Abstract: An improved satellite communication device and system are provided. The satellite communication device uses yaw or roll-yaw steering to linearize angular track of uplink cells; one-dimensional linear “ratcheting” in an uplink antenna to maintain resource allocation of uplink cells along antenna columns; phased-array downlink antennas which can track earth-fixed downlink cells while compensating for the yaw (or roll-yaw) satellite steering; and variable rate TDMA service among downlink cells in a footprint. As a result, system overhead for performing new resource allocations between satellite handovers is minimized, thereby reducing resource management and increasing system capacity. Flexible bandwidth/capacity assignment of both uplink and downlink resources to earth locations via linear cell ratcheting, uplink RF peaking switch, and data-driven variable-TDMA downlink phased-arrays, is provided.

Abstract: A station for mounting a steam/condensate responsive device in a condensate return line comprises a housing block having front and back faces, opposite end faces and top and bottom faces. The back face has a mount for removably mounting a steam/condensate responsive device. The end faces has inlet and outlet ports for connection in a condensate return line. The bottom face has a third port. An inlet valve and outlet valve are operatively interposed between and control flow between the mount and corresponding ones of the inlet and outlet ports. The inlet and outlet valves are located on and extending forward from the front face. The inlet and outlet valves are angled acutely upwardly along the front face. A compact manifold assembly mounts a plurality of such stations. A screen may be interposed between the inlet valve and mount to bar contaminant particles from the steam/condensate responsive device.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of preventing cellular migration and of treating cardiovascular diseases and tumor metastasis by increasing cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 activity, and methods of identifying chemical compounds for use in such treatments.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting satellite communication signal transmit power for signals transmitted to a localized region within a satellite coverage area utilize real-time information on weather conditions (172) and/or actual path losses (174) within the localized regions to adjust the effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of the satellite beams (188) to minimize the total radio frequency (RF) power required for transmission. The transmission system may be realized using a variety of antenna types for transmitting spot beams and/or area coverage beams. Representative antenna implementations include multi-beam antennas having a low-level beamforming network and hybrid matrix amplifier system, phased-array with independent input amplitude control and beamsteering for each beam, and a phased-array feeding a confocal imaging system for single broadcast beam per polarization.

Abstract: A set of rules containing constraints and limitations of media display platforms is employed to define options in an enhancement-authoring program. Authoring actions implemented via the authoring program are checked to determine if a rule exists for the action. If a rule exists, a step associated with the rule is executed. The step may comprise issuing warnings, providing recommended values, providing suggestions, or indicating a set of permissible values. A rules based post processing routine may be employed to check file sizes, color relationships, or other enhancement aspects. The present invention may be implemented in conjunction with an authoring program, in conjunction with a display platform, or both. In one embodiment, rules are utilized by a display platform to convert enhancement variables to those suited to the display platform. The set of rules of the present invention may be implemented in a text file and may be compliant with XML.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, providing local drag and drop functions, is employed to position text and graphic elements on a video frame image. Frame number, element position, and element attributes are employed to create an enhancement file. The enhancement file is employed to embed a trigger, comprising information that identifies a video frame to be enhanced and a locator indicating where enhancement information may be accessed, into a streaming media file to create and enhanced streaming media file. An HTML/Javascript page embeds a media player and includes software to detect a trigger, access enhancement information, and to render the enhancement information in response to the trigger.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a platform independent enhancement file for television employs a web based editor with local functions for repositioning and sizing of displayable elements. Elements comprise text, graphics, images, or imported HTML files. Trigger information associated with elements controls the time and actions performed when rendering the displayable elements. A database comprises data representing elements, element attributes, trigger information and project information. A file generation process queries the database and produces a platform independent XML compatible script file. The script file may be parsed and the resultant HTML/Javascript file may be previewed employing a web browser. The script file may be parsed with other tools to provide HTML files for specific platforms without modification of the script file.

Abstract: A text based script file describing enhancements is parsed to produce platform dependent enhancement files that may be employed to produce enhancements on a set top box, enhanced television, or computer display. A script file may be of XML format and a parser may be an XSL translator. A parser may import HTML and Javascript from other applications. A parser may support a media player for emulation to view video and enhancements. Trigger data for rendering enhancements may be formatted into a javascript array. Trigger events may be employed to replace graphic pointers or text values. Multiple parsers, each supporting a specific platform, allow a single script file to be employed across multiple platforms. New platforms or versions of platforms are supported through new or updated parsers.

Abstract: A fast, raster-based, enhanced, data compression technique for the printing of compound documents, including pre-processing images in an original page description form of the data before the page data is rasterized, greatly improving compressibility. Unscaled image data is filtered before it is rasterized to the final printing resolution. The filtering specifically enables a separate, near loss-less, compression algorithm to operate on a rasterized page description with high compression ratios. A data compression technique enables a system to compress compound document using a relatively fast and simple algorithm with near loss-less print quality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that allows a video program to be broken up into video segments using markers that mark the beginning/end of each segment. Each video segment is then associated with a tag that describes the content and other information such as rating information relating to the subject matter of the video segment. Video segments can then be selected or excluded during either real time or nearly real time broadcast or on delayed broadcast to exclude the viewing of certain video clips based on user preferences or to allow the viewing of only certain chosen subject matter in accordance with user preferences.

Abstract: In response to an advertising event signal, rendering of an active media stream is automatically paused. A new window is opened and forced to full screen size. Advertising is presented in the new window. Some window controls may be disabled such that the advertising window may not be easily resized, closed, or obscured by another window. When advertising is complete, the new window is closed. Rendering of the media stream is resumed. Alternatively, advertising is presented in a video presentation window wherein the size of the window may be adjusted and controls disabled during presentation of an advertising message. Advertising may also comprise text, graphics and images that overlay a video image. As such, the video image may be adjusted to a predetermined size and video presentation window controls may be disabled.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a body adapted for connection to a first structure. A resilient member is in contact with the body, and a cam is pivotally movable relative to the body and adapted for connection to a second structure. An actuating member is positioned between the resilient member and the cam and biased by the resilient member into contact with the cam so that the actuating member exerts a force on said cam. The body defines a cylindrical bore and the resilient member is provided by a coil spring positioned in the bore. The actuating member is provided by a spherical ball member and the cam defines a lobe portion and a recessed dwell region. The cam is adapted for movement between first and second operative positions. When in the first operative position, the lobe portion of the cam is engaged with the actuating member. The lobe portion is defined so that, when the cam is in its first operative position, the actuating member urges the cam toward its second operative position.

Abstract: A satellite antenna pointing system has a reflector antenna for receiving an uplink signal from an earth based ground station and a satellite based phased array assembly for transmitting a downlink signal. Because extraterrestrial communications suffer significant losses during transmission, accurate pointing of both uplink and downlink antennas is desired in order to reduce required signal strength. The present invention uses two different methods for pointing the uplink and downlink antennas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device to determine which type of Set-Top Box (STB) is used in conjunction with an interactive television signal to convey code that has been developed for that specific STB. The STB is in effect, interacting with the transmission point to identify itself, and in certain circumstances, issue a request for information so that a signal or code developed for that specific receiving unit may be delivered to it. More specifically, the aforementioned invention discloses methods and devices to make these determinations on either the server side or the client side of the system.

Abstract: A video enhancement programming language alleviates problems of multiple versions of enhancement files for various display platforms. The programming language provides elements for selection of displayable objects, object attributes, modification of object attributes, scheduling of object rendering, and transport of scheduling and object information. Links, scripts, and user input may be associated with objects. Scheduling may be referenced to program display information or may be independent of program timing information. An enhancement filed created using the programming language of the present invention may be parsed to produce platform dependent enhancement files. Some elements may include platform identifiers such that parsed files may specifically include or exclude the element. Multiple parsers, each supporting a specific platform, allow a single script file to be employed across multiple platforms. New platforms or versions of platforms may be supported through new or updated parsers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote control device that interacts with a set-top box to provide selective programming and/or enhanced content based upon the identity of the user of the remote control. The present invention utilizes preference and profile data corresponding to the current user to control the video output and/or enhanced content of the display. The present invention can also select or exclude video or enhanced content based upon tags that describe video content and the identity of the user based upon the use of a personalized remote control. The present invention can employ recognition techniques, such as word recognition, image recognition and sound recognition to restrict or select video content based upon the identity of the user of a personalized remote control device.

Abstract: A fast, raster-based, enhanced, data compression technique for the printing of compound documents, including pre-processing images in an original page description form of the data before the page data is rasterized, greatly improving compressibility. Unscaled image data is filtered before it is rasterized to the final printing resolution. The filtering specifically enables a separate, near loss-less, compression algorithm to operate on a rasterized page description with high compression ratios. A data compression technique enables a system to compress compound document using a relatively fast and simple algorithm with near loss-less print quality.

Abstract: An antenna system and method for generating a desired contiguous spot beam pattern, and a signal is disclosed. The contiguous spot beam generating antenna system comprises a reflector system configured in a side-fed Cassegrain (SFOC) configuration, an array of feed horns comprising at least a subset of feed horns for illuminating the reflector system, and a beamforming network, communicatively coupled to the array of feed horns, for controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns in the array of feed horns. The method comprises illuminating a side fed offset Cassegrain reflector system with an RF signal emanating from an array of feed horns, and controlling an excitation of the subset of the feed horns.

Abstract: The present invention is an interactive system and method whereby participants may engage in a contest that is simultaneously or subsequently broadcast. The broadcast signal may be for the purpose of a pure entertainment source or may be an enticement to play the shown or other interactive games. The games may be computer simulation games, role-playing games, strategy games, question and answer games, casino games, or other games as desired. The broadcast signals may show a specialized view of the game being played and may contain live commentary or other enhancements. The games may be played with set top boxes connected to a television, a broadcast network, and a server system.

Abstract: A fast, raster-based, enhanced, data compression technique for the printing of compound documents, including pre-processing images in an original page description form of the data before the page data is rasterized, greatly improving compressibility. Unscaled image data is filtered before it is rasterized to the final printing resolution. The filtering specifically enables a separate, near loss-less, compression algorithm to operate on a rasterized page description with high compression ratios. A data compression technique enables a system to compress compound document using a relatively fast and simple algorithm with near loss-less print quality.