Abstract: Comb generators include a nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) having one or more NLTL sections. Each NLTL section includes one or more nonlinear elements and transmission line portions that provide transmission line dispersion. Typically, the nonlinear elements are Schottky diodes, and a pulse forming bias network is configured to establish Schottky diode bias conditions using a periodic signal that is input to the comb generator. For input periodic signals at frequencies between about 500 MHz and 1 GHz, output signals are produced having substantial power in frequency components at frequencies up to at least about 50 GHz.

Abstract: An ultrafast sampler includes a series of Schottky diodes configured with a coplanar waveguide to form a nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) that compresses a local oscillator input to form a series of strobe pulses. Strobe pulses of opposite polarity are capacitively coupled to sampling diodes to obtain samples of a signal applied to a signal input. The samples are directed along an intermediate frequency waveguide to, for example, a signal processor such as an oscilloscope, for storage and analysis. The intermediate frequency waveguide is configured so that conductors of the intermediate frequency waveguide receive signal samples of a common polarity and strobe samples of opposite polarities so that portions of strobe pulses delivered to a signal processor are distinguished from signal samples.

Abstract: A low cost, low profile, small size and high performance electronic device for use in, e.g., electronic circuits where a transformer, inductor, or mixer is required. In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes a “binocular” ferrite core comprising a plurality of core apertures and windings. The core is shaped with one or more channels which are at least partly plated (metallized) so as to allow bonding of the winding terminations directly to the core. The placement of these plated areas allows simplified surface mounting. The plated areas also obviate a termination header, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the device and reducing its cost. Methods for manufacturing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromechanical pulse generator and a method of generating electrical pulses are disclosed. The electromechanical pulse generator comprises very few parts and includes an effective mechanism to prevent contact rebound. An upper, user-actuable and rotatable part has a surface with a plurality of projections. A lower part has an electrical conductor with a displaceable resilient contact portion biased against the projections and two electrical contacts positioned, in the plane of rotation, on either side of the displaceable contact portion.

Abstract: Improved form-less electronic apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shape-core inductive device having a bonded-wire coil which is formed and maintained within the device without resort to a bobbin or other form(er). The absence of the bobbin simplifies the manufacture of the device, reduces its cost, and allows it to be made more compact (or alternatively additional functionality to be disposed therein). One variant utilizes a termination header for mating to a PCB or other assembly, while another totally avoids the use of the header by directly mating to the PCB. Multi-core variants and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved inductive electronic apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inductive device module comprising N inductors and N+1 core elements. The core elements comprise ferrite core pieces that are optionally identical to one another. These core elements are stacked (e.g., in a longitudinal coaxial arrangement) such that the back of one core element associated with a first inductor provides a magnetic flux path for a second inductor. Form-less (bonded) windings are also optionally used to simplify the manufacture of the device, reduce its cost, and allow it to be made more compact (or alternatively additional functionality to be disposed therein). One variant utilizes a termination header for mating to a PCB or other assembly, while another totally avoids the use of the header by directly mating to the PCB.

Abstract: A multi-band antenna and associated apparatus for communication systems and other applications. In one embodiment, a common junction network is provided having a first and a second radiator. The first radiator resonates in a first frequency band. The second radiator resonates in a second frequency band. The first and second frequency bands are different from one another (yet may overlap). A first electrical component is coupled to the common junction network and proximately located to the first radiator. The first electrical component creates a resonance with the common junction network to create a third frequency band proximate to the first frequency band. The first radiator is capable of communicating RF energy in the first frequency band and the third frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature microphone assembly comprising a capacitive microphone transducer comprising a microphone electrical contact or terminal, a microphone carrier comprising a carrier electrical contact or terminal formed on a first surface thereof, and an integrated circuit die comprising a die electrical terminal operatively coupled to signal amplification or signal conditioning circuitry of the integrated circuit die. The first surface of the microphone carrier comprises a first electrically conductive path surrounding the carrier electrical contact or terminal.

Abstract: A low cost, low profile, small size and high performance inductive device for use in, e.g., electronic circuits. In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes a ferrite core comprising multiple inductors and optimized for electrical and magnetic performance. Improvements in performance are obtained by, inter alia, control of the properties of the gap region(s) as well as placement of the windings relative to the gap. The magnetic path properties of the inductors at the ends of the device are also optionally controllable so as to provide precise matching of inductances. Optionally, the device is also self-leaded, thereby simplifying its installation and mating to a parent device (e.g., PCB). Methods for manufacturing and utilizing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic micro-electrical-mechanical-system (MEMS) transducer formed on a single die based on a semiconductor material and having front and back surface parts opposed to each other. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such an acoustic MEMS transducer. The acoustic MEMS transducer comprises a cavity formed in the die to thereby provide a back volume with an upper portion facing an opening of the cavity and a lower portion facing a bottom of the cavity. A back plate and a diaphragm are arranged substantially parallel with an air gap there between and extending at least partly across the opening of the cavity, with the back plate and diaphragm being integrally formed with the front surface part of the die. The bottom of the cavity is bounded by the die. The diaphragm may be arranged above the back plate and at least partly extending across the back plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for measuring an affinity substance using pearl chain formation of carrier particles, in which the methods include the step of electrically disrupting blood cell components. Blood cell components which interfere with the counting of carrier particles are electrically disrupted. Furthermore, blood cell components can be disrupted without addition of hemolytic agents which interfere with immunological reactions. Whole blood samples can be directly used as measurement samples without separating serum or plasma. Therefore, it is unnecessary to separate serum or plasma when analyzing blood components.

Abstract: An advanced connector assembly enabled to receive and distribute power signals. In one embodiment, the connector comprises a single port modular jack, and incorporates an insert assembly disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing. The insert assembly includes first and second substrates and a cavity adapted to receive one or more electronic or signal conditioning components. Heat removal features are also utilized within the jack to effectively dissipate heat produced by the electronic or signal conditioning components. The insert assembly is also optionally made removable from the jack housing such that an insert assembly of a different electronics or terminal configuration can be substituted therefor. In this fashion, the connector can be configured to a plurality of different standards (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100, etc.). Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle-free injector with a mechanism to adjust the volume of liquid administered is provided. The injector includes a power base, a fluid path having a plunger to force substances from a cavity defined within the fluid path, and a dose adjustment assembly for adjustably positioning the fluid path relative to the power base to adjust the volume of substance administered to the subject.

Abstract: A low cost, low profile and high performance inductive device for use in, e.g., electronic circuits. In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes a four-legged ferrite core optimized for fitting with four or more windings, thereby providing four close-tolerance inductors. Optionally, the device is also self-leaded, thereby simplifying its installation and mating to a parent device (e.g., PCB). In another embodiment, multiple windings per leg are provided. In yet another embodiment, the device has only to opposed legs, thereby reducing footprint. Methods for manufacturing and utilizing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to optimize ultra-wideband communication through wire and cable media are provided. One apparatus comprises an ultra-wideband transmitter structured to transmit a training set of ultra-wideband pulses through the wire medium. An ultra-wideband receiver is structured to receive the training set of ultra-wideband pulses from the wire medium. A determination of which of the pulses within the training set is best suited for communication through the media is then performed. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A new rotary receptacle assembly comprises a frame assembly and a drum assembly journaled to the frame assembly so that the drum assembly may rotate relative to the frame assembly. Mounted to the drum assembly is at least one receptacle. A motor assembly may be mounted to one of the frame assembly and the drum assembly for imparting rotary motion to the drum assembly relative to the frame assembly. A clutch assembly disposed on the frame assembly or the drum assembly is coupled to motor assembly. A sensor assembly is mounted on the drum assembly and operably coupled to the motor assembly via a rotation control circuit for preventing the motor assembly from operating when an object is detected by the sensor assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of ultra-wideband communication are provided. In one embodiment, a communication frame is generated and includes a synchronization section, and at least two data sections and at least two preamble sections. An ultra-wideband receiver synchronizes with the ultra-wideband transmitter using the synchronization section, and may also re-synchronize with the transmitter using at least one preamble section. In another embodiment, the length of the data sections are selected to ensure that drift between the ultra-wideband receiver and transmitter will be minimal before re-synchronization. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Ultra wide band communication systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an ultra wide band communication system includes a first and a second communication device. A lowest common ultra wide band pulse repetition frequency is determined, and data is transmitted between the communication devices using the lowest common ultra wide band pulse repetition frequency. In another embodiment, a first and second slave transceiver communicate with a master transceiver using a time division multiple access frame, with the master transceiver providing transmission synchronization. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mounting a radiating antenna element used especially in the manufacture of small-sized radio devices and a radio device with a radiator mounted by the method. A thin thermoplastic plate coated with a metal foil is used in the manufacture of the antenna. A radiator pattern is formed in the metal foil. The antenna component obtained is placed (401) on the surface of some plastic part of the radio device, preferably on the inner surface of the thermoplastic cover of the radio device. The plastic layer of the antenna component becomes positioned against said plastic part, and the component is fastened (402, 403) by fusing together the mating plastic materials, which are against each other. In the complete antenna, the radiator is electrically connected to the other parts of the radio device by means of contacts.

Abstract: A method of providing at least part of a diaphragm and at least a part of a back-plate of a condenser microphone with a hydrophobic layer so as to avoid stiction between said diaphragm and said back-plate. The layer is deposited via a number small of openings in the back-plate, the diaphragm and/or between the diaphragm and the back-plate. Provides a homogeneous and structured hydrophobic layer, even to small internal cavities of the microstructure. The layer may be deposited by a liquid phase or a vapor phase deposition method. The method may be applied naturally in continuation of the normal manufacturing process. Further, a MEMS condenser microphone is provided having such a hydrophobic layer. The static distance between the diaphragm and the back-plate of the microphone is smaller than 10 ?m.