Abstract: A computer-implemented input-method editor process includes receiving a request from a user for an application-independent input method editor having written and spoken input capabilities, identifying that the user is about to provide spoken input to the application-independent input method editor, and receiving a spoken input from the user. The spoken input corresponds to input to an application and is converted to text that represents the spoken input. The text is provided as input to the application.

Abstract: A LiDAR system includes a light source and an arrayed micro-optic configured to receive light from the light source so as to produce and project a two-dimensional array of light spots on a scene. The LiDAR system also includes receiver optics having an array of optical detection sites configured so as to be suitable for establishing a one-to-one correspondence between light spots in the two-dimensional array and optical detection sites in the receiver optics. The LiDAR system further includes a beamsplitter and a lens. The LiDAR system may also include a mask placed in the light path between the beamsplitter and the receiver optics. Alternatively, the LiDAR system may include a controller programmed to activate or deactivate each optical detection site.

Abstract: A LiDAR system includes a light source and an arrayed micro-optic configured to receive light from the light source so as to produce and project a two-dimensional array of light spots on a scene. The LiDAR system also includes receiver optics having an array of optical detection sites configured so as to be suitable for establishing a one-to-one correspondence between light spots in the two-dimensional array and optical detection sites in the receiver optics. The LiDAR system further includes a birefringent prism and a lens. The LiDAR system may also include a mask placed in the light path between the birefringent prism and the receiver optics. Alternatively, the LiDAR system may include a controller programmed to activate or deactivate each optical detection site.

Abstract: A computer-implemented input-method editor process includes receiving a request from a user for an application-independent input method editor having written and spoken input capabilities, identifying that the user is about to provide spoken input to the application-independent input method editor, and receiving a spoken input from the user. The spoken input corresponds to input to an application and is converted to text that represents the spoken input. The text is provided as input to the application.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for elevating a secondary file server to act as a new primary file server in a highly available file system. Upon determining that a primary file server in the highly available file system has failed, the system promotes the secondary file server to become the new primary file server. During this process, the new primary file server scans file objects to look for a file lock indication. Upon finding a file lock indication, the new primary file server converts an associated file identifier into a virtual node. Otherwise, conversion of file identifiers into virtual nodes is delayed until the first time a file is subsequently accessed by the new primary server, thereby speeding up the failover process.

Abstract: An optical configuration for measuring a difference in refractive index between a first sample and a second sample comprises partitioned first and second optical interfaces symmetrically illuminated by an illumination beam to provide first and second partial beams defined by the refractive index of the first and second samples, respectively. A linear scanned array is aligned in a meridional plane of the optical configuration for detection purposes, and an optical multiplexor is provided upstream of the linear scanned array for receiving the first and second partial beams and defining first and second optical channels carrying optical signal information corresponding to the first and second partial beams. The optical multiplexor switches between optical channels, such that the linear scanned array detects either the first or second optical channel at a given time. Thus, differential measurements are possible using a single linear array.

Abstract: An optical configuration for differential refractive index measurements of a test sample relative to a reference sample comprises an optical path along which an illumination beam travels to simultaneously illuminate a pair of optical interfaces on opposite sides of a meridional plane corresponding to the test sample and reference sample, respectively. Partial beams leaving the optical interfaces are optically diverged to illuminate different segments of a linear scanned array aligned in the meridional plane. The difference in location of a pair of shadowlines or a pair of resonance minimums formed by the partial beams on the array provides an indication of the refractive index difference.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for elevating a secondary file server to act as a new primary file server in a highly available file system. Upon determining that a primary file server in the highly available file system has failed, the system promotes the secondary file server to become the new primary file server. During this process, the new primary file server scans file objects to look for a file lock indication. Upon finding a file lock indication, the new primary file server converts an associated file identifier into a virtual node. Otherwise, conversion of file identifiers into virtual nodes is delayed until the first time a file is subsequently accessed by the new primary server, thereby speeding up the failover process.

Abstract: An optical configuration for measuring a difference in refractive index between a first sample and a second sample comprises partitioned first and second optical interfaces symmetrically illuminated by an illumination beam to provide first and second partial beams defined by the refractive index of the first and second samples, respectively. First and second linear scanned arrays are positioned on opposite sides of a meridional plane of the optical configuration for respectively detecting the first and second partial beams. Thus, differential measurements are possible based on signal information from the arrays. Embodiments for critical angle and surface plasmon resonance refractive index measurements are disclosed. The disclosure also relates to methods for measuring a difference in refractive index between a first sample and a second sample in accordance with the described optical configuration embodiments.

Abstract: An optical configuration for measuring a difference in refractive index between a first sample and a second sample comprises partitioned first and second optical interfaces symmetrically illuminated by an illumination beam to provide first and second partial beams defined by the refractive index of the first and second samples, respectively. A linear scanned array is aligned in a meridional plane of the optical configuration for detection purposes, and an optical multiplexor is provided upstream of the linear scanned array for receiving the first and second partial beams and defining first and second optical channels carrying optical signal information corresponding to the first and second partial beams. The optical multiplexor switches between optical channels, such that the linear scanned array detects either the first or second optical channel at a given time. Thus, differential measurements are possible using a single linear array.

Abstract: An optical configuration for differential refractive index measurements of a test sample relative to a reference sample comprises an optical path along which an illumination beam travels to simultaneously illuminate a pair of optical interfaces on opposite sides of a meridional plane corresponding to the test sample and reference sample, respectively. Partial beams leaving the optical interfaces are redirected by optical means to illuminate different segments of a linear scanned array aligned in the meridional plane. The difference in location of a pair of shadowlines or a pair of resonance minimums formed by the partial beams on the array provides an indication of the refractive index difference.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and associated method for sensing and monitoring specific binding of analyte to an immobilized binding layer are disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises an automatic critical angle refractometer having a linear scanned array and an optical system for illuminating a portion of the array, which illumination depends upon the refractive index of the binding layer deposited on an optically transparent element. The apparatus further includes a flow cell for bringing the analyte in contact with the binding layer. The apparatus also includes a computer for receiving and processing refractive index data from the critical angle refractometer during the reaction between the analyte and the layer, which computer may be peripherally connected to the refractometer or enclosed within the refractometer housing.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that logs file system operations. Upon receiving a request to perform a file system operation, the system makes a call to an underlying file system to perform the file system operation. The system also logs the file system operation to a log on a log device to facilitate recovery of the file system operation in the event of a system failure before the file system operation is committed to non-volatile storage. In a variation on this embodiment, logging the file system operation involves storing an identifier for the file system operation to the log device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system periodically commits the log to the underlying file system. This is accomplished by freezing ongoing activity on a file system, and making a call to the underlying file system to flush memory buffers to non-volatile storage. This causes outstanding file system operations to be committed to non-volatile storage.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and associated method for sensing and monitoring specific binding of analyte to an immobilized binding layer are disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises an automatic critical angle refractometer having a linear scanned array and an optical system for illuminating a portion of the array, which illumination depends upon the refractive index of the binding layer deposited on an optically transparent element. The apparatus further includes a flow cell for bringing the analyte in contact with the binding layer. The apparatus also includes a computer for receiving and processing refractive index data from the critical angle refractometer during the reaction between the analyte and the layer, which computer may be peripherally connected to the refractometer or enclosed within the refractometer housing.

Abstract: A transmitted light refractometer comprises an optical system having a movable mirror for redirecting light transmitted through a light-refracting sample to a beam splitter for dividing the light between first and second detection paths. The first detection path leads to an eyepiece whereby an operator may view an illumination boundary shadowline brought into the field of view of the eyepiece by adjusting the position of the movable mirror. The second detection path leads to a light-sensitive detector, preferably a linear scanned array, for generating signal information indicative of the location of the shadowline on the detector. An optical position sensor associated with the movable mirror includes a position detector providing signal information indicative of the position of the movable mirror.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple parallel conductor for windings of electrical motors, including transformers, having individual insulated partial conductors with at least five partial conductors or transposed conductors. The multiple parallel conductor features a material that is partially wrapped about the individual insulated partial conductors for allowing cooling fluid to pass through the individual insulated partial conductors. The material is partially wrapped about the individual insulated partial conductors in a helical configuration. In one embodiment, the material is an aramid material such as Nomex.TM..