Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for decoding an encoded baseline video stream and an enhancement stream. The baseline video stream is decoded, upscaled and enhanced by applying adaptive filters specified by the enhancement stream. Baseline upscaled images are then coded to motion compensate enhanced high resolution images using previously decoded enhanced images, thus recycling these enhanced images. The enhancement stream provides the best predictor method for the decoder to combine blocks from previous enhanced images and upscaled images to produce a motion compensated enhanced image. Likewise, forward and backward motion compensated images are blended according to feature classification and filter extraction methods provided by the enhancement stream to produce a bidirectionally predicted frame. Lastly, the decoder applies residual data from the enhancement stream to produce a completed enhanced image.

Abstract: A probabilistic process to determine the owner of an electronic file, such as a Personal Store (.pst). A weighted analysis of multiple factors is performed including the operating system file owner, a user running the process, a “top Y most frequently occurring addresses” when analyzing “X number of sent then received messages,” and a number of occurrences of each “top Y most frequently occurring address.” Other factors, such as the ability to resolve against a directory service may be used. Each of the “top Y most frequently occurring addresses” is analyzed to calculate its weight according to a predetermined relationship and the address is compared to the operating system file owner and a logged-on user value. If there is a match, that value is returned as the probable owner of the file.

Abstract: A method for polishing a wafer comprising an aqueous solution having a pH in the range of 6 to 8, wherein the aqueous solution comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a polymethacrylic acid, a polysulfonic acid, and combinations thereof, and wherein the compound is present in the range of 1.5 to 4 percent by weight of the aqueous solution. The wafer polishing solution can be adjusted to control cut rate and selectivity for modifying semiconductor wafers using a fixed abrasive CMP process.

Abstract: A wafer polishing solution and method for polishing a wafer comprising an amino acid and calcium ions or barium ions. The wafer polishing solution can be adjusted to control cut rate and selectivity for modifying semiconductor wafers using a fixed abrasive CMP process.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of creating a virtualized computer environment that represents a real world computer environment is provided. The real world computer environment comprises a plurality of components, the plurality of components comprising a plurality of computer devices and at least one network device that implements a network that interconnects the plurality of computer devices, the real world computer environment comprising at least one security facility that implements at least one security function in the real world computer environment. The method comprises acts of including in the virtualized computer environment a virtualized representation of at least one of the plurality of computer devices in the real world computer environment and implementing the at least one security function in the virtualized computer environment. In another aspect, a virtualized representation of the at least one network device is provided. In another aspect, software is executed in the virtual computer environment.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of creating a virtualized computer environment that represents a real world computer environment is provided. The real world computer environment comprises a plurality of components, the plurality of components comprising a plurality of computer devices and at least one network device that implements a network that interconnects the plurality of computer devices, the real world computer environment comprising at least one security facility that implements at least one security function in the real world computer environment. The method comprises acts of including in the virtualized computer environment a virtualized representation of at least one of the plurality of computer devices in the real world computer environment and implementing the at least one security function in the virtualized computer environment. In another aspect, a virtualized representation of the at least one network device is provided. In another aspect, software is executed in the virtual computer environment.

Abstract: A pipe clamp 10 for repairing an underwater pipe. The pipe clamp 10 comprises a plurality of part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 hinged together along a hinge axis or axes 27 along adjacent longitudinal edges 17,18. Two or the longitudinal edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions are free. The part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 are movable about the hinge axis or axes 27 towards and away from one another between an open position in which the free longitudinal edges 20,21 are spaced apart and the clamp 10 can be placed around a pipe and a closed position in which, in use, the free longitudinal edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 are brought together around the pipe. Fastening means are provided for holding the free edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 together, such that, in use, the clamp 10 is held to the pipe.

Abstract: A multimedia card, including, a multimedia portion, a multimedia card holder portion, and a multimedia cover portion, and wherein the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion releasably cover the multimedia card portion in between the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion.

Abstract: A pipe clamp 10 for repairing an underwater pipe. The pipe clamp 10 comprises a plurality of part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 hinged together along a hinge axis or axes 27 along adjacent longitudinal edges 17, 18. Two or the longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the part-cylindrical portions are free. The part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 are movable about the hinge axis or axes 27 towards and away from one another between an open position in which the free longitudinal edges 20, 21 are spaced apart and the clamp 10 can be placed around a pipe and a closed position in which, in use, the free longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 are brought together around the pipe. Fastening means are provided for holding the free edges 20, 21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 together, such that, in use, the clamp 10 is held to the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing multimedia data for use in a digital VCR includes processing that begins by maintaining a first link list of a plurality of memory sections, where the first link list links the plurality of memory sections as a circular buffer. The processing then continues by receiving a stream of multimedia data. The processing then continues by storing the stream of multimedia data in at least some of the memory sections of the plurality of memory sections. The processing then continues by receiving a request for independent storage of a selected portion of the stream of multimedia data, e.g., the user desires to have a permanent copy of a particular program. The processing further continues by generating a second link list for a set of memory sections of the at least some of the memory sections. The set of memory sections stores the selected portion of the stream of multimedia data.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is described. The method comprising steps of receiving base images of pictures having a first definition from a base layer decoder; coding the differences between the base images of pictures and pictures having a second definition using vector quantization; creating a database of codebooks based upon the differences; and generating enhanced images based upon the base images and enhancement stream data. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also described. The circuit comprises a base layer decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; an interpolator coupled to the base layer decoder and generating an interpolated block; a classifier coupled to the base layer decoder and generating a class number; and a summing circuit coupled to the interpolator and the classifier. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving an encoded video signal having a plurality of headers; maintaining a plurality of codebooks based upon the differences between a standard definition picture and a high definition picture; and providing a pointer to a particular codebook of the plurality of codebooks when decoding a frame of the video signal.

Abstract: A method of enhancing picture quality of a video signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating an interpolated base frame image; receiving a first previously decoded difference picture; receiving a second previously decoded difference picture; generating a combined motion compensated difference surface; and generating a temporally interpolated enhanced picture based upon the interpolated base frame image and the combined motion compensated difference surface. A circuit for enhancing picture quality of a video signal is also disclosed. The circuit comprising a base decoder generating a base image of a standard definition picture; a temporal predictive interpolator coupled to the base decoder and generating an interpolated block; and a summing circuit coupled to the temporal predictive interpolator. The summing circuit preferably adds the interpolated block and a difference block.

Abstract: A hole liner and/or post mounting, such as a golf hole cup (10), has a removable end cap (18), for blanking an otherwise exposed lower end of a mounting stem bore (15) for a removable post, such as a flag stick (36); an integrated end cap and optional closure plate variant has a conical, rib bladed, tapered mounting spike profile, for ground penetration and engagement, to promote installed hole cup stability.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling together two pipes in a fluid-tight manner includes a tubular casing, a tubular sealing gasket located within the casing, and screws for tensioning the casing around the gasket. The casing includes an inner tubular casing and an outer tubular casing, both of metal. A layer of fire-resistant thermally-insulating material is disposed between the inner and outer casings to form a fire shield.

Abstract: An hermetically sealed fiber optic gyroscope assembly has loops of optic fiber on a support ring in a sealed casing comprising a base plate, a perimeter wall upstanding from the base plate and a cover secured to the perimeter of the wall, together with optical circuitry located within the casing for directing light around the optic fibre loops together with electrical connecting circuitry passing from the optical circuitry to external terminals in sealed engagement with the casing.

Abstract: Matched and mated machine components, such as those on which the scrolls of scroll-type compressors are located, are fitted together, yet physically isolated from each other, by separators that are formed from corrugated paperboard. Each separator has a planar peripheral portion, which lies between and faces end surfaces on the mating components, and fingers which fit between the interfitting segments. The sets of mating machine components are placed on pads formed from paper honeycomb material, and these pads have pockets which receive one component of each set and prevent the components from shifting laterally. The pockets are derived by die cutting the honeycomb material through one of its facer sheets and then crushing the cells that lie within the cut. The pads with the sets of mating, yet isolated, components on them are stacked one upon the other. A tray lies beneath the stack and a cover fits over it and telescopes with respect to the tray to completely enclose the stack.

Abstract: A pipe coupling 1 for connecting together two pipes in a fluid-tight manner comprising an outer tubular casing 10, an inner tubular casing 20 and a tubular sealing sleeve 30. The sealing sleeve 30 has two sets of inwardly projecting ribs 32, which in use, are pressed into sealing engagement with the respective ends of the pipes. The inner and outer casings are longitudinally split and tensioning screws 17 on the outer casing can be tightened to tighten the outer casing around the inner casing and the sealing sleeve. Frusto-conical gripping rings 40 grip the pipes by engaging radial abutment surfaces facing away from the pipe ends and positioned close to the ends of said pipes in order to secure the pipes against axial displacement.

Abstract: A package for storing and shipping a heavy object, such as a compressor for an air-conditioning system, includes a base formed from a rigid material and having recesses which receive feet at the bottom of the object and flaps which fold over the recesses and capture the feet in them, thus securing the object to the base. The package also includes a box having side walls and top and bottom walls. The base, with the object secured to it, fits into the box with the base against the bottom wall of the box and the object surrounded by the side walls of the box. A sleeve fits into the box between the base and the top wall and holds the base against the bottom wall. A tray fits within the sleeve above the object where it rigidifies the sleeve, enabling the sleeve to maintain its cross-sectional configuration, and further serves as a receptacle for accessory items.

Abstract: An air flow apparatus for providing a continuous curtain of air or other fluid includes a body member defining a first elongate plenum chamber, at least one inlet opening through which the first plenum chamber receives compressed air and an outlet opening for discharging air from the body member. The apparatus may also include a second plenum chamber (which communicates with the outlet opening) and at least one passageway connecting the first and second plenum chambers. The body member discharges the air without deflecting it towards one of its outer surfaces.