Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for controlling conduction between two nodes of an integrated circuit via a stack of FETs of common polarity, coupled in series. In an RF Power Amplifier (PA) having appropriate output filtering, or in a quad mixer, stacks of two or more FETs may be used to permit the use of increased voltages between the two nodes. Power control for such RF PAs may be effected by varying a bias voltage to one or more FETs of the stack. Stacks of three or more FETs may be employed to control conduction between any two nodes of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of organizing, managing, and providing interactive access to data in a database is disclosed, along with a program and a system for implementing the method. Associations between each data Item and at least one ItemSelector are established and stored. A predefined (but modifiable) Vocabulary of ItemSelectors sufficient to describe each Item of the database is created. Presently selected Items are described by a combination of associations defined by an appropriate Boolean combination of each ItemSelector in a presently selected set of ItemSelectors. A user controls the presently selected set by adding an ItemSelector from a presented group, or by removing a previously selected ItemSelector. The system ideally makes available to the user all relevant ItemSelectors—those which, if added to the presently selected set, would result in a set that describes at least one extant data Item. The system ideally makes all presently selected Items available to the user.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for improving transmit antenna weight tracking using channel vector element to element correlations in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The present channel autocorrelation tracking technique utilizes the observation that tracking can be improved when a channel gain vector contains correlated elements. In a first embodiment of the autocorrelation tracking technique, the present invention extracts a coarse gradient estimate by utilizing a perturbation vector autocorrelation matrix estimate and a perturbation autocorrelation matrix to update TxAA weight vectors accordingly. In a second embodiment of the channel autocorrelation tracking technique, the present invention extracts a coarse gradient estimate by utilizing eigendecompositions, perturbation vector autocorrelation matrix estimates, and perturbation autocorrelation matrices to update TxAA weight vectors accordingly.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid cam providing variable valve actuation in an engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic fluid cam is adapted to vary valve timing while holding valve displacement constant. In another embodiment, the hydraulic fluid cam is adapted to vary valve displacement, while holding valve timing constant. Some embodiments are adapted to vary both valve timing and displacement simultaneously to optimize engine performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing power dissipation in mobile stations that are configured to provide concurrent voice and high-speed packet data communication capability in a cellular telecommunications system. A state is defined during which data directed to a mobile station (MS) is not fully receive processed by the MS. Such a reduced receive processing state may be co-extensive with a Control Hold state. A notification mechanism is presented by which a serving base station directs a mobile station to return from reduced to full receive processing in advance of transmitting data on a packet data channel. The notification may take several forms, such as a message presenting the MS MAC address and one or more other bits of predetermined data content. Return to active (full receive) status may be required to be completed within a predetermined time, such as one ACK delay, after notification.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling the properties of fluids is disclosed. The inventive concept employs impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements, and is suitable for real-time, in situ, monitoring and quality control operations, such as quality control during the manufacture of blended lubricants. IS data are obtained for three or more frequencies, where the lowest frequency is less than 1 Hz and the highest frequency is greater than 1 Hz. These data may be interpreted according to statistical techniques such as Principal Component Regression, analytical techniques such as equivalent circuit modeling, or by a combination thereof. The data analysis provides characteristics, or IS signatures, relating to the properties of the fluid. IS signatures for a test fluid are compared to IS signatures for calibration fluids to determine whether the properties of the test fluid fall within specified limits.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for applying overlaid perturbation vectors for gradient feedback transmit antenna array adaptation is disclosed. The method and apparatus of the present invention allows a communication system to reduce transmit power that is associated with dedicated pilot signals by overlaying perturbation vectors and measuring channel estimates and demodulation channel estimates during a measurement time interval that comprises a plurality of feedback time intervals. The present inventive method utilizes channel estimates that include the effects of previous perturbation vectors, subsequent feedback vectors and intermediate feedback decisions. The inventive method extracts a coarse gradient estimate by utilizing a continuous summation of overlaid weight vector perturbation vectors and updates the weighting vector accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described, by means of which a host data communication device obtains the effects of a desired data communication protocol, such as flow control, that may not be supported by a client device. To obtain the effects of the desired protocol, the host invokes a different protocol supported by the client, for example retransmission, by presenting an appropriate protocol-initiation signal, for example by asserting an error bit on a bidirectional connection to the client. Invoking the supported protocol repetitively, if necessary, the host interprets the client response to the invocation to achieve substantially the same effect as the desired protocol. Thus, a repetitive retransmission request by the host may have the effect of a flow hold request.

Abstract: A novel frame-matching method and apparatus in a communication system is disclosed. The frame matching method and apparatus of the present invention matches or aligns flexible length data (e.g., symbols) to standard-sized frames without the need for non-standard puncturing. The method and apparatus of the present invention determines how many times to disable symbol puncturing based upon parameters associated with a given data set. The present invention is capable of disabling symbol puncturing for any given data bit, group of data or symbol.

Abstract: A novel RF buffer circuit adapted for use with an RF switch circuit and method for switching RF signals is described. The RF switch circuit is fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The RF switch includes pairs of switching and shunting transistor groupings used to alternatively couple RF input signals to a common RF node. The switching and shunting transistor grouping pairs are controlled by a switching control voltage (SW) and its inverse (SW_). The switching and shunting transistor groupings comprise one or more MOSFET transistors connected together in a “stacked” or serial configuration. The stacking of transistor grouping devices, and associated gate resistors, increase the breakdown voltage across the series connected switch transistors and operate to improve RF switch compression. A fully integrated RF switch is described including digital control logic and a negative voltage generator integrated together with the RF switch elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of analyzing accuracy of linear sensor output based on a theoretical prediction of the output model. The method comprises steps of: analyzing a statistically significant number of linear sensors to obtain operating profiles at two or more operating conditions; individually testing a linear sensor to obtain at least four data points; developing a theoretical prediction of the output model for each operating condition from the four data points; and comparing accuracy of the relationship between the theoretical prediction of the output model to sensor output in the operating profile corresponding to a given input for the same operating condition. Also disclosed are calibration algorithms associated therewith, as well as mechatronic units and further assemblies therefrom.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for interactive communication among a plurality of users. The invention, called Holocene Conversation Mode (“HCM”), takes advantage of the observation that human beings have developed or utilize a number of real-world characteristics to participate in, perceive, control, and glean subtleties from conversations. These characteristics include proximity and orientation of a listener to other speakers, memory ageing, emphasis by a speaker, relative importance of a speaker to a listener, reputation of a speaker, and the unique human ability to “filter” words of special interest to a listener from overheard conversations. HCM includes a suite of techniques, including spatial and content compression as a function of some of such characteristics, that can be implemented in various combinations in computer software.

Abstract: Isolation valves of the invention are advantageously mechanically actuated. Such valves and associated methods comprise a first port in fluid communication with a first component; a second port in fluid communication with a second component; a third port in fluid communication with a third component; a diaphragm disposed within the valve for closing a normally open internal pathway to occlude fluid communication between the first port and the second port in response to a pressure differential across the diaphragm; and a flow sensitive pressure device for controlling the pressure differential across the diaphragm. Fluid flows from the second component to the third component upon closing of the normally open internal pathway. In an exemplary embodiment, isolation valves and methods of the invention are adapted for use in fuel tank emission control systems.

Abstract: A monolithic integrated circuit (IC), and method of manufacturing same, that includes all RF front end or transceiver elements for a portable communication device, including a power amplifier (PA), a matching, coupling and filtering network, and an antenna switch to couple the conditioned PA signal to an antenna. An output signal sensor senses at least a voltage amplitude of the signal switched by the antenna switch, and signals a PA control circuit to limit PA output power in response to excessive values of sensed output. Preferred fabrication techniques include stacking multiple FETs to form switching devices. An iClass PA architecture is described that dissipatively terminates unwanted harmonics of the PA output signal. A preferred embodiment of the RF transceiver IC includes two distinct PA circuits, two distinct receive signal amplifier circuits, and a four-way antenna switch to selectably couple a single antenna connection to any one of the four circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating and improving the properties of fluid formulations is disclosed. The inventive concept employs impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements and data analyses to determine IS parameters of fluids representative of a fluid formulation. Correlations are determined between the IS parameters and the properties of the fluids, and a modified or new fluid formulation may be developed responsive to the correlations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing call setup latency for a wireless device in a cellular network where the wireless device receives, stores, and analyzes base station overhead information to reduce the need to perform initialization after a call session terminates.

Abstract: A vehicle refueling system and a vehicle refueling method are disclosed. The refueling system includes a filler cup, a nozzle seal in the filler cup for sealing to a filler nozzle, a vapor re-circulation path from the gas tank to the filler cup, and an air relief module. The air relief module provides additional air to the filler cup region below the nozzle seal when the vapor re-circulation path does not provide sufficient make-up air to the filler nozzle during refueling operations. The refueling method includes providing air through an air relief module when the vapor flow through the vapor re-circulation path is not sufficient to perform a refueling operation.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling the properties of fluids is disclosed. The inventive concept employs impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements, and is suitable for real-time, in situ, monitoring and quality control operations, such as quality control during the manufacture of blended lubricants. IS data are obtained for three or more frequencies, where the lowest frequency is less than 1 Hz and the highest frequency is greater than 1 Hz. These data may be interpreted according to statistical techniques such as Principal Component Regression, analytical techniques such as equivalent circuit modeling, or by a combination thereof. The data analysis provides characteristics, or IS signatures, relating to the properties of the fluid. IS signatures for a test fluid are compared to IS signatures for calibration fluids to determine whether the properties of the test fluid fall within specified limits.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method and apparatus for initiating a reverse link intergenerational handoff in a CDMA communication system. The reverse link intergenerational handoff initialization method and apparatus of the present invention measures and compares parameters between a serving base station of one generation and a target base station of another generation to determine the best possible handoff initiation time instant for performing a reverse link intergenerational hard handoff. The present invention can utilize one of several embodiments to determine the best possible handoff initiation time instant. A pilot signal strength embodiment of the present invention determines a handoff initiation time instant based upon the total pilot signal strength of both a serving and target base station.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for performing cell selection handoffs in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The CSHO method and apparatus of the present invention determines which transmitters to temporarily disable or “gate off” during soft handoff procedures. The method and apparatus of the present invention monitors the channel conditions for all base stations in an active set of a selected mobile station and determines the relative strengths of base stations based on the monitored channel conditions. The method and apparatus of the present invention reduces interference to receivers in a wireless communication system. Specifically, the present invention temporarily disables, or “gates off” selected transmitters (e.g., base stations) during soft handoff procedures and thereby reduces interference to receivers that are not associated with the selected transmitters. Reducing this interference increases the overall voice and data capacity in a wireless communication system.