Abstract: An arbitration mechanism provides quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive signals sharing a local area computer network with non-time-sensitive traffic. Device adapters are placed at all access points to an Ethernet network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. By doing so, collisions are eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters. The time reference includes a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases is assigned to a device adapter. Each device adapter is allowed to transmit packets of data onto the network only during the phase assigned thereto. The length of the phases may be modified in accordance with the number of packets to be transmitted by a particular device adapter. A master device adapter may be appointed to synchronize each of the device adapters.

Abstract: A musical learning system including an instrument and method is disclosed. The instrument is comprised of a rectangularly shaped box designed for convenient handling by an operator in a manner analogous to other musical instruments such as a piano, a guitar, or a horn. Thirteen movable buttons on the top surface of the box sound eight natural notes and five notes of sharps and flats when pressed by the operator, the sounds being produced by either a built-in, acoustic or electronic sound system. Easily removable attachments having instructive musical notations are temporarily secured above and below the buttons can be used in a predetermined sequence, thereby enabling the operator to grasp music concepts over a relatively, brief period of time. In addition, in the electronic version, an “octave-up” switch enables an operator to sound a note one or more octaves higher for each of the buttons; and a “mute” bar allows the operator to silence a note being produced, if desired.

Abstract: An Internet-based document management system and methods are provided wherein an electronic document may be stored on an Internet-accessible server and accessed using a previously known web browser, downloaded for review or manipulation, and then returned to the server for access by further users. The server is programmed to provide a plurality of services supported by a common database and document store, including storage and retrieval services, an electronic document delivery service, a document distribution service, a collaborative file sharing service and a workflow service. The system preferably also is programmed with a security function, a filtering function, accounting functions that enable detailed accounting of transactions occurring on the system, and a customization function that permits multiple service providers to utilize the common document management services of a server, while presenting end-users with distinct dedicated websites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules enabling the specific production of a plant exhibiting a modified flower development and/or autonomous embryo and/or endosperm development as components for manipulating apomixis. The invention also relates to methods to obtain said transgenic plants and to methods for isolating flower specific genes.

Abstract: A system for collecting images at multiple wavelengths for image analysis of biological specimens. The process separates contrasts for images of a biological specimen prepared with a chromogen. Light wavelengths matched with each chromogen optimize separation for each image. Computing attenuation coefficients and extinction coefficients for each chromogen provides for determination of the concentration of each chromogen. A chromogen separator allows for subtracting predetermined chromogens to generate new images and aid in identification of cell morphology. The system can perform the image analysis of the new images using image processing techniques such as segmentation, feature calculation and object classification. At each stage of image processing, data from each of the new images may influence the processing of the other images.

Abstract: In a needle cannula extraction device, an engagement stroke moves one engagement member toward another engagement member so as to first engage a needle cannula inserted therebetween. Movement of at least one of the engagement members during a subsequent extraction stroke maintains a generally constant spacing between the engagement members that generally corresponds to a thickness of the needle. The extraction stroke pulls the needle cannula from its hub or other attachment structure, which is held in position. In first and second embodiments, the two engagement members first come together to grip the cannula, and then move together as a unit (with the engaged needle cannula) away from the retained attachment structure. In third and fourth embodiments, a first engagement member is pivotable toward a second engagement member, provided in the form of a backing member, and then away from the retained attachment structure.

Abstract: An Internet-based document management system and methods are provided wherein access to the system and its services may be controlled through use of access tokens. The Internet-based document management system allows an electronic document to be stored on an Internet-accessible server and accessed using a previously known web browser, downloaded for review or manipulation, and then returned to the server for access by further users. The server is programmed to generate and validate access tokens and provide a plurality of services supported by a common database and document store, including storage and retrieval services, an electronic document delivery service, a document distribution service, a collaborative file sharing service and a workflow service.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism provides quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive signals sharing a local area computer network with non-time-sensitive traffic. Device adapters are placed at all access points to an Ethernet network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. By doing so, collisions are eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters. The time reference includes a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases is assigned to a device adapter. Each device adapter is allowed to transmit packets of data onto the network only during the phase assigned thereto. The length of the phases may be modified in accordance with the number of packets to be transmitted by a particular device adapter. One of the device adapters may be designated as a master timing device to synchronize each of the other device adapters.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism provides quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive signals sharing a local area computer network with non-time-sensitive traffic. Device adapters are placed at all access points to an Ethernet network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. By doing so, collisions are eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters. The time reference includes a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases is assigned to a device adapter. Each device adapter is allowed to transmit packets of data onto the network only during the phase assigned thereto. The length of the phases may be modified in accordance with the number of packets to be transmitted by a particular device adapter.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism provides quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive signals sharing a local area computer network with non-time-sensitive traffic. Device adapters are placed at all access points to an Ethernet network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. By doing so, collisions are eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters. The time reference includes a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases is assigned to a device adapter. Each device adapter is allowed to transmit packets of data onto the network only during the phase assigned thereto. The length of the phases may be modified in accordance with the number of packets to be transmitted by a particular device adapter. A master device adapter may be appointed to synchronize each of the device adapters.

Abstract: A unit dose injection cartridge (e.g., needleless injection cartridge) includes an elongated chamber, a sealable discharge outlet (e.g., nozzle orifice) and a piston seal slidable within the chamber from a proximal end region to a distal end of the chamber. The piston seal is movably securable at a first position within the proximal end region, wherein the chamber is fillable with medicament by way of a passageway extending past the piston seal from a proximal side to a distal side thereof. During filling, air is allowed to escape from the chamber through the same passageway used for filling, or a second similarly arranged adjacent passageway. Once a unit dose of medicament is metered into the chamber, the piston seal may be moved slightly distally to a second position within the proximal end region, whereby the chamber is sealed-off from the passageway by the piston seal.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism provides quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive signals sharing a local area computer network with non-time-sensitive traffic. Device adapters are placed at all access points to an Ethernet network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. By doing so, collisions are eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters. The time reference includes a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases is assigned to a device adapter. Each device adapter is allowed to transmit packets of data onto the network only during the phase assigned thereto. The length of the phases may be modified in accordance with the number of packets to be transmitted by a particular device adapter.

Abstract: A network system for providing efficient transmission of real-time data and non-real-time data between a plurality of network devices, including an arbitration mechanism that provides a low cost and high performance mechanism for delivery of quality of service guarantees for time-sensitive data sharing a local area with non-time-sensitive data. Device adapters are placed at all access points to a local network. The device adapters limit admission rates and control the timing of all packets entering the network. An X-Hub placed at the center of the network provides for transparent, concurrent transport of signals transmitted by device adapters. Collisions may therefore be eliminated for time-sensitive traffic, thereby guaranteeing timely delivery. A common time reference is established for the device adapters and the X-Hub. The time reference defines a frame with a plurality of phases. Each of the phases defines a state of the X-Hub, and a state for each of the device adapters.

Abstract: A free-lying cell classifier. An automated microscope system comprising a computer and high speed processing field of view processors identifies free-lying cells. An image of a biological specimen is obtained and the image is segmented to create a set of binary masks. The binary masks are used by a feature calculator to compute the features that characterize objects of interest including free-lying cells, artifacts and other biological objects. The objects are classified to identify their type, their normality or abnormality or their identification as an artifact. The results are summarized and reported. A stain evaluation of the slide is performed as well as a typicality evaluation. The robustness of the measurement is also quantified as a classification confidence value. The free-lying cell evaluation is used by an automated cytology system to classify a biological specimen slide.

Abstract: A reduced instruction set architecture implements complicated image processing algorithms that are decomposed into combinations of simple operations. The simple operations are further decomposed into multiple operations of one dimensional data with an address controller to scan data in a highly flexible fashion for multi-dimensional applications.

Abstract: Image primitive based maskless semiconductor wafer and liquid crystal display panel inspection by the characterization of wafer patterns. Potential defects are detected as exceptions to the rules of general semiconductor surface pattern structure. The wafer or liquid crystal display, lcd, structure is encoded into multiple profiles of a set of primitive characterization modules. Primitive profiles are correlated with potential defects along with aligned pattern images for surface component to surface component, lcd active matrix element to lcd active matrix element, comparison and further refines the results using data from multiple surface components or lcd active matrix elements. Multiple stage defect classification is applied to the potential defects to reject false defects. Multiple layer correlation and automatic learning enhance and tailor detection rules during a ramp-up stage. There is a dramatic reduction of false and nuisance defects and a high sensitivity to critical defects.

Abstract: The method of the present invention achieves a desired assignment of the physical cell slots comprising a time division multiplexed frame to embedded channels by ascribing an element address to uniquely identify each of the cell slots of the frame. A logical assignment of the cell slots of the frame is made to the embedded channels to be established between one or more specific data sources and sinks. A transform chosen to produce a particular distribution of assignments is then applied to the set of element addresses to produce a set of cell slot addresses, each of which uniquely identifies each cell slot of the frame by its relative physical position within the frame. Each of the element addresses (used to logically associate a cell slot with a channel to be established) is uniquely linked on a one-to-one basis with one of the set of cell slot addresses (used to identify relative position of a cell slot within the frame) through the predetermined transform.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical device having a profile of refractive indices along its optical axis. A desired volume of each of a plurality of types of optical material are dispensed into a mold of known plan area in the form of a frit or a melt and the mold is heated to cause the materials to melt and fuse together to define a contiguous body of optical material having a desired profile. As the optical materials melt, the different types of material separate out so that they are arranged with the most dense material closest to the bottom of the mold and the least dense material closest to the top of the mold. To enhance this effect, the optical materials are layered in the mold in decreasing order of density of the materials from the bottom to the top so that the layers of optical material with the greater densities are closer to the bottom of the mold than the layers of materials with lesser densities.

Abstract: A disposable medicine delivery unit for use in a needleless hypodermic injector is configured to allow economical replacement, after each injection, of a patient contact surface and the entire injection flow-path of the medicament, to thereby ensure sterility with less need for repeated equipment cleaning and sterilization procedures. The delivery unit includes a piston seal configured to prevent improper reuse. The piston seal deforms and sticks in a conical end of the medicine delivery chamber at the end of its injection stroke. A push-only connection between the piston seal and a piston drive rod of the injector ensures that the latter cannot be used to retract the former. Preferably, the piston seal also includes a protruding nipple which enters and destroys the injection orifice following an injection, to further disable the delivery unit.

Abstract: The invention detects areas of interest at low magnification, locating possible abnormal cells or other cells of interest using image processing and statistical pattern recognition techniques. Next, at high magnification, the areas identified at low magnification are re-examined. The information from the low magnification and high magnification scans is collated and a determination is made about the slide--whether it is normal, abnormal, contains endocervical component, and so forth. The invention also provides a method and apparatus to train object feature and slide feature classifiers. The invention provides an automated cytology system that can process training slides for use in a feed back classifier development environment. The invention also can classify endocervical groups of cells.