Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveying audiovisual information. The invention utilizes a speaker as a visual medium. A sheet of material is secured to the radiating face of a speaker. A visual image is then displayed on the sheet of material. Different techniques can be utilized to display the visual image on the sheet of material. For example, a video image can be projected on to the sheet of material or the sheet of material can contain a fixed image. While the visual image is being displayed on the radiating face of the speaker, audible information is being broadcast over the speaker.

Abstract: An active noise cancellation system includes a series of features for more effective cancellation, greater reliability, and improved stability. A particular feature adapted for headset systems includes locating a residual microphone radially offset from the center of a sound generator to detect a signal more similar to that incident upon the eardrum of the user. In addition, an open back headset design includes perforations on the side of the headset instead of the back, so that the perforations are less susceptible to inadvertent blockage. The system also includes a mechanism for detecting changes in the acoustic characteristics of the environment that may be caused, for example, by pressure exerted upon the earpieces, and that may destabilize the cancellation system. The system automatically responds to such changes, for example, by reducing the gain or the frequency response of the system to preserve stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved adaptive spectral estimator for estimating the spectral components in a signal containing both an information signal, such as speech, and noise. A method and system provide for generating noise estimates and then only updating the noise estimates during pauses in an information signal, when speech or other information is not detected, rather than continuously updating the noise estimates. A noise estimate is calculated for each frequency band and provides for the inclusion of a variable mathematical factor that can be set by the user to produce the best sound quality.

Abstract: An active headset providing for reduction of external noise over a given frequency range by means of a microphone which generates an external noise representative signal processed and fed to a loudspeaker to produce an external noise cancellation signal spectrum, wherein a bridge amplifier circuit is interposed between the microphone and the loudspeaker and the gain of the bridge amplifier for peak amplitude of the noise cancellation signal is user adjustable without substantially reducing the breadth of the given frequency range over which noise reduction is effective.

Abstract: According to the present invention, by setting the logic state of one or more delay signals to appropriate values, the resistive value of a plurality of power supply delay elements throughout an integrated circuit having distributed circuit blocks may be modified to produce desired delay times or pulse width adjustments throughout the integrated circuit. Setting delay signals to desired logic states may be accomplished by a variety of means including forcing test pads to a logic level, blowing fuses, or entering into a test mode.

Abstract: A digital computer system for displaying a computer generated terrain representing a 3-dimensional depiction of the real world terrain surrounding a vehicle in real-time while the vehicle is in motion. This 3-D (3-Dimensional) image is rendered in real time while the vehicle is in motion and uses Global Positioning System (GPS) or differential GPS (dGPS) data available from a GPS unit and translates that data into virtual space within an Image Generation Processing block of the digital computer system. The digital computer system generates a virtual world 3-D image representing the eye-point position of the vehicle and directional vector into a terrain database.

Abstract: According to the present invention, entry into the test mode of an integrated circuit device is possible even when there is no device pin dedicated to a test mode function. Test mode control circuitry allows a pin of the integrated circuit device to be double mapped to a normal operation function and to a test mode function. The test mode control circuitry has a polarity circuit having a polarity bond pad and a fuse circuit having a fuse element, either of which may determine when the polarity of the pin is representative of a test mode function. Either down-bonding the polarity bond pad to the lead frame of the integrated circuit device or blowing the fuse renders the pin representative of the test mode function. Additionally, once the test mode of the device is entered, the device may be adequately stress tested.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit used with voltage regulators or other similar circuits is disclosed. The current limiting circuit uses two transistors, configured as a differential pair, combined with a fixed current source to limit the current available to a pass transistor of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: Parallel testing of integrated circuit devices are facilitated such that it is not necessary that integrated circuit devices to be parallel tested be "ends only" devices. A side pad located along the sides, rather than the ends, of the integrated circuit device is electrically connected by multiplexing circuitry to a corresponding configurable probe pad located along the ends of the device. During parallel testing of the device, the side pad is effectively tested when the configurable probe pad is probed and tested. While the configurable probe pad is tested during parallel testing, the side pad is not directly exercised. Following parallel testing, the side pad is bonded to the device package but the configurable probe pad is not bonded to the device package.

Abstract: A vibration control system includes a processor-based circuit which monitors and controls an analog vibration control circuit. The system include, a sensor to detect the undesirable vibrations and a synchronous pulse generator for determining the fundamental frequency of the vibrations emitted by the source. An actuator produces anti-noise to counter unwanted vibrations. The processor circuit tests the system, monitors system functions, and adjusts various parameters to provide optimal performance.

Abstract: A process monitor test chip and methodology allows process-related manufacturing defects to be quickly identified and isolated. A basic circuit block of a test chip having a number of inverter cells serially connected with a corresponding number of observation points before the input of each inverter cell provides for the inverter cells in the basic circuit block to be probed and thus observed by e-beam technology. Any required number of basic circuit blocks may be serially connected end to end to constitute a chain circuit. Within the test chip itself, a plurality of chain circuits may be connected serially or in parallel to accomplish different testing goals. By controlling an input signal and a control signal of a multiplexing element associated with each chain circuit, the plurality of chain circuits can be forced into a serial connection or a parallel connection.

Abstract: A circuit for driving a voice coil motor used to position the heads of a disk drive is disclosed. The circuit consists of a an H-bridge circuit, a controller, and a feedback loop. The feedback loop prevents the BEMF from driving a voltage on the voice coil motor above the supply voltage.

Abstract: A plastic pin support of a plastic PGA package is used to hold conductor pins in alignment, for electrical contact, with a printed circuit board and a socket. The printed circuit board is mounted on the plastic pin support which is electrically connected to respective conductor pins of the plastic pin support. A first adhesive layer, containing silver fillers, connects a silicon chip housed in the plastic PGA package to a heat sink and conducts heat from the silicon chip to the heat sink. The first adhesive layer also absorbs thermal expansion variations between the silicon chip and the heat sink during thermal cycles. A second adhesive layer connects the printed circuit board to the heat sink.

Abstract: A circular cleat apparatus allows a user to quickly and easily adjust in both directions the length and tension of an elongated cord. The circular cleat apparatus employs a circular cleat where a portion of the circular cleat provide engaging members to grip the elongated cord. The other half of the circular cleat is smooth. The elongated cord is guided through a rope guide on the circular cleat and positioned between the lateral walls of the circular cleat to provide a simple positive anchor. The circular cleat could be used alone simply for the purpose of securing ropes, bungie cords, and similarly configured flexible elongated cords or to tightening elongated cords together.

Abstract: The cross-sectional area of a thin-film transistor (TFT) is decreased in order to minimize bitline to supply leakage of the TFT. This is accomplished by utilizing a spacer etch process to manufacture a TFT having a very narrow and thin channel in a controllable manner. The spacer dimensions of the TFT may be adjusted by simply modifying the thicknesses of the poly gate and the channel poly. The channel thickness is limited by the thickness of the deposited channel polysilicon which may be as thin as approximately 300 .ANG. to 500 .ANG., and the channel width of the TFT corresponds to the height of the spacer etched along the polysilicon gate of the device which may be as small as approximately 0.15 to 0.25 .mu.m.

Abstract: According to the present invention, at least one adjustable resilient elastic cable interconnects a generally flat lower elongated rigid member and an upper elongated rigid member. The resilient elastic cable is attached to the lower elongated rigid member by at least one retention structure and is attached to the upper elongated rigid member by at least one connection member. Use of the back exercising apparatus in conjunction with selected exercises subjects the user's spine to vertical compression and, if desired, rotation, thereby placing traction on the spine. One or more masses may be optionally attached to the upper elongated rigid member to further increase the compression of the spine. Following termination of exercise, decompression of the user's spine yields relief of back pain.

Abstract: A control system for controlling periodic disturbances employing a delayed inverse filter (5), a variable delay (6), a controller, a system model (4) and a comb filter (9).

Abstract: A closed system for reclaiming ink, solvent, and water from waste lithographic ink, or other ink types, without generating hazardous by-products is disclosed. The recycling process is performed under vacuum conditions on standard equipment, such as an agitation station, an evaporator chamber, a grinder, a condensation tank, and a vapor exhaust recovery condenser, readily available in the ink industry. Waste ink containing ink solids, solvent, water, and possibly foreign material such as debris, lint, paper, and dust, is first mixed to create a homogeneous slurry mixture of the ink, solvent, water and foreign materials. Next, water and solvent is evaporated from the slurry mixture and collected so that it may condensate and then settle. The slurry mixture is ground and heated up in order to evaporate any remaining water and solvent from the slurry.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a time filter prevents unintentional static entry into a test mode. Static entry is delayed an appropriate period of time after receipt of the required stimulus to enter the test mode. The delay period is chosen to be longer than transient conditions present in noisy operating environments such that static entry into the test mode is not accidentally triggered. Only when a super voltage condition is applied to an integrated circuit pin for the duration of a predetermined delay time can static entry to a test mode be accomplished. Exit from a test mode occurs immediately after the stimulus is removed. Delay circuitry of the present invention comprises a plurality of transistors, a schmitt trigger, and a delay element, and the delay circuitry determines the value of the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined delay time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a voltage controlled single-package integrated circuit device, capable of thermal compensation, for biasing a quasi-linear bipolar device. The bias circuit also provides a low impedance source to a RF device so that the bias point does not dynamically change with the RF signal, thus improving linearity. Changes in the base-emitter voltage level of the RF device are monitored by a reference diode to provide automatic temperature compensation. The reference diode is in close thermal proximity to the RF device, allowing for accurate thermal tracking. The base-emitter voltage may be electronically adjusted by means of a control voltage input, such being suitable for hook-up to a computer system having a digital to analog convertor thereby allowing for fine voltage adjustments. The control voltage may also be used to adjust the class of operation of the RF device or provide external temperature control.