Abstract: A process control method that automatically and comprehensively manages the creation, storage and use of electronic records during the operation of a controlled process and for governing and documenting the users that operate the computer systems that are involved in the creation, storage and use of the electronic records. The method controls a process, such as a chemical process, by receiving measurement information relating to the process, applying rules to the received measurement information to determine a desired response, and sending control information to at least one device associated with the process, so as to modify the process. The method maintains the rules, measurements and control activity in transaction logs or audit trails related thereto in a secure database.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: An improved dough sheeter having a pair of counterrotating sheeter rollers and a cutter roller rotating against a front one of the sheeter rollers to cut a pattern into a sheet of dough therebetween. The improvement is the cutter roller being formed from an oil-impregnated wear resistant plastic that results in a much longer cutter life. The dough sheeter's cutter roller may have axial shaft, a pair of cutter lift arms including a U-shaped end, and a pair of needle bearing assemblies, each needle bearing assembly located on a corresponding end of the axial shaft. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a cutter roller for a dough sheeter where the crown is formed before the cutting pattern is cut into the cutter roller.

Abstract: A method and system for remote access to a device is provided. This involves establishing a connection between a local device connected in a local network and a remote device via a communication link; sending a message from the local device to the remote device via the communication link, indicating an online status of the local device; and maintaining an online status indication for the local device at the remote device, until arrival of a message indicating an offline status of the local device.

Abstract: A saddle for a sheeting head includes a pair of semi-circular concave edges configured to seal a pair of rollers. The oppositely facing concave edges each include a tongue that fits in a corresponding groove in the roller and a retracted concave edge adapted to wrap around half the roller surface. The saddle includes a top portion wherein the concave edges downwardly converge, and a bottom portion wherein the concave edges downwardly diverge. A narrow waist is provided at the proximal-most position of the concave edges and adapted to fit in a pinch point between the rollers. A sheeting head assembly incorporating the saddle may include a sidewall to which the saddle need not be fastened. The self-locking characteristics of the saddle enable an assembly to omit sidewalls altogether.

Abstract: A method and system for wireless data communication is provided, which involves constructing a data payload containing data, partitioning the data payload into fragments, performing LDPC encoding on each fragment, and transmitting the data payload including encoded fragments over a wireless channel.

Abstract: An image processing method and system is provided for reducing the quantization layer in an input quantized image. The system detects if a pixel in a quantized input image belongs to a ramp area in a selected direction. Based on such ramp detection, a quantization level is dynamically selected. Then, a pre-segmentation operation is performed on a smoothly changing image area for each pixel in that direction. That area can then be refined by segmentation. A low-pass filtering process can then be applied to the refined segment to obtain filtered pixels. An overall gain value is then determined and used to adjust the filtered pixel luminance values to obtain output luminance values with higher precision values than that of the input image luminance values. This provides an output video image with reduced quantization layer and less perceivable quantization artifacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping smooth and/or deformed cylindrical or multiple stranded tendons (rods) commonly used in the Art of Construction, the apparatus comprising a housing (barrel), a plurality of jaws (wedges) within the housing, a tightening device to align the jaws (wedges) and to cause engagement of the jaws (wedges) to the tendon (rod), a tensioning device to properly position the apparatus. The tendon (rod) gripping apparatus includes a first aperture and a second aperture that facilitate passage of a tendon (rod) through the apparatus. The jaw (wedge) cluster comprises a plurality of elongated members, that surround the tendon (rod), are generally wedge shaped and complementary to an inner tapered wall of the housing (barrel).

Abstract: A general shoot suppression method and system for image detail enhancement that provides good suppression in shoot areas while preserving the enhancement (with less or no suppression) in non-shoot areas. Asymmetry checker checks the luminance variation of pixels around the current pixel within a filtering range. Based on the checking result, different patterns of luminance variation in the neighborhood of the current pixel are categorized. Higher suppression is applied to those patterns that are more likely to cause overshoot/undershoot. Optionally, suppression is further associated with the intensity of detail signal at each pixel position. An intensity checker checks the magnitude of the detail signal. If the detail signal is weak at a current pixel position, it is unlikely that obvious shoot artifacts appear at that position, and little or no suppression is applied. Such a method and system provide shoot suppression only in shoot areas while maintaining good enhancement in non-shoot areas.

Abstract: An example-based method and system for electronic display color calibration is provided. By comparing the colors of commonly available objects with a color database under a controlled lighting condition, the user adjusts the gain and offset parameters of the Red, Green and Blue color components of the display. Two different methods are provided, wherein one method involves manipulating the comparison colors in the RGB color space, and the other method involves manipulating the comparison colors in the CIE x-y plane. Two different systems that incorporate the example-based color calibration methods are also provided, wherein one system directly implements the calibration method in the television system, while the other system implements the calibration method as a separate tool for viewers to calibrate the color of their displays.

Abstract: A superior Color Transient Improvement technique is adaptive to the local image features, so that more natural color edge transition improvement can be accomplished. A gain control function is provided that depends on the local image feature so that different regions of the image can be treated differently. Further, a correction signal is controlled in such a way (by the local image feature) that neither undershoot nor overshoot occurs, eliminating the need for post-processing for undershoot/overshoot removal.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering data packets, is provided. One implementation involves filtering data packets using a set of filters, each filter having a bit mask and corresponding bit values, by categorizing the filters into different groups based on their bit mask value differences, and generating a new mask of bits having corresponding bit values, applying the new mask to the incoming packet to select a filter category for the incoming packet, and filtering the incoming packet by applying the group of filters for the selected category to the incoming packet.

Abstract: A method and system for searching for Web services with a search engine is described. Information pertaining to Web services is gathered from a publisher or through the use of a publication tools manager. Service definition files are constructed based on the gathered information, and are stored in a searchable service definition file. Service consumers then search for Web services stored in the service definition file via a search engine. Optionally, evaluation information related to the Web services is obtained and also stored in a searchable service definition file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal transformation for positioning control in positioning systems is provided. The positioning involves performing a signal transformation by determining a transform and an inverse transform between a triangular reference signal and a model reference signal with less frequency content, for transforming the triangular reference signal into a ramp signal; and providing a controller including a double integral module, configured for tracking the model reference signal with zero steady state error, for controlling a positioning system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a reconfigurable keyboard is provided. One implementation involves a row mounting mechanism for mounting each row of keys on a row frame, the row mounting mechanism allowing one or more keys of each row to be moved and locked in a certain row position, whereby the spacing of one or more keys in each row on the keyboard can change. The apparatus also includes a column mounting mechanism for mounting each column of keys on a column frame, the column mounting mechanism allowing one or more keys of each column to be moved and locked in a certain column position, whereby the spacing of one or more keys in each column on the keyboard can change. As such, one or more keys can be moved in row or column and to lock or unlock key positioning for arranging the keys on a keyboard according to a reconfigurable layout.

Abstract: A method and system for wireless communication of different information types over a wireless channel, is provided. Information comprising different information types is formed into a composite aggregation of the different information types, and the composite aggregation is transmitted from a sender to a receiver over a wireless channel. A composite acknowledgement (ACK) format is utilized by the receiver to reduce the overhead in low-rate channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a random access memory device is provided. One embodiment involves providing an interface between Logic Built in Self Test (LBIST) and Array Built in Self Test (ABIST) paths for memory testing, including providing a cross-coupled NAND device with an LBIST test path; configuring the cross-coupled NAND device for interfacing ABIST and LBIST paths by modeling a worst case scenario for timing from a domino read static random access memory (SRAM) array; and modifying data in the cross-coupled NAND device using an LBIST controlled data path at essentially the latest point in time when a read may propagate from the array to provide full AC test coverage of down stream logic.

Abstract: Mass handling methods for the continuous processing of masa type dough in conjunction with commonly available feed processing equipment, such as a masa extruder, an oven, or cooling apparatus. One masa handling method includes a masa separator having a pair of opposed, endless belt conveyors having facing surfaces spaced apart to receive a generally continuous masa stream output from a nozzle on the masa extruder. When the masa stream moves between the conveyors, it is gripped by their facing surfaces and moved away from the nozzle, causing the masa to be separated into individual pieces, or logs. The masa handling method can also include feeding the masa to masa hoppers fed by at least two endless belt conveyors arranged in upstream and downstream positions relative to each other.

Abstract: A probe for use in Raman spectroscopy that can be inserted into a chemical vessel through a small diameter fitting while maximizing the amount of Raman shifted radiation collected and minimizing spurious effects.