Abstract: A reduced pin count, dual channel driver interface is configured to interface a supervisory controller with a plurality of multi-phase output channel switching circuits of a multi-phase DC-DC regulator. Each dual channel driver is configured for placement relatively close to output channel sense points, so as to effectively reduce the distance that would otherwise have to be traversed by noise sensitive voltage signals. Sensed current representative signals are processed within the dual driver for current balance between a respective multi driver pair, and are combined to supply the controller with the average current signal of the dual channels. The controller uses this average current-information to adjust respective pulse width modulation signals that are supplied to the dual channel drivers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for a data processing device. The data processor includes features suitable for executing a software virtual machine. The data processor provides an instruction set that supports object-level memory protection suitable for high speed operation. Memory control logic is provided to accommodate a configuration having relatively less random access memory (RAM) as compared to re-programmable, nonvolatile memory, and to improve access to the re-programmable, nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns.

Abstract: In order to derive a precise measurement of temperature and current in a synchronous buck DC-DC converter a synchronous conduction cycle measurement of the value of reverse conduction voltage (VON), and an asynchronous conduction cycle measurement of the value of body diode conduction voltage (VDF) of the low side power MOSFET are performed. These two measured values are then used as dual inputs to a two-dimensional to two-dimensional transform function (e.g., look-up table) that is effective to map the measured voltage values into output values for current (I) and temperature (T).

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing electrocatalysts are disclosed. The system includes-a high temperature synthesis device for preparing an array of electrocatalysts as electrolytic surfaces of working electrodes. At least a portion of the electrolytic surfaces are defined by different materials. The device includes a plurality of openings for receiving the array of working electrodes and a mask having a plurality of openings configured for exposing at least a portion of each of the working electrodes for forming the electrolytic surfaces thereon.

Abstract: A startup circuit for a power converter including an amplifier circuit, a comparator, and startup logic. The power converter includes an error amplifier that compares an output sense signal with a startup reference signal and that provides a compensation signal. The amplifier circuit charges the startup reference signal to a predetermined reference level based on a second reference signal in response to a start signal. The comparator determines when the compensation signal reaches a predetermined ramp level and asserts a startup complete signal indicative thereof. The startup logic provides the start signal and provides an output enable signal in response to the startup complete signal. The output enable signal enables output switching to initiate normal regulation operation of the output voltage. In one embodiment, the predetermined ramp level is approximately the center voltage of a sawtooth regulation waveform used for PWM modulation.

Abstract: A system includes an antenna array consisting of a plurality of antenna elements, a plurality of receivers to process the signals from the antenna elements of the antenna array, and a combiner to combine receiver outputs so as to minimize the effect of undesirable signals such as multipath or interference while maintaining a nominal gain in the direction of the desired signal. The combiner takes into account variation or uncertainty in the assumed antenna array response, such as imprecise knowledge of the angle of arrival and uncertainty in the array manifold and multiplicative uncertainties due to gain variations between receivers, as well as non-uniformity in the response due to coupling between elements and coupling with the antenna structure. This system is applicable to antenna arrays with non-uniform responses, such as closely spaced arrays in which the coupling between elements is significant.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a high temperature stable mixed polyol ester lubricant composition partly containing an aromatic carboxylic acid ester and a process of making the same. Typically, the aromatic acid ester is benzoic acid, and the lubricant composition preferably comprises a mixture of linear C5, i-C9, and linear C7-10 aliphatic carboxylic acid. The esters are preferably formed from an aliphatic polyol. These mixed polyol esters are useful in aero-derived gas turbine engines.

Abstract: An electronic map is stored as a collection of nodes and links. Roads in the map are assigned priorities for pathfinding purposes. A node's priority originally corresponds to the priority of the road associated with the node. Electronic maps can be made more useful by adding short cuts to the map. A short cut generator is disclosed that creates short cuts by building compound links and/or raising the priority of certain nodes. A compound link is a link that represents travel along multiple links of the electronic map.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises multiple light sources that are applied to specific locations on the surface of a wafer for the purpose of causing a component on a die to respond as if a digital signal had been applied to the component. The multiple light sources may comprise several thousand point light sources such as the individual fibers of a fiber optic bundle. The light is controlled in such a manner to stimulate operation of the electronic circuit for the purpose of burning in the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telephony-based speech recognition system for sorting packages and letters. The invention includes a wireless telephony set in communication with a computer through a telephony system or network. Sortation information spoken by a user is sent by the wireless telephony set to a speech device or modem. A signal containing the spoken sortation information is sent by the speech device or modem through the telephony system or network to a computer. A stored set of instructions such as a speech recognition program interprets the signal to obtain the spoken sortation information. The computer generates a return signal, such as a data signal, an encoded voice signal, or both, in response to the spoken sortation information. A second modem encodes the return signal and sends the return signal through the telephony system or network to the speech device or modem.

Abstract: The specification describes a wavelength monitoring system for multiple wavelength communications systems, such as WDM systems, based on the recognition that the mechanism for spatially separating the individual wavelength bands can be achieved within the optical fiber itself. Individual wavelength bands are separated using a series of discrete gratings spaced longitudinally along the fiber core. The wavelength bands are extracted from the fiber core by converting the energy in the selected band from a core-guided mode to a radiation mode. By using a tilted grating, the light in the radiation mode is directed through the cladding and out of the fiber. Spatial resolution of the selected bands can be any desired physical length. An important implication of this is that detection can be made in the near field using inexpensive detecting apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptively damping relative motion between the wheels and the frame of a heavy duty truck having a frame suspended on wheels by a suspension system. An air spring is disposed between the frame and at least one of the wheels having a primary reservoir for holding air and a piston adapted to act upon the air in the reservoir to compress the air and thereby provide support for the frame. An auxiliary reservoir holds air and can be placed in fluid communication with the primary reservoir to increase an effective volume of air upon which the piston acts. A control valve selectively places the auxiliary reservoir in communication with the primary reservoir based on vehicle operating parameters. The control valve can be actuated mechanically by forces acting on the wheels or by a controller that controls the valve based on wheel torque and road roughness.

Abstract: A stationary cooling station for cooling wafers after the wafers have been subjected to semiconductor processing supports the wafer by flowing gas in accordance with the Bernoulli principle. An upper wall of the cooling station contains a plurality of gas outlets that direct gas to flow over the top surface of the wafer. In this way, a low-pressure region is created over the wafer and the wafer is suspended within the cooling station, without directly contacting any surface for support. In addition to providing lift for the wafer, the gas is a thermally conductive gas that can cool the wafer by conducting heat away from it.

Abstract: A modular, compact and widely tunable laser system for the efficient generation of high peak and high average power ultrashort pulses. Modularity is ensured by the implementation of interchangeable amplifier components. System compactness is ensured by employing efficient fiber amplifiers, directly or indirectly pumped by diode lasers. Peak power handling capability of the fiber amplifiers is expanded by using optimized pulse shapes, as well as dispersively broadened pulses. After amplification, the dispersively stretched pulses can be re-compressed to nearly their bandwidth limit by the implementation of another set of dispersive delay lines. To ensure a wide tunability of the whole system, Raman-shifting of the compact sources of the ultrashort pulses in conjunction with frequency-conversion in nonlinear optical crystals can be implemented, or an Anti-Stokes fiber in conjunction with fiber amplifiers and Raman-shifters are used.

Abstract: A fuel pump module with integrated vapor vent manifold for minimizing fuel vapor emission in a fuel venting system, comprising a modular flange having a plurality of vapor inlets on the bottom side for receiving fuel vapor from sources both proximal and distal to the flange within the fuel tank. The vapors collected from distal sources within the tank are carried to the manifold by means of internal vent lines thereby minimizing permeation emissions common of external vapor lines. Once received in the manifold, the vapors conglomerate and exit the top side of the flange through a single outlet, connected by a single vapor line to a remote canister for storage.

Abstract: A power transfer system is provided and equipped with a torque transfer coupling which includes a clutch and a ball-screw actuator. The ball-screw actuator functions to axially translate an apply plate via a closed hydraulic system to operatively engage the clutch and vary the frictional engagement thereof.

Abstract: A slit valve for a semiconductor processing apparatus, for fluidly sealing a passage connecting two chambers of the apparatus, such as a substrate reaction chamber and a region outside the reaction chamber. The slit valve comprises an actuator plate movable within a slot in one wall of the passage, the actuator plate and the slot oriented generally transverse to the passage. The actuator plate has a first position in which the valve is open, permitting the transfer of a substrate through the passage. The actuator plate also has a second position in which the valve is closed, and in which the actuator plate fluidly seals the passage such that fluid cannot flow through the passage across the actuator plate. A protective cover is configured to prevent debris within the passage (e.g., broken wafers, shards, particulate contaminants, etc.) from flowing into the slot when the actuator plate occupies its second position.

Abstract: A folding cylinder includes a plurality of gripping devices supported on a first rotatable support with a first gripping device for holding a signature on the cylinder. A plurality of tucking devices are supported on a second rotatable support, the tucking devices including a first tucking device and a second tucking device. The first gripping device is located circumferentially between the first tucking device and second tucking device and a cover fixed to the second rotatable support extends circumferentially over the first gripping device between the first tucking device and the second tucking device. The cover has at least one aperture, with the first gripping device capable of extending through the at least one aperture. With the folding cylinder of the invention gaps between the tucking and gripping spiders can be eliminated.