Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the capabilities of an High Definition Audio (HDA) system, wherein the system determines whether an optional component such as a plug-in card is connected to the system and then configures itself in a baseline configuration if the optional component is not connected or configures itself in a different, alternative configuration if the optional component is connected. In one embodiment, a codec of the system includes a programmable processor configured to read configuration authorization information and also read configuration information from the optional component if it is connected to the system. The processor also controls the configuration of the HDA system and the operation of the codec based on the authorization and configuration information. The system can thereby provide different features and functionality using the same hardware.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises an anchoring member, at least one leaflet, and a restraining member capable of temporarily preventing substantial movement of the leaflet between and open and closed position so as to allow fluid flow in the antegrade and retrograde directions. In various embodiments, the prosthetic valve reduces the risk of thrombosis. In various embodiments, the prosthetic valve reduces the appearance of potentially thrombogenic abnormal flow patterns at the site of implantation immediately following the implantation, allows cell deposition making the valve more biocompatible, less thrombogenic before flow changes resulting from valving action set in and allows tissue growth so that a partially or completely biological functioning valve may form on the scaffold provided by the implant.

Abstract: An RFID edge server can associate with multiple RFID readers at a location. The RFID edge server can include an application server using a Web Services Reliable Messaging to transfer RFID data.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a pluggable persistent store for use with queuing and messaging servers, such as a JMS server, which can be used to provide reliable messaging. The persistent store is accessed by the messaging server via a standard Application Program Interface (API) or interface that includes asynchronous persistence capability. A lower level pluggable API or interface allows the plugging-in of different persistent mechanisms, that can be used to support different persistence sources, such as file systems and databases. The standard API, combined with an asynchronous persistence capability, together provide a simple, flexible, and high-performance reliable messaging system.

Abstract: A two-step self-servowriting process first writes an intermediate pattern based on a reference pattern, and then writes a final pattern based on the intermediate pattern, wherein the reference pattern can be a printed media or a spiral pattern. Such an approach can be utilized to reduce the noise/runout, eliminate timing eccentricity, and increase the sample rate of the final pattern. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A low voltage control circuit is provided for individually controlling high voltage power provided over bus lines to a multitude of interconnected loads. An example of a load is a drive for capillary channels in a microfluidic system. Control is distributed from a central high voltage circuit, rather than using a number of large expensive central high voltage circuits to enable reducing circuit size and cost. Voltage is distributed to each individual load and controlled using a number of high voltage controller channel switches connected to high voltage bus lines. The channel switches each include complementary pull up and pull down photo isolator relays with photo isolator switching controlled from the central high voltage circuit to provide a desired bus line voltage. Switching of the photo isolator relays is further controlled in each channel switch using feedback from a resistor divider circuit to maintain the bus voltage swing within desired limits.

Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for measuring a noise figure with significant flexibility. The instrument includes a noise source (306) and a vector network analyzer (VNA) (300). The VNA (300) includes an external connector port (302) for removable connection of the noise source (306). The noise source (306) can be connected to the VNA backplane port (302), or directly to a DUT (350). The DUT (350) can be connected to both VNA test ports (310,314) if the noise source (306) is connected to port (302), or only to test port (314) if the noise source (306) is directly connected to the DUT. A receiver connected to the test port (314) includes a downconverter (324) providing an IF signal through either a narrowband IF channel (350) or a wideband IF channel (352) for providing both wideband and narrowband power measurements enabling fast accurate measurement of a noise figure.