Abstract: A boot validation system and method may be used in a computer system to validate boot code before allowing the computer system to execute the boot code. In particular, a secure hash algorithm may be used to compute a hash value of the boot code and the computed hash value may be compared to a preprogrammed hash value stored in a secure non-volatile device. If the hash values match the boot code may be validated and the system may then be allowed to execute the boot code. Once the boot code is validated, the boot code may be executed to validate other code (e.g., firmware) in the computer system. In an exemplary embodiment, the boot validation systems and method may be used in an imaging device, such as a printer.

Abstract: A method of increasing capacity on a long-haul undersea cable system having at least one optical fiber, said method comprising interleaving counter-propagating forward-propagating and backward-propagating signals in forward and backward channels on a common optical fiber, wherein the wavelength offset between said forward and backward channels is typically half of the channel spacing of co-propagating signals.

Abstract: The logic analyzer interface assembly connects to a unit under test (UUT). The interface assembly includes an interface board having interface contact points matching the pattern of the UUT contact points. The interface board is mounted to a transfer interface including a probe plate and multiple spring loaded probes extending through the probe plate. The probes contact the UUT contact points at one end and the interface contact points at the other end. When assembled, the UUT and interface assembly form a sandwiched testing assembly that can be inserted into a chassis to aid in approaching an “at speed” observation opportunity.

Abstract: A twin sheet forming system and method is used to form a hollow article, such as an automotive fuel tank, from first and second sheets of thermoplastic material. The system includes first and second loading stations, first and second heating stations, and first and second thermoforming stations in an in-line arrangement. The in-line arrangement allows the sheets to be transferred independently between the stations and the separate thermoforming stations allows the sheets to be thermoformed independently. Each of the thermoforming stations includes an upper and lower platen generally in a side by side arrangement for supporting thermoforming tools and plug assists. After heating, the sheets are independently transferred to the thermoforming stations and formed using the thermoforming tools and plug assists. The thermoforming tool and thermoformed piece in one of the thermoforming stations is then transferred to the other station, and the thermoformed pieces are fused together.

Abstract: An antimicrobial biocidic fiber-plastic composite is capable of killing bacteria on contact. The composite can be produced from a cellulose fiber material obtained from agricultural waste, a plastic material obtained from industrial waste, and one or more biocides that kill bacteria without being harmful to humans. Lignin is removed from the fiber material through a delignification process to allow the biocides to bind directly with the cellulose fibers. In one example, the biocides include Sodium Hypochlorite, N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide sodium salt-trihydrate, Vitamin E and Citric Acid. After adding the biocides, lignin is added back to the mixture to allow the cellulose fibers to bind with the plastic material. The fiber-plastic composition can then be extruded, pelletized, and molded into any shape or size.

Abstract: The computerized system and method represents judgments of a user and records the judgments and the judgment making process. In one embodiment, the computerized method displays multiple concept representations simultaneously, receives a user-manipulated adjustment to one or more of the concept representations to create a judgment representation, and records the judgment representation(s) and user-manipulated adjustment(s). The judgment representations and adjustments are preferably recorded continuously so that the judgment process can be reviewed and evaluated. The concept representations can be displayed relative to other concept representations and/or relative to a rating scale. In another embodiment, the computerized method displays a physical context representation and the judgments are represented and recorded as user designated locations in the physical context. One example of an application for the system and method is to record and evaluate a patient's judgments with respect to pain.

Abstract: The power and environmental condition monitoring system monitors the quality of power provided to a site as well as other environmental conditions that might affect the operation of electronic equipment at the site. The system detects and records power events, such as spikes, sags, surges, and other transients, records power conditions, such as voltage level, RMS volts, phase differential, A/C frequency, current, and impedance, and records environmental conditions, such as temperature, vibration, and humidity. The system includes an analog signal receiver that receives analog signals from measurement devices and converts the analog signals into digital signal data. At least some of the channels on the analog boards are high frequency channels capable of receiving and converting high frequency voltage event signals. The system also includes a digital signal processor (DSP) for reading the raw digital signal data from the analog signal receiver and for processing the raw digital signal data.

Abstract: A process for increasing the specific output of a combined cycle power plant and providing flexibility in the power plant rating, both without a commensurate increase in the plant heat rate, is disclosed. The present invention demonstrates that the process of upgrading thermal efficiencies of combined cycles can often be accomplished through the strategic use of additional fuel and/or heat input. In particular, gas turbines that exhaust into HRSGs, can be supplemental fired to obtain much higher steam turbine outputs and greater overall plant ratings, but without a penalty on efficiency. This method by and large defines a high efficiency combined cycle power plant that is predominantly a Rankine (bottoming) cycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a load driven by a topping cycle engine, powered by a topping cycle fluid which exhausts into a heat recovery device.

Abstract: A poseable figure has a spine system that is capable of a wide range of life-like movement and capable of being positioned and maintained in numerous life-like poses. The spine system includes a plurality of mating spine segments engaged, in a friction fit, with one another such that the mating spine segments swivel with respect to one another. A soft body portion, such as a foam, is disposed around the spine system to simulate the flesh of the figure and to allow the spine system to be moved into a wide range of positions. In-one embodiment, first and second appendage connectors couple a first and second pair of appendages, such as arms and legs, to the spine system such that the appendages swivel with respect to the spine system and can be moved and held in numerous positions. A resilient member preferably extends through the mating spine segments and engages with the head of the figure to hold the head in swiveling engagement with a neck segment coupled to the spine system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for providing suction and/or irrigation has a surgical tool or electrode tip mounted within the wall of an elongated housing or cannula such that the passageway through the housing is substantially unobstructed. A mounting notch is formed in the elongated housing and the surgical tool is formed with a mounting tab that matches the mounting notch. The mounting tab is positioned into the mounting notch and is substantially flush with the wall of the elongated housing. The mounting tab is then secured to the wall of the elongated housing, for example, by laser welding. The surgical tool can be formed with various different tip shapes including, but not limited to, a J hook, an L hook, a spatula, a needle, and a ball. In one example, the surgical instrument is used as a laparoscopic electrosurgical instrument and the elongated housing and surgical tool are made of electrically conductive materials.

Abstract: A threaded quick disconnect adapter is used to connect one or more different surgical probes, such as laparoscopic probes, to a valve device, such as a trumpet valve. The threaded quick disconnect adapter includes an adapter body having first and second ends. A valve engaging portion is disposed on the first end of the adapter body and is preferably threaded to threadably engaging an outlet on the valve. A threaded probe engaging portion is disposed on the second end of the adapter body for threadably engaging a probe base on one of the probes. A sealing portion, such as an O-ring, is also disposed on the second end for sealing with the probe base. The threaded probe engaging portion has a larger outer diameter than the sealing portion. In one example, the probe is attached with first a linear motion to engage the probe base with the sealing portion and then a rotating or twisting motion to thread the probe base on the threaded probe engaging portion.

Abstract: A data record processing system including a dynamic data record excluder generates a unique record identification in response to a received data record. Alternatively, the received data record may include the unique data record identifier. A data record index stores at least a portion of the received data record and the unique data record identifier. A dynamic data record excluder determines whether or not the received data record was previously received by searching the data record index, and generates a data record exclusion indicator if the data record was previously received, thereby excluding processing of the previously received data record, to avoid duplication and to allow the data record processing system to process the most recent data record.

Abstract: An inspection system and method uses a ring illumination apparatus to illuminate one or more reflective elements, such as solder balls on an electronic component or other protruding surfaces or objects. The ring illumination apparatus includes a substantially ring-shaped light source that provides a substantially even illumination across the one or more reflective elements. An illumination detection device detects light beams reflecting off of the illuminated reflective elements for forming a reflected image. A method of processing the reflected image includes locating one or more edges of each reflected image element representing an illuminated reflective element. The edges of the reflected image elements are located by determining the maximum intensity gradient in the pixels forming the reflected image element. The inspection system and method thereby determines various characteristics such as the absence/presence, location, pitch, size and shape of each reflective element.

Abstract: A call record scheduling system for prioritizing call records for an outbound dialing system. Call records are downloaded to a call center record manager which preliminarily filters the records to select only certain records for a call campaign. Call records are then individually processed to produce a time range and priority for each call record to be dialed. This time range and priority are inserted into a priority table which may have more than one entry for each call record. A call record scheduler scans the priority table and selects call records to be downloaded to the outbound dialer to be presently dialed. The call record scheduler dynamically adjusts the priority table, including inserting and deleting priority table entries and changing the priority value. The present system allows control over when to place telephone calls during an ongoing telephone campaign, thereby increasing the likelihood of reaching the called party.

Abstract: A simplified solenoid assembly has a simplified construction that maintains the mechanical integrity and operating efficiency of the solenoid. The solenoid assembly includes a frame having first and second frame leg portions extending from a frame middle portion. The side region of the first frame leg portion includes an aperture, and the side region of the second frame leg portion defines a frame pole face generally opposite the aperture. A bobbin having first and second bobbin end portions and a generally cylindrical bobbin intermediate portion is "snap-fit" between the frame leg portions. A plunger receiving region formed in the bobbin is aligned with the aperture through the frame, and the second bobbin end portion extends across the plunger receiving region to form a fixed gap between the bobbin and the frame. A plunger is slidably received through the aperture in the frame and into the plunger receiving region within the bobbin.

Abstract: A system and method for depositing a pattern of media on a moving surface includes a media depositing apparatus that deposits media in a predefined pattern on the moving surface. A media applicator roll having a media receiving region, such as engraved or raised portions, receives the media from a media feeder as the media applicator roll rotates. A media retaining member maintains the media in contact with the media receiving region until the media reach a bottom region of the media applicator roll and are released from the media applicator roll in the predefined pattern onto the moving surface. The method for depositing a pattern of media includes synchronizing the speed of rotation of the media applicator roll with the speed of the moving sheet of material so that the media are precisely deposited as they are released from the media receiving region. The method also includes minimizing the distance that the media must drop from the applicator roll receiving region to the moving surface.

Abstract: A method for filling containers utilizing at least two filling members. The containers to be filled are placed in a receptacle and at least two filling members are placed over the containers with the apertures of the filling members corresponding to the openings of the containers to be filled. Particulate matter is then disposed on top of the filling members and passed through the apertures in the filling members filling the containers below. A scraper is used to push and/or pull the particulate matter off of one filling member onto the other filling member. The now clean filling member is removed and the containers which are now filled with particulate matter are removed as well. The particulate matter is then moved from the second filling member onto the first in order to fill the new containers under it. The second filling member now being cleared of particulate matter is removed and the containers under it which are now filled are then removed.

Abstract: A multi-path digital signal processor for use in a telephony system provides a first data path for interfacing to a local area network, a second data path for interfacing to a Versa-bus Modular Eurocard (VME) bus, and at least one third data path for interfacing to at least one pulse code modulation digital signal path. The Digital Signal Processor may transmit and receive data by any or all of these means to allow efficient data transfer and processing by the Digital Signal Processor in a telephony system.

Abstract: A telephone call center management system capable of simultaneously operating at least two separate telephony applications. A first group of agents is assigned to service a first telephone application. A first telephony center supervisor is assigned to at least view the operation of at least the first telephone application and at least the first group of agents. A second group of agents is assigned to service a second telephone application, while a second telephony center supervisor is assigned to at least view the operation of the second telephone application and the second group of agents. A supervisor can not view or control the agents or resources of an application not assigned to that supervisor. Supervisors may be assigned different application access levels, which control how much supervision supervisors have over the agents in applications the supervisors may access.