Abstract: Improved personal protective equipment facial wear including, in one embodiment, an at least partly adhesive mask, and one or more adhesive eye shields. In one implementation, the mask avoids significant contact with the delicate periorbital skin of the wearer, yet provides a substantially airtight seal so as to preclude moisture vapor transfer and “fogging” of eyeware or instruments. In another implementation, adherence of the eye shield is at least partially overlapping with the mask and creates an at least partial seal around a perimeter of the eye shield. Further, an at least partial seal is formed around a perimeter of the mask. The mask and eye shield additionally prevent nasal air flow obstruction, and address the problem of skin irritation and attachment during normal facial expression and movement of the wearer.

Abstract: Apparatus for protection of the ear and ear canal, and related methods of use and operation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a selectively actuated valve which permits a varying or modulated size of aperture to be created by the wearer while the apparatus is in use, so as to accommodate varying functions, such as complete occlusion (e.g., for use in swimming or other acquatic activities such that water can be completely excluded) or partial occlusion (e.g., such that sounds can be heard by the wearer, whether in air or under water). In one implementation, the apparatus is retained within the ear canal of the wearer by virtue of the apparatus' shape and coordination with one or more natural features or contours of the anatomy in the ear region, without having to be inserted more than superficially into the outer portion of the ear canal.

Abstract: A wireless communications device can include a power amplifier that is configured to transmit information to a wireless communications network during a first time interval and configured to avoid transmitting information during a second time interval. A circuit substrate is coupled to the power amplifier and a power source is configured to provide power to the power amplifier. First and second conductor are coupled to the power amplifier and to the power source, and have respective overlapping and non-overlapping portions on the circuit substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus that converts and adapts standard processor bus protocol and architecture, such as the MicroChannel bus, to more progressive switch interconnection protocol and architecture. Existing bus-based architecture is extended to perform parallel and clustering functions by enabling the interconnection of thousands of processors. The apparatus is relatively easy to implement and inexpensive to build. The communication media is switch-based and is fully parallel, supporting nodes interconnected by the switching network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the software overhead of message passing in parallel systems. Special purpose hardware assists in constructing each data message sent through a network. Message passing systems generally require that every message be prefixed with a message header describing the key control parameters of the message. The software task is to construct the message header for every message individually and to transmit the header prefixed to every message. The software is relieved of constructing the message header and uses special purpose hardware to accomplish the job more efficiently.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus that converts and adapts standard processor bus protocol and architecture, such as the MicroChannel (IBM Trademark) bus, to more progressive switch interconnection protocol and architecture. Existing bus-based architecture is extended to perform parallel and clustering functions by enabling the interconnection of thousands of processors. A conversion apparatus controls the transfer of data messages from one nodal element across a switch network to another nodal element by using direct memory access capabilities controlled by intelligent bus masters. This approach does not require interactive support from the processor at either nodal element during the message transmission, and frees up both processors to perform other tasks. The communication media is switch-based and is fully parallel, supporting n transmissions simultaneously, where n is the number of nodes interconnected by the switching network.