Abstract: A programmable frequency termination shunt suitable to terminate a portion of a railroad track circuit. The programmable frequency termination shunt includes a multi-frequency shunt circuit having a plurality of selectable shunt frequencies and a processor coupled to the multi-frequency shunt circuit. The processor is adapted to set the termination frequency of the shunt by selecting one of the shunt frequencies of the multi-frequency shunt circuit. The shunt is powered by signals transmitted along the rails of the railroad track and can be programmed in response to signals from a rail-based communication link or a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A data acquisition circuit may isolate control and data decode logic elements from data acquisition elements such as sensors through the use of a single transformer. A control signal may be supplied to a primary winding of a transformer by alternately opening and closing a push switch and a pull switch. First and second analog to digital converter circuits may receive analog signals and convert them to data signals, which may appear on the secondary winding of the transformer. Data signals may be substantially received by a data demodulator circuit on the primary side of the data acquisition circuit. The data demodulator circuit may compare a voltage associated with the received signal to a threshold voltage and output a result of the comparison to the control and data decode logic element.

Abstract: Track circuits and constant warning time devices that can make train direction determinations using multi-frequency track impedance measurements and combinations of frequency tuned shunts.

Abstract: Track circuits and constant warning time devices that can make train direction determinations using multi-frequency track impedance measurements and combinations of frequency tuned shunts.

Abstract: A method and device capable of reliable and accurate train prediction determinations that account for, and overcome the problems associated with, changing ballast conditions. The method and device will detect the presence of a train in an approach area based on a rail characteristic measured in relation to a first measurement frequency transmitted along the rails. If there is a condition such as a ballast condition that may affect the rail characteristic, the method and device will detect the distance and speed of the train based on a rail characteristic measured in relation to a second measurement frequency transmitted along the rails. Otherwise, the distance and speed of the train will be determined based on the rail characteristic measured in relation to the first measurement frequency.

Abstract: A method and device capable of reliable and accurate train prediction determinations that account for, and overcome the problems associated with, changing ballast conditions. The method and device will detect the presence of a train in an approach area based on a rail characteristic measured in relation to a first measurement frequency transmitted along the rails. If there is a condition such as a ballast condition that may affect the rail characteristic, the method and device will detect the distance and speed of the train based on a rail characteristic measured in relation to a second measurement frequency transmitted along the rails. Otherwise, the distance and speed of the train will be determined based on the rail characteristic measured in relation to the first measurement frequency.

Abstract: A programmable frequency termination shunt suitable to terminate a portion of a railroad track circuit. The programmable frequency termination shunt includes a multi-frequency shunt circuit having a plurality of selectable shunt frequencies and a processor coupled to the multi-frequency shunt circuit. The processor is adapted to set the termination frequency of the shunt by selecting one of the shunt frequencies of the multi-frequency shunt circuit. The shunt is powered by signals transmitted along the rails of the railroad track and can be programmed in response to signals from a rail-based communication link or a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A data acquisition circuit may isolate control and data decode logic elements from data acquisition elements such as sensors through the use of a single transformer. A control signal may be supplied to a primary winding of a transformer by alternately opening and closing a push switch and a pull switch. First and second analog to digital converter circuits may receive analog signals and convert them to data signals, which may appear on the secondary winding of the transformer. Data signals may be substantially received by a data demodulator circuit on the primary side of the data acquisition circuit. The data demodulator circuit may compare a voltage associated with the received signal to a threshold voltage and output a result of the comparison to the control and data decode logic element.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices are described that are configured to have a state of operation defined by a connection between at least one inner bump assembly and a selected outer bump assembly. In an implementation, the semiconductor device, which may be a wafer-level (chip-scale) package semiconductor device, includes an integrated circuit chip, a plurality of outer bump assemblies disposed on the chip, and one or more inner bump assemblies disposed on the chip so that the inner bump assemblies are at least partially surrounded by the outer bump assemblies. At least one of the inner bump assemblies is configured to be connected to a selected outer bump assembly to cause the integrated circuit chip to have a desired state of operation.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for remelting solder balls in the forming of electrical connections between an electrical component being mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Vias are formed in the PCB. Underneath the PCB, a laser is directed through the via to remelt the solder ball to make the connection. In one version, the laser is included on a positioning device. The positioning device translates the laser to a location from which it is aimed through the aperture at the solder mass. In other versions, a camera on the positioning device helps position the laser by making reference to a fiducial mark on the PCB. Further, a detector can be used to determine laser intensity by measuring the output after it passes through the via.

Abstract: A method for effectuating payment of a service for the benefit of a first party, performed by a second party and facilitated by a third party, comprising first party requesting a service from a second party; a first party providing relationship information about the first party's relationship with the third party to the second party; the second party electronically communicating the relationship information to a third party to verify eligibility of the first party; the third party confirming eligibility of the first party in an asynchronous real-time mode and providing a predetermined fee schedule between the third party and the second party for services for the first party; the second party submitting a claim, based on services for the first party, to the third party; comparing the submitted claim to the relationship information concerning the first party's relationship with the third party, and adjudicating the claim in an asynchronous real-time mode and settling the claim by the third party authorizing a t