Abstract: A coil structure for an electromagnetic device comprising a conductor configured to provide a coil comprising one or more coil turns around a magnetic core to induce a magnetic flux in the magnetic core when in use. The conductor comprises one or more a first parts comprising a plurality of sub-conductors in parallel, and one or more second parts coupled in series with the first part(s), wherein the or each second part comprises a single sub-conductor or a lesser number of sub-conductors in parallel.

Abstract: A self-driving road vehicle stores an active driving map that includes a data store of route feature data together with a software or control system that periodically selects from the data store and provides to systems on the vehicle the route feature data that are relevant to the vehicle location and the route that the vehicle is following. The route feature data may include a sequential series of road cross-section data objects that represent a real-world roadway being traversed by the vehicle. Methods for operating the self-driving road vehicle include providing route feature data from an active driving map, which may include the sequential series of road cross-section data objects that represent the real-world roadway being traversed.

Abstract: A self-driving road vehicle stores an active driving map that includes a data store of route feature data together with a software or control system that periodically selects from the data store and provides to systems on the vehicle the route feature data that are relevant to the vehicle location and the route that the vehicle is following. The route feature data may include a sequential series of road cross-section data objects that represent a real-world roadway being traversed by the vehicle. Methods for operating the self-driving road vehicle include providing route feature data from an active driving map, which may include the sequential series of road cross-section data objects that represent the real-world roadway being traversed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the processing of data, and more particularly to a method of and system for processing large volumes of Earth observation imagery data. A system for processing a large volume of Earth observation imaging data is described, comprising a computer including a visual display and a user interface, a plurality of servers, an image database storing said Earth observation imaging data as a plurality of separate image data files, and a network for interconnecting the computer, plurality of servers and image database. The plurality of servers is operable to process the separate data files in a distributed manner, at least one of the plurality of servers is operable to process the separate data files in a multiprocessing environment and at least one of the plurality of servers is operable to collate the processed separate data files into a single imaging result.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the processing of data, and more particularly to a method of and system for processing large volumes of Earth observation imagery data. A system for processing a large volume of Earth observation imaging data is described, comprising a computer including a visual display and a user interface, a plurality of servers, an image database storing said Earth observation imaging data as a plurality of separate image data files, and a network for interconnecting the computer, plurality of servers and image database. The plurality of servers is operable to process the separate data files in a distributed manner, at least one of the plurality of servers is operable to process the separate data files in a multiprocessing environment and at least one of the plurality of servers is operable to collate the processed separate data files into a single imaging result.

Abstract: The error offset and the error magnitude of a data stream in a Read-Solomon code is calculated using the same architecture. The advantage this method has over previous techniques is its simplicity of design and the minimum steps required to convert the syndrome information into an error location and correction pattern. The maximum of four cycles (steps) needed to compute the offset and correction pattern allows for a correction to be applied in the byte time immediately following receipt of the last check byte.

Abstract: A method of blending a plurality of mutually overlapping graphical objects in a digital document processing system. The graphical objects are arranged in an ordered stack that includes at least one static object and at least one animated object. Each object has at least one associated blending parameter (e.g., transparency). The method comprises: (a) blending the content of the static objects to form at least one composite static object, taking account of the respective blending parameters of the static objects; and (b) blending the content of the animated object and the composite static object(s), taking account of the blending parameter(s) of the animated object.

Abstract: A grout sealer applicator brush that carries with it a reservoir of grout sealer. The brush includes a handle with a broad concave upper surface used to support and cradle the reservoir. The grout sealer within the reservoir is conducted through a tube that dispenses the fluid directly on the bristles of the brush, ready for application to the grout. The reservoir is placed in proximity to the bristle to reduce the torque of the reservoir on the operator. Holding the reservoir in place is a handle, cradling arrangement that can accommodate different sized reservoirs. To reduce manufacturing costs, the brush and the tube are all formed simultaneously, typically of plastic, in a pressure molding process.

Abstract: A grout sealer applicator brush that carries with it a reservoir of grout sealer. The brush includes a handle with a broad concave upper surface used to support and cradle the reservoir. The grout sealer within the reservoir is conducted through a tube that dispenses the fluid directly on the bristles of the brush, ready for application to the grout. The reservoir is placed in proximity to the bristle to reduce the torque of the reservoir on the operator. Holding the reservoir in place is a handle, cradling arrangement that can accommodate different sized reservoirs. To reduce manufacturing costs, the brush and the tube are all formed simultaneously, typically of plastic, in a pressure molding process.

Abstract: A device controller is described within a data storage system for pre-fetching device work information from multiple data storage devices, and accumulating the device work information to immediately respond to a subsequent device poll command from a storage controller. The device controller includes a device receiver to receive the device poll command, a device transmitter to transmit a response to the device poll command, a device information register for storing the pre-fetched device work information for each data storage device, and a sequencer for periodically pre-fetching the device work information from each data storage device. The sequencer pre-fetches such information by verifying that no device subsystem command from the storage controller is pending in the device receiver, then issuing a background poll command to a selected device to query the device for its device work information, and storing the device work information in the device information register.

Abstract: System and method aspects for avoiding data corruption during data transfer in a disk array environment are described. In a circuit aspect, an integrity checker includes counting logic for counting fields in the data being transferred. The integrity checker further includes comparison logic for comparing a constant value and a value in a predetermined field of data being transferred. Combinational logic is further included and coupled to the comparison logic and counting logic, wherein when the comparison logic results in a miscompare and the counting logic is at a predetermined count value, the integrity checker circuit aborts data transfer. In a method aspect, the method includes providing an integrity checker at an interface to an array of disk drives, and performing data validity determinations on data passing across the interface with the integrity checker, wherein invalid data is not transferred.

Abstract: Embossable foam latex compositions prepared by dispersing into a foam latex from 20 to 150 parts by weight per hundred parts of latex solids of a powdered particulate material having a melting point in the range 90.degree. to 200.degree. C. Embossing of foam-backed carpet or foam sheet material prepared from these latex compositions is readily accomplished by heating the foam structure to the melting temperature of the dispersed particulate material, then passing the foam through a cold embossing roll to chill and set the foam in place.

Abstract: Low density latex foams are improved in abrasion resistance, wear character and water resistance by spray coating the surface with a coating composition comprising a carboxylated styrene butadiene latex and from 5 to 100 parts per hundred parts latex solids of a hydrocarbon wax.