Abstract: A mobile phone system with a mobile phone having internal accounting capabilities for real time call debiting to account for the billing parameters of a mobile phone unit that is operated in a multi zone communication network with a complex rate structure, the mobile phone unit having an internal processor with accessible internal memory for storing the accounting program and call data for each call, a clock and circuit means for activating and deactivating the phone, the accounting program including an updatable rate table and a complex billing algorithm for calculating the account status on the fly including multiple rate structure factors such as long distance calls, international calls with country independent local charges, charges for roaming per day and/or roaming per minute, and call surcharges, where the account status of the mobile phone is calculated in real time for decrementing a debit account or calculating an account charge on demand, the mobile debit phone having a signal for alerting the user

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a logic minimization method that provides improved user design performance without a substantial increase in user design area. Alternate factorizations are determined for portions of the user design. For each factorization, a delay metric is computed. The user design is optimized by selecting factorizations based on a balance of performance and area considerations. The optimized design is then mapped to the hardware architecture of the programmable device. A first portion of the user design is mapped to maximize performance, while a second portion of the user design is mapped to minimize area. The first portion of the user design includes a set of data paths each having a delay metric above a delay threshold. The delay metric can be derived from a unit delay computation or from timing analysis.

Abstract: When a receiving end is a cellular phone, the cellular phone that displays the local time at the receiving end and a base station used in this cellular phone are realized. A time recognition unit that obtains the local time at the receiving end using the time information acquired from the cellular phone of the receiving end or the base station at which the cellular phone of the receiving end is registered in stand-by mode and a display unit that displays the local time are installed in the cellular phone. Further, when the time information or position information of the cellular phone registered in the base station in stand-by mode is requested from the calling end, a unit for sending the time information or position information at the location at which this base station exists to the cellular phone of a requesting source is installed in the base station.

Abstract: Multiple Array Management Functions (AMFs) are connected to multiple redundancy groups over a storage area network (SAN), such as a fiber-channel based SAN. The multiple AMFs share management responsibility of the redundancy groups, each of which typically includes multiple resources spread over multiple disks. The AMFs provide concurrent access to the redundancy groups for associated host systems. When a host requests an AMF to perform an operation on a resource, the AMF synchronizes with the other AMFs sharing control of the redundancy group that includes the resource to be operated on, so as to obtain a lock on the resource. While performing the operation, the AMF send replication data and state information associated with the resource such that if the AMF fails, any of the other AMFs are able to complete the operation and maintain data reliability and coherency.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus includes a motor to rotate an optical disk and an optical head to apply light to the optical disk. The optical head includes a light source to emit the light to be applied to the optical disk, and a collimating lens to receive and collimate the light emitted by the light source. The collimating lens has an optical axis. The optical head also includes a support wall to support the collimating lens at a particular position. The support wall is configured to provide a gap between the collimating lens and the support wall to enable the collimating lens to be adjusted from an initial position to the particular position. The adjustment involves at least a movement in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the collimating lens. The optical head further includes an objective lens that is configured to receive the light from the collimating lens in order to apply the light to the optical disk.

Abstract: A magnetic read/write apparatus comprises: a recording medium; and a head for writing/reading data to/from each sector on the recording medium; wherein the magnetic read/write apparatus further comprises: a write inhibit slice setting circuit for, when data is written to the recording medium, setting a write inhibit slice for each sector based on the recording state of each sector on the recording medium.

Abstract: A software application and method enables a personal narrative agent (PNA) to create and manage multiple dynamic customized story experiences for a subject user in a user-observable environment having one or more objects with which the subject user may interact. The PNA selectively interacts with one or more of those objects to manipulate the environment in furtherance of the story experiences. The PNA further maintains data relating to the subject user, the environment and the multiple story experiences of the subject user. The PNA also simultaneously manages each of the story experiences which each reach its own narrative conclusion consistent with input and characteristics of the subject user and any objects selected to influence the story experiences.

Abstract: A piston engine which has at least one dry-running piston-cylinder unit. It has a first housing (1), at least one cylinder arranged in or on the first housing (1) in which a piston is reciprocably arranged. The piston-cylinder unit further has a first crankshaft (4) and a second crankshaft (5), the first and second crankshafts (4, 5) being arranged parallel to each other and synchronously rotating in opposite directions. The axes of rotation (X, X?) of the crankshafts (4, 5) are arranged parallel to a center plane (Z) of the cylinder, and they are laterally offset relative thereto. First and second piston rods (6, 7) are pivotally connected to piston (3). The first piston rod (6) has a first end pivotally connected to piston (3) and a second end connected to a crank pin (40) of the first crankshaft (4). The second piston rod (7) has a first end that is pivotally connected to piston (3) and a second end that is pivotally connected to a crank pin (50) of the second crankshaft (5).

Abstract: A flip-flop is configured to operate either in a double data-rate mode or a normal mode. When configured to operate in the double data-rate mode, the flip-flop outputs data on both edges of the applied clock. When configured to operate in the normal mode, the flip-flop outputs data on either the rising or falling edges of the applied clock. In the double data-rate mode, when a first latch disposed in the flip-flop operates in a sampling mode, the second latch disposed in the flip-flop operates in a holding mode to supply the output data, and when the second latch operates in the sampling mode, the first latch operates in the holding mode to supply the output data. Accordingly, with each of the rising or falling edge of the clock, one of the latches supplies an output data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for designing DNA binding proteins comprising a plurality of zinc fingers and methods for binding the proteins to target nucleotide sequences in cells.

Abstract: A stent deployment system includes a catheter shaft, an expandable member mounted to the catheter shaft, and one or more stents or stent segments slidably positioned on the expandable member. The stent deployment system is adapted for deployment of stents or stent segments in very long lesions and in tapered and curved vessels. The stent deployment system facilitates slidable movement of a stent in a distal direction relative to the expandable member while inhibiting slidable movement in a proximal direction relative to the expandable member.

Abstract: This invention provides kits, devices, and methods for the detection of antibodies that recognize one or more proteins and/or antigens from porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The antibodies may be in a biological fluid of a PRRSV infected or at risk subject. The invention may be advantageously applied to both the diagnosis and prevention of PRRSV infection.

Abstract: A method for forming an isolation structure on a semiconductor substrate includes opening a portion of a pad oxide layer overlying the substrate using a process gas including an etchant gas and a polymer-forming gas. A portion of the substrate exposed by the opening step is etched to form a trench having a first slope and a second slope. The first slope is greater than 45 degrees, and the second slope is less than 45 degrees. The trench is filled to form the isolation structure.

Abstract: This invention provides an advanced platform for the analysis of biological data that emphasizes pathway mapping and relationship inference based upon data acquired from multiple diverse sources. The platform employs a bioinformatic system that integrates data from the diverse sources, connecting related genes and proteins and inferring biological functions in the context of global cellular processes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for designing DNA binding proteins comprising a plurality of zinc fingers and methods for binding the proteins to target nucleotide sequences in cells.

Abstract: A method for annealing a semiconductor substrate. The method includes turning on at least one heat source, heating a semiconductor substrate in a chamber, turning off the at least one heat source, and cooling the semiconductor substrate in the chamber. The heating a semiconductor substrate includes absorbing an energy from the at least one heat source by the semiconductor substrate. Moreover, the cooling the semiconductor substrate includes flowing a first gas in a vicinity of at least one wall of the chamber, flowing a second gas in a vicinity of the at least one heat source, and flowing a third gas in a vicinity of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing the frequency of an output signal from a hard intellectual property (HIP) block on an integrated circuit are provided. By reducing the frequency of the output signal, circuit blocks in the integrated circuit that operate at a lower frequency than the HIP block are able to capture the output signal. A plurality of serially coupled flip-flops store values of an HIP output signal during each period of the output signal. Logic circuitry then generates a lower frequency HIP output signal in response to the values stored in the flip-flops. Also, a flip-flop can generate a heartbeat signal that is used to determine whether a signal within an HIP block is operating properly.

Abstract: A renal flow system and method direct fluid into renal arteries from a location within the aorta. A renal flow assembly has a tapered tube that is adjustable between a radially collapsed condition for delivery to the location through a delivery sheath and a radially expanded condition that divides aortic flow into exterior and interior paths. The tube's wall is made from a sheet of flexible material, such as PTFE or ePTFE. Two, nickel-titanium rings radially support the tube's ends and are connected by a longitudinal spine support. A fluid delivery assembly injects drug to flow along the exterior flow path and the tubular wall directs the agent into the renal artery ostium. The tube's taper has localized shape for circumferential agent mixing to infuse both kidneys' renals. The flow assembly allows an interventional device, e.g. delivery catheter, to advance across the location while directing blood into the renals and perfusing downstream circulation.

Abstract: A compact capacitively coupled electrode structure for use in a gas plasma reactor/generator is disclosed. The electrode structure comprises a parallel plate type anode and cathode spaced to define a gas flow path or volume therebetween. A plurality of electrically conductive fin elements are interposed in the space between the anode and cathode. The fin elements substantially increase the ratio of electrode surface area to volume, and subdivide the gas flow path or volume, thereby substantially increasing the efficiency of plasma gas processing that is possible over a broad range of operating parameters, without substantially increasing the spacing between the anode and cathode. Static or closed operation is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a multi-anode/multi-cathode electrode assembly embodying the basic electrode structure and a highly efficient and compact gas plasma reactor/generator employing the assembly.