Abstract: An improved device and method for grounding shields of transmission lines is shown. A grounding apparatus, a connector device, and methods associated with them are shown having improved efficiency and reliability among other advantages. Devices and methods shown eliminate a dressing and attaching step of grounding numerous grounding lines to a grounding element such as a connector housing. Devices and methods shown further improve quality and reliability of grounding operations using shielded transmission lines and transmission line connectors.

Abstract: A course deviation indicator with a unique display utilizes at least one deviation bar, to indicate when a craft or vessel in which the course deviation indicator is utilized has deviated from a pre-established course. In one embodiment, the course deviation indicator has a lateral deviation bar, for indicating lateral deviation from a pre-established course, and a vertical deviation bar, for indicating vertical deviation from a pre-established course. A first, vertical, flag is associated with the vertical deviation bar, while a second, lateral flag is associated with the lateral deviation bar. When a determination is made that a particular deviation bar is providing inaccurate information, the appropriate flag is displayed, thereby indicating that the associated deviation bar is indeed providing inaccurate information. In one embodiment, the flags are displayed mechanically. In a second embodiment, the display is an LCD display, and flags are displayed by drawing the flags on the LCD display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for refreshing a passive liquid crystal display. A device implements a liquid crystal display, having a liquid crystal module, a backlight, a processor, and controllers. The processor establishes a first frequency for the backlight to provide dimming ratios greater than 20 to 1. The processor establishes a second frequency for refreshing the LCD module such that the ratio of the display refresh frequency to backlight frequency is 6.5. The multiplicative and fractional factor reduces display aliases and beat frequency artifacts created by the differences in the two frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit for obtaining a wide dimming ratio from a Royer inverter and, more particularly, to a circuit that allows a back light to have wide dimming ratio without having unwanted current spikes that would significantly reduce the life of the back light bulbs. The invention is directed to a DC-to-AC inverter circuit for obtaining a wide dimming ratio in a display back light. The DC-to-AC inverter circuit consists of a voltage source, a Royer inverter circuit and switch circuit to turn on the Royer inverter. The Royer inverter is configured to receive a DC pulse modulated (PWM) signal that is coupled a transformer to produce an output AC PWM signal that is sent to the display back light. The configuration creates an imbalance in the Royer circuit that in turn prevents current spikes that occur when rapidly turning on the Royer inverter.