Abstract: The present invention involves a digital audio player and a method for processing encoded digital audio data, wherein the digital audio data is encoded using one of a plurality of encoding formats. The audio data player has a hard disk or other data storage medium for storing data files, a microcontroller, buffer memory for anti-skip protection, and an audio decoder. The encoded audio data files and associated decoder files are downloaded from a personal computer or similar device to the audio data player hard drive. The player provides a menu-driven user interface for selection, sorting, and playback of stored audio data files. During playback, elapsed playback time is computed and displayed. For variable bit-rate audio data files, the audio data player generates an elapsed playback timekeeping map concurrently with playback and fast forward scan of audio data files.

Abstract: The present invention involves a digital audio player and a method for processing encoded digital audio data, wherein the digital audio data is encoded using one of a plurality of encoding formats. The audio data player has a hard disk or other data storage medium for storing data files, a microcontroller buffer memory for anti-skip protection, and an audio decoder. The encoded audio data files and associated decoder files are downloaded from a personal computer or similar device to the audio data player hard drive. The player provides a menu-driven user interface for selection, sorting, and playback of stored audio data files. During playback, elapsed playback time is computed and displayed. For variable bit-rate audio data files, the audio data player generates an elapsed playback timekeeping map concurrently with playback and fast forward scan of audio data files.

Abstract: A vacuum release valve and method are defined. The valve 10, 100, 200 is positioned on a line L between a pool suction inlet I and a pump PU for pumping pool liquid from the inlet and along the line L. The valve 10, 100, 200 includes a valve member 24, 108, 214 that is urged by the pump into a sealing position during normal pumping of pool liquid from the inlet to the pump, so that pool liquid does not flow across the valve. When a predetermined level of vacuum is induced in the line, the valve member is moved out of the sealing position by the vacuum so that a fluid is allowed to flow through the valve to release the vacuum.

Abstract: A vacuum release valve and method are defined. The valve 10, 100, 200 is positioned on a line L between a pool suction inlet I and a pump PU for pumping pool liquid from the inlet and along the line L. The valve 10, 100, 200 includes a valve member 24, 108, 214 that is urged by the pump into a sealing position during normal pumping of pool liquid from the inlet to the pump, so that pool liquid does not flow across the valve. When a predetermined level of vacuum is induced in the line, the valve member is moved out of the sealing position by the vacuum so that a fluid is allowed to flow through the valve to release the vacuum.