Abstract: A caching technique uses an interceptor situated between the client and the destination server to redirect client requests to a cache server. Specifically, the client transmits a request message that includes a reference to the intended destination server. The interceptor receives the client request and, based on the intended destination server, selects an appropriate cache server to handle the request. The interceptor then sends a response to the client including references to the cache server and to the intended destination server. Upon receiving the response, the client contacts the cache server directly using the reference included in the response.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting analog signals to digital signals using a switched integrator. A method includes receiving the analog signal at a summing junction, receiving a clock signal transitioning between a first level and a second level, connecting an output of the summing junction to an integrator when the clock signal is at the first level, and disconnecting the output of the summing junction from the integrator when the clock signal is at the second level. An output signal is provided, and is determined by the polarity of an output of the integrator when the clock signal transitions from the first level to the second level. The output signal is delayed, and received with a digital-to-analog converter; which provides an output to the summing junction.

Abstract: A self-adjusting fluid surface skimmer and a wastewater treatment system incorporating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an intake passage and an outlet passage. The intake passage comprises first and second passageways connected by a flexible coupling. A collar is positioned around the first passageway near an intake opening. At least one buoyant member is attached to the collar and facilitates self-adjustment of the skimmer. A gas inlet is disposed in the outlet passage and allows for the movement of gas through the outlet passage, which creates a suction effect in the intake passage. The wastewater treatment system comprises an aeration tank disposed in a settling tank such that a clearance is created between the two tanks. A skimmer according to the present invention is disposed within the clearance. The skimmer enables further removal of solids from treated fluid within the settling tank prior to leaving the treatment system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for buffering RF signals. A method includes receiving an input signal, wherein the input signal alternates between a first polarity and a second polarity. From the input signal, a first current is generated, wherein the first current is proportional to the input signal when the input signal has the first polarity, and approximately equal to zero when the input signal has the second polarity, and a second current is generated, wherein the second current is proportional to the input signal when the input signal has the second polarity, and approximately equal to zero when the input signal has the first polarity. A third current is generated proportional to the first current, and a fourth current is generated proportional to the second current. The first and fourth currents are applied to a first terminal of an inductor; and the second and third currents are applied to a second terminal of the inductor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for segmenting lines in programmable logic devices having redundancy circuitry. A programmable logic device includes a first plurality of logic array blocks. The first plurality of logic array blocks includes a first logic array block and a second logic array block, a first programmable interconnect line coupled to a segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the first logic array block, and a second programmable interconnect line coupled to the segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the second logic array block. The segmentation buffer is capable of selectively providing an open circuit between the first programmable interconnect line and the second programmable interconnect line, a buffer driving signals from the first programmable interconnect line to the second programmable interconnect line, or a buffer driving signals from the second programmable interconnect line to the first programmable interconnect line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of amplifying signals. One method includes receiving a variable power supply, generating a variable bias current, and applying the bias current to a load such that an average output voltage is generated. The method further includes receiving an input signal, generating a current proportional to the input signal, and subtracting the current from the variable bias current. As the variable power supply changes value by a first amount, the variable bias current is varied such that the average output voltage varies by the first amount.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decoding addresses in a memory to provide mixed input and output data widths. A method includes receiving an address portion comprising a first number of bits. A second number of bits of the address portion are blocked, where the second number is less than the first number. A third number of bits are not blocked, and the third number plus the second number equal the first number. The third number of bits are decoded and a fourth number of memory cells are selected. The fourth number is equal to two to the power of the second number. A fourth number of data bits are received and multiplexed to the selected memory cells. The data bits are written to the selected memory cells.

Abstract: A cache memory apparatus for graphics and other systems. The cache memory apparatus includes a cache memory having a first number of cache lines, each cache line addressable by a cache line address; a first plurality of storage elements coupled to a first address bus; and a second plurality of storage elements coupled to the first plurality of storage elements. The first plurality of storage elements holds a second number of cache line addresses, and the second plurality of storage elements holds a third number of cache line addresses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for segmenting lines in programmable logic devices having redundancy circuitry. A programmable logic device includes a first plurality of logic array blocks. The first plurality of logic array blocks includes a first logic array block and a second logic array block, a first programmable interconnect line coupled to a segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the first logic array block, and a second programmable interconnect line coupled to the segmentation buffer and programmably coupled to the second logic array block. The segmentation buffer is capable of selectively providing an open circuit between the first programmable interconnect line and the second programmable interconnect line, a buffer driving signals from the first programmable interconnect line to the second programmable interconnect line, or a buffer driving signals from the second programmable interconnect line to the first programmable interconnect line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing memory devices. One embodiment provides a method including receiving a first input data bit having a first polarity, and receiving a second input data bit having a second polarity, wherein the second polarity is the complement of the first polarity. The method also includes writing the first input data bit to a first portion of a plurality of memory cells, writing the second input data bit to a second portion of a plurality of memory cells, and reading data bits from the first and second portions of the plurality of memory cells. An active signal is generated if the data bits read from the first portion of the plurality of memory cells and complements of the data bits read from the second portion of the plurality of memory cells each have the same polarity.

Abstract: In a photographic film unit having a pair of sheets connected in superposition with a photosensitive layer located between the sheets, a container carrying a quantity of fluent processing composition is arranged to provide for the discharge of the composition to between the sheets. A fluid receiver or trap is provided at the opposite edge of the sheets to receive and store excess processing composition after it has been spread between the sheets. The improvement comprises a trap construction wherein an intermediate sheet, which is disposed between the pair of sheets and is coupled to both of them, extends from between the pair of sheets at the trailing end thereof and is folded around one of the sheets at that end to form a trap cover over the trap volume between that folded portion and the outside surface of that one sheet. Spacing elements are formed by embossing the trailing end of that one sheet and fluid flow slits are formed by slitting the trailing edge of that sheet.

Abstract: A photo-identification card comprises a plastic laminate permanently encasing a photographically-exposable film chip that is developable by a single processing fluid. The laminate includes a core spacer having a compartment for receiving the chip with the spacer surrounding substantially the entire edge perimeter of the chip. Transparent cover panels, fused to the spacer by plastic-to-plastic bonds, physically protect the chip while permitting exposure and viewing through the laminate. Access ports are provided leading from the exterior of the laminate to the compartment for delivering the processing fluid to the chip.

Abstract: A film pack, which includes a stack of instant-processing film units received in a housing, has a slide plate that is permanently coupled to the housing for reciprocal movement between a first position residing in the stack and a second position removed from the stack. Initially the slide plate serves as a dark slide to shield the film units from fogging through an exposure aperture in the housing. When reciprocated, however, such as in a processing camera, the slide plate is guided to enter the stack behind the forwardmost film unit, and to remove that unit from the housing through an exit slot. The slide plate can also support the forwardmost film unit in the exposure position, shield other than the forwardmost unit from exposure when the film units are transparent, and assist in controlling processing of the film units.

Abstract: A photographic film unit, including a film disk carried on a hub, has a mass of firm material deposited between the disk and the hub so that the mass, rather than the dimensions of the respective parts, accurately determines the relative film-to-hub alignment. The hub initially fits loosely in a central film-disk aperture. The material, a thermo-plastic, is then melted ultrasonically to flow between the disk and the hub, eliminating the looseness, and maintaining the disk on the hub in accurate alignment. According to one disclosed embodiment, the thermoplastic material adheres a retainer ring to the hub with the film disk captured therebetween. The thermoplastic then fills the interstices between the ring, the hub, and the disk to exclude foreign matter, such as processing fluids.

Abstract: A photographic cartridge assembly includes a photosensitive film disk rotatably received between opposed parallel walls of a thin cartridge casing. The casing is adapted to be opened, to release the disk for processing and printing, by prying the casing apart until it fractures at one edge and then tearing the casing from the fracture toward the opposite edge. In order to insure that the resulting opening is at a predetermined location in the casing, and is large enough to remove the disk, channels are provided in a casing wall to lead the tear along two paths extending oppositely around the periphery of the disk from the one edge to the opposite edge.

Abstract: A preregistered instant-processing film unit including an internal dark slide and adapted for use in exposure apparatus having processing rollers. The film unit includes a leader that carries "saddle detents" or detent shims located on opposite sides of the dark slide and having a caliper greater than the thickness of the dark slide. The shims are positioned to receive the rollers, both to provide sufficient clearance for removal of the dark slide therebetween and to hold the rest of the film unit in position while the dark slide is removed.

Abstract: A processing apparatus has a processing chamber configured to receive a plurality of cylindrically-shaped film units. The film units comprise a plurality of film discs supported by a central aperture on an elongated shaft, in spaced relation and with the disc faces normal to the shaft axis, and end drive discs slightly larger in diameter than the film discs. The drive discs have a guide lug extending from their exposed sides and guide grooves are provided in the processing chamber interior. The first inserted film unit is directed into driving engagement with a drive means located at the lower portion of the chamber and subsequently inserted film units are directed into driving relation with the unit therebeneath. Processing fluids are sequentially introduced and discharged from the chamber with the film units rotating to effect film development.

Abstract: An instant-processing film unit of the preregistered, integral type includes an internal dark slide which protects the unit from exposure prior to use. The film unit includes a photosensitive element and a cover sheet between which the dark slide is removeably positioned to shield one side of the photosensitive element from light. Exposure from the other side is prevented by an opaque layer in the element itself. When used with an opaque processing composition, the unit can be handled in daylight, without fogging, both before and after exposure. The film unit is adapted for use in commercially available adapters for professional type cameras.

Abstract: An instant-processing film unit of the preregistered type is adapted for use in commercially available adapters for professional type cameras. The film unit includes a photosensitive element for recording a processable latent image, a cover sheet for facilitating the distribution of a processing composition over the element, and an internal dark slide removably positioned between the photosensitive element and cover sheet for shielding one side of the element from premature exposure. The dark slide extends from between the photosensitive element and cover sheet through an opening at one end of the film unit, and is provided with an opaque hood which is attached to the dark slide and encloses the opening to protect such end from light leaks.

Abstract: A preregistered, instant-processing film unit including an internal dark slide removeable from an end section of the unit and a light seal for preventing daylight fogging of the unit from said end section. The film unit includes a photosensitive element for recording a processable latent image. A cover sheet is connected to the photosensitive element and the dark slide is removeably positioned between the element and sheet. The light seal includes a strip coupled to the photosensitive element and folded into the dark slide so that the strip is released by the act of removing the dark slide.