Abstract: An asset tracking unit associated with an asset determines that the asset is located at a site and establishes a geofence. The asset tracking unit transmits a notification to a central dispatch that the asset is at the site. In the event that the asset moves beyond the geofence boundary, a notification is sent to the central dispatch indicating that the asset has moved. The asset tracking unit established the geofence based on pre-established boundary criteria that are stored at the asset tracking unit.

Abstract: The leakage current output by a MOS transistor is minimized by varying a back bias voltage across a range of voltages, and detecting the back bias voltage within the range that minimizes the leakage current output by the MOS transistor. The detected back bias voltage is then applied to the MOS transistor.

Abstract: A radiant syngas cooler used to contain and cool the synthesis gas produced by coal gasification processes employs radiant and convection surfaces in a specific arrangement to achieve a cost-effective, compact design.

Abstract: The supply voltage of a memory system is adjusted in response to changes in the frequency of the clock signal. The memory system measures a time from when data becomes valid on the output of a memory to the next clock edge to determine a timing value. When the clock frequency changes from a first frequency to a second frequency, the timing value changes from a first value to a second value. The magnitude of the supply voltage is changed to return the timing value to the first value.

Abstract: A low-power, synchronous pulse width modulator utilizes a first clock signal at a first frequency to generate a pulse-width modulated signal at the first frequency without requiring a second over sampling clock signal that has a substantially higher frequency by selecting taps from a phase shifting structure to synthesize the waveform.

Abstract: A communications system interleaves control pulses between the transitions in a serial bit stream to form an interleaved signal. The serial bit stream has a series of transitions and a series of gaps between transitions where a transition can not occur. An interleaver identifies gaps in the serial bit stream, and inserts the control pulses in the gaps to form the interleaved signal. The interleaved signal reduces the pin count when the interleaved signal is transmitted between chips.

Abstract: The supply voltage of a memory system is adjusted in response to changes in the frequency of the clock signal. The memory system measures a time from when data becomes valid on the output of a memory to the next clock edge to determine a timing value. When the clock frequency changes from a first frequency to a second frequency, the timing value changes from a first value to a second value. The magnitude of the supply voltage is changed to return the timing value to the first value.

Abstract: A low-cost approach to voltage scaling is realized by latching the output of a propagation delay detector, and inputting the latched output to a string digital-to-analog (DAC) converter. The string DAC generates a DC voltage in response to the latched values, which is fed back to the propagation delay detector.

Abstract: A system and method for describing local area geo-reference features and landmarks in providing high resolution asset location information. Geo-image data is integrated to a mapping application and geo-reference data to add more detailed scale levels to the map. The geo-image data includes geo-images and its features to provide more detailed references to the asset and support the larger references of the geo-reference data. To describe a geo-reference landmark, an original landmark representation is selected with a center point and a radius. The asset location points located at the original landmark representation are compiled along with the asset location points generated by events occurring at the landmark to create a point set. The point set replaces the original landmark representation when a prescribed number of points is reached. The asset location points that are within a specified distance from any of the points in the point set are added to the point set to complete the landmark representation.

Abstract: A digital power supply system provides a supply voltage to semiconductor circuits. The power supply system utilizes a pulse width modulator to output a signal into a LC filter that generates a DC supply voltage. The width of the pulses output by the pulse width modulator are defined by an encoder that generates width information in response to a propagation delay detector that measures the propagation delay of a first clock signal when clocked by a second clock signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making as asset apparent. An individual wishing to locate an asset uses an apparatus to enter an identification code corresponding to the asset. The identification code is transmitted in a request to the asset, where it is processed to determine how to make the asset apparent. The asset then makes itself apparent to the individual, typically by audio or visual means.

Abstract: A method and system of assessing the risk of using industrial equipment to a user allows inputs to be made to a program electronically. When the appropriate inputs have been entered for a plurality of risk factors relating to the industrial equipment, the program will estimate a net risk of injury to the user based on the information inputted and based on evaluation data within the program. The risk evaluation is determined automatically by the program.

Abstract: A method and system of assessing the risk of using industrial equipment to a user allows inputs to be made to a program electronically. When the appropriate inputs have been entered for a plurality of risk factors relating to the industrial equipment, the program will estimate a net risk of injury to the user based on the information inputted and based on evaluation data within the program. The risk evaluation is determined automatically by the program.

Abstract: An all digital power supply system provides a supply voltage to semiconductor circuits. The power supply system utilizes an up/down counter and a pulse width modulator to output a signal into a LC network that generates the supply voltage. The width of the pulses output by the pulse width modulator are defined by an encoder that generates width information in response to a propagation delay detector that measures the propagation delay of a first clock signal when clocked by a second clock signal. The system supplies the optimum or minimum required voltage to insure that a critical path through a digital chip is met over process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations without the use of a band gap reference voltage source. A state machine is also used to counteract oscillations introduced by start up and load transients, thereby eliminating the need for a proportional integrator differentiator (PID).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing separable billing services. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a memory for storing a data address associated with a first type of communication and a processor for receiving a data packet, the data packet comprising a destination data address. The processor compares the destination data address to the data address associated with the first type of communication, and routes the data packet to the destination data address if the destination data address matches the data address associated with the first type of communication and bills an account associated with the first type of communication.

Abstract: The speed of a level shifter is increased by utilizing an additional transistor to pull down the voltage on a first intermediate node, and an additional transistor to pull down the voltage on a second intermediate node. In addition, a precharge circuit is utilized to precharge the voltage on the first and second intermediate nodes to further increase the speed of the level shifter.

Abstract: A digital power supply system provides a supply voltage to semiconductor circuits. The power supply system utilizes a pulse width modulator to output a signal into a LC filter that generates a DC supply voltage. The width of the pulses output by the pulse width modulator are defined by an encoder that generates width information in response to a propagation delay detector that measures the propagation delay of a first clock signal when clocked by a second clock signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to latches, and in particular gravity latches. The latch comprises a housing which integrally mounts together with the latch a lock mechanism The latch can therefore be locked. The lock mechanism is such that the latch can also be locked in the open position.A further mechanism is also provided which enables operation of the latch from the opposite side of the fence, gate or door to where the latch is mounted.