Abstract:
A system for buffering data has a processor connected to a memory for storing mass data, connected to a single buffer having a plurality of buffer storage locations in a chain, and connected to a plurality of counters, wherein each counter corresponds to one of the buffer storage locations. The processor selects a sector of memory containing desired data associated with an open file, scans the buffer storage locations to determine whether the data is in the buffer and, when the data is not within the buffer, reads the data from the selected sector of memory into a selected buffer storage location that is unallocated to an open file. The processor then points to that allocated buffer storage location, so that the data can be retrieved from the buffer for processing. As additional data is desired that is not found in the buffer, the buffer storage location allocated to the open file is de-allocated and, if not allocated to any other open files, moved to the beginning of the chain of buffers. The sector of data containing the desired data is then read into a selected buffer that is not allocated to an open file, preferably the last unallocated buffer in the chain of buffers. In accordance with the present invention, a buffer storage location can be allocated to multiple open files. De-allocation of a buffer storage location from an open file will not cause the buffer storage location to be moved to the beginning of the chain when the buffer storage location is allocated to one or more other open files. When data within a buffer storage location has been modified, prior to de-allocation of that buffer storage location with respect to an open file, the processor writes the data, including the modifications, back to the associated sector in mass memory. In one embodiment, the system of the present invention is incorporated in a portable electronic device including a keyboard and a display, and a housing for housing the keyboard, display, processor, buffer, and memory. In a preferred embodiment, the portable electronic device is a navigation aid and selected data is map data.
Abstract:
A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the IV stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like. The IV stand includes a relatively heavy base which provides a low center of gravity for the unit and offers a very stabile mobile IV stand which resists tilting or tipping during transport.
Abstract:
A method and device implementing a three-level hierarchy for storing, recalling and processing navigational and graphical data. A vehicle is equipped with an electronic navigation thoroughfare planning device capable of calculating the distance to a desired thoroughfare. To calculate a distance, a driver inputs a plurality of variables, including cartographic data and a final desired destination, as well as several potential additional variables. Upon receiving the driver inputs, the navigation device implements a three-level hierarchy for storing, recalling and processing cartographic data. After the cartographic data is stored in memory, the navigation unit can calculate distance to a thoroughfare utilizing a cascading search method beginning with searching the most specific first level and progressing to the broader second and third levels until a common network between the two locations is established. The navigation device can also utilize the three level hierarchy to display cartographic data as a graphical map on the unit utilizing the same cascading method to display detail on the display screen and locate the specific details on any coordinate on the screen. Therefore the navigation unit utilizes the same three level hierarchy to calculate distance to a desired destination and to display a graphical representation of the map.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for occluding an anatomical structure including a device having at least first and second clamp portions adapted to cooperate to move from an open position adjacent an anatomical structure to a closed position engaging and occluding the anatomical structure. A system for delivery of a fluid to affect occlusion of an anatomical structure is provided, as well as an applicator for deploying occlusion devices having different sizes.
Abstract:
Systems, devices and methods are provided to display or otherwise provide addresses in proximity to the device, and to periodically update the addresses as the navigational aid device is transported along a road. The device is adapted to be transported on a road. The device includes a processor and a memory adapted to communicate with the processor. The processor and the memory are adapted to cooperate to provide an address that is proximate to the device. Another aspect includes a method. According to one method embodiment, an address proximate to a navigational aid device is estimated and displayed on the navigational aid device. Other aspects are provided herein.
Abstract:
Systems, devices and methods are provided to compress data, and in particular to code and decode data. One aspect of the present subject matter is a data structure. The data structure includes a field representing a decoding structure to decode canonical Huffman encoded data, and a field representing a symbol table. The decoding structure includes a field representing an accelerator table to provide a 2N-deep direct-index lookup to provide high-frequency symbols for high-frequency data and to provide bracketing indices for low-frequency data. The decoding structure also includes a field for a binary search table to provide a low-frequency symbol index using a binary search bounded by the bracketing indices provided by the accelerator table. The symbol table is adapted to provide a symbol associated with the low-frequency index.