Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for manufacturing an integral duplex bearing having an outer ring, a first inner ring, and a second inner ring includes forming a first outer raceway and a second outer raceway in an inner surface of the outer ring. The method further includes forming a first inner raceway in an outer surface of the first inner ring and a second inner raceway in an outer surface of the second inner ring while the first inner ring and the second inner ring are joined together. The first and second inner rings each have an outer surface diameter less than an inner surface diameter of the outer ring such that the first and second inner rings may be positioned inside the outer ring with the first inner raceway located adjacent to the first outer raceway and the second inner raceway located adjacent to the second outer raceway. The method further includes separating the first inner ring from the second inner ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first selectable media guidance object may be displayed on a screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a first plane. A second selectable media guidance object may be displayed on the screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a second plane. The first and second planes may be perceived to intersect an axis normal to the display in different locations. A user selection of at least one of the first and second selectable media guidance objects may be received. An action of moving a cursor in 3D space or selecting one of the selectable media guidance objects displayed in the 3D space may be performed based on the user selection. The user selection may be performed with an input device having an accelerometer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing interactive content during writing and production of a media asset are provided. A script of a media asset that includes natural language textual annotations that define uniquely interactive content and timing contingencies during which to display the interactive content may be received. After the media asset corresponding to the script is produced, computer language instructions may be generated based on the natural language annotations. The computer language instructions and the media asset may be stored on a master storage medium. The media asset and computer language instructions may be transmitted to a media equipment device. Playback time codes may be transmitted with the media asset. When a playback time code corresponds to an event that identifies interactive content, the media equipment device may display the interactive content represented by the computer language instructions during a time interval defined by the computer language instructions.

Abstract: The modifications to the ball allow the ball to be tethered to a control rope with snap fittings. The rod or tube rod permit the ball to rotate when hit and prevent the twisting of the control rope which keeps the ball under control.

Abstract: A method and a system are put forth for providing regional content information to a user device (e.g., television, laptop, cell phone, etc.). In one example, the system provides content information messages that provide explanations of cultural peculiarities that may occur in the original media content (e.g., television programs, Internet streams, etc.). Accordingly, the system allows media content to be understood by various users who have different cultural backgrounds.

Abstract: A method and a system are put forth for providing regional content information to a user device (e.g., television, laptop, cell phone, etc.). In one example, the system provides content information messages that provide explanations of cultural peculiarities that may occur in the original media content (e.g., television programs, Internet streams, etc.). Accordingly, the system allows media content to be understood by various users who have different cultural backgrounds.

Abstract: A method and a system are put forth for providing regional content information to a user device (e.g., television, laptop, cell phone, etc.). In one example, the system provides content information messages that provide explanations of cultural peculiarities that may occur in the original media content (e.g., television programs, Internet streams, etc.). Accordingly, the system allows media content to be understood by various users who have different cultural backgrounds.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing writing to a bit patterned media includes: reading bits from skipped blocks on the bit patterned media, using timing of bits read from the skipped blocks to update a write clock, and writing request data to physical blocks on the bit patterned media, interleaved with the skipped blocks. An apparatus that operates in accordance with the method is also provided.

Abstract: Sub-lithographi lamella and pillar structures defined by larger lines or lamellae are described. A static random access memory (SRAM) cell structure is created in a three-dimensional format as a vertical stack of wired transistors. These transistors are fabricated from crystalline silicon, and supplemental wiring structure features are fabricated to comprise a circuit along the walls of a vertical pillar. The three-dimensional cell integrated circuit can be created by a single mask step. Various structural features and methods of fabrication are described in detail. Peripheral interface, a two pillar version and other supplemental techniques and structural variations are also described.

Abstract: A data storage system includes recording media with a shingled track pattern of multiple data tracks in which mapped data bits are recorded. The mapped data are coherently aligned with one another across the multiple data tracks. A read head has an effective read head width that extends across the multiple data tracks and that is aligned to coherently read the mapped data bits. A read head output includes a non-binary multi-level amplitude summation of the mapped data bits.

Abstract: Method and systems for operating a media equipment device having at least a full-power mode and an off-power mode are provided. A voltage supply to the media equipment device may be controlled by the media equipment device itself or by an external power management unit to automatically power-off the media equipment device, and power the device back on a future time. Prior to powering off the media equipment device, a portion of program schedule information stored in the volatile memory of the media equipment device may be mirrored to nonvolatile memory and may be restored on a priority basis after the media equipment device is powered back up. An external power management unit for controlling the media equipment device may also automatically detect and identify devices in the home based on a power signature of the device and manage the operation of the device based on the identification.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining proximity of objects in a three-dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first rank may be associated with a first media object. A second rank lower than the first rank may be associated with a second media object. The first and second media objects may appear at respective first and second distances in 3D space when viewed using a stereoscopic optical device. The first and second distances may correspond respectively to the first and second ranks of the first and second media objects. The first and second ranks may be automatically associated with the first and second media objects using predetermined or viewer-defined criteria. A viewer may input ranking criteria using a user input device having an accelerometer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing interactive content during writing and production of a media asset are provided. A script of a media asset that includes natural language textual annotations that define uniquely interactive content and timing contingencies during which to display the interactive content may be received. After the media asset corresponding to the script is produced, computer language instructions may be generated based on the natural language annotations. The computer language instructions and the media asset may be stored on a master storage medium. The media asset and computer language instructions may be transmitted to a media equipment device. Playback time codes may be transmitted with the media asset. When a playback time code corresponds to an event that identifies interactive content, the media equipment device may display the interactive content represented by the computer language instructions during a time interval defined by the computer language instructions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing interactive content during writing and production of a media asset are provided. A script of a media asset that includes natural language textual annotations that define uniquely interactive content and timing contingencies during which to display the interactive content may be received. After the media asset corresponding to the script is produced, computer language instructions may be generated based on the natural language annotations. The computer language instructions and the media asset may be stored on a master storage medium. The media asset and computer language instructions may be transmitted to a media equipment device. Playback time codes may be transmitted with the media asset. When a playback time code corresponds to an event that identifies interactive content, the media equipment device may display the interactive content represented by the computer language instructions during a time interval defined by the computer language instructions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating dialog between a user and a media equipment device are provided. Videos of a user selected actor may be retrieved. An opener video of the selected actor may be displayed and based on a verbal response received from the user, a clip of a media asset associated with the selected actor may be retrieved. User reactions to the displayed clip may be monitored and subsequent videos of the actor and clips may be provided based on the user reactions. Clips of a media asset that matches preferences of the user may be retrieved. A clip associated with a mid level rank may be displayed. When the user reacts positively to the clip a clip associated with a low class level rank may be retrieved next otherwise a high class level rank clip may be retrieved next.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating dialog between a user and a media equipment device are provided. Videos of a user selected actor may be retrieved. An opener video of the selected actor may be displayed and based on a verbal response received from the user, a clip of a media asset associated with the selected actor may be retrieved. User reactions to the displayed clip may be monitored and subsequent videos of the actor and clips may be provided based on the user reactions. Clips of a media asset that matches preferences of the user may be retrieved. A clip associated with a mid level rank may be displayed. When the user reacts positively to the clip a clip associated with a low class level rank may be retrieved next otherwise a high class level rank clip may be retrieved next.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing consumers with vendor-sponsored access to media content are described. In these systems and methods, a consumer's access to media content is sponsored by vendors with whom the consumer has engaged in a transaction. This sponsorship may take the form of payments provided to a media provider for a media content item or service provided to the consumer. Consumers may access goods and services provided by vendors when they are interested in engaging in a transaction, and may be presented with transaction opportunities according to their preferences. Vendors may selectively target transaction opportunities to consumers and may only sponsor media access for consumers with whom they have completed a transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first selectable media guidance object may be displayed on a screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a first plane. A second selectable media guidance object may be displayed on the screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a second plane. The first and second planes may be perceived to intersect an axis normal to the display in different locations. A user selection of at least one of the first and second selectable media guidance objects may be received. An action of moving a cursor in 3D space or selecting one of the selectable media guidance objects displayed in the 3D space may be performed based on the user selection. The user selection may be performed with an input device having an accelerometer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first selectable media guidance object may be displayed on a screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a first plane. A second selectable media guidance object may be displayed on the screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a second plane. The first and second planes may be perceived to intersect an axis normal to the display in different locations. A user selection of at least one of the first and second selectable media guidance objects may be received. An action of moving a cursor in 3D space or selecting one of the selectable media guidance objects displayed in the 3D space may be performed based on the user selection. The user selection may be performed with an input device having an accelerometer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving vendor-sponsored access to media content are described. In these systems and methods, a consumer's access to media content is sponsored by vendors with whom the consumer has engaged in a transaction. This sponsorship may take the form of payments provided to a media provider for a media content item or service provided to the consumer. Consumers may access goods and services provided by vendors when they are interested in engaging in a transaction, and may be presented with transaction opportunities according to their preferences. Vendors may selectively target transaction opportunities to consumers and may only sponsor media access for consumers with whom they have completed a transaction.