Abstract: In a microcomputer system implementing a cache memory subsystem, the cache performance on write allocation cycles is improved. When the processor writes to a line of the cache memory that results in a cache tag miss, after the processor write operation is suspended, the data is allocated from main memory into the cache memory. During this main memory read, however, instead of setting the state of the line of memory to unmodified, its state is set to modified. On the subsequent processor read operation, a cycle is saved because the modified bit does not have to be changed from unmodified to modified.

Abstract: A letter weighing device has a slidable fulcrum to indicate the exact weight of a letter or the like being weighed. The letter weighing device has an elongate member having upper and lower elongate surfaces, the upper elongate surface supporting two spaced apart and substantially parallel resilient ribs extending longitudinally along the elongate member so as to define a recess therebetween. Further, at least a portion of each rib extends in a direction generally toward the other rib. A fulcrum member is mounted upon the upper surface so as to be moveable along the length of the elongate member. The fulcrum member supports the elongate member from above. Additionally, a parallel pair of ribs define a recess therebetween in which additional items can be stored.

Abstract: A fault tolerant multiple network server system in which multiple servers concurrently act as back-up servers for each other even while they are providing their own server services to the system. Rather than having an unused server monitoring for failure of a primary server and taking over control, each acts upon the network, but when its partner should fail, it assumes control of these partner servers storage subsystem. In this way, processing power of both servers is available during normal operation, but they each provide back-up capability for the other.

Abstract: A surgical method of measuring bone strain to detect fracture consolidation includes the steps of affixing an external fixation device to the patient's bone that has a fracture site to be healed and wherein the fixation device supports an elongated optical fiber. Light is transmitted through the optical fiber to an exit point. The light intensity within the optical fiber is measured, preferably at the exit point as the light travels through the optical fiber. Light intensity is measured to monitor strain in the fixation device as the fracture site heals. A physician then determines when the site has fully healed by observing changes in light intensity as the patient's bone rather than the fixation device carries more of the patient's normal body loading.

Abstract: A complex between a virus the cell binding receptor of which has been inactivated and an antibody, said antibody having the ability to interact with a specific antigen on the surface of a mammalian cell different from the cellular structure which would otherwise mediate binding of the virus to the cell surface and which antigen has the ability to mediate entrance of a virus vector or infectious virus into mammalian cells.

Abstract: A downhole oil well pulling and running tool provides a releasable tool body that can be used to release a workstring such as a coiled tubing string from a tool assembly and to reattach if desired. To reestablish circulations (the ability to pump fluid down the workstring and up the annulus of the well) after detachment by increasing the pressure across a seated ball to a predetermined pressure that forces the ball through the seat into a ball cage. The cage is sized and shaped to carry a plurality of the ball valving members so that the unlatching and relatching procedure may be repeated as many times as desired until the ball cage is filled. Also providing a delay or timing system that will allow debris to pass thru the tool without a release.

Abstract: A knot puller instrument and its method of use with surgical suture aids a surgeon in tying surgical knots. The apparatus includes a main body member that is formed of rigid structural material that can be sterilized such as stainless steel. The body is elongated, having a preferably linear central longitudinal axis, and proximal and distal end portions. The proximal end of the main body provides a handle for gripping. The distal end of the main body is comprised of a pair of spaced apart appendages that are positioned to hold a length of suture therebetween at a transverse concavely shaped bridge portion. A space between the appendages is formed by having one appendage suspended free of the instrument body, connected only to the bridge member. This allows a surgeon to place a length of suture in between the two appendages for engagement by the transverse curved bridge connector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for shaping a patient's bone tissue at the joint to receive an implant includes a cutting block body that is sized and shaped to fit a patient's long bone at the joint during joint replacement surgery. The block is attachable to the patient's bone tissue at the joint area. A flat cutting guide surface on the block body is provided for guiding a surgeon's saw blade when the surgeon cuts bone tissue at the joint. A saw capture removably attaches to the block body at or near the flat cutting guide surface. The saw capture also provides a flat cutting guide surface thereon that is positioned generally parallel to the cutting guide surface on the block body during use, a gap being formed therebetween. Wedge locking connections are provided for affixing the saw capture to the block body at the flat cutting guide surface. The connection includes first and second interlocking connecting portions that are respectively on the block body and saw capture.

Abstract: Acquired signals representing samples of propagating wavefields are processed using space-time linked variable methods to form images having better definition and resolution than may be obtained by conventional methods. Frequencies accessed include those anticipated as well as some apparently beyond those deemed feasible according to Nyquist criteria as well as those present in the wavefield source.The signals and physical features may be obtained in tomography (medical CT scans), echo location (radar or sonar) or seismic imaging for example. Signals are processed maintaining interrelation of the linked variables of time and space, rather than following the conventionally accepted current techniques which treat the time and space variables independently.Definition and resolution of images are obtained beyond those normally considered possible with earlier techniques by understanding and correctly interpreting the information content of a sampled wavefield.

Abstract: An elongate tube of resilient material is fitted into a golf club shaft to reduce the transfer of impact shock to a golfer's hands, shoulders and arms. The tube is compressively fitted into the club shaft to protect against its slippage or movement within the shaft. The tube when inserted also does not alter or affect club balance. For additional shock absorbency, the club face may be isolated from the remainder of the club head by a layer of resilient, shock-absorbent material. The tube may also be used as an insert in shafts or handles of other types of sporting goods.

Abstract: A two-sided removable pad for use on a golf club having a substantially planar club face surface for striking a golf ball. A ball contact surface having a plurality of ridges effects the rotation of a struck golf ball. An adhesive on a second side of the pad for application to the club face. The pad is easily removably adhered to the club face surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of Linomide.RTM. or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of retrovirus infections. Specifically the invention concerns the treatment of HIV infections.

Abstract: A bridge circuit for holding off primary interrupts signaling the completion of a block data transfer from a second bus to a system bus until the data has cleared the bridge circuit. The bridge circuit includes an interrupt control circuit for receiving up to seven primary interrupt signals corresponding to seven sets of bus grant-request lines on a second bus. Each bus grant-request set is assigned a data FIFO for synchronizing the transfer of data from the second bus to a system bus. The interrupt control circuit provides an interrupt to the system bus which corresponds to the primary interrupt only after the associated data FIFO is empty, thereby preventing data coherency problems in system memory.

Abstract: Cardiovascular and other medical implants fabricated from low-modulus Ti-Nb-Zr alloys to provide enhanced biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. The cardiovascular implants may be surface hardened by oxygen or nitrogen diffusion or by coating with a tightly adherent, hard, wear-resistant, hemocompatible ceramic coating. The cardiovascular implants include heart valves, total artificial heart implants, ventricular assist devices, vascular grafts, stents, electrical signal carrying devices such as pacemaker and neurological leads, defibrillator leads, and the like. It is contemplated that the Ti-Nb-Zr alloy can be substituted as a fabrication material for any cardiovascular implant that either comes into contact with blood thereby demanding high levels of hemocompatibility, or that is subject to microfretting, corrosion, or other wear and so that a low modulus metal with a corrosion-resistant, hardened surface would be desirable.

Abstract: An improved DMA controller having programmable data transfer timings. Not only is the total cycle time programmable, but the active and inactive period of the cycle are also programmable. An active timing register and an inactive timing register are used in conjunction with a countdown timer to determine the active and inactive periods of the data transfer cycle. The active time period is loaded into the timer during the active phase, with the end of the active phase being indicated by the timer timing out. Next, the inactive time period is loaded into the timer, which similarly times out to indicate the end of the inactive phase of the data transfer cycle.