Abstract: A control method for transitioning from positive power to engine braking (and vice-versa) is disclosed. This transition may be made using variable valve actuation and two-stroke braking. The process may involve three engine operation modes: positive power (i.e., firing or non-braking), engine braking, and transition between engine braking and positive power. The intake and exhaust valve actuations provided for each of the different modes of operation may be different from each other.

Abstract: The invention described is a method and system for preventing image capture and transmission in a restricted or prohibited zone.

Abstract: A method for adaptive automatic error and mismatch correction is disclosed for use with a system having an automatic error and mismatch correction learning module, an automatic error and mismatch correction model, and a classifier module. The learning module operates by receiving pairs of documents, identifying and selecting effective candidate errors and mismatches, and generating classifiers corresponding to these selected errors and mismatches. The correction model operates by receiving a string of interpreted speech into the automatic error and mismatch correction module, identifying target tokens in the string of interpreted speech, creating a set of classifier features according to requirements of the automatic error and mismatch correction model, comparing the target tokens against the classifier features to detect errors and mismatches in the string of interpreted speech, and modifying the string of interpreted speech based upon the classifier features.

Abstract: Systems and methods of actuating engine valves using a hydraulic valve actuation system are disclosed. The valve actuation system includes a master piston and two slave pistons slidably disposed in bores provided in a housing. The master piston and two slave pistons are connected together by a hydraulic circuit. Linear motion imparted to the master piston is transferred to the two slave pistons via the hydraulic circuit. In turn, the two slave pistons may actuate one or more engine valves directly or through an intermediate valve bridge. A valve seating device may be provided to assist in seating the engine valves in embodiments where the valve actuation system is adapted to provide variable valve actuation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulic and/or variable valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may include a hydraulic valve actuation system operatively connected to an engine valve. First and second control valves may be operatively connected to the hydraulic valve actuation system and adapted to selectively release hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic valve actuation system independent of one another. The first control valve is preferably a solenoid actuated trigger valve and the second control valve is preferably a mechanically or hydraulically actuated valve.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method performed by a network access point, such as a short-range wireless communications switch or Bluetooth base station unit, to provide a neighbor list for neighboring short-range wireless communications switches or network access points in a communications network. The method includes, at the short-range wireless switch, sending at least one signal to neighboring wireless devices, wherein sending the signal is done without assistance of a mobile unit or a system controller for the communications network. The method further includes receiving a response signal from at least one neighboring short-range wireless switch, and identifying the one neighboring short-range wireless switch based on the received response signal. Additionally, the method includes providing a neighbor list that identifies the one neighboring short-range wireless switch. Numerous alternative embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for detecting and repairing audio recordings that contain busy signals and extended periods of silence by searching for clusters of silence by reviewing the amplitude in an audio recording sample and listing each silence and sample time.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a method of and associated system for placing nodes (104-109) in a wireless local area network (WLAN). The method includes receiving user-specified parameters regarding the network. The parameters can include a layout of a building or other space, and requirements for the WLAN. An algorithm then employs these parameters to automatically create an optimized layout of multiple wireless access points (104-109) for the WLAN. The method can display the layout and provide various types of information to the user.

Abstract: A device for drawing fluid from a lumen, and particularly blood from a blood vessel, is disclosed. The device may provide indication of the entry of an intravenous cannula into the lumen. The device may include a central body having an outer wall and an inner fluid passage. The device may include a luer-type adapter to permit the attachment of an I.V. infusion set of various lengths (“butterfly needle”) and or any luer-type fitting attached to an existing device. The outer wall of the central body may be transparent or translucent to permit the detection of fluid within the inner fluid passage. A front cannula may extend from one end of the central body and a rear cannula may extend from the other end of the central body. Both the front and rear cannulae may communicate with the inner fluid passage. An air-permeable flexible sleeve may surround at least a tip portion of the rear cannula. The air-permeable flexible sleeve may act as a venting member positioned between the rear cannula and the ambient.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel cyclic malonamides having the formula (I): to their pharmaceutical compositions and to their methods of use. These novel compounds inhibit the processing of amyloid precursor protein and, more specifically, inhibit the production of A?-peptide, thereby acting to prevent the formation of neurological deposits of amyloid protein. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of neurological disorders related to ?-amyloid production such as Alzheimer's disease and Down's Syndrome.

Abstract: A computer controlled method for detecting and diagnosing a rare cell type in a tissue sample is provided, said method comprising treating the tissue sample such that it generates a first signal indicative of the presence at a location of a rare cell, detecting the first signal, treating the location at which the first signal is detected to generate a second signal indicative of a diagnostically useful cellular characteristic and detecting the second signal. The first signal can be morphological or a color present in a sought cell either before or after staining. The second signal can be generated by in situ PCR or PCR in situ hybridization. In one preferred embodiment, the rare cell type is a fetal cell in a maternal blood tissue sample, said sample consisting of a smear of unenriched maternal blood. In another embodiment, the method is used to diagnose or genotype cancer cells in a blood or tissue biopsy sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel lactams having drug and bio-affecting properties, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. These novel compounds inhibit the processing of amyloid precursor protein and, more specifically, inhibit the production of A?-peptide, thereby acting to prevent the formation of neurological deposits of amyloid protein. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of neurological disorders related to ?-amyloid production such as Alzheimer's disease and Down's Syndrome.

Abstract: Systems and methods of actuating two engine valves associated with a common engine cylinder using one or more lost motion systems and one or more control valves are disclosed. The control valves are capable of selectively trapping hydraulic fluid in the lost motion systems for auxiliary engine valve actuations and selectively releasing the hydraulic fluid to default to cam controlled valve seating of the engine valves. The systems may provide a combination of main exhaust, compression release, exhaust gas recirculation and early exhaust valve opening in preferred embodiments.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel lactams of Formula (I): having drug and bio-affecting properties, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. These novel compounds inhibit the processing of amyloid precursor protein and, more specifically, inhibit the production of A?-peptide, thereby acting to prevent the formation of neurological deposits of amyloid protein. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of neurological disorders related to ?-amyloid production such as Alzheimer's disease and Down's Syndrome.

Abstract: An implant for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant may also include a wound disc replacement element. A method of performing signal surgery on a patient comprises securely mounting a patient onto a patient support table; imaging a spinal region of the patient; building up a three-dimensional image file of the spinal region of the patient; storing the image file; and utilizing the image file for planning and carrying out computer controlled spinal surgery on the patient utilizing the implant. A computer-controlled surgical implant system comprises a steerable endosurgical implanting operative to install the implant at a desired location in a patient; and a computerized controlled, which operates the steerable endosurgical implanting assembly.

Abstract: An implant for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant may also include a wound disc replacement element. A method of performing spinal surgery on a patient comprises securely mounting a patient onto a patient support table; imaging a spinal region of the patient; building up a three-dimensional image file of the spinal region of the patient; storing the image file; and utilizing the image file for planning and carrying out computer controlled spinal surgery on the patient utilizing the implant. A computer-controlled surgical implant system comprises a steerable endosurgical implanting assembly operative to install the implant at a desired location in a patient; and a computerized controlled, which operates the steerable endosurgical implanting system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to a storage medium, such as an optically readable medium. Light sensitive or other materials that are adapted to change state and affect reading of a storage medium are used to control access to data that may be stored on optical medium and/or to control use of the medium.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves is provided. In particular, systems and methods for providing variable valve actuation to improve engine performance are provided. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with positive power, engine braking, and/or exhaust gas recirculation operation of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a housing disposed intermediate the valve train element and the engine valve; an outer piston slidably disposed in a bore formed in the housing, the outer piston having a cavity formed therein; an inner piston slidably disposed in the outer piston cavity; and a valve in communication with the outer piston cavity, the valve having more than one position, wherein the position of the valve determines the timing of the engine valve event.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for detection of particles, such as biological cells, in samples using a photosensitive waveguide. The photosensitive waveguide changes its transmissivity in a detectable manner in response to controlling radiation emitted from the particles. In preferred embodiments, the waveguide is two-dimensional and the position of the particles as well as their presence is obtained by scanning the waveguide in two non-parallel directions. The provided devices are preferably used to locate labeled cells. The present invention also includes control systems and methods for detecting and locating cells using the devices provided.

Abstract: An improved process for preparation of ceftriaxone sodium of formula (II), is disclosed.