Abstract: Methods, apparatus, software, and systems of the present invention allow for optimization of color and shades of gray documents prior to their conversion to a monochrome format. If color/gray elements are identified in the document, the distance between them and their intensity is determined. If there are elements with the same or similar intensity in close proximity to each other, colors of some of the elements may be replaced with solid monochrome colors, and/or dithered surfaces, and/or monochrome patterns. Further, the elements may be outlined. These improvements make elements in the document more distinguishable after its conversion to a monochrome format. The described color optimization and outlining may have wide applicability in the Internet Fax technology.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, software, and systems of the present invention allow for optimization of color and shades of gray documents prior to their conversion to a monochrome format. If color/gray elements are identified in the document, the distance between them and their intensity is determined. If there are elements with the same or similar intensity in close proximity to each other, colors of some of the elements may be replaced with solid monochrome colors, and/or dithered surfaces, and/or monochrome patterns. Further, the elements may be outlined. These improvements make elements in the document more distinguishable after its conversion to a monochrome format. The described color optimization and outlining may have wide applicability in the Internet Fax technology.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, software, and systems of the present invention allow for optimization of color and shades of gray documents prior to their conversion to a monochrome format. If color/gray elements are identified in the document, the distance between them and their intensity is determined. If there are elements with the same or similar intensity in close proximity to each other, colors of some of the elements may be replaced with solid monochrome colors, and/or dithered surfaces, and/or monochrome patterns. Further, the elements may be outlined. These improvements make elements in the document more distinguishable after its conversion to a monochrome format. The described color optimization and outlining may have wide applicability in the Internet Fax technology.

Abstract: Wrinkles are cosmetically removed from a superficial area of mammalian skin tissue having an epidermal layer, a basal layer, and a dermal layer, by irradiating the dermal layer through the basal layer, the irradiation having an energy density in the range 5J/cm2 or less, and being selected to be absorbed by a chromophore in the dermal layer such that collagen present in the dermal layer is heated, while the basal layer remains intact so as to substantially inhibit contact of the dermal layer with ambient air.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are presented for scaling storage media to improve data access performance. A scaling module is provided and configured to receive a dataset, identify storage characteristics of the dataset, make a determination based upon user-defined storage criteria, and select a storage instruction. In one embodiment, the storage instruction is configured to scale the storage medium to a predefined capacity. The predefined capacity of the storage medium is configured to optimize data access performance. Alternatively, the storage instruction is configured to not scale the storage medium. Additionally, the present invention may be configured to map and track the storage medium while the dataset is being written to or read from the storage medium.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are presented for utilizing tape storage media segmentation to improve data access performance. A segmented tape storage medium within a tape cartridge having a first and second segment is utilized. A selection module allows a user to select a user-defined capacity of the tape storage medium that is less than the usable capacity of the tape storage medium. The user-defined capacity allows the user to prefer improved data access over tape storage capacity. Data, when written to the tape, is written only within the user-defined capacity. Data may be written exclusively on the first segment or written on both the first segment and second segment allowing data access to be improved. In addition, the user-defined capacity may correspond to the full capacity of the tape storage media.

Abstract: Glazing panels such as vehicle glazing panels bonded to a supporting frame are released by firstly arranging light energy delivery means adjacent the panel and subsequently transmitting light energy from the delivery means through the panel thereby to effect release of the panel from the frame. The light may be pulsed according to a predetermined regime and may be delivered by a discharge lamp having rapidly attenuating intensity. The mechanism of panel release may be by thermal degradation of the bonding material, cleavage of material at a surface of, or within the body of the panel, or a combination of such mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cosmetic treatment of a skin condition (particularly Acne Vulgaris). Illuminating radiation (including radiation of a predetermined wavelength) is directed toward a target zone in accordance with a predetermined delivery regime. A plurality of interactions are effected at the target zone including a reaction leading to at least partial disabling or eradication of the cause of the skin condition, and non-ablative heating of tissue stimulating an inflammatory response to a degree sufficient to effect collagen production. The two-fold interaction system effected by the illuminating radiation provides an extremely effective cosmetic effect.

Abstract: Glazing panels such as vehicle windscreens bonded to a supporting frame are released by firstly arranging light energy delivery means adjacent the panel and subsequently transmitting light energy from the delivery means through the panel thereby to effect release of the panel from the frame. The light may be pulsed according to a predetermined regime and may be delivered by a discharge lamp having rapidly attenuating intensity, or quasi continuous wave pulsed laser. The mechanism of panel release may be by thermal degradation of the bonding material, cleavage of material at a surface of, or within the body of the panel, or a combination of such mechanisms.

Abstract: Light from solid state devices is applied to an area of skin under conditions that produce an improvement in the appearance of an area of skin, without significantly damaging the skin. Preferred light sources are light emitting diodes (LEDs) and diode lasers, preferably selected to produce at least a substantial portion of their output in with a narrow band of wavelengths between 570 and 600 nm, more preferably within a wavelength band no greater than 15 nm, and most preferably including a substantial portion of their output at about 585 nm. A controller drives the light sources in at least one of a banked, overpulsed, and super pulsed modes. Pulsing is preferably accomplished using a pulse width of between about 1 &mgr;sec and 1 msec.

Abstract: A closed cycle thermodynamic apparatus (10) is provided for powering a combustion machine. The apparatus (10) has a compressor (12) for compressing a working medium from a reservoir (14) at temperature T1. The temperature of the working medium increases during compression and reaches temperature T2 when leaving the compressor (12). It is then expanded in an expander (16) for turning the machine. In this manner mechanical work is extracted from the working medium. The apparatus (10) has a first heat exchanger (18) and a second heat exchanger (20) connected to the compressor (12) and the expander (16) in a closed cycle. It also has a burner (22) and a third heat exchanger (24). Air, as a Heat transfer medium, at ambient temperature T5 is induced into the second exchanger (20) to cool the working medium by receiving heat therefrom. The temperature of the working medium decreases from T4 to T1 before entering the compressor (12) for repeating the cycle.

Abstract: Vascular blemishes are reduced by directing pulsed laser radiation to converge toward the blemishes in a plurality of directions, each beam of radiation being derived from a primary radiation source or from a separate radiation source, thereby to cause selective thermolysis of blood vessels in the blemishes.

Abstract: Glazing panels such as vehicle windscreens bonded to a supporting frame are released by firstly arranging light energy delivery means adjacent the panel and subsequently transmitting light energy from the delivery means through the panel thereby to effect release of the panel from the frame. The light may be pulsed according to a predetermined regime and may be delivered by a discharge lamp having rapidly attenuating intensity, or quasi continuous wave pulsed laser. The mechanism of panel release may be by thermal degradation of the bonding material, cleavage of material at a surface of, or within the body of the panel, or a combination of such mechanisms.

Abstract: Vascular lesions are treated by using an apparatus which comprises a dye laser, one or more flashlamps, and at least one pulse generating circuit for driving the flashlamps, the pulse generating circuit arranged to produce driving current pulses having a risetime of less than 100 microseconds resulting in corresponding laser output pulses, having a risetime of less than 100 microseconds.

Abstract: Mammalian hair is depilated by pulsing a laser source emitting radiation in the range 600 to 1500 nm, each pulse having a duration of 1 &mgr;sec to 200 msec, and a radiation exposure dose of 2 to 25 J/cm2, so as to irradiate successive zones of a treatment area of a patient's skin and thereby destroy subdermal biological material associated with hair growth.

Abstract: Vascular blemishes are reduced by directing pulsed laser radiation to converge toward the blemishes in a plurality of directions, each beam of radiation being derived from a primary radiation source or from a separate radiation source, thereby to cause selective thermolysis of blood vessels in the blemishes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for integrated (embedded) semiconductor wafer temperature measurement equipment and processes. An integrated wafer temperature measurement apparatus, comprising: a substrate; a placement resource formed in said substrate; a sensor lead located in said placement resource, said sensor lead having a first end and a second end; a sensor coupled to said first end of said sensor lead and located in said placement resource; and a sensor lead cover coupled to said substrate. The systems and methods provide advantages in that reliability is enhanced, installation and removal are facilitated, and accuracy is improved by obviating any shadowing of the substrate and reducing temperature gradients near the sensor.

Abstract: Wrinkles are cosmetically removed from a superficial area of mammalian skin tissue having an epidermal layer, a basal layer, and a dermal layer, by irradiating the dermal layer through the basal layer, the irradiation being selected to be absorbed by a chromophore in the dermal layer such that collagen present in the dermal layer is heated, while the basal layer remains intact so as to substantially inhibit contact of the dermal layer with ambient air.

Abstract: A musical movement which comprises, primarily, a metal comb produced by a chemical machining process and, secondarily, a drum in the shape of a frustum of a stepped comb. The comb is advantageously provided with means whereby it can be fastened to a movement base without employing bolts or the like and the drum steps advantageously have projections, for co-operation with the comb teeth, that do not extend further radially than do the immediately neighboring drum steps of larger size.