A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulated head having at least one rotational axis. The method comprises, in any suitable order, loading at least one interchangeable task module onto the articulated head; and loading at least one interchangeable task module counterweight on the articulated head. The at least one interchangeable task module counterweight at least partially counterbalances the weight of the at least one task module on the articulated head about the at least one axis.

An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), to correct the shape of the patient's palate.

An archwire for use with a passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a resilient main body which is received in the archwire slot, and which further has a predetermined width dimension, and a variable thickness dimension, and wherein the variable thickness dimension of the archwire can be varied so as to facilitate an adjustable application of a force to the passive self-ligation orthodontic bracket so as to achieve a clinician selectable and controllable second and third order movement of a patient's tooth.

Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.

Techniques and methods for utilizing ion implantation to modify dental archwires are provided. An example of a method of ion implanting a wire target includes providing the wire target in an ion implant system, implanting ions into the wire target such that a color of the wire target material after the implanting exhibits a changed appearance from the color of the wire target material before the implanting, and removing the wire target from the ion implant system. An example of a copper-aluminum-nickel (CuAlNi) wire includes an ion implanted atomic species wherein a color of an implanted CuAlNi wire is white, off-white and/or silver and further wherein the implanted CuAlNi wire exhibits mechanical properties of an unimplanted CuAlNi wire.

A hydraulic circuit includes a clutch actuator operatively associated with a clutch that may be disposed in a transmission. A hydraulic fluid source supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid for the clutch actuator. To measure the filling rate of the hydraulic actuator, a reference actuator having a predetermined filling rate is disposed in parallel with the hydraulic actuator and in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid source. If hydraulic pressure associated with the reference actuator does not correspond to the hydraulic pressure associated with the clutch actuator, a compensation valve can appropriately respond by selectively directing hydraulic fluid to or from the clutch actuator. In a further embodiment, the reference actuator and compensation valve may be replaced with an electrohydraulic valve utilizing feedback from the hydraulic pressure present at the inlet of the clutch actuator.

A hydraulic circuit includes a clutch actuator operatively with a clutch that may be disposed in a transmission. A hydraulic fluid source supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid for the clutch actuator. An on-off valve is disposed in fluid communication between the clutch actuator and the hydraulic fluid source; the on-off valve configured to fill the clutch actuator with hydraulic fluid. An accumulator is disposed in parallel with the on-off valve and in fluid communication with the clutch actuator. The accumulator is adapted to receive hydraulic fluid redirected from the clutch actuator and to provide a counter-pressure for modulating the clutch actuator.

A clutch center includes a pressure receiving part and is accommodated inside a clutch housing. A pressure plate includes a pressure applying part disposed at an interval from the pressure receiving part in an axial direction. A clutch portion is disposed between the pressure receiving part and the pressure applying part, and allows and blocks transmission of a power between the clutch housing and the clutch center. A first cam portion is disposed on one side of the clutch center in the axial direction, and increases an engaging force of the clutch portion when a forward drive force acts on a clutch device. A second cam portion is disposed on the other side of the clutch center in the axial direction, and reduces the engaging force of the clutch portion when a reverse drive force acts on the clutch device.

A clutch center includes a pressure receiving part and is accommodated inside the clutch housing. A pressure plate includes a pressure applying part disposed at an interval from the pressure receiving part in an axial direction. A clutch portion is disposed between the pressure receiving part and the pressure applying part, and allows and blocks transmission of a power between the clutch housing and the pressure plate. A first cam portion is disposed on one side of the pressure plate in the axial direction, and increases an engaging force of the clutch portion when a forward drive force acts on a clutch device. A second cam portion is disposed on the other side of the pressure plate in the axial direction, and reduces the engaging force of the clutch portion when a reverse drive force acts on the clutch device.

A drive force transfer device that includes a friction clutch with improved response at the time when the friction clutch is pressed by a hydraulic pressure is provided. A drive force transfer device has: a clutch drum; an inner shaft; a friction clutch that has a plurality of outer clutch plates that are rotatable together with the clutch drum and a plurality of inner clutch plates that are rotatable together with the inner shaft; a piston that receives a hydraulic pressure supplied to a cylinder to press the friction clutch; and a hydraulic circuit that supplies the cylinder with working oil. The hydraulic circuit has a first pump portion that supplies the cylinder with the working oil, and a second pump portion that supplies the cylinder with the working oil at a pressure that is higher than that of the working oil supplied by the first pump portion.

A charge pump circuit includes a capacitor, a first switch between the capacitor and a power supply terminal, a second switch between the capacitor and an output terminal, a third switch between the output terminal and the capacitor, a fourth switch between the capacitor and a ground terminal, and a control unit configured to generate control signals for the switches. The control signals include first signals generated during a first period that cause first and third switches to be in an ON state and second and fourth switches to be in an OFF state, second signals generated during a second period that cause first and third switches to be in an OFF state and second and fourth switches to be in an ON state, and third signals generated between the first and second periods, that cause the ON/OFF state of each of the switches to be switched at different times.

A control switch is connected to a power supply voltage and turns on based on a control signal to output a current. A clamp circuit is connected to a load and performs clamp control of the output voltage of the control switch. A current control element conducts or shuts off a current based on the output voltage to be clamp-controlled. A selector switch group includes switches, and performs switching based on a voltage varying with the current control by the current control element, thereby switching between paths for generating an internal power supply. The switch circuit connects or disconnects the coupling between the clamp circuit and the selector switch group.

An active filter device and a circuit arrangement comprising an active filter device are disclosed. In an embodiment the active filter device includes sensor terminals for applying a sensor signal depending on a sensed noise signal, an output terminal for providing a correction signal that is suitable for reducing the noise signal, a signal source adapted for generating a correction signal and a high-pass filter coupled between the sensor terminals and the signal source, wherein the correction signal is generated with a dependence on a high-pass filtered sensor signal.

An SR latch circuit with single gate delay is provided. The circuit has an an enable input and an SR latch. There is first input stage having an input for receiving a set input and having an output for producing a first component of the SR latch circuit output, the first input stage having only one transistor that receives the enable input, the first input stage becoming transparent while enabled, the first input stage having a single gate delay between the input of the first input stage and the output of the first input stage. There is a second input stage having an input for receiving a reset input and having an output for producing a second component of the SR latch circuit output, the second input stage having only one transistor that receives the enable input, the second input stage becoming transparent while enabled, the second input stage having a single gate delay between the input of the second input stage and the output of the second input stage.

A semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a clamping circuit. The first transistor is arranged to generate an output signal according to a control signal. The clamping circuit is arranged to generate the control signal according to an input signal, and to clamp the control signal to a predetermined signal level when the input signal exceeds the predetermined signal level.

The present disclosure relates to a delay control circuit arranged for adding delay to a signal. The delay control circuit includes a driver circuit arranged to receive a first signal and to output a second signal. The driver circuit includes a variable load arranged for outputting the second signal by adding delay to the first signal. The delay control circuit also includes a control circuit arranged to receive the first signal and to control the variable load of the driver circuit based on a current state of the first signal and on a control signal indicative of an amount of delay to be added to the first signal in the current state.

A phase detection circuit includes a sampling signal generation circuit configured to generate a plurality of sampling signals in response to a plurality of phase change clocks having different phases and data; a charging voltage generation circuit configured to compare the plurality of sampling signals, and change a voltage level of one charging voltage between a first charging voltage and a second charging voltage; and a comparison circuit configured to compare voltage levels of the first and second charging voltages, and generate a result signal.

A load-driving circuit for receiving a supply of power from a power source and driving a load, wherein the load-driving circuit is provided with: a high-side switching element; a low-side switching element; a high-side current detection circuit connected in parallel to the high-side switching element, the high-side current detection circuit detecting a high-side driving current; and a fault detection circuit for detecting the fault state of the load-driving circuit from the output result of the high-side current detection circuit. The high-side current detection circuit is provided with a high-side sense switching circuit operating in response to a gate signal that is different from the high-side switching element, the high-side sense switching circuit comprising a device of the same type as the high-side switching element. The output result of the high-side current detection circuit, the gate signal of the high-side switching element, and the gate signal of the high-side sense switching element are input and the fault states are detected apart from each other when the connection terminal between the load-driving circuit and the load is in a state of short circuit with the positive electrode side of the power source or in a state of short circuit with the negative electrode side of the power source.

A track and hold circuit comprises an input buffer amplifier, a unit gain amplifier module, a sampling switch, a drive triode and a sampling capacitor. The input buffer amplifier receives an input signal. In a track phase, the sampling switch is electrically connected to an emitter electrode of the drive triode; the input signal charges the sampling capacitor after being buffered by the input buffer amplifier, amplified without distortion by the unit gain amplifier module and driven by the drive triode. In a hold phase, the sampling switch is electrically connected to a base electrode of the drive triode; the base voltage of the drive triode is pulled down until the drive triode is cut off; electrical charges on the sampling capacitor are thereby held, causing the signal to be held on the sampling capacitor.

A transmission circuit includes: a first transistor, a first current source, a third transistor. The first transistor has a source terminal coupled to a first reference voltage terminal of the transmission circuit and a drain terminal coupled to a first output terminal of the transmission circuit. The first current source is coupled between a gate terminal of the first transistor and a second reference voltage terminal of the transmission circuit. The third transistor has a drain terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the transmission circuit, a source terminal coupled to the second reference voltage terminal of the transmission circuit, and a gate terminal for receiving a first input signal. The first transistor is of a first conducting type, and the second transistor is of a second conducting type different from the first conducting type.

An integrated circuit includes a drive circuit with a first inverter circuit with a first transistor of a first conductivity type and a second transistor of a second conductivity type. The drains of the first and second transistors are connected. An output circuit is provided having a third transistor of the second conductivity with a gate connected to the drains of the first and second transistors. A capacitor is connected between the gate and a drain of the third transistor and has a capacitance greater than 0.5 pF and less than or equal to 3.0 pF. A gate width of the first transistor when divided by a gate width of the third transistor has a value of less than 1/100. The output circuit is configured to output a transmission signal from the drain of the third transistor.

A signal transfer circuit may include a pass gate coupled between first and second nodes; and a control unit suitable for controlling the pass gate to prevent a current flowing from the second node to the first node during turn-on of the pass gate.

A sampling circuit for sampling an input voltage and generating an output voltage, comprising six switches, a capacitor and a voltage buffer. The first switch has a control terminal and makes the output voltage equal to the input voltage when switching on. The second switch is coupled to a first terminal of the capacitor and a first level. The third switch is coupled to a second terminal of the capacitor and a second level. The fourth switch is coupled to the first terminal of the capacitor and the control terminal. The fifth switch is coupled to the control terminal and the second level. The voltage buffer has large input impedance, and has an input receiving the input voltage, an output providing a voltage equal or close to the input voltage. The sixth switch is coupled to the second terminal of the capacitor and the output of the voltage buffer.

A duty cycle correction circuit may include: a phase mixing section capable of mixing a first integrated signal generated by integrating a positive clock signal, with a first compensation signal generated by differentiating and integrating the positive clock signal and a negative clock signal, respectively, to generate a first phase-mixed signal, and mixing a second integrated signal generated by integrating the negative clock signal, with a second compensation signal generated by integrating and differentiating the positive clock signal and the negative clock signal, respectively, to generate a second phase-mixed signal; and a noise removal section capable of receiving and removing a common mode noise between the first phase-mixed signal and the second phase-mixed signal by adjusting a cross-point therebetween, and outputting first and second duty-corrected clock signals.

A clock generation circuit may include a reference clock generator configured to generate a pair of first reference clocks in an offset code generation mode, a correction code generator configured to generate a reference correction code according to a duty detection signal based on a phase difference between the pair of first reference clocks, and an offset code generator configured to generate an offset code based on the reference correction code and a preset reference code.

An apparatus includes an integrated circuit (IC). The IC includes a power controller, which includes a regulator and a controller. The regulator receives a plurality of input voltages and provides a regulated output voltage. The controller controls the regulator to generate the regulated output voltage from the plurality of input voltages. The power controller provides power to a load integrated in the IC from a set of arbitrary input voltages. The set of arbitrary input voltages includes the plurality of input voltages.

An example circuit includes: a slew rate driver configured to provide an output voltage; a first voltage provider configured to provide a first input voltage to the slew rate driver in response to the output voltage being within a first range; and a second voltage provider configured to provide a second input voltage to the slew rate driver in response to the output voltage being within a second range. The slew rate driver is further configured to change the output voltage based at least in part on the first input voltage or the second input voltage.

A circuit suitable for data backup of a logic circuit is provided. The circuit includes first to fourth nodes, a capacitor, first to third transistors, and first and second circuits. Data can be loaded and stored between the circuit and the logic circuit. The first node is electrically connected to a data output terminal of the logic circuit. The second node is electrically connected to a data input terminal of the logic circuit. The capacitor is electrically connected to the third node. The first transistor controls electrical continuity between the first node and the third node. The second transistor controls electrical continuity between the second node and the third node. The third transistor controls electrical continuity between the second node and the fourth node. The first and second circuits have functions of raising gate voltage of the first transistor and raising gate voltage of the second transistor, respectively.

To provide a clock selection circuit capable of reducing clock omission generated when switching from a state of being synchronized with a first clock to a second clock. The clock selection circuit is equipped with a clock detection circuit which detects a first clock to output a detected signal, a switch which outputs the first clock when the detected signal is at a first level and outputs a second clock when the detected signal is at a second level different from the first level, and a one-shot circuit which outputs a one-shot pulse in response to switching of the detected signal from the first level to the second level. The output of the switch and the output of the one-shot circuit are added to be outputted as an output clock.

A clock-signal generator circuit, for generating an output clock signal starting from an input clock signal, includes: a monostable stage having a clock input configured to receive the input clock signal, a control input configured to receive a control signal, and an output configured to supply the output clock signal having a duty cycle variable as a function of the control signal; and a feedback loop, operatively coupled to the monostable stage for generating the control signal as a function of a detected value, and of a desired value, of the duty cycle of the output clock signal.

A device (442) for producing a dynamic reference signal (UREF) for a control circuit for a power semiconductor switch comprises a reference signal generator (442) for providing a dynamic reference signal (UREF), which has a stationary signal level after elapse of a predefined time following a switching process of the power semiconductor switch, a passive charging circuit (450) which is configured to increase a signal level of the dynamic reference signal in reaction to a switching of a control signal of the power semiconductor switch from an OFF state to ON state for at least one part of the predefined time above the stationary signal level, in order to produce the dynamic reference signal and an output (A) for tapping the dynamic reference signal (UREF).

A half-bridge circuit comprises a high supply contact and a low supply contact. A half-bridge output contact is connectable to drive a load and has a high-side between the high supply contact and the half-bridge output contact and a low-side between the half-bridge output contact and the low supply contact. A high-side bidirectional vertical power transistor at the high-side has a source connected to the high supply contact, and a low-side bidirectional vertical power transistor at the low-side, transistor has a source connected to the low supply contact. The high-side bidirectional vertical power transistor and low-side bidirectional vertical power transistor are connected in cascode and share a common drain connected to the half-bridge output contact, and are controllable to alternatingly allow a current flow from the high supply contact to the half-bridge output contact or from the half-bridge output contact to the low supply contact.

A device for controlling a first control gate transistor, including: a second transistor and a third transistor series-connected between a first and a second terminals of application of a power supply voltage, the junction point of these transistors being connected to the gate of the first transistor; a terminal of application of a digital control signal; a circuit for generating an analog signal according to variations of the power supply voltage; and for each of the second and third transistors, a circuit of selection of a control signal of the first transistor representative of said digital signal or of said analog signal.

A driving circuit includes a first switching element operating in a turned-on state or a turned-off state depending on a control voltage; a second switching element operating complementarily to the first switching element depending on the control voltage; a constant voltage circuit unit turning on depending on a source-gate voltage of the first switching element to maintain a constant voltage; a current adjusting circuit operating in a turned-on state or a turned-off state depending on the control voltage, and adjusting an operating current flowing to a ground depending on a current control signal in the turned-on state of the current adjusting circuit; a current control circuit controlling the operating current by providing the current control signal to the current adjusting circuit in a turned-on state of the constant voltage circuit unit; and a signal transfer circuit providing the control voltage to a gate of the second switching element.

A radio-frequency (RF) switch includes a field-effect transistor (FET) disposed between a first node and a second node, the FET having a source, a drain, a gate, and a body. The RF switch further includes a coupling circuit including a first path and a second path, the first path being connected between the gate and one of the source or the drain via a first resistor in series with a first capacitor, the second path being connected between the body and the one of the source or the drain via a second resistor in series with a second capacitor, the coupling circuit configured to allow discharge of interface charge from either or both of the gate and body.

Circular comb for a combing machine for combing textile fibers, comprising a base body with a center longitudinal axis, a peripheral surface and two end faces, a plurality of bar tacks, which are arranged on the peripheral surface of the base body and define a combing region of the circular comb, a plurality of fastening devices attached to the base body for the non-positive connection of one of the bar tacks in each case to the base body and unlocking units to release the non-positive connections, each unlocking unit having an unlocking device and an unlocking means to actuate the unlocking device, wherein the unlocking units are accessible from outside the combing region, in particular from at least one of the end faces, and an additional positive securing connection to secure the bar tacks is provided on the base body.

An applicator head for cutting yarn into segments of yarn and depositing the segments of yarn on a deposition surface. The applicator head includes a single mechanism that moves the yarn towards said deposition surface and also cuts the yarn into segments.

The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of laid staple fiber fabrics with aligned fiber orientation, in which method the laid fabrics are produced by continuous plaiting down of carded fiber web at defined laying angles onto a synchronized transport belt (1), wherein the carding machine (2) and plaiting means (3) arranged downstream of it are arranged at an acute angle with respect to the advancing direction of the transport belt. Said laid staple fiber fabrics are used for producing high-strength fiber-reinforced plastic composites, as are used in wind power plants, aircraft construction and the automotive industry. In particular in the loading direction, said composites have high composite strengths and rigidities, to which end a defined fiber orientation is required. In addition to a defined orientation of the finite fibers, the laid fabrics also have a defined mass per unit area.

An inventive mats system is provided in which a towel can be removed and changed when desired. The mat system can manipulated into a rolled configuration. When rolled, a logo on the bottom of the base mat is visible. At least one elastic strap is used to keep the mat in the rolled configuration for easy toting and storage. The system includes a holding mechanism that allows the towel to be secured to the mat mechanically. The towel has a skidless surface on top to allow a user not to slid off the towel.

An ignition assembly and a torch ignition system are described that provide a system and a device that can be coupled to a torch and can provide a spark for igniting a fuel/oxygen mixture. In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a torch ignition system includes a torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly configured to be positioned proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly.

A blow torch nozzle (10) having a swirler (26) which is bounded by a generally cylindrical shape (42). The swirler (26) a passageway (28, 40) extending through it defined by a wall surface of the swirler (26). A part of the wall surface extends at an angle to the axis of the nozzle (10) to impart a rotary motion to gases which pass through the swirler (26) in use. The wall surface opens out onto a side of the swirler (42) so the wall surface defines a recess (28, 40) extending inwardly from the side of the swirler (26). The swirler (26) may be provided with a short tube or ring (50) which surrounds the swirler (26) and has ends which are substantially flush with those of the swirler (26). The swirler (26) may be held within the tube or ring (50) by means of an interference fit.

A hands-free striker assembly for use with a torch cart for igniting a torch attached to the torch cart. The hands-free striker has a mounting body mounted to the torch cart having a striker tip for lighting the torch. The hands-free striker also has a friction pad for lighting the torch by passing the torch over the friction pad and into contact with the striker tip.

A boot assembly and method that simulates, in a static equine animal (stalled or hauled), the natural mechanical action of walking or other gaited exercise. The assembly has a boot, containing a shock absorbing pad that is fitted with a separate pulsing bladder disposed on, under or inside the shock absorbing pad. Pressuring and relaxing the pulsing bladder in the bottom of the boot rhythmically pushes against the sole and frog of the equine hoof in much the same way that the hoof is exercised when the animal is moving. The pulsing action helps stimulate blood flow through the hoof and is beneficial to shod, injured, and transported horses. The assembly may be fitted on one or more hooves, and may be automated to provide timing and sequencing to simulate different gaits of the animal.

A printhead cartridge cradle is provided having a frame, a printed circuit board pivotally supported by the frame, a cover pivotally supported by the frame to pivot between a closed position at which a printhead cartridge is secured within the frame and the printed circuit board is pivoted to connect control circuitry on the printed circuit board with a controller of the secured cartridge and an open position at which access for the cartridge with the frame is provided and the printed circuit board is pivoted to disconnect the control circuitry and controller, and a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and a wiper gear and actuator arrangement for maintaining and wiping a printhead of the secured cartridge under control of the connected control circuitry.

A perch-shank device is disclosed as having a perch with an upper, central, and lower portion. The upper portion has an eyelet for attaching a headstall or chinstrap. The lower portion directly connects to a mouthpiece. The invention also includes a shank having an upper and lower portion, wherein the lower portion has an eyelet for attaching a rein and the upper portion of the shank is connected above the lower portion of the perch adjacent to one of the central and upper portion of the perch.

A recording head is configured to write and read data sectors to and from a recording medium, such as a heat-assisted recording medium. A read channel is coupled to the recording head. Phase-locked loop (PLL) circuitry of the read channel is configured to detect a change in a phase error at a location of the data sector. The phase error change may be indicative of a mode-hop that occurred while writing the data sector to the medium. The PLL circuitry is configured to determine a phase offset using the phase error. A controller is configured to effect re-reading of the data sector location using the phase offset to recover the data sector location.

Methods that include depositing a first layer over the entire surface of a structure, the structure having a magnetic reader and a magnetic writer, wherein the magnetic reader and the magnetic writer are positioned adjacent to each other on a substrate and the magnetic writer includes a near field transducer (NFT); depositing a second layer over the entire surface of the first layer; depositing a photoresist material layer over the entire surface of the second layer, the photoresist material layer having a bottom surface in contact with the second layer and an opposing top surface; exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the bottom surface of the photoresist material layer via the NFT to form a first exposed region; and exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the top surface of the photoresist material layer to form a second exposed region.

There are provided an optical disk and an optical disk recording method which are capable of stable data reading in a case where a recording linear density is increased. According to an optical disk of the present disclosure, a run-in pattern recorded in a groove track and a run-in pattern recorded in a land track are made different patterns so that no great change is caused in the amplitude of an acquired signal due to interference between adjacent recording patterns, and thus, data may be stably read.

A magnetic device including a magnetic writer; and an overcoat positioned over at least the magnetic writer, the overcoat including oxides of yttrium, oxides of scandium, oxides of lanthanoids, oxides of actionoids, oxides of zinc, or combinations thereof.

An automatic patio sliding door for residential (home) use is created using an existing motorized automatic system which is now in use in commercial, industrial, and public building entrances. A method incorporating a bracket system is used to apply the commercial (hanging track type) automatic door system to existing residential patio sliding doors or to new patio sliding doors. The purpose is to provide hands free opening and closing of patio glass or screen doors (single or double panels). This allows for ease of use of sliding doors when hands are full, guarantees the closing of screen doors or glass doors behind the person to prevent insects getting into the house or loss of air conditioning in the house, and provides an easy access door system in the home for the physically handicapped.