Abstract:
Variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs) and/or continuous-time filters (CTFS) are implemented with circuitry that provides improved power-supply rejection. The power-supply rejection circuitry may include a current source and a diode-connected MOSFET that inhibit noise in the reference-voltage power supply from reaching the output nodes of the VGA or CTF. Although the present invention enables separate implementations of VGAs and CTFs, in one embodiment, a VGA function and a CTF function are implemented in a single set of (e.g., integrated) circuitry.
Abstract:
An AC coupling network has (a) a first pair of capacitances C1 connected between the input nodes and the output nodes and (b) a second pair of capacitances C2 cross-connected between the input nodes and the output nodes. The capacitances C1 and C2 are formed by sets of switched capacitors that can be configured to provide the network with different levels of attenuation while maintaining a constant AC coupling pole frequency. In particular, the sets of switched capacitors can be configured to ensure that C1+C2 remains constant, while C1−C2 varies. The present invention enables AC coupling to be implemented without using active devices such as operational amplifiers and/or buffers.
Abstract:
A simplified automatic car wash system is disclosed which comprises a linear trolley suspended from the upper structure of a car wash building and a cross trolley transversely mounted thereto. A spray arm is rotatably mounted to a glider plate on the cross trolley and the spray arm is used to deliver soap and water to an automobile. The spray arm is the only cleaning apparatus utilized, there being no need for rotating brushes and the like. As such, the only elements which come and in contact with the automobile during a car wash, are soap and water.
Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for detecting a regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism (rSNP). The method comprises determining a first score representative of a transcription factor binding affinity of a first allele, and a second score representative of a transcription factor binding affinity of a second allele. The first and second alleles are associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and the first score differs from the second score representing a change in the transcription factor binding affinity. A statistical significance value of the change in transcription factor binding affinity represented by the first score and the second score is then determined and compared with a threshold to determine whether the SNP is an rSNP. This disclosure also concerns a computer system and a computer program for detecting a regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism (rSNP).
Abstract:
Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a hydrophobic fiber component, a hydrophilic fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties and abrasion resistance, such as fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.
Abstract:
A windmill having horizontally oriented blades with inherent rotational velocity is disclosed. Clam-shaped individual vanes having a straight edge are longitudinally aligned to operate as a pair of vanes which open or close, depending on wind velocity, to provide a rotational velocity within certain desirable limits.
Abstract:
A carpet that can be installed onto a flooring surface without the requirement for registration between adjacent broadloom carpet pieces. The carpet comprises a design member that comprises a plurality of pattern members that are colorized and that define a void area, which has a substantially uniform color and pile height.
Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting vibration of an object adapted to rotate includes one or more vibration processors selected from: a direction-change processor adapted to detect changes in a direction of rotation of the object, a direction-agreement processor adapted to identify a direction of rotation of the object in at least two channels and identify an agreement or disagreement in direction of rotation identified by the at least two channels, and a phase-overlap processor adapted to identify overlapping signal regions in signals associated with the rotation of the object. A method for detecting the vibration of the object includes generating at least one of a direction-change output signal with the direction-change processor, generating a direction-agreement output signal with the direction-agreement processor, and generating a phase-overlap output signal with the phase-overlap processor, each indicative of the vibration of the object.
Abstract:
A process and apparatus to convert, an input musical signal, including an original vocalist and musical accompaniment, into accompaniment for a Karaoke singer. The component of the input musical signal corresponding to the original vocalist is suppressed, by filtering or digital processing, to reduce audibility of that vocalist. The resulting modified musical signal can be recorded for future playback. A user's voice also can be added to the modified musical signal, to replace the original vocalist, with the corresponding output of the apparatus being played audibly in real-time, recorded for future playback, or both. In certain embodiments, circuitry can be included to perform effects on a user's vocal input, such as pitch control, reverb, and echo.
Abstract:
The performance of a service technician who performs multiple service dispatches is evaluated by comparing the service technician's actual times to perform a series of tasks that make up a dispatch, to planned times for the series of tasks. Statistically derived planned times may be assigned to tasks that make up a dispatch, so that an objective work measurement and evaluation may be provided.