A memory controller can perform prefetching, in a way which increases the efficiency with which data can be read from an external memory. More specifically, the memory controller operates such that it performs prefetching only under certain conditions, which are chosen such that there is a high probability that the data requested in the prefetching operation will be the data which is next required. The memory controller may be implemented in a programmable logic device (PLD), and be optimized fo...

A system and method for presenting a player with simulated poker play is disclosed, where the result is actually based on a predetermined outcome. In order to create a realistic play scenario, the present invention never corrects or overrides a player's choices during the play of a hand. Rather, a new solution which incorporates a specially indicated, separately drawn card is used. If a player makes choices while playing a hand that precludes the game machine from creating a final hand having a ...

A system may control whether a particular peripheral may be connected to a particular computer system. Based on the needs of a particular computer system, codes may be provided, for example by the computer system manufacturer to authorized vendors of peripherals. If those peripherals meet certain standards and specifications, they may be provided with a code which is then sent from the peripheral to the computer system when the peripheral is connected to the computer system. The computer system ...

In a head slider, when the distance between the upstream position and the downstream position in a direction parallel to the surface of the recording medium is L, and the amount of flying in a vertical direction from the recording medium at the downstream position is Xh, and the angle formed by the surface to be opposed to the recording medium of the head slider against the recording medium in stable flying of the head slider is .theta.p, then the relation of is satisfied for membrane rigidities...

An electric actuator Includes a first plate and a substantially parallel second plate. A linkage system couples the first plate to the second plate such that moving the linkage system toward an over-center position causes the second plate to move away from the first plate. An electric motor is coupled to the linkage system to move the linkage system toward the over-center position. A force transducer is coupled to the actuator to produce a force signal responsive to a force produced by the actua...

Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid (18) comprises a reservoir (12) for the liquid, a channel (13) provided with an outlet (16) for conveying the liquid (18) from the reservoir to the outlet, and means for generating a pulse of gas. The apparatus is arranged such that the flow of gas causes a predetermined volume of liquid to be ejected from the outlet. The outlet comprises a pair of openings in the channel which face one another, the liquid being retained between the ope...

A gas sensor (8) includes a body (10) that is shaped to define a chamber (14). An electrolyte (34) is contained in the chamber (14) and three electrodes (26, 28 and 30) that are located on an electrode substrate (24) are disposed in contact with the electrolyte. The body (10) is electrically connected to the three electrodes. A cover (36) engages the body (10) to enclose the chamber (14). A resistor array (58a-58n) is located between the cover (36) and the electrode substrate (24). The resistors...

The inventive device comprises a housing (1) which is configured in the shape of a flat strip comprising an enclosure (6) on one side which projects outwards and contains a material (7) that changes its state or viscosity at a predetermined temperature. Said enclosure (6) opens onto the space inside the housing through a hole (8) which can be plugged with a tongue (9), this space inside the housing containing a strip (11) consisting of a porous material that is visible form the outside through h...

An apparatus for cutting metallic tubing into predetermined lengths has a stationary supporting frame on which is mounted a feeding mechanism for moving a straight length of tubing unidirectionally intermittently along a straight path in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the tubing. A cutoff device driven by a motor having a hollow shaft for receiving the tubing is also mounted on the frame. The feeding mechanism is in two sections each being individually reciprocable but controlled to ope...

Apparatus is disclosed in which a self-propelled vehicle is caused to traverse a terrain by following a line arranged over the terrain in a predetermined manner, and means are provided for normally holding the line in a position close to terrain and thus out of the way of persons and objects in and around the terrain.