Abstract: The stall manager system controls food distribution and mealtimes in a given number of animal stalls arranged in stall lines. The system comprises a given number of electronically controllable feeding devices mounted in the animal stalls, which are controlled by a stall manager module for each one of the animal stalls. A central computer unit manages food distribution and mealtimes relative to the feeding devices in the animal stalls. The central computer unit has communication resources for addressing selective command messages to the stall manager modules to accomplish the management. The stall manager modules are connected in series, and are each provided with a repeater circuit for relaying data between the central computer unit and the next stall manager module in line.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a sense amp band including a plurality of sense amplifiers, and a plurality of operation power supply potential lines and a plurality of ground potential lines arranged in a meshed shape. The operation power supply potential lines and the ground potential lines include the lines arranged in parallel with and in proximity to the sense amp band. Each sense amplifier in the sense amp band is connected to an operation power supply potential line and a ground line arranged in proximity to and in parallel with the sense amplifier through a drive component. The drive component is provided one for a predetermined number of sense amplifiers, and is rendered conductive in response to a sense amplifier activation signal from a signal line arranged in parallel with the sense amp band. The plurality of operation power supply potential lines and the plurality of ground lines arranged in a meshed shape are contacted at crossings.

Abstract: In a mobile satellite system, a mobile communication system includes a user interface system, an antenna system, a transceiver system, a logic and signaling system. The logic and signaling system provides a roam function permitting the mobile communication system to roam between the mobile satellite system and a terrestrial based communication system responsive to the user selection of a primary service and an alternate service. The mobile communication system also includes a digital terminal equipment unit initiating setup and release for a data call, and a facsimile interface unit initiating setup and release for a facsimile call. The facsimile interface unit generates a line control packet responsive to a line state transition indicating transmission of information associated with a new line state over a communication channel.

Abstract: A threshold matrix is divided into a plurality of sub-matrices Tij of an equal size. The difference between a plurality of threshold data included in each sub-matrix Tij is set to a specific value while the plurality of threshold data are arranged at random in each sub-matrix Tij. In case that each sub-matrix is a 2.times.2 arrangement, there are eight diagonal patterns where two relatively small threshold data are arranged diagonally while two relatively large threshold data are also arranged diagonally. A threshold matrix having the sufficiently high spatial frequency and allowing smooth tone reproduction can be prepared by selecting one of the eight diagonal patterns at random. A plurality of threshold matrices for respective color separations thus prepared will reduce the graininess and muddiness of colors in a reproduced color image. A plurality of threshold matrices can be produced from one original threshold matrix by extracting part of the threshold matrix.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides communication of digital data from a data provider or LAN to one or more of a plurality of subscriber premises. Asymmetrical digital subscriber line interface units operating at variable rates and in variable modes (ADSL/AVRs) over a local loop offer one-way video-on-demand and other services and carry the necessary signalling between the subscribers and information providers. In an asymmetric mode, the interface units frequency multiplex digital information with voice information to the subscriber and support transmission of a reverse control channel from the subscriber to the central office for transmission back to the information provider. Other modes are supported which permit selective bi-directional and reversible communications as well.

Abstract: A fiber optic network comprises an optical fiber connection (one fiber or two) from a central office to an intelligent interface device in the subscriber's premises. The central office includes a serving node transceiver providing communication links to/from at least a narrowband switch and a broadband switch for providing narrowband and broadband service routing. The network includes at least one passive power splitter/combiner for passing all wavelengths on the optical fiber connection between the serving node transceiver and the intelligent interface devices. All wavelengths are provided to each customer and bandwidth on the optical fiber loop is dynamically allocated for individual services on demand through two-way wavelength division multiplexing and demultiplexing as well as any necessary signal format conversions. The network has media access control functionality and utilizes a dynamic media access control procedure for allocation of the bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using underused or unused local telephone company local loops to subscriber premises for providing to such premises a connection to an alternate service provider. The use of the local loop is leased to the ultimate service provider at a rate dependent upon the usage and nature of usage of the circuit. Information and data to permit efficient and convenient billing for leased usage of the loops is implemented by providing on the local loop a passive monitor. The monitor detects and temporarily stores data relating to the commencement and termination of the signaling, the time of day, and the nature of the signaling that occurs. Data collected from the monitors is stored at a monitor center from which it is transferred to a billing operation such as the telephone company Revenue Accounting Office (RAO). Switching is provided to permit optional usage of the loop by either the telephone company of the alternate service provider or both.

Abstract: A multimedia system for providing electronic information and transaction services that combines shared remote access to a utility database with local access to a local database. When information access is requested from an interactive multimedia player provided with the local database and coupled through a telecommunication network to the utility database, the information is first searched in the local database. If it is not found there, the request is forwarded to the utility database over the telecommunication network. Each data element is associated with a defined life span that determines an interval between the data element activation and deactivation.

Abstract: An optical disc for a key physically stores first security information. The optical disc logically stores second security information. The first security information is equal to security information physically recorded on a legitimate optical disc. The second security information is equal to security information logically recorded on the legitimate optical disc.

Abstract: A determination is made as to whether or not a fuel tank for an engine or the like is being replenished with fuel. The temperature of the fuel in the fuel tank is detected, and if the fuel temperature is dropping a determination of fuel tank replenishment is arrived at. Desirably, it is determined that the fuel tank is being replenished, if fuel temperature dropping has occurred for a predetermined number of times over a predetermined time period. Further, by using such a detecting device in a breakdown diagnosis device for an evaporated fuel processing mechanism which diagnoses whether or not fuel leakage is taking place in a predetermined section of a flow path from the fuel tank to an intake passage of an automobile engine erroneous diagnosis is prevented by preventing diagnosis during fuel tank replenishment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and implementing equipment for detecting at least one object containing a specified material and hidden from view. The method comprising stages of object irradiation by a collimated x-ray beam (21) with an energy range containing a photo-ionization threshold, of detection of the beam having passed through said object (24), is characterized in that furthermore a continuous function representing the attenuation or transmission of the x-rays expressed in terms of energy is determined and a search is made near the energy corresponding to said photo-ionization threshold along the curve representing said continuous function of attenuation or transmission of an inflection point characteristic of the presence of said material. Illustratively this invention is applicable to airport luggage inspection.

Abstract: Servicing of an image forming device, such as a digital photocopier, is made convenient by providing an access opening exposing each of a number of prescribed serviceable components enclosed in a sealed casing. These serviceable components may include a light source scanner, lens group and beam detector. The casing bears removable cover units on the access openings. The serviceable components are located under the access openings, fixed in place by the cover units or elements attached to the cover units. Electrical switches coupled to the cover units may deactivate the components when the cover units are removed.

Abstract: A vehicle motion control system is combined with a wheel slip control system so as to stabilize vehicle behavior during traction control during which a drive wheel cornering power varies. When the wheel slip control is in operation, a signal of a drive wheel slip is transferred from the wheel slip control system to the motion control system. In response to this signal, the motion control system rewrites a constant representing a drive wheel cornering power, and produces a control signal for controlling the vehicle motion by using the rewritten constant.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array and a low potential setting circuit. An n channel transistor of one example of the low potential setting circuit receives a signal .phi. from an operation signal control circuit at its gate before operation of an internal circuit to be turned on, thereby decreasing the potential of a BSG line to a level which is close to ground potential. As a result, the increase in the potential level of the BSG line based on inflow of positive electric charge caused by operation of the internal circuit can be prevented, and the potential differences between the source and the drain and between the source and the gate of the n channel transistor can be increased. As a result, the operation speed of the internal circuit can be increased. More specifically, the access time of the semiconductor memory device is shortened.

Abstract: A cinematographic camera is operated at three times normal frame rates and converted to digital video in a telecine operation. Motion estimation provides from the digital video motion vectors which are substantially free of temporal aliasing. These motion vectors are employed in film weave measurement and correction and in motion compensated noise reduction and scratch concealment to provide a high quality signal which can be displayed at the elevated frame rate or standards converted, using the high quality motion vectors, to any desired standard.

Abstract: A synchronous semiconductor memory device is provided with a delay circuit between an input latch circuit and a pad. The synchronous semiconductor memory device can operate at a higher speed since respective external input signals supplied to a plurality of pads are delayed such that the time required for transmission from respective pads to the input latch circuit is equal, and that skew is eliminated.

Abstract: According to a semiconductor device of the present invention, a field oxide film is formed so as to cover the main surface of an SOI layer and to reach the main surface of a buried oxide film. As a result, a pMOS active region of the SOI and an nMOS active region of the SOI can be electrically isolated completely. Therefore, latchup can be prevented completely. As a result, it is possible to provide a semiconductor device using an SOI substrate which can implement high integration by eliminating reduction of the breakdown voltage between source and drain, which was a problem of a conventional SOI field effect transistor, as well as by efficiently disposing a body contact region, which hampers high integration, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the extent of infarction, particularly cerebral infarction subsequent to cerebral ischemia.

Abstract: A public switched telephone network for providing information from a multimedia information server to any one of a plurality of subscriber premises, comprises a central office receiving multimedia information signals from a multimedia information server and orders from a prescribed subscriber. The central office includes a gateway system for conveying routing data in response to subscriber orders and a switch for routing multimedia signals from the server to the prescribed subscriber in accordance with the routing data. An interface at the central office transmits and receives audio telephone service signals, subscriber control signals and digital multimedia information signals on first, second and third signal channels. Each subscriber premises includes an interface for transmitting and receiving audio telephone service signals, subscriber control signals and digital multimedia information signals on the three signal channels.