Abstract: A server-based hosted application used to transmit and manage multiple media across the Internet. Digital video recorders (DVRs) collect media (such as video with or without audio) and record it to a local disk. DVRs are located in sites or stores where they are attached to cameras, microphones and point-of-sale (POS), or other data collection devices. The DVR accesses the Internet through a typical “residential” broadband connection. A hybrid peer-to-peer network allows peers (a DVR and an Internet browser) to directly transmit and receive video and audio (and other information, such as POS data). A hosted infrastructure tracks the presence of DVRs. A server-based application exposes a presence database to users. Users find DVRs via an Internet interface. Viewers can then connect to the DVR and its corresponding media collection devices (such as cameras, microphones and POS devices) and control collection and use of media information directly.

Abstract: A semiconductor component includes a plastic housing including: plastic outer surfaces; lower outer contact surfaces arranged on an underside of the housing; upper outer contact surfaces arranged on a top side of the housing that is opposite the underside; and outer interconnects electrically connecting the lower outer contact surfaces to the upper outer contact surfaces, the outer interconnects including a layer of solder arranged on conduction paths along an outer contour of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a trim adapted to connect to a recessed lighting container so that the trim lies outside of a recessed chamber of the container. The apparatus also includes a member connected to the trim, so that when the trim is connected to a first end of the recessed lighting container, the member does not extend into the recessed chamber. A lighting device is connected to the member, so that the lighting device does not extend into the recessed chamber when the trim is connected to the first end of the recessed lighting container.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic component, which comprises a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip is embedded in a plastic housing in such a way that is rear side and its lateral sides are embedded in a plastic molding compound. The lateral sides and/or the rear side of the semiconductor chip have an anchoring region, by means of which the semiconductor chip is in positive engagement with the surrounding plastic molding compound. The invention also relates to a method for producing the component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for simple implementation of requirements of telecommunications subscribers for services which can be provided by a communications network. According to the invention, the method includes abstracting and classifying the requirements into a corresponding number of classes, subdividing the individual classes into one or more subclasses, and uniquely associating a subclass with one or more technical functional units which can be coupled to one another in a corresponding manner. The system includes a first catalog of classes, in which each requirement can be associated with one class, and a second catalog of technical functional units, in which each class is associated with one or more specific technical functional units.

Abstract: A plasma reactor for processing a semiconductor workpiece, includes a reactor chamber having a chamber wall and containing a workpiece support for holding the semiconductor support, the electrode comprising a portion of the chamber wall, an RF power generator for supplying power at a frequency of the generator to the overhead electrode and capable of maintaining a plasma within the chamber at a desired plasma ion density level. The overhead electrode has a capacitance such that the overhead electrode and the plasma formed in the chamber at the desired plasma ion density resonate together at an electrode-plasma resonant frequency, the frequency of the generator being at least near the electrode-plasma resonant frequency. The reactor further includes a set of MERIE magnets surrounding the plasma process area overlying the wafer surface that produce a slowly circulating magnetic field which stirs the plasma to improve plasma ion density distribution uniformity.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a housing made of a cover and a base configured to retain a plurality of test strips. In certain embodiments, the height of the base is less than the height of each of the test strips, such that a portion of each of the test strips extends beyond the distal or top edge of the base. The subject devices may further be characterized as having a substantially air and moisture tight seal. In using the subject devices, a plurality of test strips stored in a subject device are provided. A single test strip is removed from the subject device by moving the test strip distal to the remaining test strips. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A user-variable method and system (160) for capturing and developing metamodel system requirements according to the capabilities of a predetermined set of metamodel users includes the steps and instructions for identifying a set of metamodel requirements for information useable by a system metamodel (162). The invention associates (164) a plurality of metamodel requirements components (182, 274) with the metamodel requirements. The method and system permit tailoring (166) the plurality of metamodel requirements components to a predetermined set of metamodel users. Following the tailoring function (166), the present invention may integrate (168) existing metamodels for then setting up (170) the metamodel for use by the ultimate metamodel user in the metamodel requirements capture step (174). The invention, further, graphically represents (172) the tailored plurality of metamodel requirements components according to the needs and capabilities of a predetermined set of metamodel users.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a housing made of a cover and a base configured to retain a plurality of test strips. In certain embodiments, the height of the base is less than the height of each of the test strips, such that a portion of each of the test strips extends beyond the distal or top edge of the base. The subject devices may further be characterized as having a substantially air and moisture tight seal. In using the subject devices, a plurality of test strips stored in a subject device are provided. A single test strip is removed from the subject device by moving the test strip distal to the remaining test strips. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a pricing system for ascertaining total price data in a mobile-radio-assisted ordering process. In this context, following transmission of order data, performed using a mobile radio network, from an ordering communication terminal to a provider communication terminal associated with a service provider, a pricing system is supplied with ordering data, associated with the order data, by the provider communication terminal. The pricing system uses network use data, which are transmitted by the mobile radio network and appear in connection with the ordering process, to select from a volume of price-influencing data stored in an influence memory the price-influencing data which are associated with the ordering process, and the ordering data and the read price-influencing data are used to ascertain the total price data concerning the ordering process.

Abstract: Devices for dispensing test strips and methods of using the same are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a housing made of a cover and a base configured to retain a plurality of test strips. In certain embodiments, the height of the base is less than the height of each of the test strips, such that a portion of each of the test strips extends beyond the distal or top edge of the base. The subject devices may further be characterized as having a substantially air and moisture tight seal. In using the subject devices, a plurality of test strips stored in a subject device are provided. A single test strip is removed from the subject device by moving the test strip distal to the remaining test strips. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for simple implementation of requirements of telecommunications subscribers for services which can be provided by a communications network. According to the invention, the method includes abstracting and classifying the requirements into a corresponding number of classes, subdividing the individual classes into one or more subclasses, and uniquely associating a subclass with one or more technical functional units which can be coupled to one another in a corresponding manner. The system includes a first catalog of classes, in which each requirement can be associated with one class, and a second catalog of technical functional units, in which each class is associated with one or more specific technical functional units.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for simultaneously producing multiple linear grooves on the internal surface of cylindrical tubes. The apparatus comprises an outer cage assembly with a mandrel assembly axially and slideably disposed therein. Additionally, each assembly is capable of independent nonrotational linear motion. The cage assembly is introduced into the inner diameter of the tube along their common cylindrical axis. A multiplicity of spherical roller elements, retained within circumferentially spaced ports near the entry end of the cage assembly maintain resting contact with the mandrel assembly disposed within the cage assembly. The entry end of the mandrel assembly is conically tapered to define a range of radial motion for the rollers upon linear movement of the mandrel assembly. This linear movement of the mandrel assembly generates radial expansion of the circumferentially spaced rollers into pressing contact with the pressure tube.

Abstract: An improved railroad crossing signal includes a deep dish parabolic reflector and an essentially flat plastic lens angled forward at the top relative to the axis of the reflector. The lens includes prism elements for laterally dispersing parallel light from the reflector more toward the crossing highway at near and far distances than toward the adjacent land. The lens also includes prism elements for vertically dispersing a portion of the light to produce uniform brightness before the signal.