Abstract: In an embodiment, a quantity smoother includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is operable to receive a sequence of raw samples of a quantity and to generate from the raw samples intermediate samples of the quantity, the intermediate samples having a reduced level of fluctuation relative to the sequence of raw samples. The second stage is coupled to the first stage and is operable to generate from the intermediate samples resulting samples of the quantity, the resulting samples having a reduced level of fluctuation relative to the sequence of intermediate samples. For example, such a quantity smoother may be part of a target-ranging system on board a fighter jet, and may smooth an error in an estimated target range so that the fighter pilot may more quickly and confidently determine in his head a range window within which the target lies.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a MOS device includes forming a semiconductor layer having a first type of conductivity; forming an insulated gate structure having an electrode region (25), above the semiconductor layer (23); forming body regions having a second type of conductivity, within the semiconductor layer, laterally and partially underneath the insulated gate structure; forming source regions having the first type of conductivity, within the body regions; and forming a first enrichment region, in a surface portion of the semiconductor layer underneath the insulated gate structure. The first enrichment region has the first type of conductivity and is set at a distance from the body regions. In order to form the first enrichment region, a first enrichment window is defined within the insulated gate structure, and first dopant species of the first type of conductivity are introduced through the first enrichment window and in a way self-aligned thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for highly efficient driving of piezoelectric loads, comprising a linear driving circuit portion connected to the load through an inductive-resistive connection whereto a voltage waveform is applied. Advantageously, the circuit comprises further respective circuit portions, structurally independent, connected in turn to the inductive-resistive connection through respective inductors to supply a considerable fraction of the overall current required by the load in the transient and steady state respectively.

Abstract: A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: An embodiment of a disk drive power system is described. The system is operable such that during power interruption, the system taps electric power by rectifying the back-EMF generated across each winding of a DC motor and supplying power to a voice-coil motor to park a read/write head safely away from an associated magnetic disk surface.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a fleet-angle of a cable. An embodiment may monitor the fleet-angle of a cable being spooled or unspooled in multiple radial directions and without use of a mechanical monitoring apparatus. The method and system may employ a fleet angle sensor device having a bell-shaped aperture across which propagate one or more collimated light beams that may be used to detect excessive fleet-angle of the cable. The light beams may be generated by a fleet-angle sensor disposed in the fleet angle sensor device proximate to the aperture. Various light-beam patterns within the aperture may provide different advantages when determining deviations of the cable from the aperture center axis.

Abstract: Described herein is an optically controlled electrical-switch device which includes a first current-conduction terminal and a second current-conduction terminal, and a carbon nanotube connected between the first and the second current-conduction terminals, the carbon nanotube being designed to be impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation and having an electrical conductivity that can be varied by varying the polarization of the electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. In particular, the carbon nanotube may for example, in given conditions of electrical biasing, present a high electrical conductivity when it is impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation having a given wavelength and a polarization substantially parallel to the axis of the carbon nanotube itself, and a reduced electrical conductivity when it is impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation having a given wavelength and a polarization substantially orthogonal to the axis of the carbon nanotube itself.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A pulse generator circuit is provided. The pulse generator circuit has an input adapted to receive an input electrical quantity and an output at which an output electrical quantity is made available. A transfer characteristic establishes a relationship between said input and said output electrical quantities. The pulse generator circuit is adapted to provide said output electrical quantity in the form of pulses having a predetermined shape, suitable to be used for UWB transmission. The transfer characteristic has substantially a same shape as that of said pulses. Moreover, a UWB modulating system exploiting the novel pulse generator is proposed.

Abstract: Electronic device which comprises a substrate provided with at least one passing opening, a MEMS device with function of differential sensor provided with a first and a second surface and of the type comprising at least one portion sensitive to chemical and/or physical variations of fluids present in correspondence with a first and a second opposed active surface thereof, the first surface of the MEMS device leaving the first active surface exposed and the second surface being provided with a further opening which exposes said second opposed active surface, the electronic device being characterized in that the first surface of the MEMS device faces the substrate and is spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, the sensitive portion being aligned to the passing opening of the substrate, and in that it also comprises a protective package, which incorporates at least partially the MEMS device and the substrate so as to leave the first and second opposed active surfaces exposed respectively through the passin

Abstract: Broad-based genetic mutation association gene transcript test and data structure. Genetic mutation considerations for this unique test include a custom set of genetic sequences associated in peer-reviewed literature with various known genetic mutation related to exposure to toxic substances. Such genetic mutations include specific gene sequence alterations based on exposure to diesel fuel, aviation fuel, jet fuel, and many other toxic substances often needed in the aviation and refining industries. The base dataset may be developed through clinical samples obtained by third-parties. Online access of real-time phenotype/genotype associative testing for physicians and patients may be promoted through an analysis of a customized microarray testing service.

Abstract: A disposable wearable infusion device comprises a body arranged to be adhered to a patient's skin and to receive a cannula to extend from the infusion device to beneath the patient's skin, a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament to be infused into the patient, and a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the cannula for delivery to the patient. The body has a port aligned with the cannula that permits the cannula to assume a deployed position to extend from the infusion device to beneath the patient's skin. The device further comprises a cover that blocks the port to preclude direct access to the cannula through the port after deployment.

Abstract: A disposable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, a pump that displaces the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the patient, at least one valve that conducts the displaced medicament from the reservoir, and a fluid conduit that conducts the medicament from the reservoir, to the pump, and to the patient. The device includes a layered structure that defines the reservoir, pump, valve, and fluid conduit.

Abstract: In a device for driving LEDs with variable light intensity, a supply stage has a first operating mode, in which a controlled supply current is generated, and a second operating mode, in which a controlled supply voltage is generated. A LED is connected to the supply stage, receives the controlled supply current or voltage, and has a turning-on threshold voltage higher than the controlled supply voltage. A current sensor generates a current-feedback signal that is correlated to the current flowing in the LED and is supplied to the supply stage in the first operating mode. An intensity-control stage generates a mode-control signal that is sent to the supply stage and controls sequential switching between the first and the second operating modes of the supply stage.

Abstract: Embodiment for forming an aggregate signal from a plurality of starting signals, comprising: acquiring said starting signals through respective sensors of a homogeneous sensors group; converting acquired signals in respective digital signals having data represented with a predetermined bits number; processing the digital signals to form aggregate signal. The processing step comprises the operations of: modifying digital signals changing the data format of each such digital signals from a first format to a second format, each data in the second format having been obtained from a respective data in the first format through an operation of permuting the bits position according to a permutation scheme associated with said data and to the specific digital signal comprising that data; forming aggregate signal obtaining said aggregate signal data by means of a bitwise logic operator acting upon said modified digital signal respective data.

Abstract: An automatic system and method to provide the ignition and monitoring of a pilot flame for gas burners. The circuit includes a microcontroller that acts on at least one gas valve, a flame igniter, and a flame detector circuits. The valve driver is a switching circuit able to open the valve and keep it open with power saving. The flame detection uses the ionization principle with full use of the rectification property of a flame. Furthermore the flame detection is activated for reduced times to save power. The microcontroller governs the system according to the signals that it receives from points of the circuit. The system provides a circuit realizing advanced power saving techniques to provide also a long term operation on battery powered systems. In addition the automatic control can save gas resources versus traditional thermocouple based systems by applying the intermittent pilot ignition.

Abstract: An abrasive supply system may, for example, be used to supply abrasive particles such as garnet to a cutting nozzle of an abrasive jet cutter. According to an embodiment, the abrasive is propelled by a substantially constant flow rate gas source. According to an embodiment, the system may be supplied with abrasive from an atmospheric pressure abrasive hopper. According to an embodiment, a controller automatically actuates refilling of an abrasive tank from the abrasive hopper, and then automatically closes an abrasive supply valve and restarts abrasive propulsion. According to an embodiment, the controller may include or consist of pneumatic logic.

Abstract: Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A synchronous regulator includes a controller coupled to receive a reference signal and a feedback signal from the regulator and being operable to provide a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal at its output. The regulator includes at least one gate driver coupled to receive the PWM signal and includes a synchronous output switch having a phase node therebetween controlled by the gate driver, and also including regulator input current measurement circuitry. The regulator input current measurement circuitry includes a circuit that provides a signal representative of at least one phase node timing parameter. A sensing circuit is operable to sense inductor or output current provided by the regulator. A calculation circuit is coupled to receive the signal representative of the phase node timing parameters and the inductor or output current and is operable to determine the input current from the phase node timing parameters and the inductor or output current.

Abstract: An embodiment of a circuit is described for the generation of a temperature-compensated voltage reference of the type comprising at least one generator circuit of a band-gap voltage, inserted between a first and a second voltage reference and including an operational amplifier, having in turn a first and a second input terminal connected to an input stage connected to these first and second input terminal and comprising at least one pair of a first and a second bipolar transistor for the generation of a first voltage component proportional to the temperature.