Abstract: Implementation of multipliers in an FPGA or similar device containing an array or other aggregation of small processor devices is a significant difficulty, leading to increased cost as a result of the silicon area consumed thereby.

Abstract: A method of sending binary data over an image data channel. The binary data is encoded into an encoded linear matrix image, and the encoded linear matrix image is transmitted over the image data channel. The received linear matrix image is decoded to recover the binary data. The encoding uses encoding parameters which are adapted for encoding the binary data into an encoded matrix image. The encoding parameters are defined in such a manner that a transformed matrix image produced by transmitting the encoded linear matrix image over the image-transforming channel is reconstructable into the encoded linear matrix image. The binary data is encoded into the encoded linear matrix image according to the encoding parameters. In order to recover the binary data from the received matrix image, the decoding analyzes a header section of the received linear matrix image to determine image-distortion characteristics of the image data channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconfigurable device comprising a plurality of processing devices, a connection matrix providing an interconnect between the processing devices, and means to define the configuration of the connection matrix. Each of the processing devices comprises an arithmetic logic unit, which is adapted to perform a function on input operands and produce an output. The input operands are provided as inputs to the arithmetic logic unit from the interconnect on the same route in each cycle. Dynamic instructions are enabled by means provided to route the output of a first one of the processing devices to a second one of the processing devices to determine the function performed by the second one of the processing devices.

Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38,40) to maintain their spaced relationship.

Abstract: A differential assembly having a first structure, which is configured to rotate along a differential axis in response to receipt of a rotational input, a second structure, which is supported for rotation on the differential axis, a third structure, which is supported for rotation on the differential axis and disposed between the first and second structures and operable in an engaged condition that transmits torque between the first and second structures and a disengaged condition that inhibits torque transmission between the first and second structures, a differential gear set, which is coupled to and rotatably supported within the second structure, and a biasing mechanism, which biases the third structure in the disengaged condition. The third structure is placed in the engaged condition if a torsional magnitude of the rotational input exceeds a rotational force that is exerted through the differential gear set. A vehicle drive train is also provided.

Abstract: A circuit is provided to provide instruction streams to a processing device: embodiments of the circuit are appropriate for use with RISC CPUs, whereas other embodiments are useable with other processing devices, such as small processing devices used in a field programmable array. The circuit receives an external instruction stream which provides a first set of instruction values, and has a memory which contains a second set of instruction values. Two or more outputs provide instruction streams to the processing device. The circuit has a control input in the form of a mask which causes a selection means to allocate bits from the first and second sets of instruction values to different instruction streams to the processing device.

Abstract: Improved particulate inorganic pigments and processes for preparing such inorganic pigments which have enhanced dispersibility in plastic materials are provided. The processes basically comprise coating the particulate inorganic pigment with a dispersibility improving agent comprised of a complex mixture of partially and totally polysaturated and unsaturated fatty acid esters and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A reference voltage is moved dynamically towards a voltage level of the last received value. The movement takes place over a predetermined fraction of a bit-time. The amount of movement is limited so that successive logical values don't result in an unusable reference voltage level. When the output of a receiver changes, a state machine sequences the selection of analog reference voltage inputs to a multiplexer to move an output reference voltage towards a steady-state signal voltage level for the value that was just received. When the sequence is complete, the state machine keeps the last value selected on the output until the output of the receiver changes value.

Abstract: Two reference voltages and two differential receivers are used to detect low-to-high and high-to-low transitions on an input signal and set a received signal output. On reference voltage is set near but under the electrical high voltage level and the other is set near but above the electrical low voltage level. The reference voltage that is closest to the input signal is designated as the active reference voltage. When the input signal crosses the active reference voltage digital value of the received signal output is changed. When the input signal then crosses the inactive reference voltage, the inactive reference voltage is made the active reference voltage. A dead-time is then waited where input signal crossings of the active reference voltage are ignored. After the dead-time, input signal crossings of the active reference voltage will change the received signal output.

Abstract: A method for compressing digital image data with greyscale values comprises making at least three predictions of the greyscale value of each pixel and comparing the predicted values with the actual value of the pixel. The difference values between the respective predicted values and the actual value of each pixel is computed, and the median difference value of the three difference values is selected for bit coding. Bit coding is carried out by using variable length bit codes, the shortest length bit code being assigned to the most frequently occurring median difference value. The coded values of the median differences are bit packed, and in the case of a pixel where the absolute median difference value exceeds a predetermined value, the actual pixel value is bit packed.

Abstract: The chair is adapted to be attached to a table top and has a frame made up of a pair of spaced lateral members. Each member has a pair of pads which contact the lower and upper faces of the table top such that the chair is held to the table by its own weight. A cross-member extends between the lateral members and is composed of two interconnected sections. The sections are pivotal from an open state in which the sections are aligned with one another to a collapsed state in which the sections are adjacent to one another. Cushions which support an infant in the chair are attached to each section.

Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38,40) to maintain their spaced relationship.

Abstract: A virtual filesystem for allowing a large number of data files to be created, deleted, and rearranged by a peripheral device incorporating the filesystem without requiring the host computer system to delete and rebuild its cache and other file system tables. Since the directory hierarchy of the virtual filesystem is predefined, data blocks in the directory and file allocation table regions of the filesystem's filespace do not need to be prestored in memory, but rather are calculable at the time a data block read request is processed by the virtual filesystem. Since the specific location in the filesystem of a file is determined only at the time that one of a set of lowest-level directories which contains the file is accessed, host caching problems can be avoided by predefining a large number of files in the filesystem and avoiding reuse of any previously-used file. The data blocks of a file can be dynamically generated upon request, or can be aliased to corresponding data blocks of an auxiliary file system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconfigurable device comprising a plurality of processing devices, a connection matrix providing an interconnect between the processing devices, and means to define the configuration of the connection matrix. Each of the processing devices comprises an arithmetic logic unit, which is adapted to perform a function on input operands and produce an output. The input operands are provided as inputs to the arithmetic logic unit from the interconnect on the same route in each cycle. Dynamic instructions are enabled by means provided to route the output of a first one of the processing devices to a second one of the processing devices to determine the function performed by the second one of the processing devices.

Abstract: A differential assembly having first, second and third structures, a differential gear set and a biasing mechanism. The first structure is configured to rotate along a differential axis in response to receipt of a rotational input. The second structure is supported for rotation on the differential axis. The third structure is supported for rotation on the differential axis and disposed between the first and second structures. The third structure can be operated in an engaged condition for transmitting torque from the first structure to the second structure and a disengaged condition for inhibiting the transmission of torque from the first structure to the second structure. The differential gear set is coupled to and rotatably supported within the second structure. The biasing mechanism biases the third structure in the disengaged condition.

Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38, 40) to maintain their spaced relationship.

Abstract: Data reduction for testing results obtained from the diagnostic testing of signal integrity at node points along a PC board using a Rank-of-Ranks data analysis methodology. The Rank-of-Ranks methodology including a reduction of node points along the PC board by the application of a node point reduction algorithm. Calculating a ratio of the Standard Deviation by the Mean for each node point and for each testing parameter to arrive at a Coefficient of Variation. Each node point is sorted and ranked based on the Coefficient of Variation for each tested parameter at a time. At each node point, Rank values of all the parameters are summed and then sorted on the basis of the Rank values. The node points are Re-ranked based on the sorted Rank values. The Re-ranked node points are entered into an ordered list or matrix where critical node points are chosen from the top of the Re-ranked node points for study, re-design and/or further testing of the PC board.

Abstract: A method and system for personalizing standard data-processing applications for utilization by diverse data-processing application users. Initially, data which includes a group of human language files, is stored within a source directory within a data-processing system. Next, the presence of the group of human language files is automatically detected within the source directory in response to loading general system data into a working directory wherein at least one human language file among the group of human language files corresponds to a preset human language setting for the data-processing system. Thereafter, the human language file which corresponds to the preset human language setting is loaded into the working directory from the source directory. Next, the general system data is configured with the human language file which corresponds to the preset human language setting such that the general system data is now personalized to the human language of the user of the data-processing system.

Abstract: A seal assembly having a case, an annular seal member and an annular guide member. The case is adapted to be mounted to a housing within a bore. The annular seal member is coupled to the case and extends radially inward therefrom. A seal lip is formed into the annular seal member and is adapted to provide a seal between the housing and a shaft. The annular guide member is coupled to one of the case and the seal member and extends radially inward therefrom. The annular guide includes an inner tip which extends radially inward beyond the seal lip when the seal assembly is in a free state disengaged from the shaft. The inner tip of the annular guide is adapted to protect the sealing integrity of the seal lip when the seal assembly and the shaft are assembled to one another. A method for installing a seal assembly with a guide member is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconfigurable device comprising a plurality of processing devices, a connection matrix providing an interconnect between the processing devices, and means to define the configuration of the connection matrix. Each of the processing devices comprises an arithmetic logic unit, which is adapted to perform a function on input operands and produce an output. The input operands are provided as inputs to the arithmetic logic unit from the interconnect on the same route in each cycle. Dynamic instructions are enabled by means provided to route the output of a first one of the processing devices to a second one of the processing devices to determine the function performed by the second one of the processing devices.