Abstract: An apparatus and method for adaptively controlling power supplied to a hot-pluggable subsystem controls the inrush current of the hot-pluggable subsystem when the subsystem is coupled to another system that supplies power, and optionally other signal connections. The apparatus and method adaptively control a pass device by detecting the voltage at the gate of the pass device during initial charging of the gate. The gate voltage may be sampled and used subsequently to control the operation of the pass device, and short-circuit conditions may be detected by determining that the miller effect does not change the charging of the gate capacitance. Automatic restart circuitry can be included to generate multiple startup attempts, and under-voltage lockout circuitry and power-on-reset timers can be used to provide a robust solution. The apparatus and method can be adapted to provide a three terminal device that does not require a feedback connection from a power supply output.

Abstract: A flame simulating device for a vehicle is disclosed. The flame simulating device comprises an assembly having a flame shaped end and an opposite end. In several examples of the flame simulating device the opposite end of a member of the assembly is coupled to a transparent member. In use of the flame simulating device, a portion of the opposite end of the assembly is coupled to a portion of a surface of a vehicle light lens fixture. The flame simulating device preferably comprises translucent plastic, except when a member of the assembly is the transparent member. The flame simulating device may be colored and textured to give the appearance of flames emanating from a vehicle. A source of light creates a simulated flame when the source of light is directed onto the translucent flame simulating device.

Abstract: An automatic gear shifting device for a vehicle comprises a member coupled to a portion of a surface of the vehicle. An arm is pivotally coupled to a portion of the member. The arm is coupled to at least at least one actuator for providing reciprocating motion of the arm. A neutral gear positioning actuator is activated when a brake pedal of the vehicle is engaged, and a drive gear positioning actuator is activated when the brake pedal is disengaged. The arm is coupled to a transmission linkage shaft to provide shifting from drive gear to neutral gear when the brake pedal is engaged and shifting from neutral gear to drive gear when the brake is disengaged.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling method using an array of evaporative coolers and operation of this array of evaporative coolers at a low fan setting as disclosed. Also disclosed is the location of this array of evaporative coolers in such a manner as to create an optimal cooling effect within the interior of a building or home. Additionally, an apparatus is disclosed for supporting and arranging cooling devices along the outer wall of a home that bridges the gap in cut 2×4s while sustaining the weight of the evaporative cooler or the air conditioner placed upon it.

Abstract: A marker for marking the location for drilling holes to pass the line of bolts in a plate to be secured to the slab of a building. The marker includes a rotatable gauge having a plurality of different sizes of notches each to nest a different diameter of bolt to locate the center of the bolt a predetermined distance from approximately the center of the plate. The user positions the marker against the bolt and atop the plate and imparts a force to cause a tip to impart a mark on the plate for the location for a hole to pass the bolt. The gauge may also be used to obtain the size of the bolt and hence the hole required to closely pass the bolt.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus and method includes a shaft travelling north and south within a tube. The tube is positioned south of a sucker rod. The shaft has a piston head coupled at a south end thereof, which piston head is received in an area of reduced diameter with the shaft. North pores and south pores permit the movement of fluid into and out of the interior of the tube, in response to the northward/southward movement of the piston head. Fluid entering through the pores provides a shock absorbing effect on both the upstroke and the downstroke. The shock absorbing effect on the upstroke can be rapidly eliminated and an upward shock force generated, through the shearing of a shear pin that maintains a bushing in position on the shaft, restricting northward travel of the piston head.

Abstract: A piece of furniture having interchangeable components is will have a plurality of interchangeable leg members. Cross-bar members are removably coupled to the plurality of leg members. The cross-bar members are adjustable in length. Cross-bar covers are removably coupled to the cross-bar members. A table top is removably coupled to the cross-bar covers.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a household water supply incorporating motion-sensing for determining whether a house is occupied, provides protection of structures and fixtures from water damage due to plumbing failure or other causes. The household water supply is shut-off in conformity with a determination that the household is unoccupied and thereby provides automatic protection from water damage.

Abstract: The surface of a solder ball and a conductive wire for a semiconductor package are coated with a predetermined colorant. Various colorants may be used according to the diameter and metal composition of the solder ball and the conductive wire. The colorant is formed by mixing organic compound and dye of a predetermined color. Examples of organic compounds excellent in physicochemical bonding with metal include benzotriazole, alkylimidazole and benzimidazole. The solder ball is fabricated by coating an organic compound of a predetermined color on the surface of a typical solder ball. The conductive wire is fabricated by coating an organic compound of a predetermined color on a general conductive wire between heat process and winding. Moreover, the solder ball is evaporated in a reflowing step after bumped via flux and the conductive wire is evaporated in a wire bonding step so that the solder ball and the conductive wire return to their unique colors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharing signal pins on an interface between a system controller and peripheral integrated circuits reduces the number of signal pins required on a system controller integrated circuit. Signals of differing types are qualified by an internal peripheral select signal from which chip select signals for a plurality of externally interfaced peripheral integrated circuits are generated. The interface functions so that a single signal pin may be used for carrying different signal types between the system controller and each of the peripheral integrated circuits. The use of the internal peripheral select signal ensures that the setup times for the selection circuitry and pin drivers are met before a chip select signal enables communication with a selected peripheral and that a hold time is maintained for signals on shared interface pins so that the peripheral integrated circuits receive valid inputs from shared pins.

Abstract: A method and system for performing swept-wavelength measurements within an optical system incorporating a reference resonator provides improved operation in resonator-enhanced optical measurement and data storage and retrieval systems. The system includes an illumination subsystem, an illumination coupler for producing a measurement beam and a reference beam from an output of the optical illumination source, a reference resonator for receiving the reference beam, a measurement resonator for receiving the measurement beam, at least two detectors, one optically coupled to the reference resonator and one optically coupled to the measurement resonator, and a time-domain measurement system coupled to the detectors for comparing detected optical signals received from the resonators. The detected signal from the reference resonator is used to compensate or detect variations in the wavelength of the illumination system, improving the resolution and accuracy of the measurement provided by the measurement resonator.

Abstract: A semiconductor stacking structure and method of producing the same has a flexible substrate. A plurality of apertures is formed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of apertures may be formed in groups for coupling semiconductor devices to the flexible substrate. A plurality of traces is formed on the flexible substrate for coupling the plurality of apertures together. A first semiconductor device is coupled to a first side of the flexible substrate. A first adhesive layer is placed on a first side of the flexible substrate for coupling the first semiconductor device to the first side of the flexible substrate. A plurality of contacts is coupled to a second side of the flexible substrate. The contacts and the first adhesive layer liquefy and flow into designated apertures when heated to couple the contacts to the first semiconductor device.

Abstract: An expandable bait sleeve and method therefore capable of expanding in order to securely retain baits of various sizes and dimensioned to be coupled to various types of fishing lures and fishing hooks in order to improve a fisherman's chances of catching a fish by minimizing the chance that a fish will be able to “steal” the bait without being caught on the hook.

Abstract: A placement template and method for placing optical dies provides an alternative to large-die implementation for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Multiple dies are aligned by a template mounted on the substrate. Apertures in the template receive the dies and protrusions at the edges of the apertures guide the dies during mounting. The protrusions may be tapered having a narrow end farthest from the substrate to provide self-alignment of the dies as they are placed. The template may be epitaxially grown from a semiconductor material on either the substrate or a backing layer. The template may also be etched, stamped or otherwise formed from a metal or ceramic layer. A separate template may be bonded to a ceramic or other substrate by an eutectoid bond, providing carefully controlled template placement on the substrate.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for determining the distance between two objects using an indirect propagation delay measurement is disclosed. A frequency hopping scheme (such as the Bluetooth™ technology) is used to measure the relative phase offset of the received signal between the various frequencies. For a given distance between the objects, the phase offset vs. frequency curve is a straight line with the slope dependent upon the measured distance. After the phase of the received signals is detected, the data is plotted on a curve and the slope is calculated.

Abstract: A semiconductor package has a substrate comprising a thermosetting resin layer of an approximate planar plate, a plurality of copper patterns formed at top and bottom surfaces of the resin layer, and protective layers coated on predetermined regions of the copper patterns and the thermosetting layer and having a same height at a surface of the resin layer. A semiconductor die is coupled to a center of the top surface of the substrate. A plurality of conductive wires for electrically coupling the semiconductor die to the copper patterns is positioned at the top surface of the resin layer. An encapsulant is used for covering the semiconductor die located at the top surface of the substrate and the conductive wires in order to protect them from the external environment. A plurality of solder balls is coupled to the bottom surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is coupled to a distal end of the butterfly knife for securing the butterfly knife in an open position and in a closed position. The locking mechanism has a movable magnetic component coupled to a distal end of the first handle component. The magnetic component is magnetically coupled to a metallic surface of the second handle component to lock the butterfly knife. At least one spring device is movably coupled to the magnetic component. The spring device is used for moving the magnetic component in a downward manner to free the magnetic component from the metallic surface of the second handle component to unlock the butterfly knife.

Abstract: An automatic balancing stand and a method for supporting a motorcycle in an upright position are disclosed. The stand comprises a motion sensor coupled to a controller housed in an housing that signals a pump when the motorcycle changes speed. The housing is coupled to a hydraulic pump assembly comprising at least a pump, valve mechanism and hydraulic fluid. The stand further comprises a pair of members which are each coupled to a slidable member coupled to a wheel. Another end of the pair of members is coupled to the hydraulic pump assembly. The motion sensor signals the controller, activating the pump when the motorcycle slows to a preset speed, causing the pump to activate hydraulic pistons within each one of the members, extending the slidable members fully when the motorcycle is stationary. The slidable members are retracted when the motorcycle moves above the preset speed.

Abstract: A device for storing and displaying decorative light strings has a stationary upper body mountable to the eaves of a house or the like and a lower body. The lower body is rotatably connected with the upper body and dimensioned to fit inside the upper body. The lower body houses the decorative light string. In storage position, the decorative light string is completely enclosed and therefore protected from the natural elements. Using a handle, the lower body can be rotated and the light bulbs will be displayed.