Abstract: A parallel processor in associative content-addressable memory (PPAC) is provided. Processing in memory (PIM) moves computation into memories with the goal of improving throughput and energy-efficiency compared to traditional von Neumann-based architectures. Most existing PIM architectures are either general-purpose but only support atomistic operations, or are specialized to accelerate a single task. The PPAC described herein provides a novel in-memory accelerator that supports a range of matrix-vector-product (MVP)-like operations that find use in traditional and emerging applications. PPAC is, for example, able to accelerate low-precision neural networks, exact/approximate hash lookups, cryptography, and forward error correction. The fully-digital nature of PPAC enables its implementation with standard-cell-based complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), which facilitates automated design and portability among technology nodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical receiver for digital signals in the visible range, with a photodetector consisting of a two-dimensional array of avalanche photodiodes (APD), connected in parallel and with an output representing the sum of the individual responses of each APD. The photodetector requires a low on incidence power and therefore allows to detect specific optical signals in a very well-defined range of powers and frequencies, in real high intensity back light conditions without the requirement of optical filters, which allows a great advance in the utility and applicability of communication with visible light with digital modulation techniques.

Abstract: Finite-alphabet beamforming for multi-antenna wideband systems is provided. The combination of massive multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology and millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication enables unprecedentedly high data rates for radio frequency (RF) communications. In such systems, beamforming must be performed at extremely high rates over hundreds of antennas. For example, spatial equalization applies beamforming in the uplink to mitigate interference among user equipment (UEs) at a base station (BS). Finite-alphabet equalization provides a new paradigm that restricts the entries of a spatial equalization matrix to low-resolution numbers, enabling high-throughput, low-power, and low-cost equalization hardware. Similarly, precoding applies beamforming in the downlink to maximize the reception of a signal transmitted from a BS to a target UE. Finite-alphabet precoding can be applied in the downlink to similarly improve power and cost in precoding hardware.

Abstract: Finite-alphabet beamforming for multi-antenna wideband systems is provided. The combination of massive multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology and millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication enables unprecedentedly high data rates for radio frequency (RF) communications. In such systems, beamforming must be performed at extremely high rates over hundreds of antennas. For example, spatial equalization applies beamforming in the uplink to mitigate interference among user equipment (UEs) at a base station (BS). Finite-alphabet equalization provides a new paradigm that restricts the entries of a spatial equalization matrix to low-resolution numbers, enabling high-throughput, low-power, and low-cost equalization hardware. Similarly, precoding applies beamforming in the downlink to maximize the reception of a signal transmitted from a BS to a target UE. Finite-alphabet precoding can be applied in the downlink to similarly improve power and cost in precoding hardware.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical receiver for digital signals in the visible range, with a photodetector consisting of a two-dimensional array of avalanche photodiodes (APD), connected in parallel and with an output representing the sum of the individual responses of each APD. The photodetector requires a low on incidence power and therefore allows to detect specific optical signals in a very well-defined range of powers and frequencies, in real high intensity back light conditions without the requirement of optical filters, which allows a great advance in the utility and applicability of communication with visible light with digital modulation techniques.

Abstract: A parallel processor in associative content-addressable memory (PPAC) is provided. Processing in memory (PIM) moves computation into memories with the goal of improving throughput and energy-efficiency compared to traditional von Neumann-based architectures. Most existing PIM architectures are either general-purpose but only support atomistic operations, or are specialized to accelerate a single task. The PPAC described herein provides a novel in-memory accelerator that supports a range of matrix-vector-product (MVP)-like operations that find use in traditional and emerging applications. PPAC is, for example, able to accelerate low-precision neural networks, exact/approximate hash lookups, cryptography, and forward error correction. The fully-digital nature of PPAC enables its implementation with standard-cell-based complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), which facilitates automated design and portability among technology nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically sorting small objects such as beans has an annular analysis head with an opening through which the objects fall. Three sets of optical fibers are positioned around the analysis head opening. A first set receives radiant light reflected from the falling objects. This reflected light is digitized and input to a comparator where the reflected light is compared to a reference value and a determination as to the quality of the object is made based on color. The second set of fibers is connected to an infrared light source and transmits a curtain of light across the opening, intercepting the travel of the objects. The third set of fibers receives the infrared light and is connected to a light detector which detects when objects pass through the curtain of light. The curtain of light is preferably wider than the objects. The light detector outputs a signal having peaks caused by the widest portions of objects passing through the light curtain.

Abstract: A control panel having a display for displaying selected statements from a plurality of stored statements containing one or more separate elements of alterable information; four selectively operable push-button switches; and a computer for storing the stored messages and controlling the display. The switches include left and right scroll switches and up and down-increment switches. The computer controls a cursor on the display movable left and right between one or more pre-programmed positions in each displayed statement in response to operation of the scroll switches. Each of the pre-programmed positions corresponds to one of the segments of alterable information. The scroll switches cause the computer to scroll left or right for sequentially displaying the next left or right statement. Scrolling to the next stored statement is in response to the scroll switch indicating an attempt to move the cursor left or right beyond the leftmost or rightmost pre-programmed position for the displayed statement.

Abstract: An optical sorter for beans and grains, including a detector providing a signal pulse for each of the sampled objects, and a signal processor for receiving and amplifying the pulse. The signal processor measures the amplitude of the amplifier pulse and compares the amplitude value to a predetermined standard value. The pulses are counted up to a predetermined count, and the number of pulses having an amplitude value above the predetermined standard value out of the total number of counted pulses, is counted. The counted number of pulses having an amplitude above the standard value is compared to a preselected number, and the gain of the signal processor is adjusted with a negative feedback signal to adjust toward the preselected number, the counted number of pulses in the next count having an amplitude value at the predetermined standard value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making boots for aquatic activities, more particularly for underwater diving. The method consists in the steps of forming a sock from a sheet of cellular elastomeric material and adhering an outsole assembly, including unvulcanized non-cellular rubber composition, to the sole portion and to the adjacent part of the upper of the sock all around the sole portion; placing the resulting unit in an oven; and vulcanizing under pressure said outsole assembly in situ on said sock at a maximum temperature below the degrading temperature of the cellular elastomeric material of the sock.

Abstract: This invention relates to boots for divers, used in association with a wet suit, dry suit, other diving gears or for other aquatic activities. Each boot comprises a sock, made of elastomeric material, preferably covered by nylon fabric on one or two sides, and an outsole, together with a back stay, a toe-cap and a foxing, made of non-cellular rubber and directly vulcanized as a unit on the sock. The resulting boot is long-lasting because the outsole does not become detached from the sock. Vulcanization is carried out in such a way that it does not affect the cellular elastomeric material.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically sorting small light objects such as beans and/or grains on the basis of size and color. A feeding mechanism separates the objects one from another and delivers them in a free falling condition to an optical analysis means where each object is uniformly illuminated. The analysis is based on the amount and spectrum of reflected light which is conveyed to a pair of light transducers having different response characteristics. The electrical signals developed by the transducers are simultaneously analyzed for absolute values to determine object size and relative value of the integrated signals to determine object coloring.An annular analysis head is employed with the objects being analyzed falling through the central opening. The head is comprised of a pair of annular rings with a predetermined gap between the rings located at the central opening. Plural fiber light conducting rods are uniformly spaced about the circumference of the gap so as to collect light reflected from the object.