Abstract: A two-dimensional random number generator for use in electronic applications is constructed of a shift-register random number generator using the coefficients of a primitive polynomial of degree k to generate sequences of random binary numbers, and a second random number generator to provide an index to an array of storage locations for storing and retrieving the sequences of random binary numbers generated by the shift-register random number generator.

Abstract: A microcontroller down-loadable memory organization supporting "shadow" personality, optimized for connecting a computer system to an ISDN network to facilitate transmitting and receiving of data, the microcontroller including a processor and a memory structure having ROM memory space for storing program code therein and further including a dual port RAM for connection between the computer and the processor, the dual port RAM having RAM memory space for storing program code therein and shared RAM for storing data capable of being simultaneously accessible by the processor and the computer, wherein the program ROM and the program RAM are selectively used by the computer to store program code by the computer using a ROM/RAM* select signal, and wherein the starting address in the shared RAM wherein data is stored is selectably offset from the starting address of the code RAM and the code ROM.

Abstract: The invention is a needle holder for doing surgery in the oral cavity, especially those deep areas, and the hard to reach areas (palate, jaw joint, vestibular of the inferior and superior maxilla). The holder is an improved version of the present holders. It operates on the principle of off axis rotation and is held like a pencil or pen with the thumb and the index finger. It provides ease of use for the surgeon and better control in addition to an unobstructed field of view due to its smaller size when compared with the traditional holder. It does not employ locking teeth to hold the needle which prevents it from vibrating.

Abstract: A vent damper is provided for limiting the flow of ambient air through the central core of a hot water heater having a combustion chamber, the central core forming an exhaust port leading to an exhaust duct for evacuation of exhaust gases from the combustion chamber. The vent damper includes an annular base having an upwardly facing opening forming a passageway therethrough for passage of the exhaust gases from the exhaust port to the exhaust duct. A poppet is pivotally supported above the annular base means to pivot between a closed position closing the passageway and a open position opening the passageway. The poppet is configured such that the exhaust gases generated in the combustion chamber and passing out of the exhaust port cause the poppet to pivot into the open position such that the gases may flow through the passageway.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor mass storage system and architecture can be substituted for a rotating hard disk. The system and architecture avoid erase cycles each time information stored in the mass storage is changed. Erase cycle are avoided by programming an altered data file into an empty mass storage block rather than over itself as a hard disk would. Periodically, the mass storage will need to be cleaned up. These advantages are achieved through the use of several flags, and a map to correlate a logical block address of a block to a physical address of that block. In particular, flags are provided for defective blocks, used blocks, and old versions of a block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for identifying a block being stored within flash memory devices using a cluster address for each block, the block being selectively erasable and having one or more sectors, the cluster address being stored in one of the sectors of the block. In an alternative embodiment, the cluster address is stored in at least two different sectors within the same block for ensuring that the information last written to the block is valid. Further disclosed is a novel way to use a defect flag for each block stored within the flash memory device for efficiently identifying non-defective blocks upon system power-up.

Abstract: A semiconductor non-volatile mass storage memory is partitioned into user files and system files. The system files partition is further subdivided into clusters, each cluster having a plurality of sectors. Each cluster stores the system file for a single predetermined LBA. As the information within the LBA is changed, the new information is written into an empty sector within the cluster. Once the cluster is filled, the system either erases for recycling the cluster or preferably locates an empty cluster and repeats the process with that new cluster. Once all the clusters are filled, all clusters containing old data are erased for recycling.

Abstract: A computer card including a voltage detection circuit having Flash EEPROM devices and a controller device, the voltage detection circuit further including a variable voltage detector for determining the system voltage level provided by a power supply within the computer product and appropriately enabling a voltage regulator circuit for dividing the system voltage level to a level suited for operation by the Flash EEPROM devices and applying this operational voltage level to the Flash EEPROM devices. Upon determining the system voltage level provided by the power supply to be appropriately suited for operation of the Flash EEPROM devices, disabling the voltage regulator circuit and providing the system voltage level to the Flash EEPROM devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for deterring unauthorized use and removal of steel or steel-and-plastic constructed swivel-wheel shopping carts by preventing the free movement of one or more of the installed wheels after the cart is moved a predetermined distance. A braking device, fully contained within a wheel, measures the distance traveled beyond an activating point by counting the number of rotations made by the cart wheel and compares the count to a preprogrammed stored attribute that defines the allowable distance the cart is allowed to travel once outside the shopping facility. Depending on the direction the cart is travelling, the counter is "armed" or "disarmed" when the cart passes over low-frequency magnetic arrays placed at the entry and/or exit of the shopping facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signaling system which provides as part of the signal an indication as to the approximate elapsed time since the activation of the signal. Furthermore, the type of service required can be indicated by a particular flashing scheme or color code. The system has both software and hardware components and can be easily integrated into individual game machines. In the preferred embodiment, the hardware component includes a software controllable switching means for controlling a plurality of lights. In order to identify the type of service needed, lights may be color-coded or different flashing patterns may be used. In the software component, a preferred algorithm which defines and varies the flash rate over time is implemented. The flash rate is defined as being in the on-state for a first specified duration and in the off-state for a second specified duration.

Abstract: A remote communication system for facilitating secure electronic sales of products, wherein a suitable seller input device in association with a local seller data transmission system couples the seller to a packet network system for communicating to a remote receiver/decoder apparatus to download registration data to the seller system. Upon retrieving a telephone toll number from the remote apparatus, a telcom network communication link for communicating the telephone number from the seller to the remote receiver allows the seller to upload the product that is to be offered for sale to the remote apparatus. The telcom connection, linking the seller system to the remote apparatus may also include a 900 number billing system whereby a fee is assessed and charged at a rate determined by the toll connection provider after uploading the product.

Abstract: A flip-flop for storing a bit of digital information generally used in register architectures is comprised of a two-input NAND gate and a D-type flip-flop. The output of the NAND gate is connected to the clock terminal of the flip-flop and the data signal is directed to the data terminal of the flip-flop. A new clock scheme is provided with for this circuit configuration in order to properly store the data signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for detecting a first substance within a second substance, preferably for localizing diamonds in kimberlite rocks. The first substance, e.g. the diamonds, have a very long spin-lattice relaxation time (T.sub.1) in the order of hours. For rapidly detecting the first substance, the build-up of magnetization of a predetermined kind of nuclei, e.g. .sup.13 C, being abundant in the first substance only is shortened and the nuclear magnetic resonance of that kind of nuclei is measured thereafter. The shortening is executed within a pre-treatment station, whereas the measurement takes place within an analyzing station. The shortening and the measuring, respectively, are carried out within magnetic fields (B.sub.01, B.sub.02) of different field strengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monoclonal antibody specifically binding to the human FLT3/FLK2 receptor protein. The invention further relates to hybridoma cells producing such an antibody, as well as to a method for generation of such hybridoma cells. One example of such a monoclonal antibody is the antibody produced and released by hybridoma cells deposited under No. DSM 2248 at the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ).