Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating codes for representation of data in memory devices that may avoid the block erasure operation in changing data values. Data values comprising binary digits (bits) can be encoded and decoded using the generated codes, referred to as codewords, such that the codewords may comprise a block erasure-avoiding code, in which the binary digits of a data message m can be encoded such that the encoded data message can be stored into multiple memory cells of a data device and, once a memory cell value is changed from a first logic value to a second logic value, the value of the memory cell may remain at the second logic value, regardless of subsequently received messages, until a block erasure operation on the memory cell.

Abstract: The method termed WaveCluster for mining spatial data. WaveCluster considers spatial data as a multidimensional signals and applies wavelet transforms, a signal-processing technique, to convert the spatial data into the frequency domain. The wavelet transforms produce a transformed space where natural clusters in the data become more distinguishable. The method quantizes a feature space to determine cells of the feature space, assigns objects to the cells, applies a wavelet transform on the quantized feature space to obtain a transformed feature space, finds connected clusters in sub bands at different levels of the transformed feature space, assigns labels to the cells, creates a look-up table, and maps the objects to the clusters. The method can manage spatial data in a two-dimensional feature space. The method also is applicable to a feature space that is made up of an image taken by a satellite.

Abstract: A movable bathroom-fixture system, comprising bathroom fixtures modified to allow adjustment of their position in a bathroom; and the means to mount said fixtures on bathroom walls so that the fixture placement is adjustable. The modifiable fixtures include a moveable sink fixture, a moveable shower fixture, a moveable wet wall, a height adjustable toilet seat, and drainage tiles. Depending on the size of the bathroom the modifiable fixtures can be slideably and/or removably attached to moveable wall panel units, moveable walls, moveable panels, or fixture interface units.

Abstract: An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating seismic load imposing an overturning bending moment upon a multi-level structure comprises a tensioned tendon having a first end fixedly connected to one of the levels proximate one side of the structure and a second end fixedly secured to another of the levels proximate an opposite side of the structure, wherein the tendon is oriented in space between its first and second ends along a predetermined curve selected to provide optimum reaction to said load by running the tendon through intermediate story levels at calculated locations. The apparatus further comprises a supplemental system for connecting the second end of the tendon to the structure. The supplemental system preferably includes a mechanical energy dissipating device and a sacrificially yielding fuse element arranged in parallel with the mechanical energy dissipating device.

Abstract: A gamma camera quality test pattern having a substrate which is substantially transparent to gamma radiation, the substrate having four quadrants, each quadrant containing a set of spaced L-shaped grooves filled with a material that is essentially opaque to gamma radiation.