Patents Issued in July 31, 2008
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Publication number: 20080180259Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices that may be used for the detection of allergens.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Edward K.Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Lowell L. Wood
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Publication number: 20080180260Abstract: The Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Shut Off System is an invention that will shut off the source of carbon monoxide and explosive gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Harold Shirlee
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Publication number: 20080180261Abstract: The Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Shut Off System is an invention that will shut off the source of carbon monoxide and explosive gas at the time it is first detected by the carbon monoxide and explosive gas detector. This will save lives.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Harold Shirlee
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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL THROUGH AN OUTPUT CABLE OF A POWER SUPPLY
Publication number: 20080180262Abstract: A power supply system is introduced herein. The power supply system includes a power converter to supply a power source to an electronic circuit through an output cable of the power supply. A communication unit is coupled to the output cable of the power supply to develop a communication channel between the power converter and the electronic circuit in order to report the status of the power converter to the electronic circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORP.Inventors: Ta-yung Yang, Jenn-Yu G. Lin -
Publication number: 20080180263Abstract: A transfer switch having a transfer control provides electric power to a load. The transfer switch includes a power switching device provided with electric power from a first power source, such as a utility power source, and a second power source, such as a generator power source. The transfer control is structured to monitor the second power source, maintain a runtime count of the second power source, locate a piece of data concerning a maintenance procedure in a storage corresponding to a current value of the runtime count, and provide an indication of a need to perform the maintenance procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Todd Matthew Lathrop, Bert Popovich
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Publication number: 20080180264Abstract: The present invention relates to a power control apparatus and method for preventing a system from being repeatedly booted and shut off by re-setting a cut-off voltage when the system is shut down by a cutoff mode. The power control apparatus of a terminal device according to the present invention comprises a power controller 30 for controlling power supplied from a battery 10 to the terminal device; and a memory 60 for storing a cutoff voltage value for shutting down a system if a voltage of the battery 10 is lower than a reference value, wherein the power controller 30 sets a flag when the system is shut down by a cutoff mode. When the system is rebooted, it is determined whether to drive the system based on an additional cutoff voltage, if the flag is set. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the system from being shut down by the cutoff mode after it has been driven.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jung Hwan LEE, Grant EO
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Publication number: 20080180265Abstract: A voltage monitoring device includes a comparison voltage generating circuit for providing a comparison voltage, a comparator, an electronic switch, and an LED. The comparator outputs a control signal in response to a comparing result between the comparison voltage and a voltage output by a power supply. The electronic switch includes a first terminal receiving the output of the comparator, a second terminal connected to a reference voltage, and a third terminal connected to ground. The LED includes an anode connected to the reference voltage, and a cathode connected to the second terminal of the first electronic switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: YING CHEN, JIN-LIANG XIONG, KE-YOU HU
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Publication number: 20080180266Abstract: A voltage recorder includes: a receiver that receives a signal from an apparatus operating on power supplied from a power supply circuit, notifying an operational status of the apparatus; a first memory that stores sampling periods in association with an operational status of the apparatus; a sampling period determining unit that determines, with reference to the first memory, a sampling period on the basis of the operational status of the apparatus notified by the signal received from the apparatus; a voltage data generating unit that samples a voltage supplied from the power supply circuit in the determined sampling periods, and generates measured voltage data indicative of the sampled voltage; an abnormality notification unit that compares the voltage indicated by the generated measured voltage data and a predetermined threshold, and determines whether to send an abnormality notification signal depending on a result of the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Noboru Ono, Tsutomu Hoshino
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Publication number: 20080180267Abstract: A direction indicator system includes: an electromagnetic drive actuator that has a moving part that can slide back and forth, side to side, and diagonally; and a drive controlling unit that controls the sliding direction of the moving part, based on direction indicating information that is supplied from the outside.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITEDInventors: Masahiro Kaneko, Satoshi Sakurai, Nobuo Yatsu, Takuya Uchiyama, Yuriko Segawa
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Publication number: 20080180268Abstract: A device including a display for displaying operational and/or functional parameters of the device and a control unit with at least one control element for controlling the display and/or device, wherein the display is at least partly rotatable with respect to the device, and/or wherein the position of the at least one control element is modifiable or changeable with respect to the device. In some embodiments, the control functions of at least two control elements of the device are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the display is provided by data sent to the display at intervals, whereby the display is updated. In embodiments in which several display parts are rotatable, data is processed by a processing module prior to being sent to the display. A method of display and/or display and control manipulation is encompassed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2006Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Robert Nissels, Kurt Friedli, Reto Sigrist, Stefan Lindegger, Philip Etter
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Publication number: 20080180269Abstract: The present invention describes a lighting apparatus which includes a regulator configured to receive power, LEDs of at least two different colors, and a programmable controller. The programmable controller includes software that is configured to provide a digital pulse width signal to the LEDs in response to a data signal. Also included is according to an embodiment of the present invention is a programmable controller with non-volatile memory for storing the software, which may be upgradeable.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Kevin Furry, Charles Somerville, Eric Peak
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Publication number: 20080180270Abstract: A ballast for use in a multi-ballast lighting system wherein the ballasts are coupled together by a digital communication network. The ballast comprises a power circuit portion for providing an electrical current to power a lamp. The ballast further includes a sensor input circuit for receiving at least one sensor input from a sensor device, a processor receiving an input from the sensor input circuit and providing control signals to control the operation of the ballast, and a communication port coupled to the processor and to the communication network for exchanging data. The ballast processor is operative to receive a serial data that has a portion defining whether the message is in a first or a second format, the first format comprising a DALI standard format and the second format comprising a format providing extended functionality. The ballast processor is capable of processing messages in either the first or second formats.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Dragan Veskovic, Robert Anselmo, Audwin W. Cash, Matthew A. Skvoretz
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Publication number: 20080180271Abstract: An RF communications system including a controlled apparatus configured to receive a RF signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter on a channel that the controlled apparatus can receive, without providing a response signal to the remote control transmitter. The RF transmitting circuit unit of the remote control transmitter transmits RF signals on all of a number of selected transmission channels in a wireless frequency band, while the RF receiving circuit unit of the controlled apparatus stands by to receive an RF signal on a channel of the selected channels that has a relatively low electric field intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: SMK CorporationInventor: Kenji Ootsuka
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Publication number: 20080180272Abstract: A control system for an aircraft includes a main unit and a separate auxiliary unit in communication with the main unit. The main unit includes an arm support allowing attachment to an arm of an operator. The main unit also includes a control stick supported by the structural element and movable in a plurality of directions. The main unit further includes sensors for sensing movement of the control stick. The auxiliary unit includes a transmitter for sending a transmitter signal encoding the movement of the control stick to the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Patrick L. Scherer
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Publication number: 20080180273Abstract: Self-detection of a modulating carrier and an optimum carrier in a downhole telemetry system. A method of detecting a carrier frequency in a downhole wireless telemetry system includes the steps of: transmitting from a first telemetry device a message modulated on a predetermined carrier frequency; receiving at a second telemetry device signals including multiple frequencies; and selecting from among the multiple received frequencies the predetermined carrier frequency on which the message is modulated. A method of detecting a usable downhole wireless telemetry system carrier frequency includes the steps of: transmitting from a first telemetry device a message modulated on a carrier frequency; then checking whether a response to the message is received at the first telemetry device from a second telemetry device; and each time the response is not received, repeating the transmitting and checking steps with an incremented carrier frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Donald G. Kyle, Kevin D. Fink
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Publication number: 20080180274Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and displaying real-time utility consumption data and an estimate of utility costs from various utility metering modules upon request by the consumer within the comfort of their own home or business. According to one aspect of the invention, a utility display module is in communication with a utility end point device that monitors and displays consumption of a utility (water, gas, and/or electricity). The source of the data received by the module may be generated by utility meter transmitters that are attached to the various utility delivery end points or meters. In a related embodiment, a repeater may be used with a battery powered energy display module to make the module transportable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard DeVries
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Publication number: 20080180275Abstract: An automated meter reading system and communications network. The system comprises a multi-tiered network for obtaining information from utility meters and communicating the information to a central database. A plurality of terminal units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network when polled. A plurality of primary units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network. The primary units also request data from one or more of the terminal units by polling the terminal units, and transmit that data through the network. Data collection units receive data from the primary units and transmit the data to a central host computer. The network is configurable so that status information or requests can be transmitted from the terminal units to the host computer or from the host computer to any of the terminal units.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Cimarron Systems, LLCInventors: Michael K. Whitaker, William K. Mathews
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Publication number: 20080180276Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying operation of process variable transmitters in process control or monitoring systems is provided. A process variable is measured with a process variable transmitter to verify operation of the process variable transmitter by comparing the process variable with a reference. A data entry is placed in a database which indicates operation of the process variable transmitter has been verified.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Inventors: Walter H. Sigtermans, Patrick M. Dobrowski
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Publication number: 20080180277Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the true temperature of connate fluid within a subterranean geological formation is provided herein. The method includes generating a flow of connate fluid, measuring the temperature of the flow over time until the measured temperature reaches a limiting value termed the stabilized temperature. Multiple events of temperature sampling events can be conducted at different flow rates of the connate fluid. The stabilized temperature values can then be ascendingly organized based on the value of their respective flow rates. The limiting value reached by the stabilized temperatures is taken to be substantially equal to the actual temperature of the connate fluid residing within the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Michael Shammai
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Publication number: 20080180278Abstract: This disclosure describes a chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier. The amplifier is configured to achieve stable measurements at low frequency with very low power consumption. The instrumentation amplifier uses a differential architecture and a mixer amplifier to substantially eliminate noise and offset from an output signal produced by the amplifier. Dynamic limitations, i.e., glitching, that result from chopper stabilization at low power are substantially eliminated through a combination of chopping at low impedance nodes within the mixer amplifier and feedback. The signal path of the amplifier operates as a continuous time system, providing minimal aliasing of noise or external signals entering the signal pathway at the chop frequency or its harmonics. The amplifier can be used in a low power system, such as an implantable medical device. The amplifier may be used for physiological signal sensing, impedance sensing, telemetry or other test and measurement applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. Denison
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Publication number: 20080180279Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary transmitter for example for use in machine tools with adjusting tools. The rotary transmitter comprises a stator part (18) and a rotor part (26), each having a respective stator core part (72) and a rotor core part (74), which are separated from one another at mutually facing ends via an air gap, and each having at least one respective power winding (76, 78), which is wound on the stator core part and the rotor core part, in order to transmit power using the transformer principle, and having respective stator and rotor coupling turns (80?, 80?, 82?, 82?), which are associated with one another in pairs, for inductive data transmission. One aim of the invention is to transmit data without interference. A further aim is a low maintenance requirement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2006Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Roland Hoerl, Heiko Graf
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Publication number: 20080180280Abstract: License plate for a vehicle includes a plate having an indicia and arranged to be mounted on the vehicle, and a transponder arranged in the plate. The transponder is arranged to receive a signal from an interrogator, modify the received signal and transmitted the modified signal to the interrogator. The transponder may be a SAW transponder, an RFID transponder and/or include a reflective or back scattering antenna, a polarization antenna, a rotating antenna, or a corner cube or dihedral reflector. An energy harvesting component can be arranged on the license plate or in the license plate for providing power to the transponder. The energy harvesting component generates energy during or from movement or vibration of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: David S. Breed, Wendell C. Johnson
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Publication number: 20080180281Abstract: A novel vehicular traffic management system that requires no special equipment in any vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, the novel system may be used when approaching a lane closure or lane reduction. The system comprises sequencing signaling devices along the roadway and a central controller. The controller commands the signaling devices to flash (or signal) according to a calculated trajectory. Vehicles traveling along side the signaling devices can pace their speed with cues from the signaling devices. Through this pacing, the system can position the vehicles such that they can merge safely and efficiently. The system can be expanded to merge more than just two lanes. Further refinements to the system include external connections that may include GPS tracking and Internet down/uploading. A feasibility condition/determination can be used with the system to make the system even more robust and efficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: MERGEX TRAFFIC SYSTEMS COMPANYInventors: Yaz Bilimoria, Gabriel Gomes
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Publication number: 20080180282Abstract: A method and apparatus for a weather information display and decision system that incorporates weather depiction charts together with other graphs and diagrams generated via a computing device on-board a vehicle (for example, a water, air and land based vehicle) as an integrated system to aid safe and comfortable vehicle navigation and handling, and provide data of immediate comprehension and use to the vehicle operator including data points on a geographic route at an applicable future time of vehicle presence and data presented from the operator's chosen perspective, using the operator's chosen frame of reference.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: John W. Brosius
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Publication number: 20080180283Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for inputting Chinese characters and phrases in electronic equipment, such as, for example, portable communications devices. A cross media bar is provided wherein a user selects an alphanumeric character based on a pronunciation of a Chinese character (e.g., Pinyin method of Chinese text enter) that the user desires to input into the electronic equipment. The candidate characters associated with the selected character are displayed in a first format (e.g. a substantially horizontal format) on a display of the electronic equipment. The user is then able to select at least one candidate Chinese character that corresponds to the selected pronunciation. The candidate Chinese characters are displayed to the user in a second format (e.g., a substantially vertical format) on the display. The candidate Chinese characters extend across the portion of the display presenting the candidate characters.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS ABInventor: Magnus Nordenhake
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Publication number: 20080180284Abstract: An encoder uses an input file of data and a key to produce an output symbol. An output symbol with key I is generated by determining a weight, W(I), for the output symbol to be generated, selecting W(I) of the input symbols associated with the output symbol according to a function of I, and generating the output symbol's value B(I) from a predetermined value function F(I) of the selected W(I) input symbols. An encoder can be called repeatedly to generate multiple output symbols. The output symbols are generally independent of each other, and an unbounded number (subject to the resolution of I) can be generated, if needed. A decoder receives some or all of the output symbols generated. The number of output symbols needed to decode an input file is equal to, or slightly greater than, the number of input symbols comprising the file, assuming that input symbols and output symbols represent the same number of bits of data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Digital Fountain, Inc.Inventor: Michael G. Luby
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Publication number: 20080180285Abstract: A method of encoding data into a chain reaction code includes generating a set of input symbols from input data. Subsequently, one or more non-systematic output symbols is generated from the set of input symbols, each of the one or more non-systematic output symbols being selected from an alphabet of non-systematic output symbols, and each non-systematic output symbol generated as a function of one or more of the input symbols. As a result of this encoding process, any subset of the set of input symbols is recoverable from (i) a predetermined number of non-systematic output symbols, or (ii) a combination of (a) input symbols which are not included in the subset of input symbols that are to be recovered, and (b) one or more of the non-systematic output symbols.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Digital Fountain, Inc.Inventors: M. Amin Shokrollahi, Michael G. Luby
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Publication number: 20080180286Abstract: Method and apparatus are configured to assign a code of less than N number of bits in length to a pattern of bits of a first polarity value distributed within a block of N binary bits. The method basically comprises (1) determining a number of bits of the first value in the block of N binary bits; (2) selecting a base value based on the determined number of bits of the first value; (3) determining a displacement value representative of a particular distribution of the determined number of bits of the first value in the block of N binary bits; and (4) adding the base value and the displacement value to obtain a sum and using the sum to form an assigned code. The base value is preferably selected by evaluating an Expression Io=NC1+NC2+N C3 . . . +NCK?1, wherein K is the determined number of bits of the first value in the block of N binary bits.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Paul W. Dent
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Publication number: 20080180287Abstract: A technique for encoding 9-binary symbol (9B) source vectors into 10-binary symbol (10B) encoded vectors include the steps of obtaining a plurality of 9B source vectors, and encoding the 9B source vectors into a plurality of 10B encoded vectors according to an encoding scheme. A fraction of the 10B encoded data vectors have binary symbol changes, other than whole-vector complementation, compared to corresponding ones of the 9B source vectors, the fraction not including any disparity dependent encoded representations. Techniques for encoding 7B source vectors to 8B encoded vectors, and decoding techniques, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Albert X. Widmer
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Publication number: 20080180288Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system for transmitting/receiving serial data efficiently by minimizing the transitions of bits in a serial communication system, as well as a serial communication system for the same. The method for converting coded parallel data into serial data and transmitting the serial data in a serial communication system includes determining a position, in which an information bit of the coded parallel data is found first, the information bit being defined as a bit having a predetermined bit value so that the information bit is not compressed; and serially transmitting the information bit found first and at least one bit following the information bit found first as compressed serial data until the determined position is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Kang-Min LEE
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Publication number: 20080180289Abstract: A precisely self-calibrating high-speed analog to digital converter is disclosed, wherein the aspect ratios of tri-state inverters are adjusted to fine-tune threshold voltage as comparators. And the multiplexers composed of tri-state inverters amplify the signal from the output of comparators. Their switches of tri-state inverters may be properly controlled to select the optimal channels and reduce unnecessary power consumption. The calibration circuitry utilizes under-sampling to calculate the duty cycles of comparators, selecting the optimal comparators and channels. By the way, the invention may avoid process variation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITYInventors: CHAU-CHIN SU, HUNG-WEN LU, SHUN-MIN CHI
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Publication number: 20080180290Abstract: A method of operating an imaging device, an imaging device, a camera system including an imaging device, and a processing system including an imaging device for calibrating an analog-to-digital converter of the imaging device to generate a look-up table of correction values, and correcting an output of the analog-to-digital converter with the correction values.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Richard L. Baer
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Publication number: 20080180291Abstract: Various systems and methods for analog to digital conversion are disclosed. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide analog to digital conversion systems. The analog to digital conversion systems include a first integrator and a second integrator, and a first summation element and a second summation element. An output of the first summation element is electrically coupled to the first integrator, and an output of the first integrator is electrically coupled to the second integrator. An output of the second integrator is electrically coupled to the second summation element. The analog to digital conversion systems further include an analog to digital converter that is electrically coupled to the first summation element via a digital to analog converter. An input to the analog to digital conversion system is electrically coupled to the first summation element, and the input is electrically coupled to the second summation element via a kickback filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCInventors: Wern M. Koe, Yong-In Park
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Publication number: 20080180292Abstract: In a dynamic element matching stage of a digital-to-analogue converter, in which a pair of quantizer outputs are generated, and are constrained such that their sum is equal to the parity of a received bit value, steps are taken to improve baseband noise performance. Each of the quantizers has a feedback loop associated with it, and the performance is improved by determining the quantizer outputs based on these loop values, in order to reduce the overall quantization noise. However, during time periods when these loop values are equal, there are two possible pairs of quantizer outputs that could be chosen, without adversely impacting on the overall quantization noise. the quantizer outputs are monitored during such time periods, and steps are taken to control the quantizer outputs during such time periods, in order to ensure that the two possible pairs of quantizer outputs are chosen with equal probability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Anthony James Magrath
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Publication number: 20080180293Abstract: In a pulse width modulation method of the present invention, a digital signal is modulated and a pulse width modulation signal is generated in a pulse width modulator by using a digital signal output unit and the pulse width modulator The pulse width modulation method includes: outputting to the pulse width modulator a first value corresponding to the input signal as a first digital signal at a first timing by the digital signal output unit; determining a limited value range based on the first value by the digital signal output unit; determining a second value corresponding to a new input signal by the digital signal output unit; judging whether or not the second value is included in the limited value range, and when the second value being judged to be included, outputting the second value to the pulse width modulator as a second digital signal, and when the second value being judged not to be included, outputting a value included in the limited value range to the pulse width modulator as the second digital sType: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Naotake Kitahira, Tsuyoshi Takayama
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Publication number: 20080180294Abstract: The present system provides a method for varying the value of passive components in electronic circuits. Passive components can range from basic resistors, capacitors, and inductors to complex, structures such as transmission lines and resonant cavities. Value selection and variation can either be dynamically performed during circuit operation or as a one-time part of the manufacturing process as determined by the requirements of the specific application. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit is used to input value selection data digitally, and control value selection with value resolution dependent on the resolution of the DAC. An alternate embodiment is provided for high frequency operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Robert D. Washburn, Robert F. McClanahan
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Publication number: 20080180295Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter has a resistor string that generates a series of voltages. An upper selector selects voltages at the upper end of the series. A lower selector selects voltages at the lower end of the series. A pair of midrange selectors select a pair of adjacent voltages in the middle range of the series. A midrange voltage generator generates further voltages spaced between the two selected midrange voltages. An output selector selects one of the further voltages. The selectors are controlled by various bits of a digital input signal. The voltage selected by the upper selector, lower selector, or output selector becomes an analog output signal. This analog-to-digital converter has comparatively few resistors and transistors and can generate accurate voltages for driving a gray-scale display.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shiming Lan
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Publication number: 20080180296Abstract: A subranging analog-to-digital converter is disclosed. The converter includes: a divided voltage generation circuit that equally divides a range of a predetermined voltage, and generates 2m+1 divided voltages; a higher-order conversion circuit that generates a signal for higher-order m bits of the digital signal by comparing the analog signal with the 2m?1 or less of the 2m+1 divided voltages; a switch circuit that selects at least two of the 2m+1 divided voltages based on information provided by the higher-order conversion circuit; a lower-order conversion circuit that generates a signal for lower-order n bits (n=N?m) of the digital signal by comparing the analog signal with the divided voltages being a selection result of the switch circuit; and an encoder that generates the digital signal based on the signal provided by the higher-order conversion circuit and the signal provided by the lower-order conversion circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Shigemitsu Murayama, Kohei Kudo, Yasuhide Shimizu
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Publication number: 20080180297Abstract: An A/D converter which converts an analog current signal into a digital signal, includes: a filter removing a noise component from the analog current signal to output an analog voltage signal; a quantizer quantizing the analog voltage signal outputted from the filter to generate the digital signal; and a D/A converter converting the digital signal generated by the quantizer into an analog feedback current to feedback to an input of the filter, and supplying a bias current for the D/A converter to an output of a frequency converter via a path of the analog current signal as a bias current driving the frequency converter outputting the analog current signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Takafumi Yamaji
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Publication number: 20080180298Abstract: A single slope ADC using a hysteresis property includes a first comparator, a second comparator, and a code generating unit. The first comparator outputs a compared signal by receiving and comparing an input signal having a constant level with a ramp signal, the second comparator has a hysteresis property having an input terminal connected to an output terminal of the first comparator, and the code generating unit is connected to the second comparator and outputs a digital code corresponding to a time-point of a state transition of an output signal of the second comparator. The second comparator can be embodied as a Schmidt trigger or a Schmidt-trigger inverter. The single slope ADC further includes a controller that controls at least one of a rising threshold or a failing threshold of the Schmidt trigger or of the Schmidt-trigger inverter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Yong Lim
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Publication number: 20080180299Abstract: A new analog-to-digital (ADC) circuit and architecture and the corresponding method of implementation are provided. The analog input signal is converted into a modulated pulse stream such as by a pulse-width-modulation scheme. The time-duration width of the pulses are measured by a TDC (time-to-digital converter) and converted to a digital binary representation that is directly correlated with the voltage amplitude of the analog input signal. The circuit implementation is substantially free of switches and circuit issues such as associated with sigma-delta and switched-capacitor techniques for ADC's.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Brett Forejt
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Publication number: 20080180300Abstract: An on-die thermal sensor includes an integrating analog-digital converter not requiring a negative reference voltage input. The on die thermal sensor includes a band gap unit, an integrating unit and a counting unit. The band gap unit senses a temperature to output a first voltage corresponding to the sensed temperature. The integrating unit integrates a difference between a reference voltage and a comparing voltage to output a second voltage wherein the comparing voltage has a voltage level higher than that of the reference voltage. The counting unit counts clocks of a clock signal input thereto until the second voltage reaches the first voltage, thereby outputting a thermal code corresponding to the voltage level of the first voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Chun-Seok Jeong, Jae-Jin Lee, Joong-Sik Kih, Jong-Man Im, Jae-Woong Choi, Myoung-Jun Chai, Kae-Dal Kwack
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Publication number: 20080180301Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for controlling a device. A signal is received and a power of the signal is determined. The power is associated to a command, and the command is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Jeffrey A. Aaron
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Publication number: 20080180302Abstract: A universal remote control device is presented. The universal remote control device includes a mechanism for communicating with a host device that includes a video display, an audio output, and a microprocessor. The universal remote control device further includes a media slot configured to receive a removable memory device. The removable memory device includes an entertainment application and a script file or command file. The entertainment application includes primary data that includes at least one media file. The script file or command file is readable or executable by the remote control device or the host device upon insertion of the memory device into the media slot or upon activating the remote control device or the host device after the memory device is inserted in the media slot. The script file or command file includes a request for the host device to display or play the at least one media file.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Alan Amron
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Publication number: 20080180303Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote controller apparatus including: preset holding means for holding, per preset code, preset information representative of correspondence between buttons of a plurality of trial-targeted remote controllers on the one hand, and an output signal given when each of the buttons is pushed on the other hand; evaluation value creating means for counting, out of the preset information held in the preset holding means, the number of preset codes of which the output signal is the same for each of the pushed buttons, before setting the largest count as an evaluation value of the button in question; and button presenting means for presenting as a trial button the button of which the evaluation value is the smallest.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Toshifumi Yamamoto, Tomoko Kumagai, Masayuki Kihara, Atsushi Naoi
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Publication number: 20080180304Abstract: The present invention relates to intuitive based control elements and interfaces and devices using said intuitive based control elements. In certain embodiments, machine interfaces such as remote control devices for operation of various devices are provided. More specifically, machine interfaces according to embodiments of the invention herein include one or more control elements in the form of shapes and/or positioned indicia to facilitate operation by users. Control elements provided herein having intuitive shapes and/or positions described above as associated with the man-machine interfaces may also be provided integral with various devices. For example, personal electronic devices, personal care devices, personal healthcare devices, communications devices and personal comfort devices may benefit from control elements having intuitive shapes and/or positions associated with the function as described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Kimberly A. McRae
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Publication number: 20080180305Abstract: The present invention relates to intuitive based control elements and interfaces and devices using said intuitive based control elements. In certain embodiments, machine interfaces such as remote control devices for operation of various devices are provided. More specifically, machine interfaces according to embodiments of the invention herein include one or more control elements in the form of shapes and/or positioned indicia to facilitate operation by users. Control elements provided herein having intuitive shapes and/or positions described above as associated with the man-machine interfaces may also be provided integral with various devices. For example, personal electronic devices, personal care devices, personal healthcare devices, communications devices and personal comfort devices may benefit from control elements having intuitive shapes and/or positions associated with the function as described herein. In one aspect, a control interface is provided for controlling multiple functional devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Kimberly A. McRae
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Publication number: 20080180306Abstract: The present invention relates to intuitive based control elements and interfaces and devices using said intuitive based control elements. In certain embodiments, machine interfaces such as remote control devices for operation of various devices are provided. More specifically, machine interfaces according to embodiments of the invention herein include one or more control elements in the form of shapes and/or positioned indicia to facilitate operation by users. Control elements provided herein having intuitive shapes and/or positions described above as associated with the man-machine interfaces may also be provided integral with various devices. For example, personal electronic devices, personal care devices, personal healthcare devices, communications devices and personal comfort devices may benefit from control elements having intuitive shapes and/or positions associated with the function as described herein. In one aspect herein, a telephonic device is provided including a control interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Kimberly A. McRae
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Publication number: 20080180307Abstract: For supporting a selection of a predictive or non-predictive quantization in the scope of an audio signal coding, it is determined whether an error resulting with a non-predictive quantization of an audio signal segment lies below a predetermined threshold value. An audio signal segment quantized with the non-predictive quantization is provided as a part of an encoded audio signal at least in case it is determined that the error resulting with the non-predictive quantization of the audio signal segment lies below a predetermined threshold value. Otherwise, an audio signal segment quantized with predictive quantization is provided as a part of an encoded audio signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Anssi Ramo, Lasse Laaksonen, Adriana Vasilache
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Publication number: 20080180308Abstract: A radio wave absorber that can be bonded securely to a flexible cable or a flexible printed circuit board eliminates the need for a release film. A radio wave absorber comprising a thermosetting adhesive sheet 1 that is cured into a flexible material, and a Sendust-containing curable resin composition layer 2 that is cured into a flexible material, wherein the curable resin composition layer is formed on either surface of the thermosetting adhesive sheet. The average particle diameter of Sendust is in the range of 30 to 100 ?m. The content ratio of Sendust in the curable resin composition layer is in the range of 50 to 85 wt %.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicants: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION, TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.Inventors: Osamu OKADA, Toshiki Takizawa, Naruhiko Mashita, Takashi Ishiguro, Shinya Kusumi, Hiroshi Tsutagaya