Abstract: An on-chip voltage regulator for controlling a gate of a regulator transistor having a first terminal coupled to receive an external power supply voltage and a second terminal coupled to provide a regulated voltage level to an internal circuit formed on a chip on which the on-chip voltage regulator is formed. The on-chip voltage regulator includes circuitry for detecting when a high current load to which the second terminal of the regulator transistor is coupled is activated. A control transistor is provided having a first terminal coupled to receive the external power supply voltage, a second terminal coupled to the gate of the regulator transistor, and a gate responsive to the means for detecting. In operation, a control voltage with an overshoot portion having preselected duration is generated on the gate of the regulator transistor in response to the activation of the high current load.

Abstract: A device, and an associated method, for determining separation distances separating motor vehicles travelling along a roadway. A separation distance separating the motor vehicles is calculated responsive to targeting the vehicles with a laser range finder and determining the speeds of the vehicles. From this information, the separation distances separating the motor vehicles can be calculated. If the separation distance separating the motor vehicles is less than a minimum distance, then the calculated separation distance can be utilized by traffic enforcement officials to take appropriate enforcement actions.

Abstract: An automatic noise threshold circuit and method automatically sets an operating threshold for a signal receiving section of a laser pulse transmitting device such that a constant noise pulse firing rate is output from a detector to provide maximum return signal sensitivity and enable detection of the weakest possible laser pulse in order to obtain maximum performance out of a laser range finder. The circuit sets the noise pulse rate at that point at which, in conjunction with a firmware based process, the actual return signals from the target can be discrimintated from the accompanying noise.

Abstract: A system including a laser survey instrument for determining positional data of a selected target. The laser survey instrument generates optical pulses which are transmitted to and reflected from the selected target back to the survey instrument. The survey instrument determines the range to the selected target responsive to the transmission and reflection of the optical pulses. The survey instrument also determines horizontal and vertical angles between the survey instrument and the selected target. Values of the range and the horizontal and vertical angles form positional data. Once determined, the positional data is modulated upon the optical pulses to form an optical signal which is transmitted to a remote site.

Abstract: A soft adjacent layer biased magnetoresistive ("MR") device, and a method for producing the same, which incorporates a natural flux closure design utilizing coplanar thin film permanent magnets to stabilize the device while obviating induced domain walls in the magnetoresistive and soft adjacent layers ("SAL"). The device structure includes an SAL film and overlying magnetic spacer layer ("MSL") in conjunction with an MR film to produce an SAL biased magnetoresistive structure ("MRS") with the MR layer patterned to a shortened length with respect to the SAL and MSL layers. A non-magnetic metal or dielectric separation layer of on the order of 20-300 angstroms (".ANG.") is then deposited over the MSL layer and the sides of the MR layer followed by the deposition of permanent magnet layer portions substantially coplanar with the MR layer to produce a low energy equilibria device with high sensitivity and superior signal output.

Abstract: An integrated FSK detector circuit includes a first counter that receives a carrier signal and provides a multiple-bit output for reducing the frequency of the carrier signal into a plurality of weighted sub-multiples. An oscillator enable decoder circuit provides predetermined calibrate and measure pulses in response to the first counter output. A gated oscillator receives the calibrate and measure pulses and provides a burst of oscillator pulses during these time intervals. A second counter has an input coupled to the output of the gated oscillator and an up/down control terminal coupled to the output of the first counter. The output of the second counter also provides a multiple-bit output for reducing the frequency of the gated oscillator pulses. An FSK decoder logic circuit decodes the multiple-bit output of the second counter into a single bit FSK detect signal. The FSK detector circuit also includes a reset circuit coupled to the first counter for resetting between FSK detections.

Abstract: A portable data acquisition device, including a position-determining device and data collector, determines and stores positional data associated with objects positioned in a geographical area within sight of the device. Data representative of attributes associated with the objects are also stored in the device. The data stored in the device can be transferred to processing circuitry of a computer and absolute positional coordinates of the objects are determined. The absolute positional coordinates and the data representative of the attributes associated with the objects are placed in files accessible by geographic information system (GIS) software which utilizes the data to form a geographic information system (GIS) database from which GIS maps may be formed.

Abstract: A reversible ansate implement includes a generally elongate handle having opposite distal and proximal ends thereof. A scoop presenting a substantially concave material facing surface thereof communicating between a handle attachment edge and an oppositely disposed material intercepting edge may be selectively and reversibly coupled at its handle attachment edge to the distal end of the elongate handle. In use, the material facing surface of the scoop may be selectively positioned both toward and away from the elongate handle as required for the particular application, and in a particular embodiment, a combined rake and shovel is disclosed having a reversible scoop which may be selectively reversed with respect to a common elongate handle in order to allow a user thereof to either pull or push material with the concave facing surface of the scoop.

Abstract: A passive transponder incorporating non-volatile ferroelectric memory is powered by inductive coupling to a proximately located controller. A communication system and method utilizes the controller to send data and commands to the transponder by an FSK modulated RF signal in order to cause the transponder to either read selected data from, or write selected data to, the non-volatile memory and transmit the same back to the controller utilizing PSK RF modulation. The communication system and method operates either full duplex or half duplex with the controller causing the transponder to simultaneously write data to its non-volatile memory as the memory is read out and transmitted to the controller thereof. Features of the invention include, signal transmission between the controller and transponder occur concurrently; the controller's FSK signal is modulated between 125 KHz and 116.3 KHz; the transponder's PSK signal is 62.

Abstract: A passive RF transponder incorporating a non-volatile memory element is powered by inductive coupling to a proximately located RF controller. A communication system and method is disclosed which utilizes the controller to send data and commands to the transponder by means of an FSK modulated RF signal in order to cause the transponder to either read selected data from, or write selected data to, the non-volatile memory and transmit the same back to the controller utilizing PSK modulation. The communication system and method may be operated in either full duplex or half duplex modes of operation with the controller causing the transponder to simultaneously write data to its non-volatile memory array as the contents are read out and transmitted to the controller by complementing selected bits thereof.

Abstract: An assembly, and associated method, for dissipating thermal energy contained in a circuit element of an electrical circuit which is releasably connectable with a substrate to form an electrical connection with the substrate when connected therewith. A fluid conduit extends through a plate member which is positionable proximate to the circuit element to be moveable therewith. The fluid conduit is coupled to a fluid manifold when the electrical circuit forms the electrical connection with the substrate. Coolant fluid is supplied to the manifold and, when the fluid conduit is coupled to the fluid manifold, also the fluid conduit. Thermal energy generated during operation of the electrical circuit is transferred to the coolant fluid flowing through the fluid conduit. The location of the fluid conduit is repositionable responsive to reconfiguration of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A system for transforming coordinate systems in an automated video monitor alignment system includes a camera and computer to capture an image of the display bezel surrounding the cathode ray tube and of the image displayed on the CRT. Three dimensional models of the CRT tube and display bezel are used to compute and compensate for camera perspective. Camera pixel data can then be transformed to `flat plane` coordinates. When the relative orientation of the camera and CRT are corrected for, the effects of parallax can be eliminated, allowing more accurate inspection, measurement, and lower cost fixturing on the production line. Thus, an accurate coordinate transformation from a camera-referenced coordinate system to a monitor-referenced coordinate system is made.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) device and barrier formation process is disclosed in which a barrier layer of an aluminum-titanium oxidic compound of approximately 35 .ANG. thickness is formed between a first alumina film and an overlying material of iron bearing content, such as nickel-iron. The aluminum-titanium oxidic compound layer serves as an etchant barrier for the alumina film in a subsequent etching process to reduce or eliminate "rosette" formation otherwise occurring when etchant is trapped within pores of a porous substrate such as ferrite, ceramic or other polycrystalline material. The barrier layer also serves as a passivation layer to prevent the surface of the underlying alumina film from being modified by the transfer of ultrasonic energy during subsequent wirebonding processing which would otherwise result in film delamination at the nickel-iron/alumina layer interface.

Abstract: A circuit within a video monitor for making corrections during horizontal scan includes a data storage device containing information relating to a selected display parameter, an integrator receptive of the stored information and adapted to produce an integrated signal therefrom, and an amplifier receptive of the integrated signal for supplying signals to the video monitor based on the integrated signal. The information supplied from the data storage device to the integrator is encoded in a pulse density modulated wave form via a tri-state gate and a one-shot timer. The information stored in the data storage device is stored in bytes, each byte containing a "sign bit" and a plurality of data bits.

Abstract: A media lockout device and associated method for a combined media drive. The combined media drive permits the insertion of storage media into two separate insertion openings of the combined media drive to be received therein. The media lockout device permits reception within the media drive of storage media inserted through one of the insertion openings of the combined drive. Once a storage media is inserted through an insertion opening of the combined drive, the media lockout device prevents the insertion of another storage media through the other of the insertion openings while the first storage media is received within the combined drive.

Abstract: Ejection apparatus for a computer mass storage media drive. The media drive includes two insertion openings for receiving two different storage media. An actuation arm receives an actuation force for initiating ejection of storage media position within the media drive out of the media drive. The actuation arm, when actuated, initiates the ejection of either a storage media inserted into the media drive by way of a first of the two insertion openings or a storage media inserted into the media drive by way of a second of the two insertion openings.

Abstract: A power supply self-contained within a portable RF/ID transponder includes a full wave rectifier having an input for receiving an antenna signal and outputs for providing power supply and ground voltages, wherein the power supply voltage has a time varying voltage waveform corresponding to the electric field generated by a reader/controller. The power supply further includes a clamping circuit for regulating the power supply voltage and a ferroelectric filter/storage capacitor coupled between the power supply and ground outputs of the full wave rectifier. The power supply further includes a power enable circuit for constantly monitoring the supply voltage waveform and for providing a power enable indication after an initial portion of the supply voltage waveform rises above a predetermined power-up threshold level and for removing the power enable indication when a terminal portion of the supply voltage waveform falls below a predetermined power-down level.

Abstract: A recessed three-point latching mechanism and method for a storage locker and a locker incorporating the same utilizes a dead bolt system employing a pair of rotary actuated lock rods for engaging the top and bottom of the locker door opening in conjunction with a center latch engaging the door jamb. A lever, which may include a finger grip, is utilized for simultaneously unlocking the lock rods and unlatching the center latch and is accessible within a recessed cup for safety and security. The latching mechanism and method may also include a cam to hold the latching mechanism in a door open position until the door is closed to prevent damage to the locker face by the otherwise extended lock rods. The latching mechanism and method is compatible with either padlocks or a built-in lock secured within the recessed cup.

Abstract: A duty cycle control circuit, and an associated method, generates an output clock signal having a duty cycle which differs by a desired amount with the duty cycle of an input clock signal. Offset bias signal circuitry generates an offset bias signal which offsets a copy clock signal and an inverted copy clock signal relative to one another by a selected offset bias. The duty cycle of the output clock signal differs with the duty cycle of the input clock signal by an amount which is related to the amplitude of the offset bias signal.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit includes a multiple output transconductance amplifier having a positive voltage input, a negative voltage input, and three current outputs. A first current output is coupled to the positive input, a second current output is coupled to the negative input, and a third current output provides the full logic voltage oscillator output signal. A resistor network is coupled to the positive voltage input of the transconductance amplifier. The first current output is used to generate a square wave signal at the positive voltage input. A capacitor is coupled to the negative voltage input of the transconductance amplifier. The second current output is used to generate a triangle wave signal at the negative voltage input. Both the square wave and triangle wave have a mean DC level centered halfway between the power supply rails of the transconductance amplifier.