Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling data sharing in a shared memory computer system transfers control of a cache coherency directory (entry) to a node having control of the data. Specifically, the plurality of nodes includes a home node and a second node. The home node has given data in a cache line in its memory, and also has a directory identifying the state of the cache line. The method and apparatus thus detect a request for ownership of the cache line from the second node, and enable the second node to control the directory after receipt of the request.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided in a computer network to decouple client computers from file servers, by placing a transparent network node, also termed a file switch or file switch computer, between the client computers and the file servers. Usage of such a file switch allows reduced latency in file transfers, as well as scalable mirroring, striping, spillover, and other features. The file switch preferably includes at least one processing unit for executing computer programs, at least one port for exchanging information with the file servers and client computers, and a file aggregation module. The file aggregation module includes computer programs for determining a set of file servers from the group of file servers for storing a specified user file, creating a metadata file storing information identifying the set of file servers for storing the user file; and updating directory structures on the set of file servers to indicate storage of the user file.

Abstract: A circuit and method for cochlear implant telemetry where digital data is encoded into an RF signal. The RF signal is applied via a rectifier diode to a first switch matrix S1 and a second switch matrix S2, with S1 being coupled to a first sampling capacitor C1 and S2 being coupled to a second sampling capacitor C2. A local oscillator signal with period T is applied that controls S1 and S2, cyclically coupling C1 and C2 to the RF signal, a first input to a comparator, and ground. The comparator compares the first input to a DC reference voltage. The output of the comparator is then sampled via a flip flop clocked by the local oscillator, with the flip flop outputting a data bit stream representative of the envelope of the RF signal having encoded information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention employ differential acceleration computations for detecting free fall conditions. The differential acceleration computations can be based on two-axis or three-axis acceleration measurements, and therefore can be implemented using a two-axis accelerometer or a three-axis accelerometer (or combinations of accelerometers that enable acceleration measurements in two or three axes). When a free fall condition is detected, an appropriate signal can be generated, for example, to place a HDD in a protected state before damage is likely to occur. Differential acceleration measurements can also be used to detect a “safe” condition following a free fall condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector assembly for connecting optical fibers in optical communication systems, and particularly to flexible ferrule device for connecting optical fibers for such use. The present invention further relates to a method of connecting optical fiber using such device and to a tool for the use thereof. The invention relates to an optical fiber connection device that allows for the end-to-end alignment of two optical fibers in a way such as to permit a light signal to pass from one fiber to the other fiber with minimal attenuation and reflection losses. This device also makes it possible to reduce any air layer between the ends of the two fibers in contact by maintaining pressure on their ends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for digitization of surfaces of complex objects such as dental surfaces or plastic parts. While an object is being scanned by translation along a known trajectory, typically in a plane, the line of sight of a distance probe is bent toward an object by a periodic series of reflecting surfaces characterized by normal vectors at distinct non-orthogonal angles with respect to their axis of symmetry. One or more reference objects are scanned using the same translation and mirror positioning systems. Gathered coordinate data are processed to apply angular corrections and combined to form a single distortion-corrected image.

Abstract: A radiation shield and method for reducing ambient radiation levels at a distance from a surface irradiated by penetrating radiation emanating from an instrument substantially along a propagation axis. The shield attaches to an end of the instrument proximate to an irradiated surface and has a surface of attenuating material disposed with a component extending outward from the propagation axis of penetrating radiation and substantially adjacent to the irradiated surface.

Abstract: An instrument and method for measuring the elemental composition of a test material. The instrument has a source of penetrating radiation for irradiating an irradiated region of the test material, a detector for detecting fluorescence emission by the test material and for generating a detector signal, and a controller for converting the detector signal into a spectrum characterizing the composition of the test material. A platen of attenuating material extends outward from adjacent to, and surrounding, the irradiated surface of the test material. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the attenuating platen is tapered with increasing radial distance from the central irradiated region of the test material.

Abstract: A method of encoding a transmission signal to reduce multiple access interference at a receiver. A data source signal including a plurality of source symbols is received into a transmitter. The source symbols are encoded using low energy encoding forming encoded codewords. An identifying pattern is applied to the encoded codewords forming a transmission signal. In one embodiment, the identifying pattern is a unique pseudo-random pattern identifying the data source. Once the pattern has been added, multiple transmission signals can be summed together and then modulated onto a carrier wave. The transmission signals are then transmitted on the carrier wave which is at a pre-selected frequency. The low energy encoding format is such that a sequence of signals forming codewords is created. Each sequence of signals is characterized by an energy and normally a high bit consumes energy whereas a low bit requires substantially less energy.

Abstract: A cleat receptacle for footwear. The cleat receptacle includes a cleat-engaging structure surrounded by a flange. The flange includes portions that are sloped with respect a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cleat-engaging structure. The receptacle is molded into a shoe outsole. Outsole material adjacent to sloped portions of the flange resists twisting of the receptacle as cleats are inserted into or removed from the receptacle. Paddle projections may be attached to the flange to further resist twisting of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of providing rehabilitation movement training for a person suffering from nerve damage, stroke, spinal cord injury, neurological trauma or neuromuscular disorder in attempting to move a body part about a joint using a powered orthotic device includes sensing at least one electromyographic signal of a muscle associated with motion about the joint, applying in a first direction with respect to the joint a force having a magnitude that is a first function of the at least one sensed electromyographic signal, and applying in a second direction with respect to the joint a return force that is a second function of the at least one sensed electromyographic signal, wherein the second function differs from the first function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for training the visual system of a human by presenting optical stimuli to said human, said stimuli being presented to a zone within the intact visual field of said human and optionally to a zone outside the intact visual field of said human, one of said zones comprising a zone to be trained, thereby allowing an improvement of the vision in general, said process comprising the steps of (a) locating and defining a zone of intact vision and optionally a zone of deteriorated vision or residual visual function or partial visual system injury (“transition zone”) within the human's visual system; (b) defining a training area which is located within at least one of said zones including the zone of intact vision; (c) training the human's visual system by presenting visual stimuli to the human's visual system, at least a part of said visual stimuli being presented in or near said zone of intact vision; (d) recording changes in the characteristics of the human's visual system;

Abstract: In an inertial sensor, a mass is supported by a number of mass support structures positioned within an inner periphery of the mass. The mass support structures are affixed to a substrate by at least one anchor positioned proximate to the mass' center of mass. A number of sensing fingers are affixed to the mass support structures.

Abstract: A condensation removal apparatus is disclosed. The condensation removal apparatus is used with a hot water heater wherein the hot water heater produces a fuel exhaust. The fuel exhaust from the hot water heater is provided to a draft inducer through an inlet which includes a thermally conductive plate having a hole through which the fuel exhaust flows. The draft inducer mixes ambient air with the fuel exhaust and reduces the temperature of the mixture as compared to the fuel exhaust. The mixture is directed to an outlet of the draft inducer and through piping into another environment. As the mixture cools, condensation forms within the piping. The condensation drips back down through the draft inducer. The condensation is then directed onto the thermally conductive plate. Since the thermally conductive plate maintains a high temperature, the condensation is turned from a liquid form into a gaseous form and is directed back through the draft inducer to the outlet.

Abstract: A calibration system for an inertial sensor includes a calibration module for processing an output value produced by the inertial sensor, the output value related to a detected movement of an object, wherein the calibration module calculates an offset value from a plurality of output values, and memory operatively coupled with the calibration module, the memory capable of storing the plurality of output values and/or the offset value, wherein the inertial sensor is calibrated using the calculated offset value.

Abstract: A mass includes a first set of drive fingers interdigitated with a first array of fixed drive fingers and a second set of drive fingers interdigitated with a second array of fixed drive fingers. Each array of fixed drive fingers is affixed to a substrate using a plurality of anchors. The anchors for the first and second arrays of fixed drive fingers are arranged to be co-linear in a lateral direction relative to the motion of the mass.

Abstract: A medical valve having an open mode to permit fluid flow and a closed mode to prevent fluid flow has a body and a valving element within the interior of the body. The body also has a valving element within its interior, and a proximal port and a distal port. The valving element controls fluid flow between the proximal and distal ports. Moreover, the valving element includes a resilient member and a plug. The resilient member forms a variable sized fluid chamber within the interior of the body, while the plug cooperates with the gland to provide an internal seal (within the interior of the body) that is spaced from the proximal port. The plug is capable of radially expanding the resilient member when the valve transitions from the closed mode to the open mode. The fluid chamber has a larger volume when in the open mode than when in the closed mode.

Abstract: A sensor has a die (with a working portion), a cap coupled with the die to at least partially cover the working portion, and a conductive pathway extending through the cap to the working portion. The pathway provides an electrical interface to the working portion.

Abstract: Artifacts in the reconstructed volume data of cone beam CT systems can be removed by the application of respiration correlation techniques to the acquired projection images. To achieve this, the phase of the patients breathing is monitored while acquiring projection images continuously. On completion of the acquisition, projection images that have comparable breathing phases can be selected from the complete set, and these are used to reconstruct the volume data using similar techniques to those of conventional CT. Any phase can be selected and therefore the effect of breathing can be studied. It is also possible to use a feature in the projection images such as the patient's diaphragm to determine the breathing phase. This feature in the projection images can be used to control delivery of therapeutic radiation dependent on the patient's breathing cycle, to ensure that the tumor is in the correct position when the radiation is delivered.