Abstract:
A current-mode switching regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the regulator is a multi-mode buck-boost regulator that operates as follows. When the operating mode changes, a gain associated with the inner current loop changes, and the loop compensation changes. The inner current loop gain and the loop compensation are adjusted when the operating mode changes such that the post-mode change feedback variable values are roughly the same as the pre-mode change feedback variables values.
Abstract:
A current sink circuit includes a current mirror, a feedback circuit, a follower circuit, and a current sink. The current mirror includes a power transistor. Also, the current mirror is ratioed such that the drain current of the power transistor is significantly greater than the drain current of the other transistor in the current mirror. The feedback circuit is configured to cause the drain voltages of the power transistor and the other transistor to be substantially equal. Additionally, the follower circuit is configured to quickly pull up the voltage at the gate of the power transistor when the current sink circuit is switched on. The current sink is configured to bias the follower circuit. Also, the current sink is configured to quickly pull down the voltage at the gate of the power transistor when the current sink circuit is switched off.
Abstract:
Multiple coil systems and methods are disclosed in which transmitter and receiver inductors, or coils, are coupled in a configuration for wirelessly transferring data and/or power among them. In preferred implementations, the systems and methods are used for transmitting data using pairs of coupled coils. One preferred aspect of the invention is that the coils are not permanently affixed in physical proximity to one another, but can be moved and/or interchanged.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods for installing at least two subsea functional lines having differing functions, such as a subsea umbilical and a subsea flowline, and integrated termination assemblies for use in the methods. The integrated termination assemblies combine terminations of the at least two subsea functional lines, simplifying the layout of a subsea production field, reducing the number of connections necessary and simplifying the installation of subsea functional lines used in offshore hydrocarbon production.
Abstract:
Mechanical architecture for providing maximum viewing area on key button tops of keys for a user input device. The viewing area is for the display of information on the key buttons, and also includes tactile feedback similar to standard laptop keyboards, all using low cost manufacturing methods such as injection molding. The architecture optimizes an aperture through the core of the key switch assembly in order to project an image through the aperture and onto the display area of the key button. The architecture relocates in at least one embodiment the tactile feedback mechanism (e.g., dome assembly) out from underneath the key button to the perimeter or side of the key switch assembly. The architecture finds particular application to input devices such as keyboards, game pods, data entry device, etc., that operate in combination with an optical surface (e.g., wedge lens).
Abstract:
All solid photonic bandgap optical fiber comprising a core region and a cladding region is disclosed. The cladding region surrounding the core region includes a background optical material having a first refractive index and elements arranged in a two-dimensional periodic structure. In one embodiment, each of the elements comprises a center part and peripheral part having a higher refractive than the central part. In other embodiments, each element comprises a plurality of rods having a higher refractive index higher than the fist, the rods of each element arranged in a circle or polygon. Light transmission apparatus and methods of using the fiber are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A system and method of the present invention allows a user to monitor the production of a factory in real-time. The user inputs desired values for various performance metrics. Then an embodiment of the present invention analyzes manufacturing plans by directly accessing manufacturing planning software. Projections are calculated for each metric and the projections are compared to the desired values. A document is then created summarizing the desired values and the projections. The document may contain hyperlinks that enable a user to view details about any of the performance metrics. The document may also contain formatting that highlights various metrics for a variety of reasons, including the failure to meet a performance metric. The document also allows users to embed comments that are then forwarded to other users, as a means to allow collaboration from a plurality of users.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a microstructured fibre, comprises: providing a preform comprising a plurality of elongate holes; mating at least one, but not all, of the holes with a connector to connect the hole(s) to an external pressure-controller; drawing the preform into the fibre whilst controlling gas pressure in the hole(s) connected to the pressure-controller. The connector is also claimed.