Abstract: Conversions can be applied to various asynchronous and/or concurrent mechanisms. In particular, such mechanism can be transformed into first-class events to facilitate processing with respect to first-class events including but not limited to querying. Both conventional events and asynchronous computations can be transformed to these events, for example by generating and linking a proxy event thereto.

Abstract: A system for internally monitoring an integrated circuit, wherein the contents of memory locations in the integrated circuit can be displayed on a dedicated display unit via a graphical interface device provided in the integrated circuit. The system provides a built-in means for observing the internal state of both firmware and hardware (as applicable) on the integrated circuit device. This facilitates the development of, and ongoing health monitoring of, the device in any system into which it may be incorporated. The provision of a graphical interface device provides a relatively high bandwidth for the outgoing data and so allows the internal state of the device to be monitored in real time.

Abstract: An anti-rattle track fastener assembly for attaching a fixture to a vehicle that has a track formed therein. The track includes upper walls that form a longitudinally-extending slot. Spaced-apart segments extend from the upper walls into the slot to provide undercut areas in the slot positioned under the segments. Spaced-apart openings are positioned between the segments. The fastener assembly includes a stud that extends from the fixture and is dimensioned to be received within the slot for engaging the spaced-apart segments. The fastener also includes an eccentrically-mounted cam movable between a first position and a second position. When the cam is in the first position, the stud can engage the spaced-apart segments with clearance, and when the cam is in the second position, the stud can tightly engage the spaced-apart segments.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system comprising a hood assembly defining a passage therethrough and a disposable container configured to be positioned below the hood assembly and defining an open end sized to receive medical waste. A deck component is configured to be mounted adjacent the open end of the disposable container and defines an opening for the passage of medical waste into the disposable container. The deck component comprises a first connector configured to removably receive the hood assembly and a second connector configured to receive a lid. The lid is configured to substantially close the deck component opening when the lid is positioned on the deck component, thereby blocking the disposal path.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system comprising an outer enclosure defining an interior and an opening providing access into the interior of the outer enclosure. A disposable container is positioned and substantially enclosed within the interior of the outer enclosure. A hood assembly is positioned and supported at least partially within the outer enclosure above the open end of the disposable container so as to at least partially define a passage extending between the opening defined in the outer enclosure and an open end of the container. A lid is configured to be positioned over and substantially close the open end of the container while the container is enclosed within the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of medical waste disposal comprising (a) positioning an open end of a container relative to a hood assembly such that the hood assembly substantially covers the open end of the container; (b) depositing medical waste in the container through a passage defined by the hood assembly until the container is at least partially full; (c) placing a lid over the open end of the container such that the open end is substantially closed; (d) disposing of the container; (e) sterilizing the hood assembly; and (f) repeating step (a).

Abstract: A device for managing lines of a kite has a means for securing the device to a control bar of a kite and a line attachment portion of the device, the line attachment portion having a plurality of means for detachably retaining lines of a kite. The means for securing is formed to have an internally cylindrical sleeve having a longitudinal opening. Opposing portions of the sleeve adjacent the longitudinal opening are biased towards each other, and are elastically flexible to allow insertion of the control bar while frictionally retaining the control bar once inserted. The means for detachably retaining lines is formed as a slit in a circumferential direction with respect to the sleeve, which slit is formed to frictionally and removably retain a line inserted therein. In one embodiment, a stem portion extends radially from the means for securing, the line attachment portion residing at the distal end of said stem, the line attachment portion being formed as a longitudinal member perpendicular to the stem.

Abstract: A device is provided for managing lines of a kite which device is securable to a control bar of a kite and has a line attachment portion. The line attachment portion having a plurality of kite line retainers for detachably retaining lines of a kite. The device is secured to the control bar by an internally cylindrical sleeve having a longitudinal opening. Opposing portions of the sleeve adjacent the longitudinal opening are biased towards each other, and are elastically flexible to allow insertion of the control bar while frictionally retaining the control bar once inserted. The kite line retainers are formed as a slit in a circumferential direction with respect to the sleeve, which slit is formed to frictionally and removably retain a line inserted therein. In one embodiment, a stem extends radially from the sleeve, the line attachment portion residing at the distal end of the stem, the line attachment portion being formed as a longitudinal member perpendicular to the stem.

Abstract: A kit for medical waste disposal comprising a plurality of containers; a hood assembly configured to substantially cover an open end of a respective one said containers, the hood assembly defining a passage through which medical waste can be passed to the open end of said container; and a plurality of lids, separate from the hood assembly, each configured to be placed over an open end of a respective container and to substantially close the open end of said container when said container is at least partially filled with medical waste; each of said containers being configured for separation from the hood assembly for disposal.

Abstract: A medical implement dispensing and disposal system. The medical implement dispensing and disposal system comprises a container having an open end with a dispensing chamber and a disposal chamber defined within the container. A cover is configured to substantially close the open end of the container. The cover defines a disposal opening in communication with the disposal chamber. A dispensing opening is defined in either the container or cover and in communication with the dispensing chamber. A biasing assembly is positioned in the dispensing chamber and configured to provide a biasing force toward the dispensing opening.

Abstract: Described are a system and method of communicating status and protection information between cards in a communications system. The system has a plurality of cards connected to a backplane. The plurality of cards includes a tributary card and a cross-connect card for forwarding data traffic between cards in the network element. The backplane has a link that is dedicated to carrying out-of-band signals between the tributary card and the cross-connect card. The tributary card transmits information to the cross-connect card in a first out-of-band signal over the link and the cross-connect card broadcasts the information to the plurality of cards in the network element in a second out-of-band signal.

Abstract: A passenger seat for a vehicle having a floor includes a footrest positioned forward of a seat bottom. The footrest includes a resilient support surface positioned above the floor for supporting a passenger's feet. The footrest may be an enclosure suspended below the bottom of a forward-positioned seat. In an alternative embodiment, the footrest may include a resilient support surface footrest which allows each of a passenger's feet to be supported above the floor in different longitudinal positions.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for shaping reflective surfaces of optical concentrators are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an optical concentrator in accordance with the present invention includes a reflective surface and one or more shaping components that help to provide a desired shape to the reflective surface. Exemplary shaping components preferably comprise thin, readily manufacturable ribs with precision surfaces that provide the desired shape to a reflective surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting limit cycles in a sigma delta modulator having an output signal that varies over a series of time intervals. In this method a first value that is indicative of the level of the modulator output signal after a predetermined time interval is stored in a first memory, and a second value that is indicative of the level of the modulator output signal after a further time interval subsequent to the predetermined time interval is stored in a second memory. The first value stored in the first memory is compared with the second value stored in the second memory, and an output indicative of a tendency for limit cycles to be produced in the modulator output signal is provided in response to such comparison. Such a method is particularly advantageous for detecting limit cycles in a sigma delta modulator as it can be implemented in a straightforward manner and offers a very accurate limit cycle detection mechanism.

Abstract: A passenger seat for a vehicle is mounted by an extendible stud assembly which includes a housing attached to the seat; and a movable plunger carried by the housing and including a locking stud adapted for engaging a locking track. The housing is constructed such that movement of the stud relative to the housing under an applied load causes deformation of the housing which resists the motion. This controlled motion of the locking stud allows a deck of the aircraft to deform under crash loads without imposing excessive loads on the passenger seat.

Abstract: A method and system for enforcing version control is provided. An embodiment of the method comprises receiving a command to execute code. Code is retrieved from a code management storage and loaded into a controlled storage. The code may comprise test and program components. The code is executed and the results of the executed code are recorded and logged, and the code is removed from the controlled storage. The system includes an interface for receiving the execute code command and is coupled to the controlled storage. A code loader for loading code into the controlled storage may also be provided.

Abstract: A device is provided for the management of multiple lines attached to a bar, of the type used in power kites for kiteboarding. The device is formed of an elongate body having a shaft region, a spool region adjacent the shaft region and distal thereto, and a line retaining region distal to the spool region. The shaft region has a hollow body having a longitudinal groove running from a proximal opening to a distal end point, and a bar retaining means for retaining a bar against rotational or axial movement. The spool region has a spool shaft defined by proximal and distal containment means for retaining spooled lines wound about the spool shaft. A line retaining region has a means for separately retaining one or more lines of a plurality of lines.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system comprising a hood assembly defining a passage therethrough and a disposable container configured to be positioned below the hood assembly and defining an open end sized to receive medical waste. A deck component is configured to be mounted adjacent the open end of the disposable container and defines an opening for the passage of medical waste into the disposable container. The deck component comprises a first connector configured to removably receive the hood assembly and a second connector configured to receive a lid. The lid is configured to substantially close the deck component opening when the lid is positioned on the deck component, thereby blocking the disposal path.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system comprising a disposable receptacle defining an opening and a hood assembly defining a passage therethrough and configured to be removably connected to the disposable receptacle such that the hood assembly passage aligns with the opening of the disposable receptacle and defines a disposal path into the disposable receptacle. A lid is coupled to the disposable receptacle and movable between an open position to permit passage of medical waste through the opening of the disposable receptacle and a closed position to substantially close the opening of the disposable receptacle and thereby substantially close the opening.

Abstract: A method of medical waste disposal comprising (a) positioning an open end of a container relative to a hood assembly such that the hood assembly substantially covers the open end of the container; (b) depositing medical waste in the container through a passage defined by the hood assembly until the container is at least partially full; (c) placing a lid over the open end of the container such that the open end is substantially closed; (d) disposing of the container; (e) sterilizing the hood assembly; and (f) repeating step (a).