Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for managing a set of memory resources used to store texture objects in a data processing system. A texture manager allocates memory to a current texture object in a set of memory resources. A stored texture object, handled by the texture manager, is selectively removed in response to an inability to allocate sufficient memory to the current texture object. The allocating and selectively removing steps are repeated until the current texture object is allocated sufficient memory. The repeating step is halted in response to an absence of any stored texture objects, handled by a texture manager, being present in the first memory resource. Stored texture objects, handled by another texture manager, are selectively removed in response to an inability to allocate sufficient memory to the current texture object. Memory is allocated in the set of memory resources to the current texture object in response to selectively removing stored texture objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising surfactants and organic and/or inorganic acids wherein the compositions and/or the surfactant and acid combination meet specific functional criteria. Articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of sanitizing and moisturizing skin surfaces.

Abstract: Briefly, the present invention provides a system and method for high throughput processing using sample holders. The system has a plurality of work perimeters, with a rotational robot preferably associated with each work perimeter. At least one transfer station area is provided between adjacent work perimeters to facilitate robotic transfer of sample holders from one work perimeter to another area. Each work perimeter typically includes a plurality of defined station locations, with each station location positioned to be accessible by the robot associated with that area. In addition, each station location is typically configured to receive a device, such as an automated instrument or a holding nest. Device components are arranged at selected station locations according to specific application requirements to provide a flexible, robust, reliable, and accurate high throughput processing system.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for reducing a boundary of a subspace in a binary space partitioning tree is provided. In one embodiment a space containing an object for which an image is to be rendered and displayed to a user is divided into subspaces. The boundaries of each subspace are recalculated to remove at least a portion of the dead space from within the subspace. The recalculation is performed by analyzing the spatial extent of the object or objects within the each subspace and recalculating the boundaries of each subspace to be coextensive with the boundaries of the object or objects within the subspace.

Abstract: A method, system, and program product for creating a child node of a binary space partitioning (BSP) tree node that better approximates the size of an object to be rendered is provided. In one embodiment, a a binary space partitioning tree is created. A rendering process then determines whether either a top node or a child node in a first level of child nodes is a good approximation of the object to be rendered. If not, then the rendering process modifies the binary space partitioning tree to include a new child node having boundaries that are closer to the maximum coordinates of primitives defining the object than are the boundaries of the top node or of the child nodes in the first level of child nodes. This new child node may have a bounding volume that overlaps the bounding volumes of other child nodes in the BSP tree.

Abstract: A user accessing a Web site can select the format in which information is presented. The information, instead of being stored in a static HTML document, is dynamically formatted for each user in accordance with that user's personality traits. The information to be displayed is stored in a database server. Client computers running Web browsers do not access that database server directly. Instead, they access it through an application server running server software for dynamic Web pages and also software which implements the business models needed to format the information for each user's personality traits. Those business models and the identity of the browser which each client user is running are used to format the information in from the database server as required. When the user accesses the home page on the application server, the user is presented with a list of links corresponding to personality traits so that the user can view the information as desired.

Abstract: An MRI control system for controlling the operation of an MRI scanner from within an RF shielded MRI exam room in which the MRI scanner is located includes an MRI compatible infrared remote control device located within the MRI exam room for producing infrared control signals within the MRI exam room. An infrared receiver is positioned for receiving infrared control signals emitted by the infrared remote control device and producing electrical control signals in response thereto. An MRI controller located outside the MRI exam room is operatively connected to the infrared receiver for receiving control information. The MRI controller is operatively connected to the MRI scanner for controlling the MRI scanner and receiving scan information and the MRI controller operable to control operation of the MRI scanner in response to control signals emitted by the infrared remote control device based upon control information received from the infrared receiver.

Abstract: An integrated circuit with a buried layer for increasing the Q of an inductor formed in the integrated circuit. The substrate includes a highly doped buried preserving device and latchup characteristics. The inductor may also include an increased thickness conductive layer in the inductor to further increase Q. The present invention is also directed to a low loss interconnect.

Abstract: A high precision current control circuit (current mirror) is disclosed. As in prior current mirrors, a reference voltage is generated from the input reference current. An operational amplifier is placed between the reference diode and the bases of the controlled transistors to provide precise reproduction of the reference voltage with ample current to drive many controlled current sources or current sources with high multiplication ratios from the reference current. As compared to prior emitter follower drivers, a lower voltage threshold of operation from an external proportional control results. Lower power supply voltage is supported, since one diode drop is removed from the reference current path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating or preventing the onset of Alzheimer's Disease comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an Alzheimer's Disease-preventing or treating amount of a plasma-triglyceride level-lowering agent. Optionally, the plasma-triglyceride level-lowering agent can be co-administered with a cholesterol level-lowering agent.

Abstract: A streamer handling and towing system for a seismic survey vessel comprises a beam (42) secured to the underside of the deck (50) of the vessel immediately above the streamer deck (20), so that it extends generally longitudinally of the vessel above normal head height. The beam (42) is pivoted at its stern end, and supported at its other end (54) by a telescopic arm (56) which can lower that end towards the streamer deck (20). A carriage (60) supporting a spooling block (34) for the streamer (28) is movable in both directions along the beam (42). During towing, the beam (42) is held in its raised position, with the spooling block (34) at the stern end of the beam. When it is desired to work on the streamer, the carriage (60) is moved along the beam (42) to the other end, which is then lowered towards the streamer deck (20) to provide convenient waist high access to the streamer.

Abstract: A hard mask, e.g., a silicon dioxide or silicon nitride film, is used to avoid organic polymer materials in copper plasma etch applications. The hard mask would be deposited as a blanket layer on the Cu metal layer and itself be patterned and etched with a conventional photolithographic resist pattern. The hard mask etch is stopped shortly before the Cu surface is exposed. Halting the hard mask etch before the Cu surface is exposed facilitates the use of conventional cleaning processes following the hard mask etch. The remaining thin layer of hard mask can be etched through during the beginning of the Cu metal etch process. Any remaining hard mask deposited on the Cu metal layer can form a part of a new dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method of providing secure access to a target server by a client apparatus over an IP network comprises receiving an IP request from the client apparatus destined for the target server, sending a request for authentication information to the client, receiving the requested authenticated information, performing a validation process for the authentication information, and passing on the IP request from the client to the target server and returning data from the target server to the client dependent upon the outcome of the validation process.

Abstract: The present invention is a module for use in an optical fiber administration system, or a dedicated system. The module contains both an optical transmitter and an optical monitor, wherein the module transmits a test signal over a fiber optic network and receives back that same signal through a different fiber in the fiber optic network. By both sending and receiving the test signal, the integrity of different paths in the optical fiber network can be determined in a space efficient manner. The module contains a microprocessor. The microprocessor reads data regarding the test signal as it is transmitted and that same test signal as it is received. This data may be read to an external shelf controller. The shelf controller utilizes the data from the microprocessor in the analysis of fiber optic loop conditions as well as the laser itself.

Abstract: A system an method for managing wire leads that extend from a circuit board of a similar electronic assembly. The device includes a support tray having a top surface and a bottom surface. The circuit board is mounted to the top surface of the support tray. A planar element is provided that is positioned below the bottom surface of the support tray. The planar element engages the wire leads extending from the circuit board. The presence of the planar element causes the wire leads to extend along the bottom surface of the support tray between the bottom surface of the support tray and the planar element. As a result, the wire leads conform to the bottom of the support tray and do not occupy the space behind the circuit board.

Abstract: A hard mask, e.g., a silicon dioxide or silicon nitride film, is used to avoid organic polymer materials in copper plasma etch applications. The hard mask would be deposited as a blanket layer on the Cu metal layer and itself be patterned and etched with a conventional photolithographic resist pattern. The hard mask etch is stopped shortly before the Cu surface is exposed. Halting the hard mask etch before the Cu surface is exposed facilitates the use of conventional cleaning processes following the hard mask etch. The remaining thin layer of hard mask can be etched through during the beginning of the Cu metal etch process. Any remaining hard mask deposited on the Cu metal layer can form a part of a new dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions comprising an odor controlling agent and select sanitizing agents for deodorizing and sanitizing skin surfaces. Articles of manufacture and methods of deodorizing and sanitizing the skin using disclosed compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial cleansing compositions that have a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.5 and comprise an antimicrobial agent, an amphoteric surfactant, and 2-pyrrolidone-5 carboxylic acid as a proton donating agent. Also disclosed are corresponding articles of manufacture and methods of cleansing the skin using the described compositions. The compositions are mild to the skin and provide improved antimicrobial benefits to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting A&bgr; synthesis and for treating Alzheimer's disease by administering a farnesyl transferase inhibitor of the formula: 1