Abstract: A thermal energy storage system utilizes a high temperature storage segment having flow passages extending through the storage segment whereby a working fluid can extract energy from the storage system for powering conventional downstream equipment. A mixing manifold cooperates with an outlet manifold for reducing the temperature of the working fluid to a temperature safe for the downstream equipment. The mixing manifold, an outlet manifold, an inlet manifold and a support base for the high temperature storage segment, are all of a high temperature tolerant material allowing the high temperature storage segment to operate at temperatures in excess of 1000° C. and preferably to temperatures above 1400° C. The temperature of the working fluid provided to the conventional equipment can be managed to be below a maximum temperature which in many cases may be about 700° C.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing media editing capability to a user of a mobile device in communication with a video or an audio media editing system. The methods involve receiving at the mobile device information specifying a current user context of the media editing system and automatically activating functionality on the mobile device that corresponds to the current editing context. The functionality may be a subset of the editing system controls, controls associated with a plug-in software module, or new controls or control modalities enabled by the form factor and input modes featured on the mobile device. The functionality of the mobile device may be updated as the editing context changes, or temporarily frozen to enable multi-user work flows, with each user using a different editing function.

Abstract: A data replication system and method. The method and apparatus provides for an efficient means of replicating data over a network in the form of a file between two individuals, or within defined groups of individuals, using a variety of devices to access the Internet, including computers, personal data assistants (“PDA”s) and wireless devices. A group is formed through an exchange of invitation, acceptance, and welcome messages. A group member designates a replication directory on the group member's computer. Files placed in the directory are replicated and stored in the replication directory of each of the other members of the group. Any change to a replicated file causes a message by one member to be sent to all other members. Changes are conveyed via patches that represent the changes made to a replicated file. Replicated files are saved without replacing previous versions of the replicated file. The group formation and file replication processes are accomplished using existing network protocols.

Abstract: A data replication system and method. The method and apparatus provides for an efficient means of replicating data over a network in the form of a file between two individuals, or within defined groups of individuals, using a variety of devices to access the Internet, including computers, personal data assistants (“PDA”s) and wireless devices. A group is formed through an exchange of invitation, acceptance, and welcome messages. A group member designates a replication directory on the group member's computer. Files placed in the directory are replicated and stored in the replication directory of each of the other members of the group. Any change to a replicated file causes a message by one member to be sent to all other members. Changes are conveyed via patches that represent the changes made to a replicated file. Replicated files are saved without replacing previous versions of the replicated file.

Abstract: A game piece and a method of simulating a player selection lottery game using the game piece. The game piece is made from a substrate. The game piece has predetermined playing groups of digits and at least two matching groups of digits printed thereon. The game piece also has, for each matching group of digits, a predetermined prize indicia. These prize indicia represent prizes associated with each of the matching groups. Either the playing or matching groups (or preferably both) are covered with, for example, aluminum permeated latex. The player scratches off the latex from a playing and a matching group, and depending upon the relevant match type, compares the groups accordingly. The relevant match types include a potential exact order match to a selected playing group, an any order match to a selected playing group, a plurality match to a selected playing group, and a single digit match to a selected playing group.