Abstract: We provide a process to manufacture a base stock, comprising hydrocracking, separating, and dewaxing, wherein the base stock has a ratio of Noack volatility to CCS VIS at ?25° C. multiplied by 100 from 0.15 to 0.40. We also provide a base stock made by a process, and a base oil manufacturing plant that produces the base stock.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining prints or other services from a digital camera uses a camera and a transceiver module, each having unique identifiers that are stored in a database stored on a remote print routing server. To obtain the service, the user couples the camera to the transceiver module and requests an image service, such as by pressing a button. The transceiver module sends image files and a request for prints to the routing server. The routing server confirms that the request is authorized by querying its database to determine if the camera identifier is authorized for use with the transceiver module. Provided the service request is authorized, the routing server sends the image files to a print center. The service request is coupled with shipping and billing information, such that the print center is able to ship prints to the shipping address and bill the appropriate account.

Abstract: A control module between to a lens barrel and a camera body contains a focus driver and an iris and associated aperture control. The control module interacts electronically and mechanically with the camera body and the lens barrel to position lens systems within the barrel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an indicator device that can provide a single output where, in the past, two or more indicator lights were needed. The indicator device works with an electronic device that has two or more binary components, each component having two binary states. Two or more indicator lights generate a light scheme that corresponds to the status of the states. A single output is created out of the light scheme in the form of an output light. For example, the indicator device includes a two or more light sources including a first light source coupled to the first component and a second light source coupled to the second component. The first light source generates a light when the first component is in the first binary state. Also, the first light source does not generate a light when the first component is in the second binary state.

Abstract: A signal receiver is coupled with data storage and processing capacity to yield a communications system which coordinates signals of varying types with data protocols of varying types and allows data passing through the system to be stored and processed for various purposes.

Abstract: A digital camera is controlled by a user through a screen displaying navigable video content.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved audio system and method for a computer system such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer. The improved audio system enables the computer system to output a high quality audio signal that is similar to many dedicated high-end consumer or professional audio components. In other words, the output from the computer systems is as good as the signal output from audio components in a home entertainment system. In one example described below, this is accomplished by providing a component called a sample rate converter to the computer system. The sample rate converter in the example upsamples a standard 16 bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio signal inside the computer system into a 24 bit, 192 kHz enhanced digital audio signal. This signal is as good as, or better than, the signals coming from single function audio component that can cost more than the entire computer system.

Abstract: An interactive video environment provides information to users about the set up and operation of digital devices and provides information about products and services to complement a digital device the user has purchased. The video environment features a host personality and the user may customize a video environment by selecting a host from a pre-defined set of hosts. The video environment is used in at least three modes: 1) to assist the user in making a product selection; 2) to assist the user in setting up a new digital device; and 3) to provide the user with additional information after purchase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for burying a hidden data stream into a combined network data stream. In the preferred embodiment, the network data stream is an MPEG-2 type video data stream, and the hidden data stream is embedded so that it is neither readily detectable nor easily removable from the network data stream. A home gateway having a wireless transceiver communicates with appliances in the home via this network data stream. The hidden data stream can be embedded with a main data stream either by the content provider or by the gateway in the home. At the appliance, the hidden stream can be removed and is presented to or used by the user in a way appropriate for the appliance. Instructions as to how the hidden stream is to be presented on the appliance can be embedded into the hidden stream itself. The hidden data stream can be further used to control access to and control the content of the rest of the network data stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for burying a commerce data stream into a network data stream. In the preferred embodiment, the network data stream is an MPEG-2 type video data stream, and the commerce data stream is embedded so that it is neither readily detectable nor easily removable from the network data stream. A home gateway having a wireless transceiver communicates with appliances in the home via this MPEG-2 type video data stream. Non-video data to be transmitted to the appliances is encapsulated in a video data stream, such that the commerce data stream can be buried using the same technique used with video data. The commerce data stream can be embedded with the network data stream either by the content provider, or by the gateway itself at the home. Appliances in the home receive the data stream with the embedded commerce data. At that point, the commerce stream can be removed from the digital data, and is presented to the user in a way appropriate for the appliance.

Abstract: Apparatus for bleeding and refilling hydraulic brake system, particularly, automotive hydraulic brake system, includes a bleeding unit and a refilling unit. The bleeding unit comprises a peristaltic pump having an inlet and an outlet tubing for removing brake fluid and entrapped air in a hydraulic system. A collection container is provided for holding the brake fluid removed. A first electronic timer operates the pump for a predetermined length of time. An opto-sensor attached to the inlet tubing serves as an air bubble detector, on each air bubble detected, a signal is issued to start a second electronic timer which operates the pump for an additional predetermined length of time simultaneously with the first timer. When the first timer almost reaches resetting, each air bubbles detected, thereafter, will trigger the second timer to operate the pump until no more air bubbles are detected.