Abstract: A system and method for locally determining a fair allocated bandwidth for a network node configured to send and receive packets in an upstream direction and a downstream direction is disclosed. A local allocated bandwidth is allocated for locally generated network packets sent in the downstream direction. A minimum downstream available network bandwidth is determined from information received in the upstream direction. The local allocated bandwidth is adjusted based on the minimum downstream available network bandwidth and the local allocated bandwidth is used to govern whether a class of locally generated network packets are sent in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A method for finding out address information of a data source in a data transmission system comprises at least one data transmission stream (TS) for transmitting information on at least one data source preferably in packet form, wherein the packets contain information on which data source they belong to. Further, the method comprises one or more data transmission channels, in which the data transmission streams are conveyed, as well as a name server system for storage of address information of data sources, the address information containing an identification of the data source, such as the title, and information on the data transmission channel to be used for transmission of the data source, and a data receiving device (19). A data transmission connection is formed from the data receiving device (19) to the name server system (22a, 22b, 22c), and the identification of the desired data source is sent in the first form to the name server system (22a, 22b, 22c).

Abstract: Adjunct apparatus for increasing network transmission capacity provides a low-cost, efficient solution for increasing the network transmission capacity of the existing telephone circuit switched network, while keeping the current network equipment unchanged. A Local Switch Network (LSN) Adjunct (LSNA) and a Tandem/Toll Switch Network (TSN) Adjunct (TSNA) interface with standard network elements, such as switches and cross connect equipment. These network adjuncts, comprising a set of low-bit rate speech coders, a dynamic timeslot manager and other supporting functions, advantageously transmit to and receive from a T1/T3/OC3/E1 trunk. More than one channel of voice is carried on one 64 Kbps DS0 timeslot, while still maintaining the voice at toll quality. A sub-timeslot and sub-timeslot bundling are introduced in the standard T1 or E1 frame where each sub-timeslot is analogous to a single bit of the typical eight bit word to provide more than 24 or 30 voice channels respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the transmission format of complex symbols in a received signal which is formatted in complex symbol blocks. Each block has a first occurrence (GIk) of a sequence of complex symbols and second occurrence (gIk) of the same sequence of complex symbols. A correlation between the first and second occurrences is effected by means of acquisition and correlation time windows, the transmission format being determined by searching for maximum correlation between the first complex symbol sequence and the second complex symbol sequence via synchronization of the windows with the received signal so that the windows select the first occurrence and the second occurrence of complex symbols, respectively. Particularly useful in a digital transmission system employing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM).

Abstract: An approach for managing resources in a distributed computing system includes establishing dedicated process pools on nodes where work is to be performed. Each dedicated process pool is associated with a particular remote node and includes one or more processes. The one or more processes in each dedicated process pool perform work on behalf of processes on the associated remote node. Each dedicated process pool is managed by processes on the associated remote node using local synchronization data maintained on the associated remote node. The assignment of particular processes to perform work on behalf of processes on the associated remote node is performed by the processes on the associated remote node. In addition, the spawning of additional processes or the termination of existing processes from a dedicated process pool is managed by the processes on the associated remote node.

Abstract: A hybrid WDM-TDM optical link employing a hybrid modelocked multi-wavelength semiconductor which provides approximately 4 to approximately 20 wavelength channels that makes possible modulated multiplexed data which when demultiplexed by ultra fast optical demultiplexing provides rates suitable for conventional electronic photo receivers. The link uses single-stripe GaAs/AlGaAs semiconductor optical amplifiers which simultaneously generate from approximately four to more than approximately twenty tunable WDM channels. Diode laser can also include InP, InGaAlP, InGaAsP, InGaP, InGaAs. A four channel version transmits approximately 12 picosecond pulses at approximately 2.5 GHz for an aggregate pulse rate of 100 GHz. When generating approximately 20 wavelength channels, each transmitting approximately 12 picosecond pulses at a rate of approximately 600 MHz, there is provided optical data and transmission systems operating at rates in excess of 800 Gbits/s.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser system including a high reflector and an output coupler defining a resonator; a gain medium positioned in the resonator that produces optical gain at more than two desired wavelengths; a coarse selection system, positioned in the resonator and coupled to the gain medium, that produces single transverse modes at the desired wavelengths, with transmission values at the desired wavelengths selected such that power output at the desired wavelengths is maximized, and with transmission values at undesired wavelengths selected to retard lasing at the undesired wavelengths; and a fine selector positioned in the resonator and coupled to the gain medium, having a optical length such that all of the desired wavelengths are substantially simultaneously resonant within the optical length; whereby an output beam is generated. Also disclosed are full-color holography systems and three-dimension laser Doppler velocimetry systems incorporating the inventive laser system.

Abstract: The output optical beam from an angled-facet semiconductor laser diode is made to propagate parallel to the optical axis of the laser package with low optical back-reflection. In this way, the angled-facet devices are made compatible with conventional semiconductor laser packages enabling them to be economically incorporated in a wide-range of external semiconductor lasers and amplified spontaneous emission sources. The parallel beam is achieved by tilting the laser diode with respect to the front and back surfaces of the package.

Abstract: A process for use in fabrication of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The fabricated semiconductor device includes a top oxide aperture within a top oxidation layer and a bottom oxide aperture within a bottom oxidation layer precisely positioned relative to each other, and an electrical contact to a contact layer between the top and bottom oxidation layers. The process includes the following steps: etching past one of the oxidation layers and stopping in the contact layer, etching one or more holes traversing the top and bottom oxidation layers, and simultaneously oxidizing both oxidation layers. Etching past both oxidation layers in the same alignment step ensures that the centers of the two apertures, as formed through selective oxidation, will be aligned.

Abstract: An excimer laser with optical pulse multiplication produced by separating a laser beam into a plurality of beams and multiplying the pulse rate in each beam. A pulse multiplier optical system receives the laser output beam and produces multiple output beams, each beam having a larger number of pulses with substantially reduced intensity values as compared to the laser output beam. In a preferred embodiment, CaF2 flats are used along with maximum reflection mirrors to split the laser beam into four beams each with a 4× increased pulse rate. The present invention is particularly important as an improvement to the ArF excimer laser industry to reduce two-photon absorption damage to optical equipment in lithography machines.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser pumped solid state laser includes a solid laser medium, a semiconductor laser which radiates a pumping laser beam for pumping the solid laser medium, and a light entrance optical system which converges the pumping laser beam in the solid laser medium. The semiconductor laser is disposed with its beam radiating axis inclined to the optical axis of the light entrance optical system so that the pumping laser beam travelling from the semiconductor laser to the solid laser medium and a laser beam reflected at the pumping light inlet side end face of the solid laser medium travel different optical paths. A light-shielding plate which intercepts the laser beam reflected at the pumping light inlet side end face of the solid laser medium is provided between the semiconductor laser and the solid laser medium.

Abstract: A sub-mount, an LD bar and a light guide duct are mounted on an LD package main body of a semiconductor laser, and an outgoing section of the LD bar is inserted into the light guide duct. A gold metallized insulating plate is fused on one side of the LD package main body, and the LD bar and the gold metallizing are wire-bonded. The light guide duct transmits the excitation light directly up to a laser medium, and a reflector surrounds the periphery of the laser medium. Upon flowing of a current from the LD package main body to the cathode electrode, the LD excitation light is emitted and the laser medium is excited, to thereby make laser oscillation possible. With the above structure, there is provided an LD excitation solid-state laser device which is easy in assembling, low in the costs, high in efficiency and high in reliability.

Abstract: Optical detection apparatus comprises a solid state laser having an intracavity optical waveguide that supports a lasing filament and operates in one of two states: (1) in a first state, the filament is fixed in one of two orientations, and (2) in a second state, the filament may be induced to switch or oscillate between the two orientations, or it may be suppressed altogether. At least one feature is located on the output facet off-center with respect to the waveguide cross-section in order to provide a preferred orientation for the filament. In one embodiment, a single feature is located off-center and optical radiation of one intensity is injected through the facet feature, thereby causing the laser to operate in one of its states, whereas injected radiation of another intensity causes the laser to operate in the other of its states. The injected radiation may be radiation emitted by the laser that is reflected by an object (e.g.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for continuous smelting of solid metal products in a reactor comprising a smelting zone and a metallurgical processing zone, which consists in continuously heating the solid metal products in the smelting zone, gradually transferring said smelted products into the metallurgical process zone, refining the smelted products in the metallurgical process zone in an oxidising slag medium, separating the metallurgical process zone slag from the smelting zone slag, transforming the oxidising slag in the metallurgical process zone into a reducing slag, desulphurizing the smelted products in the metallurgical processing zone in a reducing slag medium and casting the smelted metal.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely answering a phone call involves receiving a call over a first communications link at the home or office of a subscriber. A call recipient at a remote location is alerted of the call. Next, the call recipient is coupled to a bridging element over a second communications link. The bridging element bridges the first communications link and the second communications link together so that remote call recipient is connected to the call. The bridging is done so that the remote call recipient is connected to the calling party seamlessly.

Abstract: A transmission method in a communications system has an orthogonal code vector for transmitting message signals. A first vector matrix is formed using a first series of cyclic shifts of a sequence having a characteristic polynomial wherein the characteristic polynomial of the sequence is a primitive polynomial having a degree r. A second vector matrix is formed using a second series of cyclic shifts in accordance with whether r is odd or even. The first vector matrix is permuted to provide an orthogonal code. The permuting operations are determined. The determined permuting operations are applied to the second matrix to provide a binary quasi orthogonal code vector. The binary quasi orthogonal code vector is applied to a message signal to provide an encoded message signal for transmission in the communications system. The transmission method also includes forming a vector matrix using a series of cyclic shifts of a sequence having a characteristic polynomial.

Abstract: A spread-spectrum, code-division-multiple-access (CDMA), system with a remote station (RS) communicating with a first base station (BS). The remote station receives the first BS-packet signal, and transmits a first RS-packet signal to the first base station. The first RS-packet signal is spread by a first RS-chip-sequence signal at a second frequency. The first base station receives the first RS-packet signal. The first base station stores and forwards the despread first RS-packet signal to a central office (CO). The remote station monitors control and packet transmission channels of other base stations in geographic proximity to the remote station. Each of the base stations transmit BS-packet signals. The remote station determines, based on signal metrics and available capacity, when to change from the first base station to the second base station. The second base station stores and then forwards the despread second RS-packet signal to the central office.

Abstract: A system for enhancing signal reception comprises delay devices coupled to a combiner. The delay devices are adapted to delay respective input signals by corresponding offset delay durations to produce time-staggered delayed signals with respect to one another. The combiner is coupled to the delay devices for combining the delayed signals to form a combined signal. A recorder receives the combined signal for recording the combined signal in the time-domain. The recorder records the combined signal in successive measurement cycles. Each successive measurement cycle contains a time window corresponding to each of the delayed signals. An evaluator evaluates the recorded signal for determining average power, within each time window, over a group of the successive measurement cycles for each of the delayed signals to prepare for determining cross-correlation between pairs of the delayed signals.

Abstract: Synchronized receiver circuitry and methods are provided for a spread-spectrum communications system which includes a transmitter for generating a data-modulated carrier signal encoded with a predetermined discrete-stepped, cyclical pseudo-random noise code sequence, and a receiver for despreading and demodulating the encoded spread-spectrum modulated carrier signal. The receiver has a pseudo-random noise code generator, a mixer connected to the pseudo-random noise code generator for mixing the encoded spread-spectrum modulated carrier signal with the code sequence provided by the pseudo/random noise code generator to despread the carrier signal, and an indicator in the receiver for generating a received signal strength indicator analog signal. The synchronized receiver includes a clock which provides a frequency output corresponding to the frequency of the clock driving the pseudo-random noise code generator in the transmitter.

Abstract: Circuit and method for timing recovery in a digital communication receiver for improving a BER performance and having a faster data transmission rate, the timing recovery circuit for recovering a synchronous timing signal of a PN code from an output of a matched filter in the digital communication receiver, including a power calculation circuit for receiving an output of the matched filter and calculating a power of a PN code signal for each sample period in each symbol period, a maximal power position detection circuit for detecting a sample position at which a symbol period has a maximum power value, a symbol position tracking circuit for tracking and setting an optimal symbol position value, a modulo counter for rotating as many as a number of samples in one symbol period in counting the samples for providing a reference position of samples, and a comparator for comparing the present symbol position value from the symbol position tracking circuit and a count value from the modulo counter, and generating a

Abstract: In a receiver having at least two fingers, the fingers tracking at least one path of a multipath channel, a method includes the steps of forming a finger block of at least two of the two fingers and jointly tracking the fingers of said finger block. The step of jointly tracking includes the steps of generating direction metrics of each of a set of possible directions of joint movement of the fingers of the finger block, selecting one of the direction metrics according to a predetermined criterion, and moving the fingers of the finger block in the directions indicated by the selected direction metric.

Abstract: A method of Multi-slot Averaged Linear Interpolation (MALI) to estimate channel transfer characteristics at a receiver in a wireless network. The method and system are particularly well suited to use in wideband CDMA transmission systems. The steps of the method include calculating an instantaneous channel estimation from each slot in a transmitted signal, combining the instantaneous channel estimations for adjacent slot groups, and linearly interpolating between multi-slot averages to provide each symbol within a slot an accurate estimate of transfer characteristics for that symbol.

Abstract: A microprocessor structure and a method for implementing digital filter operations are disclosed, which utilize an increment/decrement unit, and an accumulator unit and a register set which are already existing in a microprocessor, to provide finite impulse response digital filter and inner product operations. With the increment/decrement unit, when a finite impulse response digital filter operation is executed, it is able to automatically move the data into a memory, so that when a next operation is executed, it is able to immediately perform the operation simply by writing new data and setting pointers, whereby the microprocessor can efficiently perform the operations of digital signal processing.

Abstract: An automatic equalizer has a sampling-clock producing arrangement which is for, before selecting a sample timing, producing a sampling clock at the rate of L times of that after selecting, and after selecting the sample timing, producing a tap-coefficient selection signal according to the sample timing, and a sampling clock at the rate of 1/L times of that before selecting, according to the sample timing. In the sampling-clock producing arrangement, demodulation components are obtained in absolute values of impulse-response signals with respect to L sample timings, respectively. A selecting arrangement selects the sample timing by the use of the demodulation components. The impulse-response signals are produced in response to a sampled received-signal obtained by sampling a received signal with the sampling clock.

Abstract: A receiver, comprising an adaptive filter, performs blind equalization using a joint constant modulus algorithm—multimodulus algorithm (CMA-MMA) blind equalization algorithm. The adaptive filter is a two-filter structure. The receiver performs CMA-MMA blind equalization using asymmetric algorithms. This joint CMA-MMA blind equalization technique reduces the rate of occurrence of a diagonal solution.

Abstract: In a data communication system having a channel with time-varying impairments and further having a transmitter with a precoder, a method and apparatus for updating the precoder coefficients. The method and apparatus is based on the arrangement of a duplicate precoder and correction filter in the receiver, where the correction filter generates incremental coefficients. The incremental coefficients are sent via a back channel to the transmitter and added to the current values of the precoder coefficients. The method and apparatus provide DFE-like performance and do not have the delay problems associated with DFEs.

Abstract: A system and method used to perform lossless wavelet-based image transformations. In one embodiment, the method used for these transformations and for bit precision reduction. First, at least a luminance value is produced for each row of pixels of a selected pixel block. Next, a determination is made as to whether a luminance value associated with a particular row of pixels of the selected pixel block is positive. Thereafter, a reduced luminance value is produced when the luminance value is determined to be positive, the reduced luminance value is represented by a lesser number of bits than the luminance value. Finally, the second and third steps are continued for each luminance value associated with each row of the selected pixel block. The values are used in an iterative fashion to calculate the low and high spatial frequency and create graphics with minimal use of bandwidth.

Abstract: A video data compression/playback system efficiently compresses a plurality of video data pieces through inter-frame predictive-encoding. Mixed video data VSMIr composed of time-divided video data received by video input terminals are divided video data pieces each of which corresponding to video input terminals and the video data pieces are written into memories respectively by a memory control circuit for recording mode. The mixed video data written into the memories is read, a specified number of frames at a time. An MPEG encoding circuit performs inter-frame predictive-encoding for each specified number of frames.

Abstract: The invention relates, in encoding/decoding systems, to an improved method of switching from a first coded video sequence to a second one. In order to avoid underflow or overflow of the decoder buffer, a transcoding of the input streams IS1 and IS2 is used to shift the temporal position of the switching point and to obtain at the output of the provided transcoders (11, 12) streams TS1 and TS2 containing an identical entry point and the same decoder buffer characteristics.

Abstract: Coding mode information, VBV buffer occupancy information, and display field phase information corresponding to a coded frame are extracted in units of coded frames of a video signal. Condition determination is performed, on the basis of these pieces of extracted information, with respect to a standardized editable point at which at least part of the coded data can be connected to another coded data seamlessly in terms of the coding mode, the buffer occupancy, and the display field phase. If it is determined that the editable point for which insertion designation is performed does not satisfy the standardized editable point conditions, the editable point, for which insertion designation is performed, is delayed until the conditions are satisfied, thereby inserting the editable point at the delayed time point.

Abstract: In a video camera the effects of global motion of a subject being photographed are accommodated by varying the pixel definition or focus of a digitally transmitted video image in response to frame-to-frame changes falling outside of a predetermined range. Specifically this is accomplished by sensing changes in the image content between successive images, determining whether the extent of that change lies within the predetermined range, and adjusting the pixel definition when the extent of change lies outside the range, and maintaining a given pixel definition when the extent of change remains within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method for receiving-end automatic identification of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) mode (16-, 64-, 256-QAM; 32-, 128-QAM) of a received signal. The mode having been transmitted in accordance with QAM modulation, in which the received signal is demodulated with symbol values I-Sym and Q-Sym of different significance being obtained. In order to configure this identification process such that it is reliable and can be realized by relatively simple circuit, the invention provides for the significance of the symbol values I_Sym and Q_Sym to be acquired, and for the symbol values I_Sym and Q_Sym to be added in accordance with their significance in order to obtain a statistical distribution of maxima as a representative of the transmitted QAM mode.

Abstract: A circuit for predistorting a signal to be transmitted via a non-linear channel comprises an envelope detector for detecting an envelope of the signal. A quantization for forming quantized envelope values on the basis of the detected envelope is connected to the envelope detector as well as to a table for supplying complex predistortion coefficients which depend on the quantized envelope values and on a previously detected transmission function of the non-linear channel. An evaluation circuit separated from the non-linear channel and used for the complex evaluation of the signal to be transmitted via the non-linear channel with the complex predistortion coefficients permits the distortion introduced by the non-linear channel to be substantially compensated according to amount and phase.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for receiving an OOK-modulated signal, in particular for use in a data carrier of an identification system. The configuration has a demodulator circuit, a decoding circuit that is connected downstream of the latter and a sequential control for controlling in particular the reception, demodulation and processing of received data. A switching element that is driven by the sequential control is disposed between the demodulator circuit and the decoding circuit. An input of the switching element is connected to the output of the demodulator circuit and a first output of the switching element being connected to the input of the decoding circuit. The switching element has a second output that is connected to the reset input of the circuit configuration.

Abstract: A digital wireless receiving apparatus performs AGC control. A desired wave level is detected at a modulator, and AGC control is performed for a high frequency portion by detecting a desired wave level at a demodulator. A tap number of a digital filter in the demodulator is controlled or another analog filter of an intermediate frequency detects an input level of an interfering wave or a desired wave, thereby performing AGC control for the high frequency portion and controlling the tap number of the digital filter at the demodulator.

Abstract: The timing of a carrier signal is tracked in a receiver. The receiver receives a signal produced by a transmitter having a single frequency source which is used to generate a reference clock frequency and a carrier signal frequency, there being a fixed, predetermined relationship between the reference and carrier frequencies. In the receiver there is a single frequency source which is used to generate a reference clock frequency and a carrier reference signal frequency, there being a fixed, predetermined relationship between the reference and carrier reference frequencies. The fixed, predetermined relationship in the transmitter and the receiver is the same.

Abstract: The present inventions provide methods and systems for reducing the peak to average power ratio of a multi-carrier signal. Reducing the peak to average power ratio of a signal ensures that amplifiers and transmitters are not saturated, causing loss of data. Further, reducing peak to average power ratios reduces the consumption of power during transmission. Peak to average power ratios is reduced by clipping an original signal at transmission. A receiver receives the clipped signal and makes an estimate of the clipped portions of the signal. Using iterative estimations an approximation is made of the clipped portions of the signal. The approximation of the clipped portions of the signal is used to estimate the original signal. The clipped signal reduces the peak to average power ratio of the transmitted signal, and estimation avoids the need for sending side information in order to decode the clipped signal.

Abstract: A two-stage, space-time digital receiver provides improved estimates of data symbols from a received signal comprising the data symbols, co-channel interference, and intersymbol interference. The first stage uses a space-time linear filter to process the received signal and provide an intermediate signal with substantially reduced co-channel interference content and substantially unaltered intersymbol interference content relative to that of the received signal. The second stage uses a Viterbi equalizer to estimate the data symbols from the intermediate signal. Because the receiver performs Viterbi equalization on the intermediate signal with reduced co-channel interference, its performance is superior to that of receivers that directly Viterbi equalize the received signal.

Abstract: A demodulator operates in a multipath (ISI) channel carrying transmitted symbols. The demodulator receives a signal representing a transmitted sequence, and develops an output sample at a select sampling phase corresponding to a synchronization point. Plural hypothetical samples representing plural hypothetical sequences are generated. The output sample is compared to the plural hypothetical samples to determine plural metrics and develop an original estimate of each transmitted sequence based on the hypothetical sequence producing a best metric. The hypothetical samples are compared to the received sample taken at an early sampling phase in advance of the select sampling phase and to the received sample at a late sampling phase delayed from the select sampling phase to determine if a second estimate of the transmitted symbol produces a better metric than the original estimate, and in response to the second estimate producing a better metric adjusting the synchronization point.

Abstract: A pulse rephasing circuit and method for receiving an input signal and generating an output signal includes a circuit for generating a control voltage of magnitude related to a phase difference between the input and output signals. The circuit for generating a control voltage may be, for example, a multiplier circuit to which both the input and output signals are applied. A delay circuit receives the input signal to produce an output signal that has been delayed with respect to the input signal an amount related to the magnitude of the control voltage. The delay circuit may include a capacitor, a circuit for linearly charging the capacitor, a circuit for comparing the control voltage to a voltage charged on the capacitor, and a circuit for generating a state change in the output signal when the voltage charged on the capacitor exceeds the control voltage.

Abstract: The lock detector circuit for a phase-locked loop has two counters and a comparator, to which the counter readings of the two counters are fed. The lock detector circuit is symmetric and has two comparators in which the counter readings of the counters are checked separately in each case. If the difference between the counter readings exceeds a predetermined threshold value in one of the comparators, then the phase-locked loop is immediately set to the non-locked state and the counter readings are reset to zero. Frequency differences are detected immediately in the novel lock detector circuit, without a time delay and independently of the relative position of the reference edges of the signals to be compared. The phase-locked loop is thus quickly and reliably set to a locked or non-locked state. Furthermore, the functioning of the lock detector circuit is preserved when one of the two clock signals fails to appear, for example in the event of a crystal fault.

Abstract: In a phase comparator, a first data fetching circuit fetches an input signal in response to a transition timing of a clock signal having a frequency about half that of the input signal, and a second data fetching circuit fetches the output signal of the first data fetching circuit in response to a transition timing of an inverted signal of the clock signal. A first exclusive OR performs an exclusive OR operation upon the input signal and the output signal of the first data fetching circuit. and a second exclusive OR circuit performs an exclusive OR operation upon the output signals of the first and second data fetching circuits. An inverter inverts the output signal of the first exclusive OR circuit.

Abstract: A technique for determining percent body fat using neutron inelastic scattering is disclosed. It relies on a correlation between a carbon-oxygen ratio in the body and the percent body fat with corrections made for a level of patient hydration in the lean tissue. The animal body is irradiated with neutrons having sufficient energy to inelastically scatter off carbon and oxygen. The resulting gamma rays are detected and counted, and the level of hydration is measured. The ratio of the detected gamma rays and hydration are then related to a proportion of fat in the animal body. This technique provides accuracy approaching that achieved with hydrodensitometry with only small radiation doses between 5 and 20 millirem, but without any requirements for immersion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for introducing zinc into a water-containing component of the primary system of a nuclear power plant, in particular for preventing the deposition of radioactive cobalt and/or for reducing the possible susceptibility of materials in the component to corrosion. An effective level of zinc is introduced into the component as a dissolved zinc compound which is a zinc complex and/or metal zincate.

Abstract: Non-power-of-two Gray-code counters, including modulos 10, 12, 14, and 22 are disclosed, along with a sequencing method they employ. Each counter includes a register for storing an N-bit, e.g., 4-bit, Gray-code count. The count is converted to binary code by a Gray-to-binary-code counter. The resulting binary count is incremented by an N-bit incrementer that skips certain binary values by toggling least-significant bits in unison when indicated by certain most-significant binary bits. The result is converted to Gray-code by a binary-to-Gray-code translator. The translated result is stored in the register as the next count. An algorithm is disclosed for designing such a Gray-code counter for any even modulo. The modulo is expressed as a sum of positive and negative terms, each term being a power of two. The exponents of the terms determine the counter design.

Abstract: A frequency counter 1 includes a binary counter section 11 having a binary counter 20 for counting up frequency data, and a EEPROM counter section 12 having an EEPROM 40 containing frequency data. In a frequency count processing, frequency data of the EEPROM 40 are loaded into the binary counter 20. The binary counter 20 executes count up by a specified frequency on the loaded frequency data. The counted up frequency data are written into the EEPROM 40 to update the frequency data of the EEPROM 40. In one frequency count process, rewriting of the EEPROM 40 is completed once, which means that the number of time the EEPROM 40 is rewritten is reduced.

Abstract: A space-efficient, multi-cycle barrel shifter circuit for shifting data inputted into the circuit by a shift value over multiple clock cycles which circuit includes: (a) a load module adapted to receive a load signal and the data, the load module coupled to the shift module and configured to load the data into the shift module upon receipt of a load signal; (b) a register module coupled to the shift module and to the load module, where the register module is a register adapted to receive a clock signal and configured to pass the data through the shift module with each clock cycle; (c) a constant shift module coupled to the register module and the shift module and configured to shift the data by a constant amount with each clock cycle; and (d) a control module coupled to the shift module and the load module, the control module capable of generating a command signal for each elementary shifter in the shift module for each clock cycle based upon the shift value, the command signal determining the amount of shift

Abstract: The rotation component supported rotatably with respect to the gantry includes a cylindrically-shaped rotation base, and a disk-like frame provided in parallel to the bottom surface of the cylinder of the rotation base so as to partition it at substantially a middle way through. The frame has a plurality of unit opening sections for arranging the unit, and further an opening section. The structural elements provided in the rotation component, namely, the X-ray tube unit, signal amplification unit, cooling unit, power units and power control unit are fit into the predetermined unit opening section of the frame, and are fixed onto the inner wall surface of the cylindrical rotation base.

Abstract: A data processor for fluorescent x-ray spectroscopy calculates theoretical x-ray intensity which is theoretically expected to be obtained by a fluorescent x-ray spectroscopy measurement of a standard sample with known composition by taking into account the effects of x-ray attenuation by the possible presence of an environmental gas along the optical path of the x-rays between the x-ray tube and the sample and between the sample and the detector. The element sensitivity for each of elements in the standard sample is obtained from this calculated x-ray intensity and the intensity actually measured and is stored in a memory. When a fluorescent x-ray spectroscopy measurement is carried out on an unknown sample, the sample is quantitatively analyzed, a theoretically calculated x-ray intensity obtained also by taking into account the effects of x-ray attenuation by an environmental gas is used together with the actually measured x-ray intensity and the element sensitivities stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method for controlling radiation delivery from a radiation source to an object is disclosed. The method includes defining a field on the object for radiation delivery. The field includes a plurality of cells, each cell having a defined treatment intensity level. The cells are grouped to form a matrix having at least one dimension approximately equal to a width of a collimator leaf capable of blocking radiation emitted from the radiation source. The method further includes decomposing the matrix into orthogonal matrices and optimizing delivery of the radiation by selecting the orthogonal matrices having minimum vertical and horizontal gradients when combined with adjacent cells. A system for controlling radiation delivery from a radiation source to an object is also disclosed.