Abstract: A non-volatile semiconductor memory system (or other type of memory system) is programmed in a manner that avoids program disturb. In one embodiment that includes a flash memory system using a NAND architecture, program disturb is avoided by increasing the channel potential of the source side of the NAND string during the programming process. One exemplar implementation includes applying a voltage (e.g. Vdd) to the source contact and turning on the source side select transistor for the NAND sting corresponding to the cell being inhibited. Another implementation includes applying a pre-charging voltage to the unselected word lines of the NAND string corresponding to the cell being inhibited prior to applying the program voltage.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device that include an input receiver, an output driver, and a capacitive coupling element. The capacitive coupling element includes a first capacitor electrode and a second capacitor electrode. The first capacitor electrode is coupled to the input receiver and the output driver, an the second capacitor electrode couples to an external signal line. Delay modulated data is received by the input receiver from the external signal line via the capacitive coupling element.

Abstract: A laser alignment device provides horizontal and vertical reference planes, lines, and points. The alignment device includes a pendulum assembly that supports a laser beam source assembly, two reflectors, and two motors. The laser beam source directs beams onto the reflectors—producing a horizontal reference beam and a vertical reference beam. Each reflector is rotated by one of the motors. Continuous rotation generates a reference plane; dithering generates a reference line, and no movement results in a reference point. The pendulum assembly includes a coarse pendulum that supports a fine pendulum, as well as the rotating motors and beam reflectors. The coarse pendulum roughly levels the alignment device. The fine pendulum supports the laser beam source assembly and brings the alignment device to a level position. The laser alignment device also includes a motor control system that enables users to accurately position the device's references.

Abstract: A device, a system, a method and a computer readable medium allowing a user to efficiently and easily add/remove or pair a processing device to a short distance wireless network is provided according to embodiments of the present invention. A user enters a PIN into a device. The device is then automatically paired to another device without any further user intervention to form a short distance wireless network in an embodiment of the present invention. A third party such as a manufacturer, reseller or telecommunication provider enables a processing device to be added to the short distance wireless network by generating a pairing message over the Internet or a SMS in an embodiment of the present invention. A user is able to know when a PIN code is invalid by a device performing error detection in another embodiment of the present invention. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the device also stores an error correction software component for correcting an erroneously inputted PIN.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initializing dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices is provided wherein a channel is levelized by determining the response time of each of a number of DRAM devices coupled to a bus. Determining the response time for a DRAM device comprises writing logic ones to a memory location of the DRAM device using the bus. Subsequently, a read command is issued over the bus, wherein the read command is addressed to the newly-written memory location of the DRAM device. The memory controller then measures the elapsed time between the issuance of the read command and the receipt of the logic ones from the DRAM device, and this elapsed time is the response time of the DRAM device. Following the determination of a response time for each DRAM device, and using the longest response time, a delay is computed for each of the DRAM devices coupled to the bus so that the response time, in clock cycles, of each of the DRAM devices coupled to the bus equals the longest response time.

Abstract: A mapping and addressing system suitable for use with secure remote access system, and in particular, with open application (web browsing) standard remote access devices is disclosed. The invention provides an open application standard for GPS support, and provides access to remote address data otherwise previously unavailable to conventional GPS systems.

Abstract: A memory system architecture/interconnect topology that includes at least one point-to-point link between a master, and at least one memory subsystem. The memory subsystem includes a buffer device coupled to a plurality of memory devices. The memory system may be upgraded through dedicated point-to-point links and corresponding memory subsystems. The master communicates to the plurality of memory devices in each memory subsystem through the respective buffer device via each point-to-point link.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for measuring distances. A measurement device emits a beam that reflects on the surface of an object. The measurement device determines the distance to the object, based on the time of flight of the beam from transmission to capture by the measurement device. The measurement device derives feedback reference pulses from pulses in the emitted beam and injects them into the device's receive path—creating a receive waveform that includes one or more feedback reference pulses and corresponding pulses in the return beam. The device uses the pulses in the waveform to measure time of flight. The measurement device can attenuate the feedback reference pulses to intensities similar or equal to the intensities of the return pulses. The measurement device can include a histogram processor that collects waveform samples at varying comparison thresholds.

Abstract: A memory system having a memory controller and a memory device coupled to the memory controller. The memory controller outputs a write data value to the memory device. The memory device receives the write data value from the memory controller, and compares the write data value with a mask key value. If the write data value matches the mask key value, the memory device does not store the write data value. If the write data value does not match the mask key value, the memory device stores the write data value.

Abstract: A microactuator is disclosed including one or more stationary plates formed on a substrate, a mirror base plate on which a mirror is formed, and one or more actuation plates coupled to the mirror base plate by one or more microspring mechanisms. The mirror base plate, the one or more actuation plates and the one or more microspring mechanisms are suspended over the stationary plates by one or more anchors. The stationary plates and the actuation plates are formed of a doped material so as to be electrically conductive. Upon application of a voltage potential between the respective plates, the actuation plates are pulled down toward the stationary plates, thus exerting a drive force on the base mirror plate to actuate the mirror between switching positions.

Abstract: In response to a user request, an Identity System generates an Output XML containing raw identity information organized in accordance with a set of XML templates. The Identity System dynamically determines the desired response type and prepares the response from the Output XML. One response type is server-side processing—the Identity System combines the Output XML with XSL stylesheets to generate a HTML response. An alternative response type is client-side processing—the Identity System supplies the user with the Output XML. In further client-side embodiments, the Identity System provides XSL stylesheet references along with the Output XML. Additional embodiments provide for the Identity System to perform customized post-processing on the Output XML.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first node having a first variable voltage and a second node having a second variable voltage. A clock signal generates the first variable and second variable voltages. A first transistor is coupled to the first node and provides a first current responsive to a first control voltage being applied to the first transistor gate. A second transistor is coupled to the second node and provides a second current responsive to a second control voltage being applied to the second transistor gate. A first control circuit is coupled to the first transistor gate and the second node. The first control circuit provides the first control voltage responsive to the first variable voltage. A second control circuit is coupled to the second transistor gate and the first node. The second control circuit provides the second control voltage responsive to the second variable voltage. The first and second currents are used to provide a duty cycle correction signal.

Abstract: An alignment device provides one or more references, such as laser lines and planes in horizontal and vertical orientations. One version of the alignment device includes an optics mounting assembly situated in a pivot socket on a frame to provide an output beam. Multiple spring systems and one or more alignment assemblies align and secure the optics mounting assembly in the socket. As a result, the output beam has a desired orientation with respect to true level. A first spring system directs the optics mounting assembly through the pivot socket. A second spring system holds the optics mounting assembly in communication with the alignment assemblies to reduce system backlash. One implementation of the pivot socket has a surface in the form of a sphere's interior surface. A set of support members on the optics mounting assembly rest on the pivot socket's spherical surface—causing the output reference beam to extend from the center of a sphere including the socket's spherical surface.

Abstract: A circuit, apparatus and method for providing a balanced differential signal from incoming serial data having high or low voltage swings are provided in embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a circuit comprises a voltage source and a current source coupled to a node. A first electrical path is coupled to the voltage source and the node. A second electrical path is coupled to the voltage source and the node. The first path includes a first transistor having a first gate and a first channel. The first transistor gate is adapted to receive a reference voltage. The second path includes a second transistor having a second gate and a second channel. The second transistor gate is adapted to receive a data voltage that is variable as a positive and negative voltage relative to the reference voltage. A variable resistor is coupled to the first electrical path and the second electrical path, and provides a predetermined resistance responsive to a control signal.

Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag includes a body having a debris collection cavity, an upper end and a lower end, the lower end coupled to the pool cleaner to receive debris from the pool ejected by the cleaner into the bag. The bag further includes a float positioned outside the debris collection region of the bag.

Abstract: A circuit including at least one low voltage input, at least one high voltage output, and a field transistor having a source, a drain and a control region. The circuit may comprise a high-voltage amplifier. In this embodiment, an electrical connection between the high-voltage output terminal and the field transistor control region, and an electrical connection between the input terminal and a second transistor. Various embodiments of the field transistor are described.

Abstract: An Identity System delivers customized request responses that integrate the results of multiple programs. The Identity System receives and translates a user request. The Identity Systems employs a program service to identify all the programs required to complete the request. The Identity System uses a XML data registry to retrieve a XML template and XSL stylesheet for each program. The Identity System executes all of the programs for the request and organizes their results into a single data structure, based on the templates for each program. The Identity System then applies attribute display characteristics to convert the data structure into a single Output XML. The Output XML can be provided directly to the user or receive further processing using the retrieved XSL stylesheets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a physical “sign-off” prototype tool that includes a prototype tool that generates a physical prototype for a design and a optimization tool that provides a designer with the option to further optimize the physical prototype before signing off on the design. In either situation, the “sign-off” prototype provides a forward prediction of the area, timing and performance of the final GDS of the design generated by a physical implementation tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a Domain Name Router (DNR) that uses domain names to route data sent to a destination on a network (e.g., a stub network). Each corporate entity or stub network can be assigned one or a small number of global addresses. Each of the hosts on the stub network can be assigned a local address. When a source entity sends data to a destination entity with a local address, the data is sent to the DNR using a global address. The source entity embeds the destination's domain name and its own domain name inside the data. The DNR extracts the destination's domain name from the data, translates that domain name to a local address and sends the data to the destination.

Abstract: An audio/visual server is described that can be used to store and play audio/visual data. A removable hard disk (or other media) is connected to a dock that is in communication with a computer. While the removable hard disk is connected to the dock, audio/visual data can be transferred from the computer to the hard disk. After the hard disk is removed from the dock and connected to the audio/visual server, the server can access and play the audio/visual data. In one embodiment, the audio/visual server stores and plays music, emulates a disc changer, and communicates with an automobile stereo head unit. The interface with the head unit is programmable so that multiple head units can be supported.