Abstract: A method for equalizing a digital signal received via at least one communication channel is described, wherein a block of received signal values is processed by a block-iterative equalizer (200). The equalizer comprises a feedback unit (202) and a feed-forward unit (201) each corresponding to the multiplication by a respective matrix. The matrices are updated in the iterative process.

Abstract: A rear projection imaging system with an image warping distortion correction system using a camera and processing unit to generate a warping map that corrects for image distortion. The warping map is generated in an iterative process by displaying a known pattern on a viewing screen and, through the use of a camera, having a microprocessor determine the location and shape of the pattern on the screen. The microprocessor then compares the displayed image to the original reference image, calculates the distortion effects present in the projection optics, and generates a warping map.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data comprising a plurality of bits is described wherein the data is mapped to a plurality of modulation symbols, each modulation symbol comprising at least one more significant bit and at least one less significant bit, at least one parity bit is generated for the plurality of bits and the plurality of bits are mapped to more significant bits of the plurality of modulation symbols and the at least one parity bit is mapped to at least one less significant bit of the plurality of modulation symbols.

Abstract: A method for rate control for encoding video sequence, wherein the video sequence includes a plurality of Group Of Pictures, wherein each Group of Picture includes at least and I-frame and an Inter-frame, where the rate control method includes the following steps for the encoding of the Inter-frame in the Group of Picture: determining a desired frame rate based on an available bandwidth of a channel for transmitting the video sequence and an available computational resources for the encoding process; determining a target buffer level based on the desired frame rate and the position of the Inter-frame with respect to the I-frame; and determining a target bit rate based on the target buffer level and the available channel bandwidth, wherein the target bit rate is used for controlling the rate of encoding the video sequence.

Abstract: A television display cover for covering the screen of a plasma or LCD screen when the television is not in use. The cover can be converted from existing frames, framed art, or mirrors already contained in a users' home or wall or panel for attachment of the display cover. A housing containing driving means is secured to a wall or recessed surface. The television display cover is then secured to the outside face of the housing. The cover can then be pivoted to an open or closed position to either expose the television display or cover it up.

Abstract: An initial pulse current cycle is supplied to at least one through-hole via. The pulse current cycle includes a forward pulse current. The magnitude of the forward pulse current is lower than the magnitude of the reverse pulse current. A corresponding forward and reverse current density is generated across the via causing conductive material to be deposited within the via, thereby reducing the effective aspect ratio of the via. At least one subsequent pulse current cycle is supplied. The magnitudes of the forward and reverse pulse currents of the subsequent pulse current cycle are determined in relation to the reduced effective aspect ratio. A subsequent corresponding forward and reverse current density is generated across the through-hole via causing conductive material to be deposited within the via, thereby further reducing the effective aspect ratio of the via.

Abstract: A compression belt cartridge for use with chest compression devices. The compression belt cartridge has a double-oar shaped belt and a cover plate through which the belt is threaded. The cover plate is provided with hooks and snap latches that fit into a belt drive platform. The cover plate is sized and dimensioned to fit within only selected platforms. The belt attaches to the means for tightening the belt via a spline attached to the belt. The means for tightening a belt then repetitively tightens the belt, thereby accomplishing chest compressions.

Abstract: A system including at least two parts or stations wherein a transaction or connection between any two or more of the parts or stations is conducted or established by an access code, the access code being available to an accessed part or station and requiring an identical access code to be provided to an accessing part or station at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection. The system is characterized in that the access code is one of a plurality of codes provided to the accessed part or station and available to the accessing part or station. The system is further characterized in that the access code is selected from the plurality of codes at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection, such that no two transactions are conducted or no two connections are established with the same access codes.

Abstract: A catheter system suitable for implanting pacemaker leads. A guide catheter is provided with steering capability, and the necessary steering components are modified to permit the catheter to be sliced during withdrawal, so that the proximal forced applied to the pacemaker lead is minimized and the lead is less likely to be dislodged.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. Such bubbles are generated, along with particulate matter, in an extracorporeal circulatory bypass system by the pump, oxygenator and other components. Filters are used in the line to remove particulates and bubbles from the blood before they are pumped back to the patient but current filters are inefficient at removing small bubbles and debris that can cause neurological defects and renal and other organ failures in the patient. An active filter apparatus and method is disclosed that forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter. The filter comprises an axially elongate cylindrical shell with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a gas outlet.

Abstract: An ECG signal processing system which removes the CPR-induced artifact from measured ECG signals obtained during the administration of CPR.

Abstract: A lateral force resisting system according to the present disclosure includes a metal lateral force resisting panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The metal lateral force resisting panel may be formed from a single piece of material and may include a plurality of ductility apertures forming lateral force resisting elements to enable the panel to flex without catastrophic failure. In a hybrid configuration, a wooden structural frame may be combined with the metal structural panel. The structural panel may be subdivided into multiple panes using ductility apertures to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin configuration or self-tightening.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

Abstract: A system including at least two parts or stations wherein a transaction or connection between any two or more of the parts or stations is conducted or established by means of an access code, the access code being available to an accessed part or station and requiring an identical access code to be provided to an accessing part or station at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection. The system is characterised in that the access code is one of a plurality of codes provided to the accessed part or station and available to the accessing part or station. The system is further characterised in that the access code is selected from the plurality of codes at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection, such that no two transactions are conducted or no two connections are established with the same access codes.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression and abdominal compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of compressing mechanisms operating on the chest and the abdomen of a patient.

Abstract: An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.