Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for de-skewing media when using an automatic media feeder comprising a registration guide and a registration tab disposed to cooperate with the registration guide in providing de-skewing of media when an edge of the media passes over the registration tab and is deflected thereby toward the registration guide.

Abstract: An obstacle avoidance system for obstacle detection in an opaque material. The system includes at least one electromagnetic signal source adapted to produce an electromagnetic source signal suitable for transmission through the opaque material, at least one electromagnetic signal detector adapted to receive reflected electromagnetic energy signals from discontinuities in the opaque material encountered by the electromagnetic source signal, and a reflected electromagnetic energy signal processor suitable for determining a presence of obstructions and/or strata variations within the opaque material. The system is preferably integral with a head element suitable for traversing the opaque material, for example a subterranean drill bit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for more accurate track following. Control circuitry rotates a data storage surface containing thousands of annular tracks. A “measured” subset of the tracks is selected so as to be interspersed with an “unmeasured” subset. The calibration profile is derived based on position error signals each obtained by reading from the measured subset and not from the unmeasured subset. Data from the unmeasured subset of tracks is ignored, in generating and/or updating the profile.

Abstract: An interconnect module for an integrated circuit chip incorporates a thin, high dielectric constant embedded capacitor structure to provide reduced power distribution impedance, and thereby promote higher frequency operation. The interconnect module is capable of reliably attaching an integrated circuit chip to a printed wiring board via solder ball connections, while providing reduced power distribution impedance of less than or equal to approximately 0.60 ohms at operating frequencies in excess of 1.0 gigahertz.

Abstract: In a DRAM, which includes a plurality of memory banks, there is a pair of separate flag bit registers for each bank with the flag bit registers that are shifted up/down respectively. A comparator for each bank provides a comparator output. An arbiter for each bank is connected to receive a flag bit up signal and a flag bit down signal from the flag bit registers for that bank and the comparator output from the comparator for that bank. The arbiters are connected to receive a conflict in signal and to provide a conflict out signal. The pair of flag bit registers represent a refresh status of each bank and designate memory banks or arrays that are ready for a refresh operation.

Abstract: Problems inherent in guiding a sensor via a piecewise-linear lateral parametric profile are generally avoided using at least one broadly curved, generally lateral profile (494). A sensor is configured to move in a nominally longitudinal direction relative to a frame of reference (110). A position scale is defined in a generally lateral direction relative to the longitudinal motion (115). Each broadly curved lateral profile is defined in terms of its corresponding position scale, the scale(s) and the profile(s) both being part of a parametric model that is available for use in guiding the sensor (145).

Abstract: Bone guides for sizing or shaping bone are disclosed. The guides can be configured and sized for placement on a surgery table, instrument table or similar structure in an operating room. The guides provide for real time preparation of a bone graft during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An interconnect module for an integrated circuit chip incorporates a thin, high dielectric constant embedded capacitor structure to provide reduced power distribution impedance, and thereby promote higher frequency operation. The interconnect module is capable of reliably attaching an integrated circuit chip to a printed wiring board via solder ball connections, while providing reduced power distribution impedance of less than or equal to approximately 0.60 ohms at operating frequencies in excess of 1.0 gigahertz.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for certifying servo sectors on recording surfaces of a disc stack of a data storage device to promote servo sector alignment among the various recording surfaces. A reference servo sector pattern is written to a first recording surface, the reference pattern comprising a plurality of angularly spaced apart servo sectors. Multiple interleaved sets of servo sector patterns are written to each of the remaining recording surfaces, each interleaved pattern respectively comprising a plurality of angularly spaced apart servo sectors. A selected interleaved pattern is identified from each of the remaining surfaces that provides a desired alignment with the reference servo sector pattern, and the non-selected servo sector patterns are overwritten. The servo patterns can be written to the discs prior to installation using a multiple disc writing (MDW) station, or after installation of the discs into the data storage device using a servo track writing (STW) station.

Abstract: A surgical instrument suitable for use in an implant procedure is disclosed. A surgical instrument of the invention can be particularly advantageous for use in grasping, holding and placement of implants in an intervertebral disc space. In a typical embodiment, the surgical instrument has a grasping region to hold the implant, and an impact head for receiving a force in order to insert the implant.

Abstract: An automated system for managing insurance information is provided. The system resides on a host server and communicates with participants and providers over a network. The system includes a database for storing information and processing tools including customer service tools, claim adjudication tools, and a benefits calculation engine. The benefits calculation engine calculates an applicable benefit based on received information. The system further comprises benefit payment processing tools for paying a benefit and expense payment processing and adjustment tools. The system also includes claim reporting tools for performing reporting functions and claim management and plan loading tools for identifying a plan and updating the benefits calculation engine.

Abstract: The disclosure provides implants and methods for bone fusion procedures. In some embodiments, the implants are particularly advantageous for use between opposing vertebral bodies to facilitate stabilization or arthrodesis of an intervertebral joint. The implants includes, at least, a support component that provides structural support during fusion. In a typical embodiment, the implants also include a growth component. A growth component provides an environment conductive to new bone growth between the bones being fused. Several unique configuration to enhance fusion, instruments for insertion and methods for insertion use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An illuminated identification system comprises a light chamber, a lighting means, an opaque identification stencil, a flashing means, a power on/off switch for the lighting means, and an on/off switch for the flashing means. The light chamber is environmentally sealed, and has one surface which is non-opaque. The lighting means is in series with a power source, and is located in the light chamber. The opaque identification stencil is placed over the non-opaque light chamber surface. When the power switch and the flashing means are both on, the flashing means causes the lighting means to flash on and off. Further, the power switch, and/or the on/off switch for the flashing means, may be operated by remote control.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing adjacent bones for fusion, and for inserting implants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the instruments include paddles for spacing the adjacent bones a predetermined distance and a cutting edge to create a channel between the adjacent bones to receive a fusion implant. In another embodiment, the instruments include a bone cutting instrument, a rasp, and an implant inserting tool. The instruments and methods are particularly advantageous for preparing a spinal fusion implant site.

Abstract: A processor is configured to perform a method (110) including a step of deriving lateral offset indicators (1062) from a longitudinal position measurement (130). Improved seek cost indicators (1063) are generated, some or all based on a respective lateral offset indicator (140). Then a target destination is selected using at least one of the improved seek cost indicators (150,160).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensation for variation in timing skew in a disc drive having at least one rotating disc is provided. A first head is positioned over a first disc surface and a second head is positioned over a second disc surface. The first disc surface includes a track having a first plurality of sectors and the second disc surface includes a track having a second plurality of sectors. Each sector of the second plurality of the sectors corresponds to a different sector of the first plurality of sectors, thereby forming a plurality of pairs of corresponding sectors. A timing skew value for each pair of corresponding sectors is computed to obtain a sequence of timing skew values. Data related to the sequence of timing skew values is utilized to compensate for variation in timing skew.

Abstract: A low voltage level shifter circuit with an embedded latch, implemented on a signal line having thereon low voltage signals. There is included a low voltage level shifter circuit configured to receive a low voltage input signal from a first portion of the signal line and output a higher voltage output signal on a second portion of the signal line. A latching circuit is also included, and is configured to latch the low voltage input signal from the first portion of the signal line.

Abstract: An interconnect module for an integrated circuit chip incorporates a thin, high dielectric constant embedded capacitor structure to provide reduced power distribution impedance, and thereby promote higher frequency operation. The interconnect module is capable of reliably attaching an integrated circuit chip to a printed wiring board via solder ball connections, while providing reduced power distribution impedance of less than or equal to approximately 0.60 ohms at operating frequencies in excess of 1.0 gigahertz.

Abstract: Bone guides for sizing or shaping bone are disclosed. The guides can be configured and sized for placement on a surgery table, instrument table or similar structure in an operating room. The guides provide for real time preparation of a bone graft during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing adjacent bones for fusion are disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the instruments include paddles for spacing the adjacent bones a predetermined distance and a cutting edge to create a channel between the adjacent bones to receive a fusion implant. The instruments and methods are particularly advantageous for preparing a spinal fusion implant site.