Abstract: An automatic gain control (AGC) circuit has an automatic gain controlled amplifier connected in series with a DC blocking capacitor. A reference DC voltage is selectively applied to an input of the automatic gain controlled amplifier and to an output of the DC blocking capacitor output so as to cause the DC blocking capacitor to store a charge proportional to a DC voltage offset introduced by the controllable gain amplifier. The selectively application of the reference DC voltage is momentarily applied for a duration of less than about 1 microsecond and preferably about 0.4 microseconds. The AGC circuit, including both the amplifier and capacitor, are fabricated as an integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A directional microphone includes a housing, a diaphragm dividing the housing into a front volume and a back volume, electronics for detecting signals corresponding to movements of the diaphragm, and front and back inlets for the front and back volumes, respectively. To obtain additional low frequency roll-off in the directional microphone, the directional microphone includes an elongated acoustical conduit connecting the front volume and the back volume. The acoustical conduit may be external or internal to the housing.

Abstract: A computer graphics accelerator apparatus and method determines whether a pixel at predetermined pixel co-ordinates in an area being rasterized is within a triangle defining a sub-area of the area. The coordinate system in relation to which the triangle is defined is translated such that the pixel co-ordinates are disposed at the origin of the coordinate system. Determinants of matrices based on at least two of the coordinate values of at least two of the vertices are calculated and their signs compared. Based on this comparison a determination as to pixel location with respect to the triangle may be made.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discriminating between currency bills of different denominations uses an optical sensing and correlation technique based on the sensing of bill reflectance characteristics obtained by illuminating and scanning a bill along one of its dimensions. A series of detected reflectance signals are obtained by sampling and digitally processing, under microprocessor control, the reflected light at a plurality of predefined sample points as a currency bill is moved across an illuminated strip with a preselected dimension parallel to the direction of transport of the bill. The sample data is subjected to digital processing, including a normalizing process, whereby the reflectance data represents a characteristic pattern that is unique for a given bill denomination and incorporates sufficient distinguishing features between characteristic patterns for discriminating between different currency denominations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device, elongate mount, and display module for displaying alphanumeric information to passengers of a mass transit vehicle. The display modules are mounted along a single edge to a elongate mount. The elongate mount includes at least one end cap which is made of a vibration dampening material. The louver of the display device includes a substantially continuous pressure member in order to place substantially continuous elongate contact to an area of an LED board that houses at least one heating element. The at least one heating element is covered by a thermally conductive foam that transmits heat from the elements to a heat sink of the display module.

Abstract: A system and method to provide secure access across the untrusted public switched telephone network is described. The system and method can be initiated by a security policy defining actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of the call.

Abstract: A digital embedded architecture, includes a microcontroller and a memory device, suitable for reconfigurable computing in digital signal processing and comprising: a processor, structured to implement a Very Long Instruction Word elaboration mode by a general purpose hardwired computational logic, and an additional data elaboration channel comprising a reconfigurable function unit based on a pipelined array of configurable look-up table based cells controlled by a special purpose control unit, thus easing the elaboration of critical kernels algorithms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat dissipating safety helmet comprising a shell, a liner and a strap. The shell comprises a top portion, a rim, and a visor outwardly extending from the rim, a plurality of spaced longitudinal strips connecting the top portion and the rim. The top portion, longitudinal strip and visor are integrally molded. There are transverse strips between the longitudinal strips, which are transversely interlaced with longitudinal strip. The helmet is weatherable, safe, air-permeable, heat dissipating, durable.

Abstract: A system and method for determining interdependencies between project team members working on a development project. The method includes receiving data indicative of a temporal relationship between a first and a second project team member having modified at least one artifact of the development project. The data indicative of the temporal relationship between the project team members may be statistically analyzed. At least one metric representative of an interdependency relationship between the first and second project team members may be formed. The metric(s) representative of the interdependency relationship may be stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new family of antennas with a multiband behaviour, so that the frequency bands of the antenna can be tuned simultaneously to the main existing wireless services. In particular, the invention consists of shaping at least one of the gaps between some of the polygons of the multilevel structure in the form of a non-straight curve, shaped in such a way that the whole gap length is increased yet keeping its size and the same overall antenna size. Such a configuration allows an effective tuning of the frequency bands of the antenna, such that with the same overall antenna size, said antenna can be effectively tuned simultaneously to some specific services, such as for instance the five frequency bands that cover the services AMPS, GSM900, GSM1800, PCS1900, UMTS, Bluetooth™, IEEE802.11b, or HyperLAN.

Abstract: A test device for determining the analyte concentration in body fluid. The test device has a memory in which calibration adjustments corresponding to calibration numbers are stored. The test device is adapted to receive a test sensor for collecting a sample. The test sensor contains a reagent adapted to produce a reaction indicative of the analyte concentration in the sample and the test sensor has an associated calibration number of a plurality of digits. The test device comprises a measuring unit, a single calibration input element, a user display, and a processor. The measuring unit measures the reaction of the reagent and the analyte and generates a signal indicative of the measured reaction. The single calibration input element permits a user to input the calibration number, one digit at a time, associated with the test sensor. The processor is adapted to determine the analyte concentration.

Abstract: Device for assaying an analyte, comprising a labelling zone, where a label can bind to the analyte, in communication with a capture zone, wherein the pore size of the capture zone is such that label which is not bound to the analyte can migrate therethrough, whereas label which is bound to the analyte cannot. During migration from the labelling zone (large pore size) to the capture zone (small pore size), unbound label can pass into and through the capture zone, whereas bound label will be captured at the junction of the labelling zone and the capture zone. The device relies upon the label being smaller than the analyte, such that free label is not retarded by the capture zone. It is particularly suitable for assying analytes such as spermatozoa, which are large in comparison with a label such as a labelled antibody.

Abstract: The present invention is a receiver that includes electronics for converting an input audio signal to an output acoustic signal. The receiver has a housing for containing at least a portion of the electronics. The housing includes a port for broadcasting the output acoustic signal. A suspension system is coupled to the housing for dampening vibrations of the housing. In one preferred embodiment, the suspension system includes three resilient contact structures for contacting a surrounding structure in which the receiver is placed. The contact structures are positioned at specific locations to provide variable dampening levels. In another embodiment, the dampening is provided by a low-viscosity, gel-like material positioned between the housing and the surrounding structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a directed reflection light collecting device with planar reflectors, wherein a number of planar reflectors are arranged on a frame in mutual parallel. This frame is rotatably supported via a transversal main turning shaft on the supports of an azimuth angle adjusting mechanism. The altitudinal angle adjusting mechanism drives the frame in a controlled manner causing the planar reflectors on it to move. In this invention, the altitudinal angle of a number of planar reflectors is synchronized via a simple frame structure so that they can always project the reflected sunlight in a substantially fixed direction into the given area in conjunction with the azimuth angle adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

Abstract: A document processing device having an evaluation region disposed along a transport path between an input and output receptacle capable of processing both currency bills and substitute currency media having at least one indicia. The evaluation region includes at least one of a currency detector, a media detector, and an imager for detecting predetermined characteristics of currency bills and substitute currency media. A controller coupled to the evaluation region controls the operation of the document processing device and receives input from and provides information to a user via a control unit. In some embodiments, the document processing device may have any number of output receptacles, and the control unit allows the user to specify which output receptacle receives which type of document. An optional coin sorter may be coupled to the document processing device to allow document and coin processing.

Abstract: Address pointers (PTFi) associated with corresponding fingers are set to the addresses of a memory means (MM) capable of storing a number of symbols larger than the maximum delay between the paths, these initial addresses being predetermined taking account of differences in the number of symbols between the paths. Under steady state conditions, a current symbol received on a first finger is stored in the said memory at the write address given by the corresponding address pointer, and the said address pointer is then incremented.

Abstract: A multifrequency microstrip patch antenna comprising an active patch and a plurality of parasitic elements placed underneath said active patch, featuring a similar behavior (impedance, directivity, gain, polarization and pattern) at multiple radiofrequency bands.