Abstract: A hydraulic pressing and/or cutting tool (1) comprises an electric motor (6), a converting mechanism (8) suitable to convert the rotary motion of the motor (9) to an oscillating translational motion, a hydraulic pump (11) suitable to carry out, in response to the oscillating translational motion, an increase in the pressure of a pressure fluid acting on an operating piston (12) such that the operating piston (12) is displaced, a stationary jaw (13) and a movable jaw (14) connected to the operating piston (12) such that, in response to the displacement of the operating piston (12), the movable jaw is displaced to the stationary jaw (13) to carry out pressing or cutting operations. The converting mechanism (8) comprises an epicycloidal gear (16) and a thrust unit (17) co-axial with the epicycloidal gear (16).

Abstract: The invention provides, in one exemplary embodiment, an isolation gate formed over a substrate for biasing the substrate and providing isolation between adjacent active areas of an integrated circuit structure, for example a DRAM memory cell. An aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is used as a gate dielectric, rather than a conventional gate oxide layer, to create a hole-rich accumulation region under and near the trench isolation region. Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an aluminum oxide layer utilized as a liner in a shallow trench isolation (STI) region to increase the effectiveness of the isolation region. The embodiments may also be used together at an isolation region.

Abstract: A look-up table (LUT) is arranged as a plurality of rows each indexed by an index value and storing at least a coefficient for each index value for use in processing digital data. The LUT contains repeated sections in which m coefficients stored for successive index values form a cycle. The number m is not an integer power of 2. For example the LUT may be used when converting a digital count to a gain in dB, in which case m may be 6 or 12, the coefficients representing dB or fractional-dB steps in gain. The LUT contains n additional blank rows inserted after every repeated section of m rows storing the cycle of m coefficients, n being 1 or more and (m+n) being an integer power of two (such as 8 or 16). By feeding an initial index value through encoding logic which takes account of the additional rows, it can be ensured that these are never indexed. Thus, a sparse-coded LUT is provided.

Abstract: A clutch of hydraulic-pressure type comprising a linearly controlled piston (300) that is movable in a channel in the clutch and that carries a pivotally mounted support leg (208) that is spring biased into axial alignment with the piston, the side of which facing away from the support leg is loaded by the hydraulic pressure. The clutch is annular and co-operates with a shaft shank (1), and the free end of the support leg rests against a support surface carried by the shaft shank (1) upon rotation between the shaft shank (1) and the clutch (4), the support leg is turned away, whereby the piston (300) is displaced and opens a valve through which the hydraulic pressure is evacuated.

Abstract: The transporting device according to the invention, in particular for transporting sheet-like substrates through a coating installation, comprises transporting rollers which are rotatably mounted on both sides and horizontally arranged transversely in relation to the transporting direction, the uppermost surface lines of the transporting rollers defining the transporting plane, and is characterized in that the end parts of the transporting rollers have a smaller diameter than the middle part of the transporting rollers and in that baffles which are mounted displaceably in the axial direction of the transporting rollers between a first position and a second position are arranged between the end parts of the transporting rollers and the transporting plane. The fact that the baffles are mounted in an axially displaceable manner has the effect of considerably extending the cleaning intervals of the transporting device.

Abstract: An integrated semiconductor optical-emitting device includes a surface-emission laser diode and an EA-type semiconductor optical modulator integrated commonly on a GaAs substrate in a direction perpendicular to the GaAs substrate.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for a universal controller capable of controlling multiple types of three phase, two and three level power converters. The universal controller is capable of controlling the power converter in any quadrant of the PQ domain. The universal controller can include a region selection unit, an input selection unit, a reference signal source unit and a control core. The control core can be implemented using one-cycle control, average current mode control, current mode control or sliding mode control and the like. The controller can be configured to control different types of power converters by adjusting the reference signal source. Also provided are multiple modulation methods for controlling the power converter.

Abstract: A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor (APS) that includes circuitry to eliminate artifacts in digital images. The APS includes a comparator for comparing a signal level from a pixel to an adjusted saturation voltage to determine if the pixel is saturated. If the pixel is saturated, the signal output from the pixel is replaced with an analog voltage having a maximum value corresponding to a brightest pixel in the image.

Abstract: Communication to or from a nanodevice is provided with a nanostructure-based antenna, preferably formed from, but not limited to, a single wall nanotube (SWNT). Other nanostructure-based antennas include double walled nanotubes, semiconducting nanowires, metal nanowires and the like. The use of a nanostructure-based antenna eliminates the need to provide a physical communicative connection to the nanodevice, while at the same time allowing communication between the nanodevice and other nanodevices or outside systems, i.e., systems larger than nanoscale such as those formed from semiconductor fabrication processes such as CMOS, GaAs, bipolar processes and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate grey level magnification to improve details and contrast for a dark scene of video on a digital display system. Preferably implemented over a limited pixel level range, the video enhancement process counts the number of pixels corresponding to each level within the range in a frame and then, based on the percent level distribution of the pixels, calculates the stack of percentage distribution. From the stack of percentage distribution, a transformation process is performed to reassign the pixel values over a dark level range and to expand the distribution of the pixels. The result of transformation enhances the details and contrast of the dark area significantly without affecting the bright scene. By only applying the algorithm to dark scenes, computation loads are reduced compared with some of the full picture processing methods. Lower computational loads are important to reduce motion artifacts in high speed video applications.

Abstract: A re-turning plant (1) for rollers (7) of rolling mills of the type comprising at least one roller stand (1) and a plurality of rollers (7) mounted to respective arms (6) pivoting in the plane of the roller stand (1) about respective pins (8) that are fixed to the roller stand (1), the rollers (7) being positioned within the roller stand (1) in a work position in which work surfaces (9) of the rollers (7) determine the outer profile of a body to be rolled, wherein the re-turning plant (1) comprises a support structure (12) configured to support the whole roller stand (1) in a turning position, a tool-holding device (13) that can be displaced in contact with the work surfaces (9) of each roller (7) of the plurality of rollers (7) fixed in the roller stand (1) and mandrel means (14) with means (15, 16) that can be rotatably coupled to each roller (7) of the plurality of rollers (7) fixed to the roller stand (1) to rotate the same substantially in the work position.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, sound can be projected and/or the television can be oriented automatically as a function of the location of the television remote control unit.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor die includes forming a trench around a conductive stud extending from the first side to a second side of a substrate to expose a portion of the stud and then forming a conductive layer inside the trench and in electrical contact with the stud.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having at least a pn-junction arranged in the semiconductor substrate. At least a field electrode is arranged at least next to a portion of the pn-junction, wherein the field electrode is insulated from the semiconductor substrate. A switching device is electrically connected to the field electrode and adapted to apply selectively and dynamically one of a first electrical potential and a second electrical potential, which is different to the first electrical potential, to the field electrode to alter the avalanche breakdown characteristics of the pn-junction.

Abstract: An anonymous trading system includes a prime broker facility that allows a third party to trade on behalf of an institution. A deal is executed between the third party and a counter-party and a further deal is then executed between the third party and the party on whose behalf it has traded. The second deal may be for the same amount as the first deal or may be altered to include the third party's fee for conducting the first deal. Clients of the third party have prices available to them for trades made via the third party which are displayed at their trader terminals. The client sees that a better price is available though the third party than by dealing direct and selects to conduct a deal through the third party.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television (TV) with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, the user can use a graphical user interface-base menu system to move the sound beams around the viewing room while being presented with a graphical representation of the same. In another embodiment, a TV remote control unit can be equipped with a embedded microphone and microprocessor control to measure the audio level and transmit the level back to the TV to be used to automatically setup audio levels and delays in surround systems. In another embodiment, individual audio settings could be saved per each activity for a preferred viewing experience for a given activity.

Abstract: A vertical semiconductor material mesa upstanding from a semiconductor base that forms a conductive channel between first and second doped regions. The first doped region is electrically coupled to one or more first silicide layers on the surface of the base. The second doped region is electrically coupled to one of a plurality of second silicide layers on the upper surface of the mesa. A gate conductor is provided on one or more sidewalls of the mesa.

Abstract: A macro pixel is provided. The macro pixel includes at least two color pixel elements. Each color pixel element includes a photoreceptor that in response to receiving light, generates an output signal that is indicative of the quantity of light photons of a color are received. Each of the color pixel elements are configured to receive a corresponding color. The photoreceptor of each color pixel element has a geometry and a responsivity to light that is a function of the geometry of the photoreceptor such that the responsivity of the output signal of the photoreceptor to the corresponding color is controllable by changing the geometry. The geometries of the photoreceptors are selected so that a predetermined relative sensitivity to each color is obtained.