Abstract: A method and apparatus for a messaging system (10) comprising a plurality of messaging nodes (14) at geographically distributed and publicly accessible locations, and a plurality of firmware-controlled portable messaging units (16) configured to specific user accounts and including message composition, display and storage means. Communication between these portable messaging units (16) and the messaging system, including messaging with Internet addresses, requires that a portable messaging unit (40) be brought to the immediate physical proximity of a messaging node (20), so that a data exchange (90) may be conducted using simple communications equipment such as an infrared link. Messaging nodes (14) preferably include a plurality of docking ports (26) for conducting data exchanges (90) simultaneously with multiple portable messaging units (16).

Abstract: A method for prioritizing and proactively buffering messages in a messaging system (10) with limited network resources, such as intermittent or unreliable communications links, or limited storage capacity. Messages, either in whole or in separate elements such as a header and a body, are assigned a prioritization value from factors such as the service level of the sender and recipient, the probability that the recipient will access a particular receiving node, the type of message element, and the age of the message. Messages are identified with the highest prioritization value, and these messages are delivered to a receiving node until the limited resource is exhausted. This may be used to optimize the use of a limited resource in a messaging system (10), increasing the probability that important messages will be available at the messaging nodes (14) from which they are requested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a messaging system (10) comprising a plurality of messaging nodes (14) at geographically distributed and publicly accessible locations, and a plurality of portable messaging units (16) configured to specific user accounts and including message composition, display and storage means. Communication between these portable messaging units (16) and the messaging system, including messaging with Internet addresses, requires that a portable messaging unit (40) be brought to the immediate physical proximity of a messaging node (20), so that a data exchange (90) may be conducted using simple communications equipment such as an infrared link. Messaging nodes (14) preferably include a plurality of docking ports (26) for conducting data exchanges (90) simultaneously with multiple portable messaging units (16).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically tuning a charged particle beam system, such as an ion implanter. In one embodiment, a control parameter of a control component located upstream of a target component is modulated, and the beam current downstream of the target component is measured. The beam current measurements provide information that is used to evaluate tuning and, if necessary, to adjust the target component. The target component is typically a slow response component, such as a magnet. In another embodiment, evaluation of tuning is performed by modulating the target parameter and monitoring the effect of such modulation on the beam current. In a further embodiment, the spot size of the charged particle beam is evaluated by scanning the beam across the edge of an aperture and evaluating the sharpness of the beam focus. The tuning algorithms are preferably implemented in localized power supply interfaces for high speed operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passively monitoring communications in a trunked communication system. Digital messages transmitted over a control channel at a particular frequency are monitored with a receiver. Transmitted communication signals are demodulated and stored. The stored signals are tested to identify messages and to extract talk group and channel assignment codes. If the talk group is a talk group of interest, the receiver is tuned to the frequency corresponding to the channel assignment code so that voice communications are monitored. The receiver is tuned to the control channel after each voice communication so that a communication including multiple transmissions on different frequencies is coherently monitored by retuning the receiver in accordance with the received channel assignment codes. In an alternative embodiment, separate receivers are provided for the control channel and for voice communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the appropriate timing interval for each bit or data symbol in serial data communications. A sending device transmits a predetermined bit sequence, such as a binary pattern corresponding to one byte, either on its own initiative or in response to an action of a receiving device. A microprocessor in the receiving device measures a calibration time interval between the leading edge of a start bit and a subsequent marker transition, either between subsequent data bits or between the final data bit and the stop bit. This measured interval may be mathematically converted to units useful to calibrate a function or device that conducts input/output operations. Optionally, the process may be repeated periodically to compensate for clock rate drift. This invention may be used for autobaud data rate detection, or matching the actual data rate of a remote serial device, and permits accurate communications without precision timing references.

Abstract: An improved cart for storing and displaying items is disclosed. The cart comprises a housing having a bottom, a front portion extending upward from the bottom, a back portion extending upward from the bottom portion, and opposite first and second side portions each extending upwardly from the bottom between the front and back portion to form a container configured to store objects, said container having an open top through which said objects may be deposited or retrieved. The cart has a lid dimensioned to substantially cover the open top of the container, the lid having a top edge, a bottom edge and opposite first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges. The lid also has a first half of a tongue in groove connector positioned on each side edge adjacent the bottom edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzymatic RNA molecules which cleave ICAM-1 mRNA.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing the performance of a reflective liquid crystal display system. The high-contrast color splitting prism system utilizes a “double-passed” prism assembly. Polarized light enters the prism assembly, is color-split and emitted as separate colors to spatial light modulators which reflect each color in accordance with a desired image. The reflective light is passed, once again, through the prism assembly where the separate colors converge and propagate to a projection lens for display of the image on a screen. A waveplate retarder is positioned between the liquid crystal display and the polarizing element. The waveplate retarder is tilted with respect to the optical axis to eliminate the deleterious effects of the Fresnel reflections at the interfaces of the waveplate retarder.

Abstract: Enzymatic RNA molecules which cleave ICAM-1 mRNA.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passively monitoring communications in a trunked communication system. Digital messages transmitted over a control channel at a particular frequency are monitored with a receiver. When a first bit pattern is detected in a digital message, subsequently transmitted data is stored. Information is extracted from the stored data to obtain a channel assignment code indicating a frequency over which communications take place and a talk group identification code identifying a talk group in the trunked communication system participating in a communication. If the talk group is a talk group of interest, the receiver is tuned to the frequency corresponding to the channel assignment code so that voice communications are successfully monitored.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a fixed angle centrifuge rotor has, in use, a radially inboard and a radially inboard portion. An opening is formed in the radially inboard portion of the adapter. The opening is sized so that substantially no part of the inboard portion of the adapter is exposed during centrifugation to a load that exceeds the ability of the material of the adapter to support itself. The material of the inboard portion of the adapter surrounding the opening has sufficient strength to support itself while under centrifugation. The adapter is fabricated from a light transmissive material. A plug that is slidably disposed and selectably positionable within the opening in the inboard segment of the adapter. The inside surface of the plug having a sealing material thereon that is biased into contact with a tube carried within the adapter.

Abstract: Enzymatic RNA molecules which cleave ICAM-1 mRNA.

Abstract: Enzymatic RNA molecules which cleave TNF-.alpha. mRNA.

Abstract: Enzymatic RNA molecules which cleave IL-5 mRNA.

Abstract: A scanner window through which a laser beam is projected to define a scanning pattern comprises a substrate formed of light transmissive material which allows the laser beam to project through a light transmissive hard material layer deposited onto the substrate, and a light transmissive lubricous coating deposited onto the hard material resulting in the scanner window having improved resistance to abrasive wear. The present invention is also directed to a method of producing such a scanner window. The present method may incorporate various deposition techniques to form a wear resistant scanner window in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: This invention features permeability enhancer molecules, and methods, to increase membrane permeability of negatively charged polymers thereby facilitating cellular uptake of such polymers.

Abstract: An optical input beam is split into first and second beams lying in first and second non-parallel planes. A polygon mirror scanner receives the first and second beams on a single facet and generates first and second angularly displaced, non-parallel synchronized scans. Redirecting means is positioned in the optical path between the scanner and a scanned plane for redirecting a portion of the first and second synchronized scans onto a timing plane to generate third and fourth non-coincident, synchronized scans. A beam position signal consisting of equally spaced, sequential pulses is generated in response to the travel of either the third or fourth synchronized scan along a second scanned line lying within a timing plane. The beam position signal is representative of the position of both the first and second synchronized scans along the first scanned line. The second section of the laser inspection apparatus reads information from a surface having an area illuminated by the dual beams of the optical scanner.

Abstract: An acousto-optic scanner comprising at least two optical sources the outputs of which differ in frequency, a common acousto-optic deflector, a scan lens, and scan correction means. The output of the light sources are directed through the common acousto-optic deflector and the outputs of the common acoustic-optic deflector are directed through the scan correction means which comprises a plurality of optical elements. The effect of the optical elements on optical beams is dependent upon beam characteristics.