Abstract: A backshell device and assembly are provided for achieved improved signal integrity, wherein the design of the backshell device is less complicated, more light weight, and easier to build and use than existing devices. In one embodiment, the backshell device can be coupled to adaptor which is coupled to a connector. The backshell device generally comprises a mounting section coupled to the adaptor, and an extension section extending from the mounting section. The extension section preferably comprises an increased-diameter section configured to accommodate a non-staggered or aligned arrangement of a plurality of solder sleeves of the wiring harness.

Abstract: A variable-range power supply for a model vehicle layout, such as a model train track for powering model trains or the like, is configured to receive a control input defining respective ends of an output voltage range. The control input may correspond to opposing ends of a range of motion for a hand-operated actuator, or other control input. The power supply further includes a controller configured to allow a user to select a desired output voltage level for a minimum or maximum of the output range. Output power is maintained within the user-specified range.

Abstract: A proxy RFID read/write unit is used in conjunction with a non-RFID enabled network printer to add a capability to a local area network (LAN) to encode RFID transponders that are either embedded in print media or separate from the print media. The proxy RFID read/write unit is adapted perform the following functions: (a) detecting a message packet directed to the network printer containing a command to print a bar code label; (b) recovering information from at least one data field of the message packet; and (c) writing the information to an RFID transponder. If the network printer is adapted to print onto label media containing embedded RFID transponders, and the RFID interrogator is oriented with respect to the network printer so that a mouth of the printer is disposed within the interrogating range, the information can be written to an RFID transponder embedded in a corresponding print label of the label media.

Abstract: A platform lift apparatus enables the safe movement of objects to and from an attic storage space. The platform lift apparatus includes a frame, a drive mechanism, and a platform. The frame includes internal and external mounting surfaces. The drive mechanism is substantially disposed within the frame and is coupled to the internal mounting surfaces. The drive mechanism includes a plurality of rotatable, parallel shafts with each shaft further including at least one lift drum having an associated lift tether at least partially wound thereon and having an end hanging therefrom. The platform is coupled to each lift tether end and is thereby suspended from the frame. The platform is selectively movable by operation of the drive mechanism within in a vertical dimension between raised and lowered positions. The drive mechanism further comprises an electric motor operatively coupled to the plurality of parallel shafts.

Abstract: A technique of reducing the Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) of Multi-Carrier (MC) modulated signals in which peaks in the baseband signal that lie above a threshold amplitude are detected and used to generate a pulse sequence signal which, after shaping, is subtracted from the baseband signal to reduce its PAPR. The method is spectrally efficient, has a low degree of implementation complexity and hence it is also suitable for low-power, portable implementation. Moreover, it is compatible with existing standard-based Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) systems. As an example of the performance of the proposed scheme, the amplifier back-off requirement in a Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-T) system can be reduced from 12 to 6 dB, while satisfying the of out-of-band emission specifications imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectral mask.

Abstract: A model vehicle, such as a model electric train, includes a motorized tilt mechanism for tilting train cars when traversing curved sections of track. The operation of the tilt mechanism is automated using a motor, drive train, and control circuit. A motorized tilt mechanism moves a train car body between left, right, and upright positions, depending on the direction and speed of movement of the model train. The control circuit permits automatic operation of the tilt mechanism in response to position and velocity input.

Abstract: A travel safety apparatus for a vehicle which includes an object detecting unit which detects an object in a traveling direction of the vehicle; an object information obtaining unit adapted to obtain object information; a vehicle information obtaining unit adapted to obtain vehicle information; a determination unit which determines whether or not there is a possibility of a contact or a collision; a position detecting unit which detects positions of eyeballs of an occupant of the vehicle; a projecting unit adapted to project an image on the occupant's retina when there is a possibility of a contact or a collision; and a controller which controls the projecting unit, wherein the controller is adapted to control the projecting unit to project the predetermined image so that the image overlaps in the occupant's view with a position of the object or an area within a predetermined radius from the position of the object.

Abstract: A switched mode voltage regulator has a digital control system that includes dual digital control loops. The voltage regulator comprises at least one power switch adapted to convey power between respective input and output terminals of the voltage regulator and a digital controller adapted to control operation of the power switches responsive to an output of the voltage regulator. The digital controller further comprises dual digital control loops in which a first control loop provides high speed with lower regulation accuracy and a second control loop has high accuracy with lower speed. Thus, the digital control system provides the advantages of both high speed and high regulation accuracy.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of point-of-load (POL) regulators each adapted to convey regulated power to a load, a serial data bus operatively connecting the plurality of POL regulators, and a digital power manager connected to the data bus. The digital power manager includes a controller adapted to execute stored instructions to program operational parameters of the plurality of POL regulators via the serial data bus and receive monitoring data from the plurality of POL regulators via the serial data bus. The digital power manager further comprises a user interface, such as an I2C interface, adapted to receive programming data therefrom and send monitoring data thereto.

Abstract: A power system comprising a front end regulator coupled to an input supply voltage (Vin) and providing a regulated input supply voltage (Vbp). The front end regulator compares the input supply voltage (Vin) and the regulated input supply voltage (Vbp) and maintains a substantially constant voltage difference between the input supply voltage (Vin) and the regulated input supply voltage (Vbp) to thereby reduce ripple of the input supply voltage (Vin). A DC-DC switching mode power converter is operatively coupled to the front end regulator and receives the regulated input supply voltage (Vbp). The DC-DC switching mode power converter thereby provides a regulated output voltage (Vout).

Abstract: A model train car uses an improved coupling mechanism that permits close coupling of adjacent cars in a model train, while also providing a rotational operating range that permits operation of the train with tighter model track curves. The coupling mechanism operates to extend a coupling bar from the model car when the train turns to the right or left, providing clearance for further rotation of the bar. The mechanism further provides for elastic portions of the model car housing, which give way to the rotating coupling bar as the bar rotates towards its outer limits.

Abstract: A driving control apparatus comprising: an detecting device that detects objects; a preceding vehicle determining device that determines a preceding vehicle; a driving control device that executes a driving control; a control start intention detection device that detects an intention of a driver to start the control; and a control start intention detection device that detects an intention of a driver to start the follow-up control or the stop hold control, wherein the control state determination device sets to the follow-up control state when the preceding vehicle is detected by the preceding vehicle detection device and when the intention is detected, and sets to the stop hold state when the intention is detected while the vehicle is substantially in the stopped and no object is detected by the object detection device.

Abstract: An evacuation sheath assembly and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. The evacuation sheath assembly includes an elongated tube defining an evacuation lumen having proximal and distal ends. A proximal sealing surface is provided on a proximal portion of the tube and is configured to form a seal with a lumen of a guided catheter. A distal sealing surface is provided on a distal portion of the tube and is configured to form a seal with a blood vessel. Obturator assemblies and infusion catheter assemblies are provided to be used with the evacuation sheath assembly. A method of treatment of a blood vessel using the evacuation sheath assembly includes advancing the evacuation sheath assembly into the blood vessel through a guide catheter. Normal antegrade blood flow in the blood vessel proximate to the stenosis is stopped and the stenosis is treated.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and first and second expandable members. The device may be used for protection against stroke by inserting the catheter into a carotid artery, locating the first expandable member within a common carotid artery, locating the second expandable member within an external carotid artery, expanding the first expandable member to occlude the common carotid artery, and expanding the second expandable member to at least partially obstruct the external carotid artery. By this method antegrade blood flow in the internal carotid artery stops.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of power control groups, with each group comprising a plurality of individual point-of-load regulators each adapted to provide respective regulated voltage outputs. The point-of-load regulators may be selected for inclusion in a power control groups based on characteristics of loads supplied by the point-of-load regulators. An intermediate bus controller is coupled to each of said power control groups through a serial data bus interface common to each group and an OK status line for each respective group. A front end regulator provides an intermediate bus voltage to each of the plurality of power control groups and to the intermediate bus controller. The plurality of point-of-load regulators of each group each further comprises a respective fault manager adapted to detect fault conditions and selectively communicate notifications of the fault conditions to other ones of the plurality of point-of-load regulators of the group and to the intermediate bus controller.

Abstract: A system and method for providing interleaving point-of-load (POL) regulators such that each regulator's switching cycle is phase displaced with respect to those of other POL regulators in the array is disclosed. As a result, the aggregate input and/or output reflected ripple and noise of the input, output, or both is reduced. Each regulator in the array is associated with an unique address. A serial data-line writes the phase spacing programmed to each addressable POL regulator in the array. The present invention permits phase displacement of POL regulators without limitation to the input and output voltages of each of the regulators in the array. The array of POL regulators may also operate in a phase displaced mode with only a single control line. The need for separate controllers and multiple control lines is thereby eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that manages Web Services within an enterprise having an intranet. In an embodiment of the present invention, a Management Server (MS) is connected with a Management Server Client (MSC) via a network. The MS and MSC work in concert to manage Web Services by providing performance monitoring, security, contract and Service Level Agreement (SLA) management, and other performance enhancements in a unique, pluggable, expandable architecture. In another embodiment of the present invention, the MS is connected to an MSC via a network using a Web Services Application Programming Interface (API). The MSC is connected with a server for providing Web Services to a client. The Web Services are provided to the client through the MSC. The MS provides configuration data to the MSC for management of the Web Services provided through the MSC. In yet another embodiment, the MS is connected to a plurality of MSC's. Each MSC is connected with a plurality of servers.

Abstract: Traffic information, including traffic flow information and traffic incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be presented to a user on a user display in the vehicle. In one embodiment, traffic information provided to a vehicle navigation device is refined by comparing the average speed of the vehicle against the average speed of other vehicles traveling along the same road. In another embodiment, the operation of a traffic signal is controlled based, in part, on the current traffic flow and distance from the traffic signal to alleviate traffic congestion.