Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic card with multiple interfaces, which includes a first and a second interface connection port, an interface signal converter, a first and a second switch device and a card loading detection device. The interface signal converter converts second interface connection port signals to predetermined interface signals. The first switch device is arranged between the second interface connection port and the interface signal converter. The second switch device is arranged between the interface signal converter and the predetermined interface. The card loading detection device detects whether the first interface connection port is connected to an electronic device. If the first interface connection port is connected to an electronic device, the card loading detection device turns off the first and second switch devices.

Abstract: A policy engine for handling incoming data packets. The policy engine includes a stream classification module, a data packet input/output module, and a policy enforcement module. The policy enforcement module further includes a packet scheduler, an on-chip packet buffer circuitry, and a plurality of action processors. The stream classification module creates a packet service header for each data packet, wherein the packet service header indicates policies to be enforced for that data packet. The action processors enforce the policies.

Abstract: A method of scheduling packet output according to a quality of service action specification, the method maintains a calendar queue of bandwidth timeslots, organizes the timeslots into groups, invokes a look-up logic circuitry to inspect a group of timeslots substantially simultaneously, determines a first unoccupied timeslot to schedule a current packet, and also determines a first occupied timeslot that contains a next packet to transmit.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for a fluorescent lamp includes a delay triggered circuit which, upon expiration of a predetermined period during which the lamp filaments, constituting opposite electrodes of the lamp, are preheated, applies high frequency operating voltage across the opposite electrodes of the lamp beginning with a transition from a condition of no voltage to a condition of full rated voltage which occurs within one cycle of the high frequency voltage. The sharp transition from zero "glow current" to full "arc current" at the end of the preheating period has been found to increase the life of lamps in the number of on-off starts, particularly with respect to lamps of poor quality. The rapid transition is possible because the ballast uses the same inverter and transformer for supplying preheating and operating voltages. The operating voltage is applied between the opposite electrodes of the lamp via an electronic bi-directional switch, controlled by a preheating delay RC timing circuit.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic superconductor is disclosed, having a nominal stoichiometric composition consisting essentially of the oxides of Bi, Ca, Sr, Cu and Zn in the stoichiometric formula range: Bi.sub.2 Ca.sub.x Sr.sub.z Zn.sub.n Cu.sub.w O.sub.y, wherein x ranges about 1-2, z ranges about 1-2, n ranges about 0.001-2, w ranges about 1-2, and y ranges about 6-11. These compositions exhibit greatly improved glass stability, yet can yield highly crystalline superconductors which may include large platelet crystals and which can exhibit very low room temperature resistivity.

Abstract: A method for modulating the rate of erythropoiesis in human hematopoietic progenitor cells. FRP is found to be an efficacious potentiator of, and inhibin a suppressor of, erythropoietin-induced differentiation. FRP and inhibin are shown to be functional antagonists of each other, and thus represent an effective means for modulating erythropoiesis in a number of disease states which are directly caused by or associated with an abnormal rate of erythropoiesis.