Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus for DC voltage conversion are described. According to one embodiment, a voltage converter comprises a current mirror, the current mirror being coupled with a power source; a first transistor device coupled with a bias generator to receive a bias voltage; a second transistor device coupled between the current mirror and the first transistor device; and an output transistor device, a gate of the output transistor device being coupled with a gate of the second transistor device and to the current mirror.

Abstract: A porting control routing (PCR) node (302) is adapted to efficiently route signaling messages associated with a mobile subscriber that has been either ported in to or out of a service provider's wireless communication network. The PCR node (302) includes both range- and exception based routing rule databases (348 and 346). These databases increase flexibility in allocating mobile identification numbers among multiple mobile service nodes. Furthermore, the association of a ported status indicator and related routing information with entries in the exception based database allows the PCR node (302) to more efficiently manage a service provider's mobile service resources.

Abstract: A substance and method for treating a subterranean formation using hydraulic fracturing. A non-metallic, substantially deformable, proppant particle is “elastically flexible” or “plastically compressible” and adapted for use at concentrations which will substantially create a partial monolayer.

Abstract: A braking system for a movable unit which travels along a cable includes a plate of conductive material extending from the cable to define a braking zone having a start and an end along at least a portion of the cable. There is a brake unit movable along the cable and positionable at the start of the braking zone. The brake unit has magnets positionable on opposite sides of the conductive material. The brake unit is engagable by the movable unit when the movable unit reaches the start of the braking zone to couple the two units together. The movable unit acts to push the brake unit through the braking zone such that movement of the magnets of the brake unit relative to the conductive material induces eddy currents in the conductive material to create a braking force between the brake unit and the plate of conductive material to brake the brake unit and the movable unit. In an alternative arrangement, the magnets are installed directly in the movable unit to eliminate the separate brake unit.

Abstract: Start-up circuit for current mirror circuits to facilitate transition from a zero-current state to an operation state. The start-up circuit includes two sets of current control devices. A set is coupled to each leg of the current mirrored circuit to provide a bias on start-up. The current control devices are coupled together to mirror the current that continues during the operational state such that the start-up circuit in combination with the operating circuit do not draw more current in the operational state than the operating circuit would normally draw in the operational state.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. The IC includes a package, a die mounted within the package, circuit components mounted on the die, and a voltage regulator mounted on the die to supply power to the circuit components.

Abstract: Circuitry for controlling the oscillation frequency of an oscillator by using a digitally tunable on-chip capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes a plurality of on-chip capacitors, each of which is independently selectable by a control signal for providing a selectable amount of capacitance to the oscillator to control the oscillator's oscillation frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method manufactures biodegradable food dishes and the like using a slurry of food starch and limestone which is formed and heated in a press into a shape of a food dish or food container or the like. The formed dishes or containers are removed from the press and trimmed in a trimming station, after which a lamination station laminates a biodegradable film onto food contacting surfaces of the food dish or the like. An optional step of applying a wax coating to a rear surface of the food dish or the like is provided. The now completed food dish or food container is provided to a packaging apparatus for stacking and packaging.

Abstract: A flexible routing node for re-directing signaling messages in a communications network is disclosed. Re-direction or re-routing of signaling message packets is accomplished through the use of a range or block-based database in conjunction with an exception-based database. The range-based routing instruction databases incorporates a data structure that maps ranges or blocks of mobile identification numbers (MINs) to a single destination network address, while the exceptions database stores any exceptions to these range or block-based rules. The pair of routing databases is implemented such that, when a signaling message is received that requires re-direction, the exception-based database is queried first. If a match is found in the exceptions database, the signaling message is modified using the returned routing instructions and transmitted into an associated communication network. If no match is found in the exception-based database, a default query is performed against the range-based database.

Abstract: A system for suspending a structure from a tree comprising a collection of primary tension members interwoven to define a sleeve adapted to grip a portion of the tree, and at least one hanger assembly extending from the sleeve having an end connectable to the structure to be suspended. The suspension system accommodates different sizes of tree trunks and branches, and changes in diameter of the tree. The system of the present invention is mountable to a tree without damaging the tree or impeding its growth. The system accommodates the natural flexing of the tree due to wind while reliably retaining any supported structure suspended above the ground.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus for dynamic reference voltage adjustment are described. According to one embodiment, a reference circuit comprises a reference node to provide a reference voltage; a first transistor device to receive a first configuration signal at a gate terminal, a current to flow through the first transistor device when the first configuration signal is a first value; and a second transistor device to receive a first voltage potential at a gate terminal, the current to flow through the second transistor device and the reference voltage to be increased by the first voltage potential when the configuration signal is a second value.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. The IC includes a package, a die mounted within the package, circuit components mounted on the die, and a voltage regulator mounted on the die to supply power to the circuit components.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus for dynamic reference voltage adjustment are described. According to one embodiment, a reference circuit comprises a reference node to provide a reference voltage; a first transistor device to receive a first configuration signal at a gate terminal, a current to flow through the first transistor device when the first configuration signal is a first value; and a second transistor device to receive a first voltage potential at a gate terminal, the current to flow through the second transistor device and the reference voltage to be increased by the first voltage potential when the configuration signal is a second value.

Abstract: An apparatus, in some embodiments, includes a first circuit to monitor a current, a second circuit to produce a reference current, and a control circuit coupled to the first circuit and the second circuit. In operation, the control circuit processes a first signal received from the first circuit and a second signal received from the second circuit and provides a control signal to the circuit to control the current. A method, in some embodiments, includes generating a reference current, generating a first current in a circuit, generating a second current related to the first current, and reducing the first current when the second current is greater than the reference current.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus for DC voltage conversion are described. According to one embodiment, a voltage converter comprises a current mirror, the current mirror being coupled with a power source; a first transistor device coupled with a bias generator to receive a bias voltage; a second transistor device coupled between the current mirror and the first transistor device; and an output transistor device, a gate of the output transistor device being coupled with a gate of the second transistor device and to the current mirror.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus for dynamic reference voltage adjustment are described. According to one embodiment, a reference circuit comprises a reference node to provide a reference voltage; a first transistor device to receive a first configuration signal at a gate terminal, a current to flow through the first transistor device when the first configuration signal is a first value; and a second transistor device to receive a first voltage potential at a gate terminal, the current to flow through the second transistor device and the reference voltage to be increased by the first voltage potential when the configuration signal is a second value.

Abstract: A flexible routing node for re-directing signaling messages in a communications network is disclosed. Re-direction or re-routing of signaling message packets is accomplished through the use of a range or block-based database in conjunction with an exception-based database. The range-based routing instruction databases incorporates a data structure that maps ranges or blocks of mobile identification numbers (MINs) to a single destination network address, while the exceptions database stores any exceptions to these range or block-based rules. The pair of routing databases is implemented such that, when a signaling message is received that requires re-direction, the exception-based database is queried first. If a match is found in the exceptions database, the signaling message is modified using the returned routing instructions and transmitted into an associated communication network. If no match is found in the exception-based database, a default query is performed against the range-based database.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed. The IC includes a package, a die mounted within the package, circuit components mounted on the die, and a voltage regulator mounted on the die to supply power to the circuit components.

Abstract: A circuit for producing a reliable duty cycle for a low power oscillator. The circuit produces a square wave signal based on the differences between the oscillating output signal driven by a piezoelectric crystal and a phase shifted output signal. This circuit provides a quick start for a clock signal, generates a reliable fifty percent duty cycle and is better protected from common mode noise. This circuit can also be configured to be programmable to provide for an adjustable duty cycle.

Abstract: A clock oscillator circuit that includes an inverting amplifier and a resonator configured to generate an oscillating signal. The clock oscillator includes a bias circuit having a relatively constant current source configured to create a bias voltage to bias the amplifier in an operating state that can sustain the oscillating signal. The inverting amplifier and the bias circuit are configured to operate in a low power state.