Abstract: Multiple field units in a CDMA system are synchronized for communication with a base station using shared forward and reverse link channels. In an illustrative embodiment, each field unit is assigned a time slot in a forward link channel to receive messages from the base station. Likewise, each field unit is assigned a time slot on a common reverse link channel for transmitting messages to the base station. Timing alignment and power level control among each of many field units and the base station is achieved by analyzing coded transmissions received at the base station in a corresponding time slot as transmitted by each field unit. The codes may be orthogonal, pseudonoise (PN), or other codes. The power level of forward control channel messages can thus be individually controlled.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A Station Management Entity (SME) steers a directional antenna for a station to communicate with an Access Point (AP) in an 802.11 protocol system. The SME can steer the antenna before or after an 802.11 station has authenticated and associated with the Access Point. During a passive scan, the steering process cycles through the available antenna positions and monitors an AP beacon signal to determine a best position based on, for example, a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI). During an active scan where access probing is used, the steering process cycles through the antenna positions and monitors a probe response to determine the best antenna position. Additional scans may be performed based on a decision that the received signal level of the currently selected antenna position has dropped below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An optical device with a first incidence plane configured to enter rays coming from a first direction, a second incidence plane configured to enter rays coming from a second direction different from the first direction, the rays which entered the first incidence plane being reflected by the second incidence plane, the rays which entered the second incidence plane being reflected by the first incidence plane, and an emission plane configured to mix the rays reflected by the first and second incidence planes and to emit the mixed rays in a predetermined direction different from the first and second directions.

Abstract: A power efficient startup circuit for activating a bandgap reference circuit is disclosed. The startup circuit uses a voltage supply having a voltage level to initiate the flow of a startup current used to activate the bandgap reference circuit. When the bandgap reference circuit starts, the startup circuit slowly charges a capacitor using the voltage supply when the startup current is flowing. The startup circuit disables quiescent current when the bandgap reference circuit is activated and a voltage of the capacitor exceeds a value equal to the difference between the voltage of the voltage supply when powered on and a voltage threshold of a switching device which disables the quiescent current. The capacitor is discharged when the voltage supply is turned off.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a chain drive of an internal combustion engine, having a support member (1) which is pivotally mounted thereupon and is axially snapped onto and retained on a bearing journal (4) of the support member (1) via a bearing lug (5). The support member (1) is formed as a deep-drawn sheet metal component and is formed in a single piece with the bearing journal (4). The bearing journal (4) is provided with a cup-shaped hollow form. The tensioning rail (2) is axially secured to the support member (1) by a wrap-around (12).

Abstract: A phase displacement device (1) having a drive (2) with a drive shaft (4) and a transmission (5) for displacing the phase between a camshaft (9) and a crankshaft (12) is provided. The phase displacement device (1) has a sensor device (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) with which the rotational speed or the position of a component (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of the phase displacement device (1) is measured. In this way, a higher resolution is achieved with respect to the position of the camshaft.

Abstract: A low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator for generating an output voltage is disclosed. The voltage regulator includes a startup circuit, a curvature corrected bandgap circuit, an error amplifier, a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) pass device and a voltage slew rate efficient transient response boost circuit. The MOS pass device has a gate node which is coupled to the output of the error amplifier, and a drain node for generating the output voltage. The voltage slew rate efficient transient response boost circuit applies a voltage to the gate node of the MOS pass device to accelerate the response time of the error amplifier in enabling the LDO voltage regulator to reach its final regulated output voltage when an output voltage drop occurs in the LDO voltage regulator.

Abstract: The invention relates an arrangement (10) for measuring and presenting forces exerted on body, describing the amount and intensity of physical exercise. The arrangement according to the invention comprises a detector unit (11), a communications device (13), a server (14) and a database (16) connected therewith, and a data presentation means (18). Furthermore, the invention relates to a detector unit (11) used in the arrangement and a method using the arrangement for measuring and analyzing the effectiveness and amount of physical exercise.

Abstract: A grinding apparatus for grinding the hard metal inserts or working tips of drill bits (percussive or rotary), tunnel boring machine cutters (TMB) and raised bore machine cutters (RBM), said grinding apparatus having means for holding one or more bits to be ground and a grinding machine carried by an arm or lever system that permits movement of the grinding machine relative to the longitudinal axis of the button of the bit to be ground wherein means are provided to assist with aligning the grinding machine with the longitudinal axis of the button to be ground.

Abstract: A lifting arrangement for lifting boats 2 off the water and for putting boats 2 onto the water is provided, which comprises a crane 8, 9, 27 and pallets or cassettes 16 to be arranged under the hull of a boat 2 to be lifted or put down, connected to the crane. These lifting elements can be lowered below the floating boat, with preferably centering elements 41, 42 being provided for aligning the boat 2 in reference to a lifting element 16 positioned underneath.

Abstract: A hose tracking system having a hose assembly with an attached RF ID tag imbedded therein during manufacture, molded thereon or permanently attached. The RF ID tag is coded with an identification specific to the particular hose assembly. An RF ID tag reader is provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the hose, preferably after it is installed at the user facility. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and is at least one of connectable to a computer network or compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to a network accessible device. A network accessible hose database is provided, having hose-related information. The network accessible hose database provides access to a user to obtain the hose-related information based on the identification from the RF ID tag and receives and stores data related to the at least one trackable event.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including: a single-chip image sensor with a color filter array and capable of intermittent readout operation in horizontal and vertical directions; an intermittence control means for controlling the intermittent readout operation of the image sensor; and an interpolation means for processing signals read out from the image sensor in a thinned out pattern designated by the intermittence control means to form a reduced image consisting of trichromatic components; wherein the intermittence control means reads signals at a plurality of locations on the image sensor correspondingly to each pixel of the reduced image and controls reading at that time so that there are two or more types of color filters at the readout locations and at least one type of the color filters thereof is common to all pixels of the reduced image and at least one type of the color filters is not common to all pixels of the reduced image; and the interpolation means supplements signals corresponding to the type of unrea