Spooler for unmanned aerial vehicle system

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.

Spooler for unmanned aerial vehicle system

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.

Control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles

A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within a flight operating space. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes one or more sensor arrays on each spar. The method includes determining, using a plurality of sensor arrays, a flight path for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The method also includes receiving, by at least one sensor array of the plurality of sensor arrays, sensor data identifying at least one object in the operating space. The sensor data is transmitted over a communications bus connecting components of the UAV. The method further includes determining, by one or more processors onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle, a flight path around the at least one object. The method also includes generating, by the one or more onboard processors, a first signal to cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate within the operating space around the at least one object.

Method and apparatuses to remove slag

A robotic apparatus for the cleaning and maintenance of coal fired boilers, which is designed to operate in the high temperature environment of the combustion gasses to effectively clean and remove slag deposits of the boiler heat transfer surfaces by use of a precision directed, low pressure, low flow rate water stream. The robotic cleaning apparatus is comprised of lightweight carbon fiber structural elements, attached to the exterior of the boiler, and cooled by annular pressurized water sheaths impingent on a thin metal skin covering the lightweight structural elements. Multiple articulated joints allow for complete access to the heat transfer surfaces of the boiler. A variety of payloads can be delivered to specific points within the boiler, including imaging systems, cutting, and welding apparatuses. A mathematical state space control matrix allows for optimal positioning and feedback control of motions.

GARMENT SHIELD DEVICE

A garment shield device includes a lightweight veil for covering the face and/or neck of a user, and acting as a physical barrier for preventing a cosmetic material from soiling a garment. A garment shield device also includes a headband configured to secure an upper portion of the veil to the head of a user and/or lower portion of the veil to the chin and/or neck of a user. 1. A garment shield device , comprising:a lightweight veil configured to cover at least one of a face and neck of a user, said veil being further configured to act as a physical barrier for preventing a cosmetic material on the face of the user from soiling a garment;a headband configured to secure an upper portion of the veil to the head of a user; andat least one connector configured to secure the headband to the veil,wherein said veil is constructed from a see through, breathable material, and said device is collapsible.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein said device is constructed as a one size fits all.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein said device is disposable claim 1 , and said veil is constructed from at least one of a biodegradable paper claim 1 , recyclable plastic netting claim 1 , and nylon4. The device of claim 1 , wherein said device is reusable claim 1 , and said veil is constructed from a singular piece of cloth material.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein said headband includes at least one of an elastic band claim 1 , a string claim 1 , and a drawstring.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein said headband includes a pliable wire band configured to mold to a shape of the users head.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein said connectors include at least one of a staple claim 1 , a compression fitting claim 1 , an eyelet fastener and glue.8. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:a brim pad configured to provide space between the veil and the users face.9. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:a lower headband configured to secure a lower portion of the veil to at least one of the ...

IMAGING BASED STABILIZATION

An image-based sensor system for a mobile unit makes use of light emitters and imagers to acquire illumination patterns of emitted light impinging on the floor and/or walls surrounding the unit. The illumination pattern is used to estimate location and/or orientation of the unit. These estimates are used for one or more functions of stabilization, calibration, localization, and mapping of or with respect to the unit. 1. An apparatus comprising mobile part , the mobile part comprising:a first light emitter for forming a first light emission comprising a plurality of emitted rays on a cone or cylinder that is symmetrical about a central axis of the mobile part; anda first imager for acquiring images from a point of view along the central axis showing an illumination pattern at intersections of the emitted rays and a first surface upon which the first light emission impinges;wherein the apparatus further includes a first estimator for processing the acquired images and using the acquired images to determine at least one of (a) an orientation of the central axis of the apparatus with respect to the first surface, and (b) a distance from the surface along the central axis.2. The apparatus of wherein the mobile part comprises an aerial vehicle claim 1 , and wherein the apparatus further comprises a module configured to be responsive to the determined orientation and/or distance to perform at least one function from a group of functions consisting of stabilization claim 1 , calibration claim 1 , localization claim 1 , and mapping.3. The apparatus of wherein the module responsive to the determined orientation and/or distance comprises a control system configured to generate control signals for flight controls of the aerial vehicle.4. The apparatus of wherein the control system is configured to be responsive to the determined orientation to stabilize an orientation of the vehicle.5. The apparatus of wherein the control system is configured to be responsive to the determined ...

Control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles

A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within a flight operating space. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes one or more sensor arrays on each spar. The method includes determining, using a plurality of sensor arrays, a flight path for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The method also includes receiving, by at least one sensor array of the plurality of sensor arrays, sensor data identifying at least one object in the operating space. The sensor data is transmitted over a communications bus connecting components of the UAV. The method further includes determining, by one or more processors onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle, a flight path around the at least one object. The method also includes generating, by the one or more onboard processors, a first signal to cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate within the operating space around the at least one object.

Toner processing systems and electronic display devices and methods

Toner processing systems and electronic display devices and methods are described. In one embodiment, a toner processing system comprises an enclosure and an electrostatic toner recovery assembly supported within the enclosure for electrostatically recovering unfused toner from a print media surface. A toner development assembly is supported within the enclosure proximate the electrostatic toner recovery assembly and is configured to receive recovered toner from the electrostatic toner recovery assembly for reuse on the print media surface.

High pressure cleaning and decontamination system

Abrasive cleaning and decontamination methods and systems are disclosed. The methods and systems use a high pressure liquefied gas, such as carbon dioxide, which produces insignificant quantities of secondary waste. These principles of the invention exploit the properties of the relatively high triple point of CO₂ in order to first pressurize it to 35,000 to 60,000 PSI from a pressurized liquid. In the pressurized state, such a fluid can be at or above room temperature, allowing for transport over long distances in a flexible high pressure hose. At a point of use, a heat exchanger may subsequently chill the liquid, so that after expansion through a small high pressure orifice, a significant fraction of the liquid is converted to solid phase crystals exiting at high velocity to effectively clean and decontaminate. For more aggressive cleaning, abrasive particles and/or small diameter solid CO₂ pellets can be entrained into the high pressure CO₂ slipstream ...

SECONDARY BLIND CONTROL DEVICE

A secondary control device for a venetian blind assembly includes an elongated main body having a plurality of loops extending outward at uniform distances. Each of the loops is pivotally connected to a slat engagement member having a frame and a slat connector. The slat connector includes a body section having an adhesive along the top surface, and a removable covering layer for protecting the adhesive until the device is ready to be installed. When the slat engagement members are secured onto a group of slats, movement of the main body causes the group of slats to transition between the open position and the closed position without affecting the position of the remainder of the blind assembly.

Composite fluid actuated cylinder

A fluid actuator having a honed metallic sleeved inner liner assembled with fitted end caps. The inner liner and end caps are wound with carbon reinforced fiber filaments in both longitudinal and hoop orientations so as to withstand increased fluid pressure over traditional metallic designs. The fluid actuator of the present invention is lightweight and had an extremely stiff piston and rod assembly, which may also be fabricated from high flexural modulus composite materials so as to allow for a very stiff, lightweight, hydraulic cylinder which is particularly resistant to column buckling at long extensions and comprises an economical, non-rebuildable design.

Electronic display devices and methods

Electronic display devices and methods are described. In one embodiment, an electronic display device comprises a housing and a display area within the housing to display content for a user. Memory is provided within the housing to hold data that is to be rendered into user-viewable content. An electrophotographic assembly is provided within the housing and is configured to electrophotographically render user-viewable content from the data that is held in the memory. A loop of material is disposed proximate the electrophotographic assembly and is configured to receive electrophotographically rendered content and present the content for user viewing within the display area. The electrophotographic assembly can use black toner and the loop of material is selected to provide a black/white contrast when used in connection with the black toner. In one embodiment, the electrophotographic assembly can render content at at least 300 dots per inch (dpi) and better. The display device is desirably ...

Imaging based stabilization

An image-based sensor system for a mobile unit makes use of light emitters and imagers to acquire illumination patterns of emitted light impinging on the floor and/or walls surrounding the unit. The illumination pattern is used to estimate location and/or orientation of the unit. These estimates are used for one or more functions of stabilization, calibration, localization, and mapping of or with respect to the unit.

Aerial robot

An aerial robot is disclosed. The aerial robot may include at least one pair of counter-rotating blades or propellers, which may be contained within a circumferential shroud or a duct. In one embodiment, the aerial robot may have the ability to hover and move indefinitely. Electric power to the robot may be provided by a tether or an on-board power supply. In tethered embodiments, a solid-state, electronic voltage transformer may be used to reduce a high voltage, low current source to lower voltage, higher current source. In one embodiment, secure data communication between a ground unit and the aerial robot is facilitated by impressing high bandwidth serial data onto the high voltage tether wires or a thin optical fiber which is co-aligned with the tether wires. In one embodiment, precise navigational and position controls, even under extreme wind loads, are facilitated by an on-board GPS unit and optical digital signal processors. In one embodiment, if the tether detaches, precision free-flight ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO ENABLE DISCOVERY OF IDENTICAL OR SIMILAR DEVICES ASSEMBLED IN A SERIAL CHAIN AND ASSIGN UNIQUE ADDRESSES TO EACH

Methods and apparatus for enabling discovery of and assigning unique addresses for identical or similar devices assembled in a serial chain of devices in a high-speed communications link. The method and apparatus enable an endpoint device in a communication link including a plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices to discover each signal buffering devices, assign a unique address, and configure each signal buffering device from a central non-volatile memory (NVM) using an in-band configuration protocol for the communication link. 130.-. (canceled)31. A computer-implemented method , comprising ,discovering each of a plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices in a communication link between first and second endpoint devices including the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices, the first and second endpoint devices and the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices forming a serial chain of devices; andautomatically configuring each of the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices,wherein at least two of the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices are the same type of device, and wherein each of the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices is configured with a unique device address.32. The computer-implemented method of claim 31 , wherein each of the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices is configured using a central non-volatile memory (NVM) device comprising one of the first and second endpoint devices;33. The computer-implemented method of claim 31 , wherein the at least two of the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices that are the same type of device comprise re-driver devices.34. The computer-implemented method of claim 31 , wherein the at least two of the plurality of serially-connected signal buffering devices that are the same type of device comprise re-timer devices.35. The computer-implemented method of claim 31 , ...

Regioselective catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons to versatile synthetic reagents via C-H bond functionalization

The present invention provides a novel and improved method of functionalizing a C—H bond of an arene compound comprising the step of reacting an organometallic compound having a group 14 element with the arene compound having at least one hydrogen bonded to a carbon in the presence of a catalyst.

SPOOLER FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE SYSTEM

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.

Spooler for unmanned aerial vehicle system

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.

Adaptive equalization channel extension retimer link-up methodology

Methods and apparatus for implementing adaptive equalization channel extension retimer link-up in high-speed serial links. Under aspects of the proposed methodology, the retimer device intervenes with the adaptive equalization training, training both ends of the link individually between the two end points, and once both of the retimer's receivers are trained, it propagates the receiver readiness indication through from one end point to the other. This allows all sections of the link to train at the same time, and for all devices to transition to data mode at the same time, once all channels have been adapted to and trained. This methodology also applies to cascaded retimer device configurations, where multiple retimers are being used to extend the channel even further.

CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within a flight operating space. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes one or more sensor arrays on each spar. The method includes determining, using a plurality of sensor arrays, a flight path for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The method also includes receiving, by at least one sensor array of the plurality of sensor arrays, sensor data identifying at least one object in the operating space. The sensor data is transmitted over a communications bus connecting components of the UAV. The method further includes determining, by one or more processors onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle, a flight path around the at least one object. The method also includes generating, by the one or more onboard processors, a first signal to cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate within the operating space around the at least one object. 1. A system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within a flight operating space , the system comprising:an unmanned aerial vehicle having a tether connector;a plurality of sensors coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle and positioned to provide a field of view in at least three directions, the three directions being separated by at least 90 degrees, the plurality of sensors positioned to detect at least one object located in the flight operating space; and receive, from the plurality of sensors, sensor data identifying a location of the unmanned aerial vehicle;', 'receive, from the plurality of sensors, sensor data identifying the at least one object in the flight operating space of the unmanned aerial vehicle;', 'determine a spatial relationship between the location of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one object in the flight operating space; and', 'generate, based on the sensor data, a first signal to cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate around the at least one object within the flight operating space., 'one or more processors, onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle, ...

CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within a flight operating space. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes one or more sensor arrays on each spar. The method includes determining, using a plurality of sensor arrays, a flight path for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The method also includes receiving, by at least one sensor array of the plurality of sensor arrays, sensor data identifying at least one object in the operating space. The sensor data is transmitted over a communications bus connecting components of the UAV. The method further includes determining, by one or more processors onboard the unmanned aerial vehicle, a flight path around the at least one object. The method also includes generating, by the one or more onboard processors, a first signal to cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to navigate within the operating space around the at least one object.

Regioselective catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons to versatile synthetic reagents via C-H bond functionalization

The present invention provides a novel and improved method of functionalizing a C—H bond of an arene compound comprising the step of reacting an organometallic compound having a group 14 element with the arene compound having at least one hydrogen bonded to a carbon in the presence of a catalyst.

Spooler for unmanned aerial vehicle system

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.

Electronic display devices and methods

Electronic display devices and methods are described. In one embodiment, a display device comprises a housing and a display area provided within the housing to display content for a user. Memory is provided within the housing to hold data that is to be rendered into user-viewable content. An electrophotographic assembly is provided within the housing and is configured to electrophotographically render user-viewable content from the data that is held in the memory. A loop of material is disposed proximate the electrophotographic assembly and is configured to receive electrophotographically rendered content and present the content for user viewing within the display area. A control area is provided on the housing and includes one or more user-engagable structures to permit a user to interact with the device. The control area is positioned on the housing to accommodate one-handed use of the device. In one embodiment, the control area is provided on a sidewall that extends between front and ...

ADAPTIVE EQUALIZATION CHANNEL EXTENSION RETIMER LINK-UP METHODOLOGY

Methods and apparatus for implementing adaptive equalization channel extension retimer link-up in high-speed serial links. Under aspects of the proposed methodology, the retimer device intervenes with the adaptive equalization training, training both ends of the link individually between the two end points, and once both of the retimer's receivers are trained, it propagates the receiver readiness indication through from one end point to the other. This allows all sections of the link to train at the same time, and for all devices to transition to data mode at the same time, once all channels have been adapted to and trained. This methodology also applies to cascaded retimer device configurations, where multiple retimers are being used to extend the channel even further. 125.-. (canceled)26. A method for bringing up a communication link between first and second end points including a first link segment coupling the first end point to a retimer and a second link segment coupled between the retimer and the second end point , each of the first and second end points having a transmitter and receiver , the retimer including a first port having a first transmitter and a first receiver and a second port having a second transmitter and a second receiver , the method comprising:concurrently training each of the first and second receivers of the retimer and the receivers of the first and second end points;determining that each of the first and second receivers of the retimer have been trained, and in response thereto,configuring the retimer to pass through receiver ready signals to enable a receiver ready signal transmitted by the first or second end point to be received by the receiver of the other end point; andonce receiver ready signals have been received by each of the receivers on the first and second end points, transitioning to a data mode to enable data to be transmitted over the communication link between the first end point and the second end point, wherein the data ...

SPOOLER FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE SYSTEM

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry. 1. A system comprising:a mobile vehicle; anda spooling apparatus mounted on the mobile vehicle and comprising:a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting a filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle;an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus; anda controller for controlling the filament feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to control the filament feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry when the mobile vehicle moves.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to control the filament feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry when the aerial vehicle is controlled to follow movement of the mobile vehicle.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the exit geometry sensor comprises:a tube coaxially surrounding a portion of the filament at a point where the filament exits the spooling apparatus; anda position sensor coupled to the tube, for measuring an angular position of the tube.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spooling apparatus is configured to draw power from the mobile vehicle.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the aerial vehicle is collapsible.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spooling apparatus is configured to receive global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the aerial vehicle from the aerial vehicle.8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising the aerial vehicle.9. The system of claim 8 , ...

SPOOLER FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE SYSTEM

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry. 1. A spooling apparatus comprising:a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle;an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus;a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.2. The spooling apparatus of further comprising a spool of filament.3. The spooling apparatus of further comprising a tension sensing and mitigation mechanism for sensing tension present on the filament and causing the controller to adjust an amount of deployed filament based on the sensed tension.4. The spooling apparatus of wherein the tension sensing and mitigation mechanism is further configured to mitigate an amount of slack in the filament within the spooling apparatus.5. The spooling apparatus of wherein the exit geometry sensor is configured to sense an angle of departure of the filament from the spooling apparatus.6. The spooling apparatus of wherein the exit geometry sensor is configured to sense a location of the filament at an exit of the spooling apparatus.7. The spooling apparatus of further comprising a power source for providing power to the aerial vehicle over the filament.8. The spooling apparatus of further comprising a control station configured to communicate with the aerial vehicle over the filament.9. The spooling apparatus of wherein data communicated between the aerial vehicle and the control station includes one or more of network data claim 8 , point to point serial data claim 8 , sensor data claim 8 , video ...

SPOOLER FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE SYSTEM

In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry. 1a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle;an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus;a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.. A spooling apparatus comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/041,211, filed on Feb. 11, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/838,399, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,290,269 on Mar. 22, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.This invention relates to a spooler for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle system.Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are vehicles that are controlled autonomously by onboard or remote computer, remotely by a human operator, or a mixture of the two. Use of such vehicles is becoming increasingly common in both military and civilian airspaces.In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.Aspects may include one or more of the following features.The spooling apparatus may include a spool of filament. The spooling apparatus my include a tension sensing and mitigation mechanism for ...

CONFIGURATION SCHEME FOR LINK ESTABLISHMENT

Examples described herein relate to a physical layer interface device with an interface to a medium and a link controller. The link controller can attempt to form a link with another device through the interface. Based on failure to achieve link using a last successful configuration, an attempt to form a link with another device through the interface can include interleaving use of an IEEE 802.3 compatible auto-negotiation process with at least one attempt to form a link using a non-auto-negotiated mode. Based on failure to achieve link with the another device using any available link speed mode and forward error correction (FEC) scheme, an attempt is made using IEEE 802.3 compatible auto-negotiation without use of Next Pages. 1. A network interface apparatus comprising:an interface to a medium and 'alternate use of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 auto-negotiation with at least one attempt to form a link using a non-auto-negotiated mode that specifies a forward error correction (FEC) mode.', 'a controller to attempt to form a link with another device through the interface, wherein to attempt to form a link with another device through the interface, the controller is to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein IEEE 802.3 auto-negotiation comprises IEEE 802.3 compatible auto-negotiation compatible with Clause 73 and permits use of Next Pages.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein to alternate use of IEEE 802.3 auto-negotiation with at least one attempt to form a link using a non-auto-negotiated mode claim 1 , the controller is to:based on failure to achieve link using a last successful configuration, apply IEEE 802.3 auto-negotiation prior to at least one attempt to form a link with the another device using a selected link speed mode and FEC scheme.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein to alternate use of IEEE 802.3 auto-negotiation with at least one attempt to form a link using a non-auto-negotiated mode claim 1 , the controller is to:select ...

Smooth switching power control circuit and method

A power control circuit achieves a relatively smooth turn-on conduction transition characteristic and a relatively low power consumption. A controlled transition circuit conducts current to a load when in a fully conductive state. The transition circuit transitions from a non-conductive state to the fully conductive state over a predetermined amount of time to limit the di/dt and the interference signals generated by the di/dt. A low forward voltage conduction circuit also conducts current to the load in a conductive state and diverts current to the transition circuit when in a non-conductive state. The conduction circuit creates a second predetermined voltage across the terminals when in the conductive state which is substantially less than the first predetermined voltage to reduce the power consumption.

Method and apparatus to enable discovery of identical or similar devices assembled in a serial chain and assign unique addresses to each

Preheating and starting circuit and method for a fluorescent lamp

The cathodes (36) of a fluorescent lamp (34) are preheated by heating the cathodes for a predetermined warm-up time period by conducting current from a supply power source (28) through the cathodes for a conductive time interval. The medium between the cathodes is ignited into a plasma by applying a relatively high voltage starting pulse to the cathodes at the end of the conductive time interval. The high voltage starting pulse is suppressed during the predetermined warm-up time period. A controllable semiconductor switch (50) controls the current flow through the cathodes. The high voltage starting pulse is derived from commutating the semiconductor switch (50) into a nonconductive state.

Thermal ink jet print head method of manufacture

In a thin film resistor substrate for a thermal ink jet printhead, there is provided an elongated ink feed slot for supplying ink to a plurality of heater resistors on the substrate. Ink flows from this slot vertically through the substrate and then laterally along predetermined ink flow paths in an orifice plate and barrier layer members to ink reservoirs above the heater resistors. In this manner ink flow pressure drops to all of the reservoirs are equal and thereby enhance ink pressure control for all of the reservoirs.

Preheating and starting circuit and method for a fluorescent lamp

The cathodes of a fluorescent lamp are preheating and the medium between the cathodes is ignited into a plasma by heating the cathodes for a predetermined warm-up time period by conducting current from a supply power source through the cathodes for a conductive time interval, and applying a relatively high voltage starting pulse to the cathodes at the end of the conductive time interval or alternatively suppressing the high voltage starting pulse during the predetermined warm-up time period. Suppressing the high voltage starting pulse during the warm-up time period, thereby preventing erosion the thermionic coating of the cathodes due to positive ion bombardment. A controllable semiconductor switch is connected to the cathodes to control the current flow through them. The high voltage starting pulse is derived from commutating the semiconductor switch into a nonconductive state when the applied current level drops to the characteristic holding current value of the switch. The high voltage starting pulse is suppressed by triggering the semiconductor switch at the time when it would otherwise be commutating to the nonconductive state.

Two terminal controller

A two-terminal, alternating current power control device connected in an electrical path between a load and a remote switch, comprising a current switching device, a controlling device and a direct current power supply device. The current switching device provides a low impedance electrical path in response to the application of triggering signals thereto, and provides a high impedance electrical path in the absence of the triggering signals. A control circuit is provided for applying triggering signals to the current switching device as the proper time in the AC cycle, and is responsive to a momentary interruption in the applied AC voltage so as to effect change in the power intensity or timed duration of power delivered to the load. A remote switch in the electrical path can be the source of a momentary power interruption. The entire power control device can be constructed to directly attach to the electrical screw shell base of a gas discharge lamp, so the lamp and power control device can be mounted into the normal accommodating electrical fixture without the need for an intermediary fixture or additional electrical wiring.

Thermal ink jet printhead assembly including common slotted ink feed through and method of manufacture

Abstract and Industrial Applicability In a thin film resistor substrate for a thermal ink jet printhead, there is provided an elongated ink feed slot for supplying ink to a plurality of heater resistors on the substrate. Ink flows from this slot vertically through the substrate and then laterally along predetermined ink flow paths in an orifice plate and barrier layer members to ink reservoirs above the heater resistors. In this manner ink flow pressure drops to all of the reservoirs are equal and thereby enhance ink pressure control for all of the reservoirs.

Camera stabilization in aerial photography and videography

A system for supporting a camera during aerial photography or videography includes a gimbal, a platform, a first flywheel, an onboard electronics module and a link rod with a longitudinal axis. The gimbal includes an inner ring external to and concentric with the link rod and coupled thereto for relative rotation about the longitudinal axis, a middle ring external to and concentric with the inner ring and coupled thereto for relative pivoting about a second axis nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and an outer ring external to and concentric with the middle ring and coupled thereto for relative pivoting about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis. The platform is provided to the outer ring. The first flywheel is mounted at a first position on the platform so as to balance with a camera at a second position and an onboard electronics module at a third position.

Can-opener.

Stove

Configuration scheme for link establishment

Examples described herein relate to a physical layer interface device with an interface to a medium and a link controller. The link controller can attempt to form a link with another device through the interface. Based on failure to achieve link using a last successful configuration, an attempt to form a link with another device through the interface can include interleaving use of an IEEE 802.3 compatible auto-negotiation process with at least one attempt to form a link using a non-auto-negotiated mode. Based on failure to achieve link with the another device using any available link speed mode and forward error correction (FEC) scheme, an attempt is made using IEEE 802.3 compatible auto-negotiation without use of Next Pages.

Method of regulating lamp current through a fluorescent lamp by pulse energizing a driving supply

Verfahren zur Herstellung von basischen Anthrachinonfarbstoffen