Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a mixed material. For example, two components of a bone cement may be positioned in the apparatus and mixed under vacuum. An increase in pressure on one side of a movable piston can move the material for ease of access and reducing voids in the mixed material.

Abstract: A feeder system comprising a hopper for holding dry chemical. A feed tube extends from the hopper and is for delivering dry chemical to a mixing tank. A first solenoid actuator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a first solenoid actuated gate that is disposed in the feed tube. A second solenoid actuator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a downstream second solenoid actuated gate disposed in the feed tube. A central controller is provided that is in communication with and controls the system components including the introduction of the dry chemical and process water into the mixing tank. The central controller controls a metering pump that pumps chemical mixed solution out of the mixing tank.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a high pressure fluid processing device for mixing, reacting, or otherwise combining fluids. The fluid processing device includes opposing, annular flow channels of different annular path areas. A first fluid enters the fluid processing device and flows through the first annular flow channel while the second fluid enters the fluid processing device and flows through the second annular flow channel. The opposing flows of fluids collide with one another within the flow channels, and exit through an outlet. The different annular path areas of the two annular flow channels may allow the two fluids to have different densities, viscosities, or both.

Abstract: The disclosed device disperses a substance in a liquid. The device has at least one dispersing chamber, which has at least one liquid inlet, at least one substance inlet, and at least one outlet. At least one driving means is placed inside the dispersing chamber while serving to set the liquid inside the dispersing chamber in motion so that at least one cavity with varying volume forms in the liquid for drawing in the substance through the substance inlet and forcing the substance made wet with liquid through the outlet.

Abstract: MIXFIX is an mixing apparatus featuring fine tuned mixing applicable as efficient and inexpensive in-line process mixing that also doubles as a regulatory valve. The controlled mixing degree allows for creating an alphabet where the degree of mixing (entropy) indicates different letters so that a computer controlled MIXFIX will generate any desired message that can be painted on surfaces and be readily interpreted by computers fed by regular digital cameras. Such entropic alphabet is read more reliably than normal English letters and even more reliably than bar codes, creating an opportunity for efficient labeling of anything that can then be camera captured and computer recognized including traffic control, industrial control, retail aid (replacing RFID), and military applications (preventing friendly fire).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially simultaneously mixing two fluids to form a mixture for application to a substrate.

Abstract: A seismic streamer includes at least one array of sensors each disposed in a sensor holder at longitudinally spaced apart locations. A longitudinal orientation of at least one sensor or at least one sensor holder is different from that of the other sensors along the length of the array.

Abstract: A method includes: acquiring a set of multicomponent seismic data in a towed-array, marine seismic survey at a low seismic frequency and at a deep tow depth; and processing the acquired seismic data to attenuate the affect of reverberations in the water column thereon. A method for processing seismic data includes: accessing a set of multicomponent seismic data acquired in a towed-array, marine seismic survey at a low seismic frequency and at a deep seismic depth; and processing the acquired seismic data to attenuate the affect of reverberations in the water column thereon. A method of acquiring multicomponent seismic data includes: towing a marine seismic array at a deep seismic depth; imparting a seismic survey signal into the marine environment, the seismic survey signal having a low seismic frequency; detecting a reflection of the seismic survey signal with the towed marine seismic array; and recording the detected reflection.

Abstract: Methods for generating a time lapse difference image. In one implementation, the method includes estimating a trace in a first seismic survey data set at each trace coordinate of a second seismic survey data set, estimating a trace in the second seismic survey data set at each trace coordinate of the first seismic survey data set and calculating trace differences between the first seismic survey data set and the second seismic survey data set at each trace coordinate of the first seismic survey data set and the second seismic survey data set.

Abstract: To survey a subterranean structure, measured seismic data is processed using an algorithm for deriving a single-mode absorption parameter. A first absorption parameter for a mode-converted seismic wave is computed based on an output of the algorithm. The first absorption parameter represents an absorption effect of the mode-converted seismic wave by the subterranean structure, where the mode-converted seismic wave is reflected from the subterranean structure in response to a source seismic wave of a different mode than the mode-converted seismic wave.

Abstract: Method for determining acceptability of sensor locations used to perform a seismic survey. In one implementation, the method includes obtaining a first set of reference data, generating a first output trace from a second set of reference data estimated from the first set of reference data at a plurality of planned sensor locations, generating a second output trace from a third set of reference data estimated at a plurality of actual sensor locations and comparing the second output trace with the first output trace to determine whether the variation between the second output trace and the first output trace is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying sonic logging data that provide highly reliable, visual quality-control (QC) indicators. One aspect herein is directed to a display of sonic logging data corresponding to a slowness frequency analysis (SFA) projection log.

Abstract: Methods for mitigating errors in velocity estimates obtained from correlation SONARs when the SONARs are operated over irregular ocean-bottom terrain are disclosed.

Abstract: A sonar device for determining the locations of all sound-reflective objects in all directions within a desired range in a body of water comprises a transmitting transducer and at least three receiving transducers. During operation of the sonar device, the transmitting transducer generates a single omnidirectional pulse which is reflected by the objects and the receiving transducers receive a plurality of echoes from the objects. The sonar device also includes a processor for grouping the echoes received by each receiving transducer into distinct echo sets, mathematically constructing an ellipsoid corresponding to each echo set, and determining the intersections of the ellipsoids to thereby determine the locations of the objects.

Abstract: Seabed sensor units, systems including same, and methods for acquiring seabed data are described, one seabed sensor unit comprising a base, the base containing at least one sensor able to detect a seismic signal, electronics comprising a clock and one or more electronic components enabling the sensor to communicate seismic data to one or more memory modules, and a local autonomous power source. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A global timepiece includes a transparent disk, which is arranged overhead the face of the timepiece, which has a New Day Line extending radially from the center outwardly to an indice indicating midnight. The transparent disk is operationally connected to a rotatable shaft, or other drive mechanism, by which it is moving the transparent disk 360° in a clockwise direction within 24 hours. The disk further includes an International Date Line indicia and time zone indicia represented by cities, or areas, or marks, representing a time zone geographically located within each corresponding time zone. Two windows for the indication of two successive dates are cut into the face. These windows are aligned astride in the New Day Line. A wheel is arranged beneath these windows and moves counterclockwise and indicates, on its circumferential top area, the relevant dates. By this wheel, the timepiece shows two successive dates in the windows and which world locations are in which date.

Abstract: During normal use, the time indicator (2) is driven by a mechanism (3) controlled by the gear train (4) of the timepiece. This mechanism is arranged for uncoupling the gear train from the indicator when the time-setting member (1) is actuated, this action causing the indicator to move forward through a step of one hour. The time-setting member includes a push-button (5) which actuates a device (6) that in turn acts on said mechanism (3).

Abstract: A time display device for conveying a current time of a day is provided. The time display device includes a first light emitting element for indicating a current hour by displaying an hour color selected from one of six colors, wherein the six colors respectively represent six hours in a quarter of a day; a second light emitting element indicating the current minute range by displaying one of six colors, wherein the six colors respectively represent one of six intervals of ten minutes in an hour; and a first circuit for controlling flashing at specific frequencies of each of the six colors assigned to the specific hours and minute intervals.

Abstract: A watch design that has a movable case that keeps the face of the watch visible regardless of the position of the wrist. In this way, a user can quickly see the watch face in the proper orientation so that the time can be quickly and correctly determined. There are several ways to accomplish this. The case can be mounted on a turntable that rotates on the y-axis. A frame containing the watch mechanism and display is hinged on said turntable and rotated vertically upon the x-axis described by the hinge-mounted frame mounted on said frame. Another embodiment uses a gimbaled point on which the face is free to rotate, much like a compass. In this embodiment, the watch case is weighted to that the face always moves to a readable position. Finally, the watch may include displays mounted in the link of a watchband.

Abstract: In order to improve the isochronism of the mechanical movement of a watch, the regulating members comprise at least two tourbillons mounted on a common rotating support driven by one or several barrel springs, such that the tourbillons make an orbital movement around the axis of rotation of the support. The tourbillons are connected by respective going trains to a differential gear, one of whose elements is immobilised by friction.

Abstract: The timepiece includes a striking mechanism (20) which includes a mobile part (60, 70), and a time-setting mechanism (16) which cooperates with a winding stem (26). The time-setting mechanism (16) includes a pull-out piece (50) whose pivoting is controlled by a time-setting lever (30). The pull-out piece (50) controls the sliding of a sliding pinion (36) from a winding position to a time-setting position. The pivoting of an isolating lever (94) is controlled by the mobile part (70) of the striking mechanism (20) so as to cause the sliding pinion (36) to slide from the winding position to an intermediate position, located axially between the winding position and the time-setting position thereof.

Abstract: The timepiece includes a striking mechanism (20) which includes a mobile part (60, 70), and a time-setting mechanism (16). The time-setting mechanism (16) cooperates via a first arm (72) with the mobile part (60) of the striking mechanism (20) and via a second arm (78) with an element (30) of the time-setting mechanism (16). The time-setting mechanism includes a control member (88) whose pivoting is controlled by a time-setting lever (30). The pull-out piece (50) which causes the locking lever (24) to pivot to a locked time-setting position, when the time-setting lever (30) pivots to the time-setting position thereof and the locking lever (24) includes locking means (74) which cooperate with the striking mechanism (60) to prevent the release of the striking work in the striking work locked position.

Abstract: A method for data preservation is disclosed. In the method, the number of times the processor accesses a sector of a storage device is counted, which is used to determine the damage level of the sector. The data stored in the sector is moved and stored to a normal sector when the number of accessing times exceeds a certain number. Moreover, the user will be prompted with a message to execute disk defragment when the number of damaged sectors is over a predetermined value. Therefore, the purpose of ensuring the security and the integrity of the data stored in the sector can be achieved.

Abstract: An information reproducer in which not only the accuracy at the time of reading a signal but also the stability of a servo circuit are enhanced by adding a servo error signal to parameters for judging acceptability of a data signal in an optical disc. An information reproduction method, an information reproduction program and an information recording medium having such program recorded therein are also provided. A light receiving means is moved in the radial direction of the recording medium and, in the radial direction of the recording medium determined by such movement in the radial direction, the light receiving means is moved in the focus direction substantially orthogonally crossing the surface of the recording medium.

Abstract: A method is provided, which includes reading data from a data storage medium. Reading data from the medium causes the data to be erased. The method further includes determining a desired position to rewrite the data by computing a position error signal based on the data signal and compensating the position error signal for non-zero bias. The data is then rewritten non-synchronously. An apparatus is also provided, including a data storage medium with a data communication transducer configured to receive data from the medium. Data is erased after it is read. The data communication transducer is configured to rewrite the read data back onto the data storage medium in a non-synchronously. A non-zero bias compensator is provided to compensate data received by the data communication transducer to determine a desired position to rewrite the previously read data back onto the medium.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, in a data write operation, the average value of the emission power detected by a front monitor is obtained via a low-pass filter and a sample hold circuit. In the write operation, erase power controlled by an erase APC is obtained via a sample hold circuit. While an LD is emitting light with the erase power, an erase current is determined from the output voltage of the erase APC. On the basis of the average power, the erase power, the erase current, and a waveform of the recording pulse, a current-to-emission-power characteristic of the LD is estimated. Furthermore, on the basis of the current-to-emission-power characteristic, the peak power in the write operation of the LD are controlled.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods that allow a data storage device perform an enhanced data recovery procedure (DRP) that includes obtaining a new digital sampling of the voltages for the failing unit of data by re-reading the analog signal and converting it to digital form using an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) using a fixed phase clock signal. The data samples are re-interpolated using a programmable delay line. The digital values representing the voltages are stored a buffer so that the data can be processed repeatedly using varying parameters as part of the data recovery procedure. Optionally the samples stored in the buffer can be processed in the reverse direction (from end of sector to beginning of sector) without requiring modification of the standard Viterbi detector since it inherently works on data processed in either direction.

Abstract: A method of reproducing information recorded on an optical disc having a plurality of recording layers inclusive of a first recording layer and a second recording layer includes the steps of referring to an order of recording of the first recording layer and the second recording layer according to which information is recorded in a prerecorded area of the optical disc, and selecting a scan path in response to the order of recording, from a first scan path including no seek operation preceding a focus jump and a second scan path including a seek operation preceding a focus jump, to scan an optical spot from a first address in the first recording layer to a second address in the second recording layer through scanning along the prerecorded area in at least one of the first recording layer and the second recording layer.

Abstract: To expand a capture range of a PLL circuit when a recording parameter optimal to a disc is decided when a PRML identification system is used. In an optical disc apparatus according to the present invention, the PLL circuit generates a reproduction clock signal based on a reproduction signal. A CPU determines whether a reproduction signal used when test data recorded on an optical disc is reproduced is locked in the PLL circuit or not. A spindle motor control circuit is controlled to change a speed of the disc to be increased when it is determined that the reproduction signal used when the test data is reproduced is not locked in the PLL circuit. The CPU decides a recording parameter and a write strategy correction value calculated on the basis of the reproduction signal used when the test data recorded on the predetermined area of the disc is reproduced.

Abstract: An information storage medium and an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing the information storage medium are provided to control an optimal recording power without an influence of an optimal power control (OPC) area in a layer upon an OPC area in a different layer. The information storage medium includes at least one information storage layer including an optimal power control area for obtaining an optical recording condition. OPC areas in adjacent information storage layers are disposed within different radiuses of the information storage medium. Accordingly, even when the information storage medium is made eccentric or has a manufacturing error, a recording property of the information storage medium is prevented from being degraded due to an influence of an OPC area in an information storage layer upon an OPC area in an adjacent information storage layer.

Abstract: Objectives of the present invention are to prevent a reduction in the accuracy of an OPC which would otherwise occur due to an influence of a change in temperature, and to increase the reliability of a recording data. To this end, in the OPC using a modulation, the OPC is performed with at least one of multiplication coefficients necessary for calculation changed according to temperature.

Abstract: In embodiments, a method and apparatus for controlling access to a storage medium, such as an optically readable medium. Light sensitive or other materials that are adapted to change state and affect reading of a storage medium are used to control access to data that may be stored on optical medium and/or to control use of the medium.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve a conventional DPD method having a problem that a tracking servo becomes unstable due to a reduction in the accuracy of detecting a phase difference between short mark signals at an edge, in a case where the amplitudes of the short mark signals are very small, or where a readout signal contains large noise. To this end, the present invention provides a method for increasing the contribution ratio of long mark signals to generate a tracking error signal by causing a phase difference pulse to include information on a phase difference, and by causing the area of the pulse to be weighted according to the length of a mark/space adjacent to a concerned edge.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus having an aberration correcting unit for correcting aberrations generated on the recording surface of an optical disk based on received correcting signals, a servo signal generating unit for generating servo signals based on the reflection lights from the optical disk and predefined parameters, and a birefringence detecting unit that detects the degrees of birefringent portions on the recording surface based on received the servo signals and generates the correcting signals for correcting aberrations according to the detected degrees of the birefringent portions and outputs the correcting signals.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: An information recording medium, a recording/reproducing method and apparatus, and a host apparatus are provided to ensure compatibility between information recording media having functions of a new standard and existing standard drive systems. The information recording medium includes a data area, a defect management area for managing a defect occurring in the data area, and an access control area in which access control data regarding a recognizable function by a recording/reproducing apparatus into which the medium is loaded and access control data regarding an unrecognizable function by the recording/reproducing apparatus are recorded, wherein a write protection flag recorded in the defect management area and the access control data recorded in the access control area provide reinitialize verification information for verifying whether the medium is reinitializable.

Abstract: An information recording medium, a recording/reproducing method and apparatus, and a host apparatus are provided to ensure compatibility between information recording media having functions of a new standard and existing standard drive systems. The information recording medium includes a data area, a defect management area for managing a defect occurring in the data area, and an access control area in which access control data regarding a recognizable function by a recording/reproducing apparatus into which the medium is loaded and access control data regarding an unrecognizable function by the recording/reproducing apparatus are recorded, wherein a write protection flag recorded in the defect management area and the access control data recorded in the access control area provide reinitialize verification information for verifying whether the medium is reinitializable.

Abstract: An information recording medium, a recording/reproducing method and apparatus, and a host apparatus are provided to ensure compatibility between information recording media having functions of a new standard and existing standard drive systems. The information recording medium includes a data area, a defect management area for managing a defect occurring in the data area, and an access control area in which access control data regarding a recognizable function by a recording/reproducing apparatus into which the medium is loaded and access control data regarding an unrecognizable function by the recording/reproducing apparatus are recorded, wherein a write protection flag recorded in the defect management area and the access control data recorded in the access control area provide reinitialize verification information for verifying whether the medium is reinitializable.

Abstract: An information recording medium, a recording/reproducing method and apparatus, and a host apparatus are provided to ensure compatibility between information recording media having functions of a new standard and existing standard drive systems. The information recording medium includes a data area, a defect management area for managing a defect occurring in the data area, and an access control area in which access control data regarding a recognizable function by a recording/reproducing apparatus into which the medium is loaded and access control data regarding an unrecognizable function by the recording/reproducing apparatus are recorded, wherein a write protection flag recorded in the defect management area and the access control data recorded in the access control area provide reinitialize verification information for verifying whether the medium is reinitializable.

Abstract: If a failure is detected during operation of information recording in an optical disc apparatus, the optical disc apparatus stops the recording operation, changes the number of rotations of the optical disc to a low-speed value, seeks a selected recording region, performs OPC processing and trial write operation, measures a ? value as a result of the trial write operation, calculates optimal recording power based on the difference between the measured ? value and a target ? value and recording power set in the OPC processing, and starts the operation of information recording with the selected number of rotations for low-speed operation by use of the optimal recording power.

Abstract: A BCA signal reproduction method for reading a BCA signal from a disc includes detecting a peak value of the BCA signal (peak detection value); detecting a bottom value of the BCA signal using a wide tracking bandwidth (first bottom detection value); detecting a bottom value of the BCA signal using a narrow tracking bandwidth (second bottom detection value); detecting a signal indicating whether the current portion is a no-signal portion where the BCA signal is not recorded or a signal portion where the BCA signal is recorded, on the basis of the peak detection value, the first bottom detection value, and the second bottom detection value; determining a slice level for binarizing the BCA signal on the basis of the detected signal and at least the peak detection value, the first bottom detection value, and the second bottom detection value; and binarizing the BCA signal.

Abstract: System stability is managed. It is determined that a data storage system is responsive to an enclosure that is unstable. Based on the determination, the enclosure is temporarily prevented from being added to the data storage system.

Abstract: A disk image is generated, stored in at least one persistent storage device, comprises at least one software application, and is a root disk image. An inheritance tree comprising a root node associated with the root disk image is created. A new disk image of a disk is generated based on a previously generated disk image associated with a node of the inheritance tree. The new disk image is stored in at least one persistent storage device, and comprises at least one software application of the previously generated disk image and at least one new software application. The new disk image shares at least one data block of the previously generated disk image. A new node is added to the inheritance tree, and is associated with the new disk image. The new node is a child node of the node that is associated with the previously generated disk image.

Abstract: An electron beam recorder includes an electron optical system for irradiating an electron beam on a master of an information recording medium and an electron beam irradiation position detecting unit for detecting an irradiation position of the electron beam in the electron optical system while the electron beam is being irradiated on the master by the electron optical system.

Abstract: An optical element is for generating recording signal light and reference light interferes with the recording signal light by changing an orientation state of a liquid crystal to record optical information on a recording medium through volumetric recording. The optical element includes a first polarizing element; a second polarizing element; and a liquid crystal layer that is arranged between the first polarizing layer and the second polarizing layer. An extinction angle of less than 90 degrees is formed by a light transmission axis of the first polarizing element and a light transmission axis of the second polarizing element.

Abstract: An information recording and/or reproducing apparatus capable of obtaining a certain recording/reproducing margin with a simplified structure. The apparatus identifies whether an optical disc is a single-layer recording medium having one recording layer or a multilayer recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, and sets a control range (movable range) of an object lens on the basis of the identification result. When the optical disc is identified as a multilayer recording medium, the control range of the object lens is set to be smaller than that for a single-layer recording medium. Further, the control range of the object lens is set for each of the recording layers of the optical disc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for reducing feedback noise in an optical recording/reproducing system (10) comprising a laser (18) driven by an AC and a DC current thereby generating a pulsating light (22) emitted from said laser (18) to an external cavity defining an optical length (L) from said laser (18) to an optical storage medium (12), such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, MiniDisc (MD), or magnetooptic disc (MOD). The optical length (L) is adjusted in accordance with the relaxation oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A first photodiode for BD receives a laser light beam separated from a laser light beam emitted from a first semiconductor laser, detects laser power of the first semiconductor laser, and outputs an output current signal. A second photodiode for DVD/CD receives a laser light beam separated from a laser light beam emitted from a second semiconductor laser, detects laser power of the second semiconductor laser, and outputs an output current signal. An output terminal of the first photodiode and an output terminal of the second photodiode are connected to each other, and the output current signal and the output current signal are both inputted to the same input terminal of the first current-voltage conversion circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for recording/reproduction of data in a probe-based data storage device (1) in which application of a write signal causes formation of an indentation in a storage surface (5) by a probe of the device (1). Instead of storing information in the presence or absence of indentations on the storage surface as is conventionally done in such devices, information is stored in the form of grooves of variable length separated by lands of variable length. More particularly, a sequence of n>1 successive bits of a first value (typically “1's”) in a recording signal is recorded by applying a series of write signals at respective probe-positions on the storage surface (5). These probe-positions are spaced at w?M, where M is the indentation merging distance, so that the resulting indentations merge to form a groove in the storage surface (5) spanning n readback sample positions.