Abstract: A method and apparatus in a computer system selectively stores CPU state related information in parallel in a first and a second set of registers. The two sets of registers can selectively transfer data in parallel therebetween to restore the CPU state related information used by the CPU. The second set of registers cm be organized in a cascaded structure or in selective banks of registers to keep track of multiple CPU state related information such as during nested interrupts. The second set of registers can tansfer data with a third data storage device asynchronously to the operation of the CPU.

Abstract: This invention helps achieve accurate focussing of therapeutic radiation at an internal structure (e.g. cancerous organ), which is often substantially movable within a living body. For this purpose, suitable sensors are laproscopically or surgically implanted at the location of the organ. These sensors may include semiconductor materials, scintillation materials, piezo-acoustic materials, x-ray emitters, or other materials which emit a signal when they are scanned by a beam of harmless investigative radiation, such as low intensity therapeutic radiation. The emitted signal is then monitored via implanted wires or light fibers or via external detectors during scanning to determine the targetted location at which a signal maximum occurs, whereupon the desired intensity of therapeutic radiation is focussed on this targetted location.

Abstract: A primary lithium battery particularly adapted for use in self-contained self-powered devices (SSPD) for mobile communication and computing products, such as radio frequency identification tags, PCMCIA cards, and smart cards. The battery utilizes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane that preferably has a polyacrylonitrile matrix. Performance of the electrolyte membrane is optimized by controlling the amount of aprotic organic solvents within the membrane within a prescribed range of ratios. The battery cathode is encapsulated within a polymeric matrix that eliminates the exposure hazard posed by lithium intercalation compounds used within the cathode. Use of stainless steel foil current collectors gives a high open circuit voltage of 3.8 volts and high cell capacity. A method of determining the optimum cathode thickness in the battery is also described. This provides a means of maximizing volumetric and gravimetric energy densities by using the optimum amount of cathode material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cascading devices wherein the output voltage is greater than the individual voltage capacity of the circuit components. The cascadable switch contains transistors connected so that the source and gate voltages on a given transistor are derived from the drain and source voltages of the preceding stage in the cascade. Depletion mode devices are utilized in one embodiment of the invention, while level shifter circuits are incorporated into another embodiment.

Abstract: A primary lithium battery particularly adapted for use in self-contained self-powered devices (SSPD) for mobile communication and computing products, such as radio frequency identification tags, PCMCIA cards, and smart cards. The battery has a flexible and compact design, and utilizes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane that preferably has a polyacrylonitrile matrix. Performance of the electrolyte membrane is optimized by controlling the amount of aprotic organic solvents within the membrane within a prescribed range of ratios. In so doing, the performance characteristics of the battery closely approximate that of conventional liquid electrolytes without the safety hazards associated with the risk of liquid electrolyte leakage, and exhibit enhanced performance at sub-ambient temperatures. A further feature is that the battery's cathode is encapsulated within a polymeric matrix that eliminates the exposure hazard posed by lithium intercalation compounds used within the cathode.