Abstract: A computing device, which may be implemented as an integrated circuit, is constructed of a microprocessor and one or more neural network co-processors. The microprocessor normally executes programs which transfer data to the neural network co-processors, which are used to compute complicated mathematical functions. Direct Memory Access (DMA) is also used to transfer data. Each neural network co-processor interfaces to the microprocessor in a manner substantially similar to that of a conventional memory device. The co-processor does not require any instructions and is configured to execute mathematical operations simply by being pre-loaded with gating functions and weight values. In addition, the co-processor executes a plurality of arithmetic operations in parallel, and the results of such operations are simply read from the co-processor.

Abstract: Skin care compositions comprising a water-in-oil emulsion base containing retinoids and at least one imidazole in a free base form and possessing good physical and chemical stability.

Abstract: An artificial neuron, which may be implemented on an integrated circuit, has only one significant processing element in the form of an adder. Inputs are first fed through gating functions to produce gated inputs. These gated inputs are then added together to produce a sum which is added to a weight to produce the neuron output.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sterilization and secondary packaging into cartons storing arrays of blister packages, each of which contains at least one hydrophilic contact lens immersed in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically, disclosed in an apparatus adapted to provide for arrays of blister packages which are transported within trays supported on racks. These racks are transported to a sterilization chamber for sterilizing the arrays of blister packages, and from which the sterilized arrays of blister packages are then transported to a locale for implementing the pairing thereof and the secondary packaging into sealable cartons. Also disclosed is a method of sterilizing and implementing the secondary packaging into cartons of predetermined quantities of arrays of blister packages, each of which contains a hydrophilic contact lens immersed in a sterile aqueous solution, so as to provide a sterile environment for the arrays of blister packages.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: A bypass means is provided for bypassing a system clock disabling signal around a conventional system clock disabling signal processing path to reduce the amount of delay between the occurrence of the disabling signal and a stopping of the system clock.

Abstract: A method is implemented in hardware or software type neural network, the neural network is constructed of neurons or neuron circuits each having only one significant processing element in the form of a multiplier. Each neuron applying a gating function to each of neural network inputs. The neural network utilizes a training algorithm which does not require repetitive training and which yields a global minimum to each given set of input vectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: Skin care compositions comprising a water-in-oil emulsion base containing retinoids and possessing good physical and chemical stability. The retinoids suitable for use in these skin care compositions include Vitamin A alcohol, Vitamin A aldehyde, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A circuit and method for computing an exponential signal x.sup.g is provided. The circuit includes a logarithm converter which converts an input signal to binary word that represents the logarithm of an input signal x. A first shift register shifts the binary word in a bit-wise fashion to produce a first intermediate value; while a second shift register shifts the binary word in a bit-wise fashion to produce a second intermediate value. The shift registers may be implemented using multiplexers. The shifting operations are equivalent to multiplying the intermediate values by a factor which is a power of two. The first intermediate value is either added to or subtracted from the second intermediate value to produce a combined value. An inverse-logarithm converter converts the combined value to the exponential signal.

Abstract: A system polynomial is determined using a plurality of system I/O data, wherein the system polynomial expresses the system output in terms of the system input, and wherein the system polynomial has at least one linear term and at least one nonlinear term. A control polynomial is determined, the control polynomial having at least one cancellation term and at least one control term, the at least one cancellation term calculated to cancel the at least one nonlinear term of the system polynomial, and the at least one control term calculated to control the at least one linear term of the system polynomial. A control output signal is generated based on the control polynomial and the control input signal.

Abstract: A method for storing data in a memory device is provided. The method stores blocks of data elements in a two-dimensional address space such that the blocks overlap in the address space. The data elements may be digital words which represent exponents of a polynomial expansion.

Abstract: An artificial neuron, which may be implemented on an integrated circuit, has only one significant processing element in the form of an adder. Inputs are first fed through gating functions to produce gated inputs. These gated inputs are then added together to produce a sum which is added to a weight to produce the neuron output.

Abstract: A reduction method is provided for the treatment of arsenic-containing organic compounds with simultaneous recovery of pure arsenic. Arsenic-containing organic compounds include pesticides, herbicides, and chemical warfare agents such as Lewisite. The arsenic-containing compound is decomposed using a reducing agent. Arsine gas may be formed directly by using a hydrogen-rich reducing agent, or a metal arsenide may be formed using a pure metal reducing agent. In the latter case, the arsenide is reacted with an acid to form arsine gas. In either case, the arsine gas is then reduced to elemental arsenic.

Abstract: A system polynomial is determined using a plurality of system I/O data, wherein the system polynomial expresses the system output in terms of the system input, and wherein the system polynomial has r' terms including at least one linear term and at least one nonlinear term, the r' terms found using a regression subsets technique. A control polynomial is determined, the control polynomial having at least one cancellation term and at least one control term, the at least one cancellation term calculated to cancel the at least one nonlinear term of the system polynomial, and the at least one control term calculated to control the at least one linear term of the system polynomial. A control output signal is generated based on the control polynomial and the control input signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and transporting ophthalmic lens mold sections from a mold, and generally comprising first, second, and third assemblies. The first assembly removes the lens mold sections from the mold and transports the lens mold sections to a first location, the second assembly receives the lens mold sections from the first assembly and transports the lens mold sections to a second location, and the third assembly receives the lens mold sections from the second assembly and transports the lens mold sections to a third location. Preferably, the first assembly includes a hand to receive the lens mold sections from the mold and to releasably hold the lens mold sections, and a support subassembly connected to the hand to support the hand and to move the hand between the mold and the first location.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for controlling the automatic packaging of contact lenses in a contact lens fabrication facility includes: a first robotic transfer device for periodically transferring a first predetermined amount of individual packages from an inspection station to an intermediate consolidation buffer and depositing the packages on the consolidation buffer; a control device for tracking and identifying each individual contact lens conveyed from the inspection station to the consolidation buffer and including memory and logic circuits for storing the identity of individual packages containing contact lenses that have been previously determined at the inspection station as being out of specification, and, generating a signal to enable the first robotic device to discard any individual package identified as out of specification; and, a second robotic assembly for periodically transferring a second predetermined amount of individual packages from the consolidation buffer to a second processing station, th

Abstract: The thermoplastic elastomer compositions contain a continuous phase or matrix of an engineering thermoplastic such as ester polymer and a discontinuous phase of an acrylic rubber which is cured substantially by using epoxidized oils. The cured composition which can be dynamically vulcanized has good physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and high temperature resistance.

Abstract: A neural network, which may be implemented either in hardware or software, is constructed of neurons or neuron circuits each having only one significant processing element in the form of a multiplier. A hidden neuron in the neural network generates an output based on the product of a plurality of functions. The neural network utilizes a training algorithm which does not require repetitive training and which yields a global minimum to each given set of input vectors.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell/electrolyte/mediator combination for the efficient destruction of organic contaminants using metal salt mediators in a sulfuric acid electrolyte, wherein the electrodes and mediator are chosen such that hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode and no cell membrane is required.