Abstract: An analog discrete current mode negative feedback amplifier circuit for use with a micro-fused strain gauge is disclosed. The amplifier circuit includes a Wheatstone bridge coupled to a first power supply and a second power supply. The first power supply and the second power supply can be configured such that the periodically alternate between two voltage levels. The Wheatstone bridge can be coupled to a negative feedback amplifier circuit with common mode detection. The amplifier circuit can comprise a differential amplifier with a negative feedback configuration coupled to a common mode amplifier. In addition, the output of each of the amplifiers can be coupled to a common-mode amplifier. In a pressure sensing application, the output of the common mode amplifier serves to output the temperature while the differential amplifiers serve to output the pressure.

Abstract: An analog discrete current mode negative feedback amplifier circuit for use with a micro-fused strain gauge is disclosed. The amplifier circuit includes a Wheatstone bridge coupled to a first power supply and a second power supply. The first power supply and the second power supply can be configured such that the periodically alternate between two voltage levels. The Wheatstone bridge can be coupled to a negative feedback amplifier circuit with common mode detection. The amplifier circuit can comprise a differential amplifier with a negative feedback configuration coupled to a common mode amplifier. In addition, the output of each of the amplifiers can be coupled to a common-mode amplifier. In a pressure sensing application, the output of the common mode amplifier serves to output the temperature while the differential amplifiers serve to output the pressure.

Abstract: A lug-type resealable beverage container is described. The lug-type resealable beverage container has a metallic containment vessel, an annular sleeve, and a metallic cap. The metallic containment vessel has a containment area for receiving a liquid. The containment vessel has a closed end separated from an open end by a tubular sidewall. The annular sleeve is joined about the containment vessel adjacent the open end and has first and second lug members extending radially outwardly. The metallic cap has first and second lug members for cooperative engagement with the first and second lug members on the sleeve. Cooperative engagement between the first and second mating lugs and the first and second lug members encloses the liquid within the containment vessel.

Abstract: A metal container is described. The metal container has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion has an enclosed bottom and a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the enclosed bottom portion. The cylindrical sidewall has a diameter and is centered about a longitudinal axis. The upper portion has a circumferential shoulder portion, a circumferential neck and an open end. The shoulder is integral with an uppermost portion of the cylindrical side wall and is smoothly tapered radially inwardly. The circumferential neck extends upwardly and radially inwardly from an uppermost portion of the circumferential shoulder. The open end is connected to the circumferential neck and has threads for threadable attachment to a closure member.

Abstract: A base station has a processor to generate a Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) data frame. The CDMA data frame comprises a plurality of Basic Frames. At least one of the plurality of Basic Frames comprises a vendor-specific field. A modem transports the CDMA data frame over a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”)-compatible link between the base station and a remote head having a transceiver.

Abstract: A lug-type resealable beverage container is described. The lug-type resealable beverage container has a metallic containment vessel, an annular sleeve, and a metallic cap. The metallic containment vessel has a containment area for receiving a liquid. The containment vessel has a closed end separated from an open end by a tubular sidewall. The annular sleeve is joined about the containment vessel adjacent the open end and has first and second lug members extending radially outwardly. The metallic cap has first and second lug members for cooperative engagement with the first and second lug members on the sleeve. Cooperative engagement between the first and second mating lugs and the first and second lug members encloses the liquid within the containment vessel.

Abstract: A metal container is described. The metal container has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion has an enclosed bottom and a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly from the enclosed bottom portion. The cylindrical sidewall has a diameter and is centered about a longitudinal axis. The upper portion has a circumferential shoulder portion, a circumferential neck and an open end. The shoulder is integral with an uppermost portion of the cylindrical side wall and is smoothly tapered radially inwardly. The circumferential neck extends upwardly and radially inwardly from an uppermost portion of the circumferential shoulder. The open end is connected to the circumferential neck and has threads for threadable attachment to a closure member.

Abstract: A communication system (105) utilizes the global positioning system (GPS) to maintain a high degree of accuracy of synchronization of base-stations (115-116). When the GPS signal (106, 107, or 108) is absent, the communication system (105) employs an alternate signal (110-113), such as a WWVB, LORAN-C, and MSF signal, to provide redundant synchronization of the base-stations (115-116). To achieve the degree of synchronization accuracy provided by the GPS signal (106-108), the communication system (105) characterizes the alternate signal (110-113) by utilizing the GPS signal (106-108) when the GPS signal (106-108) is present. When the GPS signal (106-108) is absent, the characterized alternate signal is then employed such that synchronization of the base-stations (115-116) is transparent to the base-stations (115, 116).

Abstract: A control system for a washing machine having a transducer mounted on the exterior of the washing receptacle wall and operable to generate acoustic vibrations in the receptacle wall during fluid filling of the receptacle. A receiver detects sound waves within the receptacle generated by the wall vibrations and generates in fill signal indicative of the sound waves. Circuitry is provided for analyzing the fill signal and determining from the acoustic signature of the fill signal the occurrence of total immersion of articles in the fluid; and, the circuitry sends a signal which is operable to then shut off the fluid fill valve.

Abstract: Thermal inkjet printhead temperature control is provided in a temperature control system responsive to printhead temperature, which in the presence of printhead overheating selectively causes the printhead to stand idle, or, if multiple nozzles are available, shifts to a nozzle which, is not overheated, which in the event a nozzle is unused for some time and the dye transport agent may have evaporated leaving a viscous plug in the nozzle, employs warm up pulsing and/or nozzle spitting to clear the nozzles, and which when the temperatures of the nozzle is below acceptable printing temperatures, employs nozzle pulsing for warm up and/or nozzle spitting to clear the nozzles, all such decisions and actions being provided in advance of beginning a printing operation.

Abstract: A control system providing a control of position, velocity, and direction of movement of a member in an axis of freedom which employs a scale having scale divisions thereon and bands or zones defining limits of constant velocity control, acceleration and deceleration zone limits, and a rest or parking position. The scale spans and parallels the axis of freedom. A single channel transducer or encoder mounted on and moving with the member produces time varying output signals in response to the sensing of scale divisions along the scale and signals of different characteristic in response to encoder sensing of the limit bands. The time varying output signals are employed as scale division count signals for position determination and as scale division count signals per unit of time, for velocity feedback.

Abstract: A triac and a mechanical relay, in series with the electrical heater of an incubator, together switch heater current on and off at the same set point temperature if the triac fails short. Similarly, a second mechanical relay in parallel with the triac switches heater current around the triac, should the triac fail open.