Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the use of network resources is described. In one embodiment, an enterprise first requests provisioning of network resources for a particular transaction. Responsive to that request, network resources are dynamically configured to meet the enterprise's request. When the transaction is complete, the network resources are returned to a default state.

Abstract: A bus interface unit is adapted to receive transaction requests for at least two different targets. The bus interface unit monitors a capacity of a resource associated with servicing transaction requests to the targets, such as a posted write buffer. If a transaction request would fill the resource beyond a current remaining capacity of the resource such that the execution of other pipelined transactions would become stalled, the bus interface generates a retry response so that the request is retried at a later time, permitting other transactions to proceed while the resource drains.

Abstract: A baby monitor system with a parent unit communicable with a baby unit a soothing unit is provided. In an embodiment for the baby monitor system of the present invention, the baby unit is responsive to receiving a signal representative of an audible sound transmitted from the parent unit and the parent unit is responsive to receiving a signal representative of an audible sound transmitted from the baby unit. In an embodiment for a method of the present invention, a method for monitoring a baby is provided.

Abstract: A graphics pipeline system and associated method are provided for graphics processing. Such system includes a transform module adapted for receiving graphics data. The transform module serves to transform the graphics data from a first space to a second space. Coupled to the transform module is a lighting module which is positioned on the single semiconductor platform for lighting the graphics data. During use, the graphics pipeline system is capable of carrying out a fog and blending operation.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a liquid friction control composition characterized as either having a high and positive friction characteristic or a low and neutral friction characteristic, comprising a retentivity agent. The liquid friction control composition may also comprise other components such as a solid lubricant, a wetting agent, a consistency modifier, and a preservative. The liquid friction control compositions may be used to modify the interfacial friction characteristics in sliding and rolling-sliding contact such as steel wheel-rail systems including mass transit and freight systems.

Abstract: A system and method for program counter and data tracing is disclosed. Generated trace messages are included within a trace word format and stored in trace memory, thereby enabling a reduction in the amount of trace storage required.

Abstract: An exemplary polarization controller includes a first optical element having a first optical axis and configured to receive light having a first phase, a second optical element having a second optical axis and configured to emit the light having a second phase, and a third element having a third optical axis. At least a portion of the third element is interstitial to the first element and the second element. The exemplary controller also includes at least two drivers, both of which can operate in accordance with an exemplary method of present invention.

Abstract: A graphics pipeline system with an integrated masking operation is provided. Included is a transform module adapted for being coupled to a buffer to receive graphics data therefrom. Such transform module is positioned on a single semiconductor platform for transforming the graphics data from a first space to a second space. Also included is a lighting module coupled to the transform module and positioned on the same single semiconductor platform as the transform module. The lighting modules serves for performing lighting operations on the graphics data received from the transform module. In use, a masking operation is further performed on the single semiconductor platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device. The optical device comprises a waveguide core and a nanocomposite material optically coupled to the waveguide core. The nanocomposite material includes a plurality of quantum dots. The nanocomposite material has a nonlinear index of refraction ? that is at least 10?9 cm2/W when irradiated with an activation light having a wavelength ? between approximately 3×10?5 cm and 2×10?4 cm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for displaying progressive material on an interlaced display where the number of lines of the source frame is equal to or less than the number of lines in a display field, where such lines in the display field are derived from all of the lines of the source frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to actuators having biologically-based components, and methods of making and using the same. The actuator of the invention has a movable member that moves substantially linearly as a result of a biomolecular interaction of biologically-based components within the actuator. These actuators can be utilized in nanoscale mechanical devices to, e.g., pump fluids, open and close valves, and provide translational movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying the identity of a dispensed pharmaceutical comprises an analysis unit adapted to determine a property of the dispensed pharmaceutical, an input device adapted to receive predetermined identifying information corresponding to the dispensed pharmaceutical, and a comparison unit adapted to compare the determined property of the dispensed pharmaceutical with the predetermined identifying information. In addition, a method of verifying a prescription, wherein the prescription comprises a pharmaceutical compound, comprises associating the prescription with a unique identifier, storing the unique identifier, determining the identity of the pharmaceutical compound, and comparing the identity of the pharmaceutical compound with the unique identifier.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an accelerated aging circuit block that has at least one circuit that ages at a faster rate than a functional circuit block. The accelerated aging circuit block is monitored during normal operation of the integrated circuit. Changes in the accelerated aging circuit block are used to generate data indicative of an aging trend for the functional circuit block.

Abstract: The invention provides “engineered” nonlinear nanocomposite materials with an extremely large ?(3) and fast temporal response along with optical properties that can be precisely tuned to satisfy the requirements of a particular application (e.g., optical, thermal, mechanical, etc.). In particular, the magnitude of the linear and nonlinear index of refraction can be adjusted substantially independently of the absorption spectrum of the material. In addition, the optical characteristics can be engineered substantially independently from the mechanical and chemical characteristics, providing exceptional performance and flexibility in terms of device-incorporation and process-stability.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus is provided that includes a frame configured to form a closed loop, the frame being moveable between a coiled configuration and an uncoiled configuration. A sleeve is configured to receive the frame and to define an opening within at least a portion of the closed loop. An attachment mechanism is coupled substantially about the periphery of the sleeve. A fabric member is removably coupled to the sleeve such that it is easily removed. A method of making mats according to an embodiment of the invention includes cutting fabric members from a first sheet of material, cutting body membranes from a second sheet of material such that the amount of excess material from the second sheet of material between adjacent body membranes is minimized, and attaching one of the body membranes to one of the fabric members.

Abstract: A graphics pipeline system and associated method are provided with an integrated clipping operation. First included is a transform module positioned on a single semiconductor platform for transforming graphics data from a first space to a second space. Also provided is a lighting module positioned on the same single semiconductor platform as the transform module. The lighting module is adapted for performing lighting operations on the graphics data. A clipping operation is also performed utilizing the single semiconductor platform.