Abstract: A system and method is provided of synchronizing data streaming. The method can include the operation of receiving an incoming media packet having a timestamp from a media server at a client device. A further operation is synchronizing the clocks for a client device with a clock for a media server. The timestamp can be compared with a next play time for a packet. Another operation can be placing the incoming media packet into a user buffer at a playing position in the user buffer based on the next play time. The incoming media packet can then be played using a media output device accessible to an end user.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preparing a streaming media system for initial presentation of a media stream. The system includes a media server configured to send out media packets for a media stream at periodic clocked intervals. A framer can be located with the media server to divide the media stream into media packets. A media client is also provided to receive the media packets for the media stream from the media server. A send queue can be located in the server. The send queue can be configured to store a defined length of programming from the media stream, and the send queue can immediately fill a client's user buffer when an activation event occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing streaming media with multiple output devices. One or more media servers serve media streams to one or more output devices (i.e., players). For playback synchronization, one output device is the “master”, whereas the remaining output devices are “slaves”. More data is requested from the media server by the “master” device to maintain a nominal buffer fill level over time. The “slave” devices receive streamed data from the media server at the rate determined by the master device's data requests, and the average rate of data flow over the streaming network is thus controlled by the frequency of the single “master” device's crystal. “Slave” devices make playback rate corrections to maintain respective buffer fill levels within upper and lower threshold levels. For slow networks, each media data packet timestamp is calculated from the time the master's buffer reaches nominal level.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preparing a streaming media system for initial presentation of a media stream. The system includes a media server configured to send out media packets for a media stream at periodic clocked intervals. A framer can be located with the media server to divide the media stream into media packets. A media client is also provided to receive the media packets for the media stream from the media server. A send queue can be located in the server. The send queue can be configured to store a defined length of programming from the media stream, and the send queue can immediately fill a client's user buffer when an activation event occurs.

Abstract: A system and method is provided of synchronizing data streaming. The method can include the operation of receiving an incoming media packet having a timestamp from a media server at a client device. A further operation is synchronizing the clocks for a client device with a clock for a media server. The timestamp can be compared with a next play time for a packet. Another operation can be placing the incoming media packet into a user buffer at a playing position in the user buffer based on the next play time. The incoming media packet can then be played using a media output device accessible to an end user.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the presence of and evaluating the approach to obstacles situated in the path of articles attached to the roof of a vehicle and alerting the driver of the vehicle when an impact or collision between the articles and the obstacles is likely to occur. An example device includes an ultrasonic transducer and circuitry to measure the distance to obstacles, an audible warning device, a microprocessor to perform such tasks as controlling the generation of ultrasonic pulses, measuring the echo delay, calculating the risk of collision, and signaling the warning device, and a housing which protects the components of the device and can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the vehicle.

Abstract: An undercarriage for heavy diagnostic equipment having a selectably engageable swivel mechanism activated by the movement of a cam to allow the undercarriage to be turned when desired and rolled in a straight line when necessary, a selectably engageable braking mechanism to prevent movement of the undercarriage when desired, but allowing the undercarriage to be moved quickly if needed, and a balance wheel assembly to prevent the undercarriage and equipment from becoming unstable when encountering obstacles, while allowing the undercarriage to be rolled up inclines. An aspect of the invention allows the swivel and braking mechanisms to be selectively engaged from the same point along the undercarriage, thereby providing superior control of the undercarriage and the equipment which it carries.