Abstract: A power converter including a hardware efficient control loop architecture. Error detection circuitry may generate an error signal based on the difference between a power converter output voltage and a reference voltage. An oversampling ADC may digitize the error signal. The transfer function associated with the ADC may include quantization levels spaced at non-uniform intervals away from a center code. A digital filter may calculate the average of the digitized error signal. A nonlinear requantizer may reduce the number of codes corresponding to the output of the digital filter. A proportional integral derivative (PID) unit may multiply the output of the nonlinear requantizer by PID coefficients to generate a PID duty cycle command, and a gain compensation unit may dynamically adjust the PID coefficients to maintain a constant control loop gain. A noise-shaped truncation unit including a multi-level error-feedback delta sigma modulator may reduce the resolution of the PID duty cycle command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivery of reactants to a substrate processing chamber. An electronically controlled valve assembly is provided for rapid delivery of pulses of reactants to the chamber. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having a valve seat, and at least one gas inlet and one gas outlet below the seat. The piston is selectively movable within the valve body to open and close the valve. In order to actuate the valve assembly, current is sent to a solenoid coil within the valve body. The solenoid coil generates a magnetic field that acts on an adjacent magnetic member. The solenoid coil, magnetic member and piston are arranged such that relative movement of the coil and magnetic member cause the piston to be moved relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to optoelectronic systems for detecting one or more target particles. The system includes a reaction chamber, a specimen collector, an optical detector, and a reservoir containing cells, each of the cells having receptors which are present on the surface of each cell and are specific for the target particle to be detected, where binding of the target particle to the receptors directly or indirectly activates a reporter molecule, thereby producing a measurable optical signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated, purified and characterized human tyrosine hydroxylase (hTH) promoter nucleic acid sequence. The invention further provides a method of selecting TH positive (TH+) cells by preparing a construct comprising a hTH promoter operably linked to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, for example, green fluorescent protein encoding sequence, and transfecting cells, particularly stem cells, with the construct. The invention also provides a hTH promoter, useful in gene therapeutic applications in driving therapeutic genes or other nucleic acid sequences operably linked to the hTH promoter. Additionally, the invention provides cell lines and transgenic animals expressing a transgene comprising the hTH promoter operably linked to a heterologous sequence, which cell lines and transgenic animals are useful for isolating TH+ cells for transplantation or for screening of therapeutic agents that affect TH+ function.

Abstract: A packaged semiconductor device uses built-in self test to characterize voltage between points within the semiconductor die during a current discontinuity generated in the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die is operated to generate a current discontinuity, or several sequential current discontinuities, and the voltage is measured with an on-chip ADC. Measuring the voltage within the semiconductor die, rather than measuring at external test points, provides a more accurate prediction of device operation. Multiple test points are measured using a multiplexer, multiple ADCs, or by reconfiguring an FPGA. Impedance versus frequency information of the greater power distribution system connected to the semiconductor die is obtained by transforming the voltage and current through the semiconductor die measured during a current discontinuity.

Abstract: A stabiliser (10) has a body (12) having a through-bore (16). A mandrel (14), also having a through-bore (20), is axially slidable in the body bore to actuate and de-actuate the tool. A step (64) in the body defines annular chambers (102, 104) between the mandrel and body on either side of the step. A control piston (18) in the mandrel alternately directs drilling mud pumped under pressure along said body bore and mandrel bore to the chambers to drive the mandrel hydraulically to actuate and de-actuate the tool. The control piston has a through-bore (46) and is slidable in the mandrel bore against the force of a return spring (40) by drilling mud pressure from a low-pressure position to a pressure position. The pressure position is alternately one of an actuate position (a) and a de-actuate position (b), axially spaced along the mandrel bore from said actuate position.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring and controlling an HVAC device includes a server which receives queries from an entry device and data from the HVAC device. Databases with information regarding the location and status of the HVAC devices reside on the server, as does a user name/password file, instead of in the entry device or the HVAC controller. Connection is provided over various communications links including the Internet, POTS, and GSM networks. A user with an entry device such as a handheld computer or cell phone using wireless access protocol (WAP) can change settings, obtain diagnostic information, and receive alarm messages about a plurality of HVAC devices.

Abstract: An adjustable down-hole tool, for example a drill-string stabiliser (10), comprises a body (12) having a through bore (16). A mandrel (18) is rotationally fixed but axially movable in the body, the mandrel being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a first return spring (44) between a first, activated position and a second deactivated position. A sleeve (66) is between shoulders (68, 69) on the body and mandrel. Castellations (18a,b, 69a,b) are on the mandrel and facing edge or edges of the sleeve so that, when the castellations are in phase the mandrel is prevented from travelling from said first to second position and when they are out of phase they interdigitate and the mandrel is not prevented from travelling from said first to second position. A control piston (36) is slidable in the mandrel, being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a second return spring (50).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preventing frost and facilitating removal of winter precipitation relative to a windshield, comprising applying to a windshield a winter precipitation barrier composition. In one embodiment, the barrier composition comprises: a solvent and a silicon containing compound, the silicon containing compound comprising at least one of a reactive silane, a polyalkylene oxide polysiloxane, or a combination of at least one of the foregoing, wherein the reactive silane is at least one of a halosilane having the formula XnSiR4-n1??(I); an alkoxysilane or aminosilane having the formula a compound of formula (R6)3Si—R7—Si(R8)3??(III); or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing reactive silanes. In another embodiment, the disclosed winter precipitation barrier composition comprises a reactive silane and a solvent, wherein the reactive silane is as described above.

Abstract: An automotive additive composition comprising an automotive additive ingredient and a matrix is described. The automotive additive ingredient may be a fuel additive ingredient such as a detergent. The matrix may comprise a gel composition, a solid water removal agent, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing matrices. The automotive additive composition may be in the form of a capsule, a gel capsule, or a tablet. Also disclosed is a method of delivering an additive ingredient to a functional fluid of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An attenuator includes a first stage 601a having a first operational amplifier 602a and a tapped resistor 603a. Tapped resistor 603a has an input for receiving input data, an output coupled to an output of first operational amplifier 602a, and a plurality of taps for selectively presenting a sequence of voltages to a noninverting input of first operational amplifier 602a. Each of these sequences of voltages corresponds to an attenuation step such that first stage 601a steps the attenuation produced by the attenuator from an intermediate value to a predetermined ending value. A second stage 601b includes a second operational amplifier 602b and a tapped resistor 603b. Tapped resistor 603b includes an input for receiving analog data from first stage 601a, an output coupled to an output of second operational amplifier 602b, and a plurality of taps for selectively presenting a sequence of voltages to a noninverting input of operational amplifier 602b.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a bi-direction interface and communication link are described. More particularly, an input/output block is formed with a digitally controlled impedance output driver output coupled at an input/output node to an input terminal of a differential amplifier. Another terminal of the differential amplifier is used for inputting a reference voltage. As the digitally controlled impedance output buffer may be adjusted for impedance matching with transmission line impedance, no parallel terminating resistance is needed. Accordingly, two such input/output blocks may be coupled to form a bi-directional communication link with the advantage of an absence of parallel termination resistance at inputs to such input/output blocks.

Abstract: Structures that provide decoupling capacitance to packaged IC devices with reduced capacitor and via parasitic inductance. A capacitive interposer structure is physically interposed between the packaged IC and the PCB, thus eliminating the leads and vias that traverse the PCB in known structures. A capacitive interposer is mounted to a PCB and the packaged IC is mounted on the interposer. The interposer has an array of lands on an upper surface, to which the packaged IC is coupled, and an array of terminals on a lower surface, which are coupled to the PCB. Electrically conductive vias interconnect each land with an associated terminal on the opposite surface of the interposer. Within the interposer, layers of a conductive material alternate with layers of a dielectric material, thus forming parallel plate capacitors between adjacent dielectric layers. Each conductive layer is either electrically coupled to, or is electrically isolated from, each via.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivery of reactants to a substrate processing chamber. An electronically controlled valve assembly is provided for rapid delivery of pulses of reactants to the chamber. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having a valve seat, and at least one gas inlet and one gas outlet below the seat. The piston is selectively movable within the valve body to open and close the valve. In order to actuate the valve assembly, current is sent to a solenoid coil within the valve body. The solenoid coil generates a magnetic field that acts on an adjacent magnetic member. The solenoid coil, magnetic member and piston are arranged such that relative movement of the coil and magnetic member cause the piston to be moved relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A method of controlling an inkjet printhead with a substantially closed duct in which ink is disposed, which duct has an exit opening for the ink, the method including the actuation of an electromechanical transducer so that the pressure the duct changes in such a manner that an ink drop is ejected from the exit opening, said pressure causing a deformation of the transducer, whereby after the end of the actuation, an electric signal generated by the transducer is measured as a result of the deformation, wherein a subsequent actuation of the transducer is adapted to the measured signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling an inkjet printer containing at least two substantially closed ducts in which ink is present, which includes actuating an electro-mechanical transducer whereby the pressure in a first duct is increased, and a pressure change in another duct is also generated by said actuation, whereby an electro-mechanical transducer is deformed as a result of the pressure change, said electrical transducer generating an electrical signal, and measuring the electric signal.

Abstract: Structures that provide decoupling capacitance to packaged IC devices with reduced capacitor and via parasitic inductance. A capacitive interposer structure is physically interposed between the packaged IC and the PCB, thus eliminating the leads and vias that traverse the PCB in known structures. A capacitive interposer is mounted to a PCB and the packaged IC is mounted on the interposer. The interposer has an array of lands on an upper surface, to which the packaged IC is coupled, and an array of terminals on a lower surface, which are coupled to the PCB. Electrically conductive vias interconnect each land with an associated terminal on the opposite surface of the interposer. Within the interposer, layers of a conductive material alternate with layers of a dielectric material, thus forming parallel plate capacitors between adjacent dielectric layers. Each conductive layer is either electrically coupled to, or is electrically isolated from, each via.

Abstract: A system is provided including at least one remote input device for recording remote data and a host computer for receiving and storing the remote data from the remote input device. Also included is at least one local input device coupled to the host computer for retrieving the remote data within the host computer. Associated therewith is at least one local output device that is coupled to the host computer for retrieving the data.