Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method and system for time synchronizing data from various sensor types that enables data fusion and transport. To provide this capability, the present invention utilizes an inverted Passive Optical Network (PON) approach for synchronous communication. Further, the present invention introduces an inverted Passive Electrical Network (iPEN) that extends the iPON approach. Data that are in a common format with embedded time synchronization information can easily be integrated or fused and transported over such communication links. The present invention provides the ability to merge and aggregate data from a wide range of disparate sensors and systems while maintaining close synchronization. The present invention is appropriate for synchronization of data, voice, and video onto a single network and/or multi-tiered networks and can also handle signal processing and control technologies at line rates well into the Gigabits per second (Gbps) range.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a Serial General Purpose Input Output (SGPIO) initiator device. The SGPIO initiator device may have terminals to receive parallel input signals. The device may also have parallel-to-serial conversion logic to convert the parallel input signals to a serial stream. The device may further have signal ordering logic. The signal ordering logic may be in communication with the terminals and may be in communication with the parallel-to-serial conversion logic. The signal ordering logic may determine an order in which the parallel input signals are provided in the serial stream. Methods of ordering signals within an SGPIO initiator device and systems having SGPIO initiator devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-function peripheral component interconnect (PCI) device is disclosed. The device includes a first configuration data structure associated with a first PCI function, a second configuration data structure associated with a second PCI function and a PCI bridge, coupled the first and second configuration data structures. The PCI bridge processes transactions on behalf of the first and second functions.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to prevent the propagation of an error in a transmission from an I/O processor of a peripheral device to a host in a computer system utilizing a PCI, PCI-X, or PCI Express link.

Abstract: A peripheral component interconnect-extended system that includes a bus bridge. The bus bridge includes an input queue adapted to receive a first request for data from a requesting device coupled to a first bus. The first bus is coupled to the bus bridge, and the first request containing a sequence identification information. The bus bridge also includes a data storage device to contain information to control the bus bridge, and a processor that associates a first unique identification code to the first request.

Abstract: Techniques to accelerate block guard processing of data by use of block guard units in a path between a source memory device and an originator of a data transfer request. The block guard unit may intercept the data transfer request and data transferred in response to the data transfer request. The block guard unit may utilize a cache to store information useful to verify block guards associated with the data.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may include selecting a port, among a plurality of ports. The method of this embodiment may also include selecting between a memory read request and a memory write request from at least one port, among the plurality of ports, based on, at least in part, at least one memory access rule. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: Methods and systems to replace and/or enhance a normal satiety signal with, e.g., an appetite control signal to curb appetite are disclosed. The appetite control signal may, e.g., enhance or accelerate the normal satiety signal and/or provide a nauseous signal in order to reduce a patient's appetite. The effector that provides the appetite control signal may function by delivering signals that are, e.g., chemical, pharmacological, electrical, biological, thermal, etc. (and combinations thereof). The system may function by sensing early physiological responses to eating using one or physiological sensors. When the physiological responses reach a predetermined level, the effector component may be activated to provide one or more selected appetite control stimuli (e.g., noxious stimuli, enhanced or accelerated satiety stimuli, etc.).

Abstract: Gastric volume of a patient is reduced by deploying an endoscope into a stomach through the esophagus. A plurality of anterior anchors are affixed to the anterior wall of the stomach. The anterior anchors are distributed along an anterior line of the stomach wall beginning near the cardia region and extending toward the stomach exit. A plurality of posterior anchors are affixed to the posterior wall of the stomach. The posterior anchors are distributed along a posterior line of the stomach wall beginning near the cardia region and toward the stomach exit. The anchor line and the stomach wall are drawn towards the posterior line of the stomach wall to reduce gastric volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a multi-function direct memory access core are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the reading of a direct memory access (DMA) descriptor having associated DMA data to identify at least one micro-command. Once the micro-command is identified, the DMA data is processed according to the micro-command during DMA transfer of the data. In one embodiment, a DMA engine performs an operation on the DMA data in transit within the DMA controller according to the identified micro-command. Hence, by defining a primitive set of micro-commands, the DMA engine within, for example, an input/output (I/O) controller hub (ICH), can be used to perform a large number of complex operations on data when data is passing through the ICH without introducing latency into the DMA transfer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: A segmented rolled food item is continuously produced using a rotating segmenting roller having a plurality of parallel circumferential lanes. Each lane contains a series of circumferentially spaced knife edges that are disposed at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller. A segmented rolled food item is produced by feeding multiple continuous at least substantially parallel strips of a flowable food product, each of which are deposited on pre-slit parallel strips of support material, between the nip of an upper anvil surface and the lower surface of the rotating segmenting roller. The segmentation of the food strip occurs without segmentation of the support strip. After segmenting, the food strip and the support material are cut into lengths to form leading and trailing ends. Each strip of food is rolled around a leading end of the support material to obtain a segmented rolled food item.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for accurately storing and reading digital identifications and permissions with an access rights management component that protects the privacy and integrity of the data stored. Aspects of the invention enable effective use of smart cards for applications such as air travelers identity, medical information such as history and prescriptions, or secure employee access cards. Multiple levels of security are permitted to ensure that users of the data, programs, and other resources stored on the card may access only that data that they have been authorized to. The use of a single card for multiple user roles may be used in conjunction with multiple access methods.

Abstract: A novel peptide sequence having the general formula AB wherein each of A and B represent a chain of amino acid residues and wherein said A chain is capable of binding with a major histocompatibility complex on an antigen presenting cell, and wherein said B chain is capable of binding with a Signal-2 receptor on an antigen presenting cell. Preferred forms of the peptide sequence further include an X chain positioned intermediate the A chain and the B chain. Moreover, preferred forms include an A chain which has at least about 10% sequence homology with a Signal-1 moiety, or is a peptidomimetic of a Signal-1 moiety, said B chain has at least 10% sequence homology with a Signal-2 receptor moiety, or is a peptidomimetic of a Signal-2 receptor moiety, and wherein the X chain has at least one amino acid residue, or is a peptidomimetic of that amino acid residue.

Abstract: There is a pressing need for computer-implemented tools that can summarize and present the enormous amounts of public literature to facilitate analysis of gene expression data. The present invention provides techniques and systems for efficiently integrating public literature regarding gene function with data from gene expression profiling experiments. Information from literature databases relating to a particular set of DNA sequences of known expression pattern is retrieved, processed, cross-referenced and viewed to provide further information about a particular DNA sequence to facilitate its identification as a candidate gene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for accurately storing and reading digital identifications and permissions with an access rights management component that protects the privacy and integrity of the data stored on a smart device such as a smart card. The invention is intended to enable effective use of smart cards for applications such as air travelers identity, medical information such as history and prescriptions, or secure employee access cards. Multiple levels of security are permitted to ensure that users of the data, programs, and other resources stored on the card may access only that data that they have been authorized to. The use of a single card for multiple user roles necessitates multiple access methods to the card.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for configurable memory bus width and memory reclamation. In particular, the memory controller is configured to use a width of memory that is less than that fully available such that back-to-back writes can occur, as opposed to read-modify-writes. Unused regions of memory (defined by the total available memory width subtracted by the managed memory width) are partially or fully reclaimed, thus increasing the effective memory size available to the user. The configuration methods accommodate multiple interface bus widths while maintaining bandwidth not previously possible.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a configurable memory data width including a device supporting a first data width, a memory supporting a second data width, and a controller. The controller configures a first sub-region of memory having a data width less than that fully available when the data width supported by the device differs from the data width supported by the region of memory, and maps data from the device to the configured first sub-region of the memory. The controller implements a constant in an unused region of the memory, and calculates error correction data based upon the data mapped in the sub-region of the memory and the constant value in the unused region of the memory.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer is provided. This liquid sprayer includes a bottle having an opening and a sprayer housing attached to the bottle. This sprayer housing includes an electrical motor, a voltage source for powering the electrical motor, a pump driven by the motor, a switch for completing an electrical circuit, a nozzle mechanism attached to the sprayer housing for spraying a liquid. The liquid sprayer also includes a deformable “pinched tube” mechanism which prevents liquid from flowing through the nozzle when the sprayer is not being used. The sprayer housing also includes a trigger movably connected to the sprayer housing for closing the switch, translating the piston and creating a leak-tight seal by squeezing the “pinched tube”.

Abstract: A peripheral component interconnect-extended system that includes a bus bridge. The bus bridge includes an input queue adapted to receive a first request for data from a requesting device coupled to a first bus. The first bus is coupled to the bus bridge, and the first request containing a sequence identification information. The bus bridge also includes a data storage device to contain information to control the bus bridge, and a processor that associates a first unique identification code to the first request.