Abstract: A vehicle sliding door opening/closing control device includes a trouble detecting circuit for detecting a trouble in a control unit which is used for controlling operation of a motor to drive a vehicle sliding door in opening and closing direction, and switching unit responsive to detection of a trouble in the control unit by the trouble detecting circuit for shorting power input terminals of the motor, and after the lapse of a predetermined time, opening the power input terminals of the motor. Upon detection of the trouble in the control unit, the power input terminals of the motor are shorted so that the motor is kept in a locked state. In this instance, if the sliding door is moving at a high speed, it is possible to apply braking to the sliding door. Thereafter, after the lapse of the predetermined time, the switching unit opens the power input terminals of the motor to release a lock on the motor, thereby allowing the sliding door to be displaced by manual.

Abstract: A single-sided electronic connector for assembly to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) includes a connector housing having a pin supporting wall extending the width thereof, a plurality of conductive pins extending from an outboard side of the wall, a plurality of soldertails corresponding to the conductive pins extending from an inboard side of the wall, and a plurality of gripper arms which extend from an inboard side of the housing for receiving and securing an edge of the PCBA therein through an interference fit such that the soldertails engage only one side of the PCBA. Each gripper arm defines a slot having crush ribs into which the edge of the PCBA is inserted. A pair of mounting ears extend from a respective pair of gripper arms, and are configured to receive a mounting screw therethrough for attaching the electronic connector to a support structure.

Abstract: A padlock includes a lock base formed with first and second shackle insert holes, a lock receiving space which is disposed between the first and second shackle insert holes and which has an upper section communicated with the second shackle insert hole, and a ball chamber which extends transversely between the first shackle insert hole and the upper section of the lock receiving space. A lock device is received in the lock receiving space, and has an axially rotatable key-operated lock core which is provided with a plunger formed with a latch projection. A locking unit includes at least one ball member rollingly disposed in the ball chamber adjacent to the plunger. A shackle has longer and shorter leg portions to be received in the first and second shackle insert holes, respectively. The shorter leg portion is formed with a plunger engaging groove for engaging the latch projection of the plunger. The longer leg portion is formed with a ball retaining groove for engaging the locking unit.

Abstract: The invention includes an implantable epicardial defibrillator lead with a linear assembly of sensors and coils that is formed into a loop upon implanting in a patient and a method for implanting this lead on a diaphragmatic surface of the pericardium.

Abstract: An arrangement and method using power more efficiently for signal amplification. The approach is particularly advantageous in application environments where digital information is converted to the analog domain and carried at a variety of different magnitudes. One embodiment involves a signal processing and amplifying arrangement including a digital-to-analog converter, an amplifier and a control signal selection circuit. The digital-to-analog converter receives a digital signal and outputs, in response to the digital signal, an analog signal. The amplifier amplifies the analog signal using power received from a high-level supply and a low-level supply, at least one of which has a variable setting in response to a control signal. The amplifier is configured and arranged to amplify the analog signal. The control signal selection circuit is responsive to the digital signal, and is used for selecting the control signal to cause the supplies to the amplifier to track the expected magnitude of the analog signal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented component broker series server for optimized caching of SQL data is implemented. In an object-oriented computer system, relational data from a relational database is cached in a data cache. The object-oriented computer system has a server that includes an instance manager and that is connected to at least one client. Objects that represent the relational data are created and managed under control of the instance manager. The relational data is stored in the data cache, which includes a virtual memory data cache for each client.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having a fluorine-enhanced transistor with elevated active regions and process for fabricating such a device is provided. A semiconductor device, consistent with one embodiment of the invention, includes a substrate and at least one pair of elevated active regions disposed on the substrate. A fluorine-bearing barrier layer is disposed over the substrate between the elevated active regions. A high permittivity layer is disposed over the barrier layer and between the elevated active regions. Finally, a gate electrode is disposed over the high permittivity layer. In some embodiments, a thin insulating layer is disposed between the gate electrode and the high permittivity layer. The thin insulating layer and the fluorine-bearing barrier layer may, for example, both be formed of a topaz, while the high permittivity layer may, for example, be formed from a manganese oxide.

Abstract: A compact disk tray comprises a tray body and a locking assembly to be inserted into a center hole of a compact disk so as to hold the compact disk. The locking assembly includes a holding structure formed on the tray body and a stopper member to be engaged with the holding structure so as to prevent the compact disk from being removed. The engagement of the holding structure and the stopper member can be released only by a lock releasing device.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

Abstract: A system and method for providing speed-regulated data transmission between two synchronous systems in different clock domains. A first synchronous circuit includes a memory device, and a second synchronous circuit includes one or more data-requesting devices. The first synchronous circuit operates at a greater clock speed than the clock speed of the second synchronous circuit. A read request buffer queues read request signals from the data-requesting devices, and outputs one of the read request signals to the memory device. A pulse generator receives the read request signal which was output from the queue, and generates a plurality of signal pulses in response thereto. Each of the pulses occurs at a different predetermined time from the occurrence of the read request signal. One of the pulses is selected to be the read acknowledge signal, and assertion of the read acknowledge signal allows the read request buffer queue to output another read request signal.

Abstract: A reverse flow air filter arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a filter element having first and second end caps, the second end cap having a central drainage aperture. A funnel shape on an interior surface of second end cap is used to direct moisture flow to the drainage aperture. The arrangement includes a housing in which the filter element is positioned, operatively, during use. Certain features in the housing facilitate moisture withdrawal from the filter element while also inhibiting interference with sealing between the filter element and the housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid crystal display apparatus formed by sealing a liquid crystal between two substrates having electrodes and an alignment film with a seal material, the production process comprising the steps of attaching two substrates in a vacuum, compressing under atmospheric pressure to provide a uniform cell gap, a temporary hardening process of the seal material by ultraviolet ray irradiation and a main hardening process of the seal material by heating, wherein a radically polymerizable curing resin is used in the liquid crystal seal material. The method provides a liquid crystal display panel having a uniform cell gap, without dislocation of the alighnment between substrates, or discharge of uncured component of a seal material to the liquid crystal, capable of having a seal material firmly attached to the substrates even at panel corner portions, and having an excellent straightness and moisture resistance of the seal material.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve including a collapsible membrane in a portion of a through-lumen. Fluid pressure in a chamber surrounding the collapsible membrane assists in sealing the collapsible membrane around an operating device inserted through the hemostasis valve. Different mechanisms for mechanically deforming the collapsible membrane to assist in sealing are disclosed. Also, a system for continuously flushing a vascular catheter connected to a hemostasis valve at a rate of 0.10 to 10.0 cubic centimeters per minute, and a hemostasis valve assembly including an expandable reservoir which stores liquid volume under pressure.

Abstract: A switch SW 11 comprises a ferroelectric memory 26 and an AND gate 28. A data input line L11 and an output terminal of the ferroelectric memory 26 are connected to an input terminal of the AND gate 28. Also, the output terminal of the AND gate 28 is connected to an AND input line L21. In order to write the switching data which switches the state of the switch SW11 either to an open state or a closed state into the ferroelectric capacitor 26, ferroelectric capacitors C11 and C12 are polarized in opposite directions with each other. The polarization is carried out in a short period, and the polarization state can be maintained even when the power is turned off. So that, the switching data can be written repeatedly by changing direction of the voltage applied to the ferroelectric capacitors C11 and C12.

Abstract: A method of effecting commerce in a networked computer environment in a computerized system is disclosed. A database of vendor product data and an associated database interface is established on a first computer. The interface allows remote access by one or more user(s). A local user interacts with the database by querying the database to specify a local users product/service specification. The database provides the local user with a selection of remote vendor network sites, where the selection is determined on the basis of the user querying the database. After the local user interactively connects with one or more of the remote vendor network sites, the user selects products/services from the information provided on the remote vendor network site. The selection of a particular product/service triggers a transaction notification which records the users selection and associated financial transaction data which is transmitted to the database and associated database interface.

Abstract: A filter apparatus includes a fluted filter element in a filter housing having a first open end and a second closed end. The filter element includes fluted filter media coiled into a cylindrical shape and may include an end cap for support and fluid control. Fluid flows into the open end and either around the filter to the closed and back through the filter element or through the filter element to the closed end and then back through a central opening in the filter element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for securing a piece of chalk to a skate. The device includes a chalk holder defining a chalk opening sized for receiving a piece of chalk. The device also includes an arrangement for connecting the chalk holder to the skate such that the chalk is adapted to contact a ground surface when the skate is used by a skater.