Abstract: An electronic control system provides selectable path operation, such as linear and pulse-width modulated (PWM) operation and provides path transition management to improve operation. The system supplies a current or a voltage to a load in response to an input signal or value and includes an output driver, and multiple selectable control paths. The system includes a control circuit that selects between the first control path and the second control path in response to a path selection indication to drive the output driver. The system may include an evaluator that determines the path selection indication in conformity with an amplitude and a slew rate of the input. One or all of the control paths may have a response time to changes in the input signal or value, and the control circuit may delay switching from the second control path to the first control path to compensate for the response time.

Abstract: A method for image compression of a set of image data includes performing a quantization operation on the image data. The quantization operation may include controlling a compression factor by applying a scaled quantization level obtained by multiplying a first quantization level by a gain factor. The gain factor may be updated as a function of a bit per pixel value of a compressed image. The update operation may include an iterative procedure including at least one iteration step that provides for updating a current gain factor as a function of a previous gain used for performing a previous compression step and as a function of a ratio of the bit per pixel value of the compressed image at the previous compression step to a target bit per pixel value. The method may be used in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) image processing and digital still cameras.

Abstract: A phaco-shield for placement over an eye prior to surgery to prevent contact between the leading edge of a surgical probe and the posterior capsule of the eye. The phaco-shield includes a base with a central aperture and two flexible flaps on either side of the aperture.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a transverse axle and a body, and a shock absorber mounted between the axle and the body to absorb shock from vertical movement of the axle and prevent shock from being transmitted completely to the body of the vehicle, the improvement disclosed involves an apparatus for sensing tilt of the vehicle in combination with apparatus in the hydraulic system of the shock absorber which will prevent further tilt of the vehicle beyond a predetermined point sensed by the sensing unit.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a transverse axle and a body, and a shock absorber mounted between the axle and the body to absorb shock from vertical movement of the axle and prevent shock from being transmitted completely to the body, the improvement disclosed involves apparatus for sensing tilt of the axle in combination with separate hydraulic system to prevent further tilt of the axle beyond a predetermined point sensed by the sensing unit.

Abstract: A surgical method for removing tissue and other objects from the body of humans or animals, e.g. cataracts, blood clots, fatty deposits, etc. by disrupting them but minimizing the danger of piercing neighboring tissue through the use of a specially designed phaco-shield. This phaco-shield is inserted through the use of a specially designed shield guide.

Abstract: A compiler for a digital signal processor allows the designer to specify separately function, accuracy and throughput. The compiler employs a word structure having the signal attributes of bits, digits and subwords which all have a direct relationship to the size of the processor and throughput. From a budget of working bits and clock cycles implicit in the specification of accuracy and throughput the compiler is able to choose the optimal word structure for the application. The compiler can also propagate throughout an icon network, used for the specification of function, various estimation attributes such as word growth and quantisation noise, which allow the designer to observe the effect of design changes without recourse to simulation. A specific example of design employing a specified architecture and a specified computational grain is explained.

Abstract: A serial/parallel multiplier for the multiplication of a coefficient word with a data word of which the bits are broadcast n at a time where n is at least three. The structure comprises a plurality of pipes which where n is even each consists of a radix-4 encoder receiving two bits of the cluster and driving a partial product generator coupled to a respective carry-save array which forms the required two bits of the product by shifting and accumulation. For n equal to an odd number, the final sub-pipe consists of a radix-2 sub-pipe rather than a radix-4 sub-pipe and provides a single bit of the output, which consists of a cluster of n bits.

Abstract: A fractional bit-serial multiplier includes an array of partial product generators, an array of carry-save and accumulate stages and a spill-pipe to accommodate word growth and provide the higher order product terms. Circuitry between the carry-save stages and the spill pipe is provided to give the final partial products correct weighting and to avoid use of circuitry between the partial product generators and the carry-save stages.

Abstract: An incrementing subtractive circuit for use in digital signal processing is constituted by a full adder having data inputs of which at least one is inverted, a sum output, and a carry output which is coupled by way of a half adder circuit to a one bit upshifter at the carry input of the full adder. The one bit upshifter is controlled by a least significant bit control signal. The half adder includes a carry recirculation loop adapted to add a logical unity in response to the least significant bit control signal. The arrangement has the effect of adding integer two to the carry value of the full adder and achieves the additional incrementing necessary for the performance of incrementing subtraction or negating addition.

Abstract: This invention involves a porous device for implantation in the scleral tissue of the eye to relieve the intraocular pressure of glaucoma and a method for surgically implanting the device.

Abstract: This invention involves a porous device for implantation in the scleral tissue of the eye to relieve the intraocular pressure of glaucoma and a method for surgically implanting the device.