Abstract: A memory bandwidth allocation scheme in a computer system having a unified memory architecture. When a first device requesting access to a resource detects that two higher priority devices are also requesting access to the same resource, the first device shuts itself down. Accordingly, the first device deactivates its access request signals and clears its buffers. Then, the first device reactivates itself when it receives a graphics VSYNC signal. This allocation scheme ensures that the arbiter will not get stuck in a loop serving only high priority requests and not serving lower priority requests.

Abstract: An arbitration controller that temporarily raises the priority of a graphic device's HWM request above that of the BitBLT engine while that device's LWM request is being served. In this manner, the BitBLT engine cannot interrupt the transfer of data to the graphics device. Each device capable of issuing memory access requests is categorized into one of four classes. The LWM requests are the highest priority requests, followed by CPU memory access requests, then BitBLT engine requests, and finally by HWM requests. When a LWM request is granted, the requesting device's HWM request is elevated to a priority between the CPU and the BitBLT engine. Once the LWM request is complete, the HWM request is served until either it completes, the CPU issues a memory access request, or another LWM request occurs.

Abstract: In a continuous screw conveyor or auger, the rotatable screw member (12) comprises a helical radial blade (28) (known as "flighting") which is preferably carried on a central driving shaft (26). The flighting (28) is formed by rolling a rectangular metal strip of uniform thickness between a pair of opposed, preferably offset, conical rolls (56, 58).

Abstract: A magnetic slide loading is used with automated cell counting equipment or manual optical microscopes to measure the number of cells in a fluid biological sample. A slide having a defined volume region holds the sample for measurement. A cover slip is placed over the defined volume region creating an enclosed volume. An actuable holder clamp is placed over the slide securing it as well as the cover slip in position by virtue of magnets secured to the bottom of the device exerting a magnetic force upon the holder clamp such that it is attracted toward the slide forcing the cover slip to flatten, thereby removing any defects or distortions from the volume. This action ensures that the volume has a uniform depth allowing accurate measurement of cell concentration within the biological sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining motility and other characteristics of cells in a fluid medium employing both the scattering and transmission of light through that medium and the absorption of shorter wavelength light by the cell with subsequent emission of fluorescent light. Both forms of light are imaged on an image detection apparatus, the output of which is analyzed as a function of time to produce the information concerning the characteristics of the cell.

Abstract: A motility scanner and method are disclosed for characterizing the motion of sperm, bacteria, particles suspended in flowing fluids and the like. The motility scanner preferably is mounted as a portable unit in a container and includes an optical system, a source of illumination for the system, a heated specimen support disposed in the system, ratiation sensing means coupled to the system, signal processing means for analyzing signals generated by the radiation sensing means, and a front panel disposed on the container and featuring an output screen, a printer and controls required for operating the motility detector, including a power switch. A disposable specimen holder of unique design allows external loading thereof and its positioning on the heated specimen support. The source of illumination can be a conventional filament lamp or one or more LED's. Power for the motility scanner can be self contained by incorporating a battery pack within the container or it can be derived from a conventional 110 V.A.C.

Abstract: An improved motility scanner is disclosed for characterizing the motion of sperm, bacteria, particles suspended in flowing fluids and the like. The motility scanner includes an improved optical system, a source of illumination for the system and radiation sensing means including electronic image reversal means coupled to the system. A disposable specimen holder allows external loading thereof and its positioning on a heated specimen support. The illumination source functions as a collimator in directing all of the emanating illumination onto the specimen. Both directly transmitted light and light scattered by the specimen are received by an imaging lens and are both focussed thereby onto pixels of a light sensitive device. A movable plate provided with a retarding member is designed to be located at the plane conjugate to the plane of the small source aperature. The directly transmitted light is transmitted through the retarding member and/or the attenuating member.

Abstract: A dose measurement system for ion implantation equipment based on the thermal energy deposited by the ion beam on a calibrated mass which periodically intercepts the beam. The method is insensitive to the ambient electrons which are present in the ion implanter volume. The method is also independent of processes in which the energetic ion changes its charge along its beam path. Thus, the invention solves problems of conventional does measuring system based on charge collection requiring exclusion of free electrons from the collector and compensation for the component of the implanted beam which is un-ionized and hence unrecorded by the charge collector. The simplicity and compactness of the calorimeter method has further advantages, in particular, the calorimeter solves the problem of making dose measurements in restricted spaces.

Abstract: In an artificial vagina for use in animal artificial insemination that includes a tubular section with an intromission orifice, a thin, flexible plastic sheet liner of a generally cylindrical shape with an intromission opening and a collection chamber is insertable into the artificial vagina, and disposable after one use. A filter mounted on a ring is located within the liner at a reduced diameter portion located intermediate the collection chamber and the main portion of the liner. An external strap frictionally engages the ring to secure the filter.

Abstract: A container for cooling, preserving and safely transporting a biological specimen includes a thermally insulating over-all container having as contents a container for ice, a container for the specimen including an isothermal metal cup, and a thermally insulating sheet interposed between the specimen container and the ice, the over-all container and the insulating sheet having thermal constants chosen to control the cooling rate, preferably to approximately one to three minutes per degree Centigrade, and to achieve a steady state temperature of the specimen near, but above freezing, preferably in the range of 4.degree. C. to 10.degree. C.

Abstract: The parent gas to be purified is passed end-to-end through a porous electrically conductive cylinder or its equivalent having a small wire electrode disposed along its longitudinal axis. A voltage is applied between the cylinder and wire sufficient to produce a corona discharge and ionize gas in the vicinity of the wire. Substantially only contaminants having an ionization potential less than that of the parent gas are or remain ionized and due to the electric field producing the corona discharge, are simultaneously caused to move toward the cylinder. Similarly, only electronegative gases become negatively charged in a negative corona and are likewise removed. A slightly lower pressure is maintained outside the cylinder effective to capture and remove the contaminant that has migrated to or adjacent the inner surface of the cylinder along with a small amount of the parent gas. Purified gas exits from the outlet of the cylinder.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube display system is provided for displaying alphanumeric characters which are cyclically refreshed in the sequence of selected positions. The system has conventional means for moving the CRT beam through an arbitrary sequence of selected positions with reference to first and second coordinate axes, in response to position signals, and character defining means for deflecting the beam at each selected position within which a selected character may be defined and in response to signal representations of said selected character for modulating the beam intensity along said pattern to define the character.The system further includes storage means for sequentially storing a coded representation of the character selected to be displayed as well as tab codes and carriage return codes for said displayed characters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the power of a laser beam issuing from a gaseous working medium in a working region wherein the gas is subjected to an electric field and an ionizing beam is directed to the gas, ionizing the gas and producing therein secondary electrons sufficient to support laser action wherein the power of the laser beam is controlled by controlling the power of the electron beam and the electron beam power is controlled by an electrical feedback signal from a radiation detector that detects a fraction of the laser beam reflected from a plurality of reflective small wires carried by a rotatable hub which causes the wires to sequentially pass through the laser beam and reflect a small fraction of the laser beam towards the radiation detector.

Abstract: A method of producing a lasable gaseous mixture for use in and operation of electron beam-sustainer carbon dioxide lasers comprising burning a hydrocarbon fuel to produce substantially oxygen free products of combustion, removing undesirable constituents to leave a gaseous mixture which can support laser oscillation comprising substantially only carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen, collecting the resulting gaseous mixture, and thereafter supply and use it as the active medium in an electron beam-sustainer laser.

Abstract: Working gas for an electron beam discharge laser is generated by an airbreathing, hydrocarbon fuel burning, turbocompressor engine and shaft power of the engine may be utilized to drive a generator to provide electric power to the laser or to drive a compressor to put the turbocompressor exhaust gases in compressed storage for later use in the laser, either mode affording savings in weight and cost of operating materials and/or specific energy conversion efficiency compared to prior art, electric, chemical and gas dynamic laser systems.