Abstract:
Multi-channel high resolution segmented resistor string digital-to-analog converters (DACs) suitable for realization in a single integrated circuit. The DACs incorporate a primary resistor string shared by all channels, and one or more additional pluralities of additional resistor strings for additional resolution. The primary resistor string may be buffered to limit the effect of loading thereon by the plurality of resistor strings coupled thereto. Current sources may also be coupled to the resistor strings coupled to the primary resistor string to also avoid loading of the primary resistor string. A trimmable resistor string of fewer bits may be connected to the primary resistor string for laser trimming. In the embodiment disclosed, a plurality of secondary and tertiary resistor strings are used, with leapfrogging minimizing the switches required.
Abstract:
A Tethercraft is a type of UAV coupled to a Lead Aerial Vehicle (LAV) forming a single aerial vehicle operated by a single flight crew thereby increasing cargo capacity and vehicle capability. Automated Flight Control Systems (AFCS) in both the Tethercraft and LAV provide the capability to ‘lock’ a Tethercraft in specific positions relative to its LAV for flight operations such as, but not limited to, takeoff, cruising, and landing. The LAV provides all (towing), some (assisted towing), or none (navigation only) of the propulsion for a Tethercraft depending on the embodiment.A Tethercraft might be positioned closer to the LAV during takeoffs and landings and further away from the LAV during cruising in order to maintain optimum efficiency.A tether can be any rigid, non-rigid, electronic, or other means of coupling two aerial vehicles. Some embodiments might use a means to change the length of the tether such as a winch. Other embodiments might use a fixed-length tether or other means of coupling.
Abstract:
A cotton dispenser includes a spool configured to receive a cotton strand thereabout and that rotates when the cotton strand is unwound therefrom. The dispenser includes a feed assembly downstream from the spool configured to receive an end of the cotton strand and unwind it from the spool when actuated. A cutting assembly is downstream from the feed assembly and configured to receive the cotton strand from the feed assembly. The cutting assembly includes a blade movable from a retracted configuration not in contact with the cotton strand and an activated configuration that severs the received cotton strand. The cotton dispenser includes a discharge chute in operative communication with the cutting assembly for guiding severed cotton portions to an outlet opening. A first input switch is electrically configured to actuate the feeding assembly so long as the input button is depressed and to actuate the cutting assembly when released.
Abstract:
A fuel state control unit for use with internal combustion engines can include a primary heating chamber, a secondary heating chamber, and an expansion chamber. The primary heating chamber has a fuel conduit through which fuel is conveyed. A heater in the primary heating chamber transmits heat to the conveyed fuel in the primary heating chamber. The heater is controlled to maintain a predetermined temperature of the fuel. The heated fuel from the conduit is conveyed into a secondary heating chamber. A pressure plate separates the secondary heating chamber from the expansion chamber. The ports of the pressure plate can regulate the flow of the fuel into the expansion chamber. The heated fuel in the expansion chamber can then be conveyed to an engine so as to increase engine efficiency and reduce the amount of pollutant gases in the engine exhaust.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to processes for making blocks of cheese having reduced moisture variability using controlled cooling of cheese curd to form the final cheese blocks.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to processes for making blocks of cheese having reduced moisture variability using controlled cooling of cheese curd to form the final cheese blocks.
Abstract:
A fuel state control unit for use with internal combustion engines can include a primary heating chamber, a secondary heating chamber, and an expansion chamber. The primary heating chamber has a fuel conduit through which fuel is conveyed. A heater in the primary heating chamber transmits heat to the conveyed fuel in the primary heating chamber. The heater is controlled to maintain a predetermined temperature of the fuel. The heated fuel from the conduit is conveyed into a secondary heating chamber. A pressure plate separates the secondary heating chamber from the expansion chamber. The ports of the pressure plate can regulate the flow of the fuel into the expansion chamber. The heated fuel in the expansion chamber can then be conveyed to an engine so as to increase engine efficiency and reduce the amount of pollutant gases in the engine exhaust.
Abstract:
Methods of providing a digital program request formatted by a remotely-located server are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing an identifier associated with an implantable medical device (IMD) to the remotely-located server to acquire the digital program request intended for the IMD, and validating the digital program request using a digital identification code uniquely identifying the server. In response to successful validation of the digital program request, the program request is added to a storage queue for subsequent wireless transmission to the IMD. A sequential code contained within the digital program request is compared to a second sequential code earlier processed by the IMD to verify that the digital program request is not processed out-of-order. The results of the validating step are stored in a notification queue for subsequent transmittal to the server.
Abstract:
A cheese reshaper is provided that reshapes a generally rectangular portion of cheese into a generally circular or ovular portion of cheese. The cheese reshaper consists of a cheese shaping die having a generally rectangular entrance opening and a generally circular exit opening with a transition zone therebetween. The transition zone is dimensional to gradually reshape the cheese as it passes through it. Furthermore, the cross-sectional areas of the generally rectangular portion of cheese, generally circular or ovular portion of cheese, generally rectangular entrance opening, and the generally circular or ovular exit opening are all substantially equal.
Abstract:
A filter element includes a first, outer tubular construction of filter media defining a first open filter interior; a second, inner tuber construction of filter media defining a second open filter interior; the second construction of filter media being located within the first open filter interior and being radially spaced from the first construction of filter media; and the second open filter interior defines an unfiltered fluid channel. A plastic inner liner is within the first open filter interior to support the first construction of filter media. A plastic outer liner is within the first open filter interior to support the second construction of filter media. A filtered fluid channel is defined between the inner liner and the outer liner. A brace arrangement is between the first and second tubular constructions. The brace arrangement can include a spring, a plurality of gussets, or a solid spacer.