Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the lengths of a plurality of variable length encoded data values included in a data stream within a single clock cycle. The apparatus includes a shifter for receiving the data stream. The shifter is responsive to a shift control signal for transmitting a subset of the plurality of variable length encoded data values. A first length decoding mechanism is coupled to receive the subset of the plurality of encoded data values. The first length decoding mechanism performs a first decoding operation to determine the length of a first one of the encoded data values in the subset. A second length decoding mechanism is also coupled to receive the subset of the plurality of encoded data values. The second length decoding mechanism performs a second decoding operation to individually determine the length of a second one of the encoded data values in the subset. The second encoded data value immediately follows the first encoded data value in the subset.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an aneurysm clip (10) having a coil spring (22), a first arm (26) ending in a first clamping jaw, and a second arm (34) ending in a second clamping jaw (40). The method includes: (a) providing a cylindrical starting rod (1) of titanium or titanium alloy; (b) cold drawing the rod to reduce its diameter and increase its strength; (c) cutting the rod to form a single resilient member (12); (d) winding the member about a mandrel to form the coil spring while incorporating the deflection of the arms into the clamping force of the clip; (e) shaping the member into two end sections (16) forming the clamping jaws and two connecting sections (18) forming connecting elements for the jaws; (f) coining the two end sections of the member a temperature between 900 and 1000 degrees F.; and (g) bending the clamping jaws into a position assuring that the clamping jaws are parallel when clamped onto tissue (70).

Abstract: A transport decoder 110, for receiving and processing a transport data stream using MPEG-2 formats, includes connections to a physical layer channel interface (channel interface) 112, a buffer memory 114, a host microprocessor 116, audio and video decoders 118/120, and clock signal circuitry 122. The transport decoder also includes an interface to a decoder which does not include a "data valid" input terminal. Upon receipt of encoded data packets, the transport decoder recognizes a frame synchronization byte and transfers an encoded data packet to an external decoder via the interface. The transport decoder sets a count value for a predetermined number of bytes in the encoded data packet and sends the packet data to the external decoder. When the specified number of bytes have been sent to the external decoder, the transport decoder determines if another synchronization byte has been encountered.

Abstract: The gradation correction device includes a luminance signal convertor to generate a luminance signal from the input R, G, B signals, a correction coefficient calculator which calculates the ratio to the luminance signal of the luminance signal after gamma correction to the predetermined gradation characteristics, and a multipliers to multiply the output from the correction coefficient calculator by each of the R, G, and B input signals. When the gradation correction is applied, effective brightness adjustment can be applied with no change in hue and saturation and without exceeding the dynamic range of a device.

Abstract: The width of glass ribbon at the hot end of a float bath is controlled to a constant value by raising and lowering a tweel for adjusting the flow of molten glass blank from a smelting furnace to the float bath. The controlled value of the tweel is obtained from predetermined control variables through fuzzy inference. This method is carried out in a float-bath ribbon-width control system using a fuzzy inference means that obtains the controlled value of the tweel from predetermined control variables through fuzzy inference.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring wind speed and direction includes: a wind vane which has a permanent magnet, an anemometer which has a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic member, and a stationary housing which has a radially mounted reed switch and an axially mounted reed switch. As the anemometer spins in the wind, the magnet in the anemometer closes the radially mounted reed switch, once per revolution. This produces a signal having a frequency proportional to wind speed. The magnet in the wind vane rotates around the stationary housing to a point determined by the direction of the wind. This magnet produces enough flux to keep the axially mounted reed switch closed. The ferromagnetic member is mounted in the anemometer so that it is interposed between the magnet in the wind vane and the axially mounted reed switch once per revolution. This draws flux away from the axially mounted reed switch, allowing it to open.

Abstract: Low-level water concentrations are measured in gases by an electrolytic cell in which contaminating epoxy components present in conventional electrolytic cells have been eliminated. A metal-glass connection seal mechanically fixes the glass detection unit within the metal housing of the cell and provides a leak-proof barrier between the entrance and exit of the cell. Electrical insulator assemblies serve as insulators for the cell electrodes and also provide a leak-proof barrier where the electrical connections penetrate the metal housing of the cell.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe assembly in which the disposition of the scan plane of an ultrasonic transducer unit, introduced into a human body, can be selected to image a body part in different ways. The scan plane is selected by operation of a remote control unit by which the ultrasonic array is moved. The ultrasonic array is mounted to a base unit for pivotal movement relative to the base unit and is steered by the action of a cable which is controlled by the remote control unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an input buffer circuit including a NOT circuit composed of N-channel MOS transistor (NMOST) and P-channel MOS transistor (PMOST). This adjusts the resistance value between the NMOST and grounding voltage VSS, or the resistance value between the PMOST and supply voltage VCC, or both resistance values so as to decrease the current flowing the supply voltage VCC to the grounding voltage VSS. According to the construction, the power consumption is suppressed, and floating of grounding voltage VSS and lowering of supply voltage VCC may be prevented, so that the switching level of the input signal will not be deviated from the target value.

Abstract: A shield for use with endoscopes has a flexible rim for adjustably conforming the shield to a concave shape to form a protected region for the face of an endoscope user. The shield is provided with a hole for sealingly receiving an endoscope. The seal between the endoscope and the shield is maintained when the endoscope is moved to different angles with respect to the shield.