Abstract: An apparatus for processing a graphics request stream begins processing subsequent vertex data while processing previous vertex data. To that end, the apparatus has a vertex assembler having an input for receiving graphics requests, and a processor (coupled to the vertex assembler) for processing received graphics requests. The processor provides a headstart signal to the vertex assembler to indicate that the processor is processing a new graphics request. Upon receipt of the headstart signal, the vertex assembler causes the processor to restart processing of the new graphics request if the new request is determined to have not been properly assembled.

Abstract: A converter for reducing the amplitude of a DC input signal includes first and second switches that each are coupled between an input port for receiving the input signal, and voltage reducing circuitry for reducing the amplitude of the input signal. The two switches are configured so that at least one of the switches is open at all times, thus reducing the heat generated by either one of the switches. This consequently reduces the need for heat dissipation devices such as, for example, conventional heat sinks. Moreover, the two switches each may be smaller than that which would be used if a single switch were used since their duty cycles are much smaller than that of such single switch. The converter further includes an output port coupled to the voltage reducing circuitry for providing an output signal having an amplitude that is less than that of the input signal.

Abstract: A graphics processor for processing vertices of a polygon includes an input for receiving an instruction for processing a given vertex, memory for storing a first lookup table and a second lookup table, and an interpolation engine that, responsive to receipt of the instruction from the input, selects one of the lookup tables, determines table output from the one of the lookup tables, and produces an output value based upon the table output and data relating to the given vertex. Each of the first and second lookup tables may correspond to a selected function and contains table output as a function of an input value. The input value corresponds to data relating to the given vertex.

Abstract: An insert is provided for a rock bit for drilling bore holes in the ground and other downhole tools. The cutting portion of the inserts consist of encrusted cubic boron nitride pellets, tungsten carbide particles and a binder material which are fused together to form a unitary body. The cubic boron nitride particles of the fused insert are cubic in structure and substantially free of heat degradation and resultant hexagonal crystalline structure in response to fusing the elements together in a single step of simultaneously heating and compacting the elements.

Abstract: A post attachment including an anchor receptacle (20) mounted in the ground. A post (30) is attached to the anchor receptacle by a removable locking bar (40) which engages a slot (34) in the post and a groove (28) in the anchor receptacle. A first tool (12) is utilized which straightens the locking bar for attachment of the post to the anchor receptacle. A second tool (14) is utilized which bends the locking bar for disengagement from the post slot and anchor receptacle groove so that the post may be removed from the anchor receptacle.

Abstract: A lithium-ion cell charging system wherein pulse charging (with excursions above the critical voltage) is followed (once average current has fallen low enough) by charging in a linear regulator mode, using a transistor internal to a battery pack as an element of a linear regulator.

Abstract: A parking meter contains both optical detection elements, to detect the presence and the diameter of inserted coins, and conventional coils which are inductively coupled to a passing coin and which load a RF oscillator. The optical detection information is used to control the sampling of the frequency of the oscillators which are loaded by the metal in the falling coins. This provides a synergistic way to combine optical detection with electromagnetic detection to achieve compact recognition templates which readily perform difficult discrimination. Addition of a temperature compensation algorithm makes the resulting system extraordinarily insensitive to temperature-dependent variation in the permeability of a falling coin.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and probe devices for electronic monitoring and characterization using single-ended coupling of a load-pulled oscillator to a system under test.

Abstract: A universal battery pack in which an internal switch-mode power converter's control circuitry is powered from the battery side of the converter, rather than from the system side.

Abstract: A universal battery pack which contains an integral DC-DC switching power converter, with an asymmetric ripple-suppression topology which suppresses ripple at the power output terminals during discharging.

Abstract: A method of determining an object's position and associated apparatus provides positional information in a form that may be conveniently communicated to a computer to calculate the object's position. In a preferred embodiment, representatively incorporated in a computer keyboard, a method of determining an object's position includes forming an optical grid of reflected beacons and detecting an obstruction of the reflected beacons. The preferred embodiment apparatus utilizes a single light source and a single light sensor to detect an object's position in two dimensions.

Abstract: A portable computer system which includes a modified C-7 power cord socket, which can receive either an AC power cord with a standard C-7 connector or a DC power cord with a modified C-7 connector. (However, the modified C-7 connector cannot be inserted into a standard C-7 socket.) Microswitches in the modified power cord socket detect the presence of the DC connector, and automatically adjust the power conversion circuit accordingly.

Abstract: A portable computer docking station in which the computer is inserted vertically into a vertical slot. An additional slot receives modular accessories (such as a CD drive, floppy disk drive, or extra battery) to be inserted. Connectors in the vertical slot provide power to the computer, and provide connection to external display and user input devices, and also provide electrical connection from the computer to whichever module is in the additional slot, and also provides charging if the additional module is a battery.

Abstract: An innovative method of making pinatas utilizes pre-cut and scored cardstock designed with tab and slot closures. Once the shapes are folded and secured, the pinatas can be decorated using traditional or innovative methods. By designing the tab/slot closure of the body on the bottom of the pinata, the enclosed treats may be released in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: A universal battery pack which includes an integral power converter and a dynamically adjustable output voltage. The default output voltage is set by an optional resistor connection, which shifts the voltage-dividing ratio into the error amplifier. In a multiple-battery configuration, the output voltages of the separate battery modules are preferably set to slightly different values. Thus the battery module with the highest output voltage setting will be completely exhausted first. This results in automatic battery switchover, without requiring any control algorithm or logic for execution of the switchover.

Abstract: Converter topologies in which two separate switching transistors and two capacitors are used on the input side. Preferably the two transistors are switched alternately, to alternately pull down different nodes in an inductor-capacitor chain. Two capacitors are interposed in series between an input inductor on the input and a transformer primary winding. Preferably the two transistors are connected with their parasitic diodes in opposite senses, so that one can source current from a first node to ground when off, and the other can sink current from a second node to ground when off.

Abstract: A circuit for the filtering of a pulse signal comprises means to detect an output pulse upon the detection of an input pulse, the shape of this output pulse being based on elementary delays obtained by the charging and discharging of capacitors. During the generation of the output pulse, no new input pulse can be taken into account.

Abstract: A graphics processing system with a message-passing architecture, in which the rasterizer can be bypassed by a particular type of message from the host. This permits rasterization to be slaved to the host downloads and bitmasks, so that images and patterns can be applied to lines and polygons, rather than just rectangles as is the case for prior art.

Abstract: The speed of a capacitive cell RAAM used for storing an optical image as electric charge is greatly enhanced by presampling the serial analog input signal on two rows or lines of presampling capacitors, each composed of the same number of capacitors as the number of columns of the capacitive cell RAAM and by "writing" in a parallel mode the selected row of said memory. The values stored in the capacitors of one of said two presampling rows are transferred (written) in the corresponding cells of the selected row of the memory while presampling continues on the other row of presampling capacitors.

Abstract: A description is given of two versions of an integrated structure in the emitter switching configuration comprising a high-voltage bipolar power transistor and a low-voltage MOS power transistor. In the vertical MOS version, the emitter region of the bipolar transistor is completely buried, partly in a first N- epitaxial layer and partly in a second N- epitaxial layer; the MOS is located above the emitter region. The bipolar is thus a completely buried active structure. In the horizontal MOS version, in a N- epitaxial layer there are two P+ regions, the first, which constitutes the base of the bipolar transistor, receives the N+ emitter region of the same transistor; the second receives two N+ regions which constitute the MOS source and drain regions, respectively; the front of the chip is provided with metal plating to ensure the connection between the MOS drain and the bipolar emitter contacts.