Abstract: An advanced multiple-beam GPS receiving system is achieved that is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple GPS satellites independently, detecting multiple interference signals individually, and suppressing directional gain in the antenna pattern of each beam in the interference directions. The GPS receiving system can be used for both planar and non-planar receiving arrays, including arrays that are conformally applied to the surface of a platform such as an aircraft. The GPS receiver combines spatial filtering and acquisition code correlation for enhanced rejection of interfering sources. Enhanced gain in the direction of GPS satellites and the ability to shape the beam patterns to suppress gain in the direction of interfering sources make the GPS receiving system largely insensitive to interfering and jamming signals that plague conventional GPS receivers.

Abstract: A resonant cavity with a bowtie shape supports an electromagnetic field used to deflect the trajectory of an electron beam passing through the cavity. The short transit time of the beam across the gap maintains the cavity fields at near-optimal phase, improving interaction efficiency even for relatively low-energy beams. High interaction impedance ensures good drive-power-to-deflection conversion efficiency. The uniform field achieved across the gap enforces uniform deflection across the beam profile to maintain beam quality. Multiple bowtie cavities can be arranged to allow arbitrary two-dimensional deflections.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of POL regulators, at least one serial data bus operatively connecting the plurality of POL regulators, and a system controller connected to the serial data bus and adapted to send and receive digital data to and from the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus further comprises a first data bus carrying programming and control information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus may also include a second data bus carrying fault management information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The power control may also include a front-end regulator providing an intermediate voltage to the plurality of POL regulators on an intermediate voltage bus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a conjugate that includes a pentopyranosyl nucleic acid and a biomolecule. The process includes the steps of providing a pentopyranosyl nucleic acid having at least two pentopyranosyl nucleotide subunits that are covalently linked between carbon 4 and carbon 2 of their respective pentopyranosyl rings. The pentopyranosyl nucleic acid also has an electrophilic reactive group. A biomolecule having a nucleophilic reactive group is also provided. The electrophilic reactive group of the pentopyranosyl nucleic acid and the nucleophilic reactive group of the biomolecule are reacted to form a covalent bond.

Abstract: An electronic sound chip stores digitized sounds. A PIC processor controls sound card operation, utilizing a free comparator present in the PIC processor that detects variable DC offsets, and thereby activates at least one “voice” or channel of sound. The system self-calibrates on the initial power on, and the calibration values are measured and stored internally in non-volatile storage for later comparison against the DC offset to frequency thresholds. The system detects loss of power, which mutes the audio during power interruptions for seamless model train direction control.

Abstract: A model toy train track segment in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate roadbed having a first and a second end and a first and a second side. The said first and second ends of the track segment are configured for attachment to adjacent track segments. A track segment in accordance with the present invention further includes a side member configured to be detachably coupled to at least one of the first and second sides of the roadbed. A track segment in accordance with the present invention still further includes a first and a second elongate rail segment connected to the roadbed. Each of the first and second rail segments having a first end proximate to the first roadbed end and a second end proximate to the second roadbed end.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a deflectable tip at the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The deflectable tip comprises a first helical coil having a first diameter and a second helical coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. The first and second helical coils are arranged in the manner of a double helix. When viewed in cross-section, the first helical coil and the second helical coil are aligned at a first point on a circumference of each coil and misaligned at a second point on the circumference of each coil, where the second point is approximately 180 degrees from the first point. In certain embodiments the catheter further includes a dilatation balloon. Methods of use for crossing a chronic total occlusion are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for optimizing the digital filter compensation coefficients of a digitally controlled switched mode power supply within a distributed power system. A power control system comprises at least one point-of-load (POL) regulator having a power conversion circuit adapted to convey power to a load and a digital controller coupled to the power conversion circuit though a feedback loop. The digital controller is adapted to provide a pulse width modulated control signal to the power switch responsive to a feedback measurement of an output of the power conversion circuit. The digital controller further comprises a digital filter having a transfer function defined by plural filter coefficients. The digital controller periodically stores a successive one of a plurality of samples of the feedback measurement. A serial data bus operatively connects the POL regulator to a system controller.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of POL regulators, at least one serial data bus operatively connecting the plurality of POL regulators, and a system controller connected to the serial data bus and adapted to send and receive digital data to and from the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus further comprises a first data bus carrying programming and control information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus may also include a second data bus carrying fault management information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The power control may also include a front-end regulator providing an intermediate voltage to the plurality of POL regulators on an intermediate voltage bus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing an improved three-dimensional graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises: receiving an input from an end user, and capturing computing output from at least one computer source in response to the received end-user input. The computing output can be presented as two or more objects within a three-dimensional virtual space displayed to the end user. In one embodiment, the method further comprises generating a timeline that includes an icon for each object presented within the virtual space. In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing a database for storing and categorizing data regarding each object presented within the virtual space.

Abstract: A self-tracking analog-to-digital converter includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) adapted to provide a variable reference voltage, a windowed flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) adapted to provide an error signal ek corresponding to a difference between an input voltage Vi and the variable reference voltage, and digital circuitry adapted to generate suitable control signals for the DAC based on the error signal ek. More particularly, the digital circuitry includes a first digital circuit adapted to provide a first function value f(ek) in response to the error signal ek, the first function value f(ek) representing an amount of correction to be applied to the variable reference voltage. A second digital circuit is adapted to provide a counter that combines the first function value f(ek) with a previous counter state Nk to provide a next counter state Nk+1, the next counter state Nk+1 being applied as an input to the digital-to-analog converter.

Abstract: An input circuit of a microwave amplification tube achieves improved instantaneous bandwidth. By directly coupling the transmission line carrying a modulating radio frequency signal to a control grid, a low-Q input circuit is created that increases the fractional bandwidth of the system. A resonant cavity may be used to generate a voltage across the gap between the cathode and the control grid. Alternative geometries are presented whereby the electron beam is emitted from a cathode connected either to the center conductor of the transmission line or to the outer conductor of the transmission line. Alternatively, the electric field of the radio-frequency signal propagating through the transmission line may be used to create a voltage across the gap between the cathode and the control grid without using a resonant cavity. Likewise, alternative geometries are presented by which the electron beam is emitted from a cathode connected either to the center conductor or to the outer conductor of the transmission line.

Abstract: The Fiber Channel standard was created by the American National Standard for Information Systems (ANSI) X3T11 task group to define a serial I/O channel for interconnecting a number of heterogeneous peripheral devices to computer systems as well as interconnecting the computer systems themselves through optical fiber and copper media at gigabit speeds (i.e., one billion bits per second). Multiple protocols such as SCSI (Small Computer Serial Interface), IP (Internet Protocol), HIPPI, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) among others can concurrently utilize the same media when mapped over Fiber Channel. A Fiber Channel Fabric is an entity which transmits Fiber Channel frames between connected Node Ports. The Fiber Channel fabric routes the frames based on the destination address as well as other information embedded in the Fiber Channel frame header. Node Ports are attached to the Fiber Channel Fabric through links.

Abstract: A gamma-ray detector (42, 52, 72, 92) comprising a large-area plastic scintillation body (44, 64, 74, 94) and a photon detector (38, 58, 68, 78) optically coupled to the scintillation body to receive and detect photons (P1, P2, P3) generated by gamma-ray interactions. Selected portions of the scintillation body surface are provided with a reflective layer (46, 60, 80) in planar contact with the scintillation body. Other regions are not provided with a reflective layer. Thus specular reflection is promoted in at the surfaces provided with the reflective layer, while total internal reflection may occur in the regions which are not provided with a reflective layer, hi a scintillation body generally in the form of a plank, the photon detector is coupled to one end, and the regions provided with the reflective layer are the edges of the plank. The scintillation body may be shaped so that it reduced in cross section in a direction away from the photon detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions for the delivery of a hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa. In particular, the buffer system in the compositions of the present invention raises the pH of saliva to a pH greater than about 7.8, thereby facilitating the substantially complete conversion of the hypnotic agent from its ionized to its un-ionized form. As a result, the dose of hypnotic agent is rapidly and efficiently absorbed by the oral mucosa with surprisingly low inter-subject variability. Furthermore, delivery of the hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa advantageously bypasses hepatic first pass metabolism of the drug and avoids enzymatic degradation of the drug within the gastrointestinal tract. Methods for using the compositions of the present invention for treating sleep disorders such as insomnia are also provided.

Abstract: When a voice input is detected as being applied to a directional microphone, sounds output from selected loudspeakers from among a plurality of loudspeakers, which otherwise would obstruct the speech recognition process, are attenuated, and sound signals supplied to the selected loudspeakers are combined with sound signals supplied to the other loudspeakers, and the combined sound signals are supplied to the other loudspeakers.

Abstract: A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes an integrated clip adapted to grip cables and to grip an edge of a work surface, thereby reducing cable clutter and providing for a more efficient use of work surface space. The connectivity hub includes a curved portion manufactured from a flexible and springy material, enabling a user to apply pressure to increase the distance between two edges of the clip in order to insert cables into the clip or to slide the clip over an edge of a work surface, or both.

Abstract: A power control system comprises at least one point-of-load (POL) regulator adapted to provide an output voltage to a corresponding load and a system controller operatively connected to the at least one POL regulator via a data bus and adapted to send a first data message in a first format to the at least one POL regulator via the data bus. A bus translator is interposed along the data bus between the at least one POL regulator and the system controller. The bus translator converts the first data message from the first format to a second format that is compatible with the at least one POL regulator. The bus translator is adapted for bi-directional operation to convert a second data message communicated from the at least one POL regulator in the second format to the first format compatible with the system controller. The first and second data formats may comprise either a digital data format or an analog data format.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating pain. For example, this document provides methods that involve administering a neurotensin receptor (NTR) agonist and an opioid receptor agonist to a mammal (e.g., a human). Compositions containing an NTR agonist in combination with an opioid receptor agonist also are provided.