Abstract: Toothbrush having an exchangeable bristle plate which is fastened releasably on a head-side carrier plate of a toothbrush body by a groove/tongue anchorage in conjunction with a press fit of a handle-side end of the bristle plate on an undercut stop of the toothbrush body. The undercut of the stop of the toothbrush body is designed in the form of a round wedge, a round wedge of the bristle plate finally engaging in the undercut when a central, rear elongate tongue is anchored in the groove of the carrier plate. The toothbrush body can be bent, at least in the region of the carrier plate and of a toothbrush neck, in order for the round-wedge securing arrangement of the bristle plate to be levered out.

Abstract: Maximized multi-state compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.

Abstract: Maximized multi-state compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus for use with wireline pressure equipment. The pressure control apparatus has a first portion which may be located in close proximity to the wireline pressure equipment. The first portion has at least one fluid pressure outlet and at least one controlling mechanism to facilitate control of the fluid pressure outlet. The controlling mechanism is operable by a control system, at least a portion of which is located remote from the first portion in, for instance a control cabin. Also, a method of controlling pressure equipment used in the exploration, production and/or exploitation of hydrocarbons and a regulating device.

Abstract: A system, an IC chip, a test structure formed on the IC chip, and a corresponding method for modeling one or more target interconnect capacitances is disclosed. The test structure comprises an interconnect configuration comprising a test interconnect and one or more target interconnects. The interconnect configuration has, for each target interconnect, a corresponding target interconnect capacitance between the test interconnect and the target interconnect. The test structure also comprises a test interconnect charging circuit connected to the test interconnect. The test interconnect charging circuit is configured to place a test charge on the test interconnect. The test structure further comprises one or more target interconnect charging circuits. Each target interconnect charging circuit is connected to a corresponding target interconnect.

Abstract: A system, an IC chip, a test structure formed on the IC chip, and a corresponding method for modeling one or more target interconnect capacitances is disclosed. The test structure comprises an interconnect configuration comprising a test interconnect and one or more target interconnects. The interconnect configuration has, for each target interconnect, a corresponding target interconnect capacitance between the test interconnect and the target interconnect. The test structure also comprises a test interconnect charging circuit connected to the test interconnect. The test interconnect charging circuit is configured to place a test charge on the test interconnect. The test structure further comprises one or more target interconnect charging circuits. Each target interconnect charging circuit is connected to a corresponding target interconnect.

Abstract: An improved flash EEPROM memory-based storage subsystem includes one or more flash memory arrays, each with a duplicity of data registers and a controller circuit. When data are read from a flash array into a data register, the data is copied to a second register so that, during the ensuing program operation into the same array, the data may be transferred to the controller for the purpose of checking the data validity. This creates an improved performance system that doesn't suffer data transfer latency during copy operations but that is able to guarantee the validity of the data involved in such operations.

Abstract: A novel structure and method are taught for fully discharging a capacitor and thereby reducing the capacitance needed to achieve a desired RC time constant. The invention overcomes the previously encountered problem of using a large and area-inefficient capacitor. The invention allows for conservation of integrated circuit space and is cost effective.

Abstract: A differential method of improving the carrier to noise ratio of optically transmitted amplitude modulated signals without affecting the fidelity of the transmitted signals is disclosed. The disclosed method improves over prior art methods by utilizing a single transmission fiber transmitting two wavelengths that are modulated out of phase by a single Mach Zehnder type modulator. The received light is separated into two components at two wavelengths and each wavelength is received by a photodetector. The two photodetector outputs are differentially combined to produce an output with improved signal to noise ratio resulting in improved bit error rates in digital transmissions. The invention is also useful in fiber optic analog transmission systems such as those used to distribute AM-VSB Cable Television programming, wherein the differential method improves the carrier to noise ratio without increasing the nonlinear components in the signal.

Abstract: Maximized multi-state compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.

Abstract: A container for accommodating a fluid, gel-like or pasty medium in a container chamber into which it is possible to dip a brush and which has a removal opening in which there is seated a closure plug which tapers in a stub-like manner into the container chamber and has a through-passage for the introduction of a stem-mounted brush and for stripping the brush when the latter is drawn out of the container chamber, the stem being fastened, by way of an end which is located opposite the brush, on a container head which can be positioned on the removal opening in order for the brush to be stored in the container chamber, it being the case that the container chamber is filled with a breath-freshening oral-hygiene medium into which a brush in the form of an interdental brush for cleaning the spaces between the teeth is inserted in a withdrawable manner.

Abstract: A cellular private branch exchange for facilitating cellular communication for a first plurality of mobile station units, which includes a first base station subsystem for communicating with a first and a second mobile station unit of the first plurality of mobile station units on respectively a first and a second cellular bearer data channel. The cellular private branch exchange further includes a cellular private branch exchange unit coupled to the first base station subsystem. In turn, the cellular private branch exchange unit includes a private mobile-services switching center for providing mobility management for the first plurality of mobile station units, the private mobile-services switching center representing a first cross-connect node capable of cross-connecting the first bearer data channel with the second bearer data channel for calls between the first and the second mobile station units.

Abstract: P channel EEPROM cells are designed for integration into arrays written with single polarity signals developed from small, low power charge pumps. These cells reduce the additional masking steps that must be added to a CMOS logic process for EEPROM to only one additional step. The novel cells of this invention enable the array to function with a VPP about 2 V less than that required by an N channel EEPROM cell, with similar writing speed and tunnel oxide thickness.

Abstract: A cable and interconnect design including a substrate containing discrete sensors in a plurality of cavities or a plurality of thin film sensors deposited throughout the substrate surface. The discrete sensors are bonded within each cavity and potted with a potting compound. Each sensor has leads joined to filaments by an interconnect system. Thin film sensor leads on the substrate connect to a signal transmitting cable by the interconnect system. The filaments are coated and converge at a strain relief coupled to the substrate. The cable, having flat and round portions, includes an array of flat signal transmitting cables arranged side by side in the flat portion and stacked one on top of the other in the round portion. Each signal cable contains a plurality of the filaments bonded together. A pair of ribbons extend along the length of the array of cables. The ribbons and array of cables are bonded together with film to form the flat portion.

Abstract: A system for avoiding overflow and underflow of image variables by clamping image gradients. The method is described with respect to a triangular polygon to be rendered, and a function for that polygon such as color. First the delta x and delta y values between each of the vertices of the triangle are computed. Using the delta x and delta y values, the area of the triangle is computed. The sign of the triangle area is used to determine whether the triangle is visible. If the triangle is visible then the method determines whether the width of the triangle in the x-direction, dx_min, is at least equal to a minimum threshold. To make this determination, first the vector with the largest delta y is selected. Using the largest delta y value, dx_min is computed. If dx_min is less than the threshold value, then a correction value is computed. The position of the vertex that is not part of the vector with the largest delta y is then corrected using the correction value.

Abstract: One of the fundamental benefits of the 10BASE-T physical interface for 802.3/Ethernet is that the health of the communications link can be permanently monitored. When in the "link good" condition, the 10BASE-T transceiver is required to output a link status (LNKST) signal to this effect. Media Access Controller (MAC) 30, with an embedded 10BASE-T transceiver (37), uses the LNKST signal to provide power management to the MAC (30). By using the programmable AWAKE bit, the receive section of the 10BASE-T transceiver (37) can remain powered, even if the SLEEP input to the MAC (30) is activated. This allows the transceiver (37) to detect a link beat pulse (60) or receive packet activity. If either receive condition is encountered, the internal transceiver (37) will activate the LNKST output from the MAC (30). The system hardware and/or software can use the LNKST output to take appropriate action.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of this invention, a novel interface circuit is incorporated in a lower voltage circuit, allowing that circuit to properly interface with a higher voltage bus even when the lower voltage circuit is powered down. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, a pass transistor is used which connects the lower voltage circuit to the bus during normal operation, and which disconnects the lower voltage circuit from a bus when desired, such as when the lower voltage circuit is powered down. Additional circuit means are provided to ensure that the voltage across the pass transistor does not exceed a safe level, such as by utilizing voltage divider circuitry for dividing the bus voltage so that only a portion of the bus voltage appears across the pass transistor. In one embodiment of this invention, the voltage divider is formed of resistors, diodes, load devices, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A novel current mirror is taught which provides improved input voltage headroom. The current mirror provides for the ratioed current mirroring of an input current supplied by a current source while providing an increased voltage level to that current source as compared with prior art current mirrors. This provides a significant improvement over prior art current mirrors which are likely to provide an insufficiently high voltage level to the current source to allow its proper operation, particularly with the trend toward lower supply voltages.

Abstract: A memory system in which fault tolerance is achieved utilizing redundant clocks. The redundant clocks are synchronized, and a voter is used to deselect nonmatching clocks, thereby avoiding clocking errors. A circuit is provided to ensure a nonoscillating clock provides an output level at a desired state. Another circuit is provided to ensure oscillation upon power up.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system overcomes disadvantages of prior art systems. To adjust for undesirable room acoustics, high frequency slope compensation is provided which reaches its plateau well beyond the highest audible frequency, providing a more accurate audio reproduction. Electronic filtering increases the high frequency components beyond the audible range, to drive a single set of high frequency acoustical drivers to properly compensate for high frequency attenuation due to room acoustics. Alternatively, a dedicated high frequency acoustical driver provides the high frequency emphasis to compensate for room acoustics, with another set of high frequency acoustical drivers accurately reproducing the audio signal.