Abstract: An assembler/disassembler mechanism in a data transfer pipeline receives data from FIFOs on a write operation to a memory, and transfers data to FIFOs on a read operation from memory. An enhanced parity mechanism is implemented in the assembler/disassembler to generate a pseudo-random number for each data byte. Enhanced parity generated in another pipeline component and accompanying data transferred from the FIFO (on a write to memory) is exclusive-ORed with LFSR data generated by enhanced parity circuitry in the assembler/disassembler. Integral registers provide a pathway for a respective line processor to access the data string, and allow the processor to access the memory. A counter mechanism counts/controls the amount of data read into and out of the FIFOS. Setting the amount of data to be transferred in and out of the FIFOs, allows data transfer to effectively run independent of the line processor.

Abstract: A distance learning implementation is effected as a client/server solution with a centralized server facility and a remote client facility. The centralized server facility includes a first network with at least one host processor system and associated operating software. Each of the at least one host processor system(s) is configured in the network with at least one specialized apparatus, such as an Integrated Cache Disk Array, which represents an operating environment for purposes of training remote trainees. A gateway, in the form of a router, provides access to the centralized server facility network, and the at least one host processor system is selectably accessible through a switch in the server facility network. A remote training facility network is configured as a client with a minimal amount of hardware to access the centralized server facility network over a standard digital communications network, such as an integrated services digital network (ISDN) line.

Abstract: A displaceable X/Y coordinate measurement table having two orthogonally arranged measurement mirrors for interferometric position determination is described. The displaceable measurement table, a mirror body carrying the measurement mirrors, and the receptacle for the substrate are embodied as separate components. The mirror body has a number of support points on its upper side and lower side for supporting a substrate or a receptacle above the upper side and for supporting the mirror body on the lower points above the measurement table. The mirror geometry is therefore unaffected by the weight of various substrates. The two measurement mirrors are integrated into a one-piece mirror body made of a material having an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion. The described embodiments have frame-shaped openings in the X/Y coordinate measurement table and mirror body, which makes the measurement table suitable for both reflected and transmitted applications.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of an anticoagulant composition which allows for the accurate analysis of blood electrolyte concentrations. Also disclosed is the anticoagulant composition produced in accordance with the disclosed method and an apparatus containing said composition useful in the selection and sampling of blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration and respiratory support system which includes a manifold attachable to a specimen collection vial that is interposed between, and attached to, a suction control device and suction catheter device. The sputum trap allows for the collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in the respiratory support system. The manifold includes a manifold body that has a first connector and a second connector for attachment to the suction control device and suction catheter, respectively, and an open port for secure attachment to the specimen collection vial. The manifold body further includes tethered first and second caps adapted for sealing the first and second connectors respectively from fluid flow communication once sufficient sputum has been collected in the specimen collection vial.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided which includes a container having a closed end that defines an orifice. A closure is mountable about the closed end and has a closing lid portion which includes an orifice plug configured to sealingly engage the orifice. The closure includes a retention collar moveably connected and disposed about an outer surface of the container to facilitate mounting. The closing lid portion is moveably connected to the retention collar. The closure further includes a tamper evident portion that removably connects the closing lid portion and the retention collar to provide a first visual indication. The tamper evident portion is removable to provide a second visual indication. The closed end of the container may have a pair of support posts extending therefrom configured to engage a surface of the closure.

Abstract: A method of raising the blood sugar level in a mammal having hypoglycemia is described. The method reduces degradation of glucagon by administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and physiologically acceptable adjuvants and/or excipients.

Abstract: An interface architecture includes a plurality of pipelines each controlled by a respective line processor. An onboard ESCON protocol conversion device distinguishes customer data to be stored on a disk or read from disk versus header information. Transmit and receive frame dual port rams store transmitted frame and received frame information, stripping frame/header information from user data. Data to be stored in Global Memory is stored temporarily in FIFOs. An assembler/disassembler in each pipeline receives data from FIFOs (on a write), and transfers data to FIFOs (on a read). A buffer dual port ram (DPR) is configured to receive data for buffering read operations from and write operations to the GM. Data transfers between the assembler/disassembler and the buffer DPR pass through Error Detection And Correction circuitry (EDAC). A plurality of state machines arranged as an Upper Machine, Middle Machine and Lower Machine facilitate movement of user data between DPR and Global Memory (GM).

Abstract: A protectively reflected binary image is provided comprising a thermally imaged transparency on which is superposed a thin reflective protective overcoat, the imaged transparency comprising a binary image supported on a transparent substrate. The reflective protective overcoat is interfacially bonded to the thermally imaged transparency preferably such that the binary image is interposed between the transparent substrate and the reflective protective overcoat. A method for transferring a reflective protective overcoat onto an imaged transparency is also provided, whereby an image surface of the imaged transparency is protected and made viewable as a reflected image, the method utilizing a laminar transfer sheet comprising a carrier web and a reflective protective overcoat, the laminar transfer sheet being laminated onto the image surface with the carrier web subsequently removed to thereby release the reflective protective overcoat, the overcoat remaining bonded to the image surface.

Abstract: Local color correction to color values which result from processing of images within a Color Management System (CMS) is implemented by adjusting existing fields and tags within a color profile. A source image is rendered on a source digital imaging device, and the same or a different image is manipulated by the CMS then rendered on a destination digital imaging device. The CMS uses predetermined color profiles associated with the source and destination devices. The technique is useful when the manipulated image rendered on the destination device has a number of color regions which the user determines are unacceptably different in appearance from the source rendered image. Depending upon the embodiment being practiced, either spectrophotometric or colorimetric measurements or onscreen identifications are made of the respective error regions within the two rendered images and the user is enabled to indicate preferred color matching results.

Abstract: Novel therapeutic regimens are provided which comprise the administration of therapeutically effective amounts of an inhibitor to dipeptidyl peptidase (DP-IV) or enzymes of similar activity whereby their ability to degrade the incretins, GLP-1 and GIP, is reduced. As a result hyperglycemia, such as that accompanying food intake may be reduced due to improved insulin release. A preferred therapeutic regimen amongst a number of routes of administration and inhibitors that may be used comprises the oral administration of isoleucyl thiazolidine.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing efficiency in a mass storage system such as a RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks) array with a cache memory. Multi-host mass storage systems employ a data structure called a write tree. The write tree is stored in cache memory, and is used to mark addressable data elements stored in the cache memory which must be written back to disk (referred to as “destaging”, or “write-backs”). Disks and disk controllers must scan and traverse the write tree to search for pending write operations. By storing a write tree cache apart from the write tree, the system efficiency is greatly increased. The write tree cache consists of a cylinder address as found in the write tree, and a bit mask indicating pending write operations at a specific level of the write tree. The specific disks and disk controllers can then avoid accessing the write tree in cache memory when searching for pending write operations.

Abstract: A gross filter in a drainage device for filtering fluids drained from the pleural cavity of a patient comprising a filter body having a first side panel, second side panel, back panel and bottom panel that assemble to form a generally box-shape filter with open front and top portions. The gross filter is located in the first of two subchambers that comprise the collection chamber. The filter body further comprises a filter screen sized for filtering gross particulates, such as blood clots, that may become entrained in fluid drained from a patient. The gross body is configured so as to permit the further filtering of fluids when blood clots have formed and blocked the filter screen of the filter's bottom panel from fluid flow therethrough, thereby allowing uninterrupted filtering of blood into the collection chamber through the first and second side panels instead.

Abstract: A plurality of state machines arranged into three functional units, an Upper Machine, Middle Machine and a Lower Machine facilitate movement of user data between a buffer memory and a Global Memory (GM) in a data transfer interface. The Middle Machine controls all data movement to and from the GM. Although not directly in the data path, it is responsible for coordinating control between elements that comprise data transfer channels. The Middle Machine is interconnected to and provides control and coordination between the Upper and Lower sides of the buffer memory. The Lower Machine connects to a data assembly mechanism of each pipe. The Upper Machine connects to the backplane, which in turn connects to Global Memory. The actual data transfers between the buffer memory and GM are controlled by the Upper Machine, and transfers between the buffer memory and the data assembly mechanism are controlled by the Lower Machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for reading documents, such as identity documents, including passports, and documents of value, to obtain and verify information recorded thereon, and to read and/or detect security information thereon to determine if such documents are counterfeit or have been altered.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of routing traffic through a network with a plurality of nodes which comprises classifying network traffic into a plurality of classes, including interior, interior-to-exterior, exterior-to-interior, and transitory. At each node of the network, a packet, designated as belonging to a traffic class and including a source node address and a destination node address, is received. The packet is indexed into the node's packet switch matrix using the traffic class designation, source node address, and destination node address to obtain a node link number for forwarding the packet. Then, the packet is forwarded upon a link indicated by the node link number.

Abstract: An investment optimizing system and method. Once an investor or investment advisor determines the appropriate asset allocation and that there are both taxable accounts and tax-deferred investment accounts, the invention will optimize/maximize the investor's ending after-tax asset accumulation, which is the objective of all investors. This is accomplished by allocating the chosen investment vehicles between the taxable and tax-deferred accounts in an optimum way. The invention runs on a computer system and searches for an allocation which results in a maximal return. Intelligent heuristics measure increased performance based on different asset allocations.

Abstract: A method of dispensing gel for separation of the serum and coagulum portions of a blood sample in a blood collection tube is disclosed. The present invention of dispensing the gel preferably comprises utilizing a gel dispensing apparatus with a nozzle head having a plurality of openings. The gel dispensing apparatus dispenses either a continuous band of gel around the central portion of the collection tube or a plurality of discrete stripes that forms a circumferential pattern thereto. Once the gel is dispensed, the tube is ready for accepting a blood sample for eventual separation in a centrifuge where the dispensed gel will form a barrier that exhibits strong adhesive properties after separation of the blood sample has occurred.

Abstract: A probe tip in combination with a seal assembly that prevents debris and other contaminants from entering the probe tip. In the preferred embodiment, the seal comprises a tube with a filter holder assembly attached at the distal end of the holder. The filter holder assembly includes an infrared filter seated inside a screw-on member that is attached to a holder member with a sealing member located directly behind the infrared filter. During manufacturing, a predetermined force is applied to the proximal end of the tube which drives the distal end of the tube and filter holder assembly against the probe tip opening, thereby forming a watertight seal thereto. In alternative embodiments, the seal assembly may be comprised of a collar and gasket combination instead of a filter holder assembly.