Abstract: A printer (21a) has a toner cartridge (30a) with a toner level detector (30b). A comparator (31) can detect when toner level is low, and a signaller (32) signals this to a PC (22) over a LAN. In the PC, signals from multiple printers (21a, 21b) are aggregated by an aggregator (34), which compiles a composite order. Automatic or manual filtering may be used before compiling the composite order. A signal constituting an order for replacement components is then sent by a messenger (39) over the internet (24) to a supplier website or e-mail address (26).

Abstract: A phase lock loop comprises a variable frequency oscillator (20), a divider (30), a phase comparator (40), a gain control stage (240), and a loop filter (50). The frequency response of the loop is measured by superimposing a modulation at a number of different rates on the error signal generated by the phase comparator, and by measuring for each modulation rate the peak-to-peak variation of the loop control signal controlling the oscillator frequency. If, due to errors in component values, the frequency response deviates from its desired value, the loop gain is adjusted to bring the frequency response close to its desired value.

Abstract: The invention described herein comprises methods for stabilizing polypeptides and polypeptide complexes, and the polypeptides and polypeptide complexes stabilized using the methods. To achieve stabilization, a cross-link reaction is controlled such that polypeptides and polypeptide complexes maintain their original functionality. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for the identification of amino acid residues which, when cross-linked, are least disruptive to the structure and function of the polypeptide or polypeptide complex. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for mutagenesis of identified residues to further control the cross-link reaction. Polypeptides and polypeptide complexes so stabilized can be utilized under a wide variety of physiological and non-physiological conditions.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a solvent system for use in providing a water resistant coating to basement walls is disclosed. The solvent system comprises a chlorinated solvent blend. The solvent system and coating composition have no flash point, are non-flammable and provide an improved consistent coating when applied to walls.

Abstract: An optical device having a photonic band gap element operative such that the refractive index can be varied through application of an electrical signal. This enables the manufacture of tuneable lasers, optical add/drop multiplexers and tuneable optical wavelength converters.

Abstract: A solid, ingestible composition comprising: a. an alginate; b. a bicarbonate and/or carbonate; and c. a C2-C5 polyol or poly(C2-C5 alkylene glycol).

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a computer-implemented method for evaluating intellectual property. One preferred computer-implemented method includes obtaining a plurality of intellectual property (IP) records, preparing an IP data set based on the plurality of IP records, analyzing the IP data set to obtain an at least one IP cluster, and displaying the at least one IP cluster to allow a user to evaluate IP opportunities for the IP data set. IP opportunities include, but are not limited to, licensing, donation, infringement, and competitive intelligence opportunities.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for providing a simulated night vision goggle display, which apparatus comprises night vision goggle means (4), reflective micro-display means (6) for illuminating the night vision goggle means (4), tracker means (8) for tracking the attitude of the night vision goggle means (4), and image generator means (10) for providing infrared images to the night vision goggle means (4), the image generator means being such that it has a first channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a high level of illumination, a second channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a medium level of illumination, and a third channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a low level of illumination.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a photonic band gap element operative such that the refractive index can be varied through application of an electrical signal. This enables the manufacture of tuneable lasers, optical add/drop multiplexers and tuneable optical wavelength converters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device with one or more current confinement regions and to a method of manufacturing such a device, particularly buried heterostructure light emitting devices such as semiconductor lasers and light emitting diodes. The device comprises an active layer, a current conduction region, one or more current confinement regions adjacent the current conduction region. The current conduction region and current confinement region are arranged to channel an applied electric current to the active layer. The or each current confinement region includes both a metal-doped current blocking structure and a p-n junction current blocking structure. The p-n current blocking structure is between the current conduction region and the metal-doped current blocking structure.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for providing a simulated night vision goggle display, which apparatus comprises night vision goggle means (4), reflective micro-display means (6) for illuminating the night vision goggle means (4), tracker means (8) for tracking the attitude of the night vision goggle means (4), and image generator means (10) for providing infrared images to the night vision goggle means (4), the image generator means being such that it has a first channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a high level of illumination, a second channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a medium level of illumination, and a third channel which is used to drive the reflective micro-display means (6) with a low level of illumination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device (1) with one or more current confinement regions (20,45) and to a method of manufacturing such a device, particularly buried heterostructure light emitting devices such as semiconductor lasers and light emitting diodes. The device (1) comprises an active layer (10), a current conduction region (4), one or more current confinement regions (20,45) adjacent the current conduction region. The current conduction region (4) and current confinement region (20,45) are arranged to channel an applied electric current to the active layer (10). The or each current confinement region includes both a metal-doped current blocking structure (45) and a p-n junction current blocking structure (20). The p-n current blocking structure (20) is between the current conduction region (4) and the metal-doped current blocking structure (45).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of etching a semiconductor wafer (100), particularly of a compound semiconductor, in order to facilitate cleaving of devices (200) from the wafer (100) , and to devices (200) cleaved by such a method. A semiconductor device (200) is cleaved from a wafer (100) and comprises a substrate (106) and grown upon the substrate (106) one or more layers (108, 110, 112, 116, 122) , the cleaves (150, 151, 153, 154) thereby defining two pairs of parallel edges (201, 202; 203; 204) of the device (200). Each of the cleaves is guided by a groove (163, 164; 166, 266) etched through the grown layers (108, 110, 112, 116, 122) and partly into the substrate (106).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor optical device is provided comprising the steps of depositing planar layers of semiconductor material to form a semiconductor wafer having an optically active region, etching through the optically active region to form a plurality of facets, and simultaneously coating at least one facet and an upper surface of the semiconductor wafer with a coating layer having a thickness and composition such that, during operation of the semiconductor device, the coating layer acts both as a facet coating and as a wafer surface coating. Where the coating layer comprises a dielectric, the layer acts both as an anti-reflection facet coating and as a passivating layer. Where the coating layer comprises a metal, the layer acts both as a high-reflectivity facet coating and as an electrical contacting layer. In a first embodiment the semiconductor device comprises a laser and in a second embodiment comprises a photodetector.

Abstract: A technique self tests a memory system having memory modules that operate at a normal operating clock rate during a normal operating mode. Each memory module has multiple arrays of synchronous dynamic random access memory devices. The technique involves obtaining, independently of a central controller, time phase identifiers that respectively correspond to the memory modules, and reducing the normal operating clock rate to a reduced clock rate. The technique further involves executing, in the memory modules, self test transactions in different time phases depending on the obtained time phase identifiers. The memory modules initiate execution of self test transactions at the reduced clock rate. Multiple memory modules execute self test transactions in each of the different time phases. Each memory module executes self test transactions that alternately access the multiple arrays of that memory module.

Abstract: A data entry system includes a hand held data entry unit having a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data, rewritable storage for storing information relating to selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of the commands and/or stored information for a selected item, and a telecommunication interface for the telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items from the storage to a remote processing center and for the telephonic information relating to selectable items from the remote processing center to the storage. Preferably a telecommunications interface is provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other wireless telephony systems. The hand held unit can be configured to combine the data entry functions with those of audio telephony.

Abstract: An adjustable filter for a computing system having memory error detecting and correcting features selectively masks user-specified errors, thereby preventing storage of such errors in a control and status register (CSR). The invention includes a command and data register 102; a CSR 103; an error detecting and correcting circuit 108, including a check bit generator 108a, an error detecting circuit 108b, and an error correcting circuit 108c; a memory module 114; and filter logic 300. The contents of a filter control register 220 of the CSR 103 operate to specify a particular error which is to be "filtered". The filter logic 300 includes a plurality of logic gates that compare the user-specified signals stored in the register 220 with error-related signals reported by the error detecting circuit 108b. If the signals match, information associated with the detected error is prevented from being stored in the CSR 103.

Abstract: An anti-theft system includes a strategy for providing secure communications between a system controller and a remote signaling device. A communications initiator allows the transfer of information or signals between the system controlling and the remote signaling device only under pre-defined conditions. The system controller preferably includes a transmitter portion for transmitting signals or information to the remote device and a receiver portion for receiving signals from the remote device. Similarly, the remote device preferably includes a transceiver so that two-way communication is accomplished between the controller and the remote signalling device.

Abstract: A tamper evident closure for sealing a container having a threaded neck portion and an outwardly extending annular flange below the threaded neck portion including a cap assembly having an annular skirt and an annular tamper band assembly having a top edge connected to the annular skirt by a plurality of frangible bridges disposed about a first portion of the annular tamper band, at least one infrangible bridge disposed about a second portion of the annular tamper band and a vertically weakened section between the first and second portion and a series of interconnected hinged engagement tabs disposed along the first portion of the annular tamper band.

Abstract: A vehicle security system combines anti-driveaway protection with vehicle entry signalling. Either a remote signalling device is used to generate a remote signal or an input device, mounted on the vehicle, is used to generate an access signal. An entry control unit receives and interprets the remote signal or the access signal and unlocks the vehicle doors when appropriate. At the same time, the entry control unit communicates with an engine controller that an appropriate signal has been received. In response, the engine controller enables the vehicle engine to be started so that the vehicle can be driven in a conventional manner.