Abstract: A recyclable esterification or transesterification catalyst and methods for making and using the same are provided herein. The catalyst can be used to prepare biodiesel or methyl soyate from various feedstocks, including vegetable oils and animal fats. The catalyst can both esterify free fatty acids and transesterify mono-, di-, and triglycerides. The catalyst can also be combined with a metal oxide, and optionally calcined, prior to carrying out a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling a plurality of digital video signals to generate an interleaved digital video signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC), coupled to an analog input signal, for converting the analog input signal to a first digital output signal according to a sampling clock signal; a second ADC, coupled to the analog input signal, for converting the analog input signal to a second digital output signal according to the sampling clock signal; a reference clock generator, for generating a reference clock; a random signal generator, for outputting control values in a random sequence; and a clock controller, coupled to the reference clock generator and the random signal generator, for modifying the reference clock signal according to the control values to generate the sampling clock signal to the first ADC and the second ADC.

Abstract: The invention provides novel mesoporous particles and methods for the selective sequestration of organic compounds from microorganisms, such as from various genera and species of algae that produce important organic compounds. The organic compounds can be selectively sequestered, for example, in favor of biodiesel impurities such as sterols and chlorophyll, to provide substantially pure free fatty acids. The free fatty acids can then be esterified to provide pure biodiesel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling a plurality of digital video signals to generate an interleaved digital video signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC), coupled to an analog input signal, for converting the analog input signal to a first digital output signal according to a sampling clock signal; a second ADC, coupled to the analog input signal, for converting the analog input signal to a second digital output signal according to the sampling clock signal; a reference clock generator, for generating a reference clock; a random signal generator, for outputting control values in a random sequence; and a clock controller, coupled to the reference clock generator and the random signal generator, for modifying the reference clock signal according to the control values to generate the sampling clock signal to the first ADC and the second ADC.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a vehicle includes an image capture unit, a reflective film, and a projection unit. The vehicle includes a windshield. The image capture unit is configured for acquiring visual information of the vehicle. The reflective film is formed on a predetermined area of the windshield. The projection unit is configured for projecting the images onto the predetermined area.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for generating an output analog signal according to a raw digital signal is disclosed. The signal processing apparatus includes a DAC, a storage device, and an adjusting device. The storage device is utilized for storing a target mapping table equivalent to a combination of a predetermined correction mapping table and a DAC calibration mapping table corresponding to the DAC. The adjusting device is coupled to the DAC and the storage device, and is utilized for adjusting the raw digital signal to generate a calibrated digital signal according to the target mapping table stored in the storage device. The DAC converts the calibrated digital signal to generate the output analog signal.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a main body and a flash module disposed on a surface of the main body. The flash module includes a lamp tube, a reflector, and a rotating shaft. The reflector is configured for reflecting the light emitted from the lamp tube. The rotating shaft is assembled on the main body and rotatable relative to the main body. The rotating shaft is secured on a surface of the reflector facing away from, and parallel to the lamp tube.

Abstract: A lens module includes a case, one and more lens units positioned in the case and having at least one lens, a carrying member, a piezoelectric driving unit, and at least a fixing member. The carrying member is connected to the lens unit such that the lens unit is movable forward and backward. The piezoelectric driving unit is mounted in the case for transferring a driving force to the carrying member so as to carry the lens unit to move. By using this configuration, the front and rear lens units may conduct the auto focus function and the zoom function respectively, thereby reducing a stroke of the lens, and reducing the size of the lens driving unit. Accordingly, the lens module may be manufactured in a small size so that it may be inserted into a cellular phone.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: A device for extracting a synchronization signal from a video signal has a first comparator and an adjustment circuit. The first comparator receives the video signal, compares the video signal with a first threshold, and generates the synchronization signal according to the compared result. The adjustment circuit receives the video signal, compares the video signal with a plurality of second thresholds of different values, and changes the first threshold according to the compared results.

Abstract: The invention provides efficient, inexpensive, and environmental friendly catalysts and catalyst systems. The catalysts can be used to catalyze esterification and/or transesterification reactions, for example, for the preparation of biodiesel. Kiln dust, such as cement kiln dust (CKD) or lime kiln dust (LKD) can be used to convert a variety of feedstock acids and/or esters to biodiesel in high yield under mild conditions. The CKD and LKD catalyst systems are recyclable esterification or transesterification catalysts that can be used to prepare biodiesel, such as methyl soyate, from various feedstocks, including vegetable oils and animal fats.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to prepare 1,3-propanediol from glycerol. The glycerol is contacted with porous silicon in the presence of an acid to provide the resulting 1,3-propanediol. The porous silicon can have at least one of three types of silicon hydride moieties of the formula Si—Hx, wherein x is 1, 2 or 3. The pores of the porous silicon can be about 1 nm in diameter to about 1 micrometer, and the surface area of the porous silicon can be about 200 to about 800 m2/g.

Abstract: An offset calibration method is provided. Two input terminals of an equalizer are switched to a common voltage at a first time point, wherein the equalizer generates a first equalized signal and a second equalized signal according to the common voltage. It is determined whether a first offset voltage is present in the equalizer according to the first and second equalized signals generated from the common voltage. If the first offset voltage is determined to be present in the equalizer, a first compensation voltage is provided to the equalizer.

Abstract: A Gm/C tuning circuit. The Gm/C tuning circuit comprises an integrator, a transconductance amplifier, and a switched capacitor circuit. The integrator has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal providing a control voltage. The transconductance amplifier receives the control voltage and a first input voltage proportional to a reference voltage and has an output terminal coupled to the first input terminal the integrator. The switched capacitor circuit has an input receiving a second input voltage proportional to the reference voltage and an output coupled to the first input terminal of the integrator.

Abstract: A clamping circuit for restoring the DC level of video input signals. The clamping circuit comprises a coupling capacitor, a latch, a logic element, a charge switch, and a constant current source. The latch is coupled to the coupling capacitor to receive a video input signal therethrough and comprises a bias current source for generating first and second output signals in response to the AC-coupled signal and a reference voltage. The logic element receives the first and second output signals, generating a charging control signal to the charge switch. The charge switch, responsive to the charging control signal, is turned on to direct the current of the bias current source to the coupling capacitor, raising the level of the AC-coupled signal. Meanwhile, the constant current source continuously discharges the coupling capacitor slowly.

Abstract: A recyclable esterification or transesterification catalyst and methods for making and using the same are provided herein. The catalyst can be used to prepare biodiesel or methyl soyate from various feedstocks, including vegetable oils and animal fats. The catalyst can both esterify free fatty acids and transesterify mono-, di-, and triglycerides. The catalyst can also be combined with a metal oxide, and optionally calcined, prior to carrying out a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: A clamping system for clamping a video signal, wherein the clamping system uses a charge-pump unit in company with a digital clamping controller to clamp the potential of the video signal, prior to the video signal being input to a programmable gain amplifier and an A/D converter, so as to reach a desired level. The charge-pump unit provides two charge-pump circuits, wherein one charge-pump circuit supplies a strong burst to boost the potential of the video signal while the video signal is below a threshold value. Otherwise, the other charge-pump circuit supplies a weak burst to fine tune the potential of the video signal when the video signal has reached the threshold value.

Abstract: A clamping circuit for restoring the DC level of video input signals. The clamping circuit comprises a coupling capacitor, a latch, a logic element, a charge switch, and a constant current source. The latch is coupled to the coupling capacitor to receive a video input signal therethrough and comprises a bias current source for generating first and second output signals in response to the AC-coupled signal and a reference voltage. The logic element receives the first and second output signals, generating a charging control signal to the charge switch. The charge switch, responsive to the charging control signal, is turned on to direct the current of the bias current source to the coupling capacitor, raising the level of the AC-coupled signal. Meanwhile, the constant current source continuously discharges the coupling capacitor slowly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to prepare a fatty acid lower alkyl esters from a feedstock, such as a vegetable or an animal oil, comprising one or more fatty acid glycerol esters such as mono-, di- or tri-glycerides, and free fatty acids, comprising combining the feedstock, a lower alcohol and an acidic mesoporous silicate under conditions wherein the mesoporous silicate catalyzes the formation of the corresponding fatty acid lower alkyl ester of the free fatty acids an optionally glycerol.