Abstract: Methods, systems, and subsystems for identifying and accessing multimedia content are provided. One system for identifying and accessing multimedia content from a network includes an encyclopedic database, a user library content file having data distilled from the encyclopedic database, a user local settings file having personal profile settings relating to filtering content, and a similarity file having data associating together the multimedia content. A local device is in data communication with the user library content file, the user local settings file, and the similarity file. Instructions stored on computer-readable media perform steps (when executed by a processor) for allowing: (a) the user library content file to be searched to obtain search results, the search results having been filtered using the personal profile settings; and (b) the similarity file to be accessed to obtain supplementary search results, the supplementary search results having been filtered using the personal profile settings.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus which includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, whereby magnetic flux generated by a varying primary voltage applied to the primary winding induces a varying secondary voltage on the secondary winding, a torroidal transformer core over which said primary winding and secondary winding are applied, and at least one magnetic shunt arranged to provide a diversion path for magnetic flux generated by the primary winding which diverts magnetic flux from the secondary winding.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and subsystems for identifying and accessing multimedia content are provided. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed for identifying and accessing video files from a network based on information about contents of the video files. The system includes instructions stored on computer readable media, and the instructions perform the following steps when executed by a processor: (a) automatically entering subject matter data from the network into an encyclopedic database; (b) automatically distilling data from the encyclopedic database to create a user library content file; (c) allowing multiple clients to search data in the user library content file to identify at least one video file on the network and to access the at least one video file on the network using at least one reference file; (d) restricting the clients from accessing the encyclopedic database; and (e) restricting search results based on profile settings for each of the clients.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and subsystems for identifying and accessing multimedia content are provided. One external library access module includes instructions, stored on computer readable media, that, when executed by a processor, perform steps for: accessing personal profile settings stored in computer readable media, the profile settings including personal settings relating to filtering content; accessing an external search engine used to identify content on a network, the engine having an adjustable content filter; and selecting a setting of the filter based on the personal settings. In another embodiment, a method for identifying and accessing multimedia content from a network includes: filtering content described in a first compilation of data in strict adherence to personal settings relating to filtering content; and using an external filter to filter content accessible from the network through an external search engine.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and subsystems for identifying and accessing multimedia content are provided. One system is specifically provided for automatically selecting a content source for accessing a movie that is accessible from multiple content sources. Account log-in information for at least one of the content sources, cost preferences, and quality preferences are stored in computer memory. A processor is in data communication with the account log-in information and the stored cost and quality preferences. Programming causes the processor to automatically select between the content sources through which the movie is accessible; the automatic selection is restricted to: (a) content sources for which the account log-in information is stored, and (b) content sources for which no account log-in information is necessary. The automatic selection is based on a comparison of the stored cost and quality preferences to actual cost and quality information associated with the content sources.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus which includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, whereby magnetic flux generated by a varying primary voltage applied to the primary winding induces a varying secondary voltage on the secondary winding, a torroidal transformer core over which said primary winding and secondary winding are applied, and at least one magnetic shunt arranged to provide a diversion path for magnetic flux generated by the primary winding which diverts magnetic flux from the secondary winding.

Abstract: A data traffic policer includes a classifier for separating a packet stream in accordance with class, a first bucket for a first traffic class representing a first transmission rate and a first burst capacity and a plurality of second buckets for a plurality of second traffic classes representing a corresponding second transmission rates and a second burst capacities, the plurality of second buckets being nested within the first bucket thereby being subordinate to the rate and capacity of the first bucket, with the rate of the second bucket being disabled when a fill condition exists in the first bucket. The second bucket for a second traffic class may include a plurality of buckets for a corresponding plurality of traffic classes, with each bucket of the plurality of buckets having a corresponding capacity and rate. The rate defined as a corresponding weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid barrier assembly (1) for the prevention of flow of liquid from one area to an adjacent area. The assembly (1) comprises at least two barriers (2,3) each comprising a substantially rigid container and a front wall (5) against which, in use, liquid is intended to be incident. Adjacent barriers (2,3) are linked by a connector (12) which comprises a first relatively rigid portion (13) and a second relatively deformable portion (15). The portions (13, 15) are received in respective recesses defined in neighbouring side walls of adjacent barriers (2,3). The second portion (15) is deformed upon juxtaposition of adjacent barriers (2,3) in a predetermined manner so as to form an effective water-tight seal between the barriers (2,3). The arrangement is particularly suitable for flood defence barriers.

Abstract: A data traffic policer includes a classifier for separating a packet stream in accordance with class, a first bucket for a first traffic class representing a first transmission rate and a first burst capacity and a plurality of second buckets for a plurality of second traffic classes representing a corresponding second transmission rates and a second burst capacities, the plurality of second buckets being nested within the first bucket thereby being subordinate to the rate and capacity of the first bucket, with the rate of the second bucket being disabled when a fill condition exists in the first bucket. The second bucket for a second traffic class may include a plurality of buckets for a corresponding plurality of traffic classes, with each bucket of the plurality of buckets having a corresponding capacity and rate. The rate defined as a corresponding weight.

Abstract: A method for linking data using persistent links is disclosed. The links are created in a central repository, which maintains an identification class for each entity. The identification class contains all available information concerning the entity. By matching links instead of names and addresses, potential ambiguities and erroneous duplicates are eliminated. The links are encoded before external distribution with a client-specific key; the link encoding discourages clients from collaborating to use personal information without authorization.

Abstract: A method for linking data using persistent links is disclosed. The links are created in a central repository, which maintains an identification class for each entity. The identification class contains all available information concerning the entity. By matching links instead of names and addresses, potential ambiguities and erroneous duplicates are eliminated. The links are encoded before external distribution with a client-specific key; the link encoding discourages clients from collaborating to use personal information without authorization.

Abstract: A device and method for making an electrical connection (40) has a body (42) constructed from an electrically-insulating material and the body (42) defines a plurality of channels (44). Each of at least some of the channels (44) forms a media bore (46) and a connector bore (50). The body (42) also forms a connection void (41) which intersects at least two of the channels (44) to form connection cavities (48) in those channels (44). Energy-transmitting media, such as wires (52), may be inserted into the media bores (50) such that each of the media extends into a different one of the connection cavities (48). Energy-transmitting means, such as pins (56), may be inserted into the connector bores (50) so that each of the energy-transmitting means extends into a different one of the connection cavities (48).

Abstract: Disclosed is an address buffer circuit for use in semiconductor memories. The buffer includes a pair of cross-coupled transistors having set and reset nodes that are precharged to a predetermined level prior to sensing the input address signals. The set and reset nodes couple to a pair of load transistors that are also precharged prior to sensing. Actual sensing occurs by further charging or discharging the set and reset nodes at rates that reflect the state of the input address signal. A current sinking circuit detects the different charge or discharge rate and selectively sinks the precharge on one load transistor thereby latching the state of the input address signal.