Abstract: A lossless audio codec segments audio data within each frame to improve compression performance subject to a constraint that each segment must be fully decodable and less than a maximum size. For each frame, the codec selects the segment duration and coding parameters, e.g., a particular entropy coder and its parameters for each segment, that minimizes the encoded payload for the entire frame subject to the constraints. Distinct sets of coding parameters may be selected for each channel or a global set of coding parameters may be selected for all channels. Compression performance may be further enhanced by forming M/2 decorrelation channels for M-channel audio. The triplet of channels (basis, correlated, decorrelated) provides two possible pair combinations (basis, correlated) and (basis, decorrelated) that can be considered during the segmentation and entropy coding optimization to further improve compression performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning an audio input signal to enhance perception and reproduction of bass frequencies. Harmonics are generated and combined with a phase-shifted version of the audio input signal. Use of a controlled phase shift reduces or eliminates unwanted introduction of waveform asymmetry or D.C. offset.

Abstract: An audio spatial environment engine for converting from an N channel audio system to an M channel audio system, where N is an integer greater than M, is provided. The audio spatial environment engine includes one or more correlators receiving two of the N channels of audio data and eliminating delays between the channels that are irrelevant to an average human listener. One or more Hilbert transform systems each perform a Hilbert transform on one or more of the correlated channels of audio data. One or more summers receive at least one of the correlated channels of audio data and at least one of the Hilbert transformed correlated channels of audio data and generate one of the M channels of audio data.

Abstract: A lossless audio codec encodes/decodes a lossless variable bit rate (VBR) bitstream with random access point (RAP) capability to initiate lossless decoding at a specified segment within a frame and/or multiple prediction parameter set (MPPS) capability partitioned to mitigate transient effects. This is accomplished with an adaptive segmentation technique that fixes segment start points based on constraints imposed by the existence of a desired RAP and/or detected transient in the frame and selects a optimum segment duration in each frame to reduce encoded frame payload subject to an encoded segment payload constraint. In general, the boundary constraints specify that a desired RAP or detected transient must lie within a certain number of analysis blocks of a segment start point.

Abstract: A cable retaining device is suitable for retaining flexible cables at high load tensions. The device includes: a body including a void having a width that tapers from a wider rearward end to a narrower forward end; and a wedge shaped plug, capable of slidable insertion at least partially into said void. The wedge and the plug define at least one channel between them, said channel capable of receiving a cable. The channel is tapered from a narrower rearward orifice to a wider forward orifice. The invention also includes a system of the cable retaining device together with a high-tension polymer cable, said system suitable for surgical use. Furthermore, the invention includes the method of fastening cable with the cable retaining device of the invention. In one embodiment the device retains a looped cable by engaging two cable ends.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated cannula having a forward expulsion end and a rearward breach end, arranged to include a bio-compatible material; a drive member arranged to urge the bio-compatible material in a reciprocating motion having two alternating phases; and a directional brake disposed to contact the bio-compatible material. The directional brake has a preferred braking direction for resisting motion of the bio-compatible material. The preferred braking direction of the directional brake is oriented to resist retreat of said material during the retreating phase and to allow advance of said material during the advancing phase, thus producing a net advance of the material to expel it from the expulsion end. The directional brake is disposed nearer to the expulsion end than the breach end of the instrument, to prevent undesired axial compression of the bio-compatible material during ejection.

Abstract: A circuit and method provides a regulated dc—dc power conversion. Active switches, saturable core inductors, and a diode are used in a quasi-synchronous circuit. During a part of the cycle (the “blocking interval”) free-wheeling current is routed through free-wheeling diode while a saturable core inductor is in a high-impedance, blocking state. During other parts of the cycle an ac inverter voltage is rectified by active switching devices, preferably field effect transistors (FETs). The circuit provides regulated, low voltage outputs with low conversion losses.

Abstract: A variable bandwidth, distributed amplifier circuit includes an input transmission line; an output transmission line; and a plurality of amplifier cells having a respective plurality of cell inputs distributed along the input transmission line and cell outputs distributed along said output transmission line. Each amplifier cell comprises a cascode amplifier having an input transistor, an output transistor, and a variable impedance device in a circuit branch coupled to a gate of the output transistor. The impedance of the variable impedance device is responsive to a variable bias control signal.

Abstract: The invention includes: a locating system; a computer, interfaced to the locating system and interpreting the positions of tracked objects in a generic computer model of a patient's hip geometry; a software module, executable on the computer, which defines the patient's pelvic plane without reference to previously obtained radiological data, by locating at least three pelvic landmarks; and a pelvic tracking marker, fixable to the pelvic bone and trackable by the locating system, to track in real time the orientation of the defined pelvic plane. Preferably, the system also includes a femoral tracking marker, securely attachable to a femur of the patient by a non-penetrating ligature and trackable by the locating system to detect changes in leg length and femoral offset.

Abstract: A method of applying an active compressive force continuously across a fracture by wrapping fractured bone segments in an energy-inducing surgical cable having a predetermined elastic property that stretches about 30 to 100% of its original length. The cable is wrapped around the bone segments, applying an energy-inducing continuous compressive force to the bone segments by elongating while maintaining the bone segments in compression as the bone segments mend.