Abstract: A redundant array of inexpensive tape (RAIT) drives wherein a master tape unit controls a plurality of slave tape units by monitoring their servo and buffer status and sending sync commands, all via data appended to user data sent over a peripheral interface bus interconnecting the master tape unit, the slave tape units, and the host computer. The master tape unit allocates user data received from the host computer between the master tape unit and the slave tape units and controls the slave tape units so that the same length of tape media is processed by the master tape unit and each slave tape unit within the same predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An autoprogrammer is provided for a television receiver capable of receiving conventional analog (NTSC) channels and DTV (8VSB) channels. First, conventional analog channels are identified and then skip channel data for each of the channels is stored in a memory. Subsequent executions of the autoprogramm function map DTV channels. Skip channel data is entered in the memory for these additional DTV channels. Mapping DTV channels occurs without deletion or overwrite of previous channel mapping information. Additionally information is stored in the skip channel memory giving antenna location for mapped DTV stations. DTV autoprogramming can be carried out at different channel positions.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for increasing the accuracy of AC parametric testing. The invention provides a method of precisely estimating signal propagation delay time in an integrated circuit testing apparatus, wherein a plurality of signal propagation delay time measurements are taken and additional delay times are estimated by linearly interpolating the measured delays. A desired test point (desired output voltage at a given time) is established. Using a sample device, a slope is established on a time vs. voltage plot for a line through the desired test point. Where a desired test point falls between strobe times on a tester, linear extrapolation is used to calculate what voltages must be tested for at the two bracketing strobe times in order to guarantee the desired performance at the desired test point. One or more devices are then tested for the calculated voltages at the corresponding bracketing strobe times.

Abstract: A special-purpose computer is provided along with a method for testing users for alertness and mental fitness before beginning work or a potentially dangerous activity. The system and method are usable wherever there is a risk to persons, property, or the environment from individuals not fit to operate machinery or enter an work area safely. The testing methods resemble computer games, but they actually measure mental fitness and alertness rather than aptitude, ability, or intelligence. The disclosed basic test is general, simple and non-intellectual, and compatible with worldwide, multilingual use. Other tests are more specifically designed to test for the ability to perform certain occupational duties or types of activities. The basic test preferably comprises a plurality of yes or no questions based upon graphical data displayed to the user. Each user's answers and performance are preferably maintained in strict confidence through storage only on a removable storage medium, such as a Smart Card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing whole head vegetables, characterized by a core end, and an open leafy end, is disclosed. Whole head vegetables pass through a washer which has a bottom belt which runs through the length of the washing line and passes through a first and a second tank (or more tanks) of cleaning water. Between the first and second cleaning tanks, a plurality of spray bars further clean the whole head vegetables. Top belts at each of the cleaning tanks above the bottom belt to secure the produce as it passes through the first cleaning tank and through the second cleaning tank. The lower belt, and the upper belts are controlled by a single speed control system resulting in less damage to the produce. Additionally, the angle of the belts conveying the produce through the two cleaning tanks is chosen for optimum performance.

Abstract: A self-assembling polynucleotide delivery system comprises a dendrimer polycation aiding in the delivery of the polynucleotide to a desired address, and optionally other agents such as DNA masking agents, cell recognition agents, charge-neutralization agents, membrane-permeabilization agents, and subcellular-localization agents.

Abstract: A flash reconfigurable programmable logic device is applied as a dynamic execution unit for a sequence of instructions. The sequence of instructions includes control portion, and a portion which indicates which configuration of the flash configurable programmable logic device is to be used with that instruction. In each execution cycle, a configuration is selected in accordance with the instruction being executed, switching from one configuration of the programmable logic device to any other configuration stored on the device in a single cycle. The configuration store stores a set of configuration words defining respective logic functions of the configurable logic elements in the programmable logic device. The configuration select circuits operate to apply a selected configuration word from the set of configuration words to configure the configurable logic elements. An instruction store stores a sequence of instructions for execution by the programmable logic device.

Abstract: An improved configuration for dual fluid steam injected power generators incorporates means to bypass the steam generated by the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) around the superheater. The bypass allows for variation in the amount of superheat added to the injection steam used by the gas turbine. In an alternative configuration, the bypass means is placed between the turbine gas outlet and the superheater gas inlet. The bypass allows the hot turbine exhaust gases to be switched between the HRSG gas inlet and the superheater gas inlet. Finally, a method for controlling the power output and amount of steam generated by a steam injected power generator is described.

Abstract: A method of preventing and treating a viral condition caused by an enveloped virus is described, comprising using a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of a substituted hydroquinone and the corresponding benzoquinone, wherein said hydroquinone comprises a 2-R.sup.1, 3-R.sup.2 -1,4-hydroquinone where at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 include a carbon linkage to the benzene ring of the hydroquinone. Particularly useful compounds include 5,8-dihydro-5,8-methano-1,4-naphthalenediol, 1,4-naphthoquinone, 3', 6'-dihydroxybenzo-norbornane, tert-butylhydroquinone, other diols, e.g. 1,5-naphthalenediol, and alkylated diols, e.g. 4-methoxy-1-naphthol.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selectively inferring latch elements in a circuit design from an event-driven hardware description language (HDL) file to an event-independent format. The method includes modeling the file as a plurality of data flow equations, analyzing the plurality of equations for uninitialized variables, and placing a latch at any utilized, uninitialized variable. Control signal information for an inferred latch is also derived during the data flow analysis.

Abstract: A wireless headset system for use with, e.g. mobile phones, and which incorporates a wireless headset which communicates with a base station via magnetic inductive coupling or radio frequency signals to dial and send or receive calls via a conventional phone, e.g. a mobile phone, attached to the base station. In one embodiment, the mobile phone is carried in the base station which is worn by the user.

Abstract: An ink ribbon assembly is disclosed which includes an ink ribbon, a support for the ink ribbon and data retention means associated with the support. The support, for example, may be a supply spool, a take-up spool, and a rotatable ring. The data retention means may be a nonvolatile memory. Data indicating the ink ribbon characteristics is stored in the memory. Such data may relate to data correcting production variations of ink, the type of ink on the ribbon, and the amount of ribbon left. The ink ribbon assembly is used with a printer device which reads the data from the data retention means, corrects the image printing information in accordance with the read correction data and performs the printing in accordance with the corrected image printing information.

Abstract: To be capable of obtaining diffuse light with a sufficient amount of light, which is not susceptible to the influence of scratches of a film along the length direction, and to be capable of constructing the apparatus in a small size and at a low cost, a digital audio signal S track or P track is formed on the side of the film furtherest to the left of the left perforations or to the right of right perforations of a movie film, respectively. Light from an LED 51 is diffused by an elliptical diffuser 52, the diffusion angle of which is greater along the width direction of the film than along the length direction thereof, and is radiated onto the P track (or the S track). Then, the transmitted light which has passed through the P track (or the S track) is converged onto a line sensor 43A as a result of passing through a lens 42A, and the light is photoelectrically converted by the line sensor 43A, thereby reproducing digital sound.

Abstract: A method is provided for scan testing that eliminates the need for balancing internal scan clock delays. According to the method of the invention, multiple scan clocks are provided, each being provided to a different set of flip-flops. The skew between the active edges of the scan clocks is deliberately increased to the point where each set of flip-flops has plenty of time to settle before the next set of flip-flops receives a clock pulse. Because scan testing is typically performed at clock speeds of only about 1 Megahertz, there is time for each of the scan clocks to pulse separately from all the others, without increasing the test time. The increased delay between scan clock pulses eliminates the need for balancing internal delays on the scan clock paths, thereby greatly reducing the number of placement and routing iterations required to achieve a functional design.

Abstract: A direct connect mesh routing structure is provided for interconnecting configurable logic blocks within a programmable logic device. The structure includes multi-bit interconnect busses and a highly regular structure distributed throughout a configurable array enabling high direct interconnect utilization to adjacent and non-adjacent logic blocks, high speed circuit implementation, and improved timing characteristics. The direct connections of the invention are the preferred interconnect path between logic blocks because they substantially reduce the average interconnect delay, thereby allowing the programmable logic device to operate at a higher speed.

Abstract: A printer device, and method, is disclosed which is used in conjunction with an ink ribbon assembly. The ink ribbon assembly includes an ink ribbon and a support. A storage device is integrated with the support. Data relating to the ink ribbon characteristics is stored in the storage device. The printer reads the data in the storage device and modifies the supplied print information ascending to the data stored in the ink ribbon assembly. Ink ribbon characteristic data can include production variance, ribbon type, and remaining ribbon data.

Abstract: A method for operating a microprocessor controlled, reel type slot machine in which payoff is determined before a final game outcome is displayed to a player. A pre-defined count of random numbers is generated and presented to a digital filter having tap outputs which correspond to paytable payline equations. The minimum number of payline equations is equal to the number of distinct paylines in the paytable plus one. Any changes in game outcome are taken into account by modifying variables in computer memory and as such do not require a change in tables stored in computer memory. Several features for attracting players to the apparatus and increasing the enjoyment of playing a game are included.

Abstract: An apparatus and the method of its operation for rapid prototyping of a three-dimensional object which includes a radiant energy source of a wide beam of radiant energy of suitable intensity and wavelength for curing a layer of photo-curable resin contained in an open vat, a spatial light modulator (SLM) having an array of pixel elements which are individually digitally controllable by a computer, for modulating the radiant energy beam projected from the radiant energy source on a pixel by pixel basis, to form a series of time sequential images of the cross-sectional laminae of the object, an optical system for focusing each image formed by the SLM, one at a time, onto successive layers of photo-curable resin for predetermined exposure times to thereby form stacked laminae of cured resin, each lamina of cured resin being in the shape of a different one of the cross-sectional laminae, and a piston support for lowering each lamina of cured resin after it is formed by the SLM and for depositing a layer of resin

Abstract: A harvester is disclosed for harvesting leafy vegetables, lettuce and the like which are very delicate and which are grown in precisely configured beds of either a regular or single width (40 inches or 42 inches) or a double width (80 inches). A conveyer/cutter assembly is located on one side of the harvester centerline and has a width somewhat exceeding the width of a single width bed. The wheels on each side are separated by somewhat more than the width of a double bed. The driver and engine is located on the other side of the centerline. Such a harvester can cut single width beds, or can cut double width beds by making a first pass in one direction and a second pass in the other direction. An improved single conveyer/cutter assembly is disclosed along with a method of harvesting and processing leafy vegetables to reduce the amount of debris and unwanted material in the harvested leafy vegetables.

Abstract: Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are routinely used to provide visual interfaces between applications and users. Typically, a GUI displays on a screen a menu containing a plurality of menu items. A new menu may be invoked by selecting one of the menu items from the screen. Unfortunately, available GUIs do not provide satisfactory continuity in the transition from a current menu to a subsequent menu. To overcome the shortcomings of the available art, an improved GUI provides an animation in the transition from a current menu to a subsequent menu. Specifically, after a menu item has been selected from a display screen, the selected menu item is continuously moved to the top position of the display screen, while the menu selection is being processed. In the meantime, the subsequent menu items resulting from the menu selection are continuously moved into the display screen.