Abstract: A color compensation system maps and translates between colors and colorants with improved speed and accuracy. The invention also contemplates colorant-to-color and colorant-to-colorant translations. In one embodiment, an improved color-to-colorant map is first created by creating a multi-dimensional lattice, then dividing this lattice into sub-lattices of selected sizes. A "nominal" sub-lattice is then constructed for a given colorant. Next, that colorant is expressed as a function of color-dependent component parts, and this relationship is used to construct initial lookup tables to convert the input colors to average colorants. Then, final lookup tables are generated, one for each sub-lattice, to convert average colorants to actual colorants. The above steps are repeated for each colorant. This process effectively creates a high-speed color-to-colorant map. After the improved map is created, it is implemented in a processor, which uses the map during translation.

Abstract: A technique used during interprocedural compilation in which program objects are grouped together based on the weights of the connections between the objects and their costs. System-imposed constraints on memory size can be taken into account to avoid creating groupings that overload the system's capacity. The groupings can be distributed over memories located on different processors.

Abstract: A finite field multiplier in GF2.sup.mn is formed from a pair of m celled shift registers and an m celled accumulating cell. Logical connections are established to generate grouped terms in respective cells of the accumulating cell upon retention of the vector of the subfield elements in each shift register. Each cell contains a subfield element in the form of an n-tuple and the logical connections perform arithmetic operations in accordance with the inherent subfield arithmetic to provide an n-tuple in each cell of the accumulating register. A product of two vectors can be obtained in m clock cycles. By mapping between registers, squaring of a vector can be obtained in one clock cycle.

Abstract: The magnetic states of MR reproducing heads are reinitialized during media drive manufacturing by applying initializing magnetic fields to the transducers after they have been manufactured and incorporated into media drive assemblies.

Abstract: A spindle unit for machine tools, with a working spindle that is provided to accommodate a tool and is mounted so it can rotate in a housing and is driven by a motor, and with a chucking unit with an operating device and an internal coolant supply to the tool. A short and compact spindle unit is created according to this invention by the fact that the internal coolant supply is integrated into the chucking unit and has a rotary transmission lead-through mounted inside the operating device to convey the coolant from a stationary supply line into the chucking unit.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the velocity and/or position of a coil driven actuator arm without the aid of servo signals. A sample-hold unit is used to measure no-motion coil voltage in the voice motor coil while applying a predetermined coil current. Then, while the same magnitude (opposite direction) current is applied to move the actuator arm, the coil voltage is measured. The coil voltage is reduced by the measured no-motion coil voltage, producing a measurement of back-emf. The back-emf may be amplified by a predetermined factor to yield an estimation of velocity, and this amount may be integrated to provide a gauge of relative actuator arm position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for forming a connection to an object (26) with a shape memory alloy sleeve (4). In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve (4) has a first end (10) with formations on its internal surface for forming a seal with the external surface of an object (26) located within it, and a second end which has a predetermined configuration when recovered in which it can form a connection to another object (30) for engaging the other object (30) to form a connection to that object (30).

Abstract: An insertion mass flow sensor having coaxial, spaced reference and active sensors mounted within an opening adjacent the distal end of the elongated flow element. The distal end of the flow element is adapted to be positioned at the center of the conduit through which fluid is flowing. In the preferred embodiment, a turbulence inducing element is mounted across the opening to condition the fluid that encounters the active sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading and writing data to a medium which moves at an uncontrolled velocity relative to a read/write apparatus with which the data is read and written. The read/write apparatus comprises one write head and two read heads. The first read head is spaced apart from the second read head by an odd integer multiple of one half of a bit cell. The two read heads read preexisting data from the medium and generate a write clock which is used to synchronize a write operation using the write head. Delay logic ensures that the write head is over that portion of the medium on which new data is to be written. By measuring the amount of time between detection of a transition at the first read head and detection of that transition at the second read head, the velocity of the medium with respect to the read/write apparatus is determined and the amount of time that must elapse between the reading of old data and the writing of new data which overwrites the old data is determined.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the wheel positions of double-track motor vehicles according to which the relevant wheel angles, such as the track, the king pin inclination, the inclination of the steering knuckle pivot, the axle pin rake, the eccentricity or the like, are detected by means of measuring heads mounted on the wheel rims of the vehicle wheels. The measurement data is evaluated and displayed by a processing means. The measuring heads are pivotable around an extension of the axis of rotation of the respectively related vehicle wheel. To be able to carry out measurements even with the vehicle wheels rotating, the measuring heads are held in their predetermined measuring position by means of a position control.

Abstract: A carrying case for jewelry and the like, comprises a primary panel of pliable material having a generally rectangular configuration and an inner face and an outer face, the panel having a top end and a bottom end, hanging means at the top end, the panel foldable along a transverse line for forming a primary receptacle having a front panel and a back panel, a pocket assembly for detachably securing to the back panel inner face, the pocket assembly comprising a back pocket panel and a front pocket panel secured together along a bottom and side edges forming a pocket, and a mounting panel removeably mounted in the pocket and having a mounting face, a plurality of attachment loops on the mounting face for mounting articles of jewelry, an elongate generally cylindrical support member detachably mounted on the panel, and a cover panel secured along an edge to one of an upper and a lower edge of the mounting panel to thereby overlap and cover the mounting face.

Abstract: A compression interlocking system for stabilizing long bone fractures, comprises an elongated intramedullary rod having a proximial end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the rod adapted for extending within a bore generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a long bone from a proximal end of the bone to beyond a fracture of the bone, a threaded member for fixing the proximal end of the rod to a first portion of a bone having a fracture, a second member for fixing the distal end to a second portion of the bone having the fracture, and a cam for moving the second portion of the bone toward the first portion of the bone for closing and applying compression to the fracture.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing is provided for making an improved merged MR head. The method employs a photoresist mask with appropriately-sized openings for simultaneously etching numerous vias to various depths over a set time period. After formation of the vias, a single photoresist mask is employed to pattern in one step gap layers G3, G2, G1 and a first shield layer S1 to the desired lateral configuration for the merged MR head. Subsequent to patterning these thin film layers, double insulation layers I2 and I3 are individually soft baked on top of the coil structure of the head followed by patterning of the layers I2/I3 by a single photoresist mask. These layers are then hard baked to retain the desired smooth configuration of the layers. The improved merged MR head has a smooth configuration to its top pole piece P2 because of the smooth configuration of the I2/I3 layer so that flux leakage and saturation problems are minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding and detecting data which can be represented in a physical array of modules recorded on a medium. Information is encoded in "image-blocks". An image-block comprises a plurality of "sub-blocks". Sub-blocks comprise a plurality of "modules". A module is the smallest unit of information within the image-block. Discrete contiguous portions of each sub-block of an image-block taken together are encoded into an outer codeword. A plurality of these outer codewords are generated and recorded across each sub-block. A portion of the information that is to be recorded within each sub-block is encoded in a plurality of inner error detection and correction codewords, each preferably stored entirely within one corresponding sub-block. Accordingly, small scattered random errors can be corrected locally by using information entirely contained within the sub-block.

Abstract: A seismic damping system for a building structure, comprises a foundation for supporting a structure, a fixed anchor disposed in an accessible position centrally of the foundation, and damping members connected between the foundation and the anchor for damping seismic movement of the foundation.

Abstract: A device for applying permanent pigment, such as in a tattooing procedure, which has a disposable needle coupler which couples the needle to the device. The device has a housing which is structured to allow easy user access to the internal parts that are likely to be exposed to contamination from the tattooing procedure. The needle coupler is structured to allow easy manipulation to detach it from or attach it to the device without require the use or tools. The pigment applicator device may be a manual device or an electro-mechanically driven device. In the latter, the needle coupler is detachably coupled to a drive mechanism for actuating reciprocal axial movement of the needle via the needle coupler. The drive mechanism may include a cam for translating a rotational motion into a reciprocal axial motion of the needle coupler.

Abstract: A high reliability, low power lamp for use in illuminating traffic signal indicators, comprising a "serpentine grid structure" comprising a first and a second overlapping neon light source. The two neon light sources are placed in close proximity to one another, thus allowing each light source to be illuminated more rapidly due to the reduced length of each tube and the interaction of each tube with the other. The physical layout of the indicator is preferably designed to enhance the operation of the neon tube by causing heat generated by the power supply to raise the temperature of the air surrounding the neon tube.

Abstract: Data is stored in one or more data storage devices, the number of active data storage devices being adaptively adjusted to maximize parallelism while minimizing device overhead. Multiple datasets are first received, these being designated for storage in multiple data storage devices. Next, a first one of the received datasets is stored in a first one of the data storage devices. Concurrently with storage of the first dataset, the following steps are performed: (1) selecting a second received dataset from those remaining to be stored, (2) selecting an available data storage device by employing a predetermined criteria, and (3) beginning storage of the second dataset in the selected data storage device. The predetermined criteria for selecting an available data storage device may involve, for example, selecting an available device based on a "first fit" or a "best fit" scheme. Concurrently with storage of the second dataset, storage of a third dataset starts.

Abstract: A pointer system provides multiple display pointers that can be created and identified by a computer user such that each pointer is associated with a particular application and location within an application. A user can recall respective pointers and pointer locations by selecting a pointer identifier. One or more of the pointers can be defined as anchored pointers, which are associated with one or more user actions. The user actions can comprise a variety of functions, including mouse button clicks. In this way, a user can define anchored pointers and carry out a string of user actions by selecting the identifying character of an anchored pointer.

Abstract: A file management system for accessing mass storage systems, employing a compressed common file directory ("CCFD") that occupies a minimum amount of storage space. The CCFD is implemented in a storage system including a library of media, one or more storage drives that may be permanently or selectively coupled to the media, and a controller connected. Each piece of media includes a local file directory, which contains a listing of the files stored on that piece of media cross-referenced to those files' addresses on the media item. The controller contains or has convenient access to the CCFD. When access to a file is desired, the CCFD is used to quickly identify the piece of media containing that file. More particularly, the CCFD includes a first data structure including a list of encoded filenames cross-referenced to a list oil compressed media IDs. Each encoded filename comprises a filename of a file stored in one or more of the media, encoded with a selected encoding scheme.