Abstract: A power converter circuit includes a transformer and a main switch controller by a primary side controller. A sensing circuit is implemented that senses the voltage at an auxiliary winding of the transformer while the main switch is ON. The auxiliary winding is another winding on the primary side of the transformer, magnetically coupled to the secondary winding and electrically isolated from the primary winding. When the voltage across the auxiliary winding reaches a predefined threshold voltage level, the main switch is switched OFF. The threshold voltage level is set at a value that minimizes an amount of energy transferred per pulse to the secondary side of the circuit while maintaining a minimum amount of energy transfer to enable output voltage sensing at the auxiliary winding.

Abstract: A switched mode power converter includes a closed loop feedback control mechanism for regulating an output characteristic and a resonant type circuit for inclusion of resonant energy delivery. The characteristic impedance of the resonant type circuit is modified from an optimal energy transfer configuration to one that dampens fluctuations in a feedback signal used by the closed loop feedback mechanism. The modified characteristic impedance functions to dampen those fluctuations in the feedback signal resulting from leakage inductance energy provided by the resonant type circuit.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method that recognizes vehicle lane departure in road conditions affected by environmental conditions. The system uses magnetic field flux detection to determine if a vehicle is departing from a projected vehicle trajectory or a determined vehicle position between lanes. A magnetic material is applied to the stripes painted on road surfaces or on other applicable lane boundary indicators. The system uses magnetic field flux sensors or Hall Effect sensors mounted in the vehicle to recognize changes in magnetic field flux from the magnetized road stripe. These changes in magnetic field flux are interpreted by the system to determine whether alarms should be initiated for vehicle lane departure.

Abstract: A process for dressing a solder pad removes excess solder from locations that should be free of solder, such as circuit traces, other solder pads, and components near the solder pad being dressed. A first area of a substrate comprises solder to be removed and is heated to a first temperature. A second area of the substrate is heated to a second temperature. A vacuum nozzle is heated to a third temperature sufficient to melt the solder and is scanned across the area to be dressed, melting and vacuuming away the excess solder. The scanning process is controlled using a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine.

Abstract: Described herein are press fit optical vias to interconnect different levels of an electronic or electro-optical device, printed circuit board or connector. A device includes a device level having an optical component and another device level having another optical component. A press fit optical via interconnects the device level and the another device level. A press fit optical includes a barrel having a length for interconnecting between the device level and the another device level, an insertion point at an end of the barrel, and a lens at another end of the barrel. It includes an extraction collar between the lens the barrel, an insertion limit face between the extraction collar and the barrel, and a rotation key extending from the extraction collar and the insertion limit face. A plurality of swages are interposed on the barrel and the insertion limit face.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a component including a bi-metallic sheet includes performing a manufacturing process that heats the bi-metallic sheet and physically constraining the bi-metallic sheet from deformation during the cooling of the bi-metallic sheet. Optionally, the method additionally includes physically constraining the bi-metallic sheet from deformation during the manufacturing process that heats the bi-metallic sheet. A constraining apparatus is also disclosed and includes a first constraining component having a first thermally conductive contact surface adapted to abut a first surface of a metal sheet, a second constraining component having a second contact surface adapted to abut a second surface of the metal sheet, and an engaging device operative to fix the first constraining component and the second constraining component in position relative to one another. The metal sheet is constrained between the first contact surface and the second contact surface during heating and/or cooling.

Abstract: A method of controlling a switching mode power converter enables zero voltage switching by forcing a voltage across the main switch to zero. This is accomplished by sensing when a current on the secondary side of the power converter drops to zero, or other threshold value, and then generating a negative current through the secondary winding in response. The negative secondary current results in a corresponding discharge current in the primary winding, which reduces the voltage across the main switch. The voltage across the main switch is monitored such that when the voltage reaches zero, or other threshold value, the main switch is turned ON. In this manner, the circuit functions as a bi-directional current circuit where a forward current delivers energy to a load and a reverse current provides control for reducing the voltage across the main switch to enable zero voltage switching.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method that recognizes vehicle lane departure in road conditions affected by environmental conditions. The system uses magnetic field flux detection to determine if a vehicle is departing from a projected vehicle trajectory or a determined vehicle position between lanes. A magnetic material is applied to the stripes painted on road surfaces or on other applicable lane boundary indicators. The system uses magnetic field flux sensors or Hall Effect sensors mounted in the vehicle to recognize changes in magnetic field flux from the magnetized road stripe. These changes in magnetic field flux are interpreted by the system to determine whether alarms should be initiated for vehicle lane departure.

Abstract: Described herein is a system which provides a portable and rechargeable device to charge portable devices. The system includes an entertainment hub or similar structure in a vehicle and a portable and rechargeable device which connects with the entertainment hub to charge batteries in the portable and rechargeable device. The entertainment hub is connected to the vehicle power system and has a connection port for holding and powering the portable and rechargeable device. The connection port and the portable and rechargeable device have mated connectors. An ejection button disengages the portable and rechargeable device from the entertainment hub. The portable and rechargeable device has a connector for connecting to and charging a portable device.

Abstract: A wearable key fob is disclosed herein. The wearable key fob includes a wrist band including a slot and a key fob including a charging tab that fits into the slot of the wrist band; wherein the key fob is configured for vehicle operability and monitoring a user's health.

Abstract: A power adapter system, method and device having two feedback loops that produces an output voltage on a load with a power converter using an input power. A feedback element coupled with the power converter comprises a first feedback loop that compensates for error on the output voltage. A noise detection element coupled with the power converter comprises a second feedback loop that detects noise and produces a noise feedback voltage based on the detected noise. Based on the noise feedback voltage a controller coupled with the power converter adjusts the operation of the power converter in order to compensate for or not respond to the effects of high frequency noise such as radio frequency noise on the first feedback loop of the system.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a solar cell soldered to a mounting element, such as a ceramic substrate. The solder bond can comprise a void. A method of reducing a solder void comprises reflowing the solder using a vacuum source and a heat source in a sealed chamber. The chamber is formed, at least in part, by a cowling into which the solar cell module is mounted. A system for reducing voids in a solder bond comprises a heat source and a vacuum source coupled to the sealed chamber into which a solar cell module is placed. The system can optionally include a control system that automates the execution of methods of reducing solder voids. The system can further include a pressure source to aid in reducing the solder void and reflowing the solder after the void is reduced.

Abstract: An intelligent television and methods for user interaction between the intelligent television and the user are provided. In general, a user is provided with navigation, notification, and setup options which enable one or more functions associated with the intelligent television. The presentation of options is based on input received by the intelligent television. As a user provides input to the intelligent television via a remote control or other input device, the intelligent television is configured to interpret the input and provide interactive functionality in the form of content presented to the display of the intelligent television.

Abstract: An electronic component assembly and vibration reduction device having screwless design with cantilever clips to clam and locate the electronic panels onto the mounting brackets or fasten the information storage devices onto cases are disclosed. The cantilever clip contain damping structures, which can generate damping effect to reduce vibrations. The effectiveness of the damping structure can be adjusted through the adjustment of the length, thickness, materials and other factors of the cantilever clip. The damping effect is generated by moving the cantilever clips in an oscillatory manner.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a solar cell soldered to a mounting element, such as a ceramic substrate. The solder bond can comprise a void. A method of reducing a solder void comprises reflowing the solder using a vacuum source and a heat source in a sealed chamber. The chamber is formed, at least in part, by a cowling into which the solar cell module is mounted. A system for reducing voids in a solder bond comprises a heat source and a vacuum source coupled to the sealed chamber into which a solar cell module is placed. The system can optionally include a control system that automates the execution of methods of reducing solder voids. The system can further include a pressure source to aid in reducing the solder void and reflowing the solder after the void is reduced.

Abstract: An intelligent television can store and retrieve data about various functions of the television or associated with user behavior. The stored data streamlines the processes of providing electronic programming guide information, providing search results, providing statistics about content, providing channel information, etc. The unique set of data services in the intelligent television receive, store, manage, and retrieve the data for various of the applications or components.

Abstract: Described herein is a device and method that uses multiple touch-sensors on multiple ergonomically separated surfaces together with centralized, common processing to enable multi-touch performance for multi-touch applications. The device uses a combination of two or more separate touch-sensors with common processing to allow use of a wider portfolio of touch technologies which would otherwise only offer single-touch capabilities, for multi-touch applications. The usage of multiple separated sensors allows coverage of various surfaces using sensor technologies that might otherwise be unavailable. The segmented ergonomically formed touch sensitive devices use ergonomic single-touch and multi-touch gestures for controlling or passing general input information to electronic devices having a human-machine input. The devices fit a variety of surface conditions and are operable via a combination of a number of different human body parts.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a solar cell die that is soldered to a substrate. The substrate comprises one or more power contacts. A power conductor is soldered to a power contact, thereby electrically coupling the power conductor to the solar cell die. A pre-heat module heats a first side of the substrate at a first area to a first temperature for a first duration. Then, a solder heat source solders a power conductor to a power contact at a second area of the substrate at a second temperature for a second duration. The resulting solder connection at the power conductor is less prone to cold-solder defects. The temperature of the pre-heat module is controlled to promote curing of an RTV sealant used in the manufacture of the solar cell module. The temperature of the solder heat source is controlled to avoid burning and degrading of the RTV sealant.

Abstract: An intelligent television and methods for displaying content are disclosed. Specifically, a user may cause an application panel to be displayed, which displays content based on the panel tab selected by the user and the content being actively displayed on the intelligent television; that is, the layout, information, and content of the application panel depends on the content being displayed by the intelligent television. For example, upon receiving a selection from the user, the intelligent television may display one or more items of information that are associated with the content currently being displayed in an active content window. Additionally, the user may select a tab corresponding to specific information about the active content window. As the application panel is used to navigate through various screens in the intelligent television, the application panel itself does not obstruct the user from viewing content displayed on the screen of the intelligent television.

Abstract: An intelligent television is provided that can collect viewer information for use by a rating service.