Abstract: An apparatus for generating interpolator input data for a color space conversion from a RGB color space to a CMYK color space includes an address generator having eight outputs and a memory having eight inputs each connected to one of the address generator outputs. The inputs to the address generator are the three sets of four higher order bits, RH, GH, and BH, of the twenty four bit RGB color space value and two bits for selecting one of the dimensions in the CMYK space to which the conversion will be directed. From these inputs, the address generator can generate 19,652 addresses for accessing interpolator input data stored in the memory. The address generator simultaneously generates eight addresses for accessing interpolator input data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a programmable logic device (PLD) that provides access to internal nodes of the circuit. The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention uses a shadow programmable logic device to emulate the target PLD while coupling input and output terminals of the shadow PLD so as to provide more information about the target PLD than can be obtained from the target PLD itself. Also, the shadow PLD can implement internal stimulus and/or response functions to provide improve analyzing capability not possible with the target PLD alone.

Abstract: An integrated nucleic acid sample analysis system for matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) is described. The integrated system comprises a miniaturized sample preparation compartment interfaced directly with a MALDI-TOF ionization surface for amplifying and/or otherwise chemically manipulating an oligonucleotide analyte and presenting the analyte to a MALDI ionization surface for mass spectrometry analysis. The miniaturized integrated sample handling system disclosed herein finds application in the amplification and analysis of DNA samples for genetic diagnosis and other uses.

Abstract: A removable door locks a removable modular unit into place within a computer case. The computer case includes a first opening and a second opening. The door fits into the first opening. The modular unit fits into the second opening to be positioned, when inserted, adjacent to the door. The door has a protrusion extending into the first opening toward the modular unit. The door is inserted within the first opening in either a first orientation or a second orientation. When inserted in the first orientation, the protrusion extends into a recess within the modular unit blocking removal of the modular unit. When inserted in the second orientation, the protrusion still extends into the first opening, but does not mate to the recess. Thus, the modular unit is not blocked by the protrusion and can be removed from of the computer case through the second opening.

Abstract: A cartridge handling system utilizing a cartridge locking apparatus adapted to simultaneously lock cartridges within corresponding storage locations and a cartridge engaging assembly lock-down apparatus adapted to secure the cartridge engaging assembly to a fixed housing portion of the cartridge handling system. The cartridge locking apparatus includes a cartridge locking device which, in a locked operating state, coacts simultaneously with resilient cartridge retainers to prevent release of cartridges from their storage locations, and an actuator to selectively lock or unlock the cartridge locking device. The cartridge engaging assembly lock-down apparatus includes a combination of displaceable and nondisplaceable members and an actuator to selectively lock or unlock a displaceable member. Methods of preparing for transport a cartridge handling system utilizing a cartridge locking apparatus and cartridge engaging assembly lock-down apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for computing population counts of large bit strings. The present invention utilizes carry-save adders to reduce the time required to perform a population count on an operand in a register. Because carry-save adders do not propagate carries they are inherently faster than full adders utilized in the prior art. Additionally, the present invention implements a novel method for computing population counts whereby the operand bit string is split into smaller blocks and multiple partial population counts are performed. These smaller partial population counts require less time to compute than a full population count over the entire operand bit string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting heartbeats obtains ECG data from a plurality of ECG waveforms, which are in turn obtained from signals received from a plurality of ECG electrodes. QRS detection logic detects heartbeats in the ECG data. This logic calculates an activity function from a subset of the plurality of ECG waveforms determined to be least noisy, and uses this activity function to search for heartbeats. The QRS detection logic allows for true heartbeats to be detected while discarding false "noise" beats.

Abstract: An electrical overstress power protection device consists of a diode limiter array and an input and output electrical matching network. All of these functions are integrated monolithically on a single semiconductor chip which allows ease of use, small size, and high frequency operation. The device is used to protect instrument input and output circuitry from damage.

Abstract: A printer comprising a housing, an opening in the housing sized to receive a stack of items of printable media therethrough, an abutment inside the housing, below the opening, supporting the stack of paper, and a door pivotally supported by the housing relative to the opening and movable between a closed position, and an open position.

Abstract: A database version control method assures consistency of computer information that is resident in first and second data repositories. Each data repository is adapted to transfer changes in the computer information to the other data repository and further includes a version control procedure. The version control procedure implements the steps of: producing an independent change package data file (ICPF) in the first repository which indicates a change relating to a line of the computer information, the ICPF including a change order value which is temporally related. The ICPF is transferred to the second repository and is arranged in the computer information in the second repository in a change order value manner with respect to all other ICPF's evidencing changes to the same line of the code. The arranging of the newly inserted ICPF takes into account a creation time notation that is included in the change order value.

Abstract: A system and method for coupling acoustic energy within a waveguide provides highly efficient and sensitive acoustic energy generation and detection. In particular, an ultrasound angioplasty system is described which makes use of an end-fire array of ring transducers to produce highly directionalized sound within an acoustic waveguide. The transducers can be made circularly symmetric, and may be composed of multiple segments for generating sound waves in independent x and y spatial modes within the acoustic waveguide. Each ring transducer is optimally spaced 1/2.lambda..sub.L from its neighbor transducers, such that alternate transducers transduce 180-degrees out of phase, and may have their electrical end inverted for common drive, or for summing of transducer electrical outputs when the array is used as a detector.

Abstract: An apparatus securing at least first and second generally flat, rectangular I/O expansion boards in seated electrical connection with a mother board mounted in a computer card cage, wherein each expansion board has opposite first and second longitudinal edge portions and opposite first and second lateral edge portions and an electrical connector portion provided at the first lateral edge portion and wherein the electrical connector portion of each expansion board is matingly seated in an associated electrical connection portion of the mother board, and wherein the distance between the first and second lateral edge portions of the first expansion board is different from the distance between the first and second lateral edge portions of the second expansion board comprising a bracket assembly fixedly mounted with respect to said card cage and having a first surface portion disposed next adjacent to said second lateral edge portion of said first expansion board and a second surface portion disposed next adjacent

Abstract: The invention provides methods of determining ink volume ejected from a printhead, controlling ejected volume, and warning of low ink supply. A printhead is fired to eject ink: this operating step includes heating the ink and head; carrying away heat, in the ejected volume, from the head; and conveying a volume of cooler ink to the head, from a supply, to replace the ejected ink. The method finds the head cooling caused by the carrying-away and conveying; and to this applies a known calibration to find the volume ejected. The heating is roughly equal to that which occurs in printing. Besides the operating step, the method preferably includes finding (a) printhead cooling due to static mechanical thermal drain alone, and (b) printhead thermal response to warming by the same amount of heat as used to fire the pen in the operating step--but without ink ejection.

Abstract: An information service provider is disclosed which transmits wireless information having address data and message data. The information service provider, such as a computer operatively coupled to a transmitter capable of transmitting wireless information, transmits the wireless information to electronic devices such as watch receivers, stand-alone pagers, palmtop computers with receiver cards, pen based personal digital assistants, notebook computers, and the like. The information service provider sets a encoding rate to be an address rate, then transmits the address data of the electronic device(s) for which the message is intended at the address rate. The information service provider then adjusts the encoding rate to be a message rate different than the address rate, where the message rate corresponds to the address. This technique allows the information service provider to transmit, and the electronic device to process, different types of messages at different rates.

Abstract: Bleed control and fast dry times are achieved in aqueous pigment dispersion-based ink-jet ink compositions by formulating the ink compositions to comprise at least one aqueous pigment dispersion and a microemulsion comprising at least one water-insoluble organic compound, at least one hydrotropic amphiphile, and water. The hydrotropic amphiphile is present in the microemulsion in an amount sufficient to solubilize the water-insoluble organic compound.

Abstract: A rotary priming service station system is provided for priming inkjet printheads in an inkjet printing mechanism. A platform pivoted to a rotatable tumbler supports a plunger-actuated rolling diaphragm cap. A trigger mechanism is pivoted to the sled to actuate the cap plunger, which pulls down on the cap to draw a negative priming pressure on the nozzles when the cap is sealed against the printhead. A retractable stand-off finger project through the sled to separate the diaphragm cap from the printhead until the cap begin to draw the negative priming pressure. Through tumbler rotation and printhead motion, the trigger mechanism is cocked and activated. The platform supports a wiper that performs a fast post-prime wipe of the printhead. The tumbler rotates the cap and wiper against a blotting mechanism to blot away any primed ink residue. A method is also provided for priming inkjet printheads in an inkjet printing mechanism.

Abstract: A sheet media handling system is provided for use in a sheet processor having support structure which is configured to accommodate reliable sheet pick-up and to minimize the sheet processor's size, while still offering suitable access to the media sheets. The handling system includes upper and lower support structure, the lower support structure supporting sheets for delivery to an input port, and the upper support structure supporting sheets which are expelled from an output port. The lower support structure includes a drawer configured for translation between a fully-dosed drawer position and a fully-open drawer position. Correspondingly, the upper support structure includes a door configured to pivot between a fully-closed door position and a fully-open door position. An overcenter mechanism is employed to bias the drawer either into a fully-closed drawer position or toward a fully-open drawer orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a testing and measuring apparatus for accurately and quickly calibrating the input and output timing of a plurality of test signal patterns and voltage levels. The invention also offers a method used for the calibration. The apparatus is equipped with a plurality of units (timing vector generators) each having a timing-generating circuit (a capture timing generator) and an external common reference timing circuit (a golden edge generator) outside the units. Each unit comprises: (1) a timing comparator circuit (a capture comparator) for comparing the timing each of the timing-generating circuits with the timing of the reference timing circuit to determine whether the former timing leads or lags the latter timing; and (2) a counter circuit which counts a number of comparisons made by the comparator circuit until their sequential relation has been reversed.

Abstract: Source code is compiled into intermediate code which includes object code instructions. Logical line markers are inserted within the intermediate code. Each logical line marker identifies a source code line from which originated object code instructions immediately adjacent to the logical line marker. Each logical line marker is associated with a specific basic block. Also, actual line markers are inserted so that an actual line marker is associated with every object code instruction. The actual line marker identifies a source code line from which originated the object code instruction associated with the actual line marker. The intermediate code is optimized to produce the optimized object code. During optimization, object code instructions are freely moved relative to the logical line markers; however, the logical line markers are not moved relative to each other. When an object code instruction is moved, the actual line marker associated with the moved object code instruction is also moved.