Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for determining a measurable capacitance for proximity detection in a sensor having a plurality of sensing electrodes and at least one guarding electrode. A charge transfer process is executed for at least two executions. The charge transfer process includes applying a pre-determined voltage to at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes using a first switch, applying a first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode using a second switch, sharing charge between the at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes and a filter capacitance, and applying a second guard voltage different from the first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode. A voltage is measured on the filter capacitance for a number of measurements equal to at least one to produce at least one result to determine the measurable capacitance for proximity detection.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using charge transfer techniques. According to various embodiments, a charge transfer process is performed for two or more times. During the charge transfer process, a pre-determined voltage is applied to the measurable capacitance, and the measurable capacitance is then allowed to share charge with a filter capacitance through a passive impedance that remains coupled to both the measurable capacitance and to the filter capacitance throughout the charge transfer process. The value of the measurable capacitance can then be determined as a function of a representation of a charge on the filter capacitance and the number of times that the charge transfer process was performed. Such a detection scheme may be readily implemented using conventional components, and can be particularly useful in sensing the position of a finger, stylus or other object with respect to an input sensor.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for determining a measurable capacitance for proximity detection in a sensor having a plurality of sensing electrodes and at least one guarding electrode. A charge transfer process is executed for at least two executions. The charge transfer process includes applying a pre-determined voltage to at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes using a first switch, applying a first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode using a second switch, sharing charge between the at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes and a filter capacitance, and applying a second guard voltage different from the first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode. A voltage is measured on the filter capacitance for a number of measurements equal to at least one to produce at least one result to determine the measurable capacitance for proximity detection.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using charge transfer techniques. According to various embodiments, a charge transfer process is performed for two or more times. During the charge transfer process, a pre-determined voltage is applied to the measurable capacitance, and the measurable capacitance is then allowed to share charge with a filter capacitance through a passive impedance that remains coupled to both the measurable capacitance and to the filter capacitance throughout the charge transfer process. The value of the measurable capacitance can then be determined as a function of a representation of a charge on the filter capacitance and the number of times that the charge transfer process was performed. Such a detection scheme may be readily implemented using conventional components, and can be particularly useful in sensing the position of a finger, stylus or other object with respect to an input sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring a ratio of capacitances.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using sigma-delta measurement techniques. According to various embodiments, a voltage is applied to the measurable capacitance using a first switch. The measurable capacitance is allowed to share charge with a passive network. If the charge on the passive network is past a threshold value, then the charge on the passive network is changed by a known amount for a sufficient number of repetitions until the measurable capacitance can be detected. Such a detection scheme may be readily implemented using conventional components, and can be particularly useful in sensing the position of a finger, stylus or other object with respect to a button, slider, touchpad or other input sensor.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant provides a simple yet effective retention system requiring no additional components beyond the implant and the associated fastener(s). A plurality of anti-rotation protrusions on the fastener or screw head that match recesses in the implant. The protrusions engage the recesses to prevent the fastener from reversing direction, thereby assuring that the associated fastener does not backout during normal motion of the spine and other anatomical structures. A land on the fastener screw thread assures the fastener will not disengage from the implant should it strip out of the bone. Preventing the fastener from backing out assures it will not detach from the implant or staple, assuring that the implant will remain in place until all fasteners in the system have catastrophically failed. The anti-backout features of the invention provide feedback as they engage, allowing the surgeon to move quickly when placing a fastener without the concern for inadvertent over-tightening.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using sigma-delta measurement techniques. According to various embodiments, a voltage is applied to the measurable capacitance using a first switch. The measurable capacitance is allowed to share charge with a passive network. If the charge on the passive network is past a threshold value, then the charge on the passive network is changed by a known amount for a sufficient number of repetitions until the measurable capacitance can be detected. Such a detection scheme may be readily implemented using conventional components, and can be particularly useful in sensing the position of a finger, stylus or other object with respect to a button, slider, touchpad or other input sensor.

Abstract: A program feature set is compared to a processor feature set. The comparison may be performed in response to restoring the program onto a system or requesting its execution. The processor feature set represents zero, one or more optional hardware features supported by the processor, whereas the program feature set represents zero, one or more optional hardware features the program relies upon in its generated code. Comparison of the feature sets determines whether a particular program may run on a particular processor. Programs may be automatically or manually rebuilt to achieve full compatibility. If the comparison indicates that the program requires a feature not supported by the processor, the program is rebuilt based on the processor feature set. Alternatively, the program may be rebuilt in response to a rebuild request, rather than the comparison. The program is preferably rebuilt from an intermediate representation (IR) stored with or locatable from the program.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for determining a measurable capacitance for proximity detection in a sensor having a plurality of sensing electrodes and at least one guarding electrode. A charge transfer process is executed for at least two executions. The charge transfer process includes applying a pre-determined voltage to at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes using a first switch, applying a first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode using a second switch, sharing charge between the at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes and a filter capacitance, and applying a second guard voltage different from the first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode. A voltage is measured on the filter capacitance for a number of measurements equal to at least one to produce at least one result to determine the measurable capacitance for proximity detection.

Abstract: A touch sensor device is provided that uses a flexible circuit substrate to provide an improved input device. Specifically, the present invention uses a touch sensor controller affixed to the flexible circuit substrate, which is coupled to a sensor component to provide a flexible, reliable and cost effective touch sensor suitable for a wide variety of applications. In one embodiment the touch sensor uses a flexible circuit substrate that provides relatively high temperature resistance. This allows the touch sensor controller to be affixed using reliable techniques, such as various types of soldering. The sensor component can comprise a relatively low-temperature-resistant substrate that can provide a cost effective solution. Taken together, this embodiment of the touch sensor provides reliability and flexibility at relatively low cost.

Abstract: A dual mode continuously variable transmission for use with motor vehicles includes a transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and a variator disposed between the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft. A mixer gear set is operably disposed between the transmission input shaft and the variator output shaft. A clutching element is operably disposed between the input shaft the mixer gear set. The variator is configured to continuously vary a ratio of input torque to output torque between the variator shafts responsive to commands from an electronic control unit. The variator input shaft is drivingly connected to the input shaft and the variator output shaft is drivingly connected to the output shaft. The clutching element selectively connects and disconnects the input shaft and the mixer gear set to operate the transmission in a power splitting mode of operation and a variator only mode of operation.

Abstract: A spinal correction system for the correction or arrest of scoliosis or spinal deformity in immature spines includes a bridge member, a pair of spaced apart legs extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, and a fastener retaining portion extending substantially longitudinally from each end of the bridge member.

Abstract: The present invention is related to “trace” and debugging capability in the operation of the Java programming utility. It represents a means to execute a program in such a way that the sequence of statements being executed can be observed. It is related to “debugger”, which is a program designed to aid in debugging another program by allowing the programmer to step through the program, examine the data and monitor conditions, such as the values of the variables, and correct the problem.

Abstract: A system, including software components, that efficiently and dynamically analyzes changes to data sources, including application programs, within an integration environment and simultaneously re-codes dynamic adapters between the data sources is disclosed. The system also monitors at least two of said data sources to detect similarities within the data structures of said data sources and generates new dynamic adapters to integrate said at least two of said data sources. The system also provides real time error validation of dynamic adapters as well as performance optimization of newly created dynamic adapters that have been generated under changing environmental conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and program for testing appliances. The appliance includes an embedded processor and an appliance network address to communicate with remote systems over a network. A first server program having a first network address, such as an HTTP server program, receives a test request indicating a test to perform and an appliance to test. A second server program, such as a Java servlet, having a second network address is loaded and transmits information on the test request to the appliance network address indicated in the test request. A third server program having a third network address, such as a Java servlet, is loaded to execute within the appliance embedded processor in response to receiving information on the test request. The second server program transmits at least one test command to the third network address.

Abstract: The vehicle (1) has a trailer unit (3) for receiving intermediate bulk carrier (IBC) compartments (4) an integrated liquid recovery system (20), an IBC mounting system (30) and an evacuation system (40) with tapping points (42, 43) along either side of the vehicle (1). Wasted journeys are minimised by optimising the shape and size of IBC for a given delivery and load balancing enhances vehicle stability. The cost and environmental impact of accidental damage is also reduced.

Abstract: The present invention describes a facility which may be used in conjunction with SmartCard technology. Application Protocol Data Units (APDUs) are used to communicate with SmartCards. The management of these units is the primary focus and advantage of this facility. Smartcard environments can require that the APDUs conform to an environment specific format, and they can have different methods of sending information to and from a SmartCard. Other tools exist which assist in creation of ADPUs for SmartCard communication, but they are most likely tied to a single SmartCard environment. Application Protocol Data Unit—Management Facility (AMF) has numerous advantages over other APDU generation tools and are described.

Abstract: A secondary valve unit is provided to interconnect a front/finish assembly and an existing wall outlet for supplying medical gases. The secondary valve unit includes a cylindrical body containing a secondary valve assembly to prevent gas leakage when the front unit that contains a primary valve is removed for services. The secondary valve unit is pre-assembled and threadedly connected to the wall outlet. The threaded connection is locked by an indexing plate which is attached to the wall and provides indexing connection with the front unit to avoid mistakenly connecting a wrong front unit for different gases. The secondary valve unit is especially used in renovations of medical gas systems in hospitals, and able to be installed to an existing wall outlet without breaking the wall so that the cost for renovations is significantly reduced. The connector assembly for gases using the secondary valve unit provides a great gas flow and achieves a more secure connection over a long period of time.

Abstract: A transmission bearing cover for limiting wear of a rotatable braking mechanism in a vehicle powertrain having a clutch for releasably coupling an engine to a transmission input shaft includes an annular non-rotatable member disposable about the input shaft and having an annular projection engageable with a non-rotatable clutch release bearing assembly. When the rotatable braking mechanism is substantially worn and the clutch is sufficiently disengaged, the clutch release bearing assembly axially translates to a clutch-braking position and engages the projection rather than the worn braking mechanism to prevent substantial damage to the bearing cover or bearing assembly.