Abstract: A computer graphics system provides for processing image data including Z data for use in displaying three-dimensional images on a display unit. The system includes: a depth buffer providing for temporary storage of Z data; and a graphics processing unit having a graphics engine for generating image data including Z data, and a memory interface unit communicatively coupled to the graphics engine and communicatively coupled to the depth buffer via a depth buffer interface. The graphics processing unit is operative to compress at least a portion of the generated Z data, to write the compressed portion of Z data to the depth buffer via the depth buffer interface in a compressed format, to read portions of compressed Z data from the depth buffer via the depth buffer interface, and to decompress the compressed Z data read from the buffer.

Abstract: A system and method for generating network device-specific configuration commands from device-neutral configuration commands is described. To generate a device-specific configuration command from a device-neutral configuration command, the described device, in one embodiment, determines a target network device's characteristics. Using that characteristic data, a lookup key is generated for the code that is being converted from a device-neutral format to a device-specific format. That lookup key can be used to access a configuration schema and to locate the information necessary for converting the command to a device-specific format. Using the configuration schema, the device-specific configuration command can be generated.

Abstract: A method of utilizing implicit references to answer a query includes receiving segments of text, wherein individual segments have elements. Implicit references are inferred between elements of the segments. The inferring operation includes identifying implicit references to antecedent elements. A query is received. In response to the query, one or more segments are identified as relevant to the query based at least in part on the implicit references.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter for measuring the metabolic rate of a subject includes a respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass inhaled and exhaled gases as the subject breathes, a flow pathway, and a hygiene barrier positioned to block a predetermined pathogen from the exhaled gases. The indirect calorimeter also includes a flow pathway having a first end in fluid communication with the respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink for respiratory gases. The flow pathway includes a flow tube through which the inhaled and exhaled gases pass, an outer housing surrounding the flow tube, and a chamber disposed between the flow tube and the first end.

Abstract: A spectrometer for measuring the intensity of light, comprises a grating having a major axis, a first entrance aperture aligned with the grating major axis and configured to direct light energy onto the grating, wherein the grating is adapted to produce a focused light beam, a first exit aperture aligned with the grating major axis and configured to accept the focused light beam, a second entrance aperture configured to direct the light energy onto the grating, wherein the second entrance aperture is offset from the grating major axis, and a second exit aperture configured to accept the focused light beam.

Abstract: A network including a plurality of interconnecting devices, each of which interconnects communication between two transmission media and has a disconnect function for disconnecting communication to one transmission medium in a case where communication from the other transmission medium has been disconnected, is managed by storing interconnecting device information that identifies one or more of the interconnecting devices having a disconnection release function for releasing operation of the disconnect function.

Abstract: A shade includes a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material and a membrane. The shade includes a strap coupled to two ends of the membrane.

Abstract: An infant support structure that may be used to entertain and/or pacify an infant. The infant support structure includes an entertainment device.

Abstract: The optical module of the invention for high-speed bidirectional transceiver consists of a signal receiving unit, a signal transmitting unit, a common receiving-transmitting optical fiber, and a fiber coupling unit. The laser diode and the photodiode are arranged parallel to each other in closely located recesses of the module housing. Such an arrangement makes it possible to shorten distances for guiding lead wires from the terminals of the PC board to the respective terminals of the transmitting and receiving diodes. The laser diode emits a first transmitting laser beam that passes through a microobjective that collimates the beam and directs into onto a full-reflection mirror located inside the module housing. The full-reflection mirror reflects the first transmitting beam at an angle of 90° and transmits it to the end face of an optical fiber through an optical fiber collimator that centers the beam with the fiber core.

Abstract: A system and method of creating and using a graphical task scheduler. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows a user to graphically build a real time flow task scheduler by providing a “click & drag” functional palette which contains graphical flow chart elements. By creating this graphical flow chart, the user is able to associate a plant layout, or any subpart of the entire plant, to its associated mathematical model. With a graphical flow chart, the user can define one or more exit branches for each task. For tasks with more than one exit branch, the user can specify the conditions causing the sequence to use each branch. Once the flow chart is set up, it can be used as a sequence editor or scheduler. The sequence editor defines the sequence of tasks that will be performed by an on-line application, such as optimization, and also allows scheduling of the on-line application at specific times or periodic intervals. The scheduler controls the running of each sequence based on the scheduling information.

Abstract: A support frame having a first end frame portion having an apex, a second end frame portion having an apex and spaced laterally from the first frame portion, and a ground-engaging portion coupled to each of the end frame portions is disclosed. A plurality of resilient members connect a seat to the frame, each running from the seat to a point on one of the end frame portions below the apex. The seat is suspended from the end frame portions.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a technique fabricating a magnetoresistive memory device, where the magnetoresistive memory device has a magnetic memory element and a plurality of conductors for at least one of reading and writing the magnetic memory element. The plurality of conductors include a first conductor at least partially located at a first side of the magnetic memory element for reading the magnetic memory element, a second conductor at least partially located at a second side of the magnetic memory element for reading the magnetic memory element, a third conductor at least partially located at the second side of the magnetic memory element for writing the magnetic memory element, and a fourth conductor at least partially located at the first side of the magnetic memory element for writing the magnetic memory element. The first conductor is formed before the fourth conductor.

Abstract: A support including a frame having a tension member coupled to the frame is disclosed. The frame has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The tension member is disposable in a first position to provide support for an arm of a user and a second position to be carried on a shoulder of the user.

Abstract: An ear warmer comprises a set of membranes and a frame. The set of membranes collectively defines an outer perimeter. The set of membranes is attached along the outer perimeter to define an attachment portion. The attachment portion is entirely disposed within an interior of the set of membranes. The frame is disposed within the interior of the set of membranes.

Abstract: A tray insert is adapted to be coupled to a support. A tray set includes a tray insert and a base tray or support.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus includes a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material, a first membrane and a second membrane, and an inflation member. The second membrane is attachable to the first membrane.

Abstract: An infant swing that may be parent activated or sound activated and a method of using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: An infant support structure having a seat and an adjustment mechanism that is configured to adjust the receiving area of the seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides effective against a wide variety of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, retroviruses, fungi, yeast and protozoa.