus, a set of frames from each input stream associated with the time interval in which a cross fade is decoded, and combined and recoded with a cross fade or other effect now in the compressed bitstream. Once sent through the client device's decoder, the user hears the transitional effect. The only input data that is decoded and processed is that associated with the portion of each stream used the crossfade, blend or other interstitial, and thus the vast majority of input streams are left compressed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for generating music recommendations based on combining song and user influencers with channel rule characterizations are presented. Such systems and methods output a playlist, which may be delivered as an information stream of audio on a user or client device, such as a telephone or smartphone, tablet, computer or MP3 player, or any consumer device with audio play capabilities. The playlist may comprise various individual audio clips of one genre or type, such as songs, or of multiple types, such as music, talk, sports and comedy. The individual audio clips may be ordered by a sequencer, which, using large amounts of data, generates both (i) user independent and (i) user dependent influencer weightings for each clip, and then combines all of such influencer weightings into a combined play weighting W for a given audio clip, for a given user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for part prioritization in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for determining part priorities. The method includes steps for receiving part data for a set of one or more parts, the part data includes part failure data and part repair data, computing predicted lifecycle data based on the received part data, determining failure impact data based on the received part data, and generating an output based on the predicted lifecycle data and the failure impact data.

Abstract: A log construction, such as a log home, log cabin, or any other construction using logs for external walls. The construction includes a plurality of horizontal logs extending between vertical log posts. The horizontal logs, stabilized by the vertical posts, support the load of the structure, including the roof. Each horizontal log has a flat plain cut on the top and bottom, from end to end; seating the plurality of horizontal logs flush with one another. The ends of each horizontal log have a male projection that slide down the female opening of the vertical logs. The plurality of horizontal logs rest in the vertical logs held in place by the male projection of the horizontal logs and the female opening in the vertical logs, resulting in a floating wall, generating compressive force toward the foundation. The tonnage of the floating wall and the cap log cutout, anticipate shrinkage, which result in eliminating the chinking process.

Abstract: The device for alleviating erectile dysfunction is a malleable band with a single gap that is secured partially around the base of a human penis to restrict the flow of blood out of the penis. The band is easily shaped for a proper fit by applying finger pressure thereto, yet is sufficiently rigid to hold its shape under pressure from an expanding or erect penis. The gap measures approximately one-half inch, and is positioned on the inferior side of the penis such that the device does not constrict the urethra. The device is reusable and can be easily applied to or removed from an erect penis during intercourse without necessitating withdrawal of the penis.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods for the identification of genes and gene products that are implicated in certain disease states. According to the invention, there is provided a method for the identification of a gene that is implicated in a specific disease or physiological condition, said method comprising the steps of comparing: i) the transcriptome or proteome of a first specialized cell type that is implicated in the disease or condition under first and second experimental conditions; with ii) the transcriptome or proteome of a second specialized cell type under said first and said second experimental conditions; and identifying as a gene implicated in the disease or physiological condition, a gene that is differentially regulated in the two specialized cell types under the first and second experimental conditions. The invention also relates to novel genes and gene products identified using these methods.

Abstract: An inflatable crib permits the safe, comfortable transport of an infant, while the crib is inflated, and requires minimal storage space when deflated. Carrying straps provide load bearing support to the cradle base on which a child is carried. An inflatable mattress adds to the child's comfort. A protective covering shields the child from sun, elements, and insects. The carrying straps have form retaining, self supporting first and second cross members extending above the crib and are adapted to releasable support the protective covering.

Abstract: A memory controller for controlling access to a memory includes a mapper for mapping a physical address to a row address and a column address that are suitable for addressing first and second memory devices having the same memory capacity but different addressing formats, a multiplexer for multiplexing the row address and the column address onto a set of address lines for addressing the memory and a circuit for generating control signals for controlling access to the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the first memory devices are 16 Mb DRAMs which require asymmetric addressing, and the second memory devices are 16 Mb DRAMs which require symmetric addressing. The memory controller of the invention generates a row address and a column address for addressing both types of memory devices without having knowledge of the types of memory devices that are present in the memory.

Abstract: A drive-transmitting arrangement for use in a motor vehicle, fork-lift truck or industrial machinery includes a differential or epicyclic gear assembly having an input member and two output members. One of the output members is connected, directly or indirectly, to the operating element of a hydraulic pump so as to drive the pump and the outlet line of the hydraulic pump contains a control valve which may be responsive to the parameters of an engine connected to the input member of the gear assembly. Adjustment of the setting of the valve means varies the resistance to movement of the pump operating element so as to vary the ratio of the gear assembly.