Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic memory. In one embodiment, the magnetic memory comprises an array of memory cells configured to provide resistive states, and a read circuit. The read circuit is configured to sense a resistance through a memory cell in the array of memory cells to obtain a sense result and categorize the sense result into one of at least three different categories comprising a middle category situated between the resistive states.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by fiber channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: A single polynomial expander 22 is time multiplexed to produce firstly a modified syndrome polynomial T(x) and then an erasure located polynomial ?(x). T(x) is supplied to a key equation solving unit 32 which solves the key equation to calculate an error locator polynomial ?(x) and an errata evaluator polynomial ?(x). These polynomials ?(x), ?(x) and ?(x) form three inputs to polynomial evaluators 52-56 and a Forney block 62 for determining the location and magnitude of each symbol error and symbol erasure, allowing the received codeword to be corrected in a correction block 72. Optionally, a transform block 42 is provided to avoid unnecessary delay and improve throughput when decoding shortened codewords.

Abstract: A flexible rail machine tool couples temporarily to a structure by vacuum cups and positions a tool head at any desired point over an area. The toolhead can perform operations such as drilling, bolt insertion, and acquisition of dimension data. The flexible rail can conform to surface curvature in one or more axes. Tool head perpendicularity to the structure can be sensed and adjusted as needed. The as-attached position of the rail may be compensated for through coordinate transformation, allowing holes, for example, to be placed with substantial precision.

Abstract: A key assembly which includes a key shank having a forward portion and a handle portion having an aperture. A shuttle is also included. The shuttle includes first and second substantially planar portions and a center portion connected to the substantially planar portions. A transponder recess is located on the shuttle. The shuttle is configured and dimensioned to mate with the aperture on the handle portion of the key shank. After mating with the aperture, the shuttle rotates within the aperture. After mating with and rotating within the aperture, the shuttle is securely retained within the aperture. A transponder is located within the transponder recess. The transponder receives a wireless interrogation signal and transmitting a wireless response signal in response to the interrogation signal. A key head is formed about the shuttle, transponder, and handle portion of the key shank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ball feed mechanism for use in a paintball loader. The ball feed mechanism includes a feeder which conveys or impels balls toward a feed neck, and a drive member which is concentric with the feeder. The feeder is coupled to the drive member through a spring. The spring is configured to store potential energy which is used to rotate the feeder and, thus, drive the balls toward the feed neck. An electric motor is used to rotate the drive member to wind the spring. The feed mechanism includes sensors which detect the motion of the feeder and the drive member. A controller determines the spring tension based on the relative motion of the feeder and drive member, and actuates a motor when necessary.

Abstract: A mobile platform is provided which has at least one component having an array of distributed piezoelectric transmitters and an associated array of distributed receivers. The receivers are configured to receive ultrasonic transmissions from the transmitters. Data from the receivers is stored in memory and processed through an algebraic reconstruction tomography algorithm which forms an image of the defect within the component. An algorithm is used to determine the position and size of the defect.

Abstract: A system for error correction coding and decoding information is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first and second encoders are each configured to encode the information, wherein the second encoder has a higher capability than the first encoder. First and second decoders are configured to recover the information, wherein the second decoder recovers the information encoded by the second encoder only if the first decoder cannot recover the information.

Abstract: A system for configuring solid-state storage devices comprises a solid-state storage device and an error correction code (ECC) selection system. The ECC selection system is configured to automatically select a set of error correction code based on an error rate of the storage device. The ECC selection system is further configured to install the selected set of error correction code in the solid-state storage device.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A magnetic memory which in some embodiments compares compressed fault maps is disclosed. In one embodiment, the magnetic memory may include at least two magnetic memory cells which are configured to store data. The magnetic memory includes a control system configured to periodically obtain parametric values from the magnetic memory cells and generate a corresponding compressed fault map using the parametric values. In some embodiments, at least one of the compressed fault maps is compared to a previous one of the compressed fault maps, and an indication is provided if there are differences.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic memory. In one embodiment, the magnetic memory comprises an array of memory cells configured to provide resistive states, and a read circuit. The read circuit is configured to sense a resistance through a memory cell in the array of memory cells to obtain a sense result and categorize the sense result into one of at least three different categories comprising a middle category situated between the resistive states.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a data storage and retrieval system operating on a host computer. The data storage and retrieval system comprises a sparing system configured to replace defective memory sections of a memory device with replacement memory sections of the memory device, and an error correction code system. The error correction code system is configured to encode data with an error correction code to store the data into the memory device and decode the encoded data with the error correction code to retrieve the data from the memory device.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers containing organo clay fillers. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles prepared from organoclay filled polymer compositions.

Abstract: A data item 11 is cyclically broadcast from a wireless transceiver 1 as a number of individual data segments 13. Receipt of all of the individual data segments 13 by a mobile device 9 is required to successfully receive the entirety of the data item 11. The time required to transmit all of the data segments 13 is increased by transmitting each data segment 13 at a minimum time interval from one another, or alternatively or additionally varying the rate of data transmission. A mobile device user is therefore required to remain within the locality of the wireless transceiver 1 for a minimum period of time.

Abstract: An internet-connected service system is provided for facilitating communication across the internet between image-sending and image-receiving systems that have dial-up internet access. The image-sending system, after connecting to the internet, sends a communication request to the service system and the latter is then responsible for waking up the image-receiving system. Upon being woken up, the image-receiving system connects to the internet and contacts the service system. The service system then transfers the current network address of at least one of the systems to the other thereby enabling direct communication to be established between the image-sending and image-receiving systems.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by fibre channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: Metering of a data transfer operation between two end systems across a communications infrastructure is done by having at least one of the end systems send a metering message to a service system. Both end systems can be set to send respective metering messages to the service system at the conclusion of the transfer operation. Metering messages can also be sent on an on-going basis during the course of the transfer operation by one or both end systems; in this latter case, the end system or systems involved preferably maintain a connection with the service system throughout the transfer operation. Metering can be in terms of pages sent.