Abstract: In a data bus with m data bits, electromagnetic interference is produced by polarity switching the data on that data bus. When two consecutive data items result in a change of over half of the data bits, the polarity of the second data item is switched, and a polarity signal is correspondingly switched on the data bus. When the data is received, it is restored to its original polarity by adjusting the polarity of the received data according to the signal on the polarity line. In this way, the total number of bit transitions between any two data items is reduced to a maximum of m/2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods and new destruction-resistant materials for simple and routine quality control measurement of the effectiveness of biological decontamination and sterilization processes that utilize at least one step involving physical disruption of treated wastes, where such physical disruption would destroy conventional, non-destruction-resistant quality control means. Quantitative and qualitative analysis is provided.

Abstract: An inclined docking base having slides, positioned outboard of the docked portable computer, to guide respective legs of a monitor support member from an initial slide position to a desktop operation position. Blocking surfaces and slide walls at the front end of each slide in combination with the respective legs align the coupling members on the support member and the docking base. A method for quick installation and removal of the support member relative to the docking base is disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet provides minimal impact on critical joints. A base structure is provided which supports a pair of reciprocating members that are displaced in a generally reciprocating manner at one end yet orbit at the other end through a coupler assembly attached to the frame. The coupler assembly includes a mechanism to variably adjust the radius of the arcuate motion while the device is in use. A structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally closed path during the exercise. By being able to continuously variably adjust the size of the orbit, the user can fine tune the height and length of the closed path which redefines the foot motion to a preferred path for the anatomy of the particular user.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a firm body support portion constructed of foam, with the foam having a first side for placement on a bed or gurney, and the second side upon which the body of the patient would be laid. The foam apparatus would include a principal upper torso support portion for supporting a patient generally from the top of the patient's head to the lower buttock region of the patient; first and second leg portions which are attachable to a lower edge of the principal body support portion for supporting the legs of the patient, and attachable arm portions secured to the side edges of the upper body support portion for accommodating the arms of the patient.

Abstract: A waste container liner and method of manufacture thereof are provided. The method involves the steps of flattening a continuous tubular web of pliable material to form two adjoining layers of material and then slitting one of the longitudinal edges of the flattened web. The adjoining layers are then sealed at regular intervals across their width and perforations are formed across the seals. The web is twice folded longitudinally prior to rolling and detachment of individual liners along the perforations. The waste container liner is made of a unitary piece of pliable material and includes two adjoining layers joined at a longitudinal edge. Each of the adjoining layers has a free longitudinal edge and is sealed at its lateral edge with the other adjoining layer.

Abstract: An audio power management system for a computer to eliminate noise signals associated with the power-down and power-up operations of the computer during power management operations is disclosed. The audio power management system asserts a speaker mute signal before power is removed from the amplifier to reduce transient conditions. During power up, the speaker mute signal is applied to the amplifier for a period after power is applied to the amplifier. This control is done from a single digital output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for minimizing vortex induced vibrations and hydrodynamic drag of a drilling riser. Vortex induced vibrations and hydrodynamic drag are minimized by installing on a drilling riser streamlined faring sections. The fairing sections are installed on and removed from a riser through the use of one or more door panels on a rounded front portion that have a latch mechanism which can be easily opened and closed. The fairing sections are configured so they can nest one inside the other for easy storage. A tapered back or tail section of each fairing section has an attachment receptacle for engagement by a handling mechanism with a telescoping arm for grasping the fairing section. The handling mechanism is designed to move the fairing sections between a rack, where they are stored, and a position adjacent to the riser.

Abstract: A stationary exercising device which promotes cardiovascular exercise yet minimizes impact to critical joints. A base frame supports a pair of reciprocating members which are displaced in a horizontal direction parallel with the floor at one end yet reciprocate in a circular motion at the other end through a coupling system attached to the frame. Structure is included which permits each foot of the user to move in a generally elliptical path during the climbing exercise. This provides for more natural movement of the knee and ankle joints minimizing unnecessary stress on the joints yet permitting a cardiovascular workout. The device includes linkage to facilitate a corresponding upper body exercise involving movement of the arm in which case each hand of the user is displaced along an arc or a substantially elliptical path, again promoting a more natural movement of the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints and permitting a cardiovascular workout. The arm members are retractable.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically recalling audio parameter setup is disclosed. A processor is coupled between a MIDI interface and one or more analog level controlled audio processor channels. The setup parameters, previously entered and stored by the composer in a host computer, are transmitted via the MIDI interface to the processor. The parameters are subsequently converted into an analog signal by a converter. The analog signal is provided to a parameter conversion array which converts the analog signal based on a transformation function. The outputs from the parameter conversion array are provided to one or more analog multiplexers. The outputs of the multiplexers are provided to the control inputs of the analog signal processing channels. Each control input of each analog signal processing channel includes a small capacitor, which in combination with an operational amplifier, forms a sample-and-hold circuit to temporarily store the analog output for the analog processor channels.

Abstract: A power management circuit for managing low power modes in a computer system, which implements four power modes, from highest power consumption to lowest power consumption: RUN mode, SLEEP mode, IDLE mode, and STAND BY mode. The computer system includes a PCI bus and an ISA bus, with a CPU-PCI bridge to connect the host bus and the PCI bus and a PCI-ISA bridge to connect the PCI bus and the ISA bus. The power management circuit transitions from SLEEP mode to IDLE mode by first determining if the CPU-PCI bridge is parked on the PCI bus and if it is in SLEEP mode. The power management circuit then waits for one refresh period and for all internal queues to empty before checking again to determine if the CPU-PCI bridge is still parked on the PCI bus and if it is still in SLEEP mode. If true, the CPU-PCI bridge transitions to IDLE mode. The power management circuit also performs low power refresh cycles when it is in IDLE or STANDBY mode.

Abstract: A method and system for independently resetting primary and secondary processors 20 and 120 respectively under program control in a multiprocessor, cache memory system. Processors 20 and 120 are reset without causing cache memory controllers 24 and 124 to reset.

Abstract: Circuitry for performing hardware assisted XOR operations to generate parity bits for a disk array system. The circuitry includes a controller that acts as an interface between a PCI bus and a DRAM that includes a write-posting cache portion and an XOR buffer portion. The DRAM has a maximum data storage capacity, and the controller is allocated an address space that is twice the maximum storage capacity of the DRAM. The address space is divided into two portions, a normal address range and an XOR address range. A write to the normal address range produces a normal write cycle to the DRAM, while a write to the XOR address range generates a read-modify-write XOR cycle to the DRAM. In the read-modify-write XOR cycles, the read data are XORed with the write data. Selected data are cumulatively XORed to generate new parity information.

Abstract: A heat sensing digitizer is formed on an input area by providing at least two heat sensors at positions fixed relative to the input area. The heat sensors detect heat provided by a heat source, such as a pen with a heated tip. Based on the calculated distance of the tip to each of the heat sensors, the location of the heat sensitive tip in the input area is determined. Multiple sensors further permit detection of the intensity of the heat source or three-dimensional position of the heat source.

Abstract: Light alloy metal products are cast by introducing the molten metal into a sand mold having a vertical parting line, characterized in that the mold is bottom filled.

Abstract: A modem which is separated into two circuit boards. One board contains the modem engine, while the second board contains the codec and the DAA components. The two boards are connected using only properly isolated digital signals so that the modem engine board does not require certification, only the codec/DAA board requiring certification. The codec/DAA board is contained in a housing to provide proper high voltage protection.

Abstract: An audio power management system for a computer to eliminate audible noise associated with the cycling of power to an audio amplifier for a computer is disclosed. A diode is connected between the power supply rail and the power input to the audio amplifier. One or more decoupling capacitors is provided at the power input to the audio amplifier to insulate the audio amplifier from fluctuations at the voltage supply rail. The apparatus also briefly mutes the amplifier when power is cycled to eliminate transient noises.Additionally, the audio power management system eliminates audible noise associated with the waking-up or putting the computer to sleep. The audio system asserts a speaker mute signal before power is removed from the amplifier to reduce transient conditions. During power up, the speaker mute signal is applied to the amplifier for a period after power has been applied to the amplifier. This control is economically accomplished using a minimal number of digital outputs.

Abstract: A floor standing dispensing assembly for supporting a plurality of packs of plastic bags. The floor standing dispensing assembly includes a vertical member attached to a base member. A support hook includes a horizontal segment, an inclined planer segment and an attachment segment for attaching to the vertical member. A bag closure dispenser is mounted to the vertical member. A backing bar for providing support across the width of the plastic bags is attached to the vertical member. A header is connected to the plastic bags. The header includes an elongate opening therethrough to fit onto the support hook. The header is made from a substantially rectangular piece of material having a handle formed from a generally central area of the rectangular piece. The header includes continuous front and back flanges along the length of header. The header fits onto the inclined segment of the support hook and the back flange contacts the backing bar.

Abstract: A user-propelled walking apparatus comprising a frame assembly having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The pair of front wheels are maintained substantially parallel to one another. An upper body and seat assembly having a seat and a movable torso support unit is mounted to the frame assembly. The movable torso support unit is allowed to rotate or pivot. The rotation or pivoting movement of the movable torso support unit is connected to a mechanical transmission for controlling steering which controls the direction of the front wheels. A gait guide system comprising a pair of independent gait guides attached to the frame assembly to limit the movement of the user's feet. Each of the gait guides includes an elongate rail pivotally connected to the frame assembly. A sleeve is slidably mounted on the elongate rail and a shoe bracket is pivotally connected to the sleeve.