Abstract: A direct conversion radio-frequency (RF) receiver includes a controller and an adaptive continuous-time filter. The adaptive continuous-time filter receives a multiple-bit control signal generated by the controller to adjust a characteristic of the continuous-time filter. The controller generates the multiple-bit control signal in response to process variation in the semiconductor material used to implement the controller and the adaptive continuous-time filter. A method for tuning an adaptive continuous-time filter comprises determining a RC time constant, converting the RC time constant to a digital word, comparing a select bit of the digital word to a respective bit of a predetermined reference word to generate a control bit, applying the control bit to an adjustable element to modify the RC time constant, repeating the determining, converting, comparing and applying steps until the control bits generate an output word and providing the output word to the adaptive continuous-time filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device and method for securing a card to a computer assembly. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A receiving means is included for operatively connecting a non-connecting end of the card to the arm portion. The foundation portion may further include at least one base retaining element for attaching to a computer component of the computer assembly to support the card.

Abstract: A merely exemplary external pressure sensing system comprises a connecting member and a pressure sensor. The connecting member is operable to connect to a syringe barrel and a needle. The connecting member comprises a conduit permitting communication of fluid from the syringe barrel to the needle when the connecting member is connected to the syringe barrel and the needle. The pressure sensor is in communication with the conduit. The pressure sensor is configured to sense pressure of fluid within the connecting member. The connecting member is configured to permit the pressure sensor to sense the pressure of the fluid while the fluid is communicated from the barrel to the needle. The pressure sensor is configured to provide a visual indication of sensed pressure. The visual indication may be provided by a variety of components, including but not limited to a diaphragm, a disc, a needle, or a slider.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel formulations of ropinirole for oral administration and to their use in the treatment of diseases which can prevent or disturb sleep, particularly Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

Abstract: One medical-treatment electrode assembly includes a medical-treatment flexible electrode supported on the outer surface of a sidewall of a flexible tube which is insertable into a patient. Another assembly includes two electrodes supported on the outer surface of a flexible tube, wherein a video camera of a flexible endoscope inserted into the tube can view patient tissue between the two electrodes. An additional assembly includes apparatus for moving patient tissue into a sidewall opening of a tube which supports a medical-treatment electrode to tighten patient tissue outside the tube against the medical-treatment electrode. A method for medical treatment includes moving patient tissue into a sidewall opening of a tube which supports a medical-treatment electrode to tighten patient tissue outside the tube into substantially full contact with the medical-treatment electrode.

Abstract: A local oscillator circuit for generating a local frequency signal is provided. The local oscillator circuit may cooperate with a radio circuit for providing wireless reception or transmission. The radio circuit performs modulation or demodulation processes with reference to a defined carrier signal frequency. The local oscillator circuit has a voltage controlled oscillator that generates a VCO signal at frequency different than the carrier frequency. A frequency scaling circuit applies a scaling factor to the VCO signal, with the scaled signal generated at the frequency of the defined carrier frequency.

Abstract: A technique for managing video content for a video on demand (VOD) session involves replacing trick mode content with pre-defined replacement content when a trick mode command is executed. The replacement content is displayed in a clear and intelligible manner (e.g., at normal speed) even though a trick mode command, such as fast forward, reverse, or fast reverse, has been executed. In an embodiment, the replacement content is a replacement advertisement, which may be in the form of a moving image that is displayed as normal speed or a fixed image.

Abstract: A technique for managing session setup requests involves operating in a normal mode when the arrival rate of session setup requests is below a normal transition boundary, and transitioning from the normal mode to a coalescing mode when the arrival rate of session setup requests rises above a coalescing transition boundary. In the normal mode, the session manager processes each of the session setup requests individually; whereas in the coalescing mode, multiple session setup requests are batched and processed collectively. The session manager may be transitioned from the normal mode to the coalescing mode when the session setup request arrival rate rises above a coalescing transition boundary, and the session manager may be transitioned from the coalescing mode to the normal mode when the session setup request arrival rate falls below a normal transition boundary.

Abstract: A technique for managing the streaming of digital video content involves providing a unicast stream to a client in response to the playout status of the unicast stream at the client. In particular, a unicast stream is provided to a client based on whether or not the unicast stream is intended for real-time playout at the client. In order to preserve valuable network resources, if the client does not intend the unicast stream for real-time playout, the unicast stream is not provided to the client. Network resources can also be conserved by utilizing one session between a stream server and a client to support more than one active unicast stream between the stream server and the client in the case where at least one of the active unicast streams is not intended for real-time playout at the client.

Abstract: A technique for managing session setup for video on demand sessions involves caching information related to session setup for a session manager and then utilizing the cached information to setup a video on demand session for a client in response to a session setup request that is received from the client. Because information related to session setup is cached for the session manager, the session manager can utilize the information to establish a session without having to exchange messages with other video on demand elements, in particular other servers in the video on demand network. Reducing or eliminating the number of messages exchanged between video on demand elements enables video on demand sessions to be quickly and efficiently setup.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.

Abstract: A tilt indicator for use on a firearm includes a signal to indicate if the firearm is level or out of level. The signal is located to be viewed by a user via the user's peripheral vision and his secondary concentration so the user can maintain his primary concentration on the target.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus is configured to effect cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue by cooperation of a clamping mechanism of the apparatus with an associated ultrasonic end-effector. The clamping mechanism includes a pivotal clamp arm, which cooperates with the end-effector for gripping tissue. The clamp arm is provided with a clamp tissue pad that has at least one raised portion to achieve the desired cutting and coagulation effect on the tissue.

Abstract: The anterior composite matrix dental restoration system provides a matrix for holding a composite filling material in place as it cures, and a tool for holding the matrix in place during the curing of the filling material. The matrix comprises a thin, flat, flexible, and transparent sheet of plastic material with parallel tubular extensions on the opposite ends. The distal ends of the specialized forceps tool are inserted into the tubular ends of the matrix and used to install, hold, and remove the matrix. The relatively small and narrow tool greatly increases the comfort of both patient and dentist or dental technician by precluding need to insert and hold the fingers in the mouth of the patient to install, hold, and remove the matrix. The matrices may be provided in different sizes, with at least the tubular end components being optionally color coded to indicate the corresponding size.

Abstract: A tilt indicator for use on a firearm includes a signal to indicate if the firearm is level or out of level. The signal is located to be viewed by a user via the user's peripheral vision and his secondary concentration so the user can maintain his primary concentration on the target.

Abstract: Methods for the formulation of microbial feed additives with animal feed and methods of administering microbial feed additives are disclosed.

Abstract: A distributed system having a central server, one or more remote supplier nodes, one or more remote manufacturer nodes, and one or more remote client nodes that communicate with one another via the Internet. The server maintains a centralized component database containing information corresponding to the components sold by the suppliers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. The server also maintains a centralized process database containing information corresponding to the manufacturing processes performed by the manufacturers that are potentially used in the manufacturer of packages. Each supplier and manufacturer is responsible for accessing the server via the Internet to store/update the information maintained in the appropriate database for its components/processes. Each client accesses the server via the Internet to provide a set of desired attributes for a proposed package.

Abstract: A distributed system having a central server, one or more remote supplier nodes, and one or more remote client nodes that communicate with one another via the Internet. The server maintains a centralized component database containing Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) information corresponding to the components sold by the suppliers and used by the clients during manufacturing processes performed at the clients' facilities (e.g., for printing and/or package converting). Each supplier is responsible for accessing the server via the Internet to store/update the MSDS information maintained in the MSDS database for its components. Each client accesses the server via the Internet to access the MSDS information from the MSDS database corresponding to particular components that it uses in its manufacturing processes.