Abstract: A microchip for a computer configured to connect to a one network of computers, the microchip comprising: a first internal hardware-based firewall, the first internal hardware-based firewall configured to deny access to a portion of the microchip from the network; a general purpose microprocessor including at least two general purpose cores or general purpose processing units; a first core or processing unit is located inside of the first internal hardware-based firewall; a second core or processing unit is located outside of at the first internal hardware-based firewall; the second core or processing unit is separate from the first internal hardware-based firewall; and a memory component located inside of a second internal hardware-based firewall that is located between said memory component and a core or processing unit with which said memory component is associated. The microchip can also include a plurality of dies.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a receiver has a reference generator and a main equalizer. The reference generator equalizes a received signal using one or more pilot reference signals. Then, the reference generator decodes one or more predetermined data channels of the equalized signal, makes hard decisions on the data of each decoded channel, and regenerates the original coding sequence of each decoded channel. The main equalizer uses each re-encoded channel as an additional reference signal along with one or more pilot signals to equalize a time-delayed version of the received signal. In alternative embodiments, the receiver might also have a step-size generator which selects optimum step sizes from a look-up table based on the number of re-encoded channels and the power of those channels. The step size is then used by the main equalizer along with the re-encoded channels to equalize the time-delayed received signal.

Abstract: A wireless receiver detects signals received at two or more antennas, with each antenna coupled to an input receive chain. A switch is employed to couple selected input receive chains to one or more corresponding output receive chains during listening, coarse-detection, and fine-adjustment modes. At least one channel selection filter (CSF) is employed in each output receive chain, and the receiver employs sub-ranging. During idle mode, one antenna's input receive chain is connected to two or more CSFs to detect the packet. When the packet is detected, during a coarse-adjustment mode, the CSFs are reconfigured to couple each antenna's input receive chain to a corresponding output receive chain using low-gain signals. During fine-adjustment mode, the various gains are adjusted to be either high- or low-gain to maintain signals within the dynamic range of the corresponding CSFs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a washing system including a nozzle assembly having a nozzle and having formed therein a rinse passageway and a waste passageway. Each passageway has first and second ends. The first end of the waste passageway is adapted to be coupled to a waste pump adapted to remove waste fluid via a waste aperture defining the second end of the waste passageway. The first end of the rinse passageway is adapted to be coupled to a rinse pump adapted to provide rinse fluid via a rinse aperture defining the second end of the rinse passageway. The nozzle is coupled to the rinse aperture and is adapted to rotate and direct flow of the rinse fluid outwardly while rotating.

Abstract: An improved multi-channel receiver for satellite broadcast applications or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, an AGC loop, under the control of an AGC processor, controls the gain of an analog sub-receiver adapted to simultaneously receive multiple signals to achieve a desired AGC setpoint signal intensity from the sub-receiver. Multiple digital demodulators, coupled to the sub-receiver by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), demodulate the multiple received signals. The AGC controller, based upon which of the received signals are being demodulated, selects the desired AGC setpoint from a table of setpoints. The AGC controller may also provide selective power control to circuitry in the receiver and select the resolution of the ADC. The controller updates the AGC loop with step values selected from a group of values by an AGC control algorithm. Different groups of step values may be used by the controller depending on whether the signals are fading or not.

Abstract: An automatic reset target plate rack has a plurality of target plates and latches, a reset plate, and a reset mechanism. In operation, the user strikes one or more of the target plates, which travel rearward and are captured by the latches, and the user next strikes the reset plate to activate the reset mechanism and free the captured target plates, returning them to their upright position. In one aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivoting on a first axis; and a latch pivoting on a second axis. The latch is positioned to contact and capture the target plate when the target plate is pivoted to a predetermined rotational position. In another aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivotally disposed on a pivot rod and biased toward a first predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A buffer circuit uses (e.g., active) inductors for driving capacitive loads. In one embodiment, the buffer circuit has one or more stages, each stage having one CMOS inverter. Each CMOS inverter has one NMOS transistor and one PMOS transistor and is coupled to a stage input and a stage output. Additionally, at least one stage of the buffer circuit has two inductors, each coupled between a different voltage reference for the buffer circuit and the stage output. One inductor has a PMOS transistor coupled to the gate of an NMOS transistor and the other inductor has an NMOS transistor coupled to the gate of a PMOS transistor. When driving capacitive loads, the inductors partially tune out the apparent load capacitance CL, thereby improving the charging capabilities of inverter and enabling quicker charge and discharge times. Furthermore, partially tuning out apparent load capacitance facilitates the driving of larger capacitive loads.

Abstract: A data communication transceiver, such as a PCM or xDSL modem, is operable in a training-while-working mode in which it both trains and communicates user data. In some embodiments, upon initiation of a data communication session, the transceiver operates in a startup training mode in which partial training occurs that is sufficient to enable low rate data communication; the transceiver then enters the training-while-working mode in which it communicates user data and completes training. When training is completed, the transceiver enters a data mode in which it communicates user data but does not train. In some embodiments, if in the data mode conditions arise requiring retraining or making retraining desirable, the transceiver enters the training-while-working mode and retrains while continuing to communicate user data.

Abstract: A method for detecting a symbol encoded in one or more received signals, wherein the detected symbol corresponds to a combination of values of n components, n>1, comprises (a) for each of a plurality of different combinations of values of the n components, generating a set of two or more sub-metric values based on the one or more received signals. Each sub-metric is a function of one or more of the n components, and at least one sub-metric is a function of fewer than all n components. The method further comprise (b) detecting the symbol based on the sets of sub-metric values. In another embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a symbol encoded in one or more received signals, wherein the detected symbol corresponds to a combination of values of n components, n>1, comprises (a) means for generating a set of two or more sub-metric values based on the one or more received signals for each of a plurality of different combinations of values of the n components.

Abstract: The sideband used by a low-intermediate-frequency transmitter for transmitting signals on a channel is selectable. In some embodiments of the invention, the sideband used for transmitting signals is selected based on the location of the channel within a band of channels. In such embodiments, the lower sideband may be selected for transmitting signals if the channel is the lowest-frequency channel in the band, and the upper sideband may be selected for transmitting signals if the channel is the highest-frequency channel in the band. Such sideband selection results in image power falling within the band, which can be helpful in complying with out-of-band power limitations.