Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for expanding an interface to a computer. According to one aspect, a device is provided, including a backplane and at least one expansion card. The backplane includes at least one expansion slot and an upstream connector for connecting with the computer. The expansion card is adapted for coupling with the expansion slot. The expansion card includes at least one port to provide an interface with the computer. According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, including a control module, a hub coupled to the control module and adapted for providing USB/USB+ outputs, and an external functions unit coupled to the hub and adapted for providing outputs.

Abstract: A series inline continuously variable transmission (SICVT) in which two series coupled continuously variable transmissions are in an inline configuration is provided to be used in rear-wheel drive vehicles. Two sets of pulleys are connected in series to square the reduction and bring the input and output shafts inline. The input and output pulleys are configured for actuation by hydraulic pistons for shifting, while the idler pulley set may be implemented without a need for actuation. Displacement of the actuated pulleys results in the square of the original ratio change. The SICVT is compact and efficient, and can be used in all types and sizes of vehicles including gasoline and diesel powered vehicles and electric, fuel cell electric, and all types of hybrid electric vehicles. Additional CVT stages can be provided for further reduction in size.

Abstract: A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator apparatus for an optical microscope system including an optical head with a mounting flange for mounting the optical head to a port of the microscope, a DMD for generating a pattern image of light, a light source mount for receiving a source of illumination, and one or more optical elements for directing light from the source of illumination to the DMD and to direct the pattern image generated by the DMD to the microscope. A DMD controller has a digital input and is connected to the DMD for driving the individual micromirrors of the DMD to generate the pattern image. A pattern generation subsystem is configured to output pattern image data and a digital interface is connected between the digital input of the DMD controller and the pattern generation subsystem, the digital interface configured to provide a digital drive signal to the DMD controller corresponding to the pattern image data.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a transmission. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the internal combustion engine. Moreover, a generator is mechanically coupled to the turbocharger and thereby driven by exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The generator can provide electricity to the motor and/or a battery while simultaneously providing altitude compensation for the internal combustion engine so that the internal combustion engine output remains at the same power and efficiency as altitude and environmental conditions change. The turbocharger can also be used for power boost if desired. The exhaust gas driven generator system can be deployed in conventional vehicles as well to charge the battery and/or power electrical accessories, thereby replacing the alternator.

Abstract: A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.

Abstract: A process that achieves a striping or pin-striping or other specified pattern decoration on molded surfaces during manufacturing. This process begins by engraving the stripe or other pattern into the surface of the initial sculpted figurine in the specified area. The stripe engraving or other pattern can be as thick or thin as desired but typically between 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm thick and between 0.1 mm to 1 mm deep below the surface. The stripe pattern is engraved on the surface of the original model master figurine when the figurine is initially sculpted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the power output of an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, wherein a motor/generator or a generator/motor is coupled to the output shaft of the engine and the positive and negative torque of the motor/generator or the generator/motor is varied to control the power output of the engine as a function of speed for all manners of performance of the vehicle. The engine operates along a predetermined ideal operating line at all speeds of the vehicle.

Abstract: An on-chip watchdog circuit (100) is provided that generates an output signal (175) when an error signal (112) generated by a circuit under test (110) is detected. The on-chip watchdog circuit (100) comprises a logic gate (125) that is connected to a clock signal and receives a signal in response to the error signal 112 generated by the circuit under test (110). A gate output circuit (140) is connected to an output of the logic gate (125). An RC circuit (150) is connected to the gate output circuit (140). A comparator (170) is connected to the RC circuit (150). The comparator (170) is also connected to a voltage divider (160) and provides the output signal (175) in response to the error signal (112) generated by the circuit under test (110), and the on-chip watchdog circuit (100) and the circuit under test (110) are integrated on a same semiconductor microchip.

Abstract: A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator apparatus for an optical microscope system including an optical head with a mounting flange for mounting the optical head to a port of the microscope, a DMD for generating a pattern image of light, a light source mount for receiving a source of illumination, and one or more optical elements for directing light from the source of illumination to the DMD and to direct the pattern image generated by the DMD to the microscope. A DMD controller has a digital input and is connected to the DMD for driving the individual micromirrors of the DMD to generate the pattern image. A pattern generation subsystem is configured to output pattern image data and a digital interface is connected between the digital input of the DMD controller and the pattern generation subsystem, the digital interface configured to provide a digital drive signal to the DMD controller corresponding to the pattern image data.

Abstract: A sealing cover for a multi well plate includes a plurality of layers including a lid and a non-stick sealing layer. The sealing cover also includes a spring member for holding the multi well plate securely. The sealing cover is especially adapted for manipulation by a robotic apparatus.

Abstract: A circuit and method for achieving hold time compatibility between data-source devices coupled to a data-requesting device through a data bus is provided. The circuit is made up of an impedance coupled to the data bus, and the value of that impedance is selected, based on a respective capacitance in the data bus, to introduce a predetermined delay to data passing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used to calibrate a gamma camera include an energy source and intensity selector and an energy weighting device. The energy source provides an energy output, such as an electrical current. The intensity selector is connected to the energy source and adjusts the energy output to a predetermined energy level that corresponds to an intensity of a predetermined radioactive source. The energy weighting device is also connected to the energy source and gamma camera, and the spatial compensator creates calibration signals from the energy output of the energy source. The calibration signals are supplied to the gamma camera and used during calibration of the gamma camera in lieu of energy signals produced by the gamma camera in response to a radioactive source.

Abstract: An on-chip watchdog circuit is provided that generates an output signal when an error signal generated by a circuit under test is detected. The on-chip watchdog circuit comprises a logic gate that is connected to a clock signal and receives a signal in response to the error signal generated by the circuit under test. A gate output circuit is connected to an output of the logic gate. An RC circuit is connected to the gate output circuit. A voltage divider is connected to the RC circuit. A comparator is connected to the voltage divider and provides the output signal in response to the error signal generated by the circuit under test, and the on-chip watchdog circuit and the circuit under test are integrated on a same semiconductor microchip.

Abstract: An electrical/electronic system architecture for a vehicle includes a plurality of regions partitioning the vehicle, with each region having a regional electrical/electronic controller (REEC) and at least one local network partitioning each region, with each local network having an electrical/electronic device. The electrical/electronic system architecture includes a global power distribution network that distributes power from a power source to the REEC within each region and a regional power distribution system that distributes the power from the REEC to the local network. The electrical/electronic system architecture also includes a global communication network that provides serial data communication between the REECs in the regions and a regional communication network communicating with the global communication network, such that the regional communication network provides data communication between the REEC and the local network within the region.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for expanding an interface to a computer. According to one aspect, a device is provided, including a backplane and at least one expansion card. The backplane includes at least one expansion slot and an upstream connector for connecting with the computer. The expansion card is adapted for coupling with the expansion slot. The expansion card includes at least one port to provide an interface with the computer. According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, including a control module, a hub coupled to the control module and adapted for providing USB/USB+ outputs, and an external functions unit coupled to the hub and adapted for providing outputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clocked comparator which extends the time period before an input signal is measured to include most of the clock cycle, thereby increasing the amount of time available for the input signal to achieve a “steady-state” condition. After the input signal achieves a “steady-state” condition the comparator compares the input signal against a reference voltage and a decision register latches the comparator output. The decision signal may then be further latched to be made available for external circuitry in the subsequent clock cycle. A multi-phase programmable signal generator is connected to the clocked generator for generating a plurality of timing signals. The multi-phase programmable signal generator employs a plurality of single bit registers interconnected in series to form a shift register. Output signals generated by the programmable signal generator are used to drive the switches and register clocks of the clocked comparator.