Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and utilizing a database of defective antifuses on a programmable logic device and comparing the list to a catalog of required connections in a design, wherein the process of comparing the two lists will determine whether the device, although flawed, is nonetheless compatible with the design to be implemented, thereby increasing device yield.

Abstract: A plurality of video dynamic random access memory devices (VRAMs) distributed among low speed local area network ports of a distributed memory switching hub interconnecting heterogeneous local area networks operating at different transmission speeds for receiving, storing and forwarding frames of data. The distributed memory switching hub employs a distributed memory architecture in which VRAM devices located at each low speed LAN port of the distributed memory switching hub store frames of data received or to be forwarded. The VRAM device is comprised of serial access memory (SAM) coupled to and transmitting frames of data with a high speed internal data bus at the same speed of the data bus and dynamic random access memory (RAM) coupled to and transmitting frames of data with a low speed local area network at the same speed of the low speed local area network. The SAM and RAM operate asynchronously with respect to each other to provide simultaneous bidirectional transfer of frames of data between them.

Abstract: Polynucleotide complexes are stabilized by adding a cryoprotectant compound and lyophilizing the resulting formulation. The lyophilized formulations are milled or sieved into a dry powder formulation which may be used to deliver the polynucleotide complex. Delivery of the polynucleotide to a desired cell tissue is accomplished by contacting the tissue with the powder to rehydrate it. In a preferred embodiment, a dry powder formulation is used to transfer genetic information to the cells of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading memory within a reconfigurable programmable logic device including configuring the device as a RAM loader circuit, loading the RAM with data and then reconfiguring the device with a circuit utilizing the loaded RAM. The inventive method and apparatus allow use of the RAM as high density functional centers of the desired design immediately upon initialization of the circuit, without wasting valuable time or FPGA resources on a static, non-flexible RAM loader structure.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC) spike absorption circuit employs a pair of back-to back parallel high-speed ultra-soft recovery diodes with unique RFI prevention characteristics. Further high frequency noise suppression is achieved by using a high voltage parallel-connected capacitor and a plurality of series-connected parallel ceramic-type resistors which are formed by resistors having coil windings providing an equivalent circuit of parallel resistance and inductance. The inductance provides ultra high frequency rejection and the resistance provides damping of any ringing oscillation. A surrounding ceramic material casing of the ceramic-type resistors resists the transmission of radio frequency energy.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-calibrating n.times.m optical routing switch which is controlled by a microprocessor to operate when signal condition degrades beyond user-definable thresholds. Preferably, the optical routing switch is a 2.times.2 or 1.times.2 device with an optical switch isolator to minimize crosstalk. In other embodiments, the optical routing switch output comprises the RF modulation carried by the input optical signal or the optical fiber input comprises a plurality of carrier wavelengths. A microprocessor compares real-time signal quality to a standard value and operates the switch when signal quality falls below a threshold value. Depending on the desired characteristics of the optical routing switch, the microprocessor controlled switch may comprise an optical switch, an optical switch isolator coupled to an optical switch, an optical switch isolator coupled to a wave division multiplexer, or an RF switch.

Abstract: In an FPGA having a hierarchical routing structure, additional routing lines are provided which have different destinations for different cells within a block. A pattern is chosen which allows signal lines to turn corners conveniently. In one embodiment having cells arranged into 4.times.4 blocks, cells on the diagonal of a block generate signals which are provided to switches which form one boundary of the block.

Abstract: An integrated wall panel for building construction comprising a framing structure secured to a reinforced concrete stemwall. The framing structure comprises two vertical end studs and the stemwall comprises a mass of concrete surrounding reinforcing means and extending between lower portions of the studs. Additional framing members including horizontal framing members and intermediate studs are secured to the end studs and the stemwall. A mass of concrete surrounds the reinforcing means and fills the stemwall form, making an integral panel. Preferably, the concrete extends into a channel in the end studs to secure the stemwall to the end studs. The integrated wall system may be configured to receive floor joists or may have additional reinforcing rods extending perpendicularly from the panel to support a poured concrete floor.

Abstract: A power supply with interchangeable plug capacity and interchangeable power input modules includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing, allowing the user to accommodate various power source configurations and voltage supply levels without manually setting the unit for the available power source, resulting in increased user safety and convenience. Releasable locking mechanisms are included to engage the interchangeable electrical plug. The locking mechanisms can be released by a user to allow the plug to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged conductor configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock. A variety of interchangeable electrical plugs can be fitted to the same casing for interface with a transformer in the power supply casing.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating music printing information using a minor enhancement to the conventional MIDI standard. This method degrades the communication of traditional MIDI command information or parameters by a small amount, but allows the inclusion of information important to music printing. MIDI compatible equipment that does not recognize the enhanced encoding can still utilize MIDI information that includes the enhanced encoding with minimal degradation of the performance information. In particular, the system method is useful for encoding enharmonic pitch encoding in the low order bits of MIDI note-on velocity information. The general method can be utilized to encode a wide variety of printing information in one or more selected MIDI control commands.

Abstract: A system for providing real time design feedback to a user of a data processing system for designing an electronic circuit includes a display system, a graphical, textual or mixed user input process which displays user input on the display system for designing an electronic circuit, and an implementation process with which generates an implementation of the electronic circuit in for example a field programmable gate array. Feedback is provided by monitoring the user input process to detect a change in the design of the electronic circuit. Upon detection of a change, information about the change is forwarded to the implementation process. The implementation process is executed as a background process to the user input process, in response to the change to produce implementation data on an incremental basis. Information about the implementation data is displayed on the display system as feedback to the user during the design process.

Abstract: A collapsible battery charger having a casing with one or more folding supports that generally conform to the casing when closed and that provide receptacles when opened that position rechargeable batteries so as to form an electrical connection between the batteries and the charger. Preferably, an electronic circuit for converting supplied ac or dc current to dc current suitable for recharging batteries is housed in the casing. Interchangeable cords with a variety of plug conformations adapt the charger to standard electrical outlets. The folding supports can accommodate batteries of varying size and capacity and preferably are configured to mate with structural features on the intended batteries in order to securely support and accurately position the batteries on the charger. In a preferred form of the invention, the casing comprises a first support that pivots open to an obtuse angle and a second support that pivots open to an acute angle.

Abstract: A method of designing a CPU for implementation in a configurable hardware device by identifying a series of operations in a logic scheme which are suitable for implementation in the device, identifying an executable function and any needed parameters in the logic scheme, identifying the logic flow in the scheme, providing for at least two connected system resources to implement the logic scheme, selecting an op code, and providing a way to implement the various components needed to call and execute the function according to the logic scheme. A useful op code may invoke a system resource, implement the logic scheme, pass a parameter to the function, or invoke the function. The configurable hardware system can function as a CPU, using logic resources including a next address RAM, one or more registers, a function execution controller, and one or more busses for passing signals and data between the components and functions.

Abstract: An integrated power supply and battery charger with interchangeable and collapsible plug capacity and interchangeable power input modules includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing and including collapsible prongs, allowing the user to accommodate myriad combinations of power source configurations, electrical devices and rechargeable batteries therefore and to power and charge same in a safe and convenient manner. A cradle accommodates a battery to be charged. Releasable locking mechanisms are included to both engage the interchangeable electrical plug and battery and to lock the collapsible prong in the extended position. The locking mechanisms can be released by a user to allow the plug or battery to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged pin and sleeve configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a patient's heart exhibiting arrhythmia by first detecting electrical activity within the patient's heart to determine the location of the arrhythmogenic site or conductive pathway causing the arrhythmia and then creating an infarct within the region of the patient's heart where the arrhythmogenic site or the conductive pathway causing the arrhythmia is located by delivering an occluding element to a coronary artery which delivers oxygenated blood to said region of the patient's heart. In one presently preferred embodiment the occluding element is a flaccid or limp coil which when disposed in a coronary arterial passageway forms a randomly shaped, intertwined mass which quickly forms thrombus within the coronary artery to block the passage of oxygenated blood therethrough. The flaccid coil may be delivered through an inner lumen of a catheter which has a distal portion extending within the coronary artery.

Abstract: A system for purifying dredging water comprises a mixing compartment and an agitating means that mixes water with a coagulating agent. A discharge means collects the coagulated sediment and delivers it to a centrifugal sediment water separating means. An outlet at the top of the fluid container collects the purified water. Recirculation means connects the decanter with the container such that the water extracted from the sludge is returned to the mixing compartment. A conveyor means collects and transports decanted sediment. Preferably, baffles partially separate the container into compartments configured to promote mixing and sedimentation. The conveyor means may comprise a solidification reaction acceleration agent injector to mix this agent with the sediment to further dehydrate and solidify it.

Abstract: An interchangeable plug device includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing and movable between a detached and an operative position, and a releasable locking mechanism designed to engage the electrical plug to maintain the plug in an operative position. The locking mechanism can be released by a user to allow the plug to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of locking mechanism is a depressible lock bar connected to or integral with an electrical plug body, which is designed to engage a detent in a casing. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged pin and sleeve configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock. A preferred form of conducting prong is collapsible within the carrier and is securable in an extended position to avoid inadvertent collapse. A variety of interchangeable electrical plugs can be fitted to the same casing.