Abstract: An optical signal detection apparatus and method for a computer mouse compares two output signals of a first photo-transistor and a second photo-transistor to obtain a reference signal. Then a pulse signal generating unit utilizes the reference signal to generate a series of pulse signals each occurring when the voltage level of the reference signal is changed. Thereafter a sample and hold circuit samples and holds the voltage value of the output signals of the photo-transistors at the moments that pulse signals are generated. A dynamic reference voltage generating unit uses the sampled voltage values to calculate a dynamic reference voltage. The voltage level of the dynamic reference voltage is varied with the output signals of the photo-transistors. By using the dynamic reference voltage to compare with the output signals of the photo-transistors, the on/off statuses of the photo-transistors can be precisely detected.

Abstract: A sigma-delta modulator. The sigma-delta modulator comprises an integrator, a first quantizer, a dither generator and an adding device. An input terminal of the first quantizer and an input terminal of the dither generator are coupled to an output terminal of the integrator. The first quantizer generates a first random signal. The dither generator comprises a second quantizer for generating a second random signal, an input terminal thereof coupling to the output of the integrator; a random sequencer for receiving the first random signal and the second random signal to produce a third random signal output; and an attenuator for attenuating the third random signal to produce a dither signal to output. The dither signal is added to an input terminal of the integrator by the adding device.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) and method of making the same are disclosed. The present invention uses a layer of elastic transparent adhesive material to bond a transparent substrate and a LED epitaxial structure having a light-absorbing substrate. The light absorbing substrate is then removed to form a LED having a transparent substrate. By the use of the transparent substrate, the light emitting efficiency of the LED can be significantly improved.

Abstract: An output driver with low ground bounce. The output driver receives a data signal and comprises a first transistor of a first type, having a drain connected to a pad, a source connected to receive a first power supply voltage and a gate, a capacitor with one end connected to receive the first power supply voltage and the other end connected to a charging/discharging node, a charging/discharging circuit generating a charging/discharging current output from the charging/discharging node when the data signal is at a first level, a first switch coupling the charging/discharging node to a second power supply voltage when the data signal is at a second level, and a second switch coupling the gate of the first transistor to the charging/discharging node when the data signal is at the first level and coupling the gate of the first transistor to receive the first power supply voltage when the data signal is at the second level.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip including a bump projecting from a surface protective film thereof and a surface interconnection having a smaller height than the bump. The surface interconnection may project from the surface protective film or may be flush with the surface protective film. The surface interconnection may be connected to the bump. The bump may include a peripheral bump configured as surrounding a device formation region of the chip. The peripheral bump may be connected to the ground or a power source.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a discrete NROM cell by a self-aligned process includes providing a substrate with an ONO layer, wherein the ONO layer includes a top oxide layer, a nitride layer and a bottom oxide layer. The top oxide layer is etched to form a discrete top oxide layer. Disposable spacers are formed at the sidewalls of the discrete top oxide layer. A bit line and pocket implant are implanted by a self-aligned process. The discrete top oxide layer is removed, and the nitride layer is etched according to the disposable spacers. The disposable spacers are removed to form discrete nitrides. The bottom oxide layer is etched according to the discrete nitride layer to form discrete pillars, so that a channel is formed between two discrete pillars. Channel oxides are formed in the channels. An oxide layer is formed over the discrete channel oxides and the discrete nitrides.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is capable of ensuring bonding strength without applying an excessive stress to solder balls and has a high degree of reliability. The semiconductor device includes a substrate made of metal, the substrate having a central portion with a hollow region and a peripheral portion that surrounds the central portion. The central portion of the substrate has a through hole. The semiconductor device also includes a semiconductor chip that is mounted on the central portion of the substrate, and solder balls that are carried on the peripheral portion.

Abstract: An automatic car toll computing and charging method is provided. The method includes steps of employing a cellular phone to process a log in and a log out of a car toll computing; previously storing the connection between a cellular phone number and a vehicle identification number, or keying in said vehicle identification number or other car IDs sufficient to bring out said vehicle identification number in a billing center; and calling a specific number representing a log in of an automatic computing and charging through an on-vehicle cellular communication equipment and before a car enters a toll road or bridge and hanging up, and calling a specific number representing a log out of the automatic computing and charging after leaving the toll road or bridge. Consequently, the toll can be charged through calculating all cell IDs which by a cellular phone system passes theretrough during the log in and the log out.

Abstract: A flash discharge lamp includes a pair of electrodes i.e. an anode and a cathode, oppositely disposed in at both ends of the glass bulb. An electro-conductive member is provided on the outer surface of the glass tube. A triggering electrode is mounted on the cathode and electrically connected to the electro-conductive member. Xenon gas is sealed in the glass tube. The flash discharge lamp further includes at least one High Temperature Resistant electrode mounted on the cathode and at least one Getter electrode mounted on the cathode and/or the anode. Not only can the above design increase the discharge output power and the discharge frequency, but it also extends the life expectancy of the flash discharge lamp.

Abstract: A bending manipulation device for endoscope wherein a pair of control wires are taken up by a pulley provided in and given a rotary motion by the main control portion of the endoscope, and one of control wires extended out from the pulley corresponding to the turning operation thereof is taken up by the pulley while the other is paid out from the pulley, thereby enabling the bending manipulation to be carried out. The groove of the above pulley is formed in the shape of a spiral continuously extending in the peripheral direction of this pulley and is used in common by the above pair of control wires. One part from the one end of the groove and the other part from the other end of the groove are arranged side by side and in parallel with each other. Each of control wires is alternately taken up on the groove of the pulley corresponding to the turning direction of the pulley.

Abstract: An n-type low impurity concentration semiconductor layer is provided, by epitaxial growth or the like, on a p-type semiconductor substrate. In order to vertically form a semiconductor device in the low impurity concentration semiconductor layer, at least a p-type diffusion region is provided. In a surface of the semiconductor layer, a collector electrode and a base electrode are respectively formed in electrical connection to the n-type low impurity concentration semiconductor layer and the p-type diffusion region. The collector electrode is formed on a surface of the n+-type low resistance region of a polycrystal semiconductor formed depthwise in the low impurity concentration semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A generator for a bicycle includes a rotor abutting a wheel of the bicycle. A coil is mounted in the rotor and electrically connected to two bearings that are mounted on the opposite sides of the rotor by two inner wires. A stator has a shaft extending through the two bearings and a permanent magnet sleeved onto the shaft and corresponding to the coil. Two electrical ring connectors are respectively mounted on opposite ends of the shaft and electrically connected to the bearings. A light is mounted on the bicycle and electrically connected to the electrical ring connectors. The coil will rotate with the rotor relative to the stator when the bicycle is in motion and generate electricity that is transmitted to the light, and the light improves the enjoyment and safety of riding the bicycle.

Abstract: A barbecue grill hinge assembly has a cover bracket, a body bracket and a hinge pin. The cover bracket has a cover bracket body, two curved arms and at least one cover leaf. Two curved arms extend down from the cover bracket body. Each arm has a semicircular end, an outer edge and a positive stop formed on the outer edge. The body bracket has a transverse bracket body, two wings and at least one body leaf. The transverse bracket body has an outer edge and two ends, and the two ends are bent upward to form the two wings. Two pivot pin holes are respectively formed though the two wings and the two ends of the arms. At least one body leaf is formed around the body bracket. The hinge pin extends through the pivot pin holes to connect the cover bracket to the body bracket.

Abstract: A method for controlling starting of a synchronous motor having an excellent starting ability and capable of coming into a commutation mode in a short time is provided. An AC current having a predetermined frequency is supplied to a field coil 81 of a synchronous motor 8 by an inverter 91, thereby starting the synchronous motor 8. By detecting a terminal voltage of the field coil 81 of the synchronous motor 8 at the starting time, and decreasing a voltage waveform component based on the AC current supplied by the inverter 91 from the detected voltage, the waveform is corrected so that the voltage waveform component based on the counter electromotive force can be confirmed (110). And after integrating the corrected waveform (111) and converting the same into a square wave (112), a phase difference between the same (104) and an output of a 120° energization waveform generating circuit 102 is detected to be fed back.

Abstract: A rotor structure for a motor having built-in type permanent magnets includes a multiplicity of axial slots for containing the permanent magnet, and a shaft hole for installing a shaft. The invention essentially forms a petal-shaped convex polar portion having an exterior circular arc on the outer side of the rotor adjacent each axial magnet slot, where the radius of the circular arc is smaller than the radius of the rotor. The petal-shaped convex polar portions provide an approximately sinusoidal distribution of air-gap magnetic flux that can improve the cogging torque of the motor, weaken the armature reaction of the motor, and prevent the permanent magnets from being demagnetized. In addition, an axial empty slot is also provided between the shaft hole and the corners where the adjacent magnet slots approach such that the magnetic flux leakage can be prevented and the weight of the rotor can be reduced too.

Abstract: An improved structure extendible tip shoring bar comprising an outer rod connected to a base enables the extension and retraction inserted inside the outer rod and base. The base having a levering handle, a safety catch, and an L-shaped linkage, wherein an anterior pawl and a posterior pawl disposed at the front extremity of the levering handle. The posterior pawl and the levering handle are rotatably coupled to the base, while the anterior and posterior pawls contact unidirectionally inclined teeth. Furthermore, a pin projects from the front aspect, with each subjected to tension from the two extremities of an encompassing arcuate spring, and the surface and spring side is against the safety catch and L-shaped linkage. Conversely, toggling the safety catch to actuate the L-shaped linkage and elevate the anterior and the posterior pawls allow the inner rod pushed inside the outer rod, achieving a more convenient operation.

Abstract: A driving circuit for outputting high-frequency signal. The first NMOS transistor includes a first drain coupled to a first voltage level, a first gate coupled to the output terminal of the first operational amplifier and a first source coupled to the input terminal of the first operational amplifier. The first PMOS transistor includes a second drain coupled to a second voltage level, a second gate coupled to the output terminal of the second operational amplifier and a second source coupled to the input terminal of the second operational amplifier. The matching resistor having a predetermined resistance is coupled between the first source and the second source. The second NMOS transistor includes a third drain coupled to the first voltage level, a third gate coupled to the output terminal of the first operational amplifier and a third source.

Abstract: A sleeve for a vehicle handbrake lever has a stationary tube (21) adapted to mount on the handbrake with a button and a movable tube (22) rotatably and slidably mounted on the stationary tube (21). The movable tube (22) has a limit block (222) protruding to the stationary tube (21). The stationary tube (21) has an L-shaped cutout (214) composed of a transversal slot (216) and a longitudinal slot (215) to movably receive the limit block (222). By locating the limit block (222) in the longitudinal slot (215) or the transversal slot (216), the movable tube (22) selectively releases or presses the button to keep the handbrake locked or unlocked.

Abstract: An improved plating method in combination with a low-temperature thermal treatment is disclosed. The method for reducing the stress in the nickel-based alloy plating comprises the steps of: (a) adding ceramic particles into a plating bath containing soluble nickel salts; and (b) placing a substrate in the plating bath and thereafter carrying out a pulse-current electroplating in the plating bath. The method of this invention can prevent substrate softening or deformation problems. The use of a post low-temperature thermal treatment can slightly increase the hardness of the coating products. The use of the low-temperature thermal treatment can reduce the stress of the coatings since the hydrogen embrittlement resulting from exist of hydrogen in the coatings is eliminated.