Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator is implemented with a succession of delay cells coupled in series to form an oscillator loop. The oscillator loop is supplied with reference voltages produced by a voltage generator. The reference voltages produce stable operation of the voltage-controlled oscillator. Cascode reference current generators are incorporated within the voltage generator to supply a cross-coupled arrangement of pull-up devices within each delay cell. The cross-coupled pull-up devices are instrumental in producing complementary output signaling from each delay cell. A pair of cascode current generators is configured in parallel to produce a magnitude of current according to an applied voltage and to be selectable for dual or single operation with a corresponding frequency determination.

Abstract: A method for protecting a data-storing device, the method including, when the data-storing device is connected to a first computing system, writing, using the first computing system, data associated to an autorun file within the data-storing device, in such a way that the autorun file is not accessible as such a file by an operating system running in a second computing system.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing the risk of developing restenosis after revascularization by implantation of stents based on the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing the risk of developing restenosis after revascularization by implantation of stents based on the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-destructive method for measuring the elasticity of templates of materials for lining automotive vehicle components, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: applying a tensile pre-load with a predetermined value P1 in a longitudinal direction to a template section (41); applying a tensile load with a predetermined value P2 in a longitudinal direction to said section (41) and measuring the longitudinal deformation produced; removing the load applied to said section (41) and measuring the residual longitudinal deformation produced. The invention also comprises an apparatus (11) for carrying out the method which comprises two fixing elements (15, 17) for fixing the section (41), one of which elements is a fixed element (15) and the other is a moving element (17), a device for applying a tensile load to the moving element (17) connected to a dynamometer (29), and a rule (31) for measuring the longitudinal deformation of said section (41).

Abstract: A method of generating a correction signal for a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) includes receiving a first signal in a correction current generator, changing a state of a first error signal substantially simultaneously with a first changing state of the first signal, receiving a second signal in the correction current generator, changing a state of a second error signal substantially simultaneously with a first changing state of the second signal, changing the state of the first error signal substantially simultaneously with a second changing state of the second signal, changing the state of the second error signal substantially simultaneously with a second changing state of the first signal, combining the first error signal and the second error signal to generate the correction signal substantially equal to a difference between the first error signal and the second error signal and applying the correction signal to a loop filter coupled to a correction signal input of the VCO.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator is implemented with a succession of delay cells coupled in series to form an oscillator loop. The oscillator loop is supplied with reference voltages produced by a voltage generator. The reference voltages produce stable operation of the voltage-controlled oscillator. Cascode reference current generators are incorporated within the voltage generator to supply a cross-coupled arrangement of pull-up devices within each delay cell. The cross-coupled pull-up devices are instrumental in producing complementary output signaling from each delay cell. A pair of cascode current generators is configured in parallel to produce a magnitude of current according to an applied voltage and be selectable for dual or single operation with a corresponding frequency determination.

Abstract: A method for comparing phases of two signals including placing a first output node in a floating state, detecting a first edge of a first signal on a first input node after placing the first output node in the floating state, coupling the first edge of the first signal to the first output node and resetting the first output node to the floating state after coupling the first edge of the first signal to the first output node. A system for comparing phases of two signals can also be included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the adaptability of lining materials for automotive vehicle components, which materials are joined thereto by means of an adhesive, comprising the following steps: obtaining samples (13) of the material with several diameters Dmi; providing disc-shaped jigs (11) with a central recessed area (15) and an intermediate area (17), the diameter Dz of the latter being greater than the diameters Dmi, and such diameters Dmi being smaller than the diameter Dc of the central recessed area (15); applying said adhesive to the samples (13) and the jigs (1) and placing the samples (13) on the jigs (11) inside the intermediate area (17); detecting the presence or absence of creases in the samples (13); determining the adaptability according to the difference of the diameter Dmi of the samples (13) that do not have creases with respect to the diameter Dc of the central recessed area (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-destructive method for measuring the elasticity of templates of materials for lining automotive vehicle components, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: applying a tensile pre-load with a predetermined value P1 in a longitudinal direction to a template section (41); applying a tensile load with a predetermined value P2 in a longitudinal direction to said section (41) and measuring the longitudinal deformation produced; removing the load applied to said section (41) and measuring the residual longitudinal deformation produced. The invention also comprises an apparatus (11) for carrying out the method which comprises two fixing elements (15, 17) for fixing the section (41), one of which elements is a fixed element (15) and the other is a moving element (17), a device for applying a tensile load to the moving element (17) connected to a dynamometer (29), and a rule (31) for measuring the longitudinal deformation of said section (41).

Abstract: A circuit and method are provided for detecting a phase difference between at least two periodic signals. The circuit and method disclosed herein provide pulsed output signals with wide output pulse widths well suited for use to drive a charge-pump in a phase-locked loop. The wide pulse widths of the output signals generated by the circuit and method allow the charge-pump to sink or source current with higher accuracy and therefore improve the operational characteristics of the phase-locked loop. Further, the circuit and method disclosed herein allow a phase-frequency detector and an associated charge-pump to operate at a higher operational frequency due to the wide pulse widths.

Abstract: A method of play is provided that includes (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position into the goal area to obtain a goal, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player, and (d) determining a winner based on the highest score. In some exemplary embodiments, the method of play may be a single round of play between any number of opposing teams, or the method may between individual players. In other exemplary embodiments, the method of play may include one or more subsequent rounds of play that comprise additional steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 4-phenyl-4-[1H-imidazol-2-yl]-piperidine derivatives according to Formula (I) the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the tautomeric forms thereof and the N-oxide forms thereof. In particular are claimed compounds according to Formula (I) in which A=B is C?O or SO2, X is a covalent bond, R1 is alkyloxy, alkyloxyalkyl, Ar or NR9R10, wherein R9 and R10 each independently are hydrogen or Ar; or A=B and R1 together form a benzoxazolyl radical; p is zero, R3 is benzyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, alkyl or alkyloxycarbonyl and R4 and R5 each are hydrogen. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention and their use in medicine, in particular as selective non-peptide ?-opioid agonists for use in the treatment of various pain conditions.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed toward a containment device for attachment to an item of clothing, preferably a shoe. The device comprises a sheet of material folded to form a front portion, a back portion, and a cover piece. The cover piece is connected to one end of the front portion, while the back portion is connected to the other end of the front portion. The cover piece can fold over the distal end of the back portion such that a sleeve is formed wherein an item can be stored. The back portion contains a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface contacts the stored item. The rear surface contains at least one means for attaching the containment device to an item of clothing. The device can also be stitched directly onto an item of clothing.

Abstract: The current invention is directed toward an item of footwear with upper and lower soles, which are removably attached to each other by a zipper, where the sole contains one or more compartments created by mating cavities formed into the mating faces of the upper and lower soles. Access to the compartment(s) is achieved through zippers and a flexible sole. A zipper is located along the fringe of the sole, separating the sole into an upper sole and a lower sole. A zipper encompassing the entire fringe of the sole allows for complete removal of the lower sole. A zipper encompassing part of the fringe combined with the flexible sole allows easy access to a compartment. The existence of a compartment is, optionally, hidden by making the zipper the same color as the sole, or by hiding the zipper under a protective sleeve.

Abstract: A circuit and method are provided for calibrating an analog oscillator in the digital domain. The circuit and method disclosed herein centers an oscillation frequency of an analog oscillator by producing a binary signal to which the analog oscillator is responsive. Changes in the binary digital signal cause the oscillation frequency of the analog oscillator to shift in a desired direction to calibrate the analog oscillator. At the completion of the calibration process, the control of the oscillation frequency of the analog oscillator is switched to the analog domain so that the analog oscillator is responsive to an analog control voltage to shift the oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A method for comparing phases of two signals including placing a first output node in a floating state, detecting a first edge of a first signal on a first input node after placing the first output node in the floating state, coupling the first edge of the first signal to the first output node and resetting the first output node to the floating state after coupling the first edge of the first signal to the first output node. A system for comparing phases of two signals can also be included.

Abstract: A method of making high-density (>7.0 g/ml) sintered iron-based alloy parts by using boron-containing Master Alloys comprises the steps of mixing an atomised, boron-containing master alloy powder, or a plurality of master alloy powders at least one of which is boron-containing, with a conventional iron or iron alloy powder; optionally adding graphite and a lubricant in conventional amounts as used in powder metallurgy technology; and pressing and sintering the mix to an increased density, preferably in a reducing, inert or vacuum atmosphere at 1050 to 1300° C., to produce the part required. The invention also includes parts produced by the above defined method.

Abstract: A method of generating a correction signal for a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) includes receiving a first signal in a correction current generator, changing a state of a first error signal substantially simultaneously with a first changing state of the first signal, receiving a second signal in the correction current generator, changing a state of a second error signal substantially simultaneously with a first changing state of the second signal, changing the state of the first error signal substantially simultaneously with a second changing state of the second signal, changing the state of the second error signal substantially simultaneously with a second changing state of the first signal, combining the first error signal and the second error signal to generate the correction signal substantially equal to a difference between the first error signal and the second error signal and applying the correction signal to a loop filter coupled to a correction signal input of the VCO.