Abstract: The invention consists of a new component called the Architecture Generation Engine added to the CAD system for implementing circuits into PLD architectures and for evaluating performances of different architectures. The Architecture Generation Engine converts a high-level, easily specified description of a PLD architecture into the highly detailed, complete PLD architecture database required by the internals of the CAD toolset in order to map a circuit netlist into the PLD. The Architecture Generation Engine also enables the performance evaluation of a wide variety of PLD architectures for given benchmark circuits.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented that improve the efficiency of stator production by connecting stator coil leads to final attachment devices before the coils are inserted into a stator core. After coil insertion, the final attachment devices are merely mounted to the stator receiving the stator core, eliminating most if not all post-coil-insertion lead identification and manipulation processes. The final attachment devices can be terminal receivers that include a plurality of wire sockets for receiving a plurality of coil leads. Coil leads are connected to final attachment devices during the coil winding stage. Such connections add little or no additional time to the winding stage.

Abstract: An interconnection architecture for programmable logic devices (PLDs) is presented in which heterogeneous interconnect resources can be programmably connected to function blocks in accordance with two or more operational parameters, such as, for example, signal propagation speed, circuit area, signal routing flexibility, and PLD reliability. Programmable interconnect resources include unbalanced multiplexers, different types of interface buffers, and signal wires of different widths and different wire-to-wire spacings.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying still images to viewers in motion relative to those images, such as passengers on a subway train, includes a plurality of images mounted on a surface, and a slitboard mounted between that surface and the viewer. As the viewers pass by, the slitboard acts like a shutter, creating an animation effect. In addition, there is a stretching or widening effect that enlarges the images, allowing images to be “preshrunk,” thereby allowing a large number of images in a small space, increasing the available frame rate of the animation. The stretching effect depends on the distance between the image surface and the slitboard.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a multi-lobed winding for the stator of an alternator, particularly those for use in the automotive field and of the type comprising turns defining a star-shaped configuration having a plurality of radial lobes alternated with hollows.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented that improve the efficiency of stator production by connecting stator coil leads to final attachment devices before the coils are inserted into a stator core. After coil insertion, the final attachment devices are merely mounted to the stator receiving the stator core, eliminating most if not all post-coil-insertion lead identification and manipulation processes. The final attachment devices can be terminal receivers that include a plurality of is wire sockets for receiving a plurality of coil leads. Coil leads are connected to final attachment devices during the coil winding stage. Such connections add little or no additional time to the winding stage.

Abstract: A panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (34) that is embodied at a side edge (3); a tongue (32) that is embodied at a side edge (4); a depression (35) that is embodied in the groove (34) and has an interlocking surface (17); an interlocking element (33) that is embodied at the tongue (32) and has an interlocking surface (27); and fitting surfaces (12, 22), which are embodied in the groove (34) and at the tongue (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (17, 27). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that the groove (34) has fitting surfaces (14, 15), which extend parallel to the top side (5), in the region of the groove bottom (7), and the tongue (32) has fitting surfaces (24, 25), which extend parallel to the top side (9), in the region of the end surface (8), with the fitting surfaces (14, 24; 15, 25) resting against one another in the interlocked state of the connection.

Abstract: Adaptive filters are presented that dynamically adjust the level of filtering of signals output from a sigma-delta or noise-shaping pulse code modulator RMS-to-DC converter to efficiently remove noise to improve accuracy without unduly increasing conversion response time. The level of filtering is adjusted in accordance with criteria responsive to either input signal changes (e.g., variance), input signal frequency, or both. Filtering can be analog or digital.

Abstract: A panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (35) that is formed at a side edge (5); a tongue (32) that is formed at a side edge (6); a depression (39) that is formed in the groove (35) and has an interlocking surface (16); an interlocking groove (34) that is formed at the tongue (32) and has an interlocking surface (26); and fitting surfaces (14, 24), which are formed the groove (35) and at the tongue (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (16, 26). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that a recess (40), which is formed by a facing surface (11) that extends perpendicular to the top side (3) and a fitting surface (12) that extends parallel to the top side (3), is provided in the region of the side edge (5). An upper lip (30), which is formed by a facing surface (21) that extends perpendicular to the top side (4) and a fitting surface (22) that extends parallel to the top side (4), is provided in the region of the side edge (6).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing a full service cable television system. The cable system incorporates a digital and analog transmission architecture capable of delivering a high number of high quality television programs, advanced cable services, and online services to a subscriber's home. The cable system comprises a cable headend, at least one fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one hybrid fiber coax plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility with existing systems. The set-top terminal incorporates a central processing unit, a unified memory architecture, a memory management unit, communications circuitry, I/O control circuitry, and audio and video output circuitry.

Abstract: A display lighting system is provided that assembles and installs easily and provides a wireway for luminaire and other types of wiring. Luminaires of the system each include a lamp housing attached to the ends of a pair of arms that can hold the housing sufficiently out beyond a displayed object to provide more complete illumination of the object's vertical face. Each luminaire includes a wireway enclosure dimensioned to enclose electrical wiring and at least one electrical component, such as a ballast or transformer. The enclosure is positioned between the arms at the ends opposite the lamp housing. Wiring between the lamp housing and enclosure is carried inconspicuously in a trough along the inside of one or both arms. Wiring between adjacent luminaires runs conveniently through nipple connectors connecting adjacent enclosures. Optional uplighting and accent lighting is also provided.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor is provided that can operate within an extended range of AC and DC input voltages, enabling the sensor to be used in different electrical environments. The sensor draws substantially only an amount of current required by the sensor at the moment, which reduces power waste. The sensor includes a relay that de-energizes when occupancy is sensed and energizes when occupancy is not sensed. This reduces peak sensor current, permitting the sensor to maintain a more constant average current. A shutdown mode is provided to prevent sensor damage or destruction should excessive output current be drawn from the sensor. The sensor also includes a second output at which occupancy signals are provided when an occupancy signal is present at the first output.

Abstract: Circuits and methods are provided that compensate for dynamic errors caused by voltage drops across a switch coupled in series with a capacitor in an electrical circuit such as a track-and-hold circuit. In such circuits, the capacitor should provide the same voltage as a signal coupled to the switch, but does not because of the switch voltage drop. The switch can be, for example, a MOSFET or more particularly a CMOS device. Dynamic errors are compensated for by measuring the voltage drop across the switch and then effectively adding the measured voltage drop to a voltage provided by the capacitor.

Abstract: A 3-terminal operational filter circuit is presented that can be used to construct various types of active filters. The filter circuit can be used to construct various orders of low pass, band-pass, high pass, and notch filters by simply coupling a few circuit elements (e.g., resistors and capacitors) to the filter circuit terminals. By cascading filter circuits, various types of higher order filters can constructed. The filter circuit can be manufactured with particular internal resistance and capacitance to enable the circuit to operate within a selected range of center frequencies. Users can then select a particular center frequency, notch frequency, quality factor, and gain of the filter circuit by selecting particular values for the circuit elements coupled to the filter circuit terminals.

Abstract: An arrangement for two side-by-side elongated lamps in a lighting fixture in which lampholders are alternately mounted on opposite sideplates or brackets of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture has an inside dimension that is longer than the length of each lamp/lampholder combination by a length sufficient to prevent the distal end of each lamp from overlapping the exposed plug portion and the lampholder of any of the adjacent lamps. The lamps are tightly gathered, and are close enough together to simulate a hairline light source having an optical centerline coincident with the optical centerline of the fixture.