Abstract: A voltage regulator having an output terminal adapted to being connected to a load, including an operational amplifier having its non-inverting input connected to a first reference voltage, and its inverting input connected to the output terminal, an inverting stage having its input connected to the output of the operational amplifier, a power switch controlled by the output of the inverter stage, arranged between the output terminal and a supply voltage, and a charge capacitor arranged between the output terminal and a reference supply voltage, including a means for reducing the effective output impedance of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having a voltage generator supplying a determined voltage, a voltage-limiting circuit arranged at the output of the voltage generator, the voltage-limiting circuit having at least one PN junction formed by a diode-arranged MOS transistor, the PN junction having a breakdown voltage defining a threshold for triggering the voltage-limiting circuit as from which the PN junction is on by avalanche effect, at least one load in series with the PN junction for limiting an avalanche current passing through the PN junction when the PN junction is on, and at least one switch in parallel with the PN junction and the load, the switch arranged in the open state when the PN junction is off and to be in the closed state when the PN junction is on.

Abstract: An ideal filament preheat technique in flourescence lamp is supplied by an adjusting circuit, an output circuit and a control circuit. At the filament preheating stage, an adequate preheating voltage is provided for the filament of the lamp tube, and the voltage cross over both ends of the lamp tube is reduced, thereby preventing glow current in preheating. When the preheating stage is finished and starting stage begins, the voltage between both ends of the lamp tube increases simultaneously, and then reaches a break-down voltage of the lamp tube, then the lamp tube is lit to enter a normal operation stage, the preheating voltage of the filament is cutoff under the control circuit, so as to save the filament power consumption. Therefore, the efficiency of the electronic ballast is improved, and the operation life of the flourescent lamp tube is extended.

Abstract: A system provides two distinct solutions for encoding and decoding servo positioning data for a hard disk drive. A first solution includes: encoding each group of four bits of a pattern signal in a Matched Spectral Null (MSN) format through an intermediate rate 4/6 code; providing a duplicated bit for each bit of the six bit code word obtained with the previous step. A second solution includes: encoding each group of four bit of the pattern signal adding a parity check bit as an intermediate rate ? code; encoding each of the five bits using the biphase map. Both solutions include subsequently: reading a servo wedge information signal using a read and write channel of the hard disk drive; and using a trellis Partial Response decoding scheme matched to the encoded word for obtaining angular and radial information for the head positioning.

Abstract: An audio decoder solution is here provided where a reduction in computing power is required. The proposed method consists of forcing the multiple output channels to only one type of inverse transformation format. A format of long transform length is more suitable for input signals whose spectrum remains stationary or quasi-stationary. This provides a greater frequency resolution, improved coding performance and a reduction of computing power required. Another format of two or more short transform lengths, possessing greater time resolution, is more desirable for rapidly changing signals with time. The computer power required for two or more short transforms should be higher than for only one transformation. The time versus frequency resolution trade-off should be considered when selecting a transform block length. Advantage is taken of human hearing behaviour to reduce the computing power of a processing engine (e.g. DSP) when downmixing from an M-channel input to a P-channel output is required.

Abstract: A method of selecting a motion vector for use in a motion estimation system in which the motion vector defines movement of a block of pixels between a search window and a reference frame.

Abstract: The invention provides aminoalkylindole compounds of Formula (I), wherein R1-R5, n and p are as described. Also provided are compositions containing compounds of Formula (I) and the use of compounds of Formula (I) in modulating the activity of a cannabinoid receptor in a subject.

Abstract: The disclosure and claims are generally related to a modified sports board, such as a modified skateboard operatively attached to a frame structure. The frame structure is configured to react the multi-directional dynamic forces of a user performing aerobatic maneuvers and related stunts. Proximately located near the frame structure can be a platform where the sports board may be initially mounted. The platform may have a plurality of starting levels or tiers accessible by a standard ladder or steps. The platform may be integrally connected to the frame structure or unattached. Coupled to the platform or in close proximity thereof may be stunt devices, such as rails and ramps. The rails and ramps provide a user with obstacles to maneuver around or grind across.

Abstract: A multi-layered unit according to the present invention includes a support substrate formed of a material which has conductivity and on which a dielectric material containing a bismuth layer structured compound can be epitaxially grown, at least the surface thereof being oriented in the [001] direction, and a dielectric layer formed by epitaxially growing a dielectric material containing a bismuth layer structured compound on the support substrate and formed of a dielectric material containing a bismuth layer structured compound oriented in the [001] direction.

Abstract: An integrated gyroscope, including an acceleration sensor formed by: a driving assembly; a sensitive mass extending in at least one first and second directions and being moved by the driving assembly in the first direction; and by a capacitive sensing electrode, facing the sensitive mass. The acceleration sensor has an rotation axis parallel to the second direction, and the sensitive mass is sensitive to forces acting in a third direction perpendicular to the other directions. The capacitive sensing electrode is formed by a conductive material region extending underneath the sensitive mass and spaced therefrom by an air gap.

Abstract: The phase change memory cell is formed by a resistive element and by a memory region of a phase change material. The resistive element has a first thin portion having a first sublithographic dimension in a first direction; and the memory region has a second thin portion having a second sublithographic dimension in a second direction which is transverse to said first direction. The first and second thin portions are in direct electrical contact and define a contact area having sublithographic extent. The second thin portion is formed in a slit of sublithographic dimensions. According to a first solution, oxide spacer portions are formed in a lithographic opening, delimited by a mold layer. According to a different solution, a sacrificial region is formed on top of a mold layer and is used for forming the sublithographic slit in the mold layer.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing faults using a load. In the method IGBTs are controlled such that certain currents are expected. If the currents are not as expected, a fault may be diagnosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell installation containing a gas generation system, for the production of a hydrogen-containing gas, and a fuel cell system, which comprises a fuel cell, a compressor, an expander that is coupled with the compressor and a burner, the exhaust gases of which are directed to the expander. The gas generation system and the fuel cell system are designed as independent modules with respect to the supply of energy and process streams. Energy storage and energy conversion devices are arranged between the expander and the compressor in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A multiposition microswitch that includes a cavity, a mobile portion made of a deformable material extending above the cavity, at least three conductive tracks extending on the cavity bottom, and a contact pad on the lower surface of the mobile part. The mobile part is capable of deforming, under the action of a stressing mechanism, from an idle position where the contact pad is distant from the conductive tracks to an on position from among several distinct on positions. The contact pad electrically connects, in each distinct on position, at least two of the at least three conductive tracks, at least one of the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in each distinct on position being different from the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in the other distinct on positions.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an environmental condition and determining the average environmental condition using an RFID tag and reader, the tag configured to have at least one module with known characteristics that are dependent on the environmental condition and to be responsive to interrogation by the reader to asses the state of the known characteristics for determining the average environmental condition.

Abstract: A dual chamber condiment grinder has more than one chamber for holding a different condiment in each, and each chamber has a rasp that can be selectively moved up and down to grind the condiment in the associated chamber. An actuating handle rotates on the top of the chambers to position a cam over one or the other of the rasps to selectively grind the contents of one of the chambers. In the alternative, the cam can move in a slot in a movable handle to position the cam over the desired rasp.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods treating arthritic disorders such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and for treating other diseases associated with altered mitochondrial function, such as cancer, psoriasis, stroke, Alzheimer's Disease and diabetes. The compounds of this invention have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1-5 are as defined herein. The methods of this invention are directed to administering to a warm-blooded animal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of structure (I), typically in the form of a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A device for dressing shellfish comprises a handle and a working end. The handle can have a pair of handle members manually actuable with a single hand. The working end can incorporate a pair of blades connected to the respective handle members. The blades can be coupled to each other near their distal ends at least one can be adapted to bend laterally at a central region when one or both of the handles is actuated. The blades can be manipulable between an aligned configuration to facilitate insertion of the working end into the shellfish, and a spread configuration in which one or more of the blades can penetrate the shell. Removal of the device from the shellfish while the working end is retained in the spread configuration can form a slit along the length of the shellfish, facilitating removal of meat therefrom.

Abstract: A method for treating psoriasis of the skin of a patient employs topically applying to the affected skin a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to such a method where the composition used therefor further comprises certain disclosed active agents, including active drug and active cosmetic substances. In a related aspect, further embodiments of the present invention are directed to compositions comprising at least one peptide copper complex and certain active drug and active cosmetic substances that render the compositions particularly effective in treating psoriasis.

Abstract: In the present fuel cell systems, fuel cell stacks operate on a fuel stream having a pressure that is below the pressure of the surrounding environment, for example below atmospheric pressure. In the event of a leak, the fuel stream will not escape to the surrounding atmosphere, but rather gases from the surrounding environment will leak into the fuel stream. The fuel stream generally cannot exit the fuel cell stack during normal operation. The fuel cell stack may be periodically purged by increasing the pressure of the fuel stream above the pressure of the surrounding environment and by permitting exit through the fuel stream outlet. A monitoring device can be employed to determine when to purge the fuel cell stack.