Abstract: A system for analyzing the operation of a switching power converter includes a digital controller for receiving an analog signal representing the output DC voltage of the power converter for comparison to a desired output voltage level and generating switching control signals to control the operation of the power supply to regulate the output DC voltage to said output voltage level. At least one portion of a control loop within the digital controller may be switched into the control loop in a first mode of operation and out of the control loop in a second mode of operation. A microcontroller emulates the operation of the at least one portion of the control loop during the second mode of operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for direct current (DC) correction in wireless devices. In one example, a method includes setting a cutoff frequency of a filter at a first frequency, where a signal entering the filter is attenuated based on the cutoff frequency. If a qualified change is detected in a DC component of the signal, the cutoff frequency is set at a second frequency that attenuates more of the signal than the first frequency for a defined time period. The cutoff frequency may then be set to the first frequency after the defined time period.

Abstract: A method of displaying a web page to a user. A triggering device (2500) is provided having a unique code associated therewith, the unique code associated with a remote location on a network of the source of the web page. The unique code is transmitted from the triggering device (2500) to an interface system (302), which interface system (302) is disposed on the network (306) at a triggering location. Location information associated with the unique code is then retrieved from a database (1614 or 310), the location information corresponding to the location of the web page at the remote location (312) on the network (306). In response to retrieving the location information, the interface system (302) connects to the remote location (312). The web page corresponding to location information of the remote location (312) is then presented to the user via the interface system (302).

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system converts wave energy within a wave medium into electrical energy. The wave energy conversion system includes a base substantially connected to a wave-medium floor, a tidal platform connected to the base and a tidal float connected to the tidal platform. An axle is connected to the tidal platform with an inductive coil positioned within the axle, such that an axis of the inductive coil is parallel to the axle. A magnetic sleeve includes a magnetic sleeve opening, such that the axle passes through the magnetic sleeve opening. A float member is connected to the magnetic sleeve. A wave moving through the wave causes displacement of the float member, causing the magnetic sleeve to move relative to the inductive coil and generate electrical energy within the inductive coil.

Abstract: A method of accessing a remote location on a network using an optical reader. The optical reader has an optical scanning system and a dedicated address memory system. The optical scanning system, in response to the user scanning an encoded indicia therewith, sends to a first computer disposed on the network a scan code indicative of information encoded in the scanned indicia. The dedicated address memory system, in response to the user completing an activation sequence, sends to the first computer a dedicated code indicative of information corresponding to a particular remote location. The information from the dedicated address memory system corresponding to a particular remote location does not originate from the scanning of an encoded indica by the user. One of the scan code and the dedicated code is transmitted from the optical reader to the first computer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a tunable GMC filter is disclosed wherein a transconducted element having an attenuator in a feedback loop therewith is allowed to oscillate at a first oscillation frequency. An input to the filter enables tuning of the oscillation frequency to a pre-determined frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking network activity of a user. A user PC (302) disposed on a network (306) runs tracking software which initially requires registration to a registration server (2500). The registration process is initiated by the user entering user information into the tracking software for transmission to the registration server (2500). In response to registration, the registration server (2500) sends a unique ID and bar code back to the user PC (302). Subsequently, when the user accesses a vendor server (2504) disposed on the network (306), the user PC (302) passes the unique ID/bar code to the vendor server (2504). The vendor server (2504) sends the unique ID/bar code to the registration server to obtain user profile information which matches the unique ID/bar code. As the user accesses the vendor server (2504), the user activities are logged and returned to the registration server (2500) for updating the user information stored therein.

Abstract: An integrated high frequency inductor is disclosed that includes first and second conductor loops. The first conductor loop is fabricated in a conductive layer of a semiconductor substrate and having a first substantially constant width. The second conductor loop is fabricated in the conductive layer and within the boundary of the first conductor loop and having a second substantially constant width less than the first substantially constant width, and the outer perimeter of the second conductor loop separated from the inner perimeter of the first conductor loop by a substantially constant gap. A first conductor bridge connects a first end of the first conductor loop to a first end of the second conductor loop.

Abstract: A method of accessing a vendor web site (3422) over a global communication packet-switched network (306) using personal account information of a credit card (3400) retrieved from a credit card company server (3300) on the network (306). At a user location disposed on the network, a machine-resolvable code (MRC) (3402) of the credit card (3400) of a user is read with a reading device (3410). Coded information is extracted from the MRC (3402). Routing information associated with the coded information is obtained, which routing information corresponds to the personal account information of the user stored on a credit card company server (3300) disposed on the network (306). The user location connects to the credit card company server (3300) across the network (306) in accordance with the routing information. The personal account information is returned from the credit card company server (3300) to the user location. The personal account information is then presented to the user at the user location.

Abstract: A system for providing voltage isolation includes the first and second chips, each containing functional circuitry. The chips are interconnected via at least one RF isolation link that provides voltage isolation between the first chip and the second chip and limits common mode signals therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a microcontroller unit including a processor for generating a power down signal. Control logic generates a hold signal responsive to the power down signal. A voltage regulator provides a regulated voltage responsive to an input voltage and powers down responsive to the power down signal. At least one digital device powered by the regulated voltage enters a powered down mode responsive to the voltage regulator entering the powered down state. The at least one digital device provides at least one digital output signal that is provided to an input/output cell. The input/output cell also is connected to receive a hold signal. The input/output cell maintains a last state of the digital output signal responsive to the hold signal when the at least one digital device enters the powered down state.

Abstract: A software distribution architecture having a television broadcast system as its infrastructure. Software from a software repository (1600) is mixed into a television broadcast system and transmitted into one or more selected channels at prescribed dates and times. An at-home subscriber, capable of receiving with a receiver (1608) the one or more select channels, switches to the one or more channels carrying the software distribution with a channel selector (1611). The subscriber, having programmed a controller (1616) with a programmer (1620) for the date, time, software ID, and channel of the software broadcast, then downloads the software package to a storage device (1622) for ultimate transfer to a PC (1624). A validation and accounting system (1628) then records the software download transaction and transmits this information over a PSTN (1632) to a provider accounting system (1630) such that the subscriber is billed for the software package which was downloaded.

Abstract: A collapsible workout apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a crossbar member with support legs pivotally attached at each end. The supports legs are operable to pivot outward to a trapezoid shape to form a self-standing structure with the crossbar member substantially parallel to the surface. A protrusion is pivotally attached at the base of each of the support legs. When extended outward, the protrusions also are substantially parallel to the surface. The crossbar member and protrusions, when extended, are operable to enable a user to perform push-ups or pull-ups efficiently. The support legs and protrusions can be pivoted to be substantially parallel to the crossbar member for easy storage and portability.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) clamp using output driver. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device for an output driver having a p-channel transistor and n-transistor pair connected between a power supply terminal and ground for driving an input/output pad therefrom. An ESD event detector is provided for detecting an ESD event on the pad. A drive circuit drives the n-channel and p-channel drive transistors in response to receiving a logic control signal to either drive the pad from the supply terminal or to sink the pad to ground. ESD protection logic circuitry is provided to cause both the p-channel and n-channel transistors to turn on when the ESD event detector detects an ESD event, the ESD protection circuitry disposed forward of the drive circuit such that the ESD protection logic circuitry operates independent of the state of the drive circuit.

Abstract: A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body including a continuous rail wall of substantially uniform thickness. The rail wall describes a continuous cross-sectional profile between two elongated free edges, the cross-sectional profile of the rail being substantially uniform along the length of the rail body. The cross-sectional profile of the rail body includes a relatively flat top portion disposed between a substantially semi-circular front curved portion and a substantially quarter-circular rear curved portion. A rear mounting lip extends forward from the rear curved portion to one of the elongated free edges. A front mounting lip extends upward and then rearwards from the front curved portion to another of the elongated free edges. The elongated free edges are generally in line with one another, but spaced apart to define a longitudinal channel therebetween having a predetermined width. The rail body is formed from a sheet of material by a process of roll forming.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon includes a balloon layer having an outer surface and a strengthening rod connected to the outer surface of the balloon layer. The strengthening rod may be connected longitudinally on the outer surface of the balloon layer. Typically, the balloon is formed of a polymer like polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: Broadband multi-drop local network, interface and method for multimedia access. A local network architecture include a wired bus coupleable directly to an external data network terminal and configured for carrying broadband packetized data traffic over a frequency spectrum uninterrupted by other defined data channels or services; and one or a plurality of network transceivers operable individually for coupling an addressable network device processing a defined class of information to the bus wherein each network appliance is configured for and further operable for providing communication interfacing of the class of information of each addressable network appliance with the packetized IP data traffic on the wired bus.

Abstract: An architecture for customizing the amount of web page banner advertising content presented to a user. When a user accesses a server node (102) disposed on a network (104), the user computer (100) provides video resolution information to the server node (102). The server node (102) transmits a web page to the user node (100) which corresponds to the video resolution information of the user node (100). The web page increases the amount of banner advertising presented to the user based upon the user video resolution information provided by the user node (100). The amount of banner advertising is increased by either increasing banner object size or providing more banner advertisements.

Abstract: A microcontroller unit (MCU) is disclosed with a stand-alone Real Time Clock (RTC). The MCU includes a processing circuit for receiving digital information and processing said received digital information. A primary clock circuit provides the timing for the processing circuit. A power control circuit controls the power to the processing circuit and the primary clock circuit to control the operation thereof to operate in at least a full power mode drawing a full power level from a supply voltage input and a reduced power mode drawing less than the full power level from the supply voltage input. A stand-alone RTC circuit is also provided, the stand-alone RTC circuit including an RTC clock circuit operating independent of the primary clock circuit. A timer clocked by the RTC clock circuit is operable to increment a stored time value for output therefrom, the RTC clock circuit having a defined time base. An input/output (I/O) device provides access by the processing circuit to the results output by the timer.