Author: claimsbot

1. A flared screw fitting (1, 1\u2032, 1\u2033, 1\u2032\u2033) having a pipe (3) expanded in an end section into a tulip flare (11), a connecting piece (2, 2\u2032\u2033) having a conical stop face (15) situated on an end section, which is adjoined in the direction of a forward front face (27) of the connecting piece (2, 2\u2032\u2033) by a groove (16) for an elastic sealing ring (17) and which the pipe (3) presses against using an internal mantle surface (14) of the tulip flare (11), by which, in the final mounted state of the screw fitting, the sealing ring (17) is pressed into the groove (16), furthermore, the tulip flare (11), using a union element engaging on its external mantle surface (19), which works together via a threaded section with a corresponding threaded section on the connecting piece (2, 2\u2032\u2033), may be pressed against the stop face (15) of the connecting piece (2, 2\u2032\u2033) in the course of tightening the screw fitting, wherein in the hand-tight pre-mounted state of the screw fitting, an internal mantle surface (18) of the union element only contacts the external mantle surface (19) of the tulip flare (11) in an area who smallest diameter (21) is larger than the smallest diameter (22) of the stop face (15) of the connecting piece.
2. The flared screw fitting (1, 1\u2032, 1\u2033), wherein the union element is a union screw (4) provided with an external threaded section (9), which works together with an internal threaded section (8) of the connecting piece (2, 2\u2032\u2033).
3. The flared screw fitting (1\u2032\u2033) according to claim 1, wherein the union element is a union nut (36) provided with an internal threaded section (35), which works together with an external threaded section (34) of the connecting piece (2\u2032\u2033).
4. The flared screw fitting (1, 1\u2032, 1\u2033) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting piece (2) is constructed in two pieces and has an external union nut (7), rotatable around an internal main part, which are coupled to one another to resist tensile strain via an annular wire section (13), which engages in the union nut (7) and the main part in a formfitting way.
5. The flared screw fitting (1\u2032\u2033) according to claim 3, wherein the union nut (36) is constructed in two pieces and has an internal transmission ring (38), rotatable in relation to an external main part, which transmits axial forces from the main part to the tulip flare (11).
6. The flared screw fitting (1, 1\u2032, 1\u2033, 1\u2032\u2033), wherein the cone angle of the internal mantle surface (18) of the transmission body is less in the hand-tight mounted state than the cone angle of the external mantle surface (19) of the tulip flare (11).
7. The flared screw fitting (1, 1\u2032, 1\u2033, 1\u2032\u2033) according to claim 1, wherein the cone angle of the internal mantle surface (18) of the transmission body is less than the cone angle of the conical stop face (15) of the connecting piece (2, 2\u2032\u2033).
8. The flared screw fitting (1\u2032) according to claim 1, wherein the internal mantle surface (18) of the transmission body is provided, in an area in which it is in contact with the external mantle surface (19) of the tulip flare (11) in the hand-tight pre-mounted state, with a bead (29) which projects inward in relation to the remaining mantle surface (18).
9. The flared screw fitting (1\u2033) according to claim 1, wherein the internal mantle surface (18) of the union element is provided with teeth (32) in an area in which it is out of contact with the external mantle surface (19) of the tulip flare (11) in the hand-tight pre-mounted state.
10. The flared screw fitting (1\u2033) according to claim 8, wherein, in the final mounted state, the bead (29\u2033) and the teeth (32) are each at least partially dug into the external mantle surface (19) of the tulip flare (11).
11. The flared screw fitting (1, 1\u2032, 1\u2033, 1\u2032\u2033) according to claim 1, wherein a tulip flare (11) is at least predominantly located in an axial section of the flared screw fitting (1), in which the threaded sections of the connecting piece (2, 2\u2032) and the union element are engaged with one another.
12. The flared screw fitting (1, 1\u2032, 1\u2033, 1\u2032\u2033) according to claim 1, wherein the union element is provided in the area of the tulip flare (11) with a continuous conical internal mantle surface (18).

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An assembly comprising:
a field hockey stick having a shaft with a free end;
a removable cover for said shaft of said hockey stick comprising a cap configured and dimensioned for mounting on said free end of said shaft, wherein said cap is cup-shaped and comprises a planar bottom wall with an outer peripheral edge and a generally tubular upstanding side wall having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said outer peripheral edge of said bottom wall; and
a flexible, resilient membrane-like tubular sheath having a thickness of 116\u2033 to \xbc\u2033 which is configured and dimensioned to be rolled over itself to form a rolled configuration and having two opposite ends, one of which is coupled to said second end of said side wall of said cap and the other of which defines a free end, and wherein said tubular sheath is dimensioned and configured so that it can be unrolled longitudinally onto and along said shaft of said hockey stick with said cap abutting and mounted on said free end of said shaft and said sheath being dimensioned and configured to afford a tight friction fit over said shaft when unrolled and which can be rolled longitudinally in the opposite direction along said shaft of said hockey stick towards said free end of said hockey stick and said cap, to permit removal of said cover from said hockey stick and wherein said cap has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of said sheath.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein:
said sheath has a textured outer surface.
3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein:
said textured outer surface is pebbled.
4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein:
said sheath is made of a stretchable material which has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the shaft of the field hockey stick so that said sheath stretches to a tight friction fit over the shaft when unrolled.
5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein:
said sheath is made from a flexible elastic polymer.
6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein:
said cap is generally cylindrical.
7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein:
said sheath is imprinted.
8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein:
said sheath is cylindrical.
9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein:
said cap is integrally formed with said sheath.

What is claimed is:

1. A method for authenticating an interactive storage medium, wherein a first content is stored on the interactive storage medium for reproduction by a reproducing system the method comprising:
transmitting a first request to a content server to access a second content from the content server by providing a first authentication data for authentication; and
receiving return information from the content server based on the first authentication data provided by the reproducing system.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first authentication data is recorded on the interactive storage medium.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first authentication data comprises a disk ID.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising loading the first authentication data in a memory of the reproducing system.
5. The method of claim 2 further comprising loading the first authentication data in a memory of the reproducing system prior to transmitting the first request to avoid delay.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the first authentication data is communicated as a cookie.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the return information step comprises receiving the second content from the content server when authentication is successful.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising discontinuing reproducing the first content, if authentication is unsuccessful.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising interrupting reproducing the first content during authentication.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first content comprises audiovisual data.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the return information step comprises:
receiving authorization from the content server for the reproducing system to access requested the second content, when the first authentication data is verified by the content server.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the return information comprises:
receiving a challenge from the content server for the reproducing system to provide additional identifying data for authentication.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the challenge is generated by the content server based on the first authentication data provided by the reproducing system.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the challenge comprises a logic sector number.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the logic sector number is associated with a data stored on the interactive storage medium and used to generate additional identifying data.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the challenge is generated as a cookie.
17. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
retrieving the additional identifying data from the interactive storage medium based on information included in the challenge.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
converting the additional identifying data to second authentication data based on a predetermined function; and
forwarding the second authentication data to the content server.
19. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
forwarding the additional identifying data to the content server for authentication.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the content server verifies the additional identifying data against database records to determine whether the interactive storage medium is authentic.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the content server authorizes the reproducing system to access the second content, when the content server verifies the identification data.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the reproducing system discontinues producing the first content, until the content server verifies the identifying data.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication is performed for each content server accessed by the reproducing system.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication is performed for each content file recorded on the interactive storage medium, at time of reproduction.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication is not performed, when the first request comprises a first indicator indicating that authentication is not required.
26. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication is performed based on the first authentication data stored on the interactive storage medium player, when the first request comprises a second indicator indicating that authentication is required.
27. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication is performed based on a second authentication data calculated based on information provided by the content server, when the first request comprises a third indicator indicating that authentication is required.
28. The method of claim 1, wherein if authentication is successful, then the authentication is no longer performed when the reproducing system requests access to the second content stored on content servers listed in a list of content providers.
29. The method of claim 1, wherein if authentication is successful, then the authentication is no longer performed when the reproducing system requests access to the second content accessible through an identified uniform resource locator.
30. A method for authenticating an interactive storage medium, wherein first content is stored on the interactive storage medium for reproduction by a reproducing system, the method comprising:
receiving a first request from a reproducing system to access second content based on navigation data recorded on the interactive storage medium; and
authenticating identity of the interactive storage medium based on first authentication data provided by the reproducing system, when the first request indicates that authentication is required.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the first authentication data is recorded on the interactive storage medium.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the first authentication data comprises a disk ID.
33. The method of claim 31 wherein the first authentication data is loaded into memory of the reproducing system prior to transmitting the first request to avoid delay associated with reading the authentication data from the interactive storage medium.
34. The method of claim 30, wherein the first authentication data is communicated as a cookie.
35. The method of claim 30 further comprising transmitting second content to the reproducing system, when authentication is successful.
36. The method of claim 30, wherein the reproducing system discontinues reproducing the first content, if authentication is unsuccessful.
37. The method of claim 30, wherein the authenticating step comprises receiving the first authentication data from the reproducing system.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the authenticating step further comprises:
authorizing the reproducing system to access the second content, when the first authentication data is verified.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the authenticating step further comprises:
forwarding a challenge to the reproducing system to provide additional identifying data to the content server for authentication.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the challenge is generated by the content server based on the first authentication data provided by the reproducing system.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the challenge comprises a logic sector number.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the logic sector number is associated with a stored data on the interactive storage medium used for generating additional identifying data.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the challenge is generated as a cookie.
44. The method of claim 39 further comprising:
receiving the additional identifying data retrieved from the interactive storage medium based on information included in the transmitted challenge.
45. An optical medium configured for recording first content, wherein the first content is reproducible by a content player capable of communicating with a content server for retrieving second content, the optical medium comprising:
first authentication data for identifying the optical medium, wherein the first authentication data is forward from the content player to the content server for authentication, when a request is provided for accessing the second content stored on the content server.
46. The optical medium of claim 45 further comprising:
second authentication data recorded in a predefined portion of the optical medium.
47. The optical medium of claim 46, wherein the predefined portion is identifiable according to information provided to the content player from the content server, in exchange for the content player forwarding the first authentication data to the content server.
48. The optical medium of claim 46, wherein the predefined portion is a sector formatted on the optical medium.
49. The optical medium of claim 47, wherein the information provided to the content player is a logic sector number (LSN) identifying the predefined portion.
50. A reproduction system for authenticating a storage medium, the reproduction system comprising:
a pickup device for reading content data and first authentication data stored in the storage medium;
an engine device for reproducing the content data from the storage medium;
a controller in communication with and controlling the engine device; and
an interface device controlled by the controller to communicate with an external device, wherein the reproduction system transmits the first authentication data to the external device through the interface device to communicate with the external device, and receives a supplemental request from the external device is the first authentication data is authenticated by the external device.
51. The reproduction system of claim 50, wherein the controller receives the supplemental request that is associated with generating second authentication data, and communicates the second authentication data to the external device through the interface device for further authentication by the external device.
52. The reproduction system of claim 51, wherein the controller generates the second authentication data by hashing data associated with the supplemental request.
53. A method for authenticating an interactive storage medium, wherein a first content is stored on the interactive storage medium for reproduction by a reproducing system, the method comprising:
transmitting a first request to a content server to access a second content from the content server based on navigation data recorded on the interactive storage medium; and
authenticating identity of the interactive storage medium with the content server based on first authentication data provided by the reproducing system, when the first request indicates that authentication is required.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A system for exchanging media, comprising:
a) a plurality of media user devices each used by a plurality of media users, wherein each media user device is configured download media and to perform the downloaded media,
b) a media archive comprising:
i) a media database,
ii) a computer program for generating user forms and interacting with the media database,
iii) a network connection from the media archive to at least one of the user devices,
iv) an archive user interface for displaying said user forms and receiving input from the media users,

c) a network connecting media user devices and the media archive,
wherein a media creator submits a created item of media to a market consisting of the plurality of media users,
wherein each media user search for a desired item of media within a plurality of created items of media, and
whereby the media user can receive the desired item of media.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of media user devices is a handheld receiver.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of media user devices is a handheld video receiver.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of media user devices is a handheld audio receiver.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of media user devices is a handheld wireless receiver and the network is a wireless network.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the wireless network comprises at least a mobile phone network.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of media user devices is a handheld wireless video receiver.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of media user devices is a handheld wireless audio receiver.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the handheld wireless video receiver, comprises:
a) a color display having a predetermined display width and display height and having a touch screen for receiving input from a user,
wherein the display width is a predetermined first number of pixels and the display height is a predetermined second number of pixels,
b) an audio output,
c) a program memory, for storing computer programs,
d) a processor, for executing computer programs from the program memory,
e) a data memory, for storing data,
f) a receiver user interface on the touch screen comprising controls for controlling the operation of the handheld wireless video receiver
g) a wireless network interface for connecting to the wireless network via wireless a communications channel, wherein the handheld video receiver maintains connection to the wireless network when being moved from one location to another location or while being freely carried by the user, and
h) a decompressor, cooperating with the processor,
wherein the handheld device has physical dimension allowing it to be held substantially in one hand of the user,
wherein the receiver user interface is operated by one or more fingers of the user,
wherein each of the communications channels from the wireless network to the handheld video receiver has a predetermined bandwidth,
wherein the compressed video frames are received over one of the communications channel,
wherein the decompressor decompresses the compressed video frames,
wherein the compressed video frames is stored in the data memory,
wherein at least a portion of the decompressed video frames is displayed on the color display in real time,
wherein the audio portion plays on the audio output,
whereby user enters commands via the touch screen to play back any of the video frames stored in the data memory, and
whereby the video is displayed while the user carries the handheld wireless video receiver.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the display of the handheld wireless video receiver displays the forms of the archive user interface on the touch screen, and wherein media user input on the touch screen is transmitted to the media archive user interface.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the media user selections the video to be played using the touch screen.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the media user selections the video to be downloaded using the touch screen.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the controls further comprise mobile telephone controls for entering numeric telephone numbers and for controlling mobile telephone calls.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the media creator sets a price for a media item in the media archive from a plurality of prices,
wherein each media user agrees to pay the set price, and
wherein upon payment of the set price the media user downloads the media item to the media user device.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein an agent for the media creator sets a price for a media item in the media archive from a plurality of prices,
wherein each media user agrees to pay the set price, and
wherein upon payment of the set price the media user downloads the media item to the media user device.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein a first group of media items in the media archive have a first set price, and
wherein a second group of media items in the media archive have a second set price,
whereby a different price is paid for an item from the first group of media items than for an item from the second group of media items.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first set price and the second set price is determined by respective market demand for the first group of media items and the second group of media items.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein one of media users dynamically bids for a desired media item from the media archive, and
wherein the bid is accepted by the media rights owner or an agent for the media rights owner,
whereby a price for the desired media item is set.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a handheld video transmitter,
wherein the handheld video transmitter is connected to the network,
whereby audio and video is uploaded from the transmitter to the media archive.
20. A method for retrieving media from a media exchange using a handheld media receiver comprising the steps of:
a) searching a media archive for a desired item of media,
b) selecting the desired item of media from a list displayed on the display of the handheld media receiver,
c) receiving the desired item of media on the handheld media receiver.