Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting various vascular conditions using an occlusive arm cuff plethysmograph. The system includes data acquisition hardware, including the occlusive arm cuff plethysmograph, for obtaining arterial and endothelial function data from a patient, processing means utilizing application or analysis software for analyzing the arterial and endothelial function data, and a database of computer models, such as brachial artery pressure versus lumen area curves (P-A curves) and brachial artery pressure versus compliance curves (P-C curves), developed by analyzing data for a plurality of subjects where their vascular conditions were known. The processing means diagnoses and predicts various vascular conditions pertaining to the patient by comparing or correlating the analyzed arterial and endothelial function data with the computer models stored within the database and presents the findings on a display.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling commands and data in a serial data stream received by a serial controller in a serial interface. A character count register is programed with a maximum number of characters that a serial controller will send to a direct memory access controller (DMAC) before sending an end of frame (EOF) indication. Characters in an incoming data stream are counted using the character count register. An EOF signal is passed to the DMAC after the maximum number of characters programmed in the character count register have been written to a direct memory access (DMA) buffer. The character count register is reset any time the serial controller passes an EOF to the DMAC. In one embodiment, a character is programmed into a match register. Data in an incoming data stream is compared with the character in the match register. When a character in the incoming data stream matches the character programmed in the match register, a match bit is set corresponding to the match register.

Abstract: A memory for an integrated circuit and method of fabricating same are provided, comprising providing an array of magnetic memory devices, preferably TMR junctions, that are configured as individual studs and protrude from a substrate. A layer of insulating spacer material is deposited over the array of magnetic memory devices, and a spacer etch is performed to remove the spacer material preferentially from the top surfaces of the magnetic memory devices and from substrate surface areas between the magnetic memory devices. Preferably, the insulating spacer material is low k and/or a barrier to outdiffusion of species from the TMR junctions. Examples include silicon carbide (BLOk™), low temperature silicon nitride or diamond-like carbon. In another embodiment, the insulating spacer material is also a magnetic material and may comprise magnesium-zinc ferrites or nickel-zinc ferrites.

Abstract: A storage area network (SAN) of the type has a plurality of components including one or more digital data processors in communication with one or more storage devices via a switching fabric. An interface process, e.g., resident on a manager digital data processor, permits the operator/administrator to effect execution of at least a process residing on the manager and at least one process, such as a management application, residing on another SAN component.

Abstract: A fluid quick connector adapted to be releasably mounted in a bore in a fluid use component. The quick connector includes a housing having a through bore releasably receiving a tubular endform. A retainer is mountable in the housing to latch the endform in the housing. A latch member carried on the housing is releasably engagable with a complementary latch receiver in the fluid use component. In one aspect, a latch member is carried on the end of at least one arm extending from the housing. Seal members are mountable in the bore in the fluid use component and retained in place by a top hat mountable in the quick connector housing. The top hat maintains the latch member in engagement with the latch receiver an the fluid use component.

Abstract: A process to regenerate a spent hydrogen sulfide sorbent comprised of a sorbent metal selected from Fe, Ni, Co, and Cu on a refractory oxide support using hydrogen gas. The sorbent metal component may be mono- or multi-metallic in nature, and preferably comprise Ni and/or Co. If desired, secondary metals may be incorporated to increase regeneration efficiency and/or capacity. Other additives suppress hydrocarbon cracking.

Abstract: A two-wire field-mounted process device with multiple isolated channels includes a channel that can be an input channel or an output channel. The given input or output channel can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered by the two-wire process control loop. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input channel and to control actuators coupled to an output channel. The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the two-wire loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for auto power down of transceivers operating using various speeds of connection. The present invention has a local transceiver connected to a remote transceiver via a plurality of wire pairs. The local transceiver is connected to its remote transceiver via a receive wire pair and a transmit wire pair. The local transceiver further comprises receive wire pair listening device connected to receive wire pair energy monitoring device and a system power down device. The local transceiver also comprises a signal transmission device for transmitting signals over the transmit wire pair to its remote transceiver. The remote transceiver may have a similar structure to the local transceiver. The receive wire pair listening device listens on the receive wire pair to determine if the remote transceiver is transmitting signals.

Abstract: A method and composition for providing a colored high performance wear surface for floor coverings is disclosed. Specifically, the floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance layer comprising a radiation cured pigmented composition. The exposed surface of the floor covering has a stain resistance of less than about 150 Delta E units. A pigmented high performance wear layer can be added in register with a printed design on the substrate or in register with an embossed texture of the substrate. Additionally, a high performance topcoat wear layer may be added. The pigmented high performance layer may include a nacreous pigment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the efficiency of each of a plurality of power amplifiers that amplify a corresponding one of a plurality of radio frequency signals for transmission by a corresponding one of a plurality of antennas. Using transmit beamforming, the power of each amplified signal output by the power amplifiers may not be the same for all the power amplifiers, and may vary with changes in the communication channel between the transmitting device and receiving device. Each of the plurality of power amplifiers is controlled to operate with one or more operating parameters that optimize the efficiency for an output power level of corresponding ones of the radio frequency signals. By adjusting one or more operating parameters of each power amplifier according to changing requirements (e.g., the destination device and channel conditions), the efficiency of each power amplifier can be optimized.

Abstract: An inspection and verification system includes an inspection fixture for inspecting a finished part prior to its placement in a shipping container. The inspection fixture signals a processor that the finished part has “passed” or “failed”. A finished part that passes is placed in the shipping container, which is locked in a loading position on the weighing platform of an electronic scale. If the weight of the finished part does not match a standard finished part weight, the part is rejected, the shipping container is removed and quarantined, and a new shipping container is locked in the loading position. When the weight of the finished part matches the standard weight, the part is accepted and it remains in the shipping container. When the processor receives a number of “accept” signals equal to a standard shipping container quantity, it releases the shipping container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel genes and methods for the screening of therapeutics useful for treating impaired glucose tolerance conditions, as well as diagnostics and therapeutic compositions for identifying or treating such conditions.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: A control valve of the ball type with bi-directional shutoff capabilities is disclosed. The ball valve including an inlet and an outlet, a ball element and a seal assembly. When closing the valve, the ball element, which is eccentrically mounted on a shaft, rotates to abut the seal assembly. While closed, the seal assembly including a seal housing, a main seal and a resilient member, contacts the ball element at the main seal, while the resilient member biases the main seal toward the ball element. The seal assembly further includes a secondary flowpath between the main seal and seal housing, which is restricted by two unidirectional seal rings.

Abstract: A collapsible music stand including a ground engaging base portion, an upright portion, and a selectively collapsible desk portion. The desk has a pair of body portions operably coupled by a pair of over-center toggle linkages. Each over-center toggle linkage is selectively positionable in at least a first favored position, wherein the linkage is extended so that the body portions are spaced apart and the linkage opposes movement of the body portions toward each other. Further, the toggle linkages are positionable in a second favored position wherein the body portions are freely movable toward each other to collapse the desk. The desk further includes at least one resilient element arranged so as to bias the body portions toward each other when each the toggle linkages are positioned in the first favored position.

Abstract: A photomask and method of patterning a photosensitive layer using a photomask, the photomask including a substrate and a film coupled to substrate. The film is etched with a phase shifted assist feature, a low aspect ratio assist feature or phase shifted low aspect primary features.

Abstract: A modem is configured for demodulating a communication signal associated with a unique code-division multiple access (CDMA) code. The modem includes an adaptive matched filter and a vector correlator. The vector correlator generates filter coefficients for the adaptive matched filter based on signal distortion determined by the vector correlator. The vector correlator has a processing capacity of at least eleven chips whereby the vector correlator compensates for a known phase distortion and for multipath distortion ascertainable within its processing capacity. The adaptive matched filter processes communication signals with the unique CDMA code using coefficients generated by the vector correlator.

Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements (2), an ignition control system (3) and a pressure vessel (1). Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder (7) provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer (9) to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet (8) of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more ignitors (14), associated with an individual pellet (8), and activation means to activate the ignitors; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a pair of elongated members joined together by a box hinge. The box hinge is formed of a slot in the first member having substantially flat, generally parallel sides and a hinge portion in the second member. The hinge portion of the second member conforms to the generally flat surfaces of the slot and is generally the same width as that of the second member on either side of the box hinge. The width of the first elongated member is larger than the width of the second elongated member at either end of the box hinge portion. The transitional slope of the side surfaces of the second elongated member is nearly flat between the box hinge portion, the handle end portion, and the working tip portion. The unique construction of the box hinge creates a snag-free surface that allows for the use of the instrument for tasks such as suturing without the suturing thread snagging on the instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a token with a complimentary coupon for distribution to patrons of different entities and events. A small and relatively inexpensive complimentary item may be mass produced for mass distribution to patrons or prospective patrons of different entities or events. The comp items may serve as an advertising or promotional tool as well. Each comp item, however, will include a removable comp coupon which will indicate a more valuable gift than the comp item itself. Furthermore, the comp item includes identifying marks and logos so that the patron or prospective patron will have an immediate remembrance or indication of the provider of the comp item. Additionally, the comp coupon is provided on the comp item in a tamper or pilfer resistant manner so that it is not easily removed yet removable by a patron who receives the comp item.