Abstract: A current-mode switching regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the regulator is a multi-mode buck-boost regulator that operates as follows. When the operating mode changes, a gain associated with the inner current loop changes, and the loop compensation changes. The inner current loop gain and the loop compensation are adjusted when the operating mode changes such that the post-mode change feedback variable values are roughly the same as the pre-mode change feedback variables values.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention allows a user to monitor the production of a factory in real-time. The user inputs desired values for various performance metrics. Then an embodiment of the present invention analyzes manufacturing plans by directly accessing manufacturing planning software. Projections are calculated for each metric and the projections are compared to the desired values. A document is then created summarizing the desired values and the projections. The document may contain hyperlinks that enable a user to view details about any of the performance metrics. The document may also contain formatting that highlights various metrics for a variety of reasons, including the failure to meet a performance metric. The document also allows users to embed comments that are then forwarded to other users, as a means to allow collaboration from a plurality of users.

Abstract: Methods and systems for driving a motor are disclosed. A center tap voltage and a desired center tap voltage are used to generate a voltage feedback. A power amplifier receives a reference current and the voltage feedback. The power amplifier provides a phase current to a phase of a motor. The phase current is substantially centered about the desired center tap voltage as a consequence of the voltage feedback. Thus, high-side to low-side or state to state current variations are reduced thereby reducing the occurrence of problems such as torque ripple and back EMF.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fibre, comprises: (i) forming a preform (10) for drawing into the fibre, the preform (10) comprising a bundle of elongate elements, (20,50) arranged to form a first region that becomes a cladding region of the fibre and a second region that becomes a core region of the fibre; (ii) drawing the preform (10) into the fibre. The bundle of elongate elements (20,50) comprises a plurality of elongate elements (20) of a lower purity dielectric material and at least one elongate element (50) of a higher purity dielectric material. The first region comprises a plurality of the lower purity elements (20) and the second region comprises the higher purity element (50).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microstructured fibre, comprises: providing a preform comprising a plurality of elongate holes; mating at least one, but not all, of the holes with a connector to connect the hole(s) to an external pressure-controller; drawing the preform into the fibre whilst controlling gas pressure in the hole(s) connected to the pressure-controller. The connector is also claimed.

Abstract: A tape measure is disclosed which has a spooled measuring blade mounted via a rotatable connection within a casing (100). The tape measure has impact-protection components. These components may be resilient means (46, 60, 62, 82, 108) arranged between the spooled blade and the case, such as at the rotatable connection. Further impact-protection components are resilient pads (112, 114) which are moulded into impact-vulnerable locations on the outer surface of the case.

Abstract: A current sink circuit includes a current mirror, a feedback circuit, a follower circuit, and a current sink. The current mirror includes a power transistor. Also, the current mirror is ratioed such that the drain current of the power transistor is significantly greater than the drain current of the other transistor in the current mirror. The feedback circuit is configured to cause the drain voltages of the power transistor and the other transistor to be substantially equal. Additionally, the follower circuit is configured to quickly pull up the voltage at the gate of the power transistor when the current sink circuit is switched on. The current sink is configured to bias the follower circuit. Also, the current sink is configured to quickly pull down the voltage at the gate of the power transistor when the current sink circuit is switched off.

Abstract: a quick-release arrangement for a hand-held device (30) comprising a belt clip (10) and an engagement element (20), wherein the belt clip is adapted to fit on a user's belt or waistband, the engagement element is attachable to a hand-held device, and the belt clip has a retaining portion (17, 18) shaped to slidably accept the engagement element to a limit point and to form an interference fit with the engagement element at said limit point.

Abstract: A regulator circuit to output an adjustable output current includes an input current to input a switching signal to switch the regulator circuit and a switch circuit responsive to switching signal to switch the regulator circuit between a reduced current and a high current.

Abstract: A method to trim a monitor circuit for a voice coil motor including the steps of transmitting a test current through a voice coil motor, determining if a linear response is generated by the monitoring circuit, trimming the monitoring circuit if a non-linear response is received; repeating said transmitting step, said delivery step and said trimming step until said trim is achieved.

Abstract: Drawing boards and drawing instruments for use therewith. The surface of the board (1) has a set of parallel-running, evenly spaced magnetic poles (2) across it. Each drawing instrument has a cylinder (10) with similar parallel magnetic poles running essentially axially along it. The cylinder is freely rotatably mounted (12) and preferably held a little bit away from the board surface. The cylinder (10) preferentially orientates with its magnetic poles aligned with those (2) on the board surface. This orientation can be accurately maintained across the entire surface of the board without the use of cumbersome mechanical arrangements to ensure alignment of drawing instruments. When not required for use, the drawing instrument may simply be removed from the surface of the board. A ruler/protractor device (3) and a carriage bearing a pair of rules set at right angles are described.