Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels.

Abstract: Implementations provide network tasks in a communication network as performed by a network device. In some implementations, a method includes receiving instructions at a network device connected to the communication network, where the instructions define one or more conditions and define one or more associated network tasks to be performed upon occurrence of the one or more conditions. The one or more network tasks are related to activity on the communication network. The network device determines whether any of the one or more conditions have occurred. In response to any of the conditions occurring, the network device autonomously performs the one or more network tasks associated with the one or more occurring conditions as defined by the instructions.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for minimizing power consumption of a sensor unit that is capable of detecting an object. Main circuitry operates the sensor unit in a high power mode of operation when the sensor unit detects an object. Low power control circuitry operates the sensor unit in a low power mode of operation when the sensor unit does not detect an object within a pre-determined period of time. The low power control circuitry also comprises a counter to periodically determine when to restore the sensor unit to a high power mode of operation. One advantageous embodiment of the sensor unit is a fingerprint sensor unit for detecting a finger to obtain fingerprint information.

Abstract: A blower apparatus includes a blower housing having at least one airflow channel. A flexible sheet having at least one flap is coupled to the blower housing such that the flap overlaps the channel to form a one-way valve. A plurality of flaps may be positioned over a plurality of channels to form a blower apparatus with a plurality of one-way valves. The flexible sheet may include mounting features such as holes to facilitate assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on the blower housing such that the holes receive the pegs. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on an exhaust cover that is subsequently attached to the blower housing.

Abstract: Data storage systems are provided. A representative system includes a carrier that incorporates a frame and a cover. The frame includes a faceplate, a first rail and a second rail, with the first and second rails extending outwardly from said faceplate. The first and second rails also are adapted to receive the cover therebetween. Preferably, the cover is configured to at least partially encase a data storage device received by the carrier. Other systems and devices also are provided.

Abstract: Data storage systems are provided. Preferably, a data storage system includes a chassis and a carrier. The chassis is configured to mount at least one data storage device. The carrier incorporates a housing and a handle assembly. The housing is configured to receive at least a portion of a data storage device. The handle assembly includes a handle that facilitates secure mounting of the carrier to the chassis and removal of the carrier from the chassis. Other systems and devices also are provided.

Abstract: A blower apparatus includes a blower housing having at least one airflow channel. A flexible sheet having at least one flap is coupled to the blower housing such that the flap overlaps the channel to form a one-way valve. A plurality of flaps may be positioned over a plurality of channels to form a blower apparatus with a plurality of one-way valves. The flexible sheet may include mounting features such as holes to facilitate assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on the blower housing such that the holes receive the pegs. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet is pressed onto a plurality of pegs residing on an exhaust cover that is subsequently attached to the blower housing.

Abstract: Data storage systems are provided. Preferably, a data storage system includes a chassis and a carrier. The chassis is configured to mount at least one data storage device. The carrier incorporates a housing and a handle assembly. The housing is configured to receive at least a portion of a data storage device. The handle assembly includes a handle that facilitates secure mounting of the carrier to the chassis and removal of the carrier from the chassis. Other systems and devices also are provided.

Abstract: A cost effective and easily manufactured filler for a removable system component. A hard disk drive filler embodiment is disclosed having five exterior sides and internal baffles to simulate the airflow modifying characteristics of a hard disk drive. The hard disk drive filler is stackable, flame-resistant, and is manufactured by an injection-molding process.

Abstract: A tube for amplifying high-frequency multi-kilowatt, amplitude-modulated signals utilizes a linear beam of electrons which is density-modulated by a permeable control grid spaced close to a thermionic cathode. The beam is focused through a drift tube having two axially spaced gaps, each coupled to a resonant circuit such as a hollow cavity. The first circuit is tuned to a resonant frequency higher than the signal frequency to produce velocity-modulation bunching of the beam electrons in phase with the density-modulation from the grid. The second circuit is tuned to the signal frequency and its energy is coupled out to an external load. The grid modulation is Class B or Class C so there is no current between the electron bunches. The floating bunching circuit can thus, by velocity modulation, produce very dense bunches to excite the output circuit, providing very high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A light concentrator for use with photovoltaic cells has a novel aspherical shape to provide the desired distribution of energy over the surface of the cell. The cell is usually circular with a current-collecting bus electrode around the circumference of the active surface. To provide for minimum resistive losses due to the current generated in the cell and flowing to the bus, the light may be concentrated in a band just inside the bus with reduced or even zero energy density inside the band. This distribution is obtained by making the ray-deflecting surface of the concentrator as a figure of revolution whose generating line focuses incident rays arriving parallel to the axis of revolution onto a point removed from the axis. Thus, a point source at infinity is "focused" into a circle around the axis instead of the point focus of conventional optics. Solar light is "focused" into an annular ring.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for minimizing power consumption of a sensor unit that is capable of detecting an object. Main circuitry operates the sensor unit in a high power mode of operation when the sensor unit detects an object. Low power control circuitry operates the sensor unit in a low power mode of operation when the sensor unit does not detect an object within a pre-determined period of time. The low power control circuitry also comprises a counter to periodically determine when to restore the sensor unit to a high power mode of operation. One advantageous embodiment of the sensor unit is a fingerprint sensor unit for detecting a finger to obtain fingerprint information.