Abstract: Conduction loss in the body-diode of a low side MOSFET of a power switching stage of one phase of a coupled-inductor, multi-phase DC-DC converter circuit, associated with current flow in the output inductor of that one phase that is induced by current flow in a mutually coupled output inductor of another phase, during normal switching of that other stage, is effectively prevented by applying auxiliary MOSFET turn-on signals, that coincide with the duration of the induced current, to that low side MOSFET, so that the induced current will flow through the turned-on low side MOSFET itself, thereby by-passing its body-diode.

Abstract: A device and method of using same is provides which includes the use of an apparatus configured to apply labels to parcels moving along a conveyor belt. The apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame, a pair of turntable assemblies, a corresponding pair of arm assemblies, similarly corresponding arm assembly drive motors, a label application head assembly, a label printer/supplier, and a controlling apparatus. The support frame supports the pair of two turntable assemblies. Each of the turntable assemblies supports one of the arm assemblies such that each of the arm assemblies is pivotable about a horizontal axis. Each of the arm assemblies is also movable along its longitudinal axis relative to its respective turntable. The lower ends of arm assemblies are attached together in a hinged connection. At one end of one of the arm assemblies is attached a label application head assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system is provided to facilitate meeting our people in nearby or neighboring cars with similar interests, desires or wants. The vehicle communication system has a host vehicle two way communication device, a host vehicle personal data storage component and a host vehicle personal data matching component. The host vehicle two way communication device conducts direct short range communications in a host vehicle broadcast area surrounding a host vehicle. The host vehicle personal data storage component broadcasts at least some of a host vehicle user's personal data and receives nearby user's desired profile requirement via the host vehicle two way communication device. The host vehicle personal data matching component compares host vehicle user's desired profile requirement that is based on the host vehicle user's personal data with the nearby user's desired profile requirement.

Abstract: A seat assembly movable in both longitudinal and transverse directions in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion and an adjuster mechanism. The seat cushion has an upper surface for supporting a seated occupant above a floor of an automotive vehicle and an opposite bottom surface. The adjuster mechanism is coupled to the bottom surface of the seat cushion. The adjuster mechanism includes a set of first wheels that allows movement of the seat assembly in a longitudinal direction along tracks on the floor of the vehicle. The adjuster mechanism further includes a set of second wheels that are arranged generally orthogonal to the first wheels to allow movement of the seat assembly in a transverse direction across the tracks and the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular pivot mirror assembly comprises a reflective element assembly pivotably attached to a support arm to enable rotation of the reflective element assembly relative to the support arm about a pivot connection. A positioning assembly enables rotation of the reflective element assembly in response to a rotational force applied to the reflective element assembly and prevents rotation of the reflective element assembly when the rotational force is removed.

Abstract: A method generally for output handling a new imaging job, and specifically for handling such a job by delivering it to one of several currently job-engaged imaging output devices (illustrated as printers) including the steps of (a) examining the current job-processing statuses of such devices, and (b) from the result of that examining, determining the respective remainders in the amounts of current-job work still to be performed by those devices. The method thus features the acquisition and use of output device busyness information as an important part of the approach toward promoting efficient output handling of new imaging jobs.

Abstract: A silicon/germanium (SiGe) superlattice thermal sensor is provided with a corresponding fabrication method. The method forms an active CMOS device in a first Si substrate, and a SiGe superlattice structure on a second Si-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The first substrate is bonded to the second substrate, forming a bonded substrate. An electrical connection is formed between the SiGe superlattice structure and the CMOS device, and a cavity is formed between the SiGe superlattice structure and the bonded substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for facilitating order entry, fulfillment, shipment and payment in a networked environment. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention describes a system for communicating order entries from a seller to a supplier, while providing order status information to the buyer. Also, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for electronic invoice presentment, dispute resolution and payment in a networked environment is described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for performing ongoing ad hoc network topology discovery with regard to a collection of plural participating nodes. The method features the steps of (a) defining an appropriate topology-discovery condition to be associated with such nodes, (b) when that condition occurs, establishing and activating a dedicated, contention-free, discovery-communication time period wherein each node broadcasts, for reception by all other nodes, its attributes, including its identity, it operating characteristics, its capabilities, and its associated link qualities in relation to the other nodes, (c) utilizing the results of such establishing and activating steps, creating an overall network topology map associated with the nodes, and (d) then making that map available for use in subsequent network organizational activities, including the practices of creating suitable communication links between nodes, and enabling organization of a network into appropriate subnets and proxy networks.

Abstract: A vehicular external rearview mirror system comprises a twin-arm assembly comprising a pair of parallel support arms connected at one end to a base attached to the vehicle and movably connected at another end to a reflective element assembly through a movable support bracket. The support bracket supports a reflective element assembly and is attached to the twin-arm assembly through a pair of integral bearings which translate along the arms to extend or retract the reflective element assembly. In one embodiment, the bearing imparts a friction force to the arm to enable the bracket to be moved along the arm under the influence of an extension/retraction force, but to maintain the bracket at a selected position along the arm when the force is removed. In another embodiment, the bearing is adapted for frictionless translation of the bracket along the arms under the influence of a powerextend actuator.

Abstract: Game interface tracks the position of one or more game controllers in 3-dimensional space using hybrid video capture and ultrasonic tracking system. The captured video information is used to identify a horizontal and vertical position for each controller within a capture area. The ultrasonic tracking system analyzes sound communications to determine the distances between the game system and each controller and to determine the distances among the controllers. The distances are then analyzed by the game interface to calculate the depths within the capture area for each controller.

Abstract: A method and system optimizes the transmission of a downlink reference signal (DLRS) in a wireless communication system that uses orthogonal division multiple access (OFDMA) for the downlink. Each Node-B (base station) is capable of transmitting the DLRS reference symbols in different subframes of the OFDM radio frame and changing both the number and location of the subframes in response to changing network conditions. The network conditions include the number of terminals being served by the Node-B and multiple access interference (MAI) from adjacent Node-Bs.

Abstract: A rod end assembly includes a rod having a shank thereon, the shank comprising an intermediate journal portion and a threaded end portion. There are one or more roller bearings mounted on the journal portion of the shank. The bearings each have an inner ring and an outer ring, and include an endmost bearing. A nut is mounted on the threaded portion of the shank to engage the endmost bearing. There is a rod end body secured to the rod end. The rod end body has a mounting portion that is configured to rest on the roller bearings and to engage the outer ring of the endmost bearing. In addition, the rod end body has a coupling portion for connecting to another device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of dynamic topology power converters are provided. One method includes monitoring at least one variable of the power converter and based on the at least one monitored variable, using a converter topology selected between at least a full-bridge converter topology and a half-bridge converter topology to achieve an efficient operation at a then current operational load.

Abstract: A method for driverless imaging of documents may include a direct imaging application on a client sending an imaging request message to another device, which may be a direct imaging server or a target imaging device. In response to receiving the imaging request message, the device may create an imaging job skeleton that includes contents of a complete imaging job other than document data. The device may send a despooling request to the direct imaging application. The despooling request may indicate where the document data corresponding to the imaging job should be despooled. In response to receiving the despooling request, the direct imaging application may despool the document data in accordance with the despooling request.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is disclosed including a primary input for receiving an input voltage, a battery voltage input for receiving a battery voltage signal and an output for providing an output voltage higher than the battery voltage. First circuitry responsive to the input voltage is provided for turning off the output voltage responsive to an input over voltage condition. Second circuitry responsive to the battery voltage signal is provided for turning off the output voltage responsive to a battery over voltage condition. Third circuitry provides for over current protection.

Abstract: Data transfer over a computer network relating to a data object of a multiple user network application, from a network user who owns the data object to an updating user, is achieved by transfer of a subset of data fields that define the data object, such that the subset of data fields is specified by the updating user and is less than or equal to a full update transfer comprising updated values for all the data fields that define the data object. Each data object is defined by multiple data fields, such that the transfer of a subset of the data object data fields ensures that the network bandwidth utilized for data updates will be reduced from the situation in which all the defining data fields for an object being updated are transferred over the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dewatering whole stillage comprising subjecting whole stillage to one or more enzymes capable of degrading a whole stillage component and separating the material obtained in step i) into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction.

Abstract: An exterior auxiliary lighting system is provided including a light source for generating a beam of visible light, the light source having an aperture through which the beam of light is projected. A cover can be detachably connected to the light source to overlay at least a portion of the aperture. A sensor is provided for detecting whether the cover is attached to the light source. A switch responsive to an output signal from the sensor is adapted to selectively decouple the light source from a power supply when the sensor detects that the cover is attached to the light source.