Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for reading optical disks. Some implementations are particularly well suited for automatically playing both sides of a dual-sided optical disk. By coordinated delivery of disks between a disk reader, a disk transfer mechanism, or a disk turner and a carrousel that is approximately toroid shaped, both sides of a dual-sided optical disk can be automatically accessed.

Abstract: A system for managing messages so that redundant messages need not be reviewed by a user. The system monitors electronic messages received by a user, and determines whether the received electronic messages are related to pending electronic messages for the user, such as by being a part of the same message thread. Redundant messages among the related messages are then identified, and are indicated in one or more ways such as by deleting the redundant messages or by altering the visual indicators of the messages presented to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating disorders of the swallowing system, including injecting a modifier composed of biocompatible particles and a biocompatible carrier into one or more desired tissue sites. The present invention may be injected at a tissue site of a patient's mouth, pharynx, nasal passages, esophagus, trachea or other suitable tissue sites to treat snoring and other tissue disorders.

Abstract: A portable computer is described that contains a circuit for receiving pages and performing security functions based on the received page. Once a page has been received by the portable computer, the computer's hard drive can be automatically reformatted, or the portable computer can be prevented from booting. In addition, the portable computer can be programmed to use a modem to automatically dial a security center and transmit security information such as the Caller ID Tag of the current telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method are described for a memory management processor which, using a table of reference addresses embedded in the object code, can open the appropriate memory pages to expedite the retrieval of information from memory referenced by instructions in the execution pipeline. A suitable compiler parses the source code and collects references to branch addresses, calls to other routines, or data references, and creates reference tables listing the addresses for these references at the beginning of each routine. These tables are received by the memory management processor as the instructions of the routine are beginning to be loaded into the execution pipeline, so that the memory management processor can begin opening memory pages where the referenced information is stored. Opening the memory pages where the referenced information is located before the instructions reach the instruction processor helps lessen memory latency delays which can greatly impede processing performance.

Abstract: A method and system are described for generating reference tables in object code which specify the addresses of branches, routines called, and data references used by routines in the code. In a suitably equipped processing system, the reference tables can be passed to a memory management processor which can open the appropriate memory pages to expedite the retrieval of data referenced in the execution pipeline. The disclosed method and system create such reference tables at the beginning of each routine so that the table can be passed to the memory management processor in a suitably equipped processor. Resulting object code also allows processors lacking a suitable memory management processor to skip the reference table, preserving upward compatibility.

Abstract: Data bus capacitance is reduced by decoupling unaccessed memory circuits from a data bus during data transfers to or from other memory circuits.

Abstract: Data bus capacitance is reduced by decoupling unaccessed memory circuits from a data bus during data transfers to or from other memory circuits.

Abstract: An unexpanded perlite ore polishing composition is shown. The composition comprises base material having grains of unexpanded perlite ore of a selected distribution of particle sizes which undergo fracturing of the grains as a function of an abrasive force applied to the base material. The selected distribution of particle sizes includes a significant volume of grains of unexpanded perlite ore having a (d90) particle size in a range of about 101 to about 229 &mgr;m. The base material is responsive to an abrasive force being applied thereto during polishing resulting in continued fracturing of the grains of unexpanded perlite ore to yield a final polishing composition having a sufficiently low level of abrasiveness under said abrasive force making it suitable for use in polishing. Compositions for polishing acrylic dentures and CRT tube surfaces using the unexpanded perlite ore polishing composition and methods for polishing the same are also shown.

Abstract: A processing system optimized for data string manipulations includes data string execution circuitry associated with a bus interface unit or memory controller. Cache coherency is maintained, and data move and compare operations may be performed efficiently on cached data. A barrel shifter for realignment of cached data during move operations and comparators for comparing a test data string to cached data a cache line at a time may be provided.

Abstract: An unexpanded perlite ore polishing composition is shown. The composition comprises base material having grains of unexpanded perlite ore of a selected distribution of particle sizes which undergo fracturing of the grains as a function of an abrasive force applied to the base material. The selected distribution of particle sizes includes a significant volume of grains of unexpanded perlite ore having a particle size of less than about 245 &mgr;m. The base material is responsive to an abrasive force being applied thereto during polishing resulting in continued fracturing of the grains of unexpanded perlite ore to yield a final polishing composition having a sufficiently low level of abrasiveness under said abrasive force making it suitable for use in polishing. Methods for preparing and using the unexpanded perlite ore polishing composition are also shown.

Abstract: The invention comprises data processing systems and components thereof. Such systems may include a memory controller, a plurality of memory devices, a data bus coupling the memory controller with the plurality of memory devices, and at least one bus switch located in the data bus between the memory controller and one of the plurality of memory devices. Memory integrated circuits and memory modules including at least one switch in the data bus are also provided.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which may comprise an upstream source of broadband communications and a downstream local area network, wherein the upstream source of broadband communications is coupled to the downstream local area network through a notch filter. In some embodiments, the upstream source of broadband communications may be a cable television service provider, and the local area computer network may use existing cable television wiring as communication cable.

Abstract: A scrubbing controller used with a DRAM stores data in an error correcting code format. The system then uses a memory control state machine and associated timer to periodically cause the DRAM to read the error correcting codes. An ECC generator/checker in the scrubbing controller then detects any errors in the read error correcting codes, and generates corrected error correcting codes that are written to the DRAM. This scrubbing procedure, by reading error correcting codes from the DRAM, inherently refreshes memory cells in the DRAM. The error correcting codes are read at rate that may allow data errors to be generated, but these errors are corrected in the memory scrubbing procedure. However, the low rate at which the error correcting codes are read results in a substantial power saving compared to refreshing the memory cells at a higher rate needed to ensure that no data errors are generated.

Abstract: A method for managing messages so that redundant messages need not be reviewed by a user. The method monitors electronic messages received by a user, and determines whether the received electronic messages are related to pending electronic messages for the user, such as by being a part of the same message thread. Redundant messages among the related messages are then identified, and are indicated in one or more ways such as by deleting the redundant messages or by altering the visual indicators of the messages presented to the user.

Abstract: A method and telephone apparatus that places a telephone call to a directory assistance system and verbally provides the system with information identifying an entity is provided. The directory assistance system transmits data including at least the phone number and alphanumeric identifier of the entity to the telephone. Upon receipt of the data from the directory assistance system, the data is stored into the memory of the telephone. Thus, the telephone is automatically programmed with at least a telephone number and its associated alphanumeric identifier. Accordingly, the telephone number can later be recalled and dialed through the use of the alphanumeric identifiers.

Abstract: This invention provides biocompatible, load bearing compositions adapted for bone filling and restorative applications or purposes. One embodiment of this invention includes curable compositions comprising carbon coated composite particles in a polymerizable mixture. Another comprises carbon coated composite particles combined with autogenous bone. These mixtures may be adhered to metals, ceramics, and natural bone tissues. Embodiments of this invention are highly compatible with natural bone tissue and are capable of bearing significant loads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe and a hypodermic needle having both linear and arcuate segments for injecting bulking agents into soft tissue planes between an organ and surrounding sphincter muscle to treat undesired sphincter-related deficiencies such as stress urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and esophageal reflux. A penetration depth shield or guide may be added to the hypodermic needle to limit the penetration of the needle and aid in the proper positioning of the needle. In one embodiment, a method for injecting a bulking agent into the soft tissue plane between the urethra and surrounding sphincter muscle and/or proximal urethral submucosa by using a hypodermic needle having both linear and arcuate segments, a penetration depth shield and a syringe containing a bulking agent is provided. The bulking agent may comprise a plurality of discrete carbon coated substrate particles that are carried in a fluid and lubricative biocompatible medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modifying the lower esophagus by injecting biocompatible particles in a biocompatible carrier into a submucosal tissue site of the lower esophagus of a patient. The method may be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease by optimizing the closing function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Abstract: An optical disk changer that is capable of automatically playing both sides of a dual-sided optical disk. By coordinated delivery of disks between a disk reader, a disk transfer mechanism, or a disk turner and a carrousel that is approximately toroid shaped, both sides of a dual-sided optical disk can be automatically accessed.