Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated LH324. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety LH324, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety LH324 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety LH324 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety LH324.

Abstract: The formation of a carotenoid compound containing a 4-keto-?-ionene ring such as astaxanthin or canthaxanthin in flowers, and particularly in the corolla and reproductive parts of a flower of a higher plant whose flowers produce a carotenoid compound containing a ?-ionene ring such as ?-carotene or zeaxanthin, but otherwise do not produce astaxanthin or canthaxanthin is disclosed. One or more genes controlled by a promoter are inserted (transformed) into a higher plant. The inserted gene encodes a chimeric enzyme including (a) a carotenoid-forming enzyme that is at least a ketolase. That gene is operatively linked to (b) a plastid-directed transit peptide. Some higher plants to be transformed produce at least zeaxanthin or ?-carotene in their flowers prior to transformation, whereas other plants produce little if any colored carotenoid pigments prior to transformation and are transformed with a cassette of carotenoids-forming genes. Methods of transformation and use of the transformed plants are described.

Abstract: A snare drum including a drum shell having an upper head and a lower head mounted thereon and a frame for holding a plurality of snare wires. The frame arranges the snare wires to be in contact with the lower head or to be spaced from the lower head. The snare drum includes a first latched member and a second latched member respectively located at opposite ends of the frame at an outer side the drum shell. An attachment mechanism is located on the drum shell for arranging the frame on a surface of the lower head. The attachment mechanism includes a first latching member and a second latching member arranged between the drum shell and the first and second latched members for separably latching the first and second latched members, respectively.

Abstract: A music apparatus is provided in a portable terminal set having a plurality of controls. In the music apparatus, a storage stores a plurality of performance patterns. An allocating section allocates the plurality of the performance patterns to the plurality of the controls. A reproducing section is responsive to operation of the controls for reproducing the performance patterns allocated to the operated controls. In case of creating music, a setting section is operated for setting timings of reproducing the performance patterns while operating the controls. A composing section operates based on the selecting of the performance patterns and the setting of the timings for composing a sequence of the performance patterns, the sequence being effective to enable the portable terminal set to sequentially reproduce the selected performance patterns at the set timings.

Abstract: User enters information of a melody or other musical material and, when necessary, desired parameters. The input information and parameters are transmitted to a server via a network or other communication media. On the basis of the received musical material and parameters, the server creates content by imparting the musical material with an additional value corresponding to the parameters. For example, in the case where the musical material is a melody of a music piece, the server creates, as the content, harmony information, backing information, accompaniment information, musical score picture information, or the like. There may also be created test-listening or test-viewing sample content corresponding to the regular content. The user receives the sample content from the server, and purchases the regular content when the sample content has been found to be satisfactory as a result of the test listening or test viewing.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating pulsed chemical reactions in a small volume of gaseous reactants. An emitter stimulates the reactions of a fuel oxidizer mixture and a collector converts the vibrational energy of the resulting products into useful energy. The device may also include a reaction region, a collector, and reactants such as fuel and oxidizer. In one embodiment, air including exhausts is made to flow into and out of the reaction region, and fuel is made to flow into the reaction region. The device may be configured in several geometries, including but not limited to, a V-channel, a box and a plane.

Abstract: A cable assembly is provided that includes a wire bundle having individual wires, and first and second connectors provided on first and second ends of said wire bundle. The first and second connectors include first and second circuit boards, respectively. The first and second ends of the wires are terminated on the first and second circuit boards in accordance with different first and second wire management configurations, respectively.

Abstract: A connector for a shielded electric wire includes an inner conductor connectable to one lead wire of an electronic element; a dielectric having an accommodation hole; an outer conductor having an inner hole; and a shielded electric wire having a shielding member and a core wire connectable to the other lead of the electronic element. The accommodation hole of the dielectric holds the inner conductor connected to one lead wire of the electronic element. The core wire of the shielded electric wire is connected to the other lead wire of the electronic element after the dielectric is inserted and held in the inner hole of the outer conductor. The shielding member of the shielded electric wire is connected to the outer conductor.

Abstract: A connector, a system and a method connect, attach and/or connect a first cable and a second cable via the connector. The connector has a finger and/or a receiver attached to and/or connected to the first cable and/or the second cable, respectively. The finger is insertable into the receiver to attach and/or to connect the first cable to the second cable. The finger has a projection to transmit, to communicate and/or to transfer an electrical signal between the first cable and the receiver. The receiver has a receptor for transmitting, for communicating and/or for transferring the electrical signal between the projection of the finger and the second cable. The finger and/or the projection of the first cable rotates and/or turns in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction with respect to the receiver of the second cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-part cable clamp with a base (1) which is fixed to a carrier part, a bearing surface formed on said base (1) for a cable or bundle of cables which are to be fixed and a cable cover (6) which is joined to the base (1) by means of a flexible strip (5), said cable cover encompassing the cable or bundle of cables and being able to be engaged with the base (1), said base (1) being U-shaped. The insides of the U-shaped limbs (3) of the base are provided with transversally extending ribs (4) as known per se. A clamp cover (6) is joined to the upper edge of one U-shaped limb (3) by means of a flexible strip (5). Said cover can be inserted between the U-shaped limbs (3) and an adjustable fixed control element (9), preferably in the form of a screw head is formed thereon and can be placed in two positions. In one position thereof, the fixed control element (9) engages with the ribs (4) of the U-shaped limbs (3). In another position, said control element is disengaged therefrom.

Abstract: A flat flexible cable having conductive pathways laminated between a top and a bottom insulating layer and including an integrated stiffening element. The integrated stiffening element is laminated in between one of the top and bottom insulating layers and the conductive pathways. Integrating the stiffening element into the flat flexible cable in this manner allows the stiffening element to resist peeling or other removal from the remainder of the flat flexible cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an insulating boot 20 for ends of through-bolts 12 in electric generators that comprises a shaped insulating boot. The boot has an inner surface and an outer surface and an opening, where the inner surface is substantially free of protrusions. The inner surface of the shaped boot 20 is within 0.01 to 0.5 inches (0.025–1.3 cm) larger than the shape of the end of a through-bolt 12 to which the shaped boot will be applied. The shaped insulating boot has a breakdown voltage of at least 10 kV, and more particularly at least 30 kV, and the shaped boot is placed over the end of a through-bolt of an electric generator.

Abstract: A composite of at least two flat elements that includes a first support substrate having a first solder pad, and a second support substrate having a second solder pad that is soldered together with the first solder pad. Strip conductor structures are applied to the first support substrate and the second support substrate and a link area that connects a solder shunting area with the first solder pad, wherein the link area is narrower than the first solder pad and the solder shunting area.

Abstract: A cable having an electrostatic discharge (ESD) dissipative coating. The cable includes a lead and an ESD dissipative coating operatively coupled to the lead. Other layers such as adhesives and insulating layers can be provided. The ESD dissipative coating can also function as the insulator for the lead.

Abstract: A PCB comprises a slender substrate, a thermal compression area and at least a slit. The thermal compression area, placed on the slender substrate, has a plurality of bonding pads for a plurality of TCPs to be mounted thereon and a plurality of dummy pads placed between the TCPs. The slit transversely crosses the thermal compression area and slices some of the dummy pads. When the TCPs are connected to the bonding pads of the PCB, the thermal compression area is heated to around 150° C. to 200° C. Therefore, the slit can block the thermal expansion to be accumulated along the longitudinal direction of the thermal compression area.

Abstract: A flexible circuit having vias disposed to minimize discontinuity in a ground plane separating opposing transmission lines. The flex circuit comprises a first transmission line coupled to a first surface, a second transmission line coupled to a second opposing surface and a ground plane separating the first transmission line and the second transmission line. The flexible circuit also includes a first type of electrical connection pads disposed on the first surface, and electrically coupled to the first transmission line. The flexible circuit also includes a second type of electrical connection pads disposed on the second surface, and electrically coupled to the second transmission line wherein the second type of electrical connection pads have a higher areal density than the first type of electrical connection pads.

Abstract: A cover fitting for connecting more than one raceway includes an L-shaped top having first and second curved grooves extending along the inner surface of the top and a plurality of hooks extending outwardly from the inner surface for engaging a portion of each raceway base. The cover fitting further includes first and second opposing sides extending from the inner surface of the top. The cover fitting can be used with a fitting base received in first and second grooves for situations requiring a specific bend radius, or in applications without a fitting base, where there are no bend radius requirements.

Abstract: A knob assembly for the switch of a radio is provided which prevents the switch from being rotated to certain positions except when the knob is moved in an axial direction after contact with a stop. The knob may be returned to a location where other switch positions may be selected without requiring further axial motion of the knob on the part of the radio operator.

Abstract: A locking switch assembly includes a cam, a plunger, and a locking mechanism. The cam is rotatably attached to a frame assembly and an end of the plunger is constructed to follow a contour of the cam. The plunger is movable between a plunger first position and a plunger second position. A pin is biased against the plunger and movable between a pin first position and a pin second position and locks the plunger in the plunger second position when the pin is in the pin second position. A breakable arm prevents movement of the plunger from the plunger second position to the plunger first position unless a force above a selected amount is applied to the cam when the plunger is in the plunger second position.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided to protect an electrical switch from the deleterious effects of ice formation that inhibits switch operation. In a preferred arrangement, an ice shield is provided that protects the current-carrying contact structures and other operative elements of the switch from ice buildups. In one specific arrangement, as the switch is moved from the open position to the closed position, the ice shield moves away from the contact structure of a moving contact of the switch to permit unfettered engagement with a stationary contact structure of the switch.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shutoff apparatus that can be controlled In either front or side mode, consisting of a minimum number of parts and resulting in a simple, economical, mechanically dependable, and compact unit. The shutoff apparatus (1) includes a rotating control element (20) in the shape a star with four branches (22), provided with a profiled extremity (25) and connected to the control rod (5) oriented toward one of the other of the two control axes (A, B) corresponding to front and lateral control modes, respectively. The present invention has a transmission element (30) connected to movable contacts (7) and equipped with inclined ramps transforming rotational movement by the control element (20) on one or the other of the two control axes (A, B) into translational movement by the movable contacts (7) between the released and engaged positions, and conversely.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a starting switch having a protection against dust and small particles for rotating electric machines and to a method of assembling said switch. The switch according to the present invention provides an easy-to-assembly system for the several components that are part of the switch that does not require massive investments when compared to similar systems known to the state of the art while still providing an easy assembly due to the features of each component in the switch.

Abstract: A switch is provided, which is stable in operating characteristics and can be operated with a small operating force, and which is long in life and easy to manufacture. The switch comprises a base, a moving contact piece having one end thereof, which is supported pivotally on the base, coming into pressure contact with a common stationary contact, an operating lever having one end thereof supported pivotally on the base and having a drive part, which extends from the one end, pushing a coil portion of the moving contact piece, and a cover fixed to the base to compress the coil portion. The operating lever pushes the coil portion of the moving contact piece whereby the moving contact piece turns about an end thereof, the coil portion slides on a bottom surface of the base, and the other end of the moving contact piece slides on a stationary contact exposed from an inner surface of the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum switchgear comprising an electro-conductive outer vacuum container, a plurality of inner container disposed in the outer vacuum container. The inner containers and the outer container are electrically isolated from each other. The outer container is made of stainless steel plate, for example. One of the inner vacuum containers accommodates a ground switch for keeping the circuit open while the switchgear is opened, having a movable electrode connected to an operating mechanism, and a fixed electrode connected to fixed electrode rod. Another inner vacuum container accommodates a function switch capable of having at least one of functions of a circuit breaker, a disconnector and a load switch. A plurality of electrode shields each surrounds the electrodes of the ground switch and of the function switch. The ground switch and the function switch are disposed in separate vacuum inner containers, respectively.

Abstract: A weld cylinder having a single piston arrangement is provided. The cylinder has a movable retract piston assembly with the piston arranged within the retract piston assembly. The piston supports a rod that is movable between home, intermediate, work, and advanced work positions. The rod moves rapidly from the home position to the intermediate position however, the rod moves more slowly from the intermediate position to the work position to reduce the impact force a cushion valve supported by the retract piston assembly and a cushion trip valve supported by a front block cooperate to increase the rate at which the rod moves from the work position to the advanced position so that weld force increases rapidly to minimize increases in cycle time. With both the cushion valve and cushion trip valve move from closed positions to open positions, the rate of fluid flow through the retract piston assembly to increase the rate at which the piston moves within the retract piston assembly.

Abstract: A hand welding device for short-time arc welding of elements, such as metal studs, onto parts, such as metal sheets, having a handlable housing, a holding means mounted on the housing to hold an element to be welded onto a part, a reciprocating means mounted on the housing to advance and restore the holding means relative to the housing, and positioning means mounted on the housing to maintain a predetermined distance from the part, is proposed. Further, a corresponding welding apparatus having such a hand welding device and a welding gauge fastened to the part, is proposed. Here the positioning means are offset to the rear relative to the anterior end of the holding means, so that the positioning means are suitable for being supported on the welding gauge to maintain the predetermined distance. For this purpose, a vertically adjustable stop is provided on a welding gauge according to the invention.

Abstract: A nozzle of a laser processing head for laser cutting and laser welding includes a laser beam outlet for directing a laser beam towards a processing location of a workpiece to be processed, a first gas supply channel for supplying a cutting gas towards the processing location of a workpiece to be processed when the laser processing head is used for laser cutting, and a second gas supply channel for supplying a welding gas towards the processing location of a workpiece to be processed; when the laser processing head is used for laser welding.

Abstract: Flat workpieces of brittle material be severed in a time-saving manner by an arrangement according to the invention by inducing thermomechanical stresses by laser radiation, particularly along severing lines in the same orientation in alternating directions, in that the arrangement has two coolant nozzles which selectively direct coolant to the workpiece and which, preferably coupled with optical means for shaping the laser beams, are mounted so as to be rotatable around the axis of the laser head.

Abstract: A laser beam processing method for forming deteriorated layers along a dividing line in the inside of a workpiece by applying a pulse laser beam of a wavelength capable of passing through the workpiece along the dividing line formed on the workpiece, wherein a plurality of pulse laser beams are applied with a predetermined space therebetween in the width direction of the dividing line to form a plurality of parallel deteriorated layers along the dividing line.

Abstract: A display device is manufactured by forming a semiconductor film over a substrate and irradiating the film with laser light. The laser light is generated from an oscillator, passes through an attenuator that includes a filter, and passes through an optical system after passing through the attenuator. A first region of the semiconductor film is irradiated with the laser light passed through the optical system such that one point of the first region of the semiconductor film is irradiated with at least two shots. A second region of the semiconductor film is also irradiated with the laser light passed through the optical system such that one point of the second region of the semiconductor film is irradiated with at least two shots. The first region and the second region have a portion at which they overlap, and the semiconductor film is etched into semiconductor layers for transistors in areas outside the portion.

Abstract: A window pane has a substrate formed from glass and includes an electrical device. The electrical device includes an electrical conductor. An electrical connector is operatively connected to and in electrical communication with the conductor for transferring electrical energy to the conductor. The substrate has a first coefficient of expansion and the connector has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. A difference between the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion is equal to or less than 5×10?6/° C. for minimizing mechanical stress between the connector and the substrate due to thermal expansion of the connector and the substrate resulting from changes in temperature.

Abstract: An electrically heatable transparency has at least one substrate, a first bus bar spaced from a second bus bar, and a conductive coating formed over at least a portion of the substrate. The first and second bus bars are in electrical contact with the coating. At least one of the bus bars has an end region in electrical contact with the coating. The end region is tapered such that the coating is of substantially uniform thickness on the end region.

Abstract: A heating system has been incorporated into the commercial space fixture of a plastic chair mat to provide a space-saving heating system. The material for the plastic mat is chosen based on its thermal and electrical properties to provide necessary safety and support convenience for occupied rolling office chairs. Materials include vinyl, acrylic, and polyethylene. The heating elements are placed into the body of the plastic material, which is connected to conventional electrical elements, such as power source, GFIs, thermostats, and safety shut offs, outside the plastic mat. Other more complicated electronics, such as an anti-static mechanism, may be included as needed by the environment.

Abstract: A ceramic heater which includes: a cylindrical substrate including an insulator; a resistor provided in one end side of the substrate; a pair of lead parts provided in the substrate, connected to the resistor and extending to an opposite end side of the substrate; and a pair of electrode parts exposed to a surface at an opposite end side of the substrate and connected respectively to the lead parts. Both lead parts are made of the same material as both electrode parts. An axial cross-sectional area of the electrode part is equal to or larger than a cross-sectional area of the lead part in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the ceramic heater.

Abstract: In a method for improved fresh air supply in a cooking apparatus, an inner housing is provided to circumscribe a cooking chamber. A fan chamber is separated from the cooking chamber via at least one flow guide element. The fan chamber has a fan with a fan wheel which comprises primary blades on its side facing the first flow guide element and auxiliary blades on its side facing the wall of the inner housing through which the axle of the fan wheel passes to connect with a motor arranged outside of the inner housing. The fan wheel is provided for the circulation of cooking atmosphere and/or suction of fresh air into the inner housing via a fresh air channel, a mouth of which is separated from the axle of the fan wheel and runs into the inner housing through the wall.

Abstract: An oven temperature control system for an oven cell having a top heating element with two separate heating conductors in a top portion of the oven cell, a bottom heating element with two separate heating conductors in a bottom portion of the oven cell, and a convection heating element and fan. A control separately controls the on and off operations of each of the heating elements and the convection fan based on a selected mode of cooking operation and a selected temperature for cooking. A plurality of temperature sensors are positioned at different locations in the oven cell and operatively connected to the control. The control determines the selected temperature for cooking to be maintained in the oven cell by averaging selected temperatures sensed by the plurality of temperature sensors in predetermined proportions based on the selected mode of cooking operation.

Abstract: With respect to a substrate on which a resist solution is applied, the inplane uniformity of the quality of a resist film is improved in a heating processing carried out before exposure, and the yields of products are improved. A substrate on which a resist solution is applied is mounted on a heating plate in a processing vessel. Then, a purge gas is supplied into the processing vessel, and heating is started. Above the mounting position of the substrate, a thickness detecting sensor for monitoring the thickness of the resist film formed on the surface of the substrate is provided. When the thickness becomes a predetermined value or less, a control part cause a lift pin to upwardly move so as to increase the distance between the substrate and the heating plate. Thus, the heating value applied to the substrate decreases, and thereafter, only the solvent is volatilized without having a bad influence on a polymer in the resist film.

Abstract: A method for controlling and regulating an electrical heating of a probe situated in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, a total heating power of the probe being set, and an actual temperature value of the probe being determined by measuring a characteristic parameter, e.g., a resistance. To prevent overheating of the probe ceramics, and therefore over-compensation of aging effects when using such a method, a rated heating power is determined by way of a program map as a function of operating points of the internal combustion engine; a control heating power is determined from the actual temperature value and a new setpoint value in a controller; and the total heating power is formed as the sum of the rated heating power and the control heating power. Moreover, due to this procedure, the regulating reserve of the controller is retained in wide ranges of the operating points. A cost advantage is yielded, because a measuring resistor and an analog-to-digital converter can be omitted.

Abstract: An electric heating structure of a domestic appliance includes at least one first electric heating track (23) having a positive temperature coefficient and at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28). A control structure (22, 25, 29) is provided for controlling electric power supply to said first and additional heating tracks (23, 27, 28) and is sensitive to the heating of said at least one first heating track (23) for switching on said at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28) in parallel and in addition to said at least one first heating track (23) when said at least one first heating track (23) has been heated to at least a predetermined extent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in controlling the temperature of one or more substances passing through one or more microfluidics channels in an analysis device is set forth. The apparatus includes a heating unit having first and second surfaces. The first surface of the heating unit is constructed so that it is at least partially exposed for cooling of the heating unit. The apparatus also includes a thermally conductive medium that is disposed proximate the second surface of the heating unit. The one or more microfluidics channels are disposed in the thermally conductive medium. In one embodiment, the one or more microfluidics channels are in the form of a plurality of capillary columns, such as those used in instruments for capillary electrophoresis. Each capillary column is substantially surrounded by the material forming the thermally conductive medium.

Abstract: A microwave burning furnace including a housing constituted by a metal on which a microwave is to be irradiated, a metallic door provided in the housing, a burning chamber provided in the housing and surrounded by a material having a low microwave absorption characteristic and a high heat insulating property, and microwave generating means, wherein the burning chamber includes a heater element constituted by at least two types of heating materials having a heating material for a high temperature region which automatically generates a heat mainly in the high temperature region to have a burning temperature by an irradiation of a microwave and a heating material for a low temperature region which automatically generates a heat mainly in the low temperature region including an ordinary temperature.

Abstract: A method for controlling microwave output depending upon food weight and food position so as to implement optimized cooking performance in a microwave oven and an apparatus for performing the same. According to the control method for cooking food placed on a turntable in a microwave oven, the control method includes detecting a plurality of sensing values generated based on the food weight during the rotation of the turntable, detecting a food position by comparing the detected sensing values, and controlling the microwave output based on the detected food position.

Abstract: An optical sensing head, which is for reading out an optical data memory, has a substrate with a main surface. An edge-emitting laser component is configured on the main surface of the substrate and has irradiation axis oriented essentially parallel to the first main plane. A deflection device is arranged on the main surface of the substrate and deflects the laser radiation in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the main surface. At least one signal detector is provided for sensing the laser radiation that is reflected by the optical data memory. An optical element guides the deflected laser radiation to the optical data memory and guides reflected laser radiation to the signal detector. The optical element is connected to the substrate by at least one supporting element. The invention also includes a method for fabricating such a sensing head.

Abstract: An image sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. When forming an impurity region for a photodiode, the photodiode can be exposed by reducing the impurity region. Thus, a depletion region of the photodiode, formed when the sensor operates, extends to the exposed surface of the photodiode through the inner region of the photodiode, so that it is possible for the photodiode to normally absorb short wavelength light as well as long wavelength light at its depletion region. Also, the uniformity of the generation of photo electrons depending on the different colors of lights can be optimized, and the color presentation quality can be further enhanced.

Abstract: A circuit includes a decoder for receiving an address within an address space of a processor and for accessing a pixel in an active pixel sensor array based on the address. The decoder maps the active pixel sensor array to the address space. The circuit can also provide sequencing of these addresses such that a group of pixels can be read out without additional addressing from a processor. There is also provided a method of processing pixel imperfections in real time. Pixel integration can be programmed on any single pixel or group of pixels in the array as well as windowed readout. A method of target discrimination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging element converts light intensity into an electric charge signal and stores the thus-converted electric charge signal through use of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a square lattice pattern on the surface of a semiconductor substrate in a row direction and a column direction. Vertical transfer sections transfer the electric charges from the first and second photoelectric conversion elements in the column direction. The vertical transfer section comprises a first electric charge reading region for reading electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion element to a vertical transfer channel; and a second electric charge reading region for reading electric charge from the second photoelectric conversion element. The first and second electric charge reading regions are provided at positions corresponding to a vertical transfer electrode, which are activated in difference phases.

Abstract: An electronic imaging system having an image sensor array that includes photodetectors arranged in rows and a rolling shutter for initiating charge integration by row and reading out pixel signals by row after a lapse of a predetermined integration time is equipped with a lighting unit having an LED array including rows of LED elements for producing flashes in different directions, respectively, and a circuitry for exciting and extinguishing the LED rows, one at a time. The LED rows are allocated to a plurality of sections into which the image sensor array is divided, one row to each section. The circuitry initiates excitation of each LED row allocated to a given section of the array at the beginning of charge integration of a first row of the given section and extinguishes the LED row at termination of charge integration of a last row of the given section.

Abstract: An amplification circuit for implementation in sensors such as photodetectors and other devices, and related method of amplification, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the amplification circuit includes a first amplifier that receives an input signal at least indirectly from a photosensitive device and provides an amplified signal based upon the input signal, where each the amplified signal at least includes a time-varying signal component, and a recovery circuit that receives the amplified signal and provides an output signal indicative of at least a portion of the time-varying signal component of the amplified signal. The recovery circuit includes a current splitting component that operates to generate negative and positive signals indicative respectively of negative and positive portions of the time-varying signal component, and the negative and positive signals are generated in a manner such that there are no substantial discontinuities between those signals at crossover points between those signals.