Abstract: A system and method for high speed generation of a global address corresponding to the highest priority active matchline sense output signal received after a CAM search-and-compare operation is disclosed. A priority encoder having blocks of multiple match resolver circuits arranged in a logical order of priority receives a plurality of active matchline sense output signals. Each block of multiple match resolver circuits generates a flag signal and a local address corresponding to the highest priority active matchline sense output signal received. Control logic receives flag signals from the multiple match resolver circuits, and identifies the highest priority multiple match resolver circuit that has received an active matchline sense output signal. The control logic then disables all lower priority multiple match resolver circuits such that only the local address generated by the highest priority multiple match resolver circuit is passed by the priority encoder.

Abstract: A matchline sense circuit for detecting a rising voltage on a matchline of a CAM array is disclosed. The circuit initially precharges a matchline to ground before turning on a current source to supply current to the matchline and raise the voltage of the matchline. A reference matchline sense circuit generates a self-timed control signal to keep the current supply turned on for a predetermined duration of time. Sensed data on the matchlines are latched after the current source is turned off and the matchlines are precharged to ground. Because the matchline sense circuit of the present invention precharges the matchlines to ground instead of the supply voltage, VDD, less power is consumed. By sensing the rise of the matchline voltage to an n-channel transistor threshold potential, the matchline sensing operation speed is increased.

Abstract: A matchline sense circuit for detecting a rising voltage on a matchline of a CAM array is disclosed. the circuit initially precharges a matchline to ground before turning on a current source to supply current to the matchline and raise the voltage of the matchline. A reference matchline sense circuit generates a self-timed control signal to keep the current supply turned on for a predetermined duration of time. Sensed data on the matchlines are latched after the current source is turned off and the matchlines are precharged to ground. Because the matchline sense circuit of the present invention precharges the matchlines to ground instead of the supply voltage, VDD, less power is consumed. By sensing the rise of the matchline voltage to an n-channel transistor threshold potential, the matchline sensing operation speed is increased.

Abstract: A novel method is set out of preparation of radioactive diagnostic radiopharmaceutical in a stable, shippable, lyophilized form by an apparatus designed to rapidly flash freeze and dehydrate a radiopharmaceutical composition to minimize auto radiolysis. The method proposes rapid cooling and removal of ambient vapor, and then ultra cold removal when the potential of explosive liquid oxygen is eliminated. The radioactive diagnostic radiopharmaceutical requires no further cold or refrigerated storage, including with respect to shipping, subsequent to stabilization.

Abstract: A coupled seed train is formed by placing a plurality of seed train members into the lumen of a hollow tube. A plurality of accommodation slots are formed in the tube in spaced relation to one another along the length of the hollow tube. The members of the seed train are positioned within the lumen such that each accommodation slot is in registration with a space between contiguous members of the seed train. An adhesive is introduced into each accommodation slot to join the members of the train to one another in end-to-end relation with one another. The seed train and plunger are then placed into the lumen of a needle and the needle is introduced into the tissue of a patient. A plunger abuts the trailing end of the seed train and remains stationary as the needle is withdrawn over the seed train and plunger. The seed train is deployed at the proper position within the tissue. The needle and the plunger are then withdrawn from the tissue.

Abstract: A Content Addressable Memory array includes a plurality of coupled sub-blocks arranged in rows and columns. Search data received by a first sub-block in a first column of the CAM is propagated to each sub-block in the row to the last sub-block in the last column of the CAM. The search result for the CAM is selected based on the propagated search results for each row of sub-blocks and output on a side of the array opposite from the side receiving the search data.

Abstract: A priority encoder (PE) for a CAM, comprising a plurality of PE blocks, each receiving a plurality of match results corresponding to data entries in a corresponding data array block and, for determining an address of a highest priority data entry based on a physical location in the data array block during a CAM search-and-compare operation a register for storing a user defined priority value assigned to each PE block and means for evaluating priority values and the address determined by the plurality of PE blocks to select a PE block having the highest priority data entry.

Abstract: A system and method for high speed generation of a global address corresponding to the highest priority active matchline sense output signal received after a CAM search-and-compare operation is disclosed. A priority encoder having blocks of multiple match resolver circuits arranged in a logical order of priority receives a plurality of active matchline sense output signals. Each block of multiple match resolver circuits generates a flag signal and a local address corresponding to the highest priority active matchline sense output signal received. Control logic receives flag signals from the multiple match resolver circuits, and identifies the highest priority multiple match resolver circuit that has received an active matchline sense output signal. The control logic then disables all lower priority multiple match resolver circuits such that only the local address generated by the highest priority multiple match resolver circuit is passed by the priority encoder.

Abstract: A system and method for searching and deleting segmented wide word entries in a CAM array is disclosed. A normal CAM search operation is executed to find the first word segment of a wide word. Once found, a search and delete operation is executed to find all successive word segments of the wide word, with the last word segment being marked as a deleted word segment, along a first CAM array direction. Once the last word segment is deleted, the wide word is considered to have been deleted because subsequent searches for the wide word will not find its last word segment. A purge operation is then executed along the opposite CAM array direction to delete all the word segments of the deleted wide word. Match processing circuits in each row of the CAM array can pass search results to an adjacent row above or below it to ensure that only word segments belonging to the wide word are found in the search and delete operation and deleted in the purge operation.

Abstract: A system and method for high speed generation of a global address corresponding to the highest priority active matchline sense output signal received after a CAM search-and-compare operation is disclosed. A priority encoder having blocks of multiple match resolver circuits arranged in a logical order of priority receives a plurality of active matchline sense output signals. Each block of multiple match resolver circuits generates a flag signal and a local address corresponding to the highest priority active matchline sense output signal received. Control logic receives flag signals from the multiple match resolver circuits, and identifies the highest priority multiple match resolver circuit that has received an active matchline sense output signal. The control logic then disables all lower priority multiple match resolver circuits such that only the local address generated by the highest priority multiple match resolver circuit is passed by the priority encoder.

Abstract: A multiple CAM chip architecture for a CAM memory system is disclosed. The CAM chips are arranged in a diamond cascade configuration such that the base unit includes an input CAM chip, two parallel CAM chip networks, and an output CAM chip. The input CAM chip receives a CAM search instruction and provides the search instruction and any match address simultaneously to both CAM chip networks for parallel processing of the search instruction. Each CAM chip network provides the highest priority match address between the match address of the input CAM chip and its own match address. The output CAM chip then determines and provides the highest priority match address between the match addresses of both CAM chip networks and its own match address. Each CAM chip network can include one CAM chip, or a plurality of CAM chips arranged in the base unit diamond cascade configuration.

Abstract: A cam system comprising a plurality of CAM devices connected in a serial cascade arrangement, the CAMS in the cascade being connected to an adjacent CAM by a respective forwarding bus, with at most a first CAM in the cascade being connected to a receive data signals from a host controller and at most a last CAM devices being coupled to forward results back to the host controller; and a send signal generation means for supplying a SEND signal to the last CAM; the SEND signal for coordinating transfer of the search result from the last CAM to the host controller, the serial cascade arrangement minimising the number of CAMs being connected to a common forwarding bus.

Abstract: A shielded packaging system is formed by a top panel and a bottom panel that are connected to one another along a preselected extent of their respective peripheral edges. An opening is formed along the unconnected extent and provides access to the space between the panels that holds radioactive items. Each panel includes at least two layers of lead foil so that if a pinhole is formed in either layer, the probability of two pinholes lining up and enabling radiation to escape from the space is minimal. The layers of lead foil have at least one ridge formed in them at their respective peripheral edges so that radiation traveling in a straight path parallel to the top and bottom panels encounters the ridges and cannot escape through the edges of the package.

Abstract: A matchline sense circuit for detecting a rising voltage on a matchline of a CAM array is disclosed. the circuit initially precharges a matchline to ground before turning on a current source to supply current to the matchline and raise the voltage of the matchline. A reference matchline sense circuit generates a self-timed control signal to keep the current supply turned on for a predetermined duration of time. Sensed data on the matchlines are latched after the current source is turned off and the matchlines are precharged to ground. Because the matchline sense circuit of the present invention precharges the matchlines to ground instead of the supply voltage, VDD, less power is consumed. By sensing the rise of the matchline voltage to an n-channel transistor threshold potential, the matchline sensing operation speed is increased.