Abstract: A digital watermarking process whereby an invisible watermark inserted into a host image is utilized to determine whether or not the image has been altered and, if so, where in the image such alteration occurred. The watermarking method includes the steps of providing a look-up table containing a plurality of coefficients and corresponding values; transforming the image into a plurality of blocks, wherein each block contains coefficients matching coefficients in the look-up table; and embedding the watermark in the image by performing the following substeps for at least some of the blocks: First, a coefficient is selected for insertion of a marking value representative of a corresponding portion of the watermark. Next, the value of the selected coefficient to used to identify a corresponding value in the look-up table. Finally, the identified coefficient is left unchanged if the corresponding value is the same as the marking value, and is changed if the corresponding value is different from the marking value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic closing device for air passage holes in a support cylinder, or compression sleeves used in printing applications. The automatic closing devices of the invention are inserted into the thickness of the wall of the cylinder and comprises a support, a seat with an interior passage and a valve mobile in translation in the support. The support is capable of assuming two positions, the first in which the valve comes into tight contact with the aforementioned seat and the other in which it is retracted so as to allow for a passage.

Abstract: The camera of this invention includes a parking mechanism that ensures a visual exposure indicator of an APS film cassette is in the parked position prior to removing the film cassette from the camera. The camera may include a rotatable wheel that rotates in order to move the film between a film cassette compartment, a film exposing area and a film spool. In a preferred embodiment, the parking mechanism includes a pin that engages the rotatable wheel after the film has been rewound into the film cassette and the wheel has been rotated sufficient distance to ensure that the visual exposure indicator moves to the parked position. When the pin engages the rotatable wheel, the pin prevents further rotation of the rotatable wheel. This indicates to the camera user that the visual exposure indicator is in the park position. The wheel may include a cam slot into which the pin travels as the film is being rewound into the film cassette.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calibrating a Wireless Location System to enable the system to make highly accurate TDOA and FDOA measurements are disclosed. An external calibration method in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of transmitting a first reference signal from a reference transmitter; receiving the first reference signal at first and second receiver systems; determining a first error value by comparing a measured TDOA (or FDOA) value with a theoretical TDOA (or FDOA) value associated with the known locations of the receiver systems and the known location of the reference transmitter; and utilizing the first error value to correct subsequent TDOA measurements associated with a mobile transmitter to be located.

Abstract: Inserts for use in fabricating modular jack connectors. The inserts include conductors having a rectangular cross section. A first insert includes a plurality of groups of conductive leads that extend across a top wall in first and second common planes toward a front end. A first group of leads form a terminal edge by extending toward the rear end of the first insert in a first common oblique plane. A second group extends angularly toward the front end from the second common plane in a second common oblique plane to form a second terminal edge which extends beyond the first terminal edge. A third group may be provided that extend across portions of the top wall in both the first and second common planes. The first and second oblique planes intersect to form a first contact area. A second insert includes a plurality of groups of conductive leads that extend across a top wall in third and fourth common planes.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a data drive is disclosed. The cartridge comprises at least one optical pipe for transmitting light incident on one point along the exterior of the cartridge to another point on the exterior of the cartridge where the light is illuminated from the cartridge.

Abstract: Macromolecules are provided that have increased nuclease resistance, increasing binding affinity to a complementary strand, and that activate RNase H enzyme. The macromolecules have the structure PNA-DNA-PNA where the DNA portion is composed of subunits of 2′-deoxy-erythro-pento-furanosyl nucleotides and the PNA portions are composed of subunits of peptide nucleic acids. Such macromolecules are useful for diagnostics and other research purposes, for modulating protein in organisms, and for the diagnosis, detection and treatment of other conditions susceptible to therapeutics.

Abstract: Chemical reaction apparatus, materials and methods are provided for the automatable, efficient synthesis of chemical species and libraries. In accordance with preferred embodiments, chemical droplet generation and direction techniques are employed to prepare oligomers and libraries of chemical species. Reaction assemblies adapted for efficient synthetic employment and for improved collection are also disclosed.

Abstract: A data storage device has a disk-drive motor, a head-drive motor, read/write heads, and an integrated circuit board, all mounted on a single-piece integral frame and enclosed by a casing. Each motor is mounted within a surface recess on the frame via an attachment lip integrally formed into each recess. Additionally, a bend is formed across the width of the frame. The single-piece frame, frame bend, and surface recesses provide the data storage device with significant structural rigidity and thus enhance the ability of the device to withstand the application of externally-applied forces.

Abstract: Methods for the alkylation of alcohols, amines and thiols by the use of cyclic sulfates are disclosed. The alkylated sulfates formed are versatile intermediates which may be further elaborated by methods of the invention. In particular, methods for the alkylation of the 2′, 3′ or 5′-hydroxy position of nucleosides and nucleoside analogs with cyclic sulfates to form the 2′, 3′ or 5′-O-alkyl sulfate modified compounds are disclosed. Displacement of the 2′,3′ or 5′-O-sulfate with a nucleophile provides 2′, 3′ or 5′-O-modified nucleosides and nucleoside analogs useful for the synthesis of oligomeric compounds having improved hybridization affinity and nuclease resistance.

Abstract: A connector couples with a mating component and has a main body and a generally planar latch. The main body is insertable into the mating component in a coupling direction, and has a face generally parallel to the coupling direction. The latch is resiliently coupled to the main body at the face thereof, and is generally parallel to the face. The latch includes a latching surface for cooperating with a latch-catch of the mating component, and is resiliently actuatable in the plane thereof. Accordingly, the latching surface is released from the latch-catch of the mating component. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of the connectors each couple with a respective mating component.

Abstract: Noel compounds that mimic and/or modulate the activity of wild-type nucleic acids. In general, the compounds are oligonucleotides which contain at least one region of 2′-modified nucleosides connected by alternating phosphodiester and phosphorothioate linkages.

Abstract: A system provides for mounting a removable media disk cartridge in a disk drive without translating the cartridge or spindle motor in a Z-axis relative to each other. The system comprises a spindle in the drive having a substantially planar top surface with an annular groove disposed and an datum ring disposed thereon. The annular groove accepts an inner ring surface of a media disk hub. The disk cartridge has a hub with an inner ring that engages the annular groove in the spindle. Additionally the hub has an outer peripheral edge that has an angled surface. During disengagement of the hub from the spindle, the hub is tilted when the cartridge shell engages the outer peripheral edge. The datum ring acts as a fulcrum while the inner ring is tilted out of the annular groove.

Abstract: The camera of this invention preferably includes a rewind interlock that prevents the double exposure of film. Preferably, the camera of this invention is an Advanced Photo System (APS) camera that employs APS film. Such APS film may be contained in a film cassette that has a light lock door. The rewind interlock prevents thrusting or pulling a frame of film from the film cassette after that frame of film has been exposed and rewound into the film cassette. This prevents the accidental double exposure of a frame of film. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the rewind interlock prevents thrusting or pulling film from a film cassette after all of the film has been rewound into the film cassette. Preferably, the rewind interlock prevents the thrusting or removing of exposed film from a film cassette.

Abstract: An electrical connector such as a modular jack receives a component package having a plurality of first conductive elements and at least one electrical device electrically coupled to the first conductive elements. The electrical connector has an insulative housing with an interior and an insulative insert with a forward portion and a rear portion. The rear portion defines a recess for receiving the component package therein, and the insert is mounted within the interior of the housing. A plurality of first contacts are mounted to the forward portion of the insert for electrically contacting conductors in a mating connector inserted into the electrical connector. Each first contact extends from the forward portion of the insert to the recess and terminates at a termination in communication with the recess. The termination of each first contact electrically contacts a corresponding first conductive element of the component package as received in the recess.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting anomalies and/or grain variations in a wooden member. At least one ultrasonic transmitter applies an ultrasound waveform into a surface of a wooden member so as to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves including, e.g., longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves. These ultrasonic waves are measured after propagation through the wooden member by at least one ultrasonic receiver disposed on the same surface of the wooden member. At least one ultrasonic receiver may also be placed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter so as to detect radial transmission of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave at a point across from the wooden member. The received ultrasonic waves are processed to determine anomalies and/or grain variations in the wooden member at positions of the wooden member between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver(s). The ultrasonic transmitters and receivers may be placed in rollers to facilitate high-speed, in-line processing of wooden members.

Abstract: Novel melt-spun elastomeric fibers and methods for their preparation. Embodiments are provided in which fibers are melt-spun from a melt-spinnable elastomeric polymer comprising a diisocyanate-capped polyol prepolymer which is chain-extended with an aromatic dihydroxy compound. Also provided are melt-spinnable elastomeric polymers and prepolymers therefor. The fibers may be knit or woven into textile articles including, inter alia, hosiery and pantyhose.

Abstract: A maximum inclination setting projection comes into contact with a rotary support in a region closer to a point corresponding to a top dead center than an imaginary two-part dividing plane, thereby establishing a maximum angle of inclination of a cam plate. Thus, a hinge mechanism is not required to support any proportion of a compressive load in the region closer to the point corresponding to the top dead center than the imaginary two-part dividing plane when the cam plate is in its maximum angle of inclination. Bulbous parts of guide pins do not come in contact with halves of cylindrical inside surfaces of guide holes closer to the rotary support, and there is made a clearance between the bulbous part of the guide pin and the guide hole and between the bulbous part of the guide pin and the guide hole, interrupting transmission of the compressive load between them.

Abstract: A receptacle has a housing that defines a connector-receiving cavity for receiving a connector therein. The housing has a front face and the cavity has a mouth thereof at the front face of the housing. A conductive exterior shield is fitted over the housing and has a pair of opposing side faces, each of which includes a rear edge opposite the mouth of the cavity and a slot at such rear edge. A conductive cavity insertion piece is inserted into the housing and has an interior arm and a pair of wings. The interior arm extends toward the mouth of the cavity and is in communication with the cavity to conductively contact an outer portion of the received connector. The interior arm releasably locks the connector as received within the cavity. Each wing is fitted within a respective slot at the rear edge of a side face of the exterior shield, whereby the wings conductively couple the arm to the exterior shield.

Abstract: Benzodiazapine derivatives of formula (1) are described: wherein Ar1 is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group; L1 is a linker atom or group; Ar2 is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group; R5 is a carboxylic acid (—CO2H) or a derivative thereof; The compounds are able to inhibit the binding of alpha 4 integrins to their ligands and are of use in the prophylaxis and treatment of immune in inflammatory disorders.