Abstract: A lifting rigging is provided including a yoke adapted for connection between a load and a suspension point; and a weight-bearing assembly mounted on the yoke, which weight-bearing assembly includes a spring module including a number of constant torque springs, and a yoke wire with a first end adapted for connection to the suspension point and a second end connected to the spring module and adapted to wind the constant torque springs when the yoke wire is subject to a pulling force, and wherein the weight-bearing assembly is configured such that the yoke wire bears the weight of the yoke when the lifting rigging is suspended from the suspension point.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device comprises a MEMS die that comprises first and second diaphragms, a first plurality of electrodes each disposed on the first diaphragm, and a second plurality of electrodes each disposed on the second diaphragm. A fixed dielectric element is disposed between the first and second diaphragms and includes a plurality of apertures. The MEMS die further comprises a third plurality of electrodes, wherein each of the third plurality comprises a first conductive layer disposed on the first diaphragm proximate to at least one of the first plurality and a second conductive layer disposed on the second diaphragm proximate to at least one of the second plurality, and a conductive pin that extends through an aperture of the plurality of apertures and electrically connects the first conductive layer to the second conductive layer.

Abstract: Various implementations of MEMS sensors include an IC die having a cavity that forms at least part of the back volume of the sensor. This arrangement helps to address the problems of lateral velocity gradients and viscosity-induced losses. In some of the embodiments, the cavity is specially configured (e.g., with pillars, channels, and/or rings) to reduce the lateral movement of air. Other solutions (used in conjunction with such cavities) include ways to make a diaphragm move more like a piston (e.g., by adding a protrusion that gives it more “up-down” motion and less lateral motion) or to use a piston (e.g.

Abstract: A hearing aid device is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises means to improve, augment and/or protect the hearing capability of a user by receiving acoustic signals from the surroundings of the user, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears. The hearing aid device comprises a sensor member for detecting the movement and/or acceleration and/or orientation (or spatial position) of the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises at least two hearing aid microphones and a control unit for determining the position or a deviation from an intended position of the hearing aid device or hearing aid microphones. The hearing aid device is configured to compensate for a possible dislocation of the hearing aid microphones.

Abstract: A MEMS die comprises a substrate having an opening, a diaphragm attached to the substrate around a periphery of the opening so as to cover the opening, the diaphragm having an aperture, and a backplate separated from the diaphragm and disposed on a side of the diaphragm opposite the substrate, the backplate comprising a plug that extends toward the aperture from an attached end to a free end. In an embodiment the free end of the plug has a smaller area than the aperture, and the plug is separated from the diaphragm by a gap, wherein a size of the gap determines a level of fluid communication across the diaphragm through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressor system (1) comprising: a high-pressure diaphragm gas compressor (2) having a compressor inlet (3) and a compressor outlet (4). Wherein an inlet volume (5) is defined between a compressor inlet valve (6) and said compressor inlet, said compressor outlet is fluidly connected to a receiving vessel (7). A motor (8) configured to drive a crankshaft of said compressor. A controller (9) configured to control operation of said compressor, said compressor inlet valve and said motor, during a plurality of successive operation cycles. Wherein during a shut-down part of an operation cycle, said compressor inlet valve is configured for being closed before said crankshaft stop rotation, and wherein during a start-up part of a subsequent operation cycle, said compressor inlet valve is configured for being opened after at least one completed compression stroke.

Abstract: In one or more arrangements, a jig for cutting a pocket on a workpiece is presented, which has a base and a guide assembly. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a base having a bit aperture configured to allow a boring bit therethrough and a bit guide removably attached to the base. In one or more arrangements, the bit guide has a boring drill bit slidably located within a guide cylinder, a stop collar coupled to the boring bit, and a spring around the throat of the boring bit between a top spring surface of the guide cylinder and a bottom spring surface of the stop collar. In one or more arrangements, the spring is configured to urge the boring bit into a non-contact position with the workpiece.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) die includes a piston; an electrode facing the piston, wherein a capacitance between the piston and the electrode changes as the distance between the piston and the electrode changes; and a resilient structure (e.g., a gasket or a pleated wall) disposed between the piston and the electrode, wherein the resilient structure supports the piston and resists the movement of the piston with respect to the electrode. A back volume is bounded by the piston and the resilient structure and the resilient structure blocks air from leaving the back volume. The piston may be a rigid body made of a conductive material, such as metal or a doped semiconductor. The MEMS die may also include a second resilient structure, which provides further support to the piston and is disposed within the back volume.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example techniques for multimedia experience based on biometric data. An example implementation may involve receiving first biometric data representing one or more first biological characteristics of an individual. After receiving the first biometric data, the example implementation may involve correlating the one or more first biological characteristics of the individual with a listening state of the individual. The example implementation may further involve receiving second biometric data representing one or more second biological characteristics of the individual. After receiving the second biometric data, the example implementation may involve determining that the one or more second biological characteristics corresponds to the one or more first biological characteristics.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) die comprises a first diaphragm having a first side and a second side, and a second diaphragm having a first side facing the first side of the first diaphragm. A first plurality of interconnect strips is disposed along at least the first side of the first diaphragm, a second plurality of interconnect strips is disposed along the first side of the first diaphragm, and a third plurality of interconnect strips is disposed along the first side of the second diaphragm. First, second, and third runner strips are disposed along the second side of the first diaphragm transverse to the first, second, and third plurality of interconnect strips, respectively. Each of the first, second, and third runner strips is electrically connected to at least a subset of the first, second, and third plurality of interconnect strips, respectively, via electrical connections disposed through the first diaphragm.

Abstract: A filter device and methods of use thereof are provided. The filter device may include a pitcher for removably engaging with a base in fluid communication with a fluid source. The pitcher may include a magnetic float assembly, and the base may include a sensor, e.g., a Reed switch, for detecting when a magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly is within a detectable range of the sensor. Upon detection of the magnetic float within the detectable range by the sensor, a controller of the filter device may instruct a pump to pump fluid from the fluid source, through a filtration system of the filter device, and into the pitcher. When the pitcher is full of fluid, the magnetic float will be out of the detectable range of the sensor, such that fluid will stop being transferred from the fluid source to the pitcher.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) die includes a piston; an electrode facing the piston, wherein a capacitance between the piston and the electrode changes as the distance between the piston and the electrode changes; and a resilient structure (e.g., a gasket or a pleated wall) disposed between the piston and the electrode, wherein the resilient structure supports the piston and resists the movement of the piston with respect to the electrode. A back volume is bounded by the piston and the resilient structure and the resilient structure blocks air from leaving the back volume. The piston may be a rigid body made of a conductive material, such as metal or a doped semiconductor. The MEMS die may also include a second resilient structure, which provides further support to the piston and is disposed within the back volume.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor assembly comprises a substrate, a bump stopper extending from the substrate, and a sensor suspended relative to the substrate. The sensor is configured to move relative to the substrate, wherein the bump stopper is configured to restrain the sensor travel distance and prevent contact between the sensor and the substrate. The bump stopper has a surface facing the sensor, wherein an area of contact between the sensor and the surface is less than the total area of the surface.

Abstract: A system includes an outflow vent that has a cap releasably mounted to a panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The cap is elongated from a first end of the cap to a second end of the cap opposite the first end. The cap has a base wall that is overlaid on the panel and defines at least one slot therethrough. The cap receives an airflow generated by an airflow generator, and the at least one slot emits the airflow from the cap to form an air curtain within the internal cabin.

Abstract: A method for the etching of deep, high-aspect ratio features into silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN) and similar materials using an Inductively-Coupled Plasma (ICP) etch process technology is described. This technology can also be used to etch features in silicon carbide and gallium nitride having near vertical sidewalls. The disclosed method has application in the fabrication of electronics, microelectronics, power electronics, Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs), high-voltage electronics, high-temperature electronics, high-power electronics, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), micro-mechanical devices, microelectronic devices and systems, nanotechnology devices and systems, Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS), photonic devices, and any devices and/or structures made from silicon carbide and/or gallium nitride.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for empirical analysis of remaining life in electromechanical devices. Sensors are positioned to generate signals representing sound energy emitted by devices, and digital sound data are stored corresponding thereto. The system classifies sound characteristics and their corresponding impact on wear rate over time via recurring analysis of the stored sound data. For a selected device, a wear state is estimated based on a comparison of current sound energy emitted therefrom with respect to sound data for a comparable group of electromechanical devices, and it may be ascertained whether certain classified sound characteristics are present in digital sound data corresponding to the selected electromechanical device. Output signals are selectively generated based on the estimated wear state and/or classified sound characteristics ascertained to be present, e.g.

Abstract: A product offered by the advertisement is displayed to the consumer in a multi-retailer cart which allows the consumer to select the product from among a plurality of retailers identified in the multi-retailer cart that offer the same or similar products and the mobile. The plurality of retailers to be displayed in the multi-retailer cart is determined by application of any of several factors that include the current location of the consumer, where those retailers that are most proximate to the consumer are displayed; incentives that are uniquely available based on consumer location; profile information associated with the consumer, such as retail preferences, affinity memberships; retailer factors, such as the availability of discounts, coupons, availability of the product in inventory, etc. The retailers may be ranked in the cart based on any one or more of these factors, and/or based upon payment of a promotion fee.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a die for a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone includes the steps of forming a diaphragm, etching a plurality of slots through the diaphragm to define a plurality of springs, releasing the diaphragm and the plurality of springs, wherein the plurality of springs relieves intrinsic stress of the diaphragm, and sealing the plurality of slots with sealing material, thereby disabling the springs.

Abstract: A filter device and methods of use thereof are provided. The filter device may include a pitcher for removably engaging with a base in fluid communication with a fluid source. The pitcher may include a magnetic float assembly, and the base may include a sensor, e.g., a Reed switch, for detecting when a magnetic float of the magnetic float assembly is within a detectable range of the sensor. Upon detection of the magnetic float within the detectable range by the sensor, a controller of the filter device may instruct a pump to pump fluid from the fluid source, through a filtration system of the filter device, and into the pitcher. When the pitcher is full of fluid, the magnetic float will be out of the detectable range of the sensor, such that fluid will stop being transferred from the fluid source to the pitcher.