Abstract: A fault-tolerant computer uses multiple commercial processors operating synchronously, i.e., in lock-step. In an exemplary embodiment, redundancy logic isolates the outputs of the processors from other computer components, so that the other components see only majority vote outputs of the processors. Processor resynchronization, initiated at predetermined time, milestones, and/or in response to processor faults, protects the computer from single event upsets. During resynchronization, processor state data is flushed and an instance of these data in accordance with processor majority vote is stored. Processor caches are flushed to update computer memory with more recent data stored in the caches. The caches are invalidated and disabled, and snooping is disabled. A controller is notified that snooping has been disabled. In response to the notification, the controller performs a hardware reset of the processors. The processors are loaded with the stored state data, and snooping and caches are enabled.

Abstract: A voice prosthesis includes a voice actuator for generating a signal to be modulated into speech and a neural interface for receiving a signal indicative of neural activity. A signal processing system in communication with both the neural interface and the voice actuator is configured to provide the voice actuator with a control signal representative of the neural activity.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for creating a virtual keyboard, mouse, or position detector. The device is an electronic keyboard that detects the position of a user's finger. The position of a user's fingers are detected by sending out a light beam parallel to the surface of, for example, a desk, and then detecting the position of a user's finger as the light beam is blocked by the finger. The position and movement of the user's fingers determine which key is to be struck or in which direction to move the pointer.

Abstract: A mixing system comprising (1) a mixing cartridge comprising a housing containing: (a) an internal chamber, (b) access means for entry of a liquid into the internal chamber, and (c) a magnetically movable detached mixing member contained in the chamber; and (2) a control device comprising a second housing containing: (a) a detection system adapted to measure a property of a liquid at a prespecified first location in the chamber of the mixing cartridge, (b) means for holding the cartridge so as to register the chamber with the detection system, and (c) means for magnetically imparting linear reciprocal motion to the mixing member, whereby the mixing member sweeps out a portion but less than all of the volume of the chamber, the motion generally occurring at a second location in the chamber different from the first location. The mixing cartridge itself is also a part of the present invention.