Abstract: Mitigating a user interface display function of a modular energy system includes receiving formatted video data at a video data converter circuit, providing differential video signaling data to the display from the video data converter circuit, providing a copy of the differential video signaling data to a processor, and determining that the differential video signaling data is changing over time. Mitigating erroneous outputs from an isolated interface includes receiving a state of a first switch of a first footswitch coupled to a first comparator and a reference voltage coupled to the first comparator, receiving the state of the first switch coupled to the first duplicate comparator and the reference voltage coupled to the first duplicate comparator, comparing the output of the first comparator with the output of the first duplicate comparator, and determining activation or deactivation of a surgical instrument coupled to the controller based on the comparison.

Abstract: Several mitigation circuits are disclosed. An audio mitigation circuit includes an audio mitigation control module configured to read a unique tone identification embedded in a digital audio signal to identify a digital audio tone. A video mitigation circuit confirms video to be displayed by a user interface. Another audio mitigation circuit is configured to process super-audible tones in an audio signal to confirm an audio asset. The disclosure also describes various methods associated with the mitigation circuits.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for systems and methods for identifying characteristics of a return pad in a monopolar electrosurgical system using contact quality monitoring (CQM) and near field communication (NFC) signals. In some aspects, resistance or impedance materials are sensed that may help identify what kind of return pad is being used, including what is the structure of the pad. In some aspects, NFC signals are used to identify characteristics of the return pad. In some aspects, the grounding or return pad may include two separate materials that form an interconnecting or interwoven mesh and both act as non-active electrodes when both contact the patient. A non-zero impedance may separate conductive lines connecting the two separate materials that may be analyzed to obtain a defining signature about that is linked to structural characteristics about the return pad.

Abstract: In an improved T/R switch configuration of a radio transceiver, the sizes of active switches coupled in series between the receive port and the common port are tapered such that the voltage referenced to ground across the active devices of the T/R switch is more evenly distributed among the switches which increases the power handling capability of that path. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an RF switch includes a plurality of first switches coupled in series between a transmit port and a common port for transmitting an RF signal, and a plurality of second switches coupled in series between a receive port and the common port. At least two of the plurality of second switches have different sizes such that the at least two of the second switches have substantially the same nodal impedance with respect to a frequency of the RF signal and an RF ground.

Abstract: An RF power amplifier device in which the circuit is provided on two separate dies which are attached together vertically. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the RF power amplifier includes a first die including an amplifying circuit for amplifying an RF signal, and a second die including at least one circuit component coupled to the amplifying circuit. The first die is vertically coupled to the second die, and the second die may be a flip chip and include harmonic loads and/or feedback circuit.

Abstract: In an improved T/R switch configuration of a radio transceiver, the sizes of active switches coupled in series between the receive port and the common port are tapered such that the voltage referenced to ground across the active devices of the T/R switch is more evenly distributed among the switches which increases the power handling capability of that path. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an RF switch includes a plurality of first switches coupled in series between a transmit port and a common port for transmitting an RF signal, and a plurality of second switches coupled in series between a receive port and the common port. At least two of the plurality of second switches have different sizes such that the at least two of the second switches have substantially the same nodal impedance with respect to a frequency of the RF signal and an RF ground.

Abstract: A carpet seaming iron includes a platen, a heating element conductively coupled to the platen, and a passageway interposed between the platen and handle. The passageway is configured to accommodate a piece of seaming tape over the platen and under the handle of the seaming iron. The handle is designed to protrude between adjacent pieces of carpet that are to be seamed together. The seaming iron may be used to make a seam using a seaming tape having thermal adhesive on an upper side, by heating the seaming tape from below. Advantageously, a seam may be completed without contact between the thermal adhesive of the seaming tape and the platen of the seaming iron.

Abstract: A multi-stage amplifier for amplifying radio frequency signals includes a first amplifier stage having a first transistor and a second amplifier stage having a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first drain connected to a reference voltage through a first connection circuit. The second transistor includes a second drain connected to a reference voltage through a second connection circuit. The amplifier also includes a first transmission line connecting a portion of the first connection circuit to a portion of the second connection circuit and a resistive element connected in parallel with the first transmission line between the portion of the first connection circuit and the portion of the second connection circuit. The resistive element suppresses oscillation conditions at either of the first and second bias terminals.

Abstract: A multi-stage amplifier for amplifying radio frequency signals includes a first amplifier stage having a first transistor and a second amplifier stage having a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first drain connected to a reference voltage through a first connection circuit. The second transistor includes a second drain connected to a reference voltage through a second connection circuit. The amplifier also includes a first transmission line connecting a portion of the first connection circuit to a portion of the second connection circuit and a resistive element connected in parallel with the first transmission line between the portion of the first connection circuit and the portion of the second connection circuit. The resistive element suppresses oscillation conditions at either of the first and second bias terminals.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling mechanism links an access door, a push-to-start button, and a switch controlling power to machinery behind the access door. The coupling mechanism permits the door to be open and the switch to be open, the door to be closed and the switch to be open, and the door to be closed and the switch to be closed, while forbidding the door to be open and the switch to be closed. The coupling precludes an operator shifting from a condition with the door open and the switch open to that in which the door is closed and the switch is closed with a single action.

Abstract: A device controlling electrical circuitry of a clothes drier has a base which snaps into a panel of the drier and supports electrical control elements mounted in a cavity and an operating lid which covers the cavity and effects operating changes in these elements with rearward protruding elements as it is moved along a linear path.

Abstract: A receptacle for a switch in a control panel accepts either a long or a short switch. The receptacle accommodates a footprint of a long switch and has structure supporting a set of bearing areas for engaging a housing of a long switch and support structure for a second set of bearing areas for engaging a housing of a short switch. The bearing areas for the short switch are positioned adjacent to long edges of the footprint of the long switch. Such receptacles permit design of a standard control panel which accommodates different combinations and arrangements of control switches.

Abstract: A mechanisms for interlocking access doors of appliances such as clothes washing machines to prevent an operator from introducing his hand into an enclosure while machinery is moving therein includes a striker affixed to the appliance door extending from the door hinge in a direction opposite to that of the door engages a linkage which passes through the enclosure wall and operates an interlock switch mounted on the wall and outside the enclosure. Using the invention the interlock switch may be located in a protected piece outside the enclosure where the washing takes place, and the linkage connecting the access door to the switch may be placed where it is difficult to tamper with.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting faucets by enclosing them in a cover which has encased therein rigid foam insulating material with a threaded hook member for holding said cover to the faucet with both halves of said cover being provided with a rubber foam end seal to tightly and completely insulate the faucet.