Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems of estimating a location of a device are disclosed. One method includes determining a first position of the device, sensing at least one magnetic anomaly at the first position, estimating a location of the magnetic anomaly relative to the first position by determining a plurality of magnetic properties of the magnetic anomaly based on sensed signals of at least a magnetic sensor, and estimating a second position of the device based on a sensed change in a distance from the magnetic anomaly to the device.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems of a magnetic sensor self-characterizing its magnetic properties are disclosed. One embodiment of the magnetic sensor apparatus includes a magnetic sensor and a current source for applying a current to the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor apparatus further includes control circuitry configured to control the current source, and characterize a magnetic property of the magnetic sensor based on the applied current. One method of a magnetic sensor self-characterizing its magnetic properties includes applying, by the magnetic sensor, an electrical signal, and characterizing a magnetic property of the magnetic sensor based on the applied electrical signal.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for a user monitoring apparatus are disclosed. One embodiment of the user monitoring apparatus includes one or more magnetic sensors operative to sense magnetic fields applied to the user monitoring apparatus. Further, the user monitoring apparatus is operative to sense at least one biometric characteristic of a user of the user monitoring apparatus based upon the sensed magnetic field applied to the user monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling a view of a virtual world character on a display are disclosed. One apparatus includes a controller, wherein the controller is operative to control translational movement and field of view of a character within a virtual world as rendered on a display based upon a first input and second input. The first input controls the translational movement of the character within the virtual world, and the second input controls the field of view as seen by the character within the virtual world. The video game apparatus further includes a sensor for sensing a spatial position of a user, wherein the sensor provides the first input based on the sensed spatial position of the user.

Abstract: An anastomotic system including a plurality of needles loaded with sutures and a delivery tool. The sutures include a suture core and crimp or fastener member at a proximal end of the core. An anchoring sleeve is optionally provided at a distal end. The anchoring sleeve is configured to collapse and prevent retraction of the suture after insertion through the tissue wall. A method of deploying the needles using the delivery tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling a view of a virtual world character on a display are disclosed. One apparatus includes a controller, wherein the controller is operative to control translational movement and field of view of a character within a virtual world as rendered on a display based upon a first input and second input. The first input controls the translational movement of the character within the virtual world, and the second input controls the field of view as seen by the character within the virtual world. The video game apparatus further includes a sensor for sensing a spatial position of a user, wherein the sensor provides the first input based on the sensed spatial position of the user.

Abstract: A coupling system includes an applicator tool, an anastomotic prosthesis mounted on the applicator tool, and an engagement device. The applicator tool deploys a securement through the prosthesis and tissue which leaves the prosthesis attached to the tissue. The engagement device selectively engages the applicator tool onto the tissue, with the use of suction, in order to facilitate accurate placement of the prosthesis on the tissue and facilitate deployment of the securement into the tissue. The applicator tool and the tissue are able to move together while the engagement device prevents or inhibits relative movement between the applicator tool and the tissue. A method for securing an anastomotic prosthesis to tissue includes applying of suction to engage an applicator tool to the tissue while a securement is deployed out of the applicator tool and into the prosthesis and the tissue.

Abstract: A plurality of integrated electronic compasses and circuit system. The system includes a semiconductor substrate and one or more CMOS integrated circuits formed on one or more portions of the semiconductor substrate. The system has a plurality of electronic compass devices operably coupled to the one or more CMOS integrated circuits. The plurality of electronic compass devices can be integrated with one or more sensors, MEMS, or other devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention can provide an integrated electronic compass and circuit system having a semiconductor substrate and one or more CMOS integrated circuits formed on one or more portions of the semiconductor substrate. The system can have an electronic compass device operably coupled to the one or more CMOS integrated circuits. The system can also have a plurality of electronic compass devices configured in a parallel arrangement in a hub and spoke configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a modular valve apparatus. The modular valve apparatus includes a retaining component having an opening on either end. The modular valve apparatus further includes a cap component having a hole bored through. The cap component may be adapted to be coupled with the retaining component. A generally annular spring component may be disposed within the retaining component and seated on a lower end extending axially toward an upper end of the retaining component. A check ball may be disposed within the retaining component and seated on the spring component. The check ball may be adapted to block the opening bored through the cap component while being held in place by the spring component.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems of a magnetic sensor self-characterizing its magnetic properties are disclosed. One embodiment of the magnetic sensor apparatus includes a magnetic sensor and a current source for applying a current to the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor apparatus further includes control circuitry configured to control the current source, and characterize a magnetic property of the magnetic sensor based on the applied current. One method of a magnetic sensor self-characterizing its magnetic properties includes applying, by the magnetic sensor, an electrical signal, and characterizing a magnetic property of the magnetic sensor based on the applied electrical signal.

Abstract: A coupling system includes an applicator tool and an attachment ring mounted on the applicator tool. Clips are contained within the applicator tool and are deployed through the attachment ring in order to anchor the attachment ring to biological tissue. When deployed, tips of the clips follow a curved trajectory through an annular cuff of the attachment ring and through the underlying tissue. The tips loop back out of the tissue and to a location where they are later trapped or clamped by the attachment ring. While the tips are trapped or clamped, the applicator tool cinches the clips by pulling rear segments of the clips. Thereafter, the applicator tool disconnects from the attachment ring which remains anchored to the tissue and serves as a coupling for a cannula. The cannula can have movable lock members that secure it to the attachment ring.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems of providing control of display content on a display with a device are disclosed. One method includes establishing a fixed reference on the display. A user input is received indicating that the device is at a user selected position corresponding to the fixed reference and capturing a position of the device in order to establish a corresponding reference position. The display content on the display is determined based on measured displacement of the device relative to the established reference position.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated electronic compass and circuit system. The fabrication method begins with providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a surface region. One or more CMOS integrated circuits are then formed on one or more portions of the semiconductor substrate. Once the CMOS circuits are formed, a thickness of dielectric material is formed overlying the one or more CMOS integrated circuits. A substrate is then joined overlying the thickness of the dielectric material. Once joined, the substrate is thinned to a predetermined thickness. Following the thinning process, an electric compass device is formed within one or more regions of the predetermined thickness of the substrate. Other mechanical devices or MEMS devices can also be formed within one or more regions of the thinned substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of mitigating the effects of disturbances of a disk drive are disclosed. One method includes sensing a position error signal of a transducer coupled to a surface of the disk drive, wherein the position error signal aids in control of an actuator of the disk drive. A first disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a first sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the first disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. A second disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a second sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the second disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. Effects of the disturbances on the position error signal are reduced by adaptively adjusting a gain of the first disturbance signal and a gain of the second disturbance signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of mitigating the effects of disturbances of a disk drive are disclosed. One method includes sensing a position error signal of a transducer coupled to a surface of the disk drive, wherein the position error signal aids in control of an actuator of the disk drive. A first disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a first sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the first disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. A second disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a second sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the second disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. Effects of the disturbances on the position error signal are reduced by adaptively adjusting a gain of the first disturbance signal and a gain of the second disturbance signal.

Abstract: A software-control-module for enabling a user to monitor and control home-automated-systems and appliances from one or more remote interfaces on a data-packet-network is provided. The module comprises a reporting function for reporting current status of the home-automated-systems and appliances; a selection function for selecting options related to system and appliance settings; a command-building function for building commands for system and appliance control; an execution function for executing commands; and a display function for displaying relevant data and for facilitating interactive control ability. the software-control module is distributed to pre-selected network locations frequented by a user such that the user may have control over home-automated systems and appliances while visiting the network location during network navigation.

Abstract: A magnetic compass apparatus and method to account for magnetic distortion while determining a magnetic heading is disclosed. The method enables a compass module, comprising at least two magnetometers, to characterize its magnetic environment dynamically, while collecting data of a geomagnetic field; a user moves an apparatus through various orientations; the environment may or may not contain magnetic distortion influences. Data gathered by magnetometers and, optionally, accelerometers are processed through at least two filters before being transferred as a processed data set for repetitive measurement calculations. A series of calculations is executed recursively in time by solving one or more linear vector equations using processed data.

Abstract: A process for repairing defects applied in producing a liquid crystal display, wherein the liquid crystal display includes a pixel array formed by a plurality of scanning lines crossing with a plurality of data lines. The process includes steps of providing an essential repair line located on one side of the pixel array, welding a first intersection point of a defecting data line and the essential repair line and a second intersection point of a normal data line adjacent to the defecting data line and the essential repair line by a first laser to achieve electrical connection, and cutting a first breaking point and a second breaking point of the essential repair line by a second laser to achieve a broken circuit, wherein the first and second intersection points are located two sides of a line segment constructed by the first and second intersection points respectively.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for creating a universally usable and configurable sensor platform which is used in conjunction with various sensor and sensing elements to sense and measure environmental conditions which incorporates inputs from multiple sensors 6-9 and 12-14. The apparatus incorporates an oscillator 3 which provides a signal whose frequency varies according to the inputs from sensors 6-9 and 12-14 in combination with a microprocessor 1. A cordic block 61 allows for supplemental calculations of trigonometric operations and functions. An output unit 2 converts the signals received from microprocessor 1 into a variety of serial protocols.