Abstract: A driver circuit includes a first termination resistor and a distributed amplifier comprising a plurality of pairs of input transistors and comprising inductors coupled between each pair of input transistors. The driver circuit also includes a distributed current-mode level shifter coupled to the first termination resistor. The distributed current-mode level shifter includes a first plurality of inductors coupled in series between the first termination resistor and the distributed amplifier and a first plurality of capacitive devices. Each capacitive device is coupled to a power supply node and to a node interconnecting two of the series-coupled inductors.

Abstract: A television playout system that handles playout of a channel, receives a video feed of the channel comprising programming data and a plurality of interstitial content items, and a playout schedule of the channel. Metadata comprising a pre-roll value is inserted at a first insertion point related to a first interstitial content item of the plurality of interstitial content items, based on the playout schedule. An offset is detected in the metadata, based on the first insertion point of the metadata in the video feed, the pre-roll value, and a time-code (TC) jump associated with a second interstitial content item in the video feed. One or more control parameters associated with the insertion of the metadata are calibrated, based on the detected offset to align a splice point related to the first interstitial content item with the TC jump associated with the second interstitial content item.

Abstract: At least one processor in a content distribution device in a multichannel video program distributor (MVPD) system receives a video feed, a plurality of triggers, and metadata from a broadcast provider system via a communication network,and determines a plurality of segments in the received video feed. The plurality of segments are determined based on the received plurality of triggers and the metadata. The processor embeds at least one content marker in at least one segment of the plurality of segments. The at least one content marker includes attribute information associated with at least one video-on-demand (VOD) content asset. The processor dynamically generates the at least one VOD content asset based on the at least one content marker, and transmits the at least one VOD content asset to at least one server communicatively coupled with the MVPD system.

Abstract: A live content distribution device that dynamically generates video-on-demand (VOD) assets for multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), receives a live video feed, a plurality of triggers, and metadata from a broadcast provider system over a communication network. The live content distribution device is provided in a MVPD system. A plurality of segments are determined in the received live video feed based on the received plurality of triggers and metadata. One or more VOD content assets are dynamically generated based on a package for playout to one or more servers communicatively coupled with the MVPD system. The package includes one or more of the determined plurality of segments and metadata associated with the determined plurality of segments.

Abstract: A loop filter with an active discrete-level loop filter capacitor can be used in a VCO (such as for CDR). A loop filter capacitor function is simulated by sensing input loop filter current (such as with a current mirror and source follower in the input leg), and forcing back a loop filter (VCO) control voltage. Loop filter voltage control is provided using a VDAC with a discrete-level VDAC feedback voltage, incremented/decremented based on the sensed loop filter current. In one embodiment, the VDAC voltage is provided as the non-inverting input to an amplifier, with the inverting input providing the control voltage, forced to the VDAC feedback voltage. The VDAC feedback voltage can be provided by increment/decrement comparators based on a voltage deviation on a C2 capacitor (from a reference voltage) that receives the sensed loop filter current (effectively multiplying the C2 capacitance to provide a simulated loop filter capacitance).

Abstract: Sliding friction between a catheter and a guiding core is reduced by a rotating inner catheter member (12), introduced between the guiding core (13) and an outer catheter member (11). The inner catheter member (12) is rotated in the outer catheter member (11) by a motor (14), which may be controlled by a control unit (2). A lower catheter friction with respect to the guidewire allows the physician improved assessment of the forces resulting from collisions of the outer catheter member (11) and the vascular wall.

Abstract: A live content distribution device that dynamically generates video-on-demand (VOD) assets for multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), receives a live video feed, a plurality of triggers, and metadata from a broadcast provider system over a communication network. The live content distribution device is provided in a MVPD system. A plurality of segments are determined in the received live video feed based on the received plurality of triggers and metadata. One or more VOD content assets are dynamically generated based on a package for playout to one or more servers communicatively coupled with the MVPD system. The package includes one or more of the determined plurality of segments and metadata associated with the determined plurality of segments.

Abstract: A television playout system that handles playout of a channel, receives a video feed of the channel comprising programming data and a plurality of interstitial content items, and a playout schedule of the channel. Metadata comprising a pre-roll value is inserted at a first insertion point related to a first interstitial content item of the plurality of interstitial content items, based on the playout schedule. An offset is detected in the metadata, based on the first insertion point of the metadata in the video feed, the pre-roll value, and a time-code (TC) jump associated with a second interstitial content item in the video feed. One or more control parameters associated with the insertion of the metadata are calibrated, based on the detected offset to align a splice point related to the first interstitial content item with the TC jump associated with the second interstitial content item.

Abstract: A television playout system provided in a broadcast provider system receives a playout schedule, which corresponds to a live video feed of a channel broadcasted to one or more multichannel video program distributors (MVPDs), from a playout schedule source, and generates a new channel comprising one or more video on demand (VOD) content assets, based on one or more scheduling rules of the playout schedule, to be transmitted to a plurality of MVPDs at a time specified in the received playout schedule. The received live video feed of the channel is sanitized by removal of a lower third graphical content overlay from the live video feed for the generation of the new channel. A discontinuity is inserted between program segments to allow dynamic ad insertion (DAI) within the program segments of the live video feed for the new channel.

Abstract: A brush head assembly (100) comprising a sandwich assembly (200) comprising a flexible matrix (30?) positioned between two layers of stiff or stiffer material (220), a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which comprises a plurality of bristle strands, each bristle tuft having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25), a bristle tuft retention element (250) for each bristle tuft (21), the bristle tuft retention elements (250) connecting the proximal end of the bristle tufts (21) to the sandwich assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation system comprising a generator having charged mutually rotating plate elements, and comprising an integrated drive mechanism for precisely controlling a separation distance between the plates. The drive mechanism provides a separation which varies as a function of the speed of rotation, hence assimilating separation control within the natural operation of the device. Embodiments provide plates comprising self-generating bearings, both hydrodynamic gas and fluid bearings and centrifugal regulator solid bearings, the bearings providing a supporting force between the plates of a magnitude which increases as the rotational speed of the plates increases. Methods of energy generation are also provided.

Abstract: An actuator device comprises an electroactive polymer (30) and a controller (34) for delivering a drive signal to the electroactive polymer to make it deform. The controller is adapted to generate a signal which comprises an AC component for introducing a vibration (40, 42) of the electroactive polymer. This vibration is used to reduce friction between the electroactive polymer and an adjacent component (32). The AC component may be superposed on a low frequency AC or DC drive level.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation and/or conversion system and method wherein an electrical power generator is controlled to periodically alternate between a contact-mode, during which elements of the generator are brought into contact to induce a state of charging, and a non-contact mode, during which plates of the generator are separated from one another and electrical energy is generated through electrostatic induction. Timing and duration of contact and non-contact modes are controlled by a controller, or by user commands, in dependence on a charge state of the elements of the generator: In this way elements are controlled to come into contact only when surface charge has fallen below a certain level, and re-charging is necessary; contact time between the elements may hence be minimised—thereby minimising incurred noise and surface wear—whilst still maintaining a given desired threshold power output.

Abstract: A device (100A) for treating skin (S) comprises a skin treatment member, a skin contacting surface (10), a mounting member (104) for mounting the skin treatment member (110) and the skin contacting surface (107), and friction controlling means (124, 126, 134) configured and arranged to control friction between the skin contacting surface (107) and the skin (S) to be treated, in at least one controlled friction area (122) of the skin contacting surface (107), during use when the skin contacting surface (107) is moved over the skin (S). In particular, the friction controlling means (124, 126, 134) are adapted to introduce a slip motion of the controlled friction area (122) relative to the mounting member (104) in a direction corresponding to a local direction of extension of the skin contacting surface (107).

Abstract: A loop filter with an active discrete-level loop filter capacitor can be used in a VCO (such as for CDR). A loop filter capacitor function is simulated by sensing input loop filter current (such as with a current mirror and source follower in the input leg), and forcing back a loop filter (VCO) control voltage. Loop filter voltage control is provided using a VDAC with a discrete-level VDAC feedback voltage, incremented/decremented based on the sensed loop filter current. In one embodiment, the VDAC voltage is provided as the non-inverting input to an amplifier, with the inverting input providing the control voltage, forced to the VDAC feedback voltage. The VDAC feedback voltage can be provided by increment/decrement comparators based on a voltage deviation on a C2 capacitor (from a reference voltage) that receives the sensed loop filter current (effectively multiplying the C2 capacitance to provide a simulated loop filter capacitance).

Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Patient interface devices (8) structured to deliver a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient include a member (16) structured to contact and adhere to a face of the patient responsive to the patient interface being donned by the patient, the member having a contact surface and an adhesive layer (34) provided on the contact surface.

Abstract: Lost motion engine valve actuation systems and methods of actuating engine valves are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include a valve train element, a first lost motion piston, an accumulator, and a hydraulic circuit, among other components. Variation of the first lost motion piston position may be carried out by placing the first lost motion piston in hydraulic communication with a trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the first lost motion piston position.

Abstract: Lost motion engine valve actuation systems and methods of actuating engine valves are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include a valve train element, a first lost motion piston, an accumulator, and a hydraulic circuit, among other components. Variation of the first lost motion piston position may be carried out by placing the first lost motion piston in hydraulic communication with a trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the first lost motion piston position.

Abstract: Lost motion engine valve actuation systems and methods of actuating engine valves are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include a valve train element, a first lost motion piston, an accumulator, and a hydraulic circuit, among other components. Variation of the first lost motion piston position may be carried out by placing the first lost motion piston in hydraulic communication with a trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the first lost motion piston position.