Abstract: A method includes receiving streaming media data having a media frame and a frame index referencing the media frame; allocating a frame budget for an output media frame by estimating a frame size of the output media frame based on the frame index; generating the output media frame in real-time by processing the media frame based on first processing parameters and, if the allocated frame budget is greater than a frame size of the processed media frame, padding the processed media frame; and providing the output media frame.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method including receiving streaming media, wherein the streaming media is requested by a media player at a mobile device; retrieving timing information from the streaming media, wherein the timing information corresponds to real-time playback rate on the media player; framing the streaming media based on the real-time playback rate on the media player; scheduling transmission of the framed streaming media based on the framing, and transmitting the framed streaming media to the media player according to the schedule.

Abstract: A customer inserts a security device (D) into the USB port of his computer (C). When a transaction request confirmation (1) is transmitted to a merchant server (M), the merchant server (M) instructs an account server (AS). The account server (AS) performs customer verification, and payment (either with a local account or remote financial institute server). The account server (AS) communicates directly (3, 5) with the customer computer (C) with an encryption mechanism utilising security data read from the security device (D) and a time stamp. A security key for the security device is updated after each transaction and an embedded hardware key is also used.

Abstract: A cylinder block for an integral gas compressor and internal combustion engine. The cylinder block has a bank of compressor cylinders and a bank of engine cylinders, such as in a V-shaped configuration. Valve train openings are machined into the cylinder block adjacent to the engine cylinders so that engine valve train components, such as push rods, may be disposed therein. No valve train openings are machined into the cylinder block adjacent to the compressor cylinders; the block is left solid. A compressor utilizing the cylinder block is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hearing aid shell and tip for retaining therein hearing aid electronics. The shell body is shaped to conform with the inside shape of the ear to reduce rotation when positioned therein. A head section of the shell positioned deepest in the ear is elliptical in shape to reduce rotation. The tip covers the head section of the shell to separate the shell from direct contact with ear wax. One embodiment of the tip includes grasp tabs to assist in removing the shell and tip from the ear canal and to assist in establishing a snug fit in the ear canal. A second embodiment of the tip has no grasp tabs and is sufficiently pliable to ensure a snug fit around the head section of the shell.

Abstract: A sealing bulb boot for use in a vehicular lighting assembly comprising a boot with a lip running along its outer perimeter and a hole at its approximate center. The hole in the boot is generally circular in configuration with at least one notch which allows a conventional tabbed locking mechanism of a light source, which requires an approximate quarter turn to lock the light source to the reflector, to pass therethrough. The outer lip of the sealing bulb boot presses around a portion of the housing of the lighting assembly. A seal is also created around the inner portion of the sealing bulb boot upon the insertion of the light source through the hole at the center of the boot and the turning of the light source to engage the light source's locking mechanism.

Abstract: A draper header for a combine harvester includes two side drapers each running from an outer end guide roller at a first end of the header to an inner end guide roller adjacent the discharge location of the header and a central feed draper located at the discharge location and including a front guide roller just behind the cutter bar and running to a rear guide roller in front of the feeder house of the combine harvester. An auger is located between the discharge rollers with a front edge of the flight forward of the rear end of the discharge rollers to feed the material inwardly and underneath the auger to the inlet of the feeder house. A pan is located underneath the auger and is mounted on a common structure with the feed draper for common pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis.

Abstract: A sealing bulb boot for use in a vehicular lighting assembly comprising a boot with a lip running along its outer perimeter and a hole at its approximate center. The hole in the boot is generally circular in configuration with at least one notch which allows a conventional tabbed locking mechanism of a light source, which requires an approximate quarter turn to lock the light source to the reflector, to pass therethrough. The outer lip of the sealing bulb boot presses around a portion of the housing of the lighting assembly. A seal is also created around the inner portion of the sealing bulb boot upon the insertion of the light source through the hole at the center of the boot and the turning of the light source to engage the light source's locking mechanism.

Abstract: A draper header for a combine harvester includes two side drapers each running from an outer end guide roller at a first end of the header to an inner end guide roller adjacent the discharge location of the header and a central feed draper located at the discharge location and including a front guide roller just behind the cutter bar and running to a rear guide roller in front of the feeder house of the combine harvester. Each inner end guide roller is associated with a respective discharge roller immediately adjacent and parallel to it with a stripper blade in contact with the peripheral surface of the discharge roller so as to strip the crop from the peripheral surface along the full length of the roller. Each stripper blade is inclined downwardly and inwardly to a bottom edge closely adjacent the upper run of the feed draper.

Abstract: A diving fin and fin system for use with diving boots having a simplified attachment and quick release means wherein the diver can step in and out of the fins without having to stoop or bend. The principal advantage of this invention being its hands free operation and safety aspect.