Abstract: A cell management system and method for balancing energy across a plurality of cells coupled to a circuit bus. The system can include a transformer, two transformer switches, and for each cell, a first switch pair allowing transfer of energy between the transformer and the cell, and a second switch pair allowing removal or inclusion of the cell in the serial connection of cells. The system can include an energy storage device, a switch pair allowing transfer of energy between the transformer and the storage device, and for each cell, a third switch pair allowing transfer of energy between the storage device and the cell. The system can include cell, bus and storage device sensors and state estimators. The system can include a controller that controls the transformer switches, cell switches, and storage device switches based on the sensor readings and states.

Abstract: A security system includes a perimeter sensor configured to cause an alarm signal to be issued after a first period of time upon sensing a security breach. An interior sensor is configured to cause an alarm signal to be issued after a second period of time upon sensing a security breach. The second period of time is shorter than the first period of time. A controller is communicatively coupled to each of the perimeter sensor and the interior sensor. The controller is adapted, in response to the perimeter sensor entering into a fault condition, to reconfigure the interior sensor to cause an alarm signal to be issued after a third period of time upon sensing a security breach. The third period of time is longer than the second period of time.

Abstract: A data communication method includes providing a sender node having a data packet of information. The data packet is sent to each of a plurality of heterogeneous transmitter devices. The data packet is wirelessly transmitted from each of the transmitter devices to a receiver node.

Abstract: A personal microphone that includes a structure having a live-performance form factor, a capsule that converts acoustic energy into an input signal, a signal processor that converts the input signal into a processed output signal, and a microphone output connector. The signal processor has input terminals that receive the input signal and input/output terminals that receive a phantom DC voltage from the microphone output connector while sending the microphone output connector a processed output signal. The signal processor has a dynamic range compressor that compresses the processed output signal, and a programming or adjustment device that sets the signal processor operating parameters. The personal microphone can have a security device for avoiding unwanted changes to the operating parameters of the adjustable signal processor. The personal microphone can be powered by a phantom power supply coupled to the microphone output connector via a mixing console and/or other devices.

Abstract: High voltage-resistant semiconductor devices adapted to control threshold voltage by utilizing threshold voltage variation caused by plasma damage resulting from the formation of multilayer wiring, and a manufacturing method thereof. Exemplary high voltage-resistant semiconductor devices include a plurality of MOS transistors having gate insulating films not less than about 350 ? in thickness on a silicon substrate, and the MOS transistors have different area ratios between gate electrode-gate insulating film contact areas and total opening areas of contacts formed on the gate electrodes.

Abstract: A method of attaching a mounting bracket to a substrate having a throughhole includes providing the bracket with two clamp halves. One of the clamp halves is translated in a radially inward direction relative to a body of the bracket to thereby place the one clamp half in a stowed position. The bracket is partially inserted through the throughhole such that the one clamp half in the stowed position passes through the throughhole and the other clamp half does not pass through the throughhole. After the partially inserting step, the one clamp half is translated in a radially outward direction relative to the body of the bracket to thereby place the one clamp half in an operable position. A threaded member that is threadedly engaged to the one clamp half is rotated to thereby move the one clamp half toward the other clamp half until the substrate is clamped between the two clamp halves.

Abstract: A COF package in exemplary form includes a flexible base film, inner leads each made of metal and having a thickness d1, which are disposed at a peripheral edge of a semiconductor chip-mounted predetermined spot on the base film and protruded into the semiconductor chip-mounted predetermined spot, dummy patterns having a thickness d2 (<(d1+d3), where d3 is the thickness of the electrodes), which are disposed at predetermined positions within the semiconductor chip-mounted predetermined spot, a semiconductor chip, and an encapsulating resin. The semiconductor chip has a plurality of the electrodes each protruded into a main surface thereof and having the thickness d3. The electrodes are bonded to the inner leads respectively. Further, the encapsulating resin is charged between the base film and the semiconductor chip. The shape and/or position of the dummy patterns may mark the function of one or more inner leads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming an enclosure assembly without using tools or fasteners to complete the assembly. The method includes forming a base from a side support, front support, and a plurality of casters. A door assembly and back wall are coupled to the base by aligning a plurality of pegs therefrom with corresponding openings defined in the base. A plurality of protruding wires of a bottom wall are aligned and inserted into corresponding openings defined in the door assembly and back wall. In addition, a plurality of pegs that protrude from a side wall are inserted into a plurality of corresponding openings defined in the door assembly and back wall such that the side wall couples to the door assembly and back wall. The method also includes coupling a top wall to the door assembly, side wall, and back wall. A shelf assembly can be coupled to the side wall and/or back wall, and a ramp can be pivotably coupled to the shelf assembly.

Abstract: A container member including a rigid cup portion defining a chamber. The container member has an opening at one end in communication with the chamber and a flexible suspension member extending over the opening. The suspension member has an inner surface facing the chamber, an opposing outer surface and a cavity extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. The cavity is in communication with the chamber and sized to receive at least a portion of the product to be packaged therethrough. The container assembly includes a retainer having a retaining member removably positioned to extend over the cavity. The retaining member holds the at least a portion of the product in position in the chamber such that the at least a portion of the product does not contact the cup portion.

Abstract: A method for speech recognition includes providing a source of geographical information within a vehicle. The geographical information pertains to a current location of the vehicle, a planned travel route of the vehicle, a map displayed within the vehicle, and/or a gesture marked by a user on a map. Words spoken within the vehicle are recognized by use of a speech recognition module. The recognizing is dependent upon the geographical information.

Abstract: A digital imaging device comprising a light source, a pixel array detector having a rolling shutter functionality, a spatial light modulator configured to produce one or more modulation patterns during a frame exposure of the pixel array detector, and at least one timing signal configured to control a spatial-temporal relationship between a rolling shutter of the pixel array detector and the one or more modulation patterns provided by the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A constant-voltage power supply circuit which limits the consumption current inside at startup or when overloaded and suppresses the occurrence of an overshoot at startup, comprises an error amplifying part; an output part having an outputting PMOS; a load current monitoring part that monitors a load current flowing through the PMOS and increases the bias current of the error amplifying part according to the load current; and a gain adjusting part having a current limiting resistor and that monitors the load current and decreases a gain of the error amplifying part according to this load current. Hence, at startup or when overloaded, the gain adjusting part operates as a limiter circuit. Hence, at startup or when overloaded, the consumption current inside can be limited. Further, at startup, the response is made slower by this limiter operation, thus suppressing the occurrence of an overshoot.

Abstract: A wireless network arrangement for a vehicle includes an electronic controller disposed within the vehicle. A plurality of wireless electronic components are disposed within the vehicle and are wirelessly communicatively coupled to the electronic controller. The components are networked together wirelessly such that members of any subgroup of the components can wirelessly communicate with each other.

Abstract: Buckles for releasably connecting a first object and a second object. Example buckles may include a base including a first upstanding wall including a first boss extending therefrom and a second upstanding wall including a second boss extending therefrom. A housing may be mounted to a connector. The housing may include a hook section shaped to engage the first boss and the second boss and including a mouth for receiving the first boss and the second boss therethrough. A trigger may be configured to selectively obstruct the mouth. The trigger may include a first leg, a second leg, and one or more actuators operative to move the first leg and the second leg generally towards each other such that the first leg and the second leg may pass between the first boss and the second boss as the first boss and the second boss pass through the mouth.

Abstract: A method of operating an entertainment system includes computer-implemented steps including determining an audio/video preference profile of the user. An item of audio/video content that fits the profile but that is not available to the system is identified. The identified item is wirelessly received from a source of audio/video content. The source is external to the entertainment system. The received item is stored in memory within the system. The stored item is retrieved from memory. The retrieved item is played back to a human user of the system.

Abstract: A method for detecting a position of a door includes providing a switch having a body with two electrical contacts and a through-channel. Two lever arms extend from the body. Each of the arms is attached to a respective one of the electrical contacts. The arms have a first position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically connected to each other, and a second position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically disconnected from each other. A hinge pin is inserted through the through-channel of the switch and is also inserted into a door hinge. The arms are biased against a doorjamb and the door, respectively. It is monitored whether the contacts are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb a solute and then energy or heat is removed to absorb a solute using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between a solute and other gases in a solution.