Abstract: A detection circuit includes a first power line, a first signal conditioning module operationally coupled to the first power line, a neutral line (N) operationally coupled to the first signal conditioning module, a second signal conditioning module operationally coupled to the first power line, a second power line operationally coupled to the second signal conditioning module, and an analog to digital (A/D) converter operationally coupled to the first and the second signal conditioning modules.

Abstract: A method of identifying an object class uses a model based upon appearance parameters derived by comparing images of objects of different classes. The model includes a representation of a probability density function describing a range over which appearance parameters may vary for a given class of object, the model further including a defined relationship between the appearance parameters and the probability density function. The method generates appearance parameters representative of an unknown object, estimates an appropriate probability density function for the unknown object using the defined relationship between the appearance parameters and the probability density function, then iteratively modifies at least some of the appearance parameters within limits determined using the probability density function to identify the object class.

Abstract: Using a “reference” sensor, a reference position is detected in a frame of reference that is moving along a predetermined path relative to the reference sensor. The reference position is used to derive a position-dependent indicator of a position-dependent “longitudinal” offset component (i.e. along the path). An output from the target sensor is monitored using a “target window” that is partially based on the position-dependent indicator.

Abstract: In a method for generating a confidence level of a position error signal (PES) component that is indicative of a quality of the PES component, a PES component is generated using position signal samples of a read back signal corresponding to a servo burst pattern. Next, a noise level corresponding to noise in the read back signal is extracted using the position signal samples. A confidence level is then generated based on the PES component and the noise level. A system for performing the method includes a transformation block, a position error signal (PES) component extractor, a noise extractor, and a confidence level generator. The transformation block is configured to receive position signal samples of a read back signal corresponding to a servo burst pattern taken at a sampling frequency. A transformed domain representation of the position signal samples is then generated by the transformation block based on the sampling frequency and the servo burst pattern.

Abstract: A cooking platform includes at least one surface heating element having a first power consumption level and an oven located under the surface heating element. The oven includes a first heating element having a second power consumption level and a second heating element having a third power consumption level. The second heating element has at least two heating sub-elements. One of the two heating sub-elements is configured to be deenergized when a sum of the first, second, and third power consumption levels exceeds a power consumption limit of the cooking platform.

Abstract: A method for embedding behavior tags in a source code so that a computer can choose the appropriate implementation technology to execute the source code comprising a Configuration Program (CP) and a Deployment Program (DP). The CP allows a user to define and modify a plurality of behavior tags in the behavior tag definitions. The CP also allows the user to define and modify the preferences as to the implementation technologies in an implementation technology preference list. The user then creates the source code with embedded behavior tags. The DP reads the source code and automatically selects the appropriate implementation technology based on the behavior tags. The DP gives preference to implementation technologies according to the implementation technology preference list. The result is that the user does not have to specify the implementation technology for the source code or configure the behavior tags to a specific implementation technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatus and computer instructions for a container managed persistent support architecture that meets the Enterprise Java Bean (EJB) Specification. The support architecture provides application programmers a model for balancing generated components with runtime code to better optimize flexibility and efficiency of applications. Six generated components: concrete bean, bean adaptor binding, injector, extractor, data cache entry and function set, are used in combination with runtime code to perform typical operations of CMP entity beans.

Abstract: A software system for specifying design of at least two links in a packaging chain includes first and second software modules for specifying designs of first and second links in the packaging chain. The software modules have respective parameters each of which should not normally be breached. A conversion system interconnects the first software module and the second software module to enable data representing the link in the packaging chain specified by either the first software module or the second software module to be recognized in the other of the software modules. A feedback system provides feedback when there is a breach.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium, comprises steps of providing a non-magnetic substrate for a magnetic medium, the substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone; and forming a pattern of recesses in the substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone by embossing utilizing a stamper having a surface including a negative image pattern of said pattern of recesses. Embodiments of the invention include magnetic media comprising a non-magnetic substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone, said substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone comprising an embossed pattern of recesses. In addition, the data zone of the substrate surface may include an embossed servo pattern formed simultaneously with the embossed pattern of recesses formed in the landing zone.

Abstract: There is provided an accessory for a writing implement including a body assembly (10) comprising a barrel (11) and a split plug (12) and defining a passage (13) therethrough adapted to receive a pencil (14). The barrel (11) is provided with an internally threaded end (15) adapted to be engaged by an outer threaded portion (16) of the split plug (12) which is provided with a pair of opposed slots (17). The respective threaded portions (15) and (16) are relatively tapered whereby threaded engagement of the split plug (12) with the barrel (11) causes the slots (17) to close up such that the pencil (14) is retained thereby. The barrel (11) is provided with a pocket clip (20).

Abstract: A method and system for delivering location specific information to a receiver without the receiver having to transmit its location. The method includes self-determining a location of a receiver and receiving a signal comprising information pertaining to a wide geographical area. The method further includes selectively extracting, from the signal comprising information pertaining to a wide geographical area, geographic location specific information that only applies to a self-determined geographic location of the receiver. The method may also include broadcasting a signal to a wide geographic area, wherein information in the signal is tagged to specific geographic locations. The system includes at least one receiver comprising a locator for self-determination of geographic location and a discriminator for extracting appropriate location specific information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for repeatable run-out errors in a disc drive is disclosed. The compensation is created by determining transfer function values for a servo loop in the drive as well as a sequence of repeatable run-out values for a portion of a disc. The repeatable run-out values are divided by respective transfer function values to produce compensation values that are inverse transformed to produce time-domain compensation values. These time-domain compensation values are injected into the servo loop to compensate for repeatable run-out errors.

Abstract: This invention relates to the novel oxazole compounds of Formula (I) and novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for certifying servo sectors on recording surfaces of a disc stack of a data storage device to promote servo sector alignment among the various recording surfaces. A reference servo sector pattern is written to a first recording surface, the reference pattern comprising a plurality of angularly spaced apart servo sectors. Multiple interleaved sets of servo sector patterns are written to each of the remaining recording surfaces, each interleaved pattern respectively comprising a plurality of angularly spaced apart servo sectors. A selected interleaved pattern is identified from each of the remaining surfaces that provides a desired alignment with the reference servo sector pattern, and the non-selected servo sector patterns are overwritten. The servo patterns can be written to the discs prior to installation using a multiple disc writing (MDW) station, or after installation of the discs into the data storage device using a servo track writing (STW) station.

Abstract: Novel 1,4,5-substituted imidazole compounds and compositions for use in therapy as cytokine inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing preforms for optical fibers. The invention allows one to remove or significantly reduce undesirable refractive index variations in the central portion of the optical fibers. The method of preparing the preform having a central duct includes the steps of a first collapsing step, an etching step and a second collapsing step. The first collapsing step reduces the size of the central duct without closing the central duct by heating the preform at a first preform collapsing temperature. A portion of the last deposited layer of the core glass layers is etched by flowing an etchant gas through the central duct at a lower temperature than the preform collapsing temperature. The preform is finally collapsed at a second collapsing temperature to close the central duct of the preform and form a solid rod.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium, comprises steps of providing a non-magnetic substrate for a magnetic medium, the substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone; and forming a pattern of recesses in the substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone by embossing utilizing a stamper having a surface including a negative image pattern of said pattern of recesses. Embodiments of the invention include magnetic media comprising a non-magnetic substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone, said substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone comprising an embossed pattern of recesses. In addition, the data zone of the substrate surface may include an embossed servo pattern formed simultaneously with the embossed pattern of recesses formed in the landing zone.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium, comprises steps of providing a non-magnetic substrate for a magnetic medium, the substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone; and forming a pattern of recesses in the substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone by embossing utilizing a stamper having a surface including a negative image pattern of said pattern of recesses. Embodiments of the invention include magnetic media comprising a non-magnetic substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone, said substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone comprising an embossed pattern of recesses. In addition, the data zone of the substrate surface may include an embossed servo pattern formed simultaneously with the embossed pattern of recesses formed in the landing zone.

Abstract: Using a “reference” sensor, a reference position is detected in a frame of reference that is moving along a predetermined path relative to the reference sensor. The reference position is used to derive a position-dependent indicator of a position-dependent “longitudinal” offset component (i.e. along the path). An output from the target sensor is monitored using a “target window” that is partially based on the position-dependent indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compensation for variation in timing skew in a disc drive having at least one rotating disc is provided. A first head is positioned over a first disc surface and a second head is positioned over a second disc surface. The first disc surface includes a track having a first plurality of sectors and the second disc surface includes a track having a second plurality of sectors. Each sector of the second plurality of the sectors corresponds to a different sector of the first plurality of sectors, thereby forming a plurality of pairs of corresponding sectors. A timing skew value for each pair of corresponding sectors is computed to obtain a sequence of timing skew values. Data related to the sequence of timing skew values is utilized to compensate for variation in timing skew.