Abstract: Apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for digitally processing an encrypted data stream scrambled, for example, according to content scrambling system (CSS) technology. This digital processing insures against communication of clear data within the computer system from a central processing unit (CPU) to any accessible structure, such as memory or a system bus. Descrambling of the (CSS) scrambled data stream occurs within a module executing on the CPU, which is followed by reencryption of the data prior to transfer from the CPU. By so processing the data, integrity of copyrighted material is maintained, while allowing for software descrambling of the CSS encrypted data stream. Various techniques for establishing the encryption/decryption algorithm pair employed are described. Decryption of the re-encrypted data can occur at a receiving software module and/or a receiving hardware device, such as a decoder.

Abstract: A method of controlling the viability of sperm is disclosed, the method comprising controlling the levels of antioxidants (and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids) in sperm or seminal fluid, or in the diet of the animal producing the sperm.

Abstract: A photolithographic process is provided for producing a blank storage disk which includes a reference track pattern. The track pattern provides two edges as reference lines from which distances are determinable for the purpose of laser writing multiple information tracks between adjacent reference track patterns which are preferably spirals (single or interlaced) or concentric circles. The photo-lithographic process is also used to create recording blanks having multiple layers.

Abstract: A field programmable memory array having a plurality of sub-arrays is provided. Programmable address decoders, programmable hierarchical bit line arrangements, programmable I/O arrangements, among other features, are provided to enable programming of portions of the array into selected modes. The modes may include wide memory, deep memory, FIFO, LIFO, among others. An embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the field programmable memory array is integrated with the programmable resources of a field programmable gate array.

Abstract: A lock structure, which includes many entries, is partitioned into segments. A number of the segments are cleaned up in parallel, such that cleanup processing of the entire lock structure is optimized. The lock structure is maintained within a coupling facility, which provides access to the lock structure by one or more processors coupled to the coupling facility. The cleaning up of the lock structure is performed by commands driven by the one or more processors and executed within the coupling facility.

Abstract: Changed data of castout classes of a coupling facility cache are managed in order to be able to efficiently determine the age of the oldest changed data in the cache. A directory entry representing a changed datum is placed in a data structure corresponding to the castout class of the changed datum. The data structure includes an order queue ordered by timestamps and a process queue, having an ordered portion and an unordered portion. When the directory entry is to be added to the data structure, an attempt is first made to place the entry on the order queue. If the entry is not placed on the order queue within a predefined amount of time, then the entry is placed on the process queue, the order of which is maintained by background tasks. In order to return the oldest entry of the data structure, the smallest entry of the process queue is determined and that entry is then compared to the smallest entry of the order queue. The smaller of those two entries corresponds to the oldest entry for the castout class.

Abstract: A method of storing, in memory, table data. The table data has a packet ID (PID), a Table ID, and a Current/Next Indicator, a section number, and a version number. The first step in the method is specifying the PID ID, the Table ID, and the Current/Next Indicator. The next step is initializing the section number in a table section header to filter to ‘0’. Then, each table section is checked as received to determine if the table section is the last table section for the table. This is indicated in the table section header. If this is the last table section of the table the version number field is incremented, and the section number field is set to ‘0’. If, however, the section is not the last section, the section number is incremented, the next section of the table is incremented, and the next section of the table is stored in memory.

Abstract: Freeze drying apparatus and associated lyophilization procedures are provided employing vapor flow detection and/or vacuum control for monitoring and control of the lyophilization process. The vapor flow detector, such as a windmill sensor, is disposed to monitor vapor flow from product undergoing lyophilization. In a batch process, vapor flow is collectively monitored with the vapor flow detector between the process chamber and condenser chamber, while in a manifold configuration separate vapor flow detectors are employed at each flask attachment port. A windmill sensor provides visual feedback to an operator and/or electronic feedback to a system controller. A vacuum control system is also provided for use with or independent of vapor flow detection. This vacuum control disconnects the vacuum source from the process chamber when pressure within the process chamber falls below a first predefined set point.

Abstract: A technique is provided for resynchronizing message traffic in a communication network following network component failure. A failing component, upon restart, retrieves stored control information including a SYNC number and byte sequence number (BSN) from external memory. The SYNC number is then incremented by a predetermined amount to obtain a new SYNC number, with the predetermined amount being sufficient to ensure that the new SYNC number comprises a current SYNC number. Assuming that the failure occurs at a first data processing system in the network, a status request message is sent from the first data processing system to a second data processing system across the logical connection. The status request includes the new SYNC number, and the BSN read from the external memory. The first data processing system waits for a response message to its status request message. The response message contains a BSN of a next piece of data that the second data processing system is expecting.

Abstract: A multicellular in vitro assay for modeling the combined stages of angiogenesis namely the proliferation, migration and differentiation stages of cell development, wherein the assay comprises providing a dual culture of endothelial cells together with another cell-type exhibiting interaction therewith to display the combined stages of angiogenesis in vitro.

Abstract: A device for releasing a link between a first object and a second object is disclosed. The device comprises a body having a holding means for securing the body to the link; a releasing means for releasing the link; a pyrotechnic composition for actuating the releasing means; an igniting means for igniting the pyrotechnic composition, the igniting means being activatable by an increase in ambient pressure; and a pressure-sensing means for detecting a change ambient pressure. In one embodiment, the device can include a sliding blade actuatable by a pyrotechnic composition that is ignited by an electrical stimulus activated by an increase in ambient pressure, and the link may be for example, a cable securing an emergency position indicating radio beacon to a watercraft.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing the cervical spine includes a generally U-shaped upper structure for fitting about the back and opposing sides of a head of a user, a lower support structure connected to and extending downwardly from the upper structure, a pair of shoulder restraints connected to and extending from the lower support structure in a forward and downward arcuate direction to overlie the upper thoracic region on opposite sides of the spinal column of the user. The lower support structure having a length extending to a position which would underlie the scapulas of the user, and a width being generally the approximate width of a person's back. The shoulder restraints having an interior side which substantially conforms with the shape of the posterior midline portions of the shoulders and upper thoracic region of the user.