Abstract: Disclosed are ultrasound devices and methods for use in guiding a subdermal probe during a medical procedure. A device can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide to a subdermal site. In addition, a device can include a detector in communication with a processor. The detector can recognize the location of a target associated with the probe. The processor can utilize the data from the detector and create an image of a virtual probe that can accurately portray the location of the actual probe on a sonogram of a subdermal area. In addition, disclosed systems can include a set of correlation factors in the processor instructions. As such, the virtual probe image can be correlated with the location of the actual probe.

Abstract: An adjustable width chuck assembly for a tire testing machine including upper and lower relatively movable rims by which a tire is clamped and held during a testing cycle. A pilot or nose cone forming part of one of the rims is gas pressure biased towards engagement with complementally formed structure on the other rim. The gas pressure bias is provided by a gas spring which can be replaced with gas springs of differing pressures in order to adjust the biasing force or, alternately, the gas spring can be removed from the chuck assembly and re-pressurized to a different level in order to change its biasing force. The use of a gas spring for providing the necessary biasing force expands the range of motion for the nose cone, thus allowing a given chuck assembly to accommodate tires having a wide range of bead widths.

Abstract: This disclosure, in one aspect, provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes forming a collector for a bipolar transistor within a semiconductor substrate, forming a base within the collector, forming a patterned isolation layer over the collector and base, forming an emitter layer over the patterned isolation layer, forming an isolation layer over the emitter layer, patterning the patterned isolation layer, the emitter layer and the isolation layer to form at least one emitter structure having an isolation region located on a sidewall thereof, and forming a buried contact in the collector to a depth sufficient to adequately contact the collector.

Abstract: A survivor path memory is provided for a Viterbi detector. The survivor path memory comprises a plurality of columns, each associated with a different time step, and an input processor. Each column comprises a flip flop for storing one bit or portion of a bit sequence associated with a Viterbi state; and a multiplexer for each state controlled by a case signal indicating a time step, the multiplexer selecting a state from a previous time step, wherein an output of the multiplexer of a given state is connected to at least one data input of a flip flop of the given state. The input processor generates a control signal that exchanges one or more pointers based on a trellis structure, wherein each of the pointers points to one of the flip flops.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a housing and a fastener, such as a clip (101, 201) for fastening the apparatus (100, 200) to an article of clothing. The housing (102, 202) has a recess (103, 203) formed therein, such that at least a portion of the fastener is adapted to fit within the recess. The fastener is adapted to travel slidably within the recess (103, 203) between a first position in which the fastener enables the apparatus (100, 200) to be fastened to an external object and a second position in which the fastener is stowed away.

Abstract: A method of verifying the identity of a dispensed pharmaceutical includes the steps of: reading identifying indicia on a pharmaceutical vial containing a dispensed pharmaceutical; determining the identity of a prescribed pharmaceutical called for by the identifying indicia; acquiring an image of the dispensed pharmaceutical through the vial; comparing the image of the dispensed pharmaceutical to data storage comprising image data associated with pharmaceuticals; acquiring spectral data for the dispensed pharmaceutical through the vial; comparing the spectral data of the dispensed pharmaceutical to data storage comprising spectral data associated with pharmaceuticals; and automatically determining whether the image and the spectral data of the dispensed pharmaceutical confirm that the dispensed pharmaceutical matches the prescribed pharmaceutical.

Abstract: An apparatus for consolidated data services comprising a plurality of devices, a plurality of data services and a content application programming interface (API). A user API provides user identification for each of the plurality of devices. A feedback API configured to receive data from each of the plurality of devices. A device API configured to provide a client system to one or more of the plurality of devices using one or more of a plurality of device API methods. An update API configured to provide an updated client system to one or more of the plurality of devices using one more of a plurality of update API methods. A web service consolidator configured to control interactions between the content API, the user API, the feedback API, the device API, the update API, a plurality of data services and the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A pulsed fiber laser including fiber preamplifier and power amplifier stages is disclosed. A fiber preamplifier includes first and second preamplifier stages that receive and amplify a seed pulse. A filter isolator placed between the preamplifier stages suppresses noise from the first preamplifier stage. An acoustic optical modulator located in the second preamplifier stage eliminates unwanted wavelengths from the amplified seed pulse received from the first preamplifier stage. The pulsed fiber laser is rugged and lightweight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for adapting one or more equalization parameters in a communications system by reducing group delay spread. According to one aspect of the invention, one or more equalization parameters in a communications system are adapted by detecting one or more predefined run length patterns in a received signal, such as a plurality of consecutive same-valued bits; evaluating a transition latch value for each of the detected predefined run length patterns, wherein the transition latch value provides an indication of whether the received signal is under-equalized or over-equalized; and adjusting the one or more equalization parameters of the communications system based on the evaluation of the transition latch value. The adjusted equalization parameters may be employed to equalize intersymbol interference. A data eye monitor can be employed to evaluate the transition latch value.

Abstract: A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback.

Abstract: A traffic manager includes an execution unit that is responsive to instructions related to queuing of data in memory. The instructions may be provided by a network processor that is programmed to generate such instructions, depending on the data. Examples of such instructions include (1) writing of data units (of fixed size or variable size) without linking to a queue, (2) re-sequencing of the data units relative to one another without moving the data units in memory, and (3) linking the previously-written data units to a queue. The network processor and traffic manager may be implemented in a single chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique multi-purpose towed trailer unit having an aerodynamic streamlined configuration which results in less drag on the towing vehicle-trailer combination compared with drag resulting from the use of a bluff body trailer and a towing vehicle. At rest, the trailer is used in combination with a collapsible self-supporting deployable shelter which is stored in the interior of the trailer.

Abstract: A method of operating a multi-cylinder compression ignition engine having at least one cylinder acting as a compression cylinder and at least one cylinder action as a combustion cylinder. The method comprise compressing air in the compression cylinder, and in the combustion cylinder, opening and then closing an exhaust valve during an exhaust stroke to trap some exhaust gas, during a compression stoke immediately following the exhaust stroke, injecting a controlled amount of fuel into the combustion chamber to obtain compression ignition at or near a top dead center piston position without reaching combustion temperatures at which NOX is formed, and injecting compressed air and fuel during a power stroke immediately following the compression stroke to sustain combustion to burn the fuel with an equivalence ratio within a predetermined range around unity. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A data processing system employs a unique coded promotional vehicle to attract customers into retail establishments for the purchase of discounted goods. The promotional vehicle includes coupon styled graphics integrated with a code to allow data tracking by the store pursuant to purchases by that customer. The promotional vehicle is easier and less costly to distribute compared to the prior art, avoids cutting of coupons, and post purchase redemptions. The system further allows more targeted discounting at a lower cost, and substantially reducing fraud by eliminating post purchase coupon processing and redemption. Additionally, the system provides for selective deactivation of the code for each discount used by redemption of the vehicle without deactivating the code for the discounts not used so that the code may remain selectively active for future use.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes forming a trench isolation structure in a dynamic random memory region (DRAM) of a substrate and patterning an etch mask over the trench structure to expose a portion of the trench structure. A portion of the exposed trench structure is removed to form a gate trench that includes a first corner formed by the substrate and a second corner formed by the trench structure. The etch mask is removed and the first corner of the gate trench is rounded to form a rounded corner. This is followed by the formation of an oxide layer over a sidewall of the gate trench, the first rounded corner, and the semiconductor substrate adjacent the gate trench. The trench is filled with a gate material.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) switch circuit includes switching devices coupled at a common node and a floating control signal circuit (CSS) coupled to the control electrodes of the switching devices and the common node and configured to isolate RF signals from the CSS and configured to provide differential voltage signals to the common node and each of the control electrodes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-wall dock for a tablet computer includes a rotatable receiving tray to which a tablet computer is secured. A housing of the in-wall dock is at least partially disposed within a wall cavity of a wall. The receiving tray is rotatably mounted to the housing. The receiving tray is configured to rotate from a first orientation disposed at an acute angle to a front face of the housing to permit engagement of the tablet computer with the receiving tray, to a second orientation that is substantially parallel to the front face of the housing and that prevents removal of the tablet computer from the receiving tray. A lock down mechanism retains the receiving tray in the second orientation. A removable bezel covers at least a portion of a front face of the housing and a front face of the tablet computer.

Abstract: A broadband satellite communications system comprises forward error correction (FEC) encoder/decoder, interleaver/deinterleaver, puncturing/de-puncturing, scrambler/descrambler, bit to symbol mapping/de-mapping devices, modulator/demodulator, transmit and receive filter; operating in a time-division multiple access (TDMA) system where information is sent in a burst-by-burst fashion during the assigned time slot; supporting diverse traffic types such as voice over internet protocol (VOIP), control messages (DACCH) and keep alive burst (KAB) during silence period and multiple data rates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention enable an organization to nominate itself to receive proceeds from consumer recycling activity. For example, some embodiments enable an organization to request that an account be established to which proceeds from recycling activity are to be directed. Upon the account being established, the organization may be provided with a set of receptacles (e.g., beverage container collection bags), which the organization may hand out to potential donors. Each receptacle may include an identifier that allows the account to be identified. Donors may collect recyclable beverage containers in his/her receptacle over time, and bring the receptacle to a return center when it becomes full, at a designated time (e.g., to meet a suggested deadline set by the organization), or at any other suitable time. The recyclable containers in the receptacle may be processed, and a value to be provided in exchange for the containers may be determined.

Abstract: An instrument assembly includes a downtube having a tubular body with a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, the proximal end forms an opening for receiving a surgical tool, and the distal end forms at least two attachment members for attaching to a bone anchor. The tubular body forms a hollow passage extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The assembly includes a key for insertion into the proximal end of the downtube to attach the downtube to a bone anchor. The key includes an engagement end configured to engage the at least two attachment members when the key is inserted into the downtube. The key is rotatable within the tubular body between a clamping orientation and a releasing orientation.