Abstract: In one aspect, a semiconductor memory device is provided which includes complementary first and second bit lines, a unit memory cell including complementary first and second floating body transistor capacitorless memory cells respectively coupled to the complementary first and second bit lines, and a voltage sense amplifier coupled between the complementary first and second bit lines which amplifies a voltage differential between the complementary first and second bit lines.

Abstract: A high speed voltage mode sensing is provided for a digital multibit non-volatile memory integrated system. An embodiment has a local source follower stage followed by a high speed common source stage. Another embodiment has a local source follower stage followed by a high speed source follower stage. Another embodiment has a common source stage followed by a source follower. An auto zeroing scheme is used. A capacitor sensing scheme is used. Multilevel parallel operation is described.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a pulse width of a refresh signal is provided. The circuit includes a first pulse width controller for receiving a first refresh signal having a first enable period, and generating a second refresh signal having a second refresh signal, and a second pulse width controller for receiving the second refresh signal, and generating a third refresh signal having a third enable period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory device which reduces current consumption in a standby state owing to a suitable refresh-thinning-out function, and a refresh control method thereof. When the refresh-thinning-out function is added while a refresh operation and an external access operation are being executed independently of each other, a refresh address counter outputs a refresh address Add(C) and inputs predetermined high-order bits thereof to a refresh-thinning-out control as a high-order refresh address Add(C) (m), where judgment as to whether the refresh operation is performed, is made. A refresh permission signal RFEN corresponding to the result of judgment is inputted to a word driver to activate and control the word driver. The process of judgment by the refresh-thinning-out control circuit can be embedded in an access time of a row system.

Abstract: A multi-chip package is disclosed comprising a plurality of memory chips, each of the memory chips comprising an internal circuit; and a power level detector for detecting a level of a power supply voltage to initialize the internal circuit, at a power-up. The power level detectors in the respective memory chips are configured to initialize corresponding internal circuits at different points of time.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a voltage to a non-volatile memory is disclosed. The system includes an output pin to provide an output voltage to a non-volatile memory. The system also includes a memory to store a table. The table includes a plurality of operating voltage levels. The system further includes a voltage mude module to apply a first voltage at a first of the plurality of operating voltage levels at the output pin.

Abstract: The application discloses a semiconductor memory storage device comprising: a data retention portion comprising latches; a peripheral portion comprising read and write logic; and a power switching device wherein said peripheral portion is operable to be powered by a periphery voltage difference; said data retention portion is operable to be powered by a data retention voltage difference said data retention voltage difference being different to said periphery voltage difference; and in response to a write request signal to write to at least one of said latches output from said peripheral portion to said data retention portion by said write logic, said power switching device is operable to reduce a voltage difference across said at least one of said latches such that a data signal output from said peripheral portion and having a voltage level determined by said periphery voltage difference is able to write to said at least one of said latches.

Abstract: In a command generating circuit, operation mode signals (signals determining internal operations, such as ACTIVE, READ, WRITE, and PRECHARGE) are determined by decoding command signals /CS, /RAS, /CAS, and /WE. The operation mode signals and bank select signals (BS0, BS1, BS2, and BS3) are latched by internal clocks. Thereafter, a logical product (AND) of each of the latched operation mode signals and each of the latched bank select signals is calculated.

Abstract: There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a memory device and technique of reading data from and writing data into memory cells of the memory device. In this regard, in one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the memory device and technique for operating that device that minimizes, reduces and/or eliminates the debilitating affects of the charge pumping phenomenon. This embodiment of the present invention employs control signals that minimize, reduce and/or eliminate transitions of the amplitudes and/or polarities. In another embodiment, the present invention is a semiconductor memory device including a memory array comprising a plurality of semiconductor dynamic random access memory cells arranged in a matrix of rows and columns.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device having delayed write command processing includes a first set of pins coupled to a memory core, the first set of pins to receive a row address followed by a column address. A second set of pins, coupled to memory core, are used to receive a sense command followed by a write command. The sense command specifies the sensing of a row of memory cells identified by the row address, and the write command specifies that the memory device receive write data and store the write data at a column location identified by the column address. The write command is posted internally to the memory device after a first delay has transpired from when the write command is received at the second set of pins.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a write data mask signal in a synchronous semiconductor memory device includes an output unit and a reset control unit. The output unit controls a write data mask operation of the synchronous semiconductor memory device, latches a write data mask signal, and outputs an internal write data mask signal, in response to an internal clock signal. The reset control unit generates a reset signal for resetting the internal write data mask signal, in response to a write column disable signal indicating an activation end point of a column selection line signal generated when a write operation including the write data mask operation is performed. While the synchronous semiconductor memory device performs a gapless write data mask operation included in a gapless write operation, the reset signal is deactivated so that the write data mask signal is not reset.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a memory circuit, an oscillator circuit which generates an internal clock signal, based on control information held in the memory circuit, and a logic circuit which generates control information that causes the frequency of the internal clock signal to coincide with the frequency of an external clock signal. The internal clock signal is used for a synchronous operation of an internal circuit. Even if an error (undesired variation) occurs in the oscillation characteristic of the oscillator circuit due to process variations, it is possible to cause an internal clock signal frequency to coincide with an external clock signal frequency corresponding to a target frequency without the need for external attachment of a crystal oscillator and the input of an external clock signal.

Abstract: A composite, heavy duty rotary concrete mixing drum (16) for coupling to a vehicle having a drivetrain (18) for rotating the drum (16) comprises a wall and a drive ring. The wall defines a first end of the drum and a second end of the drum. The drive ring (39) is coupled to the first end of the drum and includes a hub (108, 252) and a plurality of extensions (110, 254). The hub is operatively coupled to the drivetrain. The plurality of extensions (110, 254) extend outwardly from the hub (108, 252) into the wall of the drum. At least one of the extensions includes an aperture (121, 126) extending therethrough. Rotation of the hub by the second drivetrain causes rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A machine for the mixing and extrusion of rubber-based and silicone-based plastic materials and method thereof is disclosed, comprising a dump extruder with conical converging twin screws (10) arranged in a batching chamber (12) in which the outlet of the dump extruder is temporarily closed by a removable blind flange (11), the batching chamber also acting as a compounding chamber.

Abstract: A handheld food preparation appliance and a method of selectively preparing food ingredients. The handheld food preparation appliance has a housing including a handle and a chuck. The handle and chuck are pivotally coupled together and have two interconnected orientation configurations with respect to one another, including an aligned configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the handle is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the chuck, and a transverse configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the handle is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the chuck. The handle is configured to be gripped and the chuck is configured to support at least one rotational element. The appliance has a motor carried by the housing. The appliance also has two separate switches associated with the housing and operably coupled to the motor. Each switch is operable with a different orientation configuration of the handle and chuck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing viscous material includes a chamber having a cylindrical sidewall and a bottom and receiving viscous material to be mixed; a cylindrical draft tube fixed at an inside center of the chamber to be spaced from the bottom and the sidewall and forming a space between the draft tube and the sidewall to allow passage of the viscous material, and including a heat medium passage therein; a carrying impeller installed in the draft tube and driven by a motor to transfer the viscous material above or below the draft tube and suck the viscous material in the space into the draft tube; and a sweeping impeller installed in the space and rotated in a circumferential direction by a motor to apply a pressure to the viscous material so that the viscous material in the space is not adhered to the draft tube and the sidewall.

Abstract: Container and method for the mixing of media, in particular as a disposable container, which has at least one closable opening for the introduction and/or removal of the media and has a first sensor for measurement of at least one parameter of the mixture, in which at least one second sensor for measurement of the same parameter is arranged at a distance from the first sensor.

Abstract: According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a system and method for acquiring seismic data in a marine environment, wherein at least two source vessels are used in conjunction with a recording vessel which tows a plurality of hydrophone cables. Preferably, the source vessels will be positioned along side of the towed streamer configuration and most preferably one source vessel will be located near the recording vessel and the other at the end of the streamer configuration, preferably along the same side of the streamer configuration as the lead source vessel.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional sonar system having a fixed frame of reference including a transmitter and receiver array. The system may include a single ping processor for processing received echoes from a single transmission including methods to match filter sonar sensor data, to optionally compensate for self Doppler, beamform sonar sensor data, to extract bottom targets from beamformed data and to extract in-water targets from the beamformed data. The system may also include a multi ping processor to operate on the outputs of multiple pings from the single ping processor including methods to detect tracks from in-water targets.

Abstract: A fishing lure tracking system includes a sending unit which sends a coded acoustic signal to a hydrophone attached to a fishing vessel to provide a signal correlating to the depth of the sending unit in a body of water. The sending unit is arranged on a fishing line adjacent to the bait or lure at the end thereof. The acoustic signal is processed by a signal processor connected with the hydrophone to produce an output signal for a display to indicate the depth of the unit. With the tracking system, a fisherman can position the lure or bait at the same depth as a school of fish.

Abstract: A method of locating an acoustic source, the method comprising sampling said acoustic source at a plurality of acoustic receivers having different locations, each acoustic receiver time-stamping a respective received acoustic sample using a system time, each acoustic receiver sending said time-stamped acoustic sample to a central controller, the central controller determining the location of the acoustic source in response to receiving the time-stamped sound source samples from the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: Described is a device for generating an acoustic signal in an electrically conductive medium such as salt water. The device of the present invention has a broadband frequency response and supports high bandwidth data transmission. Reliability is improved in comparison to conventional underwater acoustic transmitters as the device includes no moving components. In one embodiment, the device includes a parallel and alternating arrangement of electrodes and magnets. Neighboring electrodes have different voltages and neighboring magnets have opposite pole configurations such that the magnetic fields overlap the currents between the electrodes in the medium. The currents or the magnetic fields are modulated according to a data signal to generate an acoustic signal in the medium.

Abstract: A watch or other type of portable electronic console that employs a number of different functions in order to improve its usability. The watch may, for example, allow a user to connect the watch to one or more remote electronic devices, such as an electronic performance sensor or MP3 player. The watch then displays information related to the connected electronic devices. Still further, the watch may allow a user to control the operation of one or more connected remote electronic devices. Thus, if the watch is connected to a remote speed/distance monitor employing a calibration variable, then the watch may allow the user to adjust the calibration variable. The watch also provides a multi-tiered menu for accessing its various functions. Each operational mode in the first tier relates to a broad category of different functions of the watch, and contains one or more operational submodes in a second tier.

Abstract: The subject application relates to a system(s), methodology, and user interface that facilitate improving mobile awareness of information, activities, events, and occasions by way of images. The application involves providing images of a desired application such as a calendar for example on a mobile device display. As a result, the visual integrity of the application (e.g., calendar) can be preserved and the appropriate information can be more accurately conveyed to the user. The images can be navigated about and data can be entered into the application as desired to modify the content of the image.

Abstract: To provide a digital display type radio-corrected timepiece capable of maintaining a signal reception performance of a reception antenna while avoiding an increase in a size, and a standard wave receiving method of the timepiece. In a digital display type radio-corrected timepiece having a display digital-displaying a time instant data including an hour/minute, when correcting a display time instant of the display performing a digital display on the basis of a time instant information included in a standard wave signal JJY received by a reception antenna which is disposed in one side of the display performing the digital display, while the time instant information is being received, there is stopped an input of a display signal from the one side of the display to the display.

Abstract: An improved watch-winding apparatus comprising: a bottom support; a body; a lid cover with a glass window; and a plurality of tabbed spring cushions. A solid direct drive system drives the rotating tray. An electronic system keeps the rotating tray swinging per the intended program. Where a drawer is employed, a catch lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the drawer from automatically sliding open.

Abstract: An improved watch for sports personnel which comprises a watchcase, a wrist loop extending from one side of case and a thumb loop extending from opposite side of the case. The watchcase houses a watch mechanism, a display and control buttons. The watch can be worn by a user by inserting hand in the wrist loop and thumb in the thumb loop, such that the watchcase rests on the knuckle of the thumb. This allows the user to see the display without turning hand, thereby preventing the distraction caused by turning hand to view the time during running. The loops are made of flexible materials and are adjustable to accommodate different wrists and thumb sizes.

Abstract: The timepiece includes means for adjusting the shake of a rotating part or wheel set, in particular a balance one bearing of which is arranged in a bar (4). This bar comprises a base (18) associated with a adjusting screw (34) one end (36) of which rests on the bottom plate. Rotating this adjusting screw varies the distance between the base and the bottom plate (14). The centre of the adjusting screw is pierced for the passage of a tightening screw (32) for fixing the bar to the bottom plate. This adjusting screw is arranged in a hole (42) passing through the base (18) and can be rotated through the hole from the top face (46) of the bar in order to adjust the balance shake.

Abstract: An optical head device having a broadband phase plate of transforming at least three linearly polarized light beams having different wavelengths into circularly polarized light beams, is obtained. A broadband phase plate comprising two phase plates 9A and 9B laminated with e.g. an adhesive agent so that their optical axes are crossed, wherein provided that wavelengths of linearly polarized incident light beams are ?1, ?2 and ?3 (?1<?2<?3), at least one or both of the two phase plates has such a phase difference characteristics that a ratio R(?1)/R(?3) and a ratio R(?2)/R(?3) between retardation values of the wavelengths are smaller than 1 and R(?1)/R(?3) is smaller than R(?2)/R(?3), is integrated in the optical head device.

Abstract: An optical pickup that improves recording and reproducing performances on a disc without increasing the cost includes first and second magnets. The first magnet is placed on protrusions provided to a first wall portion of a base of an actuator portion. Both end portions of the bottom surface of the first magnet, the first wall portion on a surface facing a second wall portion, and a pedestal are adhered together by using an UV adhesive. Similarly, a second magnet is placed on protrusions provided to the second wall portion of the base. Both end portions of the bottom surface of the second magnet, the second wall portion on a surface facing the first wall portion, and a pedestal are adhered together by using an UV adhesive.

Abstract: In the prior art, there is a limitation in providing services, such as a jukebox service, using a network, such as the Internet. The jukebox service provision method of the present invention uses a jukebox terminal (160) provided with an RF transmission means (165). The jukebox terminal (160) accesses a server (110) to transmit the authentication information therefor and receives a playlist from the server. The jukebox terminal (160) requests one or more the server, receives the requested sound source data in the received playlist from the server, receives the requested sound source date and transmits the received sound source data to an audio system (170) using the RF transmission means (165).

Abstract: A height-determining method of an elevating device comprises following steps. Firstly, the disc changer determines whether a disc storage cartridge is inserted into the disc changer or not. Secondly, the CPU resets the elevating device in the case that the disc storage cartridge is inserted into the disc changer. Then, the CPU calculates each level height of the disc storage cartridge, and so the elevating device can move according to the calculated level heights.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical head unit according to an embodiment of the invention, a reflected beam guided to a detection area of a photodetector is changed in the image forming characteristic by a liquid crystal element, which is placed between an object lens and a collimator lens, and provided with a controllable diffraction index, according to a spherical aberration amount corresponding to a thickness error in a protection layer of an optical disc and a comatic aberration amount corresponding to a disc tilt of an optical disc.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the depth of data record layers of an optical storage disc having a cover layer of thickness d, an entrance surface (S), and, for example, a first data layer (L0), a second data layer (L1) and a third data layer (L2). The optical apparatus comprises a spherical aberration compensator (SA), and an objective lens (OL) mounted in an actuator (AC), the actuator (AC) receiving a current I and being arranged and configured to move the objective lens (OL) in the z (axial) axis relative to the optical storage disc. Light incident on the objective lens (OL) is converged into a cone-like beam such that it is focussed on one of the data layers (D1). A control signal is used to keep the scanning spot focussed on the data layer (L1). This control signal is the focus error signal (FES) and is provided by the actuator drive (AC).

Abstract: A clock reproducing apparatus includes a clock reproducing circuit having: a gated oscillator having an oscillating circuit of two routes; and a frequency control circuit for comparing a phase of an output of the gated oscillator with a phase of a reference clock, and supplying a phase control signal to the gated oscillator based on the comparison result so as to set a delay time, input data is input to a reset input terminal of the gated oscillator, and different route of the two routes of the oscillating circuit operates depending on a case where the input data is “H” and a case where the input data is “L”.

Abstract: In a repetitive control device used for processing a servo signal, a memory (7) is used as a delay element for a filter (6), and a filtering process by the filter (6) is carried out using a clock signal that is an integral multiple of an operation frequency of a driving signal. Therefore, the gain can be increased without generating phase rotation with respect to a compensated signal, and high followability can be achieved to fluctuations in the track position which are caused by the shape of a disc such as decentering or surface wobbling, during recording and playback in an optical disc device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive (2) for use in a computer or a reproduction device for accessing a record carrier. According to the invention via a specific action, supervised by the drive (2), the drive mimics the presence of a disc by sending a disc insertion message to the host (3). After that the drive (2) will give the host (3) (the virtual) file system contents of the virtual disc, which, for instance, contains a link to an auto-run file. This auto-run file tells the host (3) to perform certain actions, such as going to the specified internet site or executing a file from the virtual disc.

Abstract: In an information recording medium, positions of pits are modulated in a direction intersecting a direction of reading of pits, so that a predetermined information is recorded. In this information recording medium, the whole of the predetermined information or a part of the predetermined information is randomized through the used of spread spectrum.

Abstract: A recording method for an optical disc having at least three recording layers (11, 12, 13, 14), in which test recording areas are formed in the odd-numbered recording layers (11, 13) and the even-numbered recording layers (12, 14) in positions that are mutually non-overlapping in the thickness direction of the optical disc, the test recording areas in the odd-numbered recording layers are formed in positions mutually aligned in the thickness direction, and the test recording areas in the even-numbered recording layers are formed in positions mutually aligned in the thickness direction. The time for test recording for determining the optimal recording power can be shortened.

Abstract: A recording apparatus that records data to an optical disc is disclosed. The recording apparatus includes a determination section that determines, when the optical disc is inserted, whether or not the recording condition information has been copied and recorded in the data recording area, a reading section that reads the recording condition information from the low recording-density area when the recording condition information has not been copied or recorded in the data recording area, and a recording section that copies and records the recording condition information read from the low recording-density area to a copy area in the data recording area while the optical disc is inserted.

Abstract: A write-once read-many information recording medium is provided, which is capable of easily searching for a latest DDS and a latest defect list. At least one disc management working area is sequentially allocated in a predetermined direction on the write-once read-many information recording medium of the present invention. The latest defect list and the latest DDS are provided in a recorded disc management working area neighboring a border between the recorded disc management working area and an unrecorded disc management working area, where the latest defect list precedes the latest DDS in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A rewritable optical recording medium includes a substrate and a phase-change type recording layer. A portion in a crystalline state corresponds to an unrecorded or erased state, and a portion in an amorphous state correspond to a recorded state, to record EFM modulated information by forming amorphous marks by irradiating the recording layer with a recording laser beam, and the recording is carried out by irradiating a recording laser beam having a wavelength of about 780 nm through an optical system having a numerical aperture NA of 0.5 or 0.55, at 24-times velocity or 32-times velocity of the reference velocity.

Abstract: A recording condition on a media is optimized by introducing a new evaluation index. An apparatus for optical information recording and reproducing includes: a measurement means for recording codes including a specific code in a medium for optical information recording and reproducing, reproducing the codes from the medium for optical information recording and reproducing, and measuring, from a reproduced signal of the codes, a peak value of amplitude of a reproduced signal related to the specific code, the peak value being a maximum value or a minimum value of the amplitude of the reproduced signal related to the specific code; a statistic calculation means for calculating preset statistic by using a plurality of peak values at the same or different recording places, the plurality of peak value having been obtained by the measurement means; and a condition decision means for deciding at least one of a recording laser power condition and a recording pulse condition by using the statistic.

Abstract: First identification data and second identification data are read out from a phase-change optical storage medium having a light-incident surface through which a light beam is to be incident and at least a first film-laminated layer structure and a second film-laminated layer structure provided over the surface in which the first structure is provided as closer to the surface than the second structure is. Each structure has at least a recording film. The data indicates first recording requirements to the first structure. The second data indicates second recording requirements to the second structure. The first and second requirements are different from each other. Given data to be recorded is modulated into modulated data. A data-recording signal having at least one mark followed by a space is generated based on the modulated data. The mark has a mark length nT (“T” being a unit dock cycle, and “n” being a positive integer of 3 or larger but 14 or smaller).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing timing error information in optical systems, especially for reading high capacity optical discs, i.e. optical discs with a capacity of about 27 GB or above. At these capacities current threshold crossing timing recovery does not perform well and even becomes unfeasible due to severe inter-symbol interference. The method suggests using an upper and/or lower secondary eye in the eye diagram of the data signal to acquire the timing error information. Hereby, threshold crossing timing recovery becomes feasible for high capacity optical systems, where the central eye is closed or nearly closed due to the inter-symbol interference.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the recording medium includes a user data area on which one or more recording ranges are allocated and a management area. The method of recording on the recording medium includes receiving an overwriting command to record data on a recorded area of a recording range. Each recording range is one of an open recording range having a recordable position and a closed recording range not having a recordable position. An open recording range is selected fro recording the data from the one or more open recording ranges on the user data area, and the data is recorded starting from the recordable position of the selected open recording range.

Abstract: A focus jump technique enables focus control on recording layers of a disc in such a manner that its effect is not absorbed by disturbance or a variation in the movement speed of an objective lens. The technique involves monitoring level of a focus error signal and rejecting noise from the error signal. A speed sensor detects movement speed of an objective lens; and a speed control circuit generates a voltage for controlling the objective lens, based on the detected movement speed. Movement speed of the objective lens is detected during focus jump, a corresponding lens drive signal is generated, and an end position is determined from behavior of the error signal immediately before the end of the jump. A focus control is pulled, from a focus point corresponding to one recording layer, into a focus point corresponding to another recording layer forcibly in a stable manner.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus includes a head unit operable to direct a laser light beam onto a recording medium, the head unit having a focus servo mechanism and a spherical aberration correction mechanism for laser light; an evaluation signal generating unit operable to generate an evaluation signal serving as an index of quality of a reproduced signal; a focus servo unit operable to perform a focus servo operation by driving the focus servo mechanism in response to a focus error signal; a spherical aberration correction unit operable to perform spherical aberration correction by driving the spherical aberration correction mechanism in response to a spherical aberration correction value; a focus bias unit operable to add a focus bias to a focus loop containing the focus servo unit; and a control unit operable to control adjustment of a spherical aberration correction value and a focus bias value to be set in the spherical aberration correction unit and the focus bias unit, respectively.

Abstract: An objective optical element of an optical pickup apparatus has a magnification m1 satisfying the following formula for a light flux of the wavelength ?1:?1/7?m1??1/25 and |m1 |<|M1, where M1 is an optical system magnification from the first light source to the first optical information recording medium for a light flux of the wavelength ?1. The objective optical element comprises a common region and an exclusive region. The exclusive region includes an exclusive diffractive structure having a function to suppress an increase of spherical aberration due to a raise of atmospheric temperature. A light flux of a wavelength ?2. having passed through the exclusive diffractive structure intersects with the optical axis at a position different from the position of the converged light spot formed on the information recording plane of the second optical information recording medium.