Abstract: A system and method for guaranteeing transactional fairness among multiple requesters contending for a common resource in a cache-coherent multiprocessor system is described. Batch processing is used to control servicing of multiple requests made by multiple requesters (such as processors) of a common resource in a cache-coherent multiprocessor system. Specifically, identification numbers are assigned to requests as they are received from the multiple requesters. The identification numbers are then used in conjunction with batch processing to prioritize and guarantee servicing of the requests.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising: (A) an androgen; (B) a cyclic enhancer of the type used in the compositions and methods claimed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,252 to Hsieh; and (C) a thickening agent; including, for example, a composition in which the cyclic enhancer is a macrocyclic ester or a macrocyclic ketone; the use of the composition to treat a condition, for example, male hypogonadism, in a patient by applying the composition to the membrane of the patient; and a method for making the composition.

Abstract: The present method incorporates audio and visual cues from human gesticulation for automatic recognition. The methodology articulates a framework for co-analyzing gestures and prosodic elements of a person's speech. The methodology can be applied to a wide range of algorithms involving analysis of gesticulating individuals. The examples of interactive technology applications can range from information kiosks to personal computers. The video analysis of human activity provides a basis for the development of automated surveillance technologies in public places such as airports, shopping malls, and sporting events.

Abstract: A sealing strip is intended to seal a gap between two parts which are movable relative to each other. The sealing strip has a surface which is intended to adhere to one of the two parts and which has an adhesive layer. Before it is adhered to the one part, the adhesive layer is covered with a cover sheet. In order to make it easier to remove the cover sheet from the adhesive layer a pull-thread is provided which passes through the cover sheet and has at least one free end that protrudes from the sealing strip.

Abstract: An osteotomy resection procedure for removing a wedge from a bone utilizing a localization device. The localization device being used to track reference points associated with the bone, track surgical instruments, perform calculations to determine a resection angle for the wedge, and assist a surgeon in performing the procedure.

Abstract: A localization device display method and apparatus for displaying different views, e.g., of different magnification, based on the proximity of the tip of a pointer tracked by the localization device to a reference location identified by the localization device. The display method and apparatus may be incorporated into a surgical navigation system for use in identifying a location for drilling a femoral tunnel in an ACL repair procedure.

Abstract: A fluid container having a generally tetrahedral shape configured for interleaved packaging, and having a conduit with a seal at one end. The container is formed from either a rigid material, such as a blow-molded polymer, or a semi-rigid material, including pliant sheet material in one or more plies. It may include a recess in its base to improve container rigidity and stability. The seal at one end of the conduit can be either a fitment, or a frangible closure, and may include a tab to facilitate opening. Also, a multi-pack of items and a method for assembling a multi-pack of items for the efficient use of shelf space. A first plurality of generally tetrahedral items is arranged in a hexagonal footprint, and is interleaved with a second plurality of similarly arranged tetrahedral items. A small void space within the resulting multi-pack may be optionally used to carry another object.

Abstract: A video holographic display device operates so that the size of a reconstructed three dimensional scene is a function of the size of the hologram-bearing medium; the reconstructed three dimensional scene can then be anywhere within a volume defined by the hologram-bearing medium and a virtual observer window through which the reconstructed three dimensional scene must be viewed. This contrasts with conventional holograms, in which the size of the reconstructed scene is localised to a far smaller volume and is not a function of the size of the hologram-bearing medium at all.

Abstract: A grid-enabled ANT system that includes ANT XML task files that can run on both grid-enabled machines or stand-alone computers is disclosed. A network file server is used to store files accessed during the build process, and ANT's standard XML tagging and parameters are used, thus enabling the user to use a standardized format for entering XML information. This grid-enabled ANT is transparent to the user since ANT parses the tasks and automatically sends jobs to the grid, when appropriate, instead of the user deciding which tasks to implement as grid tasks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering digital logic circuits that provides low power consumption while maintaining high performance. The circuit is divided into logic elements necessary for maintaining the state of the circuit and those that are not. The state-maintaining logic uses low-leakage, low performance transistors, and is continually powered. The remainder of the circuit uses standard transistors, i.e., high performance, high-leakage transistors, and is only powered when the circuit is active, i.e., not in a standby mode. Two power rails are used, one for the state maintaining components and one for the non-state-maintaining components. The state-maintaining logic is functionally separated from the remainder of the circuit when the remainder of the circuit is being powered up or down to avoid short-circuiting any elements. Typical state-maintaining components are sequential logic gates. Typical non-state maintaining components are combinational logic gates.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the generation of a controlled clock source for use in trimming VCDL delay line output clocks. In this trimming process, adjustments are made for static variations in these output clocks. The invention's use of a controlled clock source eliminates the need for this trimming process to be conducted in real time and reduces the expense of the circuitry required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a re-settable, single-phase, thermo/electric circuit breaker utilizing a U-shape bimetallic element of substantial resistance properties in the circuit, so that when a predetermined overload current occurs the bimetallic element self heats and moves to trip a mechanism that opens the breaker circuit. The invention replaces the double-contact break configuration normally associated with a breaker of this type, with a single contact break configuration designed to produce a sliding action between contacts during the normal reset operation, providing a more reliable continuity at the moveable and stationary contact interface that is also less expensive to produce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vivo and in vitro methods, agents and compound screening assays for inhibiting extra-cellular matrix degradation, including joint degenerative inhibiting and/or anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical compositions, and the use thereof in treating and/or preventing a disease involving extra-cellular matrix degradation in a subject.

Abstract: A foldable hand tool for use with cleaning golf club heads which has an open position and a closed position. The tool has a first section having a first inner side; a second section having a second inner side; and a connector section. The connector section is connected pivotably to the first section at a first connection point, and the connector section is connected pivotably to the second section at a second connection point. The first connection point and the second connection point are spaced from one another and positioned such that the first inner side of the first section is capable of contacting the second inner side of the second section when the tool is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the distribution, including printing, of digital images using a wireless enhanced, digital imaging device, such as a cellular phone equipped with a digital camera. A picture created using the digital camera is uploaded to a remote server. Arrival of the digital image, activates the automatic printing and automatic delivery of that image, according to instructions placed on the server by the creator of the digital image, prior to its creation. Information attached to the digital image may be used to route and process the uploaded image, in accordance with a set of predetermined user preferences. The single action of sending a digital image to a web address from a cellular phone may cause the image to be stored, printed and delivered as a print to an address, with the printing and mail delivery being automatically charged to an account or credit card.

Abstract: An activation restricting apparatus for an engine starting system that may be produced with a compact size. The apparatus includes an operating mechanism, an actuator, and a control unit. The operating mechanism starts and stops the engine and has a plurality of positions including a LOCK position. The operating mechanism includes a first stopper prohibiting movement of the operating mechanism from the LOCK position and a second stopper prohibiting movement of the operating mechanism to the LOCK position. The control unit enables the engine to be started when the operating mechanism is in the LOCK position and a first ID code sent from a portable device matches a second ID code. The control unit enables the operating mechanism to be moved to the LOCK position when the operating mechanism is not in the LOCK position and the vehicle is not moving.