Abstract: A processing system includes a control flow monitor (CFM) checker for verifying a sequence of instructions performed by a pipelined processor (101). The CFM checker provides fail safe assurance against run-time errors in the sequence of instructions performed by a processor. The CFM checker verifies instruction sequence during run-time within 32 instruction cycles. The processing system provides an improved system and method having a CFM checker which minimizes wasted instruction cycles when performing branch instructions in a software program. Using a prefetch capability of an instruction pipeline and storing fixwords sequentially in memory, eliminates unnecessary instructions to fetch fixword values from external tables, thereby saving instructions and instruction cycles.

Abstract: A configurable cryptographic processing engine (100) provides high performance cryptographic processing support for symmetric combiner type cryptographic algorithms. As many as two independent cryptographic algorithms may be performed at the same time through the processes of background staging and algorithm multi-tasking. A 3-stage instruction pipeline, dynamically configurable cryptographic co-processor (550), and 32-bit RISC based architecture support high performance cryptographic processing performance on the order of 60 Mbps aggregate throughput.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: Interface processor (IP)(50) sends and receives data units to and from an external host and a processor. The IP is capable of simultaneous, full duplex operation via high speed serial and parallel interfaces. The IP provides a highly flexible and configurable interface which is capable of interfacing to a variety of systems with minimal external hardware. The IP also provides a method of converting received data into data packets. The IP provides buffering of multiple data packets for use in systems having "bursty" data traffic. The IP has a memory expansion capability allowing for changeable buffer capacities.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer tube which can be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner tube that telescopes within the outer tube. A shock absorbing system, preferably in the form of a cartridge is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to maintain torsional rigidity between the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric annulus-shaped membrane having a shape-retentive memory and exerting a force so as to assume and to maintain a predetermined closed-loop geometric shape, normally a circle, fits circumferentially about the cervix os of a human female so as to hold and retain medical instrumentation probes, preferably two opposed wire-connected ultrasonic transducers of a real-time transit-time ultrasonic monitor of cervical dilatation and effacement. The annular membrane may optionally extend as a tube downwards in the vaginal canal, in the manner of a female diaphragm, as to shield the wires from the walls of the vagina. The membrane expands and contracts with such cyclical variation in the dilatation and effacement of the cervix os as occurs from the earliest onset of labor until imminent childbirth.

Abstract: The onset of spontaneous abortion or premature labor of a pregnant human female is continuously monitored, potentially for periods of several months and longer, by a real-time transit-time ultrasonic monitor of the dilatation and/or effacement of the cervix os, preferably by a computerized ambulatory monitor. The preferred computerized monitor sounds an alarm upon the detection of variably present conditions, normally the compound conditions of five or more 10% cyclical variations in the dilatation or effacement of the cervix os within a period of one hour, coupled with a greater than 1 centimeter increase over baseline of either dilatation or effacement, which compound conditions normally indicate the early onset of labor. The monitor connects to an infusion pump, likewise preferably ambulatory, for directing and controlling the infusion of one or more tocolytic, labor-preventing, drugs if labor continues.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: A fish hook remover, designed to minimize damage to an artificial fly and to minimize human contact with a fish during fish hook removal, comprises an elongated body having a removal tip integral to a first end of the elongated body, and a handle attached to a second end of the elongated body. The removal tip comprises a guide region and a tubular head. The tubular head defines a slot on its surface and a chamber on its interior, and is positioned relative to the elongated body such that an axis defined by the chamber of the tubular head is offset by more than zero degrees but less than ninety degrees from an axis defined by the elongated body. The removal tip is designed to allow a user to easily slide a fishing line, which is tensioned by the weight of a caught fish, into the tubular head chamber via the slot.

Abstract: An improved bicycle suspension system wherein the suspension system's characteristics change according to whether a rider is in a standing position or a sitting position. In a standing position, the rider's weight is placed primarily upon the pedal assembly of the bicycle, thereby creating an upward force on the swing arm which places a first compression force upon a shock absorber. In a sitting position, the rider's weight is also placed on a seat of a seat frame. This places a downward force on the seat frame which places a second compression force on the shock absorber. Thus, in the sitting position, the combination of the first and second compression forces, measured as a leverage ratio, is placed upon the shock absorber. In this sitting position situation, the shock absorber is more responsive to irregularities in the road, and provides a softer ride with greater traction and control.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: The storage device of this invention provides an improved accessory holder for standard ring binders having a plurality of ring guides attached to a binder spine-mounted back plate. The device comprises a generally hollow housing member conditioned for placement against and attachment to the binder back plate, and within the rings themselves, so as not to interfere with the sheets or other contents of the binder. The housing member has a central cavity for holding accessory items such as pencils, rulers, and the like, and includes a cap or door for access to the central cavity.

Abstract: A pedal is provided with a frontal half hoop or ring. A plastic cleat attached to the shoe of the cyclist has a circular plate that fits the loop or ring. Registry is achieved by a pin or hook that projects forwardly of the plate. The pin or hook captures the hoop or ring. To engage the coupling, the cleat is outwardly pivoted and then returned so that companion rigid clips on the cleat and the pedal interlock. A detent retracts downwardly as the clips move into engagement. Such downward movement is effected by a moderately sloped first cam surface; an adjoining steeply sloped second cam locking surface of the detent keeps the cleat in locked position. In an unlatched position, force can yet be effectively applied to the pedal whereby so that unrestrained complete separation or full latching are options while the bicycle is operated.

Abstract: The application discloses a method, an apparatus and a system for the substantially odor-free collection and disposal of excreta from domestic animals, particularly cats. In a preferred system, a fluid impervious bag is arranged in a relatively deep tray as a liner, with the edge of the bag extending over the edge of the tray. An absorbent material including a deodorant and an odoriferous substance is placed in the bag. A second tray is nested onto the top of the bag and the lower tray. The second tray has a perforated base that serves to support a bed of commercial litter. The upper second tray engages the bag to hold it in place in the lower tray. The system thus assembled is substantially odor-free and has a very long service period. When the deodorant material is exhausted, the odoriferous substance gives off a detectable scent to advise that the litter should be changed. The bag serves for disposal of wastes and spent litter.

Abstract: An improved wire matrix ballistic impact printhead apparatus including a plurality of engaging structures for maintaining the armatures of a like plurality of electromagnetic actuators in proper positional alignment with the associated print style, for allowing individual adjustment of armatures to optimize printhead operation, for preloading the armatures with a force that will return them to their original position after the printing operation, and for damping vibrations at printhead operating frequencies.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a visually clear dentifrice from a substantially water-insoluble polishing agent having a refractive index of about 1.44 to 1.48, such as a colloidal silica, an amorphous silicic anhydride or an amorphous complex aluminosilicate, a synthetic inorganic complex silicate clay gelling agent of the formula[Si.sub.8 Mg.sub.5.1 Li.sub.0.6 H.sub.7.6 O.sub.24 ].sup.0.6.spsp.- Na .sup.+.sub.0.6 ,and a vehicle which includes water, sorbitol and glycerine, which method requires initial mixing of the gelling agent with a sorbitol solution in water to produce a clear gel, followed by admixing glycerine with said clear gel. The described manufacturing method results in quicker production of clear gels of the present formulations than do corresponding methods in which the gelling agent is initially mixed with glycerine or glycerine-containing mixtures.