Abstract: Conventional electronic information retrieval systems using specialist databases assume that the database being searched is appropriate to the search being conducted. The invention solves the problem that the above assumption may be incorrect. It does this by providing mechanisms (4, 4A and 4B) for identifying concepts respectively in: the search input question, a specialist database and a non-specialist database. A comparator 8 and associated mechanisms are able to analyze how the specialist database differs from the non-specialist database and to use this information to derive an indication of the ability of the specialist database to answer the input question. This indication can be fed to the user via interface 1 or in an alternative arrangement could be used to block inappropriate information.

Abstract: A cartridge, particularly a two-component or multi-component cartridge, with at least one cartridge neck and one outlet opening that is closed with a seal that is integrally connected to the cartridge neck, wherein this connection is sectionally realized at least in sections in the form of a predetermined break point, and wherein the cartridge can be opened by tearing off this connection. In order to allow a simple opening of the seal, it contains at least one cap that is integrally connected to the cartridge neck and at least one tear-off element that is integrally connected to the cap, wherein the connection between the cap and the cartridge neck can be torn off manually by exerting tensile force on the tear-off element.

Abstract: An electronic circuit, having a test mode in application of the “internal scan path” technique, includes a plurality of configurable cells and a control circuit. The electronic circuit is adapted to working in a standard mode of operation or in a test mode during which the control circuit is active and configures the configurable cells either in a functional state or in a chained state. The electronic circuit furthermore includes a validation circuit that performs the following operations successively when it receives an instruction for changing the mode of operation (TEST, FIN) of the electronic circuit: produce initialization signals (INIT1, INIT2, . . . , INITN) to command the initialization of all the configurable cells, and then produce a mode-changing signal (VAL).

Abstract: A multicomponent cartridge, particularly a two-component cartridge, contains a coaxial outlet with an outer outlet tube and an inner outlet tube concentric to the outer tube. A cap detachably connected to the coaxial outlet. A seal with at least one seal flange is arranged on the cap for contact on the inner and/or outer outlet tube. A simplified and improved seal is thus enabled, such that the seal includes at least one laterally projecting sealing edge, which extends around the inner and/or outer side of the inner and/or outer outlet tube of the coaxial outlet and/or on the side of the one or more seal flanges facing the outer and/or inner side of the inner and/or outer outlet tube.

Abstract: A programmable high-speed frequency divider is provided in which a stage for forming a frequency divider, which is capable of being programmed with a programmable dividing ratio, is simplified in order to reduce the area and circuit complexity. The programmable frequency divider includes a first synchronizing element coupled to an output of a logic detection circuit for generating a synchronized divider output, an additional synchronizing element coupled to the output of the logic detection circuit for receiving its clock from the output of a divide-by-two circuit and generating a special synchronized load output, and combinational logic blocks that receive the load output and generate load signals for bit-cells for detecting the state of all stages. Preferably, start-up circuitry is included within the frequency divider to ensure that the frequency-divider never goes into a false state.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for dynamically updating a computer application. According to the method, a subscription request is sent to a publish/subscribe server so as to receive updates to the computer application. An update notification or an update is received from the publish/subscribe server, and the update is dynamically applied to the computer application during execution without restarting the computer application. In one embodiment, the update notification is received from the publish/subscribe server, a request for the update is sent to a second server, and the update is received from the second server. Also provided are a system, method and computer program product for sending updates to a computer application.

Abstract: A memory cell (1), includes a flip-flop (2) that has additional read/write terminals; a 1-bit write line (wb11); a first transistor (T4) switching between the 1-bit write line and the terminal, its gate being connected to a word selection line (W11); a 0-bit write line (wb10); a second transistor (T3) switching between the 0-bit write line and the terminal, its gate being connected to a word selection line (W12); a bit read line (b1r); and read transistors (T1, T2), with one of their gates being connected to a read/write terminal and the other being connected to a word selection line.

Abstract: A routing device is provided for transporting digital data from demodulated digital television signals. The routing device includes a network that routes the digital data to demultiplexers via at least one decoding module. The network includes means for connecting to at least two independent demodulation channels, with each of the demodulation channels producing digital data from a demodulator. The network allows individual routing of the digital data from each of the demodulation channels to the demultiplexers via at least one decoding module. Also provided are a corresponding routing method and a host device that includes such a routing device. Exemplary applications of the routing device and method are a digital television receiver with an image incorporation (picture in picture) function, and a digital television combined with a recording device.

Abstract: A method of interpolating images intended to be incorporated, into a sequence of moving images, each between a first original image and a second original image of the sequence, comprises an estimation of a motion vector associated with a given pixel block of a current interpolated image. This estimation comprises the preselection of P first motion vectors associated with first other pixel blocks that are adjacent to the given pixel block in the current interpolated image, for which there is already an estimated motion vector. It also comprises the preselection of at most Q second motion vectors associated respectively with second other pixel blocks adjacent to the given pixel block in the preceding interpolated image. Finally, it comprises the selection of the motion vector which minimizes a cost function from the first and second preselected motion vectors.

Abstract: A device is provided for synchronizing, on a reference clock signal, an exchange of data with a remote member. The device includes a main variable delay line controlled by a first processing unit coupled to a phase comparator in order to generate a delayed clock signal transmitted to the remote member. One input of the main variable delay line receives the reference clock signal.

Abstract: A Phase-Locked Loop with multiphase clocks is provided. The Phase-Locked Loop includes a main loop, a calibration loop, and Control Logic. The main loop includes, coupled in series, a Phase Frequency Detector, a Main Charge Pump, a Main Loop Filter, a Multi-Phase Voltage Controlled Oscillator and a Phase-switching Fractional Divider. The calibration loop is coupled to the Phase Frequency Detector, and comprises a Calibration Charge Pump, a Demultiplexer and Y Calibration Loop Filters, with Y being an integer. The Control Logic controls the Phase-Switching Fractional Divider and the Demultiplexer. A Reference Frequency Signal is coupled to the Phase Frequency Detector and a Calibration Signal is coupled to the calibration loop. The main loop further comprises a Phase-adjusting Block coupled to a Multiplexer. The Phase-adjusting Block is arranged so as to receive at least one correction signal from the calibration loop.

Abstract: A page buffer is provided for an electrically programmable memory that includes multiple memory cells forming multiple memory pages. The page buffer includes a register for at least temporarily storing data read from or to be written to the memory cells of a selected memory page. The register includes multiple latches and multiple buffer elements. Each of the latches is coupled to at least one signal line for transferring the data bit that is stored in the latch. Each of the buffer elements decouples an output of a corresponding one of the latches from the signal line, with the buffer element driving the signal line according to the data bit stored in the corresponding latch. Also provided is a method of transferring data from a register to signal lines in an electrically programmable memory.

Abstract: A method and system enter a correction for a previously sent message, determine whether to send a complete corrected message or a message correction specification, and send the selected message to a messaging server. The messaging server receives the message correction specification and a message identifier (ID), and sends the message correction specification and the message ID to a recipient client system if a message with a corresponding message ID has previously been sent to the recipient client system. Then, the recipient client system receives the message correction specification and message ID, retrieves the message with a corresponding message ID from its conversation log, corrects the message, updates the conversation log, and activates an alert to notify a user of an update. If the message has not previously been sent, the messaging server corrects the message and sends the corrected message and the message ID to the recipient client system.

Abstract: A system, a computer readable medium and a method in a client-server environment, to manage a configuration of resources on client systems. This includes receiving one or more predetermined events along with one or more local run-time environmental conditions along with one or more user selectable settings. The events, the settings and the environmental conditions are previously set graphically using a graphical user interface with one or more user selectable selections therein on a server. These events, local run-time environmental conditions along with settings are delivered to a client system. A monitoring agent on the client system is used to detect when one or more predetermined events occur. When an event occurs, a test is made to determine if one or more local run-time environmental conditions are met, and if the conditions are met then the agent automatically applies one or more selectable configuration settings on the client system.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating therapeutic charge transfer in tissue includes a coil. The coil generates a changing magnetic field to induct an electric field in the tissue exceeding 10 mV/cm when the coil is 5 cm from the tissue. Preferably, the magnetic field has a growth phase and a decay phase and a duration of the growth phase is at least ten times a duration of the decay phase. The apparatus can include a control circuit to control a current fed to the coil. The control circuit includes two subcircuits and a switch for switching between a first of the subcircuits and a second of the subcircuits; preferably, a ? of the second subcircuit is at least ten times a ? of the first subcircuit. To generate the therapeutic effect, the coil should have a duty cycle of at least ten percent.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening or cavity in a substrate, for receiving an electronic component, consists of or includes providing a patterned opaque masking layer on or adjacent a first major surface of the substrate, the masking layer having an opening overlying the position where the cavity is to be made, removing material from the substrate by laser ablation through the opening thereby forming an opening or cavity of a suitable size for receiving said electronic component.

Abstract: A memory cell of the SRAM type is provided that is capable of storing one datum in a non-volatile manner. The memory cell includes two inverters (20 and 21) configured as a flip-flop for storing one bit. Each inverter includes a transistor (24 or 26) of a first type and a transistor (25 or 27) of a second type. The concentration of carriers in the conduction channel of the transistor (24) of the first type of one of the inverters (20) is different from the concentration of carriers in the conduction channel of the transistor (26) of the first type of the other inverter (21) so that the inverters have different threshold voltages.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting messages from a client messaging application to a third party application is shown. The method includes registering with a set of client messaging applications for sending and receiving messages. A message includes an information request. A message is received from the one of the client messaging applications and the destination of the message is determined. The third party application determined to be the destination of the message is then selected and the message is transmitted to the third party application. In the event that the message included an information request, a return message is received from the third party application. The return message includes the requested information. The destination of the return message is determined. The client messaging application determined to be the destination of the return message is selected and the return message is transmitted to the client messaging application.

Abstract: A system selects a plurality of attributes common to objects being compared and defines at least one value space for each selected attribute. Each selected attribute can have a value space that is different from a value space of the same attribute associated with a different object. The system defines an ordering system for each value space including selecting whether the value space consists of non-ordered values, partially ordered values, or fully ordered values. An objective function is defined for each ordering system and the objective function maps a pair of values of a value space to a number value. The system normalizes each objective function and defines a mapping from the plurality of objective functions to a first general objective function.

Abstract: A system and method for routing instant messages uses a user presence service to aid a user in determining to send an instant message to an intended recipient based on user availability information. The method also uses a configurable delivery manager that defines, at runtime, a delivery policy to be used to route the instant message to an intended recipient of the message. The delivery policy is based upon a configuration of the delivery manager, a user configuration of the intended recipient, and one or more available delivery mechanisms. The delivery manager is configured by means of an ordered list of one or more available delivery mechanisms. The delivery manager routes the instant message by dispatching the message by selecting sequential delivery mechanisms, in the order of appearance on the ordered list, until the user presence service indicates the intended recipient is available using the selected delivery mechanism.