Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and routing system parameterize a routing policy and apply the parameterized-routing policy to a route. Parameters are assigned to at least some policy statements of the policy. The parameterized policy may be called with parameters stored in a parameter table. In some embodiments, common blocks of the policy may be identified and assigned parameter sets. A commonized routing policy may be reused within more than one policy. In some embodiments, a method and routing system may evaluate a configuration file to determine relationships between route attributes. The relationships may be expressed in one or more mathematical functions, and when a route is received from a peer, the attributes of the route may be modified based on the mathematical functions. In some embodiments, a router and method for implementing routing policy and traffic engineering are provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to laboratory systems for processing tissue samples and specimens within a laboratory. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for automating sample processing, comprising handling and analysis of tissue specimens with laboratory and/or medical diagnostic equipment. In one form the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sample processing tissue specimens for histological and/or pathological laboratory analysis involving procedures or tasks such as, for example, tissue processing, embedding, staining, coverslipping and imaging. In a laboratory system utilizing aspects of the present invention there is provided at least one workcell and at least one conveyer in which tissue samples may be routed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and routing system parameterize a routing policy and apply the parameterized-routing policy to a route. Parameters are assigned to at least some policy statements of the policy. The parameterized policy may be called with parameters stored in a parameter table. In some embodiments, common blocks of the policy may be identified and assigned parameter sets. A commonized routing policy may be reused within more than one policy. In some embodiments, a method and routing system may evaluate a configuration file to determine relationships between route attributes. The relationships may be expressed in one or more mathematical functions, and when a route is received from a peer, the attributes of the route may be modified based on the mathematical functions. In some embodiments, a router and method for implementing routing policy and traffic engineering are provided.

Abstract: A radio including a first channel for receiving signals at a first frequency and a second channel for receiving and transmitting signals at a second frequency. A multiplexer connects the first and second channels through an A/D and D/A converter to a digital signal processor. An oscillator is connected to and provides a common sampling frequency to the A/D and D/A converters. The digital signal processor controls the multiplexer and modifies the received digital signals to accommodate for the different carrier frequencies of the channels using the common sampling rate. A frequency synthesizer is connected to the oscillator and provides different frequency signals for the channels. A third channel may be provided for receiving and transmitting signals at a third frequency and is also connected to the multiplexer. The processor is capable of performing communication protocols for at least two of the channels simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method reduces multipass signal degradation attributable to non-linear processing, namely quantization and dequantization. In one embodiment, a decoder decodes a predetermined unit of data utilizing a first quantization value. A quantization restrictor receives the first quantization value and generates a second quantization value having a restricted value wherein the second quantization value is equal to the first quantization value divided by a given integer. An encoder encodes the predetermined unit of data utilizing the second quantization value. A function unit can be provided for performing a predetermined pixel domain function on the predetermined unit of data between the decoding operation of the decoder and the encoding operation of the encoder. In this system, the decoder performs an inverse discrete cosine transform on the predetermined unit of data, and dequantizes the predetermined unit of data.

Abstract: A coverslip pick-up and transfer head comprises a pair of spaced suction cups which are angled downwardly and outwardly. A spring loaded plunger in an extended condition extends below the suction cups such that when a coverslip is help by the suction cups it is flexed in a concave shape. A solenoid, when energized, retracts the plunger against the spring force. In use a coverslip magazine containing a stack of coverslips is raised under the head causing the plunger to retract until the suction cups contact the coverslips. Vacuum is applied to the suction cups and the magazine lowered whereby the coverslip is held by the suction cups and flexed into a concave shape. The solenoid is energized momentarily causing the plunger the retract and extend thereby delivering a gentle flexural pulse to the coverslip causing any further coverslip adhered to the underside of the top coverslip to be released and returned to the magazine.