Abstract: A data shifting capability that permits sorting the data in addition to searching for obtaining real-time performance in color, with high quality imagery through a simple search of a spacial database based on a rectangularly shaped search region or range search. A sorting Magnitude Comparison Content Addressable Memory (SMCCAM) performs a range search, introducing a conservative approximation of the idea Occluding Region, and provides a MCCAM wherein the data words stored in the fields are shifted to corresponding fields in an adjacent word, based on the magnitude comparisons. The 3D graphics method stores the parameters of a polygon span in a spatial database and a query operation is performed on the database to determine which of those spans, or portions of spans, are visible, and applies a rule for comparing a new span portion to an old span portion on a subspan-by-subspan basis, thereby providing additional polygon edge information within a raster line, providing anti-aliasing.

Abstract: An analytical device comprising a surfactant-treated porous reaction membrane having an exposed sample-contacting surface and at least one receptor area located in a limited region of the exposed sample-contacting surface. The limited region has a higher concentration of surfactant than areas of the sample-contacting surface that are peripheral to the limited region. To make the device, a surfactant-containing solution comprising at least 0.2% surfactant is added to the reaction membrane and allowed to dry. Then, a receptor reagent is added to a limited region of the reaction membrane. In the assay, the surfactant causes the liquid sample to flow faster through the portion(s) of the reaction membrane where receptor molecules are located.

Abstract: An attachment is retrofittably attachable (and detachable) to a conventional hammer to render the hammer head magnetic for purposes of starting a metallic fastener such as a nail. The attachment includes a cup-like housing within which is disposed a magnetic unit that includes at least one magnet. One surface of the magnetic unit magnetically attaches the unit to the striking surface of the hammer head. The head of a metallic fastener is magnetically attachable to the other surface of the magnetic unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for digital communications that provides high data rate wireless connections with bandwidth efficiency. The creation of multiple channels (that share the same time-frequency region) between the transmitter and the receiver is achieved by sampling the wavefield space with respect to the spatial domain. The wavefield space is the space spanned by the channel parameters that characterize the multipath fading environment. At the transmitter, symbols are simultaneously modulated and transmitted using signals that occupy the same frequency portion of the spectrum, but are distinguishable because different is their position in the wavefield space. The received signals are optimally processed to extract the digital information. The optimum demodulator estimates the wavefield space parameters without any training sequence or signal and performs optimum separation of the different signals to obtain the multiple streams.

Abstract: The disclosure provides sunscreen compositions comprising a carrier for topical administration and photoresponsive first sunscreen agents which are capable of undergoing intramolecular photorearrangements to form second sunscreen agents. The second sunscreen agents absorb more ultraviolet radiation than the first sunscreen agents. The sunscreen composition may comprise the prephotorearrangement first sunscreen agent, the photorearranged second sunscreen agent, a combination of the first and second sunscreen agents, or any of the above in combination with a known sunscreen agent.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for a new direct commands including a Write Signature command and a Read Signature Command for use in a computer system. The Write Signature Command and associated hardware structure allow an external configurator to write a signature to a controller. The Read Signature Command allows the signature to be read from the controller that was previously written to for verification, and with appropriate parameters selected (for example, a different ID), to read the signature from the partner of the addressed controller. The signature is retained by each partner of the controller-pair for reading by the host and by its partner. Provision of this capability advantageously provides the external configurator the means for determining the partner of a particular controller.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect device for a planar fuel cell having solid oxide electrolyte, a cathode and a nickel-containing anode comprises a plate-like chromium-containing substrate having fuel gas-flow channels on one side and an oxidation-resistant coating on surfaces of the one side adapted to contact the anode. The coating comprises an outer oxygen barrier layer for electrically contacting the anode comprising Ni, a noble metal except Ag or an alloy of one or more of these metals and an electrically conductive metal barrier layer comprising Nb, Ta, Ag or alloys of one or more of these metals between the substrate and the outer layer.

Abstract: A laminated pad of gauze (10), cellulose, sponge (18), abrasive tiles or other functional materials, can be attached to a glove (14) or an affixed adhesive layer (12). A protective sheet (13) may be provided over the adhesive layer to protect it prior to use. The pad is attached, using the adhesive, to the back (15) of a glove or to garments or body surfaces or work surfaces. The pad is arranged to cleanse, wet or shape tool nibs and to hold small parts for future usage The pad can also be attached with a strap (32.

Abstract: A multiple socket power connector assembly for use with a printed circuit board having at least one first trace extending to an array of first interconnect holes in the printed circuit board and at least one second trace extending to an array of second interconnect holes in the printed circuit board. The connector assembly comprises a connector housing having a base and a wall extending upwardly from the base. First and second conductive sockets are carried by the connector housing in vertically spaced-apart positions relative to the base and are accessible from the wall. A first set of pin members extending from the base and electrically coupled to the first conductive socket engage the array of first interconnect holes in the printed circuit board. A second set of pin members extending from the base and electrically coupled to the second conductive socket engage the array of second interconnect holes in the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A two-dimensional (2D) filter is disclosed that accomplishes flicker filtering with virtually no loss of image resolution. The 2D filter operates without adaption and only on the non-detail portions of the original image. The filter works first in the horizontal (x-axis) direction by separating the high-pass (detail, high-resolution) image elements from the low-pass (blurred, low-resolution) elements. A vertical (y-axis) flicker filter is applied to the low-pass elements and the result is summed with the high-pass elements. Thus, the detail elements are not subjected to flicker filtering and, as a result, remain well-defined while flicker is eliminated from the overall image.

Abstract: The invention provides shuttle vectors, and methods of using shuttle vectors, capable of expression in, at least, a mammalian cell. Furthermore, the shuttle vectors are capable of replication in at least yeast, and optionally, bacterial cells. Also provided is a method wherein yeast are transformed with a shuttle vector as provided herein. Heterologous nucleic acids flanked by 5′ and 3′ ends identical to a homologous recombination site within the shuttle vector are introduced to the transformed yeast and allowed to homologously recombine with the shuttle vector such that they are inserted into the vector by the yeast organism. The shuttle vector is then recovered and transferred to a mammalian cell for expression.

Abstract: Device for supporting and connecting concrete reinforcing elements which has a base adapted to rest on a supporting surface, an upright post extending from the base, and a clip mounted on the post having a pair of orthogonal sockets engagable with two horizontally extending reinforcing elements for connecting the elements together at right angles to each other and holding the elements a predetermined distance above the supporting surface.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting nucleic acid sequences. Probes comprising a crosslinking agent are combined with a sample which may comprise a target sequence which is complementary to the probe. Hybridization is allowed to occur between complementary sequences. The crosslinking agent is activated. Covalent bonds are formed between the probe and the target sequence if they are hybridized to one another. The crosslinked nucleic acids can then be detected to indicate the presence of the target sequence. Also provided are kits comprising reagents.

Abstract: In the combination of a beverage container and a closure therefor which can serve as a drinking vessel and a coaster. The beverage container comprises a bowl having a generally hemispherical base and an axis and an upstanding wall circular in cross-section adjoining the generally hemispherical base and being inclined upwardly and inwardly to define a circular lip lying in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the hemispherical base and providing an opening providing access to a space within the bowl. The closure comprises a circular rim lying in a plane and having a wall circular in cross-section adjoining the rim and extending downwardly and outwardly and being sized to cover the opening of the container. A cooperative seal is carried by the closure and the container for forming an air-tight seal between the rim of the closure and the lip of the bowl. A band secures the closure to the container to maintain a sealing engagement between the o-ring and the closure and the o-ring and the bowl.

Abstract: An injection device and method of forming an injection device. The injection device includes a unitary molded body including a cylindrical wall partially defining a syringe chamber a nose offset from the cylindrical wall to define the forward end of a needle housing positioned on one side of the cylindrical wall. The adjoining portions of the nose and the cylindrical wall having a passage formed therethrough for the flow of fluid from the chamber to the nose. The passage is concealed behind the skirt of the nose. A plunger is slidably disposed in the chamber. A sheath is spaced from the nose and cylindrical wall to define a needle housing. A needle carriage is slidably disposed in the needle housing, and is movable to a forward position with the needle extending through the aperture in the front end of the nose.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hook-on type baby seat which primarily comprises a main body portion and a seat portion. The main body portion comprises a U-shaped arm assembly for supporting the baby seat on an upper surface of a gripped object, a pair of longitudinal arm members soldered to the U-shaped arm assembly, a pair of gripping arm members for gripping or releasing the gripped object, and a pair of elevation controlling and adjusting members for allowing the pair of gripping arm members to be upwardly and downwardly movable in the elevation direction of the longitudinal arm member. The seat portion comprises a seat cushion and a back portion hanged on the U-shaped arm member by sewing.

Abstract: Data stored in multi-level memory cells is rapidly read out with high resolution by generating and coupling a predetermined and preferably low number of large magnitude jump-like voltage changes to the control gates of the memory cells. The magnitude of the jumps can be a substantial fraction of the power supply level and will be many times the &Dgr;Vt levels associated with the memory cells, e.g., the control gate voltage changes in jump-steps from say 4 V to 6 V to 8 V. Use of a low number of jump-steps (e.g., two or three) reduces read out time by permitting read out of a plurality of Vt levels during a given control voltage magnitude. Further, use of large but different magnitude control gate voltages provides good read out resolution over the range of Vt values. Reference cells are provided to improve tracking, and DRAM-type sense amplifiers are provided to maintain high noise immunity.

Abstract: A high performance rare earth-transition metal magnetostrictive material with increased impurities having the formula (Rx1Rx2 . . . Rx11)1(My1My2 . . . My6)z is provided. Each R is selected from the group of elements consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium and yttrium, where 0≦x1≦1, 0≦x2≦1 . . . 0≦x11≦1 and where x1+x2+ . . . +x11=1. Each M is selected from the group of elements consisting of iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, aluminum and silicon, where 0≦y1≦1, 0≦y2≦1 . . . 0≦y6≦1, where y1+y2+ . . . +y6=1 and where 1.8≦z≦2.1. The material has oxygen impurities, nitrogen impurities and carbon impurities. The oxygen impurities having an atomic percent ranging from 6,011 to 34,000 parts per million. The nitrogen impurities having an atomic percent ranging from 575 to 4,400 parts per million.

Abstract: Maximized multi-stage compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.