Abstract: An ambient light filter configured to filter ambient light noises from an optical current that is at least partially caused by an optical pulse sequence emitted by a light emitting device, can include: a sample and detection circuit configured to sample the optical current and to obtain a current component in a first mode, and to remove the current component from the optical current and to generate a detection signal in a second mode; a current amplifier configured to receive the detection signal, and to generate an amplified current signal; and a control circuit configured to switch the sample and detection circuit between the first and second modes, where the control circuit switches the sample and detection circuit to the first mode in at least one optical pulse gap, and switches the sample and detection circuit to the second mode when a next optical pulse arrives.

Abstract: A system for preventing magnetic saturation in a transformer cores. A magnetic flux sensor is disposed within a bore in the core in a bore drilled or let into the material of a toroidal transformer core. The sensor transmits a sensor output that is continuously received by a microprocessor that is programed to process the sensor output and to also continuously compare in real time the sensor output with a stored selectable maximum flux sensor output value. Responsive to the comparison of real-time sensor output value to the stored maximum value, the microprocessor either allows, during each driving voltage half-cycle, the driving voltage to continue unabated while the sensor output remains below the selectable maximum value, or triggers a gate to modify the driving voltage for the remainder of the half-cycle when the selectable maximum value is reached.

Abstract: A system is disclosed having a deployable barrier, a sensor to detect when to deploy the barrier and an activation device to deploy the barrier, wherein the barrier, sensor and activation device are connected a surface attached to a mobile device and the deployable barrier is deployed when the mobile device experiences an unexpected change in at least one of velocity, acceleration and moisture. Another system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a physiological parameter over a plurality of measurement periods is presented. The apparatus includes a circuit coupled to a light emitter and to a light receiver. The circuit is adapted to drive the light emitter with a constant first charge over the plurality of measurement periods. Also presented is a wearable device provided with an apparatus for monitoring a physiological parameter over a plurality of measurement periods. Also presented is a method for monitoring a physiological parameter over a plurality of measurement periods, the steps include providing a light emitter and a light receiver and driving the light emitter with a constant first charge over the plurality of measurement periods.

Abstract: This application relates to a case for a portable electronic device. The case includes a housing having walls that define a cavity, where the walls are capable of carrying the portable electronic device within the cavity. The walls carry operational components that include a processor capable of providing instructions, a magnetic circuit capable of generating a magnetic field in response to receiving the instructions from the processor, and a magnetosensitive layer that includes (i) a matrix, and (ii) magnetic particles interspersed within the matrix according to a first distribution, where when the magnetosensitive layer is exposed to the magnetic field, the magnetic particles are rearranged according to a second distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring temperature in an integrated circuit (IC) device. The system includes a diode-based temperature sensor comprising a first plurality of diodes coupled between a power supply pin of the IC device and a ground pin of the IC device and a second plurality of diodes coupled between the power supply pin and the ground pin, and a voltage sensing circuit configured to detect a voltage difference between the first plurality of diodes and the second plurality of diodes.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic noise rejection apparatus which includes: a plurality of cancellation coils arranged near a target object; a plurality of magnetic sensors disposed inside the respective cancellation coils; an adder circuit configured to take a sum of outputs of the plurality of magnetic sensors; and a feedback control circuit configured to supply the cancellation coils with such a common feedback drive current that the sum of the outputs of the magnetic sensors is equal to a sum of outputs of the magnetic sensors under a zero magnetic field.

Abstract: A system is disclosed having a deployable barrier, a sensor to detect when to deploy the barrier and an activation device to deploy the barrier, wherein the barrier, sensor and activation device are connected a surface attached to a mobile device and the deployable barrier is deployed when the mobile device experiences an unexpected change in at least one of velocity, acceleration and moisture. Another system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes an insulating body provided with a number of electrically conductive leads and having a surface provided with a red LED aperture, an IR LED aperture and a photodetector aperture. The insulating body also includes an optical isolator optically separating the photodetector aperture from the red LED aperture and the IR LED aperture. A red LED is aligned with the red LED aperture, an IR LED is aligned with the IR LED aperture, and a photodetector is aligned with the photodetector aperture.

Abstract: The circuitry of an optical receiver reduces the ambient DC component and the pleth DC component to leave a pleth signal with substantially only a pleth AC component. The circuitry also provides gain control and can provide transmit power control to change the range of the pleth AC component to occupy a desired input range of an analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: Characterization of a fitness monitor based on its operation enables a processor to account for variations in device operating modes and biometric characteristics of the user. The fitness monitor includes an emitter (e.g., LED) for transmitting light toward skin of the user, a receiver (e.g., photodiode) for receiving a reflection of the transmitted light, a photometric front end for generating a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal based on the received reflection, and a processor configured to select an intensity level for the emitter based on a comparison of a determined component of the PPG signal and a reference value. The reference value, which may characterize the fitness monitor based on a determined variability or range of the PPG signal, may be utilized by the processor to improve or maintain the signal quality of the PPG signal to enable determination of a cardiac component and/or reduction of power consumption by the fitness device.

Abstract: A five-degree-of-freedom adjustment and positioning method and apparatus for assembly/measurement of rotor and stator of an aircraft engine; said method comprises adjusting a plane motion and a rotation of a tested piece through composite motion comprising five degrees of freedom: a 360° rotatory motion around a Z axis, a plane motion along an X axis and a plane motion along a Y axis, a rotatory motion around the X axis and a rotatory motion around the Y axis; said apparatus comprises: a clamping mechanism, a turning platform component, a translational platform component and a rotational platform component. The present invention designs a five-degree-of-freedom adjustment and positioning method and apparatus having properties of large load bearing, high precision and high stiffness, thus improving assembly efficiency and measurement accuracy of the aircraft engine.

Abstract: An optical device that includes means for thermal stabilization and control is described. The optical device can be a ring resonator, or another device that requires accurate control of the phase of the optical signal. In an example involving an optical resonator, a thermal stabilization system includes a temperature sensor, a control circuit, and a heater local to the resonator. The temperature sensor can be a bandgap temperature sensor formed of a pair of matched p/n junctions biased in operation at different junction currents.

Abstract: A dehumidifier includes a first air distribution assembly connected to a process air inlet for receiving process air, and to a regeneration air outlet for exhausting regeneration air; and a second air distribution assembly connected to a process air outlet for delivering process air, and to a regeneration air inlet for receiving regeneration air. The dehumidifier includes multiple stationary modules connected in parallel between the air distribution assemblies. Each module contains desiccant and has opposing apertures for connecting to the air distribution assemblies. The air distribution assemblies are configured to cycle between a number of positions equal to the number of modules. In each position, the air distribution assemblies establish a regeneration air flow from the regeneration air inlet to the regeneration air outlet via one module, and a plurality of process air flows from the process air inlet to the process air outlet via each remaining module.

Abstract: Methods to convert the light and powdery mealworm castings into a suitable fertilizer product are disclosed. The methods can include saturating the mealworm castings using an infusion process with a liquid such as water until an elevated temperature is reached. The mealworm castings can be replenished and the infusion process can be repeated until the targeted N-P-K rating is achieved. The saturated mealworm castings or mealworm cake can be dried and formed into fertilizer pellets or into a granular soil-like product. In some examples, a binding agent such as dried mashed potato extract can be added to the saturated mealworm castings. In some examples, the fertilizer excludes artificially produced chemicals, hormones, antibiotics, and steroids. In some examples, the fertilizer has an N-P-K rating of 4-3-2. In some examples, the mealworm castings are produced by mealworms fed wheat bran and raw carrots.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are presented herein for providing lower level physical-layer gateway functionalities and upper-level application functionalities; a system designed with flexible configurations in order to support a wide range of connected applications. The system includes a processor that executes machine instructions to perform operations. The operations comprise: receiving sensor data from a sensor device located in a building; converting the sensor data from a raw state to a physical measurement; and activating an abatement device situated in the building as a function of the physical measurement.

Abstract: A current measurement circuit includes first and second input nodes which receive the respective voltages at either side of a resistive element through which electrical current can flow, a differential amplifier means which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals, electrical path forming means providing a connection between each of the input nodes and a respective input terminal of the differential amplifiers, a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier in response to a control signal, a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater than that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which is adapted to identify faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed that provides a programmable hold time for a bus signal without running a system clock and without a frequency requirement between the system clock and a bus clock.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly includes first and second proximity switches comprising first and second proximity sensors and a tactile feature disposed between the first and second proximity switches. The assembly also includes controlling circuitry detecting an object on the tactile feature based on sensed signals from the first and second proximity sensors and preventing activation of the first and second switches when an object is detected on the tactile feature. The assembly further includes a resting pad having a third sensor, wherein the control circuitry detects an object with the first sensor and an object on the resting pad and determines activation of the first and second proximity switches based on the detected objects.

Abstract: A self-capacitive touch panel including a border electrode and a central electrode is provided. The border electrode has a first centroid. The central electrode has a second centroid A first average distance from the first centroid to all possible touch points in the border electrode is smaller than a second average distance from the second centroid to all possible touch points in the central electrode.

Abstract: A control method and an electronic device are described. The method is applied in an electronic device which includes a first body, a second body and a rotary apparatus. On at least one body of the first body and the second body, there are provided M number of input apparatuses; the first body and the second body are rotatably connected together, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The state-information of the first body and/or the second body is detected, to obtain a detection result; when the detection result indicates that the first body and/or the second body are/is in a motion state, a disable command is generated; the disable command is executed, so that N number of input apparatuses from the M number of input apparatuses are in a disabled state, where N is an integer less than or equal to M.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention extends to an interface for converting rotational motion to electrical signals comprising a mechanical actuator which is rotationally moveable in a first direction and in a second direction, and a first and a second electrical component connected to the actuator and arranged so that rotation of the actuator in the first direction causes changes in electrical properties of the first electrical component and rotation of the actuator in the second direction causes changes in electrical properties of the second electrical component. The first and the second electrical components are connected to one or more electrical circuits so that rotation of the actuator in the first and the second directions causes changes in the one or more electrical circuits.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting devices from impact damage is provided. Prior to impact between a surface and a device, a determination of a risk of damage to the device is made. If the risk of damage to the device exceeds a threshold, a protection system is activated to reduce or substantially eliminate damage to the device.

Abstract: A controlling device includes a range switch mechanism, range switch operating means, operation frequency monitoring means, and heat generation limit controlling means. The range switch mechanism is adapted to change a shift range using a motor. Through the range switch operating means, an occupant inputs a required shift range. The motor is controlled in accordance with the required shift range such that the shift range is changed into the required shift range. The operation frequency monitoring means monitors an operation frequency of the range switch operating means. The heat generation limit controlling means switches a control of the motor to a heat generation limit control when the operation frequency of the range switch operating means exceeds a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A dryer control method provides for selection among a plurality of dryness levels so that the user may select a desired degree of dryness for any given type of laundry. The method includes steps of selecting one among a plurality of dryness levels; driving a drying unit holding laundry; sensing a value indicative of a water content of the laundry; comparing the sensed value with first and second predetermined values; measuring a time required for the sensed value to reach the second predetermined value from the first predetermined value; computing a drying time based on the measured time; and stopping the driving step upon expiration of the computed drying time, wherein the first and second predetermined values determine a reference value corresponding to the selected dryness level.

Abstract: A humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller is disclosed in which the two setpoints of the temperature controller are adjusted as a function of measured humidity. Parameters other than humidity could also be used to adjust the dual setpoints of the temperature controller. The controller is particularly useful in controlling the heater element of a clothes dryer in order to improve the energy efficiency of the dryer.

Abstract: A dryness control circuit for a household clothes dryer including a power supply circuit and a moisture sensing circuit. The power supply circuit converts high voltage AC power into low voltage, DC power. The low voltage, DC power is supplied to the moisture sensing circuit. The moisture sensing circuit includes a moisture sensor having a pair of spaced-apart electrodes, a time delay circuit, an electrostatic discharge attenuation circuit, and a motor controller circuit. The motor controller circuit includes a control hysteresis or dead-band in which operation of a timer motor is unaffected. The time delay circuit includes an RC network which slowly charges and discharges to prevent erroneous dryness or moisture readings, which are sensed by the moisture sensor, from causing the motor controller circuit to improperly actuate or deactuate the timer motor. The electrostatic discharge attenuation circuit negates the deleterious effects of static build up.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing a parameter, such as temperature, has a single current source and a mismatched differential pair for providing two different currents at a desired current ratio. Each current is provided to a current control element and a sensing element, each of which may be diodes. An operational amplifier closes the loop and feeds back a signal from the input of the current control elements to the differential pair to hold the desired current ratio constant. Chopper circuitry is employed with the amplifier to reduce the offset and low frequency noise contribution of the amplifier.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor circuit in which a one-shot circuit produces pulses having a pulse duration determined by the capacitance of a capacitive sensing element, the one-shot circuit being triggered by the trailing edges of pulses in a pulse train produced by a multivibrator. The multivibrator is adjustable to produce a pulse train of variable repetition rate independent of the value of the measured parameter. The pulses produced by the one-shot circuit are integrated to produce a voltage indicative of the time average value of the pulses, the voltage being supplied to an amplification and offset compensation circuit whose output signal is used to adjust the supply voltage to the multivibrator so as to effectively achieve compensation for nonlinear response of the capacitive sensing element to increasing relative humidity.

Abstract: An indicating system for measuring movement of a material, having a magnetic pickup device, waveform conditioning circuit and light signal emitter functioning under the system's own self-made power, having a light waveguide or optic fiber connecting the light signal emitter to a light signal receiver which in turn is connected to a signal processor for outputting information such as speed, acceleration and/or position of the material.

Abstract: An optical device that includes means for thermal stabilization and control is described. The optical device can be a ring resonator, or another device that requires accurate control of the phase of the optical signal. In an example involving an optical resonator, a thermal stabilization system includes a temperature sensor, a control circuit, and a heater local to the resonator. The temperature sensor can be a bandgap temperature sensor formed of a pair of matched p/n junctions biased in operation at different junction currents.