Abstract: A force feedback mouse interface device connected to a host computer and providing realistic force feedback to a user. The mouse interface device includes a mouse object and a linkage coupled to the mouse that includes a plurality of members rotatably coupled to each other in a planar closed-loop linkage, two of the members coupled to ground and rotatable about the same axis. Two actuators, preferably electromagnetic voice coils, provide forces in the two degrees of freedom of the planar workspace of the mouse object. Each of the actuators includes a moveable coil portion integrated with one of the members of the linkage and a magnet portion coupled to the ground surface through which the coil portion moves. At least one sensor is coupled to the ground surface that detects movement of the linkage and provides a sensor signal including information from which a position of the mouse object in the planar workspace can be determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing current overdraw by a wireless modem sinking current from a host power supply of a host device (e.g. laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA)). The methods and apparatuses are applicable, but not limited to Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) wireless modems and Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) wireless networks.

Abstract: This device comprises a pulsed laser source (6), means (8, 10, 12) for focusing light from this source onto an object to be analysed (2) to produce plasma on the surface of the object, means (16, 18) of analyzing a plasma radiation spectrum, means (20) of determining the elementary composition of the object from this analysis, and possibly means (4) for displacing the object. The invention is particularly applicable to test radioactive materials.

Abstract: This magnetic actuator comprises a fixed magnetic part (3) cooperating magnetically with a mobile magnetic part (1) and means (4) for initiating movement of the mobile magnetic part (1). The mobile magnetic part (1) comprises at least one magnet (1-1) and the fixed magnetic part (3) has at least two attraction zones (3-2) onto which the mobile magnetic part is able to come to attach itself. The mobile magnetic part (1) levitates when it is not attached to one of attraction zones (3-2), its movement being magnetically guided.

Abstract: An electronic device that has a lower portion that unfolds to reveal an extendable keyboard. When the keyboard is folded closed, a number pad is visible and the device looks similar to a traditional portable or cellular telephone. The device can be used as a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone or as the handset of a traditional wire line telephone. The fold-out keyboard of the electronic device can be used for easy entry of text data while a communication channel is active. The device includes two way messaging and Internet browsing capabilities.

Abstract: A force feedback interface having isotonic and isometric control capability coupled to a host computer that displays a graphical environment such as a GUI. The interface includes a user manipulatable physical object movable in physical space, such as a mouse or puck. A sensor detects the object's movement and an actuator applies output force on the physical object. A mode selector selects isotonic and isometric control modes of the interface from an input device such as a physical button or from an interaction between graphical objects. Isotonic mode provides input to the host computer based on a position of the physical object and updates a position of a cursor, and force sensations can be applied to the physical object based on movement of the cursor. Isometric mode provides input to the host computer based on an input force applied by the user to the physical object, where the input force is determined from a sensed deviation of the physical object in space.

Abstract: An autozeroing floating-gate amplifier (AFGA) is implemented utilizing a programmable gain element, the characteristics of which may be changed by changing the amount of charge stored on a floating gate device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a contact point (8) on the rear surface of a component including at least one first substrate (10) with at least one active region (12) and at least one second substrate (20) for protecting the active region. In accordance with the invention, a second substrate of a non-insulating material is used and at least one through insulation trench (21) is made in it surrounding a part (22) of this substrate, said part being in contact with the active region when the first and second substrates are assembled. Application to sensor conditioning.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus provide for determining whether a data terminal equipment (DTE) device represents a compatible device lacking an independent power supply and adapted to be powered using phantom power over a wired connection from a communications device such as a switch. A detection signal may be transmitted from the communications device to an identity network connected to the DTE. A response detection signal may be returned and checked in a receiver at the communications device. A switch may then be closed to provide phantom power if the result of the check indicates that the DTE is a compatible device adapted to receive phantom power. Compatible DTE device may include telephones, Voice over IP (VoIP, IP or Ethernet) telephones, network access devices, computers, and the like.

Abstract: Hot-electron injection driven by hole impact ionization in the channel-to-drain junction of a p-channel MOSFET provides a new mechanism for writing a floating-gate memory. Various pFET floating-gate structures use a combination of this mechanism and electron tunneling to implement nonvolatile analog memory, nonvolatile digital memory, or on-line learning in silicon. The memory is nonvolatile because the devices use electrically isolated floating gates to store electronic charge. The devices enable on-line learning because the electron injection and tunneling mechanisms that write the memory can occur during normal device operation. The memory updates and learning are bidirectional because the injection and tunneling mechanisms add and remove electrons from the floating gate, respectively. Because the memory updates depend on both the stored memory and the pFETs terminal voltages, and because they are bidirectional, the devices can implement on-line learning functions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor configured to be coupled to a throttle interface. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with a condition of the throttle interface. A first brake element has a first friction surface and a second brake element has a second friction surface. The second brake element is configured to be coupled to the throttle interface. The friction surface associated with the first brake element is positioned opposite the friction surface associated with the second brake element. The first brake element is configured to move relative to the second brake element. An actuator is coupled to the first brake element and is configured to output haptic feedback to the throttle interface via the first brake element based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A tape drive arrangement is configured to automatically adapt to drive different size tape cassettes and includes a sensor that senses the size of a tape cassette inserted into the tape drive. A controller is automatically responsive to the signals provided by the sensor to move drive spindles to respective different positions to drive different size tape cassettes.

Abstract: A Web page cache that stores Web pages such that servers will be able to retrieve valid dynamic pages without going to a dynamic content server or origin Web server for the page every time a user requests that dynamic page. The dynamic content cache receives information that defines data upon which each dynamic page is dependent, such that when the value of any dependency data item changes, the associated dynamic page is marked as invalid or deleted. The dynamic page cache stores dependency data, receives change event information, and indicates when pages in the cache are invalidated or need to be refreshed.

Abstract: The automation of design and sale of electronic and mechanical components is accomplished by allowing a user to design a plan for their electronic and mechanical component needs using specialized software. The software utilizes predefined models of components to aid the user in designing a system where all the components are compatible, even in cases where the components are made by different manufacturers. This is accomplished by creating a model for each proposed piece of equipment in the system, the model having properties and rules, wherein the rules define conditions and actions. Then an object is created for each piece of equipment in the system. Selections for values for the properties are received for each of the pieces of equipment. Any rules that have as a condition the properties for which value selections are received are executed. Finally, testing may be undertaken to determine if a proposed configuration is valid by examining results of the rule execution.

Abstract: A system for bidirectional communication of digital data between a central unit and a remote unit wherein the need for tracking loops in the central unit has been eliminated. The central unit transmitter generates a master carrier and a master clock signal which are used to transmit downstream data to the remote units. The remote units recover the master carrier and master clock and synchronize local oscillators in each remote unit to these master carrier and master clock signals to generate reference carrier and clock signals for use by the remote unit receiver. These reference carrier and clock signals are also used by the remote unit transmitters to transmit upstream data to the central unit. The central unit receiver detects the phase difference between the reference carrier and clock signals from the remote units periodically and adjusts the phase of the master carrier and master clock signals for use by the central unit receiver to receive the upstream data.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and method to isolate ports on layer 2 switches on the same VLAN to restrict traffic flow. The apparatus comprises a switch having said plurality of ports, each port configured as a protected port or a non-protected port. An address table memory stores an address table having a destination address and port number pair. A forwarding map generator generates a forwarding map which is responsive to a destination address of a data packet. The method for isolating ports on a layer 2 switch comprises configuring each of the ports on the layer 2 switch as a protected port or a non-protected port. A destination address on an data packet is matched with a physical address on said layer 2 switch and a forwarding map is generated for the data packet based upon the destination address on the data packet.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for warming tortillas and other foods. The device operates with a standard electric alternating current ranging from 110 to 120 volts in the US and 220v–240v in other countries. This appliance is to be used in homes or in businesses for the purpose of warming either corn or flour tortillas in quantities ranging from one up to six at a time. The electric current provides energy to heater elements located within the unit and thus provide the heat necessary to warm the tortillas placed on a plurality of circular loading trays. The loading trays are specially designed to lock-in-place in the open and closed positions and are designed to work with a vertical pivot tube which allows the loading trays a pivot-swivel action for efficiency in the loading and unloading of tortillas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing force sensations in virtual environments includes a human/computer interface device and method used in conjunction with a host computer and which can provide feel sensations to a user of the device. A user manipulatable object physically contacted by a user, such as a joystick, stylus, pool cue, or other object, is movable in multiple degrees of freedom using a gimbal mechanism. A local microprocessor, separate from the host computer, enables communication with the host computer and receives commands from the host, decodes the commands, outputs actuator signals in accordance with commands, receives sensor signals, and reports data to the host in response to commands. Actuators generate feel sensations by providing a force on the user object in response to actuator signals from the local microprocessor, and sensors detect the motion of the user object and reports sensor signals to the local microprocessor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a measurement device comprising at least one sensor (20) designed to be installed on a mobile element (8) free to move with respect to a base (14), the mobile element being capable of moving into several positions with respect to the base (14) including a so-called proximity position in which it is close to the base (14). The sensor (20) cooperates with a power supply device comprising a rechargeable energy source (22) equipped with at least one first charging antenna (23-1) located on the mobile element (8) and at least one second charging antenna (23-2) located on the base (14), to be coupled to the first charging antenna (23-1) to recharge the energy source (22). Coupling between the two charging antennas (23-1, 23-2) is only made when the mobile element (8) is in the proximity position.

Abstract: A boundary scan test system including a transmitter and a receiver. The system performs DC and AC boundary scan testing of the interconnections between devices. The system addresses fault masking that can occur during testing. Of concern are AC coupled interconnections while providing IEEE 1149.1 DC test compatibility. The test receiver includes an input test buffer and an interface mechanism. The input test buffer has a built-in null detection capability. The interface mechanism includes a technology mapper, one or more detectors, and an integrator. The receiver provides at least partial, if not complete, coverage for at least one of five fault syndromes that can result from single defect conditions in the system.