Abstract: A method for designing a mistuned rotor with improved stability and forced response.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating access to a proxy cache server residing on an institutional intranet or local network provides a directory for storing user names that are appended to client requests for remote web site information. The proxy cache server reads the appended requests and either accepts or denies access to the requested information based upon predetermined access control guidelines relative to the specific user name. The access control guidelines can be stored on the directory, and down-loaded to the proxy cache server's memory as needed. The proxy cache server stores and retrieves requested site information via the Internet, but only retrieves and delivers requested site information to clients if authorization is approved.

Abstract: A digitally programmable protecting mechanism and a programmable key for a mechanical rotary lock for providing enhanced protection and enabling user to change mechanical and electronic security code configuration at any time without involving of special tools. The device includes a mechanical digitally configurable key where the protecting binary code configuration is formed by cylindrical binary coding members put on a central core of the key, and an electronic programmable digital module attached to a mechanical rotary lock for capturing the key code configuration, verifying, and releasing the lock if the verification proves that the key coding configuration and the electronic module coding are matched.

Abstract: A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member, such as a spinal rod includes a lateral connector having an elongated opening for receiving a portion of the bone engaging fastener therethrough. The lateral connector includes a plate portion and an integral yoke portion, which yoke portion is attached to the elongated member by way of a clamp. The lateral connector assembly can include variable angle means between the clamp and the yoke portion of the lateral connector that permits rotation of the lateral connector about an axis projecting outward from the spinal rod. The plate portion and the yoke portion of the lateral connector are oriented at non-perpendicular angles, preferably an angle greater than 100 degrees.

Abstract: A power amplifier output module 200 having low insertion loss and self-shielding properties for dual-mode digital systems is provided. Module 200 has a first power amplifier drive circuit comprising a first power amplifier 220 and a first output impedance matching network having integrated suppression of higher order harmonics 222. A second power amplifier drive circuit comprising a second power amplifier 224 and a second output impedance matching network having integrated suppression of higher order harmonics 226 is also provided. Module 200 also comprises a single diplexer 228 coupled to the first impedance matching network and the second impedance matching network. Module 200 also comprises a single broadband directional coupler 230, coupled to the diplexer 228, for coupling both the first power amplifier drive circuit and the second power amplifier drive circuit. Module 200 provides an integrated solution involving greater performance in a smaller package.

Abstract: A multiple mode digital X-ray imaging system providing for preprocessing "binning" of analog pixel signals from a detector array by selectively summing, within the detector array, adjacent pixel charges on a row-by-row basis and selectively summing, within detector array readout circuits, the previously summed pixel charges (by rows) on a column-by-column basis. An array, or mapping, of "defective pixel" flags is used to identify defective pixels within the detector array, with such flags being added to, or inserted into, the incoming data stream for dynamic processing along with the incoming pixel data. A buffer and filter is used to perform still image capture during the radiographic mode of operation and to recursively filter incoming data frames during the fluoroscopic mode of operation by summing a scaled amount of pixel data from prior data frames with a scaled amount of incoming pixel data from the present data frame.

Abstract: An anchor storage apparatus comprising a cylindrical container having opposing notches formed along the upper rim thereof for receiving opposing ends of the anchor pivot bar therein to support the anchor. The container comprises a hollow tube mounted to the bottom of the container in the center thereof for receiving therein the anchor shank and a portion of the anchor rode and/or chain. The rode is preferably stored in a coiled manner around the hollow tube within the side walls of the container. The bottom of the container has a plurality of drainage holes therethrough to allow water to drain from the container. The bottom of the container is raised relative to the bottom of the side walls to promote water drainage. The side walls of the container have a plurality of holes therethrough to allow air flow so that the rode can adequately dry. An annular ring of soft rubber is affixed along the bottom of the side walls to prevent slippage of the container along the surface of the boat.

Abstract: Methods of reforming degenerated intervertebral discs are provided in accordance with methods of the invention. Hybrid materials useful in methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A mute device for a cymbal of the kind mounted on a cymbal post. The device include a strike plate assembly having a mount for engaging an upper part of a cymbal post, and at least one foot projecting from the strike plate assembly to rest on the cymbal. A cymbal mute assembly projects from the strike plate assembly to receive part of an outer circumference of the cymbal. The mute assembly includes a muting part of sound dampening material arranged to contact the cymbal in a rest position, and a strike piece arranged to strike the cymbal in response to a percussion force on the strike plate assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for assisting an operator to diagnose physical conditions in a patient by collecting and analyzing cyclical body sounds such as heart beat, peripheral vessel sounds, or breath sounds. Several cycles of data are collected and digitized. Each cycle is converted to the frequency domain and phase fixed. Then all of the frequency converted and phase fixed cycles are signal averaged together, and the results displayed to the operator. The cycles may be sorted according to respiratory cycle and averaged in two groups. The cycles may be gated according to the patients ECG. The apparatus may suggest diagnoses or further maneuvers to be performed.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic package (200) with a floating element (202) to couple transmission lines (214) is disclosed. The package (200) has numerous dielectric layers (204A-204I) including an input electrode (206), an output electrode (208), a top ground plane (210) and a bottom ground plane (212). Transmission lines (214) are formed on some of the dielectric layers (204A-204I). Floating element (202) adjusts the electrical coupling between the transmission lines (214) and is spatially separated therefrom. This may provide the advantage of increased capacitive coupling between transmission line resonator structures in a multilayer packages, including non-adjacent resonant structures, without increasing the overall dimensions of the package (200). The floating element (202) may also increase the operable passband of a multilayer bandpass filter or provide a low-side transmission zero.

Abstract: A fluid defrost system and method for defrosting the cooling coil of a product fixture normally cooled by circulating a cold secondary liquid coolant in a cooling loop refrigerated by a primary vapor compression system having compressor, condenser and evaporator means; the defrost system comprising a heat exchanger associated with the condenser means for warming secondary liquid coolant in a heating loop, and means for controlling the circulation of warm liquid coolant through the heat exchanger and cooling coil.

Abstract: A vending machine system for printing postage stamps, the vending machine system includes an enclosed housing having a front panel with an aperture therein; a camera, mounted in the housing, for receiving through the aperture an image of at least one person and for creating an electronic image of the at least one person based on the received image of the at least one person; a printer; a payment receiving device for accepting payment and for providing a payment signal indicative that payment has been made; a computer including a memory, the computer 1) causing the camera to create the electronic image of the at least one person upon receipt of the payment signal, 2) saving the electronic image of the at least one person in the memory, and 3) utilizing the electronic image of the at least one person for controlling the printer to print a first personalized postage stamp on a recording medium, the first personalized postage stamp including predetermined data required by a postal authority and a picture of the a

Abstract: Automated capture of an uttered alphabetic character is provided by using an input, beyond the uttered alphabetic character, to disambiguate an incorrectly captured character. The input is an indication of a telephone key representing the uttered alphabetic character. The indication can be a dual tone multifrequency signal or an utterance of the number of the telephone key. Alternatively, the input is an indication that the incorrectly captured alphabetic character differs from the uttered alphabetic character.

Abstract: Automated capture of a string of intended alphabetic or alphanumeric characters is provided by using indications of telephone keys respectively selected in accordance with the intended characters and also using signals respectively representing utterances of each of the intended characters to generate selected characters. The telephone key indication is a dual tone multifrequency signal or an utterance representing a number corresponding to the telephone key. A selected character corresponding to one of the telephone key indications is generated based on the utterance signal corresponding to the one telephone key indication.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating the operation of biochemical networks includes a computer having a computer memory used to store a set of objects, each object representing a biochemical mechanism in the biochemical network to be simulated. Most objects have one or more associated signals, representing quantities or concentrations of associated proteins, positions of associated molecules, or other information concerning the state of a biochemical network. Each object has an associated set of methods. These methods include methods for determining reaction probabilities for biochemical reactions associated with the objects, and reaction simulation methods for simulating performance of those biochemical reactions.

Abstract: A flat section with density not less than 25% from theoretical value is sintered from the powder of low ductile reactive alloy, welded by diffusion welding with cover foils made from ductile reactive metal that seal hermetically inner and surface pores, and assembled with two heat resistant sheets in the laminated package. Cover foils are made from metal that belongs to the same metal system as said sintered powder. The package is encapsulated in a capsule made from reactive alloy that belongs also to the same metal system as said sintered powder. An anti-adhesive release agent such as Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, A1.sub.2 O.sub.3, or CaF.sub.2 is deposited on both sides of the laminated package and between cover foils and heat resistant sheets. A portion of metal powder such as Mn, Ti, Nb, Cr, or other metals, having a high affinity to oxygen, inserts into said capsule for absorbtion of oxygen during the heating and forming. After outgassing vacuum heating at 1100-1500.degree. F.