Abstract: In an image rendering system, a method of compensating for system performance changes related to image attributes includes rendering a diagnostic image, sensing at least one image quality from the diagnostic image, updating an image attribute compensation tone reproduction curve based on the sensed image quality and rendering an image based on the updated image attribute compensation tone reproduction curve. For example, image attributes include print media type and a halftone screen selection. An image processing system operative to perform the method of compensation includes a set of image attribute compensation tone reproduction curves. Each curve of the set is associated with a particular combination of image attributes. For example, each curve is associated with a particular media type/halftone screen combination.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a stacked dielectric layer for suppressing electrostatic charge buildup. First, a substrate having metal layers thereon is provided, with a plurality of gaps formed therebetween. Next, a dielectric layer is formed by simultaneous deposition and ion-bombardment, such that the dielectric layer covers the bottom dielectric liner and fills the gaps. Finally, a top dielectric liner is formed on the dielectric layer by deposition without ion-bombardment. Furthermore, the present invention provides another method to fabricate a stacked dielectric layer by performing a plasma treatment on the dielectric layer to suppress electrostatic charge buildup. As a result, the above-mentioned methods can efficiently avoid metal extrusion issues.

Abstract: The use of thermopolymeric switching medium in temperature monitoring devices in which thermopolymeric switching medium is used as a retaining materials and are based on polymeric compositions that can be designed and programmed to meet selective parameters in production and performance. The thermopolymeric switching mediums can be formulated in a pure state or can include additives, such as fillers or active materials to impact the characteristics of the thermopolymeric switching component.

Abstract: A multi-protocol bus system and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the multi-protocol bus system includes a plurality of protocol indicators associated with an address space, each of the plurality of protocol indicators associated with a segment of the address space and configured to indicate a particular bus protocol. The multi-protocol bus system further includes a bus protocol selection subsystem configured to employ control lines to implement one of the particular bus protocols in accordance with a selected one of the protocol indicators based upon an addressed segment of the address space.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of compiling a program to be executed on a target microprocessor. A cycle is identified during which a functional unit would otherwise be idle. A diagnostic operation is opportunistically scheduled for execution on the functional unit during that cycle, and a comparison is scheduled to compare a result from executing the diagnostic operation with a corresponding predetermined result.

Abstract: A rental casket system includes a casket with a recessed side panel for ease of viewing. The casket includes a removable end piece which is one embodiment is located within grooves formed in the side panels of the casket. The grooves widen near the upper portion of the side panels and are partially covered by a top panel. The rental casket system includes a tray assembly that may be used as part of a cremation casket. The tray has short side walls and may include an inner assembly that prevents contact with a deceased when handholds in the tray assembly are used to move the tray assembly. The tray and a lid form a burial bell assembly that may be sealed for burial. The tray assembly may include side walls that are movably attached to end walls. Lid segments are provided with the tray so that the tray may also be used as an identification tray.

Abstract: A test system configured to detect discontinuities in packaged devices. A test unit includes a pulse generator and a sampling circuit. The packaged device is coupled to the test unit via a test fixture. The test unit is configured to transmit a pulse to the packaged device through the test fixture, receive a reflected signal from the packaged device through the test fixture in response to the transmitted pulse, and analyze the reflected signal to detect a discontinuity within the packaged device and/or determine the location of a discontinuity within the packaged device. The test system is configured to store a calibration dataset which includes a set of sample values corresponding to a time domain reflectometry (TDR) test of a calibration packaged device. The test unit is configured to compare data corresponding to the reflected signal to stored values of the calibration dataset to detect a discontinuity in the packaged device.

Abstract: A rosary includes a flexible elongate member and a plurality of beads carried thereby. The rosary may also include a sensor, and an audible indicator carried by the flexible elongate member for providing an audible indication based upon the sensor. The rosary may further include a visual indicator, in addition to or in place of, the audible indicator. The visual indicator may also be carried by the flexible elongate member for providing a visual indication based upon the sensor.

Abstract: A press and tooling apparatus for forming a preheated blank includes a heated upper tool and an opposing heated lower tool mounted within the press for relative closing movement to press the preheated blank there between. A binder ring assembly surrounds the lower tool and is mounted on the press for movement relative to the lower tool so at to bind the preheated blank to the upper tool in air tight sealing relationship in readiness for closure of the tools and application of pressurized gas to force the blank into contact with the upper tools. The binder ring assembly includes an upper ring that is heated so as to prevent the cooling of the preheated blank, and a lower ring that supports the upper ring and is fixedly connected to the upper ring by spaced apart connectors so as to minimize the heat transfer path from the heated upper ring to the lower ring.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of executing program code on a target microprocessor with multiple CPU cores thereon. One of the CPU cores is selected for testing, and inter-core context switching is performed. Parallel execution occurs of diagnostic code on the selected CPU core and the program code on remaining CPU cores. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a microprocessor having a plurality of CPU cores integrated on the microprocessor chip. Inter-core communications circuitry is coupled to each of the CPU cores and configured to perform context switching between the CPU cores.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting items along a conveyor for a checkout system may include starting a conveyor in a transporting direction upon an item being placed in proximity to a start sensor, transporting the item beyond the start sensor and stopping the conveyor prior to the item reaching an end of the conveyor if a checkout sensor positioned in a checkout area indicates that a user is absent at the checkout area. The system and method may further include transporting the item toward the end of the conveyor if the checkout sensor indicates a user is present at the checkout area, transporting the item toward the second end of the conveyor upon a second item being placed in proximity to the start sensor and stopping the conveyor upon the item being sensed by a stopping sensor.

Abstract: A cutting bit includes a body having a front surface and a side surface, the side surface including a shoulder below the front surface and extending substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the body, and a ring that is harder than the body attached to the body at a front surface of the shoulder. Wear life of the cutting bit is enhanced by maintaining particular dimensional relationships regarding the position of the ring on the body, and the diameter of portions of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a hole transport polymer comprising a polymeric backbone having linked thereto a plurality of substituents comprising fused aromatic ring groups, with the proviso that the polymer does not contain groups selected from triarylamines and carbazole groups. It further relates to devices that are made with the polymer.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus has a housing for movement along a surface with a suction nozzle assembly having an inlet and outlet provided on the housing. A recovery container is removably mounted to the housing. A hose having a first end detachably connected to the outlet of the suction nozzle and a second end in fluid communication with the recovery container floor-scrubbing machine is provided. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, hose, and recovery container for drawing dirt from the cleaning surface into the inlet of the suction nozzle and into. The cleaning apparatus further includes a handle movably connected to the housing and movable between a first position that locks the first end of the hose to the housing to a second position that unlocks the first end of the hose to the housing.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which communicate with one or two host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller provides selective interface means to be employed between the host computers and the base transceivers whereby low data rate base transceivers may be utilized with the network controller while spread spectrum or high data rate networked base transceivers may be also utilized. The network controller may allow selection of interface means for three of its ports from its front panel with use of three input keys. The network controller is entirely external to the host computer or computers, and can couple to a variety of commonly encountered host ports.

Abstract: Vacuum carburizing of ferrous workpieces is performed at low pressure in a vacuum furnace using a carburizing hydrocarbon as the carburizing medium. The furnace is constructed to be generally transparent to the carburizing hydrocarbon so that cracking tends to occur at the workpiece which functions as a catalyst to minimize carbon deposits. The carburizing hydrocarbon is supplied in liquid form to an injector which injects the liquid carburizing hydrocarbon as a vapor to produce a uniform dispersion of the carburizing hydrocarbon about the workpiece, resulting in uniform carburizing of the workpieces.

Abstract: The invention provides a moveable storage compartment designed for camper trailers that provides for top access even when the camper is in use and is folded out and over the top of the compartment. The storage compartment's unique design and placement on a sliding track allow the user to move the compartment to either side of the trailer in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line running along the length of the trailer. Furthermore, the compartment has one or more lids that allow either side to be accessed depending upon on which side of the trailer access is desired. At least one lid of the compartment may easily convert for use as a table if desired.