Abstract: Dynamic load balancing of hardware threads in clustered processor cores using shared hardware resources, and related circuits, methods, and computer readable media are disclosed. In one aspect, a dynamic load balancing circuit comprising a control unit is provided. The control unit is configured to determine whether a suboptimal load condition exists between a first cluster and a second cluster of a clustered processor core. If a suboptimal load condition exists, the control unit is further configured to transfer a content of private register(s) of a first hardware thread of the first cluster to private register(s) of a second hardware thread of the second cluster via shared hardware resources of the first hardware thread and the second hardware thread. The control unit is also configured to exchange a first identifier associated with the first hardware thread with a second identifier associated with the second hardware thread via the shared hardware resources.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a verbal authorization system comprises a financial services repository operable to store information identifying one or more financial services provided by a financial enterprise. The financial enterprise provides a financial service of the one or more financial services in response to a written authorization from a client. An eligibility engine is operable to determine whether the client is eligible to apply for verbal authorization status such that the client may provide verbal authorization during a telephone call to a fulfillment representative of the financial enterprise in lieu of the written authorization. A verbal authorization repository is operable to store client authorization information. The client authorization information identifies the client and whether the client has achieved the verbal authorization status.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally decoupling fuel from an airframe structure is provided. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a bladder wall having stratified refractory fabric and refractory metal, and a sealant coating an internal surface of the bladder wall. The bladder wall may be configured to maintain an internal surface temperature of 300° F. or less when exposed to an external surface temperature of at least 500° F.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally decoupling fuel from an airframe structure is provided. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a bladder wall having stratified refractory fabric and refractory metal, and a sealant coating an internal surface of the bladder wall. The bladder wall may be configured to maintain an internal surface temperature of 300° F. or less when exposed to an external surface temperature of at least 500° F.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a verbal authorization system comprises a financial services repository operable to store information identifying one or more financial services provided by a financial enterprise. The financial enterprise provides a financial service of the one or more financial services in response to a written authorization from a client. An eligibility engine is operable to determine whether the client is eligible to apply for verbal authorization status such that the client may provide verbal authorization during a telephone call to a fulfillment representative of the financial enterprise in lieu of the written authorization. A verbal authorization repository is operable to store client authorization information. The client authorization information identifies the client and whether the client has achieved the verbal authorization status.

Abstract: The described DC to AC inverter efficiently controls the amount of electrical power used to drive a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The output is a fairly pure sine wave which is proportional to an input control voltage. The output waveform purity is ensured by driving a symmetrical rectangular waveform into a second-order, low pass filter at the resonant frequency of the filter for all conditions of line voltage and delivered power. Operating stress on the step-up transformer is minimized by placing the load (lamp) directly across the secondary side of the transformer. When configured to regulate delivered power, the secondary side may be fully floated which practically eliminates a thermometer effect on the operation of the lamp. All of the active elements, including the power switches, may be integrated into a monolithic silicon circuit.

Abstract: The described DC to AC inverter efficiently controls the amount of electrical power used to drive a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The output is a fairly pure sine wave which is proportional to an input control voltage. The output waveform purity is ensured by driving a symmetrical rectangular waveform into a second-order, low pass filter at the resonant frequency of the filter for all conditions of line voltage and delivered power. Operating stress on the step-up transformer is minimized by placing the load (lamp) directly across the secondary side of the transformer. When configured to regulate delivered power, the secondary side may be fully floated which practically eliminates a thermometer effect on the operation of the lamp. All of the active elements, including the power switches, may be integrated into a monolithic silicon circuit.

Abstract: The described DC to AC inverter efficiently controls the amount of electrical power used to drive a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The output is a fairly pure sine wave which is proportional to an input control voltage. The output waveform purity is ensured by driving a symmetrical rectangular waveform into a second-order, low pass filter at the resonant frequency of the filter for all conditions of line voltage and delivered power. Operating stress on the step-up transformer is minimized by placing the load (lamp) directly across the secondary side of the transformer. When configured to regulate delivered power, the secondary side may be fully floated which practically eliminates a thermometer effect on the operation of the lamp. All of the active elements, including the power switches, may be integrated into a monolithic silicon circuit.

Abstract: A working vehicle such as an agricultural combine includes a vehicle body and an internal combustion engine carried by the vehicle body. An engine compartment at least partially encloses the internal combustion engine. An air exhaust chimney has an inlet in fluid communication with the engine compartment, and an outlet positioned near a top of the vehicle body and facing in an upward direction.

Abstract: A working vehicle, such as an agricultural combine, includes a vehicle body and an internal combustion engine carried by the vehicle body. The internal combustion engine includes a heat exchanger. An air scoop has an inlet positioned near a top of the vehicle body and facing in an upward direction, and an outlet positioned in association with the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for detecting whether a corona discharge has occurred external or internal to equipment in which a broadband optical spectra sensor is placed. The broadband optical spectra sensor senses both the ultraviolet energy of the corona discharge and the infrared energy of afterglow of the discharge when the discharge occurs internal to the equipment. The sensed broadband optical spectra signal is processed and a determination is made as to whether the corona discharge occurred external or internal to the equipment from the pulse width of the sensed energy pulse.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus capable of both molecular and elemental spectroscopic analysis includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a molecular spectroscopic analysis system, an elemental spectroscopic analysis system, and a computational and analysis module. The computational and analysis module is coupled to the molecular spectroscopic analysis system and to the elemental spectroscopic analysis system. The integrated apparatus also includes a display device coupled to the computational and analysis module.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the sound signal has one or more frequencies that are at or near an eigen-mode of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides gas discharge laser systems capable of reliable long-term operation in a production line capacity at repetition rates in the range of 6,000 to 10,0000 pulses power second. Preferred embodiments are configured as KrF, ArF and F2 lasers used for light sources for integrated circuit lithography. Improvements include a modified high voltage power supply capable for charging an initial capacitor of a magnetic compression pulse power system to precise target voltages 6,000 to 10,0000 times per second and a feedback control for monitoring pulse energy and determining the target voltages on a pulse-by-pulse basis. Several techniques are disclosed for removing discharge created debris from the discharge region between the laser electrodes during the intervals between discharges. In one embodiment the width of the discharge region is reduced from about 3 mm to about 1 mm so that a gas circulation system designed for 4,000 Hz operation could be utilized for 10,000 Hz operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an excimer laser capable of producing a high quality pulsed laser beam at pulse rates of about 4,000 Hz at pulse energies of about 5 mJ or greater. A preferred embodiment is an ArF excimer laser specifically designed as a light source for integrated circuit lithography. An improved wavemeter with special software monitors output beam parameters and controls a very fast PZT driven tuning mirror and the pulse power charging voltage to maintain wavelength and pulse energy within desired limits. In a preferred embodiment two fan motors drive a single tangential fan which provides sufficient gas flow to clear discharge debris from the discharge region during the approximately 0.25 milliseconds between pulses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are extrinsically placed in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or authenticate the object are described. The taggant is manufactured as part of the object or the taggant is placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded onto the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence. The taggant is then analyzed by XRF and the analysis is then converted into a 2D symbol format that can be used in various security and authentication applications. By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, without the limitations experience by current anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides an excimer laser capable of producing a high quality pulsed laser beam at pulse rates of about 4,000 Hz at pulse energies of about 5 mJ or greater. A preferred embodiment is an ArF excimer laser specifically designed as a light source for integrated circuit lithography. An improved wavemeter with special software monitors output beam parameters and controls a very fast PZT driven tuning mirror and the pulse power charging voltage to maintain wavelength and pulse energy within desired limits. In a preferred embodiment two fan motors drive a single tangential fan which provides sufficient gas flow to clear discharge debris from the discharge region during the approximately 0.25 milliseconds between pulses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which an elemental constituent, especially low Z elemental constituents, that are intrinsically located—or extrinsically placed—in an object (such as a pharmaceutical) are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or verify the object or its point of manufacture. The elemental constituent is manufactured as part of the object or placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded within the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence to determine the unique elemental composition of the elemental constituent(s). The apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, as well as provide detection by a non line-of-sight method to establish the origin of objects, as well as their point of manufacture, authenticity, verification, or security. The invention is extremely advantageous because it is difficult to replicate, simulate, alter, transpose, or tamper with.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are extrinsically placed in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or authenticate the object are described. The taggant is manufactured as part of the object or the taggant is placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded onto the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence. The taggant is then analyzed by XRF and the analysis is then converted into a 2D symbol format that can be used in various security and authentication applications. By using x-ray fluorescence analysis, the apparatus and methods of the invention are simple and easy to use, without the limitations experience by current anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in which one or more elemental taggants that are intrinsically located—or extrinsically placed—in an object are detected by x-ray fluorescence analysis to identify or track/trace the object or its point of manufacture, as well as to establish the origin of objects and their authenticity. The taggant is manufactured as part of the object or the taggant is placed into a coating, packaging, label, or otherwise embedded within or onto the object for the purpose of later verifying the presence or absence of these elements by x-ray fluorescence to determine the unique elemental composition of the taggant within the respective object. The apparatus and methods can used in combination with, in place or, or in additional to current anti-counterfeiting technologies.