Abstract: A melt-mixed blend of plasticized PVC, fluoropolymers, and a compatibilizer having acrylate functionality exhibits good mechanical and dielectric properties and is useful for wiring and cable applications.

Abstract: A process and system for flexibly switching connections of data packet flows between nodes of data processing system networks by dividing data packets into cells and logically linking these cells on multiple queues of linked pointer lists.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for virtual memory mapping and transaction management for an object-oriented data base system having at least one permanent storage means for storing data and at least one data base, at least one cache memory for locally storing data addressed by physical addresses, and a processing unit including means for requesting data utilizing virtual addresses to access data in the cache memory, means for mapping virtual addresses to physical addresses and means for retaining the cached data after the conclusion of a transaction. The apparatus and method further provide that data retained in the cache across transactions will often not need further translation, referred to as forward relocation.

Abstract: A bi-directional full duplex clocked bus including eight data lines, a clock line and a control line. The bus signals are low level differential with suitable drivers and receivers. The bus operation includes a protocol of sending groupings of eight bytes transmissions where a byte is sent on the rising and the falling edges of the clock signal. When reading the received data, delayed clocks are used that are formed at the center of both of the received clock signal phases. The delayed clocks may be used to output data on the outputs lines. The delayed clocks are arranged to be symmetrical with substantially no skew and centered to the phases of the received clock signal.

Abstract: A process and system for switching connections of data packet flows between nodes of data processing system networks operating on diverse protocols according to the application layer information on the data packets. The process retrieves and hashes the header information to from an index into memory where a flow tag pointer is stored. The flow tag points to flow switching information that directs the forwarding of the packet. The switching information is sent along with the packet data to direct the forwarding state information about the flow is updated in the flow switching information. The hash function includes a multiplication and division by polynomials forming a hash result and a signature result. Both hash and signature are used to ensure that the information retrieved is valid. If invalid, The pre hashed header information is parsed to determine the forwarding information. This forwarding information is stored for later use and the appropriate flow tag pointer is stored in the hash result index.

Abstract: In a data communication switch, process and apparatus for tracking the number of data bytes associated with data flow that is part of a session and automatically lowering the priority given to the transmission of the remainder of a flow once a certain threshold has been reached that indicates that the flow is part of a bulk e-mail or other bulk file transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a bin includes an elongate rotatable stem locatable within the bin, the stem provided with a number of nozzles for spraying cleaning fluid onto the inside of the bin. The stem also includes an array of brushes along a portion of its length for contacting the inside surface of the bin. A laterally extending arm is provided at one end of the stem and carries a number of brushes to contact the inside of bottom wall of the bin. A hydraulic motor is located at an opposite end of the stem for providing motive force to cause the stem to rotate about an axis coincident with its length. In use, the bin is held in an inverted state over the stem. As the stem rotates cleaning fluid is sprayed through nozzles and the brushes scrub the inside surface of the bin to clean the bin.

Abstract: A transmission cell apparatus for in-process spectroscopy comprising symmetric compound parabolic light concentrators (4, 5) terminating optical transmission fibers (8, 9) and abutting windows (2, 3) defining the sample cell.

Abstract: A process and system for switching connections of data packet flows between nodes of data processing system networks operating on diverse protocols according to the application layer information on the data packets.

Abstract: A miniature articulating tip for an endoscopic instrument comprising a jaw with a curved slot through which two pivot lugs pass and are anchored in or integral to a fixed outer tip. The two pivot lugs guide the jaw over a path defined by the curved slot and provide stops at the ends of the curve.

Abstract: An implantable single or dual-lumen or more lumen device for repeated accessing vessels within a body. The device uses a resilient material to form a seal, and has a smooth streamlined flowpath with no flow discontinuity. The device is joined to a catheter, in most cases, such that fluids can be extracted from or injected into the vessel to be accessed. The device is designed for the high flowrates, on the order of 150 and greater milliliters per minute, associated with hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, and other fluid exchange therapies. In such applications smooth flow streaming is important to minimize damage to the blood. A corresponding straight-needle apparatus is designed to mate and lock with the access device, where alignment and open flowpath is ensured. A valve seal incorporates opposing very hard surfaced guide elements that are retained and in intimate contact with the seal itself.

Abstract: A detachable and replaceable end effector assembly. The detachable mechanism is made of standard end effectors attached to an actuating tip and pinned inside a yoke assembly. Replacement is made by pulling back a spring loaded radial lock 90, to disengage two rear tabs 51 on the outer tip 50. The yoke assembly is then rotated 90 degrees to disengage the rear yoke pin 9 from the tubular shaft 70. This rotation of 90 degrees also unlocks the T-bar 45 from the front "T" slot of the long actuator 80. The end effector or jaw assembly is then free to be pulled away from the remainder of the shaft. In addition there is a bayonet connection to hold the parts together and prevent accidental disconnection.

Abstract: A articulating tip structure with a pivot lug and a rotatable jaw with a pivot seat which wraps around the lug in normal operation and provides a gap for disengagement of the lug to allow disassembly and assembly.

Abstract: A method of improving the performance of a traveling wave field-effect transistor operated at frequencies in the microwave range or above the microwave range comprising the steps of forming a depletion region beneath a gate electrode wherein, in a plane transverse to the direction of signal propagation, a depletion region edge has a first end portion located between the gate electrode and a drain electrode and a second end portion located between the gate electrode and a source electrode; and separating the depletion region edge from the drain electrode. Further improvements in the operation of the TWFET include adjusting the first end portion of the depletion region edge to be closer to the gate electrode relative to the distance between the second end portion of the depletion region edge and the gate electrode, controlling an effective conductivity of a semiconductor of the traveling-wave field effect transistor, and setting the length of the gate electode at about one micron.

Abstract: A handle for endoscopic surgical instruments with an elongated thumb loop optimized for providing support and driving force in endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A process and tool for scalable, almost automatic, modification of interacting computer program units comprising the identification of variables affected by seed variables of known with attributes in equivalence classes and the modification of those variables identified with the target attributes.

Abstract: A medical instrument with a steerable distal end, having a handle for actuating the instrument, a distal operating section for performing a medical procedure, a middle section connecting the handle with the operating section, at least a portion of the middle section being bendable, and steerable means within the bendable portion for permitting the operating section to be controlled in direction at an angle with respect to the axis of the middle section. There are means for rotating the distal operating section into any desired angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the middle section. A control member control the direction of movement of the bendable section in three dimensions whereby the distal end may be positioned in any place on or off of the longitudinal axis of the middle section. A protective sheath may be disposed over the bendable section.

Abstract: A method of improving the performance of a traveling wave field-effect transistor operated at frequencies in the microwave range or above the microwave range comprising the steps of forming a depletion region beneath a gate electrode wherein, in a plane transverse to the direction of signal propagation, a depletion region edge has a first end portion located between the gate electrode and a drain electrode and a second end portion located between the gate electrode and a source electrode; and separating the depletion region edge from the drain electrode. Further improvements in the operation of the TWFET include adjusting the first end portion of the depletion region edge to be closer to the gate electrode relative to the distance between the second end portion of the depletion region edge and the gate electrode, controlling an effective conductivity of a semiconductor of the traveling-wave field effect transistor, and setting the length of the gate electrode at substantially 1.0 micron.

Abstract: A cutting-suctioning tool for micro-surgery including closing jaws, that in closed position, provide a suctioning/fluid channel axially through the jaws for removal of tissue and fluids.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (2) having at least two phosphor coatings (12) on the surface of the sealed lamp bulb, typically an inner surface. There is variable driving means which preferentially activates one phosphor and not the other phosphors, at one arrangement or setting or configuration of the driving means, while at another setting the driving means activates in addition a different or several different phosphors. Each phosphors may be a blend of phosphors and the phosphors and/or blends may be overcoated upon one another forming multiple layers or all mixed together and applied as a one layer coating on the lamp surface.