Abstract: In signal detection system and method implemented to reduce the effects of interference in multi-user detection systems, a receiver defines a frame of symbols containing at least one window based upon a number of user signals contained in a received signal r(t). A symbol amplitude of a single-user in the multi-user system is approximated over the window of the frame based on a number of reflected signal paths of the received user signal. A perturbative correction value is calculated based upon a correlation matrix. An estimation of the symbol amplitude of the single-user signal is calculated over one or a number of windows of the frame. The single-user signal is detected when the symbol amplitudes of the entire signal within the frame has been calculated. To reduce the number of interfering users in a multicell CDMA system, the symbol codes are modified to include an even code and an odd code.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper for collecting debris from a surface includes a frame. At least one wheel is rotatable with respect to the frame for movement of the lawn sweeper along the surface. A collection bin is engaged with the frame for collecting the debris. A brush assembly has at least one brush for urging the debris from the surface into the collection bin. A reducing mechanism reduces a volume of the debris within the collection bin.

Abstract: A control method of a non-volatile memory apparatus, which can execute data writing normally after the next startup even when a process is interrupted because of the occurrences of abnormal conditions such as power shut down during data writing or data erasing is provided. The control method of a non-volatile memory apparatus of the present invention comprises: a first flag writing step of writing a fixed value, which indicates that data is written, on a first flag existing in a redundancy area on a first page of a physical block and indicating whether or not data is written on the first page; and a data writing step of writing data on the physical block, when the data is written on the non-volatile memory consisting of a plurality of physical blocks.

Abstract: A portable multimedia projection system includes a portable housing, a DVD player, a channel tuner, an image projection device, a controller and a remote control receiver. The image projection device externally projects images. The controller is electrically coupled to the channel tuner and the image projection device. The controller directs video signals from the channel tuner to the image projection device.

Abstract: A memory array includes a buried diffusion region, a first source line that supplies electrical power to the buried diffusion region, a second source line that supplies electrical power to the buried diffusion region, a first bitline transistor having a first channel width and a second bitline transistor having a second channel width. The first bitline transistor is proximate to the first source line and is electrically coupled to a first memory cell. The first bitline transistor is disposed between the first and second source lines. The second bitline transistor is proximate to the first bitline transistor and is electrically coupled to a second memory cell. The second bitline transistor is disposed between the first and second source lines and is farther from the first source line than the first bitline transistor. The second channel width is greater than the first channel width.

Abstract: A flash memory cell includes a silicon substrate having a main surface, a source region in a portion of the silicon substrate proximate the main surface and a drain region in a portion of the silicon substrate proximate the main surface. The drain region is spaced apart from the source region. The memory cell includes a first dielectric layer formed on the main surface, a floating gate disposed above the first dielectric layer, an inter-gate dielectric layer disposed above the floating gate, a control gate disposed above the inter-gate dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer and a low-k dielectric spacer layer disposed on the second dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer covers a portion of the main surface between the source and the drain. The second dielectric layer surrounds outer portions of the first dielectric layer, the control gate, the inter-gate dielectric layer and the floating gate.

Abstract: A solid-state video camera is equipped with pixel addition logic such that, if the measured object brightness falls below a certain threshold value, a brightening of the image is effected without increasing the noise component accepting a loss in real-time representation. The pixel addition by way of the pixel addition logic is coupled to the gain control of the camera in a manner such that, in each case, the gain control compensates for jumps in brightness which arise by way of the pixel addition and creates for the user a flowing transition without noticeable jumps in brightness.

Abstract: A heavy duty wheeled vehicle for an industrial environment is electrically driven by one or more switched reluctance motor traction drive system connected to the wheels. The switched reluctance motors are powered by an electrical generator that is driven by an engine, such as a diesel engine, which may run at a substantially constant RPM. A digital control system provides operator displays and controls power conversion from the generator, as well as providing maintenance and control functions for the switched reluctance motors. A heavy-duty hoisting apparatus electrically drives a hoisting mechanism using an SR motor, providing power for lifting a load. The heavy-duty hoisting apparatus may include an engine and generator or provide power to the SR motor from an external source.

Abstract: A water filter system comprising a control system, communication means, piping, actuators, sensors and valves. The control system utilizes a communication bus for controlling and monitoring water flow through the piping via control of the actuators and valves. The communication bus comprises a two-wire network in a loop configuration coupling the various actuators and valves to the control system. The control system includes a display and programmable control logic for monitoring and controlling the actuators and valves. In one embodiment, the communication bus adheres to a Actuator Sensor-Interface (AS-I) standard. The control system is further coupled to other control systems in a water treatment plant and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes miniaturized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and ion-selective self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and hydrogel chemistry to measure metal ion concentrations in liquids. The SPR optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The SPR system utilizes an optical window that is coated with the SAM layer or hydrogel material. The SAM layer and hydrogel materials are highly selective to a specific metal ion of interest. The miniaturized SPR sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with the SAM layer or hydrogel material in contact with the liquid. Metal ions selectively attach to the SAM layer or hydrogel material, thereby affecting the SPR signal. Changes in the SPR signal are used to accurately determine the metal ion concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An amusement device system includes a first amusement device having a controller and a memory, a shared resource device operatively connected to the first amusement device and a second amusement device having a controller and a memory. The second amusement device is in communication with the first amusement device and is configured to access and control the shared resource device through the first amusement device.

Abstract: A tube 4 includes a casing 1 made of a fluororesin. The casing 1 surrounds a fluid tube 3 and lid members 5 each made of a fluororesin and include a receiving portion 8 for receiving one end portion of the tube 4. At least one sealing face 10 is disposed in the receiving portion. Union nuts 6, made of a fluororesin, are fitted onto the end portion of the tube 4 and screwed to one end portion of one of the lid members 5. A sealing portion 19 is formed by fastening the union nuts 6 to the end portions of the lid members 5 to press the tube 4 from the outside of the tube 4. A device element such as a filter member 3 is placed in the casing 1.

Abstract: A multilayer optical disk including a plurality of information storage layers to/from which information is recorded and/or reproduced by an optical head. The plurality of information storage layers are stacked through intermediate layers and each information storage layer includes a wobbling track groove. The shape factors (amplitude of wobbling, depth of the track groove and/or slope angle of the side wall of the track groove, etc.) of the track groove of at least one information storage layer of the plurality of information storage layers are different from the shape factors of track grooves of other information storage layers. This allows a satisfactory signal to be reproduced from each information storage layer.

Abstract: A toner cartridge holds toner therein and is attached into an image forming apparatus. The toner cartridge has a mounting construction with a rotary member that is rotated about an axis to a position where the toner is discharged into the image forming apparatus. The mounting construction includes first and second engagement portions. The first engagement portion is formed on the rotary member, extending at an angle with the axis. The second engagement portion is formed on the image forming apparatus. When the toner cartridge is placed in the image forming apparatus, and is rotated in a first direction, the first engagement portion slides on the second engagement portion so that the toner cartridge is displaced in a second direction parallel to the axis.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter device for converting an analog signal into a digital signal includes a comparator array including a plurality of comparators, each of the comparators including a first inverter and a second inverter connected in series with the first inverter, a resistor string including a plurality of resistors connected in series, each of the resistors corresponding to one of the plurality of comparators, and a current generator for providing a constant current flowing through the resistor string.