Abstract: In semiconductor memory devices, failed memory cells are problematic because they draw excessive standby currents. To repair such devices before packaging, the failed memory cell columns are replaced by redundant columns. To ensure that a replaced column having a failed cell does not draw excessive standby current, the invention provides for turning off the precharge circuit transistor pair that otherwise would supply precharge current to the bit line pair in the defective column, and also turning off the cell power line circuit that otherwise would supply current along a cell power line to the cell power nodes in the defective column of the memory array.

Abstract: A lingual orthodontic bracket includes a body having a three-sided archwire slot, a closure member slot, and a hinged closure member pivotally and pivotable across the archwire slot and into a closed position in the closure member slot. The closure member includes a cam shaped portion extending across the archwire to retain it in the archwire slot under shear. The cam portion is convexly shaped to force the archwire to seat in the slot as the closure member is rotated toward the closed position, and has a neutral to over-center or negative camming action upon closure to retain the closure member in the closed position. The closure member includes a protrusion that wedges into the closure member slot in the closed position, The bracket includes two oppositely directed wings formed respectively on the body and the closure member for receiving a ligature or O-ring.

Abstract: Pointing stick assembly for use in a computer keyboard for cursor control is disclosed. The assembly includes a pointing button coupled through a plurality of rigid actuator legs to force sensors. For pointing operations, the pointing button is pressed in a desired direction by a user for moving a cursor in a corresponding direction on a display screen. Apertures are provided extending through one or more keycaps on the keyboard for mounting the pointing assembly. Each actuator leg is positioned in one of the apertures so that no additional keyboard space is required for the pointing device, thereby obviating a separate mouse, keyboard mounted trackball or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating views of an environment with proper perspective and parallax. This invention captures panoramic views at many points in the environment and stores them as planar polygons, which have been extended to include imagery occluded at their viewing position but visible at nearby points. Three-dimensional information on the environmental source of these polygons is determined and stored, enabling the playback system to simulate parallax as well as to produce stereographic images. Given a location and orientation in the environment, the playback system finds a nearby capture point and translates the polygons at that point to the specified location, producing an image. It then rotates that image to the desired orientation which it then displays.

Abstract: A method of improving ribbon usage, i.e. reducing ribbon waste, in a non-impact color printer of the type that employs a continuous ribbon having panels of transfer material is described. The method includes defining an plurality of sectors across the width of the ribbon, at least one of the sectors including a region having a width less than a total width of the panel. The ribbon sector thus defined extends laterally adjacent to another sector of the same panel. The size and location of an image to be printed is determined; next one or more of the unused sectors of the panel is selected that provides an area of the panel having adequate width and location for printing the image. This unused sector of the ribbon may well be laterally adjacent or next to a used sector. Next the image is printed onto a substrate using the selected sector(s).

Abstract: Secondary batteries, also called rechargeable batteries, are subject to damage from overcharging during rapid charging. A fully-charged condition of a battery undergoing recharging, for example a NiCd or NiMH battery, is detected by a signature drop in battery voltage called a negative delta voltage (NDV). Low-cost analog circuits and methods are disclosed for detecting the NDV. Op amp circuits are arranged to charge one capacitor while the battery voltage is rising to determine a peak voltage, and charge another capacitor while the battery voltage is falling below the peak voltage. The second capacitor voltage is compared to a reference voltage to determine when the battery voltage drop exceeds a predetermined NDV, indicating a fully-charged battery. The invention is useful in battery chargers, battery conditioners, and the like.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier uses a differential attenuator to provide a differential input to which a differential input signal is applied. The differential attenuator is comprised of (N-1) .pi. attenuator stages, with each stage forming a pair of attenuator taps for providing an attenuated version of the differential input signal. The differential input forms a high-impedance input, which is essentially floating. Each pair of taps is coupled to the differential inputs of a respective gm stage. The differential outputs of the gm stages are coupled to the differential inputs of a main amplifier, which has a high open-loop gain. The transconductance of each gm stage is controlled by an interpolator which provides a bias current to each of the gm stages in a sequential manner as a gain control voltage is swept from its minimum to its maximum values. The combination of the attenuated input voltage, the varying transconductances produces a gain response that is linear-in-dB relative to the gain control voltage.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device having an internal copy function. The memory device includes a memory cell array composed of a plurality of memory cells coupled to a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of column selectors coupled between the bit lines and an input/output data line for being turned on in response to a column select signal, a data amplifying circuit coupled to the input/output data line for amplifying the readout data, a data storage for receiving and latching the amplified data, and a write driver for outputting the latched data to the input/output data line.

Abstract: A new probabilistic computing system (PCS) provides computational functionality needed to efficiently realize randomized computing methods in otherwise standard, deterministic digital computing systems. The PCS may be incorporated in a standard computing platform such as a PC or workstation. In the PCS, a computational path includes a random access memory (RAM) where a predetermined computing problem is stored in conjunctive normal form. A nondeterministic subsystem generates random binary values forming a proposed solution to the problem, which solution is rapidly checked through a crosspoint switch array coupled to the RAM. The computational path essentially runs asynchronously, while a delay circuit provides delay and timing signals for interfacing with external DRAM, as well as a synchronizing signal for operation of several of the PCS systems together for enhanced performance.

Abstract: A voltage balancing circuit and methods are disclosed for providing power from a single DC power supply to a circuit, such as an integrated circuit, that presents both a positive load and a negative load to the power supply, while ensuring that the positive load voltage and the negative load voltage remains substantially equal in magnitude, notwithstanding variations in the magnitudes of the loads. A voltage divider circuit provides a reference voltage equal to one-half of the total power supply voltage. Capacitors are provided across each of the positive and negative loads.

Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device such as a NAND FLASH memory device has a plurality of word line voltage generators, each one generating a different word line voltage for application via a row decoder to the control gates of a corresponding row of memory cells in the matrix. The various word line voltages are selected so as to compensate for the body effects that vary transistor threshold voltages along the memory NAND string, thereby ensuring that adequate read voltage appears at the bit lines to ensure read data accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use at a motor vehicle emission test station, providing wireless communication between a computer and a technician. The computer includes a sound card and voice recognition software, and is housed in a console, having test equipment, video and audio transmitters, and an audio receiver. The technician wears a portable user interface, including a communications pack with a video receiver, an audio receiver, an audio transmitter, and a battery pack. The interface also includes a special helmet, equipped with a video display, a microphone, and headphones. The wireless communications link established by these transmitters, receivers, and interface components enables the technician to carry out testing and inspection procedures on a motor vehicle in a location remote from the computer.

Abstract: A method for making an earth boring drill bit which includes an outer shell having an external surface adapted to carry cutting elements and a unitary shank and bit core which is fitted into the outer shell. The shell and bit core are threadably engaged with one another or are interferingly engaged. The shell and bit core may be welded, secured with brazing alloys or with high temperature adhesives. In one embodiment, a ridge formed on the shank is received in a groove formed on an interior surface of the shell to prevent relative rotational movement of the shank and shell during drilling. In another embodiment, the shell is formed using matrix infiltration techniques. After the shell is formed, it is heated to braze cutters thereto. While still hot from the brazing process, the shell and shank are fitted together. After cooling the shell contracts to form heat shrink connection between the shell and the shank.

Abstract: A light expanding system for converting a light beam generated from a point-like light source into a collimated linear or planar light beam is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment of the invention, a system for producing a linear light beam includes a beam collector and a light pipe adjacent to which a multiplicity of specially configured microprisms are located. The light expanding system according to this embodiment is suitable for use in devices utilizing a linear light beam, such as a scanner. According to another embodiment of the invention, a system for producing a planar light beam includes, in addition to the beam collector and light pipe described above, an additional light pipe with adjacent microprisms. The light expanding system according to this embodiment of the invention can be used, for example, in displays, road signs, medical research equipment, instrument meters or jewelry; to light pictures or art work; or as part of a see-through lighting system for use in dentistry and surgery.

Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establising lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other contoller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.

Abstract: A top-loaded dusting bag for dispensing powdered insecticide upon contact with the bag. The bag includes an inner porous sack made of burlap or other loose weave material and an outer skirt made of a non-porous material which covers the top and sides of the inner bag and extends below the bottom of the inner bag, leaving the bottom of the inner bag exposed only from underneath. In a first embodiment, a rigid support member secured to one side of the opening and a cantilevered U-shaped member secured to an opposing side of the opening form an assembly which in a first position exposes and separates the opening sides to form a funnel and in a second position, wherein the U-shaped member is rotated around the support member, folds the opposing side over the one side of the opening to close the opening.

Abstract: A reheater is used in air-conditioning system which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, interconnected by conduits in a closed loop. A first conduit coupling a flow of liquid refrigerant through the expansion valve into the evaporator. A second conduit coupling an outlet of the evaporator to an inlet of the compressor. A third conduit coupling an outlet of the compressor to an inlet of the condenser. A centrifugal pump is coupled to an outlet of the condenser for boosting a pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant by an incremental pressure sufficient to pressure subcool the refrigerant.

Abstract: A driving circuit having an output terminal includes an input terminal coupled to a first control signal; a first transistor having a current path connected between a pumping voltage and the output terminal and having a control electrode coupled to the first control signal; a second transistor having a current path connected to the output terminal and having a control electrode coupled to the first control signal; and a node connected to the output terminal through the current path of the second transistor and being responsive to a second control signal.