Abstract: A system and method of operation for a distributed media network and meta data server provides a low cost, efficient, reliable and versatile alternative to traditional media network systems. Multiple media data file servers are designated as primary or alternate data file servers for different media data media files. Related or linked media data files may be distributed throughout a media network which results in lower peak bandwidth usage at each media data file server. Each server in the distributed media network responds more quickly and efficiently due to its limited functionality and scope of media data files that it must server. Media data file servers transfer low bandwidth meta data to client devices allowing a significant increase in the number of clients which can simultaneously log in to a dedicated network server.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, and apparatus for changing a state of a remote switch box. On a master switch box, a request is received from a user to set a state of the remote switch box to a selected state. A request to change the remote switch box to the selected state is transmitted from the master switch box to the remote switch box. The remote switch box connects a remote phone to a phone line. The master switch box receives a confirmation from the remote switch box of the change to the selected state. The confirmation contains the state of the remote switch box. The state of the remote switch box is displayed on the master switch box.

Abstract: A high solids precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) suspension and method for producing the suspension are provided, with the PCC having a PCC particle size distribution d90 value of about 0.7 microns or less, a PCC particle size distribution d50 value of about 0.4 microns or less, a PCC particle size distribution d90/d50 ratio of from about 1.2 to about 2.2 and a PCC specific surface area of about 10.0 meters squared per gram or greater.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method and system for automatically muting a headphone. The headphone detects a sound external to the headphone. A volume threshold and a frequency threshold are received, wherein the volume threshold and the frequency threshold define a sound of interest. A determination is made as to whether the sound external to the headphone is the sound of interest. Responsive to a determination that the sound external to the headphone is the sound of interest, a signal is transmitted to automatically mute an active state of the headphone.

Abstract: A high solids precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) suspension and method for producing the suspension are provided, with the PCC having a PCC particle size distribution d90 value of about 0.7 microns or less, a PCC particle size distribution d50 value of about 0.4 microns or less, a PCC particle size distribution d90/d50 ratio of from about 1.2 to about 2.2 and a PCC specific surface area of about 10.0 meters squared per gram or greater.

Abstract: A system for remotely venting an expansion bladder employed in a liquid-filled container, such as an outer housing of an x-ray tube. The remote venting configuration provides the expansion bladder with access to atmospheric pressure existing about the x-ray tube so as to enable it to compensate for pressure changes within the liquid-filled container that occur as a result of liquid heating. Further, the remote nature of the bladder venting system enables the expansion bladder to be positioned within a portion of the outer housing that is radiation shielded, while the remote venting portion of the system is positioned in an unshielded portion of the housing. This eliminates the need to perforate the radiation shielding of the outer housing in order to provide atmospheric pressure to the bladder. Further, the remote vent is semi-permeable so as to prevent liquid escape from the system in the event of bladder rupture.

Abstract: A rib clip for connecting first and second components is provided with first and second legs deflectable relative to each other. One leg is substantially straight and includes a shelf. The other leg is bent and includes inner and outer arms biased against a component held between the legs. The rib clip is inserted in a window of the other component, which compresses the legs toward each other, securing the first and second components relative to each other.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a grommet, a dampening subassembly, and a pin. The pin is secured to the grommet and the dampening subassembly. The pin is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the grommet. The pin secures to the grommet in the locked position, and is removable from the grommet in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a grommet, a dampening subassembly, and a pin. The pin is secured to the grommet and the dampening subassembly. The pin is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the grommet. The pin secures to the grommet in the locked position, and is removable from the grommet in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a secondary connection into the w-base fastener. This secondary connection permits the fastener to be easily extracted by providing a technique for pulling the legs of the w-base fastener inward prior to extraction of the fastener from the hole.

Abstract: A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.

Abstract: A cable terminal and clamp system particularly suited for use in an x-ray tube environment. The cable terminal and clamp system includes a cable socket having cable and terminal ports, each of which defines an axis. The cable terminal and clamp system includes a cable clamp that receives at least a portion of the cable socket. The cable clamp and cable socket are configured so that motion of the cable socket, relative to the cable clamp, along the axis defined by the terminal port is unimpaired, while motion of the cable socket, relative to the cable clamp, along the axis defined by the cable port is precluded. A spring interposed between the cable socket and cable clamp biases the cable socket away from the cable clamp along the axis defined by the terminal port. The cable terminal and clamp system thus accommodates thermal expansion of the terminal, while retaining the terminal in an associated receptacle and maintaining alignment of the cable clamp and cable socket.

Abstract: An anchoring structure for components such as a ball-stud grommet includes a head and a plurality of retention legs defining lips in spaced, confronting relationship with a surface of the head. The legs are arranged in a circle and are provided in sufficient number and in sufficiently close spaced relation that at least one leg on opposite sides engage edges of a slot for any rotational position of the fastener relative to the slot.

Abstract: A high voltage cable assembly is provided that is configured to mate with a corresponding receptacle, and that includes a cable, fitting and terminal element attached to each other so as to define a joint. The cable includes two or more electrical conductors. The terminal element is composed of a resilient, non-electrically conductive material and is connected at one end to the fitting. The other end of the terminal element includes electrical contacts, each of which is in electrical communication with a corresponding electrical conductor of the cable. Additionally, the terminal element defines an annular groove that is situated near the joint cooperatively defined by the fitting and terminal, and aids in the control of diametric expansion of the terminal element, so as to facilitate reduction or elimination of arcing and other problems associated with uncontrolled deformation of the terminal element.

Abstract: A reusable plastic fastener suitable for attaching objects to a thin substrate such as a sheet metal body or frame of an automobile is herein disclosed. The fastener has an elongated shank having two flexible curved flanges secured thereto. The flanges are secured at a leading edge to a central portion of the shank and curve away therefrom to terminate in a trailing edge that is unsupported between a distal end and a base of the central portion of the shank. The fastener has a head that is secured to a central portion of the shank. A top edge of each of the flanges is secured to the head of the fastener by a tab. The exterior of the flexible flanges extends outwardly away from the central portion of the shank beginning at the distal end of the central portion that is angled back in toward the central portion of the shank near the base of the central portion so as to form a shoulder between the flexible flanges and the head of the fastener.

Abstract: A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.

Abstract: A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting Rotavirus infection by administering effective amount of lactulose is provided. Lactulose can be administered alone, in combination with other nutrient supplements such as vitamins, or as part of a nutritional product such as infant formula.

Abstract: A retaining clip comprising a U-shaped body having a pair of legs that are flexibly connected at their bottom ends and spaced apart to receive therebetween a blade fastener is herein disclosed. Each of the legs of the retaining clip has a head projection that extends laterally from its top end and a cooperating pair of detent structures, each extending laterally from the exterior surface of the respective legs at a predetermined distance below the head projections. Retaining tabs are disposed within and extend inwardly from respective tab apertures formed through each of the legs. These retaining tabs are inclined toward the bottom ends of the legs and are constructed and arranged to easily allow a blade fastener to be inserted therebetween and to subsequently engage the blade fastener to securely retain the blade fastener within the retaining clip.

Abstract: A high voltage connector assembly is disclosed for use with high power apparatus including x-ray devices. The present connector is a pancake-style connector, and interconnects a high voltage cable with the cathode of the x-ray tube. The present connector includes a housing, a socket assembly, and insulating material surrounding the socket assembly to insulate it from the housing. The socket assembly comprises a potting-filled conductive sleeve having a continuously shaped, smooth terminal end. The terminal end of the sleeve forms a triple junction with the insulating material and air present near the sleeve. The continuously smooth terminal sleeve end prevents electrical arcing to occur at the triple junction by reducing field strength at the terminal end and urging the electric field of the socket assembly away from the triple junction. The reduction in electrical arcing propensity allows the x-ray device to operate at relatively higher operating voltages.