Abstract: A low DC power rail-to-rail buffer amplifier is suitable for liquid crystal display application. The buffer amplifier comprises: a dc bias stage, a pair of complementary differential amplifiers, a second stage amplifier, and output stage. The dc bias stage is used for the dc bias of the differential amplifiers and the second stage to obtain a rail-to-rail operation. This buffer amplifier can be operated in the power supply ranges of 5.5 V to the breakdown voltage. Simulated results show that the circuit draws only 5.3 ?A static current.

Abstract: A solution for matching RADIUS request packets with corresponding RADIUS response packets when the number of simultaneous outstanding requests is greater than 256 involves using a sixteen-octet authenticator field in each packet. For each response packet that arrives, the identifier of the packet is compared in turn with the identifier of each outstanding request packet. If the identifiers match, the authenticators are then compared. If the results of the comparison indicate a match, the packet is accepted and no further processing of the outstanding requests is required. Otherwise, a search of the outstanding request packets is continued. This solution allows for more than 256 simultaneous outstanding RADIUS requests and only encounters a mismatch or ambiguous match with a probability of one in 3.4×1038 packets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for programming a single-poly pFET-based nonvolatile memory cell bias the cell so that band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) is induced and electrons generated by the BTBT are injected onto a floating gate of the cell. Following a predetermined event, the single-poly pFET is biased to induce impact-ionized hot-electron injection (IHEI). The predetermined event may be, for example, the expiration of a predetermined time period or a determination that a channel has been formed by the BTBT injection process that is sufficiently conducting to support IHEI. Employing BTBT permits a previously overerased or stuck bit to be “unstuck” or “removed” and thus be made usable (i.e., able to be programmed) again.

Abstract: Micro-mirror or micro-lens made up of a moving part (10) with a reflective or refringent zone (17), a fixed part (14), means of connection (13) of the moving part (10) to the fixed part (14) which forms an axis of rotation (12) for the moving part (10) and of means for controlling (18) the rotation. The means of control include two or more actuators (19) arranged either side of the axis (12), each formed of a fixed electrode (20) forming part of the fixed part (14) and a moving electrode (21) possessing a free end (21.1) and an end connected to a drive arm (23) which is substantially parallel to the axis (12) and emerging from the moving part (10). The moving electrode (21) adheres to the fixed electrode (20) from its free end (21.1) when a voltage is applied to the actuator (19), the adhesion is a function of the applied voltage. Application to optical systems.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor configured to be coupled to a throttle interface. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with a condition of the throttle interface. A first brake element has a first friction surface and a second brake element has a second friction surface. The second brake element is configured to be coupled to the throttle interface. The friction surface associated with the first brake element is positioned opposite the friction surface associated with the second brake element. The first brake element is configured to move relative to the second brake element. An actuator is coupled to the first brake element and is configured to output haptic feedback to the throttle interface via the first brake element based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A method for mounting a semiconductor chip onto a substrate the side of which facing towards the substrate is coated with an adhesive layer is characterised by the following steps: (1) Lowering the semiconductor chip until the semiconductor chip touches the substrate, (2) Waiting a predetermined period of time during which a force exerted on the semiconductor chip disappears or is at least comparatively small, and (3) Applying a bond force.

Abstract: Certain bits of a packet, such as bits in the IP header of an IP packet, are used to designate the type of service or Quality of Service (QoS) level to be afforded to the packet as it passes through a data communications network. A user entitled to a certain QoS level logs into a service selection gateway SSG. The SSG queries an authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server in response to a log-in attempt by the user. Upon authorization, the AAA server returns an access accept signal in addition to an indication from the user's service profile (user profile) as to the QoS level to be afforded the user. While the user is logged in, all packets are routed through the SSG. The SSG sets the certain bits of the packet in accordance with the user's assigned QoS level so that as the packets are routed through the data communications network, they are consistently afforded the assigned Quality of Service level.

Abstract: A system for providing realistic sensation within a simulation system by providing tactile (haptic) feedback to a user. The system includes an engageable practice tool that the user engages and a mechanical simulation apparatus coupled to the practice tool. The mechanical simulation apparatus includes a ground member, a mechanical linkage rotatably coupled to the ground member, a linear axis member coupled to the practice tool and the mechanical linkage, at least four actuators coupled to the ground member, sensors for sensing movement of the actuators, and at least three cables in contact with the at least four actuators and coupled to the mechanical linkage. An interface device is coupled to the simulation apparatus and a host computer is coupled to the interface device for implementing an application program. The application program provides signals for the actuators to move the cables and thereby move the mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A device for aligning a first and a second shell mold comprises a first gripper for holding the first shell mold, a second gripper for holding the second shell mold, and a centering station. Both grippers can be displaced relative to one another and relative to the centering station along a predetermined axis and can rotate individually as well as synchronously about the axis. The centering station comprises a supporting body, which supports spring elements arranged along a circle, said axis running through the center of the circle. For centering, the shell mold is moved into the centering station by the gripper and then removed from the gripper so that the shell mold is held solely by the spring elements. The radial forces of the spring elements uniformly acting upon the shell mold from all sides cause the shell mold to be displaced into the center of gravity of the forces. Afterwards, the shell mold is gripped once again by the gripper and moved out from the centering station.

Abstract: A data processing system issuing electronic certificates through “online” networks of personal computers, televisions, or other devices with video monitors or telephones. Each electronic certificate includes transaction data and identification data, and can be printed out on a printing device linked to a consumer's personal input device, or electronically stored in a designated data base until a specified expiration date. The certificate can be used for various purposes, including use as a coupon for a discounted price on a product or service, proof of a gift or award, proof of reservation, or proof of payment. Consumers access the data processing system online, browse among their choices, and make their selections. The data processing system provides reports on the selected certificates and their use following selection.

Abstract: A leg guide for use in a leg of a jack up unit adapted to provide sliding guidance of the leg during vertical movement of the leg. The leg guide has a first portion contacting an edge of a leg chord and a second portion contacting a face of the leg chord along a longitudinal plane opposite the contact plane of the first portion. The edge contacting guide has a deflecting guide unit, which uses a compressible member sandwiched between two rigid plates. As the leg moves, the teeth of the leg chord contact the edge guide unit, with the compressible member absorbing compressible loads acting on the leg chord. The second portion provides for a face plate mounted transversely to the edge contacting guide for reducing the build-up of horizontal moment acting on the leg chord during the vertical movement of the leg and for reducing bending moments acting on the leg.

Abstract: A display and method enable the auto-alignment and auto focus of an image onto a large screen in a projection display.

Abstract: A clamping device contains a clamp jaw fixed in vertical direction, a clamp jaw moveable in vertical direction and a force transducer for applying a force to the moveable clamp jaw. The moveable clamp jaw is curved. The force transducer preferably comprises a coil and an iron core. In the non-clamping condition of the clamping device, the moveable clamp jaw is loaded with the weight of the iron core. For clamping, a current is applied to the coil that produces a magnetic field that presses the iron core against the moveable clamp jaw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assaying a biological or chemical sample comprising the following steps: illuminating the sample (10) by means of a light beam (17) from a source (11), producing an image including the image of the beam (18) diffused by the sample (10), analysing the image according to reference criteria, extracting information specific to the light/sample beam interaction, calculating the assay.

Abstract: A solution is provided wherein the mobile device selects a multislot class based on the profile of the traffic to be utilized by the mobile device. This may be performed manually by a user, or may be performed automatically where an application or driver software automatically and dynamically determines the best multislot class for the applications being used. This can be accomplished, for example, by looking at the classification of the transport control protocol (TCP) port numbers used, by examining the data sent and received by the network, and/or looking up a profile for the user or device. If the user changes applications or some other event occurs on the mobile device that might cause a change in the profile of the traffic, the mobile device may terminate its current multislot class assignment and re-announce itself, allowing the system to transfer the mobile device to a new multislot class.

Abstract: A man-machine! interface is disclosed which provides force, texture, pressure and temperature information to sensing body parts. The interface is comprised of a force-generating device (900) that produces a force which is transmitted to a force-applying device (902) via force-transmitting means (908). The force-applying device applies the generated force to a sensing body part A force sensor (909) associated with the force-applying device measures the actual force applied to the sensing body part, while angle sensors (9171 measure the angles of relevant joint body parts. A computing device (911) uses the joint body part position information to determine a desired force value to be applied to the sensing body part. The computing device combines the joint body part position information with the force sensor information to calculate the force command which is sent to the force-generating device.

Abstract: A peer-to-peer collaborative network system is described. The peer-to-peer collaborative network system uses an authentication system with multiple levels of authentication. This allows some collaboration applications to allow a collaboration with a high authentication level, but not to allow a collaboration with a lower level of authentication. Other collaborative applications can allow a collaboration with the lower level of authentication.

Abstract: A screw, nut and cable transmission device (6, 7, 12, 13, 20 and 21) between a motor (5) and a device (1, 2) which is to be moved and which is made up of at least one double pulley (14), which amplifies the movement of the cable line (20) which is close to the device, relative to that of the cable line (12) which is close to the screw (7). By sacrificing part of the usual advantage of reduction of movement provided by the screw, (7) a greater movement travel for the device (1) is obtained for the same size constraints or constraints due to the length of the screw (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for comparing and analysing digital documents. The present invention is founded on the basic principle of searching for unambiguous roots in both documents. These roots are units which occur in both documents and in each case are unique. These roots can be individual words, word groups or other unambiguous textual formatting functions. There is then a search for identical roots in the respective other document (Root1 from Content1, and Root2 from Content2, with Root1=Root2). If a pair has been found, the area around these roots is compared until there is no longer any agreement. During the area search, both the preceding words and the subsequent words are analysed. The areas which are found in this way, Area1 around Root1 and Area2 around Root2, are stored in lists, List1 and List2, which are allocated to Doc1 and Doc2. This procedure is repeated until such time as no roots can be found any longer.

Abstract: An apparatus dynamically changes a connection service category for a soft permanent virtual circuit (SPVC). The apparatus includes a first interface, a second interface, a control interface receiving a command including a new connection service category for an exiting SPVC, and a module responsive to the command. The SPVC includes a permanent virtual circuit (PVC) connection leg set up from a source end to the first interface, and a switched virtual circuit (SVC) connection leg set up from the second interface to a destination-end via a communications network. The module releases the SVC connection leg while maintaining the PVC connection leg, de-allocates resources from the PVC connection leg, allocates new resources corresponding to the new connection service category and traffic parameters on the PVC connection leg, and creates a new SVC connection leg in accordance with the new connection service category and the traffic parameters.