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| 20100282336 | Flushing unit and flushing system for flushing vapor compression systems - A flushing unit for flushing vapor compressions systems with a flushing agent. The flushing unit includes a pressure relief member to ensure that the reservoir containing the flushing agent is not over-pressurized. In certain embodiments, the flushing unit is adapted to be in communication with a driving fluid or propellant, such as an inert gas or a flushing gas, and with a source of a flushing agent, such as a reservoir. The flushing unit includes a valve that, when opened, causes the driving fluid to flow into the reservoir containing the flushing agent and displace the flushing agent from the reservoir, causing it to ultimately flow into the system being flushed such as via a suitable hand-held injector. In the event the pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level, a pressure relief valve in the flushing unit is automatically actuated, thereby relieving pressure in the otherwise closed system. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20120023972 | Refrigerant Charging Tool And Method - Gas vaporizer for flashing liquid to vapor received from a source prior to introduction into a compressor or the like, such as in air conditioning or refrigeration systems. In certain embodiments the vaporize includes an adapter member for connection to a liquid source, a connector member having a plurality of flow passages for facilitating the transfer of heat to fluid present therein to vaporize the same, a body portion providing visual access such as via one or more sight glasses to an internal chamber therein for visual confirmation that liquid has been vaporized, and a hose connecting member for connection to a point of destination such as a compressor. In certain embodiments, the connector has an axial bore containing a high thermal conductive material. | 02-02-2012 |
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| 20080310200 | MULTI-PHASE MODULATOR - An architecture is described for digital multi-phase modulators (MPM) that leads to an efficient, high performance hardware realization. The combined modulator, switching phases and output filter can be viewed as a multi-level digital to analog converter with high power output, or a power D/A, and concepts used in D/A converters are leveraged to achieve high performance and hardware efficiency. The modulator can be split into three functional blocks including a decoder that determines how many phases are on at any time, a selector that determines which phases are on at any time, and a single high resolution module that is time shared among all phases. The resulting architecture scales favorably with a large number of phases, f | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080310201 | Digital Power Factor Correction - A digital PFC (DPFC) control approach that requires no input voltage sensing or current loop compensation is described. The approach can provide stable, low-harmonic operation over a universal input voltage range and load ranging from high-load operation in continuous conduction mode down to near-zero load. A fast voltage loop can also be incorporated into a DPFC controller to provide additional control of the power stage. A controller can be based on low-resolution DPWM and A/D converters, can be implemented without microcontroller or DSP programming, and is well suited for simple, low-cost integrated-circuit realizations. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090066382 | Digital Pulse-Width-Modulator with Discretely Adjustable Delay Line - A hybrid digital pulse width modulator (DPWM) with digital delay-locked loops (DLLs) is provided. In this implementation, the digital pulse-width-modulator is synthesizable and includes a digital delay-locked loop around a delay-line to achieve constant frequency clocked operation. In this implementation, the resolution of the modulator is consistent over a wide range of process or temperature variations. The DPWM may implement trailing-edge, leading-edge, triangular, or phase-shift modulation. In an implementation suitable for DC-DC converters with synchronous rectifiers, for example, the DPWM may include two or more outputs for programmable dead-times. In another implementation, a digital pulse-width-modulator with a digital phase-locked loop is also provided. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090309567 | MONITORING AND CONTROL OF POWER CONVERTERS - A digital controller configured to inject a signal into a digital feedback path that facilitates regulation of a power converter and measure the corresponding phase, gain, or frequency. The digital controller may also include an adaptive tuning controller for adjusting power converter operating attributes based in part on the measurements. In an exemplary embodiment, the adaptive tuning controller uses the phase, gain, and/or frequency measurements to adjust the digital feedback signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the adaptive tuning controller compares the operating measurements with desired values and generates adjusted operating attributes. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the monitoring and adjusting of the digital feedback signal occurs while the digital controller is regulating a power signal in the power converter. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090310385 | METHOD, APPARATUS & SYSTEM FOR EXTENDED SWITCHED-MODE CONTROLLER - An exemplary extended switched-mode controller is provided for controlling the switching of a switched-mode power converter. This exemplary extended switched-mode controller further comprises a standard switched-mode controller and an auxiliary controller configured to receive standard switch control signals from the switched-mode controller and to (1) pass the standard switch control signals to the switched-mode power converter during non-transient operation, and (2) provide auxiliary switch control signals to the switched-mode power converter during transient operation instead of the standard switch control signals. The auxiliary controller is further configured to determine when to provide the auxiliary switch control signals and to determine what control signals to provide at least partially based on an auxiliary feedback input signal comprising at least one of: sensed converter voltages, converter currents, and an error signal. Where the error signal is at least partially based on the difference between a feedback signal and a reference signal. | 12-17-2009 |
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| 20090200830 | ELECTROMECHANICAL STRUT - An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal lift gate between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a housing connected to one of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. An extensible shaft is slidably mounted to the housing. The extensible shaft is connected to the other of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. A drive mechanism includes a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of the extensible shaft to move the extensible shaft between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the lift gate and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the lift gate. A power spring includes one end connected to the extensible shaft and another end connected to the housing for providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the lift gate. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090217717 | Locking Pivot Actuator - An actuator is provided that uses two lengths of shape memory alloy (SMA)wire to kinematically couple a first and second lever together. The two SMA wires are routed in generally V-shaped paths around a link pin that is coaxial with the first and second levers. By selectively contracting one of the wires, the link pin slides between a locked and an unlocked position. A locking pin extending from the link pin couples the first and second levers together while the link pin is in the unlocked position. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090250952 | Shaped Memory Alloy Decklid Actuator - The invention is a decklid latch with a SMA actuator. The actuator includes a latch plate with a ratchet rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a released position and an engaged position operable to retain a striker. A pawl is rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a an engaged position operable to retain the ratchet, and a release position operable to allow the ratchet to pivot. An selectively-contractible wire is connected to the pawl by a lost motion connection and is operable to move the pawl to the release position when contracted to actuate the latch. Portions of the selectively contractible wire have been annealed to reduce brittleness. Multiple material crimps are used to further reduce strain on the selectively contractible wire. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20100077666 | Powered Actuating Device for a Closure Panel of a Vehicle - An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions. A gas spring is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the screw for urging the actuating device into the extended position to move the closure panel into the open position. | 04-01-2010 |
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| 20100036368 | Method of selectively heating adipose tissue - A method of operating a tissue treatment apparatus for heating adipose tissue located beneath the dermis with high frequency energy from an electrode. The method includes delivering high frequency energy from the electrode to the adipose tissue at a dose that is applied over a period of time sufficient to heat the adipose tissue while at the same time not cause significant heating of the dermis. Embodiments of the method include cooling the electrode to cool a region of tissue next to the electrode. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100179531 | TISSUE TREATMENT APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS WITH PAIN MITIGATION AND METHODS FOR MITIGATING PAIN DURING TISSUE TREATMENTS - Methods, apparatus, and systems for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue with a reduction in the pain experienced by the patient. Electromagnetic energy is delivered from a treatment electrode through the skin surface to the tissue at a plurality of power levels over a treatment time. During the energy delivery, a portion of the treatment electrode is in a contacting relationship with the skin surface. A dielectric member may be disposed between the treatment electrode and the skin surface when the electromagnetic energy is delivered. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20110015687 | TISSUE TREATMENT SYSTEMS WITH HIGH POWERED FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND METHODS FOR REDUCING PAIN DURING TISSUE TREATMENTS - Methods, apparatus, and systems for transcutaneously treating tissue located beneath a skin surface with electromagnetic energy delivered from a treatment electrode. A portion of the treatment electrode is contacted with the skin surface. While maintaining the contact between the portion of the treatment electrode and the skin surface, the electromagnetic energy is delivered from the treatment electrode in a plurality of power pulses through the skin surface to the tissue over a treatment time with a time gap between each consecutive pair of the pulses to lower a level of pain perceived by a patient. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110202048 | METHODS FOR PAIN REDUCTION WITH FUNCTIONAL THERMAL STIMULATION AND TISSUE TREATMENT SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue with an attendant reduction in the pain experienced by the patient due to tissue heating. Electromagnetic energy is delivered from an electrode through a skin surface to heat a first region of tissue beneath the skin surface and a second region of the tissue between the first region and the skin surface. During the delivery of the electromagnetic energy, a temperature of the second region of the tissue is caused to oscillate between at least one maximum temperature and at least one minimum temperature. The temperature oscillation may be induced by a timed sequence of cryogen pulses delivered to the electrode, which in turn extracts thermal energy out of the second region of tissue through the contacting skin surface. | 08-18-2011 |
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| 20090151752 | METHODS FOR PARTICLE REMOVAL BY SINGLE-PHASE AND TWO-PHASE MEDIA - The embodiments of the present invention provide methods for cleaning patterned substrates with fine features. The methods for cleaning patterned substrate have advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features by using the cleaning materials described. The cleaning materials are fluid, either in liquid phase, or in liquid/gas phase, and deform around device features; therefore, the cleaning materials do not substantially damage the device features or reduce damage all together. The cleaning materials containing polymers of a polymeric compound with large molecular weight capture the contaminants on the substrate. In addition, the cleaning materials entrap the contaminants and do not return the contaminants to the substrate surface. The polymers of one or more polymeric compounds with large molecular weight form long polymer chains, which can also be cross-linked to form a network (or polymeric network). The long polymer chains and/or polymer network show superior capabilities of capturing and entrapping contaminants, in comparison to conventional cleaning materials. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090151757 | APPARATUS FOR PARTICLE REMOVAL BY SINGLE-PHASE AND TWO-PHASE MEDIA - The embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for cleaning patterned substrates with fine features with cleaning materials. The apparatus using the cleaning materials has advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features. The cleaning materials are fluid, either in liquid phase, or in liquid/gas phase, and deform around device features; therefore, the cleaning materials do not substantially damage the device features or reduce damage all together. The cleaning materials containing polymers of a polymeric compound with large molecular weight capture the contaminants on the substrate. In addition, the cleaning materials entrap the contaminants and do not return the contaminants to the substrate surface. The polymers of one or more polymeric compounds with large molecular weight form long polymer chains, which can also be cross-linked to form a network (or polymeric network). The long polymer chains and/or polymer network show superior capabilities of capturing and entrapping contaminants, in comparison to conventional cleaning materials. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156452 | MATERIALS FOR PARTICLE REMOVAL BY SINGLE-PHASE AND TWO-PHASE MEDIA - The embodiments of the present invention provide improved materials for cleaning patterned substrates with fine features. The cleaning materials have advantages in cleaning patterned substrates with fine features without substantially damaging the features. The cleaning materials are fluid, either in liquid phase, or in liquid/gas phase, and deform around device features; therefore, the cleaning materials do not substantially damage the device features or reduce damage all together. The cleaning materials containing polymers of a polymeric compound with large molecular weight capture the contaminants on the substrate. In addition, the cleaning materials entrap the contaminants and do not return the contaminants to the substrate surface. The polymers of one or more polymeric compounds with large molecular weight form long polymer chains, which can also be cross-linked to form a network (or polymeric network). The long polymer chains and/or polymer network show superior capabilities of capturing and entrapping contaminants, in comparison to conventional cleaning materials. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20100018553 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES USING SEQUENTIAL CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS - A system and method for removing polymer residue from around a metal gate structure formed on a surface of a substrate during a post-etch cleaning operation includes determining a plurality of process parameters associated with the metal gate structure and the polymer residue to be removed. A plurality of fabrication layers define the metal gate structure and the process parameters define characteristics of the fabrication layers and the polymer residue. A first cleaning chemistry and second cleaning chemistry are identified and a plurality of application parameters associated with the first and second cleaning chemistries are defined based on the process parameters. The first and second application chemistries are applied sequentially in a controlled manner using the application parameters to substantial remove the polymer residue while preserving the structural integrity of the gate structure. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100229890 | Method of Particle Contaminant Removal - Apparatus and methods for removing particle contaminants from a surface of a substrate includes coating a layer of a viscoelastic material on the surface. The viscoelastic material is coated as a thin film and exhibits substantial liquid-like characteristic. An external force is applied to a first area of the surface coated with the viscoelastic material such that a second area of the surface coated with the viscoelastic material is not substantially subjected to the applied force. The force is applied for a time duration that is shorter than a intrinsic time of the viscoelastic material so as to access solid-like characteristic of the viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material exhibiting solid-like characteristic interacts at least partially with at least some of the particle contaminants present on the surface. The viscoelastic material along with at least some of the particle contaminants is removed from the first area of the surface while the viscoelastic material is exhibiting solid-like characteristics. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100332012 | ARRANGEMENT FOR IDENTIFYING UNCONTROLLED EVENTS AT THE PROCESS MODULE LEVEL AND METHODS THEREOF - A process-level troubleshooting architecture (PLTA) configured to facilitate substrate processing in a plasma processing system is provided. The architecture includes a process module controller. The architecture also includes a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors communicates with the process module controller to collect sensed data about one or more process parameters. The architecture further includes a process-module-level analysis server, wherein the process-module-level analysis server communicates directly with the plurality of sensors and the process module controller. The process-module-level analysis server is configured for receiving data, wherein the data include at least one of the sensed data from the plurality of sensors and process module and chamber data from the process module controller. The process-module-level analysis server is also configured for analyzing the data and sending interdiction data directly to the process module controller when a problem is identified during the substrate processing. | 12-30-2010 |
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| 20100134598 | HAND-HELD SELF-REFERENCED APPARATUS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCANNING - A method and hand-held scanning apparatus for three-dimensional scanning of an object is described. The hand-held self-referenced scanning apparatus has a light source for illuminating retro-reflective markers, the retro-reflective markers being provided at fixed positions on or around the object, a photogrammetric high-resolution camera, a pattern projector for providing a projected pattern on a surface of the object; at least a pair of basic cameras, the basic camera cooperating with light sources, the projected pattern and at least a portion of the retro-reflective markers being apparent on the 2D images, a frame for holding all components in position within the hand-held apparatus, the frame having a handle, the frame allowing support and free movement of the scanning apparatus by a user. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20110074929 | AUTO-REFERENCED SENSING DEVICE FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCANNING - An auto-referenced sensing device for scanning an object to provide three-dimensional surface points in an object coordinate system, comprising: a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light source emitting light for illuminating and enabling image acquisition of at least a portion of a set of retro-reflective target positioning features, wherein each of the retro-reflective target positioning features is provided at a fixed position on the object; a laser pattern projector, additional to the LED light source, for providing a projected laser pattern on a surface of the object for illuminating and enabling image acquisition of dense points between at least two of the retro-reflective target positioning features in the portion of the set; at least a pair of cameras each for simultaneously acquiring a 2D image of the object, wherein both the projected laser pattern and the portion of the set of retro-reflective target positioning features are apparent on the simultaneous images, a spatial relationship between the pair of cameras being known, the LED light source being provided in close proximity to the at least the pair of cameras; wherein the portion of the set of retro-reflective target positioning features reflect at least part of the light emitted by the LED light source towards the cameras; wherein the simultaneous images acquired by the pair of cameras contain both positioning measurements made available from the portion of the set of retro-reflective target positioning features apparent on the images and dense surface measurements made available from the points enabled by the projected laser pattern apparent on the images. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110074930 | AUTO-REFERENCED SENSING METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCANNING - There is provided a method for obtaining three-dimensional surface points of an object in an object coordinate system having two groups of steps. The method first comprises providing a set of target positioning features on the object. In a first group of steps, acquiring at least a pair of 2D first images of the object, at least a first portion of the set of target positioning features being apparent on the pair of first images, extracting, from the 2D first images, at least two first sets of 2D positioning features from a reflection of the target positioning features of the first portion on the surface; calculating a first set of calculated 3D positioning features in the sensing device coordinate system using the first sets of 2D positioning features; computing first transformation parameters for characterizing a current spatial relationship between the sensing device coordinate system and the object coordinate system, cumulating the first set of transformed 3D positioning features to provide and augment the set of reference 3D positioning features. In a second group of steps, providing a projected pattern on a surface of the object using a pattern projector; acquiring at least a pair of 2D second images of the object by the cameras, the projected pattern and at least a second portion of the set of target positioning features being apparent on the pair of second images, extracting, from the 2D second images, at least one set of 2D surface points from a reflection of the projected pattern on the surface, and at least two second sets of 2D positioning features from a reflection of the target positioning features of the second portion on the surface; calculating a set of 3D surface points in the sensing device coordinate system using the set of 2D surface points; calculating a second set of calculated 3D positioning features in the sensing device coordinate system using the second sets of 2D positioning features; computing second transformation parameters for characterizing a current spatial relationship between the sensing device coordinate system and the object coordinate system, transforming the set of 3D surface points into a set of transformed 3D surface points in the object coordinate system using the second transformation parameters. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110134225 | SYSTEM FOR ADAPTIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCANNING OF SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS - There are provided systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional surface geometric characteristic and/or texture characteristic of an object. A pattern is projected on a surface of said object. A basic 2D image of said object is acquired; a characteristic 2D image of said object is acquired; 2D surface points are extracted from said basic 2D image, from a reflection of said projected pattern on said object; a set of 3D surface points is calculated in a sensor coordinate system using said 2D surface points; and a set of 2D surface geometric/texture characteristics is extracted. | 06-09-2011 |
