Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque converter including a cover and a planetary gear set rotationally interfaced with a hydraulic circuit and arranged to modify torque received by the cover from an engine. In some aspects, the gear set includes first and second components rotationally secured to the cover and an impeller shell, respectively. In some aspects, the first and second components are a carrier and ring gear, respectively. In some aspects, the gear set further comprises third and fourth component rotationally connected to a turbine shell and the output hub, respectively. The third component is arranged to receive torque from a clutch or a hub connected to the clutch. In some aspects, the third and fourth components are a carrier and ring gear, respectively. The gear set includes a component rotationally fixed with respect to a torque converter axis, and in some aspects, a ratchet one-way stator clutch.

Abstract: A method and system of communicating visual communication quality information, includes extracting reduced-reference (RR) feature data from visual content, embedding the RR feature data in the visual content; and transmitting the visual content with the embedded RR feature data. Visual communication quality is assessed by receiving visual content which includes visual content data and a first set of embedded RR feature data, retrieving the first set of RR feature data from the visual content data, and generating a second set of RR feature data from the visual content data. The second set of RR feature data corresponds to substantially identical features of the visual content data as that used to generate the first set of RR feature data. The first set of RR feature data is compared to the second first set of RR feature data to determine a quality of the visual content based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a torque converter from torque conversion mode to lock-up mode, and a torque converter. The method includes rotationally fixing stator blades to a non-rotatable stator shaft; partially engaging a torque converter clutch to transmit torque from a housing to a turbine at a first speed ratio between the turbine and the housing; disengaging a pump clutch at a second speed ratio between the turbine and the housing, the pump clutch arranged to transmit torque from the housing to the pump; and fully engaging the torque converter clutch at a third speed ratio between the housing and the turbine. The second ratio can be less than a ratio for a coupling point. The torque converter has torque converter and pump clutches, a non-rotatable stator, and a connection point between a turbine and hub, at least partially radially aligned with an inner ring for the stator.

Abstract: A method and system of communicating visual communication quality information, includes extracting reduced-reference (RR) feature data from visual content, embedding the RR feature data in the visual content; and transmitting the visual content with the embedded RR feature data. Visual communication quality is assessed by receiving visual content which includes visual content data and a first set of embedded RR feature data, retrieving the first set of RR feature data from the visual content data, and generating a second set of RR feature data from the visual content data. The second set of RR feature data corresponds to substantially identical features of the visual content data as that used to generate the first set of RR feature data. The first set of RR feature data is compared to the second first set of RR feature data to determine a quality of the visual content based upon the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for transferring power flow from a multidisplacement engine to a transmission. The device includes an enclosed housing having a first shell on the engine side, a second shell on the transmission side, with the housing at least partially filled with oil and connected to an external oil pump. The device also includes a planetary gear set comprising an outer ring gear, a set of intermediate planet gears contained within a planet carrier, and a sun gear attached to a stator, a first clutch pack connecting the housing and the ring gear when engaged, a piston means designed to engage the first clutch pack, and a second clutch pack which connects the ring gear with the sun gear when engaged. A preloaded diaphragm spring connects the second clutch pack with the ring gear. First and second damper spring assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a torque converter from torque conversion mode to lock-up mode, and a torque converter. The method includes rotationally fixing stator blades to a non-rotatable stator shaft; partially engaging a torque converter clutch to transmit torque from a housing to a turbine at a first speed ratio between the turbine and the housing; disengaging a pump clutch at a second speed ratio between the turbine and the housing, the pump clutch arranged to transmit torque from the housing to the pump; and fully engaging the torque converter clutch at a third speed ratio between the housing and the turbine. The second ratio can be less than a ratio for a coupling point. The torque converter has torque converter and pump clutches, a non-rotatable stator, and a connection point between a turbine and hub, at least partially radially aligned with an inner ring for the stator.

Abstract: A spreader system may include a hopper formed substantially of plastic for use in holding solid agents and a conveyor system formed substantially of non-corrosive metal for use in conveying solid agents. The spreader system may also include a compartment formed integral with a wall of the hopper for use in holding liquid agents.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque converter including a cover and a planetary gear set rotationally interfaced with a hydraulic circuit and arranged to modify torque received by the cover from an engine. In some aspects, the gear set includes first and second components rotationally secured to the cover and an impeller shell, respectively. In some aspects, the first and second components are a carrier and ring gear, respectively. In some aspects, the gear set further comprises third and fourth component rotationally connected to a turbine shell and the output hub, respectively. The third component is arranged to receive torque from a clutch or a hub connected to the clutch. In some aspects, the third and fourth components are a carrier and ring gear, respectively. The gear set includes a component rotationally fixed with respect to a torque converter axis, and in some aspects, a ratchet one-way stator clutch.

Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: The invention broadly comprises a torque converter with a pump clutch operatively arranged to couple a pump in the converter to a torsional input to the converter and a torque converter clutch operatively arranged to couple the torsional input to an output shaft for the converter. The pump clutch is arranged to maintain the coupling of the pump to the input as the torsional input and the shaft are coupled. The torque converter also includes at least one vibration damping means. The damping means is operatively connected to the torsional input and disposed in the converter such that the torsional input passes through the at least one vibration damping means when the input is coupled to the pump. The present invention also broadly comprises a torque transmitting apparatus, comprising a torque converter, a first input shaft for a dual-input gearbox, and, means for coupling the converter and the input shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for transferring power flow from a multidisplacement engine to a transmission. The device includes an enclosed housing having a first shell on the engine side, a second shell on the transmission side, with the housing at least partially filled with oil and connected to an external oil pump. The device also includes a planetary gear set comprising an outer ring gear, a set of intermediate planet gears contained within a planet carrier, and a sun gear attached to a stator, a first clutch pack connecting the housing and the ring gear when engaged, a piston means designed to engage the first clutch pack, and a second clutch pack which connects the ring gear with the sun gear when engaged. A preloaded diaphragm spring connects the second clutch pack with the ring gear. First and second damper spring assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of communicating visual communication quality information, includes extracting reduced-reference (RR) feature data from visual content, embedding the RR feature data in the visual content; and transmitting the visual content with the embedded RR feature data. Visual communication quality is assessed by receiving visual content which includes visual content data and a first set of embedded RR feature data, retrieving the first set of RR feature data from the visual content data, and generating a second set of RR feature data from the visual content data. The second set of RR feature data corresponds to substantially identical features of the visual content data as that used to generate the first set of RR feature data. The first set of RR feature data is compared to the second first set of RR feature data to determine a quality of the visual content based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for overcoming optical errors occurring from reticle and other hardware usage in a semiconductor fabrication apparatus. The systems and methods minimize optical errors, such as those resulting from gravitational sag on a reticle or mask, for a pattern being projected onto a wafer. The reduced errors allow larger reticles and masks to be used—while maintaining optical accuracy; and also improve optical budget management.

Abstract: A system for supplying power in a communication network includes a network element and a plurality of subscriber devices in communication with the network element. Each of the plurality of subscriber devices is configured to communicate with the network element via a respective communication line, each of the plurality of subscriber devices includes a power supply for supplying power to the subscriber device. Each subscriber device of at least a subset of the plurality of subscriber devices includes a power transmission circuit in communication with the respective power supply. The power transmission circuit is configured to transmit a portion of the power supplied by the power supply of the subscriber device to the network element via the respective communication line. The portions of power supplied from the at least subset of the plurality of subscriber devices are aggregated to provide power for the network element.

Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: A cable adapter port module (CAPM) for providing test access to communication circuits associated with a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) includes a first plurality of ports for coupling the CAPM to the DSLAM. The CAPM includes a second plurality of ports for coupling the CAPM to a distribution frame (DF). The CAPM includes a selector matrix circuit for switching signals between the DSLAM and the DF. The CAPM includes a controller circuit in communication with the selector matrix circuit for controlling the CAPM. The CAPM receives power signals over a communication link for powering the CAPM. The controller circuit modulates the power signals over the communication link to communicate information signals for testing the communication circuits.

Abstract: A system for identifying characteristics of communication circuit devices in a communication circuit includes a stimulus signal generator configured to generate a stimulus signal at a plurality of amplitudes for the communication circuit devices. At least one of the plurality of amplitudes exceeds a first predetermined threshold. At least one communication circuit device is configured to generate a signature signal in response to the stimulus signal when the stimulus signal exceeds the first predetermined threshold. The system includes an evaluation device configured to evaluate at least one intermodulation distortion (IMD) product of the signature signal generated by the at least one communication circuit device, and to identify a class of the at least one communication circuit device according to a transition level of an amplitude of the at least one IMD product of the signature signal that exceeds a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A modular spreader system is provided. The spreader may include a conveyor system defining a frame, a hopper and, a method of attaching the hopper to the frame and for detaching the hopper from the frame. A hydraulic unit may be provided to provide power to the conveyor belt. The hydraulic unit may easily be replaced with an engine. The spreader system may also have a spinner system that can be easily swung out of the way so that the spreader material can be emptied without need to be processed through the spinner system.