Abstract: A method and means for enhancing the error detection and correction capability obtained when a plurality of data byte strings are encoded in a two-level, block-formatted linear code using code word and block-level redundancy. This is accomplished by vector multiplication of N data byte vectors and a nonsingular invertible integration matrix with nonzero minors with order up to B to secure the necessary interleaving among N data byte vectors to form modified data byte vectors. The selected patterns of interleaving ensure single-pass, two-level linear block error correction coding when the modified data vectors are applied to an ECC encoding arrangement. The method and means are parameterized so as to either extend or reduce the number of bursty codewords or subblocks to which the block-level check bytes can be applied.

Abstract: A method for the in vivo detection of urease-producing helicobacter in the upper stomach is disclosed. The dense carrier is divided into two separate groups which are combined with separate reagent indicators, one of which also contains urea. The carriers are food soluble products, preferably sugar beads having a diameter of approximately 0.2 to 3.0 mm. The treated carriers and urea are encapsulated in a soluble capsule which is administered to a patient. The density of the carriers cause the capsule to migrate to the gastric mucosa, where the capsule, but not the reagents, is dissolved, placing the reagents and urea in direct contact with the gastric mucosa. The urea reacts with any urease present in the stomach by creating ammonia, which increases the pH in the immediate vicinity of the urea containing carrier and indicator beads. The two reagents react differently, through color change, to the increase in pH, which is viewed through use of an endoscope.

Abstract: A method and means for reducing high-duty-cycle unconstrained binary signal sequences in storage and communications processes and systems by invertibly mapping such sequences into a (1, k) rate ⅔ RLL codestream constrained to a duty cycle substantially approximating one-third. That is, binary sequences ordinarily mapping into high-duty-cycle RLL-code sequences are either inhibited from repeating indefinitely or excluded.

Abstract: A computationally efficient, machine-implementable method and means for detecting and correcting errors in received codewords on-the-fly within the capacity of a linear cyclic code using ultra-fast error location processing. Each error locator polynomial of degree t over a finite Galois field derived from a codeword syndrome is mapped into a matrix representative of a system of linear simultaneous equations related to the polynomial coefficients. Roots indicative of error locations within the codeword are extracted from the matrix by a modified Gaussian Elimination process for all the roots where t.ltoreq.5 and at least one root plus a subset of candidate roots from the finite field for iterative substitution where t>5. Corrected values are separately determined and correction is secured by logically combining the corrected values with the codeword values in error at the error locations represented by the roots.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arithmetic unit (AU) in combination with an algebraic block ECC decoder for controlling errors in an electronically recorded digital data message by performing at least one of a plurality of predetermined arithmetic operations on the data message in one or more of a plurality of subfields of a first GF(2.sup.12) or a second GF(2.sup.8) finite field. The arithmetic operations are selected either from a first group of operations associated with a first subfield GF(2.sup.4) as cubically extended to the first finite field GF(2.sup.12) or as quadratically extended to the second finite field GF(2.sup.8), or selected from a second group of operations associated with a second subfield GF(2.sup.6) as quadratically extended to the first finite field GF(2.sup.12).

Abstract: A module consists of a shroud or enclosure attached to a card containing heat-emitting electronic components or to a stack of two or more vertically spaced cards; one or all of which have heat sinks in thermal contact with at least some of the electronic components. The shroud is apertured to control air flow in many directions over the components and heatsinks. A hinge member extends along one edge of the module shaped to be inserted in a slot in a panel to establish a hinge. As the shroud is pivoted about the hinge, horizontal electrical contacts on the panel and at least one card interengage and vertical contacts on one of the cards remote from the hinge simultaneously interengage. The contour of the shroud aids in installing or removing the module.

Abstract: A heat transmitting slug is attached to a chip or other heat emitting electronic component by an adhesive. A heat sink is mounted on the slug by one or more screws or other fasteners, preferably with thermal grease between the bottom of the heat sink base and the top of the slug. The top of the slug is formed with a longitudinal tongue and the base of the heat sink with a mating groove. Preferably the base of the heat sink is offset upwardly above the groove to resist tendency to fracture under stress.

Abstract: A railway rail anchoring device, for use with a railway rail-fastening clip which is approximately M-shaped in plan and has first and second leg portions and a rail-bearing portion, comprises a base member and first and second clip-retaining members connected together by the base member such that the first clip-retaining member is spaced apart from the second clip-retaining member so as to define between the first and second clip-retaining members an opening for receiving the rail-bearing portion of such a clip.

Abstract: A resilient rail-fastening clip has a first straight portion (11) for locating the clip in a clip anchoring device (2) when the clip is in use, a second bent portion (12), a third heel portion (13), a fourth bend portion (14) and a fifth toe portion (15). When viewed such that lower most points of the first and fifth portions (11 and 15) of the clip lie in a horizontal plane, proceeding from the first portion (11), the second portion (12) appears to bend up out of that plane towards and then away from a vertical plane passing through the fifth portion (15). The clip (1) is used in an assembly including a baseplate (2) having a non-vertical stop (21d) on its shoulder (21) up which the clip (1) slides during installation until brought to rest through friction at a desired height above the rail (3).

Abstract: A railway rail fastening clip (1) suitable for holding down a railway rail (2) is formed from a rod of resilient material bent so as to be approximately M-shaped in plan, the clip (1) being such that, when it is bearing on the flange of a rail (2), the longitudinal axis of a part (14) thereof, which interconnects inner legs (13, 15) of the M, lies in a reference plane which is substantially parallel, but not identical, to a plane containing the longitudinal axes of outer legs (11, 17) of the M. Such clips (1) are used with an anchoring device (5), which, as the clip (1) is installed therein, deflects the outer legs (11, 17) downwardly with respect to the inner legs (13, 15), so as to place the clip under stress.

Abstract: A railway rail fastening clip (1) suitable for holding down a railway rail (2) is formed from a rod of resilient material bent so as to be approximately M-shaped in plan, the clip (1) being such that, when it is bearing on the flange of a rail (2), the longitudinal axis of a part (14) thereof, which interconnects inner legs (13, 15) of the M, lies in a reference plane which is substantially parallel, but not identical, to a plane containing the longitudinal axes of outer legs (11, 17) of the M. Such clips (1) are used with an anchoring device (5), which, as the clip (1) is installed therein, deflects the outer legs (11, 17) downwardly with respect to the inner legs (13, 15), so as to place the clip under stress.