Abstract: A system and method for estimating a condition of a power module is provided. In accordance with an embodiment, a motor controller may be maintained by tracking a total proportion of power module life expended by a power module in a variable frequency motor controller based on a minimum junction temperature or a mean junction temperature and a junction temperature change, and indicating when the power module is estimated to fail.

Abstract: Provided is a motor controller and method of controlling a motor with an improved maximum junction temperature rating. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a motor is controlled by varying a common mode voltage duty ratio for a plurality of solid state switching devices in a power inverter, generating drive signals for the solid state switching devices based at least in part upon the common mode voltage duty ratio, and changing states of the solid state switching devices based upon the drive signals.

Abstract: An exemplary method of operating an electronic device comprises determining if the electronic device is in a low power mode. The exemplary method also comprises continuing normal operation if the electronic device is not in the low power mode, determining if a wake-up timer is set if the electronic device is in the low power mode, continuing normal operation in low power mode if the wake-up timer is not set, and disabling low power mode if the electronic device is in the low power mode of operation and the wake-up timer is set.

Abstract: A mercury-free discharge composition is provided. The mercury-free discharge composition may include Titanium, Zirconium, Hafnium, or combinations thereof, and a halogen. The composition may be capable of emitting radiation if excited, and the composition may produce a total equilibrium operating pressure of less than about 100,000 pascals if excited. A mercury-free discharge lamp is also provided. The mercury-free discharge lamp may include an envelope; an ionizable discharge composition including Titanium, Zirconium, Hafnium, or a combination thereof applied within the envelope.

Abstract: A valve closure system particularly suited to reciprocating compressors employs no springs and preferably urges the valve in the closed direction by the force generated from magnets positioned to repel each other and in that manner deliver the force to keep the compressor valve closed. Other applications are envisioned and different techniques for replacing the spring component in such valve assemblies are also contemplated.

Abstract: Various techniques for capturing read data from a memory bus are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a computing system includes a memory device, a memory bus in communication with the memory device, a memory bus interface, a local bus, and a local bus interface. The local bus interface may be coupled to the local bus and configured to receive a data strobe signal and data signal from the memory bus. The local bus interface may include a buffer and a delay circuit configured to align an edge of the data strobe signal with the center of a data eye of the data signal. In this manner, the computing system may ensure that data is valid when written to the buffer.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a drive having a housing, a stator disposed in the housing, a rotor disposed in the stator, and a programmable logic controller disposed inside, mounted on, or in general proximity to the housing. In another embodiment, a system includes a network, a first motor having a first integral programmable logic controller coupled to the network, and a second motor having a second integral programmable logic controller coupled to the network. In a further embodiment, a system includes a rotary machine having a rotor and a stator disposed concentric with one another, a microprocessor, memory coupled to the microprocessor, a power supply coupled to the microprocessor and the memory, and a machine sensor coupled to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system and method for forming an arc between an electrode and a workpiece is disclosed. The present invention includes a method of initiating an arc that includes comparing voltage across output terminals of a stick welder to a voltage threshold, and if the voltage across the output terminals is less than the voltage threshold, increasing the voltage across the output terminals to an arc formation OCV. The output voltage of the stick welder will be driven to a lower OCV if an arc is not formed between an electrode and a workpiece within a given period of time.

Abstract: A low emissions 2-stroke natural gas fueled engine includes at least one cylinder with an exhaust port in communication with a silencer/catalytic converter unit. The unit has first and second volumes in communication with each other. The first volume dampens spurious exhaust pressure excursions and removes particulates in the exhaust. The second volume houses an oxidation catalyst for treating exhaust to reduce exhaust emissions. The engine oil has at most 10 ppm zinc content to reduce metal poisons contained in the exhaust prior to contact with the oxidation catalyst. The engine oil preferably has a very low ash content to minimize sulfur combustion components in the exhaust to reduce masking of the oxidation catalyst. The first volume preferably has a pressure relief valve set to relieve at a pressure greater than the maximum normal operating pressure of the engine to avoid excessive pressure excursions of the engine exhaust from damaging the oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: Provided is a method including routing a compressed gas from a centrifugal gas compressor through at least one of a plurality of air coolers, and directing air flow through the plurality of air coolers, wherein the plurality of air coolers are arranged adjacent to one another in a single plane that is transverse to the air flow. Further provided is a method including removing tube cores from a cooler chamber of a liquid cooler of a centrifugal gas compressor, coupling a chamber port of the cooler chamber to a first port of an air cooler, and coupling a second port of the air cooler to a compressor port of a stage of the centrifugal gas compressor.

Abstract: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell imaging technique for automatically tracking the progression of a cell through the cell cycle over time through segmentation of a volume of two-dimensional time-lapse images. The technique allows long-term tracking of the cell cycle progression of an individual cell or multiple cells. Further, the invention provides a unique display of cell cycle progression, allowing an end user to easily determine changes to cell cycle progression for a cell of interest.

Abstract: A memory system and method according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a memory and an adaptive timing system for controlling access to the memory. The adaptive timing system captures data in a data valid window (DVW) in a data signal. In one embodiment, the adaptive timing system comprises a delay circuit for sampling the data signal at a midpoint of the DVW. The adaptive timing system may also comprise an identifying circuit for identifying whether the midpoint of the DVW corresponds to an actual midpoint of the DVW and adjusting the delay circuit accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and devices, such as a device including a data location, a quantizing circuit coupled to the data location, and a test module coupled to the quantizing circuit. In one or more embodiments, the test module can include a linear-feedback shift register.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are disclosed. Among the disclosed devices is an electronic device that, in certain embodiments, includes a plurality of memory elements or imaging elements connected to a bit-line and a delta-sigma modulator connected to the bit-line. The delta-sigma modulator may include an integrator having a differential amplifier.

Abstract: Hermetically sealed packages having organic electronic devices are presented. A number of sealing mechanisms are provided to hermetically seal the package to protect the organic electronic device from environmental elements. A metal alloy sealant layer is employed proximate to the organic electronic device. Alternatively, a metal alloy sealant layer in combination with primer layer may also be implemented. Further, superstrates and edge wraps may be provided to completely surround the organic electronic device.

Abstract: A scanning technique for imaging sites in an array includes illuminating or irradiating sites in lines of the array, and collecting returned radiation from the sites for imaging. The sites are sequentially scanned by means of confocally directed radiation lines from source optics. The orientation of the radiation lines with respect to the lines of sites in the array is such that the distance between nearest edges of sites in adjacent lines is greater than lines through those edges in a direction parallel to the radiation lines used for scanning. The resulting system experiences less crosstalk and a greater ability to distinguish between neighboring sites in resulting images.

Abstract: A headband with a tension indicator having an elastic segment sized to fit around a wearer's head; and a non-elastic segment being smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched, and the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched. The non-elastic segment is attached with the elastic segment in such a manner that the non-elastic segment projects out from the surface of the elastic portion when the headband is not sufficiently tight, thus creating a loop which provides a visual indication that the headband needs re-tightening.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that is appropriate for transcutaneous detection of tissue or blood constituents. A sensor for tissue constituent detection may include a gas collection chamber with a conduit to a sensing component and a conduit from the sensing component to the chamber. A sensor as provided may also include a barrier layer to prevent water from infiltrating the sensor.