Showing papers by "Agilent Technologies published in 1996"

Navigation technique for detecting movement of navigation sensors relative to an object

Abstract: A scanning device and method for forming a scanned electronic image include using navigation information that is acquired along with image data, and then rectifying the image data based upon the navigation and image information. The navigation information is obtained in frames. The differences between consecutive frames are detected and accumulated, and this accumulated displacement value is representative of a position of the scanning device relative to a reference. The image data is then positioned-tagged using the position data obtained from the accumulated displacement value. To avoid the accumulation of errors, the accumulated displacement value obtained from consecutive frames is updated by comparing a current frame with a much earlier frame stored in memory and using the resulting difference as the displacement from the earlier frame. These larger displacement steps are then accumulated to determine the relative position of the scanning device.

Modular wireless diagnostic, test, and information system

Abstract: A computer-based apparatus provides access to complex technical information needed, for example, to maintain and repair complicated equipment, such as a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a combined user interface and main control module to communicate with at least one remotely operated instrumentation module to control and obtain data by wireless communication. The combined user interface and main control module has an interactive display which enables the user to command the functions of the remotely deployed instrumentation module(s) and enter data through interaction with the display, as well as executes diagnostic application programs and displays information to the user. Alternatively, a separate user interface module and main control module connected by wireless communication can be provided, in which the user interface module not only commands the functions of the instrumentation module(s), but also commands remote execution of diagnostic application programs by the main control module.

Method for the detection of cellular abnormalities using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract: This invention teaches a method to identify cellular abnormalities which are associated with disease states. In one aspect, the invention is a method to distinguish premalignant and malignant stages of cervical cancer from normal cervical cells. The method utilizes infrared (IR) spectra of exfoliated cervical cells which are dried on an infrared transparent matrix and scanned at the frequency range from 3000-950 cm-1. The identification of samples is based on establishing a calibration using a representative set of spectra of normal, dysplastic and malignant specimens. During the calibration process, multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used. PCA and PLS reduce the data based on maximum variations between the spectra, and generate clusters in a multidimensional space representing the different populations. The utilization of Mahalinobis distances, or linear regression (e.g., Principle Component Regression on the reduced data from PCA) form the basis for the discrimination. This method is simple to use and achieves statistically reliable distinction between the following groups of cervical smears: normal (individuals with no prior history of dysplasia), dysplasia and malignant samples. Further, this invention discloses a method to obtain the IR spectrum of individual cervical cells fixed on an infrared transparent matrix and to use the spectra of the individual cells in the method described above. In an additional aspect, the invention is a method for using vibrational spectroscopic imaging to distinguish between normal and diseased cells.

Signal enhancement method and kit

Abstract: The invention discloses and claims a signal amplification method for detecting a target nucleic acid analyte having a homopolymeric region and a target sequence. The method comprises (a) contacting an analyte under hybridizing conditions with a multiplicity of reporter probes, each probe including a signal region and an oligonucleotide sequence which is complementary to, and capable of forming a stable hybrid with the analyte homopolymeric region, whereby the hybridization of multiple reporter probes to the homopolymeric region provides for signal amplification; and (b) forming an analyte:capture probe hybrid by contacting the analyte target sequence with a capture probe under hybridizing conditions.

CCD imager for confocal scanning microscopy

Abstract: A CCD array imager adapted for use as a spatial noise discriminator in confocal scanning microscopy comprises a parallel (vertical) register with a horizontal unmasked imaging row of pixels in tandem with a masked storage array, a serial (horizontal) register for readout, and a means for synchronizing image acquisition in the unmasked row with vertical charge shifting in the storage array such that images are mapped to on-diagonal pixels of the storage array whereas noise is mapped to off-diagonal pixels. A method for using the present invention as a spatial noise discriminator for fluorescence microscopy includes acquiring a fluorescence image in a pixel of the unmasked row of the parallel register, vertically shifting the charges accumulated in the row into the storage array, moving the next fluorescent image horizontally to the next position in the unmasked row, repeating the process to map image information to the on-diagonal pixels of the storage array while segregating noise in the off-diagonal pixels and selectively retrieving image information.

User-interactive system and method for integrating applications

Abstract: An application integrator that provides a user-interactive environment for integrating software applications having incompatible programming interfaces, such as production control and business enterprise systems The application integrator generally comprises a configuration system that provides a user with a view of the software applications' name space and graphically represents user-determined associations between data units from each of the software applications The graphical association represents a user-defined programmed interface, identifying which data units of the software applications to transfer and under what circumstances such transfers should occur This information is stored by the configuration system in a configuration repository A data server contains two distributed communication objects, each of which interfaces with a corresponding software application, and a mapping engine The mapping automatically transfer data units between the two software applications in a transaction-oriented manner and in accordance with the user's preferences as specified in the configuration repository

Cellular mobile radio network discovery method and apparatus therefor

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining information about a cellular mobile radio network comprising a fixed part providing radio coverage in a plurality of cells, and mobile stations for communicating with said fixed part, the network broadcasting to all mobile stations within each cell a frequency allocated to the cell by the network operator and a code allocated to the cell by the network operator. The allocated frequency and code for each cell are determined by monitoring signalling messages passed between network elements, selecting a pair of signalling messages in accordance to predetermined selection criteria, establishing if said pair of messages are related to the same event within the network, and if so, extracting data from said pair of messages. A first embodiment determines the beacon frequency and BSIC of a cell of a GSM type cellular network and associates them with a TRX within the cell. A second embodiment associates the Cell Identity of a cell of a GSM type cellular network with the determined beacon frequency and BSIC.

Mechanical fiber optic switch

Abstract: A switch for selectively coupling light from an input optical fiber to a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers. The switch includes a first carriage having one end of the input optical fiber attached thereto and a second carriage having the output optical fibers attached thereto such that one end of each of the output optical fiber lies between first and second distances with respect to the end of the input optical fiber when the output optical fiber is aligned with the input optical fiber. A lens that is fixed with respect to the end of the input optical fiber images light leaving the input optical fiber onto a plane lying between the first and second distances from the end of the input optical fiber. In one embodiment of the present invention, an encoder is integrated into the first and second carriages. The encoder includes an encoding input optical fiber having one end attached to the first carriage, the encoding input optical fiber being a single mode optical fiber. Light leaving the encoder is received by a second single mode optical fiber when the carriages are in a specified relationship to one another. The second single mode optical fiber can either be a fiber on the second carriage or encoding input optical fiber itself. In the later case, the second carriage includes a reflector which images the light from the encoding input optical fiber back into the encoding input optical fiber.

Mixing liquids using electroosmotic flow

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing liquids using electroosmotic flow. Multiple capillaries (100, 104, 106) or microchip channels meet at a common junction (102). One capillary (100) is used for mixed liquids and each of the remaining capillaries (104, 106) are used for supplying a liquid (112, 114) to be mixed. Each of the supply capillaries (104, 106) has a free end that is immersed into a vial (108, 110) of liquid (112, 114). A first power supply terminal (112) is attached to a free end of the mixed liquid capillary (100). The liquid in each vial has an electrode that is switchably connected to a second power supply terminal. Closing a switch (116, 118) causes liquid to flow from a vial through the common junction and through the mixed liquid capillary. Each switch is independent and each may be closed continuously, switched at a constant duty cycle, or switched at a variable duty cycle. As a result, continuous mixing or variable ratio mixing may be achieved.

Medical connector apparatus

Abstract: A medical connector apparatus that includes: (1) a first mating connector having a first conductive portion, (2) a second mating connector having a second conductive portion for electrically coupling to the first conductive portion, and (3) a housing unit with an interior chamber housing the second mating connector In one embodiment of the invention, two apertures extend between the interior chamber and the housing unit's exterior In another embodiment of the invention, the first mating connector further has a wiping portion for cleaning a portion of the second mating connector adjacent to the second conductive portion In still another embodiment of the invention, the housing chamber further has a light source positioned near the aperture through which the first mating member enters to electrically couple the first and second conductive portions In this embodiment, the first mating connector has a light covering portion for covering the light source when the first and second conductive portions couple The embodiments of the medical connector apparatus described above can serve as electrode connectors for all types of defibrillators

Push-lock BNC connector

Abstract: A locking assembly for releasably locking together a mating connector pair comprises a housing having a central aperture therethrough and adapted to be mounted to the first connector portion of the mating connector pair. A locking sleeve also having a central aperture is sized to receive the first connector portion and is also sized to be slidably received by the central aperture of the housing so that the locking sleeve can be rotated within the housing from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locking sleeve also includes a locking pin engaging boss for releasably engaging a locking pin associated with the second connector portion of the mating connector pair. Specifically, the locking pin engaging boss rotates the locking sleeve to the unlocked position as the first connector portion is engaged with the second connector portion. The locking pin engaging boss also allows the locking sleeve to be rotated to the locked position when the first and second connector portions are fully engaged. A biasing device associated with the locking sleeve biases the locking sleeve to the locked position.

Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer for Optical Communication Networks

Abstract: The optical add/drop multiplexer has a pair of nominally identical interference filters, one of which carries out the function of extracting a carrier from a wavelength division multiplexed stream and the other the insertion function. The filters are arranged in parallel planes and are secured to opposite faces of a transparent plate so that the stream exits the device after having undergone reflection by both filters. The plate is mounted on a support which can be rotated in either direction to vary the tuning wavelength of the filters.

Sampling technique for waveform measuring instruments

Abstract: A new sampling technique for waveform measuring instruments (including methods and circuits for implementing same) comprises the step of processing a series of digital signal samples through a decimator to extract a decimated sample value from each decimated sample interval in a series of decimated sample intervals. The series of digital signal samples is simultaneously processed through a digital peak detector to extract maximum and minimum values (peak detect sample values) from each decimated sample interval. For a given decimated sample interval, a difference between the maximum and minimum sample values for the interval is calculated. If the difference exceeds a glitch detect threshold value, the maximum and minimum sample values for the given decimated sample interval are transferred to a video sample memory. If not, the decimated sample value for the given decimated sample interval is transferred to the video sample memory.

System and method for key distribution and authentication between a host and a portable device

Abstract: A portable device 12 is capable of communicating with a host device 10 remotely, via a communications network 22 which may be prone to interception, and directly (e.g. via an I.R. Link 24, 40), when the devices are in close physical proximity and when the risk of interception is minimal. The host device 10 and the portable device 12 update a shared security key or the like when they communicate directly and this key is used to authenticate the portable device 12 and/or encrypt the communication when the portable device 12 attempts to communicate remotely.

Measuring apparatus and method for the adjustment of test/measurement parameters

Abstract: Instrument (1) for the measurement of optical and/or electrical signals, such as an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) or an electrical time domain reflectometer (TDR) with a display (3) to depict a waveform representative of measured signals, which can be operated by a few buttons, namely a start/stop button (6), a cursor-key (4) and a select/confirmation-key (5). After adjusting operation and display parameters, almost the entire display is available for the display of the measured signals and data.

Histone H3 Messenger RNA in Situ Hybridization Correlates with in Vivo Bromodeoxyuridine Labeling of S-Phase Cells in Rat Colonic Epithelium

Abstract: Measurements of cell cycle phase fractions, particularly S-phase, are useful for studies of cell biology and carcinogenesis. Up-regulation of histone gene expression is tightly coupled to the G1-S-phase transition of the cell cycle, and mRNA levels rise 30-100-fold during S-phase. Labeling of histone H3 mRNA using in situ hybridization (ISH) was assessed as a measure of S-phase cells and compared with that found using in vivo 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) labeling in formalin-fixed rat colonic crypts under baseline, modified 72-h starvation, and 24-h refeeding conditions. The labeling index scored in single-labeled sections by histone H3 ISH tightly correlated with that found by in vivo BrdUrd labeling (r = 0.99, p < 0.0001) and clearly discriminated between the control, starved, and refed states (P < 0.001). In 180 crypt sections double labeled using histone H3 ISH and BrdUrd, 92% of 1572 labeled cells exhibited both nuclear BrdUrd and cytoplasmic histone H3 label. It is concluded that histone H3 ISH is an accurate measure of the S-phase fraction and provides an alternative to in vivo BrdUrd labeling in rat colon. This finding warrants validation in human studies.

Multiple on-chip IDDQ monitors

Abstract: In order to measure IDDQ in a large integrated circuit, multiple IDDQ monitors sampling the current drawn by selected portions of the circuit are placed on the integrated circuit chip. The output of each IDDQ monitor is combined and supplied to one output port when any of the IDDQ monitors detect current in excess of a predetermined threshold. The output of each IDDQ monitor is also stored in a memory for subsequent readout at a second output port for detection of particular portions drawing the excessive current.

Thermal isolation system in an analytical instrument

Abstract: Sample analysis in a portable analytical instrument (100), preferably in the form of a gas chromatograph, benefits from temperature control of one or more thermal zones (108) in the instrument by way of a thermal isolation system (104) that includes a novel pumping assembly (124) to effect a selective amount of thermal isolation of the thermal zone. The pumping assembly includes a pumping element (210) in the form of a tubular or planar palladium structure (502). The pumping assembly (124) makes use of the unique properties of palladium to allow selective control of a nominal gas pressure within a vacuum cavity. A component system (106), which may include a separation column (318) and a thermal device (118) for heating and/or cooling the component system, may be provided within the vacuum cavity. The thermal device (118) and the pumping assembly are individually controlled by a control system (102). The pumping assembly (124) may be operated to allow selective control of the thermal isolation of the thermal zone; alternatively, the component system (106) may be subject to a controlled temperature by operating the thermal device. A sample mixture passing through the separation column (318) may thereby be exposed to a desired temperature profile according to a selected program so that the sample will separate into its components for subsequent detection by a detector (321).

Integrated circuit testing assembly and method

Abstract: An assembly and method for testing leads of an integrated circuit package. The assembly includes a testing substrate with a plurality of conductive portions for use in connection with a test probe. The assembly further includes at least one compressible conductive bridge member for providing electrical contact between the leads of the integrated circuit package and the conductive portions of the testing substrate. The conductive bridge member has multiple electrically conductive wires embedded therein or secured thereto, each of the wires being parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another. The assembly uses a locator device for retaining the conductive bridge members therein and maintaining the conductive bridge members in electrical contact with the leads of the integrated circuit package and the conductive portions of the testing substrate.

Device for and Method of Modifying the Spectral Characteristics of Optical Signals

Abstract: The modification is accomplished on the basis of the solution known as spectral inversion (or optical phase conjugation) The device (1) comprises a medium, such as typically a dispersion shifted optical fibre (4), into which the signal to be modified is injected together with a pump signal at such a level as to induce modulation instability in the fibre (4) At the output of fibre (4) a spectrally inverted optical signal is available, which signal is translated in wavelength and is obtained with high conversion efficiency Preferably, in order to avoid stimulated Brillouin scattering, the pump signal is subjected to spectrum broadening, for instance by means of a modulator (5) (Figure 1)

Integrated circuit barrier structure

Abstract: A barrier metal integrated circuit structure, including relatively thin, highly nitrided layers of TiW (i.e., TiW:N) straddling a central conductor layer, and in turn each being straddled by adjacent layers of relatively thick substantially un-nitrided TiW material, and a method for its fabrication including deposition of layers of TiW and TiW:N, the latter in a N2 dominated atmosphere and/or under backbias conditions effective for establishing at least a saturated level of nitrogen into the TiW:N, resulting in an effective barrier to migration of conductor materials from the conductor layer.

Method and system for tracking attitude of a pointing device

Abstract: A method and system for tracking attitude of a device (10) includes fixing a two-dimensional array (16) of photosensors to the device and using the array to form a reference frame (202) and a sample frame (206) of images. The fields of view of the sample and reference frames largely overlap, so that there are common imaged features (204) from frame to frame. Sample frames are correlated (42) with the reference frame to detect differences in location of the common features. Based upon detection of correlations of features, an attitudinal signal indicative of pitch, yaw, and/or roll is generated. In the preferred embodiment, the attitudinal signal is used to manipulate a screen cursor of a display system (72), such as a remote interactive video system (RIVS). However, attitudinal tracking using the invention may be employed in other applications. Another aspect of the invention is that the two-dimensional array (226) is configured to compensate for any curvilinear distortions introduced by a lens system (26) for imaging the features within the field of view of the array.

Robust passively-locked optical cavity system

Abstract: A laser system capable of providing light of high intensity is disclosed. This system includes a laser gain medium and three reflectors. A first reflector and a second reflector spaced from the first reflector define a laser cavity that contains the laser gain medium. Light reflected by the first reflector is amplified by the laser gain medium. A third reflector is spaced from the second reflector to define a resonant cavity external to the laser cavity. Light passes from the laser cavity to resonate in the external resonant cavity. Part of the light passes from the external resonant cavity to the laser cavity. A light-screening device, e.g., an aperture, is disposed between the second reflector and the gain medium to screen light reflected from the external cavity such that the light portion of constructive interference is preferentially passed over the light portion of destructive interference. This enables the gain medium to optically lock to the resonant frequency of the external cavity.

Integrated circuit design system and method for generating a regular structure embedded in a standard cell control block

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for generating a design for a regular structure such as a memory array, multiplier array, or adder array embedded in a standard cell control block (SCCB). Once a net list has been generated for the SCCB by a logic synthesis tool, a special class of cells is created for the elements of the regular structure. The net list is modified via a special class mechanism by adding to the cells of the special class one or more special properties that are designed to optimize the placement of the cells of the regular structure. A modified placement and routing tool processes the modified net list by reading and interpreting the special properties so as to generate an improved design for the SCCB.

Charged particle mirror

Abstract: A controlled gradient device (10) acts as a reflectron that controls the velocity and direction of a charged particle stream when an external voltage source is applied. An enclosing insulating structure (12) has a metallized contact ring (14A, 14B) on each end. The interior surface has a resistive coating to provide a continuous electrically resistive surface that generates a desired voltage gradient along the length when a voltage is applied across the metallized contact rings (14A, 14B). Each of the metallized contact rings (14A, 14B) can be a metal mesh that is coincident with a cross-sectional region of the conduit so that the electrical potential is constant at these locations.

Message filters, automatic binding, and encoding for distributed systems

Abstract: A method for establishing bindings in distributed systems is based on a relational characterization interface (RCI) that includes the following fields: ensemble, message type, and variable name. Optional fields may be specified such as time stamp, units, location, and value. The RCI uses explicit representation and standard representations for data and other communication entities to minimize the difficulty in establishing the necessary communication between parts of these systems while maximizing the interoperability properties of the components of these systems. In addition, the interface allows for the use of distributed or collective entities. A variety of services and other supporting methods are enabled by the RCI.

Method and interferometric apparatus for measuring changes in displacement of an object in a rotating reference frame

Abstract: In the claimed invention for an improved AC type interferometric metrology apparatus, a change in position of an item disposed in a rotating reference frame is measured. The rotating reference frame accumulates a rotation angle over a time period with respect to a fixed reference frame. A quarter wave plate and an interferometer comprising a polarizing beam splitter, a reference path reflector, and a measurement path reflector are all mounted in the rotating reference frame. The measurement path reflector is mounted to item so that changes in its radial position along an axis orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating reference system are measurable. In one preferred embodiment, the components in the fixed reference frame are a two-frequency laser light source, a stationary quarter wave plate, a receiver, for producing a measure signal containing information representing the change in optical path length between the measurement and reference paths of the rotating interferometer, the difference in the two frequencies of the beams from the laser source, and the rotation angle, and a signal processor. The signal processor receives the measure signal, a reference signal representing the difference frequency of the laser light source, and a signal from a rotary encoder containing information proportional to the rotation angle. The signal processor produces a signal representing the measurement of the change in position. In another embodiment, the rotary encoder is replaced by added optical components which automatically produce optical signals that contain information about the rotation angle and the difference in the two frequencies of the beams from the laser source.

Probing adapter for testing IC packages

Abstract: A probe adapter providing the capability to test integrated circuit (IC) packages is presented. The probe adapter comprises a mechanical assembly and a probe wire assembly. The mechanical assembly houses the probe wire assembly and facilitates attachment of the probe adapter to the IC under test. The mechanical assembly also ensures correct alignment of the probe wire assembly with the leads of the IC package. The mechanical assembly comprises an alignment member, a guide, a frame and an adapter printed circuit board (PCB). The probe wire assembly comprises a plurality of probe wires, the plurality of probe wires being placed into a plurality of apertures along the perimeter of the guide. One end of the probe wire is placed into electrical contact with a IC package lead, the other end being electrically attached to a tester via the adapter PCB.

Method for continuously detecting the presence and quantity of analytes in a flowing liquid stream

Abstract: A method is provided for continuously monitoring for the presence or quantity of an analyte in a flowing liquid stream. The method involves binding an analyte-specific receptor species to the surface of a piezoelectric substrate, contacting the surface bound receptor species with the flowing liquid stream and quantitating the presence of the analyte. A novel apparatus for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid chromatography eluant is provided as well.

Reverse power protection circuit and relay

Abstract: A relay for high frequency instruments and a reverse power protection circuit for high frequency instruments are described herein. The relay is inexpensive to construct, permits good impedance matching up to approximately 5 GHz, and can be easily mounted on a coplanar waveguide transmission line. The circuit can open the relay in response to a reverse power condition in as little as 8 microseconds and provides both good grounding and functions reliably up to 4 GHz.