Abstract: An automated ironing apparatus has a flexible steaming head for applying steam to a supported article. The flexible steaming head includes a device for shaping the flexible steaming head in at least two dimensions. A method of operating this apparatus for smoothing a garment includes a step of closing at least one opening in the garment, thereby to restrict gas flow through the at least one opening and introducing gas inside the garment thereby to smooth the garment. The step of closing at least one of the openings to be closed is effected by engaging the flexible steaming head with a surface of the garment.

Abstract: An automated ironing apparatus has a flexible steaming head for applying steam to a supported article. The flexible steaming head includes a device for shaping the flexible steaming head in at least two dimensions. A method of operating this apparatus for smoothing a garment includes a step of closing at least one opening in the garment, thereby to restrict gas flow through the at least one opening and introducing gas inside the garment thereby to smooth the garment. The step of closing at least one of the openings to be closed is effected by engaging the flexible steaming head with a surface of the garment.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed processing adaptive audio content by determining an audio type as one of channel-based audio and object-based audio for each audio segment of an adaptive audio bitstream, tagging the each audio segment with a metadata definition indicating the audio type of the corresponding audio segment, processing audio segments tagged as channel-based audio in a channel audio renderer component, and processing audio segments tagged as object-based audio in an object audio renderer component that is distinct from the channel audio renderer component. Object-based audio is rendered through an object audio renderer interface that dynamically adjusts processing block sizes of the object audio segments based on timing and alignment of metadata updates and maximum/minimum block size parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed processing adaptive audio content by determining an audio type as one of channel-based audio and object-based audio for each audio segment of an adaptive audio bitstream, tagging the each audio segment with a metadata definition indicating the audio type of the corresponding audio segment, processing audio segments tagged as channel-based audio in a channel audio renderer component, and processing audio segments tagged as object-based audio in an object audio renderer component that is distinct from the channel audio renderer component. Object-based audio is rendered through an object audio renderer interface that dynamically adjusts processing block sizes of the object audio segments based on timing and alignment of metadata updates and maximum/minimum block size parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a synchronization and switchover mechanism for an adaptive audio system in which multi-channel (e.g., surround sound) audio is provided along with object-based adaptive audio content. A synchronization signal is embedded in the multi-channel audio stream and contains a track identifier and frame count for the adaptive audio stream to play out. The track identifier and frame count of a received adaptive audio frame is compared to the track identifier and frame count contained in the synchronization signal. If either the track identifier or frame count does not match the synchronization signal, a switchover process fades out the adaptive audio track and fades in the multi-channel audio track. The system plays the multi-channel audio track until the synchronization signal track identifier and frame count and adaptive audio track identifier and frame count match, at which point the adaptive audio content will be faded back in.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a synchronization and switchover mechanism for an adaptive audio system in which multi-channel (e.g., surround sound) audio is provided along with object-based adaptive audio content. A synchronization signal is embedded in the multi-channel audio stream and contains a track identifier and frame count for the adaptive audio stream to play out. The track identifier and frame count of a received adaptive audio frame is compared to the track identifier and frame count contained in the synchronization signal. If either the track identifier or frame count does not match the synchronization signal, a switchover process fades out the adaptive audio track and fades in the multi-channel audio track. The system plays the multi-channel audio track until the synchronization signal track identifier and frame count and adaptive audio track identifier and frame count match, at which point the adaptive audio content will be faded back in.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing secure clocks in a system without using any external clock, a system configured to perform the method, and a computer medium storing system code. Each secure clock is adjustable subject to a set of predetermined adjustment constraints. The intersection of the adjustment constraints of all the clocks is a limit intersection. The clocks may be synchronized to an average adjusted time of the secure clocks (if the average adjusted time is within the limit intersection) or to a substitute average adjusted time within the limit intersection if the average adjusted time is outside the limit intersection. Synchronization can occur in response to a request to adjust at least one of the clocks by a proposed clock adjustment value or to synchronize at least one of them without otherwise adjusting them.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing secure clocks in a system without using any external clock, a system configured to perform the method, and a computer medium storing system code. Each secure clock is adjustable subject to a set of predetermined adjustment constraints. The intersection of the adjustment constraints of all the clocks is a limit intersection. The clocks may be synchronized to an average adjusted time of the secure clocks (if the average adjusted time is within the limit intersection) or to a substitute average adjusted time within the limit intersection if the average adjusted time is outside the limit intersection. Synchronization can occur in response to a request to adjust at least one of the clocks by a proposed clock adjustment value or to synchronize at least one of them without otherwise adjusting them.

Abstract: A method for attaching solder balls to solder pads on a circuit board, comprising distributing an approximately uniform flat layer of solder paste with distributed solder particles on top of a flat plate employing a squeegee, picking up the solder balls from a solder ball bin utilizing a vacuum tool, dipping the solder balls into the solder paste, lifting the solder balls out of the solder paste, placing the solder balls with the solder paste proximate to the center of the solder pad, releasing the solder balls, and reflowing assembly comprising the substrate, the solder balls, the solder paste, and solder particles in a reflow oven.

Abstract: A method, comprising immersing a package substrate used as part of a semiconductor device in a potassium iodide and iodine solution. The device comprises a substrate, a nickel layer abutting the substrate and comprising a black pad defect, and a gold layer abutting the nickel layer. The method also comprises rinsing the device with deionized water.