Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090138115 | INTELLIGENT OPTIMIZATION METHOD AND SYSTEM THEREFOR - A method and system of optimizing a complex manufacturing process performed by an apparatus on a subject to achieve at least one processing objective. The system includes a graphical user interface, a process module, and an optimization module. The process module includes a training module, an empirical relationships database, an analytical equations database, a heuristic knowledge database, and a process models database. The graphical user interface is used to input at least one processing variable and constraints for the processing objective of the complex manufacturing process. The training module generates empirical relationships from the processing variable and empirical data obtained from the complex manufacturing process. The process module generates a process model that takes into consideration heuristic knowledge of the complex manufacturing process stored in the heuristic knowledge database, empirical relationships stored in the empirical relationships database, and optionally analytical equations stored in the analytical equations database and relating to the complex manufacturing process. The optimization module employs the process model to optimize the complex manufacturing process. | 05-28-2009 |
20120191235 | INTELLIGENT OPTIMIZATION METHOD AND SYSTEM THEREFOR - A method and system of optimizing a complex manufacturing process performed to achieve one or more processing objectives for the process and/or a component produced by the process. The system includes a graphical user interface, a process module, and an optimization module. The process module includes a training module, an empirical relationships database, an analytical equations database, a heuristic knowledge database, and a process models database. The graphical user interface is used to input one or more processing variables and constraints for the processing objective. The training module generates empirical relationships from the processing variable and empirical data obtained from the manufacturing process. The process module generates a process model that takes into consideration heuristic knowledge of the manufacturing process, empirical relationships, and optionally analytical equations relating to the manufacturing process. The optimization module employs the process model to optimize the manufacturing process. | 07-26-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100253473 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THEREFOR - An automotive vehicle includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to, in a first mode of operation, receive and store, at a plurality of instances, inventory information about assets in a vicinity of the vehicle, and identify patterns in asset inventories based on the inventory information and a history of vehicle locations associated with the inventory information. The one or more computers are also configured to, in a second mode of operation, generate output representing at least one suggested vehicle destination based on the identified patterns and assets detected in the vicinity of the vehicle. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253488 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THEREFOR - An automotive vehicle includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to, in a first mode of operation, receive and store, at a plurality of instances, inventory information about assets in a vicinity of the vehicle, and identify patterns in asset inventories based on a history of days and times when the inventory information was received. The one or more computers are also configured to, in a second mode of operation, generate output representing an alert if an asset expected to be in the vicinity of the vehicle on a particular day and time, based on the identified patterns, is not in the vicinity of the vehicle. | 10-07-2010 |
20120212333 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THEREFOR - An automotive vehicle includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to, in a first mode of operation, receive and store, at a plurality of instances, inventory information about assets in a vicinity of the vehicle, and identify patterns in asset inventories based on the inventory information and a history of vehicle locations associated with the inventory information. The one or more computers are also configured to, in a second mode of operation, generate output representing at least one suggested vehicle destination based on the identified patterns and assets detected in the vicinity of the vehicle. | 08-23-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110165414 | Compostable Interior Panel For Use In A Vehicle And Method of Manufacture - A compostable interior panel for use in a vehicle includes an injection molded compostable polymer. A layer is disposed about the compostable polymer and comprises a composting-resistant polymer having a thickness ranging from 10 μm to 175 μm. The compostable polymer and the composting-resistant polymer are substantially insoluble in one another when liquid. | 07-07-2011 |
20120032365 | FOAMED RESIN INJECTION MOLDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An injection molding apparatus and method are provided. The method includes a molded cavity coupled to a resin injection apparatus which injects molten resin under pressure with a gas such that the resin foams within the mold cavity. An electrical heater is in contact with a first cavity surface, and a cooling medium cools the mold. The resin may include metallic flakes. | 02-09-2012 |
20140159276 | Method of Forming Natural Fiber Polymer Composite - A method of forming a natural fiber polymer composite includes the steps of introducing into an extruder a polymer, a natural fiber and a supercritical fluid to form a natural fiber polymer mixture; and extruding the natural fiber polymer mixture to form the natural fiber polymer composite at a temperature below a standard melting temperature of the polymer alone. The supercritical fluid may be introduced after the polymer is introduced into the extruder. The supercritical fluid may be introduced before or after the natural fiber is introduced into the extruder. | 06-12-2014 |
20140159283 | Method of Forming Natural Fiber Polymer Article - A method of forming a natural fiber polymer composite article includes the steps of introducing into an extruder a polymer, a natural fiber and a supercritical fluid to form a natural fiber polymer mixture; extruding the natural fiber polymer mixture to form a well-dispersed natural fiber polymer composite; and injecting the natural fiber polymer composite into a mold to form an article. The supercritical fluid may be introduced after the polymer is introduced into the extruder or injection molding machine. The supercritical fluid may be introduced before or after the natural fiber is introduced into the extruder or injection molding machine. | 06-12-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080274245 | Multicomponent Structures Having Improved Adhesion Between Components - The present invention includes a multicomponent structure comprising at least two components having a tie layer or adhesive layer directly between them, the tie layer comprising at least one olefin unsaturated ester copolymer and at least one photoinitiator and optionally a crosslinking enhancer. The tie layer is preferably irradiated with sufficient actinic radiation to result in increased interlayer adhesion strength between the two components as compared with the interlayer adhesion strength before treatment with the actinic radiation or between the components having a tie layer of the same composition except without the added photoinitiator or crosslinking enhancer. Without the photoinitiator, optionally crosslinking enhancer, and radiation the interlayer adhesion of the components is preferably less than 55 N/m. At least one of the components (first component or layer) preferably comprises a halopolymer, more preferably vinylidene chloride polymer, most preferably at least a majority of a vinyl idene chloride polymer. In another embodiment, at least one component exhibits interlayer adhesion strength similar to vinylidene chloride polymers. The structure optionally is or comprises such structures as a multilayer film, bag, or package, a lined or composite pipe, or other structure having more than one component. The tie layer is advantageously irradiated with an amount of UV light effective to increase the adhesion strength between the first and second components. | 11-06-2008 |
20090123678 | Plasticzer in Alkyl Acrylate Vinylidene Chloride Polymer - Articles comprise a monolayer blown film prepared from a composition comprising at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and at least one plasticizer wherein at least one vinylidene chloride polymer comprises vinylidene chloride and at least one alkyl acrylate, selected from methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, or butyl acrylate or a combination thereof in an amount of from 2.5 to 9 mole percent of the monomer content of the vinylidene chloride polymer and wherein the plasticizer is present in an amount of from 1 to 15 parts by weight per hundred parts of polymer, wherein the article is selected from a package, a container, a laminate, sausage casing or combination thereof, particularly a sausage casing, wherein at least 4 of designated characteristics are present. The invention also includes processes for making articles of the invention and films used therein. | 05-14-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090143387 | SUSTAINED-RELEASE TABLET COMPOSITION - A sustained-release pharmaceutical composition in a form of an orally deliverable tablet containing reboxetine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, dispersed in a matrix containing a hydrophilic polymer and a starch, wherein the starch has a tensile strength of at least 0.15 kN cm | 06-04-2009 |
20100316710 | SUSTAINED-RELEASE TABLET COMPOSITION OF PRAMIPEXOLE - A sustained-release pharmaceutical composition in a form of an orally deliverable tablet comprises a water-soluble salt of pramipexole, dispersed in a matrix comprising a hydrophilic polymer and a starch having a tensile strength of at least about 0.15 kN cm | 12-16-2010 |
20140141079 | PRAMIPEXOLE ONCE-DAILY DOSAGE FORM - An orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of pramipexole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, said composition exhibiting at least one of (a) an in vitro release profile wherein on average no more than about 20% of the pramipexole is dissolved within 2 hours after placement of the composition in a standard dissolution test; and (b) an in vivo pramipexole absorption profile following single dose administration to healthy adult humans wherein the time to reach a mean of 20% absorption is greater than about 2 hours and/or the time to reach a mean of 40% absorption is greater than about 4 hours. The composition is useful for oral administration, not more than once daily, to a subject having a condition or disorder for which a dopamine receptor agonist is indicated. | 05-22-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100201816 | MULTI-DISPLAY MIRROR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXPANDED VIEW AROUND A VEHICLE - A multi-display vehicular rearview mirror system ( | 08-12-2010 |
20100201896 | VEHICULAR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING INTEGRATED BACKLIGHTING FOR A LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) - A vehicular rearview mirror assembly ( | 08-12-2010 |
20110141381 | MODULAR LIGHT SOURCE/ELECTRONICS AND AUTOMOTIVE REARVIEW ASSEMBLIES USING THE SAME - A vehicular rearview assembly comprising a light source illuminating the mirror system within the housing of the assembly. The light source is a layered structure including generally co-extensive optical elements such as a light-guiding element that accepts light from light emitters and distributes this light along an area that is not transverse with respect to a display of the assembly. Light distributed and outcoupled through the light-guiding element illuminates the whole display, while radiation from other emitters may traverse the light-guiding element in order to highlight respectively corresponding segments of the display. The display may be configured in a spatially-segmented fashion to increase brightness of displayed indicia. | 06-16-2011 |
20130279014 | DISPLAY MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A display mirror assembly for a vehicle having a front shield including a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the front shield, display module, and rear shield. | 10-24-2013 |
20130321496 | SEGMENTED EDGE-LIT BACKLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR A DISPLAY - An edge-lit backlight assembly is provided for backlighting a display. The backlight assembly may include: a light guide having a first segment and a second segment disposed within a common plane; a first light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the first segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode propagates through the first segment; and a second light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the second segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the second light emitting diode propagates through the second segment. The first segment of the light guide is at least partially optically isolated from the second segment such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode is at least partially blocked from propagating through the second segment. | 12-05-2013 |
20140268351 | SWITCHABLE REARVIEW MIRROR ELEMENT WITH ANTI-REFLECTION MECHANISMS FOR USE WITH A DISPLAY - The embodiments described herein generally relate to a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, they relate to a rearview mirror assembly including a switchable reflective element and a display. The switchable reflective element is a type that is selectively switchable between a reflective mode and a transmissive mode. The display is positioned behind the switchable reflective element for displaying images through the switchable reflective element when in the transmissive mode. The rearview mirror assembly may further include either an anti-reflection coating provided on at least one of the front and rear sides of the switchable reflective element, or first and second prisms provided on opposite sides of the switchable reflective element. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268355 | DISPLAY MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a partially reflective, partially transmissive element; and a full display module mounted behind the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the display module having an optic block, and a display in optical communication with the optic block, the display being one an in-place switching liquid crystal display, a fringe filed switching liquid crystal display, and a vertically aligned liquid crystal display. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277940 | DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A display system for use in a vehicle is disclosed including an imager configured to capture images corresponding to a field of view rearward of the vehicle. The imager is in communication with a processing unit configured to receive data representative of the captured images from the imager. A display is in communication with the processing unit which is configured to display images based on the data representative of the captured images received by the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to receive vehicle operating data from the vehicle and data corresponding to a detection of an object in proximity of the vehicle. In response to the vehicle operating data and the object detected, the processing unit is configured to control the field of view of the at least one imager. | 09-18-2014 |
20150055223 | DISPLAY MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a display mirror assembly for a vehicle having a front shield including a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the front shield, display module, and rear shield. | 02-26-2015 |
20150062342 | DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING IMAGES ACQUIRED BY A CAMERA SYSTEM ONTO A REARVIEW ASSEMBLY OF A VEHICLE - A display system for use in a controlled vehicle is provided, and includes a rearview assembly having a display device located behind a mirror element, a camera system configured to acquire images of a scene external of the controlled vehicle, and a processing system configured to receive a signal representative of the acquired images and to produce an image of the scene on the display device of the rearview assembly, wherein the processing system is further configured to adjust the photosensitivity of the camera system based on an input from at least one of an ambient light sensor and a direct glare sensor. | 03-05-2015 |
20150085337 | DISPLAY MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield. | 03-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100051724 | Dual Action Fuel Injection Nozzle - The disclosure provides a fuel injection nozzle. The fuel injection nozzle includes a nozzle body, with the nozzle body defining a central bore. A fuel atomizer is disposed in the central bore. The fuel atomizer defines a spill-return bore and a swirl chamber. The swirl chamber is in fluid communication with the central bore. The spill-return bore includes a return swirler approximate the swirl chamber. An air supply pump is coupled to the fuel atomizer and is in fluid communication with the spill-return bore. The air supply pump is configured to selectively inject air into the swirl chamber through the spill-return bore. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051726 | Multi Passage Fuel Manifold and Methods of Construction - Integrally formed, multi zone fuel manifolds for gas turbine engines and methods of construction are provided. The fuel manifold includes a plurality of annular channel members positioned adjacent each other, aligned and coupled together at the inner and outer peripheral sides thereof, with each pair of channel members defining a separate fluid conduit or passage within the manifold assembly. The fuel manifold can be constructed of any number of stacked and secured channel members to provide a compact multi zone fuel manifold having the desired number of fluid conduits or passages with a minimum number of sealed joints. | 03-04-2010 |
20100071666 | Thermal Protection For Fuel Injectors - A fuel injector is provided. The fuel injector includes an injector support and a heat shield coupled to the injector support. The heat shield only interacts with the injector support by way of contacts such as point contacts, line contacts or surface contacts. Further, the heat shield includes a body portion, a radially extending flared end portion and a radially directed shoulder interposed between the body portion and the flared end portion. The shoulder portion acts as a flexure point that flexes and absorbs thermal expansion of the heat shield. | 03-25-2010 |
20100071667 | Active Thermal Protection For Fuel Injectors - A fuel injector and turbine engine incorporating the fuel injector are provided. The fuel injector includes an active cooling system that insulates fuel flowing through the fuel injector from heat energy within the turbine engine. The cooling system includes a cooling air passage that includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with the interior of an engine case of the turbine engine. The inlet is at a higher air pressure location than the outlet such that air is siphoned through the cooling air passage. A portion of the cooling air passage includes a heat exchanger for extracting heat energy from the cooling air. The cooling air passes through the fuel injector after it has passed through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is positioned external to the engine case and in thermal communication with the ambient. | 03-25-2010 |
20100096037 | Multi-Tubular Fluid Transfer Conduit - A fluid transfer system having improved stress accommodation properties and thermal insulation properties is provided. The fluid transfer system includes a fluid transfer conduit comprising a plurality of concentric tubes configured to divide and distribute an axial stress induced in the fluid transfer conduit to each of the tubes and a vacuum cavity between the fluid transfer conduit and a structural support of the fluid transfer system to insulate fluid from a surrounding environment. | 04-22-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080241926 | CELL ADHESION ON SURFACES OF VARYING TOPOGRAPHIES - Micro-topography of a surface influences cell adhesion and proliferation. To improve adhesion, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are built on patterned support layers to increase surface wettability, thereby improving attachment and spreading of the cells. Physical parameters, such as pattern size and pitch, in part, regulate cell adhesion and proliferation. Varying the surface topography provides a method to influence cell attachment and proliferation for tissue engineering applications. | 10-02-2008 |
20090130698 | CUSTOMIZABLE AND RENEWABLE NANOSTRUCTURED INTERFACE FOR BIOELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS - A chemical composite useful for preparing a bioelectronic device includes a biologically active compound, such as an enzyme, that is bound directly or indirectly to a polyelectrolye, which can be reversibly coupled to a chemically treated electrically conductive substrate by electrostatic forces to provide biomimetic sensors, catalyst systems, and other devices having an electrode that can be regenerated and reused. Required or desired cofactors, mediators or the like may be incorporated into the devices, typically by bonding them to the treated substrate and/or the polyelectrolyte. | 05-21-2009 |
20100052995 | MICROPATTERNING OF CONDUCTIVE GRAPHITE PARTICLES USING MICROCONTACT PRINTING - Methods involve a combination of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coating or silane self assembly on a substrate; microcontact printing; and conductive graphite particles, especially size controlled highly conductive exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets. The conductive graphite particles are coated with a charged polymer such as sulfonated polystyrene. The graphite particles are patterned using microcontact printing and intact pattern transfer on a substrate that has an oppositely-charged surface. The method allows for conductive organic patterning on both flat and curved surfaces and can be used in microelectronic device fabrication. | 03-04-2010 |
20100143677 | WRINKLE-FREE NANOMECHANICAL FILM - Methods to control and prevent polymer films from buckling are provided. Buckled morphologies are created by thermally cycling or mechanically compressing a substrate such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer film. By varying the dimensions of the surface topography relative to the buckling wavelength (e.g., pattern size is less than, equal to, and greater than the buckling wavelength) the orientation and the local morphology of the buckled films is controlled. Based on the information obtained, we demonstrate how to alleviate the unavoidable buckling by incorporating nanoparticles into the film. In addition, we studied the effect of the silica layer that results from oxygen plasma treatment and the critical temperature for permanent film buckling. | 06-10-2010 |
20100314248 | RENEWABLE BIOELECTRONIC INTERFACE FOR ELECTROBIOCATALYTIC REACTOR - An inexpensive, easily renewable bioelectronic device useful for bioreactors, biosensors, and biofuel cells includes an electrically conductive carbon electrode and a bioelectronic interface bonded to a surface of the electrically conductive carbon electrode, wherein the bioelectronic interface includes catalytically active material that is electrostatically bound directly or indirectly to the electrically conductive carbon electrode to facilitate easy removal upon a change in pH, thereby allowing easy regeneration of the bioelectronic interface. | 12-16-2010 |
20120036765 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRETREATMENT OF BIOMASS - Methods and devices for treatment of biomass comprised of crystalline structures are described that provide a combined mechanical, chemical and thermal effect (i.e., nano-hybrid pretreatment) to synergistically break down the crystalline structures. Such nano-hybrid mixing provides efficient, and cost-effective breakdown which enhances enzymatic accessibility to lignocellulosic materials. Methods and devices shown can be used to produce products such as pulp, chemicals, or biofuels. | 02-16-2012 |
20120160708 | Nanostructured Biosensor Containing Neuropathy Target Esterase Activity - The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods for detecting esterase activity. The present invention also provides devices and methods of detecting esterase inhibitors, for example, organophosphates. In particular, the present invention provides a biosensor comprising Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE) polypeptides. Further, the present invention relates to medicine, industrial chemistry, agriculture, and homeland security. | 06-28-2012 |
20130009825 | MICROPATTERNING OF CONDUCTIVE GRAPHITE PARTICLES USING MICROCONTACT PRINTING - Methods involve a combination of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coating or silane self assembly on a substrate; microcontact printing; and conductive graphite particles, especially size controlled highly conductive exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets. The conductive graphite particles are coated with a charged polymer such as sulfonated polystyrene. The graphite particles are patterned using microcontact printing and intact pattern transfer on a substrate that has an oppositely-charged surface. The method allows for conductive organic patterning on both flat and curved surfaces and can be used in microelectronic device fabrication. | 01-10-2013 |
20140120169 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENCAPSULATION OF HYDROPHILIC MATERIALS - A process for preparing polymeric composite particles includes the steps of preparing an oil phase containing a biodegradable polymer and a water phase containing a hydrophilic compound or nanoparticle and emulsifying the oil phase in the water phase to form emulsions. Then solvent is removed from the emulsions to prepare the particles in the form of capsules and spheres in sizes from 0.01 μm (10 nm) to 50 μm. | 05-01-2014 |
20140120255 | METHODS FOR COATING METALS ON HYDROPHOBIC SURFACES - A method of plating a metal on a hydrophobic polymer, especially in the shape of small particles, involves: (a) contacting a surface of hydrophobic polymer substrate with a polycation such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) to create a treated surface; (b) contacting the treated surface with a catalyst; and then (c) immersing the surface in a electroless metal plating bath to create a coating of metal on the surface. Metals include copper, silver, gold, nickel and cobalt. Catalysts are selected from compounds containing palladium, platinum, tin, copper, or nickel salts. Damaging surface treatments such as etching by plasma or acid are avoided. | 05-01-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120015351 | miRNA Target Prediction - The present invention relates to generation (e.g., synthesis) of proteins. In particular, the present invention provides methods to predict miRNA targets using sequence similarity and thermodynamic stability of miRNA-bridges across both 3′ and 5′ UTR. Such methods find use in research, diagnostic and therapeutic settings (e.g., to discover targets, drugs, diagnostic products, etc.). | 01-19-2012 |
20120109840 | DONOR DRIVEN RESEARCH SELECTION AND FUNDING METHOD AND SYSTEM - An online Internet-based method for funding scientific research comprises presenting a plurality of candidate research projects to potential or executing donors for the donors' review. The potential or executing donors view the candidate research projects on a computer system using a web browser. Donations are received from executing donors. Selections are received from the executing donors regarding research projects to be funded. Finally, funding is provided to a research project. A system that implements the method is also provided. | 05-03-2012 |
20120323498 | MIRFILTER: EFFICIENT NOISE REDUCTION METHOD TO IDENTIFY MIRNA AND TARGET GENE NETWORKS FROM GENOME-WIDE EXPRESSION DATA - A computer implemented method of identifying potential micoRNA targets and biomarkers comprises receiving data identifying a first set of mRNA sequences into computer accessible memory. Each mRNA sequence in the first set has a region that is upstream of a translation start site, a region that is downstream of a translation stop site, and an open reading frame. The method further comprises receiving data identifying a second set of microRNA (miRNA) sequences into the computer accessible memory. Each microRNA sequence has a 5′ miRNA section and a 3′ miRNA section. Each mRNA sequence is characterized by an expression pattern in the first set as being up-regulated, down-regulated, or uncharged as compared to a control sample and each miRNA sequence in the second set as being up-regulated, down-regulated, or uncharged as compared to the control sample. It is then determined which mRNA sequences from the first set are susceptible to being regulated by microRNA from the second set. A set of consistent relationships is identified between the miRNA and the mRNA determined from the mRNAs that have been characterized. | 12-20-2012 |
20130102485 | Method of Determining a Diseased State in a Subject - A method includes a step of identifying candidate miRNA-mRNA complexes where an mRNA sequence from a set of mRNA sequences stably hybridizes to a miRNA from a set of miRNA sequences. The candidate miRNA-mRNA complexes have stably hybridizing sub-regions of a downstream region to portions of a 5′ miRNA section and stably hybridizing sub-regions of an upstream region to portions of a 3′ miRNA section. Candidate mRNA and/or miRNA sequences are identified as sequences that form candidate microRNA-mRNA complexes. Differences between expression levels between candidate mRNA and/or miRNA sequences in subjects having a disease and subjects not having the disease are determined for each candidate mRNA and/or miRNA sequence to identify candidate mRNA sequences and/or miRNA sequences. The expression levels of each candidate RNA disease markers are compared to controls such that deviation of expression levels of the candidate RNA disease markers from the controls indicates presence of the disease. | 04-25-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080271937 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWERING A POWER CONSUMING VEHICLE ACCESSORY DURING AN OFF STATE OF THE VEHICLE - A hybrid battery system of an automotive vehicle provides power to various features without running an internal combustion engine. | 11-06-2008 |
20090278500 | AUTOMOTIVE POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A battery control module monitors discharge voltages associated with a traction battery of an automotive vehicle. The battery control module cycles the traction battery at a discharge-voltage dependent charge/discharge profile to generate heat within the traction battery. | 11-12-2009 |
20130034767 | BATTERY PACK LIQUID COOLING SYSTEM - A cooling system operable to cool a battery pack or other device through a heat exchange operation supported, at least in part, with cycling of a coolant relative to a coldplate or other thermally conducting surface of the device and/or attached thereto. | 02-07-2013 |
20150028808 | Method to Estimate Battery Open-Circuit Voltage Based on Transient Resistive Effects - A vehicle is disclosed that includes a battery and a controller programmed to calculate a battery voltage characteristic from previously measured charge and discharge data. The battery voltage characteristic is based on differences between the previously measured values when state of charge falls in a range in which the differences are approximately equal. Outside of the range, the charge and discharge voltage data are corrected based on a square root of time to obtain the battery voltage characteristic. The characterization may be performed with a high-rate continuous charge and discharge cycle. Also disclosed is an apparatus for generating the battery characteristic that includes a bi-directional power supply. The battery voltage characteristic is obtained based on the differences of the charge and discharge voltage data and corrected data based on the square root of time. A method is also disclosed based on the same. | 01-29-2015 |
20150063404 | BATTERY PACK LEAK DETECTION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A method of detecting a leak in a battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, calculating a predicted amount of thermal energy at a position, measuring an actual amount of thermal energy at the position, and comparing the predicted amount to the actual amount to identify if a battery pack is leaking. | 03-05-2015 |
20150065026 | CABIN VENTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE - A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, detecting a battery fault of a battery of an electrified vehicle, activating a HVAC system ON, commanding the HVAC system to a fresh air mode, communicating fresh air into a passenger cabin, and expelling battery vent byproducts from the passenger cabin through at least one air extractor vent during key-on or key-off states. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066262 | IN-RANGE CURRENT SENSOR FAULT DETECTION - A current sensor fault detection system is disclosed which enables detection of a current sensor fault while the current sensor is operating and providing a current sensor output which is within a normal operating range. The current sensor is monitored by at least one controller which compares a change in battery state of charge error with a predetermined threshold. The change in battery state of charge error is a difference between a first change in battery state of charge calculated by integrating battery current with respect to a time and a second change in battery state of charge calculated based on the battery open circuit voltage during the time. | 03-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100141517 | Antenna System Having A Steerable Radiation Pattern Based On Geographic Location - An antenna system ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100317306 | DIVERSITY ANTENNA SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING A THRESHOLD VALUE - An antenna system for receiving an RF signal from a first antenna and a second antenna includes a phase shift circuit. The phase shift circuit shifts a phase of the RF signal from the second antenna by one of a plurality of possible phase shifts to produce a phase shifted signal. A combiner combines the RF signal from the first antenna and the phase shifted signal to produce a combined signal. A comparator circuit compares a signal quality of the combined signal with a minimum threshold value to determine if the signal quality of the combined signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The comparator circuit is in communicative control of the phase shift circuit and maintains the phase shift of the RF signal received by the second antenna in response to the signal quality of the combined signal being equal to or greater than the threshold value. | 12-16-2010 |
20100317309 | Antenna System And Method For Mitigating Multi-Path Effect - An antenna system and method utilize a splitter electrically connectable to a single antenna for splitting an RF signal into two signals. A variable phase shifter shifts the phase of one of the signals. A combiner combines the phase shifted and non-phase shifted signals to produce a conditioned signal. A quality examiner circuit changes the amount of phase shift provided by the variable phase shifter to produce a plurality of different conditioned signals. The quality examiner circuit then determines a quality of each conditioned signal and changes the phase shift again to provide the highest quality conditioned signal to a receiver. | 12-16-2010 |
20120019425 | Antenna For Increasing Beamwidth Of An Antenna Radiation Pattern - An antenna includes a ground plane, a dielectric, and an active radiating element. The dielectric is disposed on the ground plane, and the active radiating element is embedded in the dielectric for transmitting and/or receiving an RF signal. The antenna also includes a feeding element and a passive radiating element. The feeding element extends into the dielectric and is electrically coupled to the active radiating element. The passive radiating element is disposed on the ground plane and surrounds a periphery of the dielectric for perturbating the RF signal. The ground plane has a plurality of edges. At least one of the edges extends as a curvilinear lip. The curvilinear lip extends in a direction opposite the passive radiating element for directing the RF signal and for preventing abrupt discontinuity of the RF signal. | 01-26-2012 |
20120108178 | ANTENNA SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING AN RF SIGNAL - An antenna system and method utilize an evaluation branch circuit and an implementation branch circuit. These circuits are each connected to both a first antenna input and a second antenna input. An output of the evaluation branch circuit is in communication with a controller while an output of the implementation branch circuit is in communication with a receiver. Each branch circuit includes at least one signal conditioner to change an electrical characteristic of RF signals received from antennas via the antenna inputs. The evaluation branch circuit, controlled by the controller, changes the electrical characteristics of the RF signals in a variety of different ways to discover an optimized evaluation RF signal. Once the optimized evaluation RF signal is determined, the implementation branch circuit is controlled, by the controller, to produce an optimized implementation RF signal in accordance with that discovered by the evaluation branch circuit. | 05-03-2012 |
20130295864 | Antenna System And Method For Mitigating Multi-Path Effect - An antenna system and method utilize a splitter electrically connectable to a single antenna for splitting an RF signal into two signals. A variable phase shifter shifts the phase of one of the signals. A combiner combines the phase shifted and non-phase shifted signals to produce a conditioned signal. A quality examiner circuit changes the amount of phase shift provided by the variable phase shifter to produce a plurality of different conditioned signals. The quality examiner circuit then determines a quality of each conditioned signal and changes the phase shift again to provide the highest quality conditioned signal to a receiver. | 11-07-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110186910 | METHODS OF PREPARING FLEXIBLE PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES USING EPITAXIAL LIFTOFF, AND PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF GROWTH SUBSTRATES USED IN EPITAXIAL GROWTH - There is disclosed methods of making photosensitive devices, such as flexible photovoltaic (PV) devices, through the use of epitaxial liftoff. Also described herein are methods of preparing flexible PV devices comprising a structure having a growth substrate, wherein the selective etching of protective layers yields a smooth growth substrate that us suitable for reuse. | 08-04-2011 |
20130043214 | SACRIFICIAL ETCH PROTECTION LAYERS FOR REUSE OF WAFERS AFTER EPITAXIAL LIFT OFF - There is disclosed a growth structure comprising a growth substrate, a sacrificial layer, a buffer layer, at least three substrate protective layers, at least one epilayer, at least one contact, and a metal or alloy-coated host substrate. In one embodiment, the device further comprises at least three device structure protecting layers. The sacrificial layer may be positioned between the growth substrate and the at least one epilayer, wherein the at least three substrate protective layers are positioned between the growth substrate and the sacrificial layer, and the at least three device structure protecting layers are positioned between the sacrificial layer and the epilayer. There is also disclosed a method of preserving the integrity of a growth substrate by releasing the cell structure by etching the sacrificial layer and the protective layers. | 02-21-2013 |
20130237001 | METHODS OF PREPARING FLEXIBLE PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES USING EPITAXIAL LIFTOFF, AND PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF GROWTH SUBSTRATES USED IN EPITAXIAL GROWTH - There is disclosed methods of making photosensitive devices, such as flexible photovoltaic (PV) devices, through the use of epitaxial liftoff. Also described herein are methods of preparing flexible PV devices comprising a structure having a growth substrate, wherein the selective etching of protective layers yields a smooth growth substrate that us suitable for reuse. | 09-12-2013 |
20140370716 | THERMAL SURFACE TREATMENT FOR REUSE OF WAFERS AFTER EPITAXIAL LIFT OFF - There is disclosed a method of preserving the integrity of a growth substrate in a epitaxial lift-off method, the method comprising providing a structure comprising a growth substrate, one or more protective layers, a sacrificial layer, and at least one epilayer, wherein the sacrificial layer and the one or more protective layers are positioned between the growth substrate and the at least one epilayer; releasing the at least one epilayer by etching the sacrificial layer with an etchant; and heat treating the growth substrate and/or at least one of the protective layers. | 12-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100317306 | DIVERSITY ANTENNA SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING A THRESHOLD VALUE - An antenna system for receiving an RF signal from a first antenna and a second antenna includes a phase shift circuit. The phase shift circuit shifts a phase of the RF signal from the second antenna by one of a plurality of possible phase shifts to produce a phase shifted signal. A combiner combines the RF signal from the first antenna and the phase shifted signal to produce a combined signal. A comparator circuit compares a signal quality of the combined signal with a minimum threshold value to determine if the signal quality of the combined signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The comparator circuit is in communicative control of the phase shift circuit and maintains the phase shift of the RF signal received by the second antenna in response to the signal quality of the combined signal being equal to or greater than the threshold value. | 12-16-2010 |
20100317309 | Antenna System And Method For Mitigating Multi-Path Effect - An antenna system and method utilize a splitter electrically connectable to a single antenna for splitting an RF signal into two signals. A variable phase shifter shifts the phase of one of the signals. A combiner combines the phase shifted and non-phase shifted signals to produce a conditioned signal. A quality examiner circuit changes the amount of phase shift provided by the variable phase shifter to produce a plurality of different conditioned signals. The quality examiner circuit then determines a quality of each conditioned signal and changes the phase shift again to provide the highest quality conditioned signal to a receiver. | 12-16-2010 |
20120019425 | Antenna For Increasing Beamwidth Of An Antenna Radiation Pattern - An antenna includes a ground plane, a dielectric, and an active radiating element. The dielectric is disposed on the ground plane, and the active radiating element is embedded in the dielectric for transmitting and/or receiving an RF signal. The antenna also includes a feeding element and a passive radiating element. The feeding element extends into the dielectric and is electrically coupled to the active radiating element. The passive radiating element is disposed on the ground plane and surrounds a periphery of the dielectric for perturbating the RF signal. The ground plane has a plurality of edges. At least one of the edges extends as a curvilinear lip. The curvilinear lip extends in a direction opposite the passive radiating element for directing the RF signal and for preventing abrupt discontinuity of the RF signal. | 01-26-2012 |
20120108178 | ANTENNA SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING AN RF SIGNAL - An antenna system and method utilize an evaluation branch circuit and an implementation branch circuit. These circuits are each connected to both a first antenna input and a second antenna input. An output of the evaluation branch circuit is in communication with a controller while an output of the implementation branch circuit is in communication with a receiver. Each branch circuit includes at least one signal conditioner to change an electrical characteristic of RF signals received from antennas via the antenna inputs. The evaluation branch circuit, controlled by the controller, changes the electrical characteristics of the RF signals in a variety of different ways to discover an optimized evaluation RF signal. Once the optimized evaluation RF signal is determined, the implementation branch circuit is controlled, by the controller, to produce an optimized implementation RF signal in accordance with that discovered by the evaluation branch circuit. | 05-03-2012 |
20130295864 | Antenna System And Method For Mitigating Multi-Path Effect - An antenna system and method utilize a splitter electrically connectable to a single antenna for splitting an RF signal into two signals. A variable phase shifter shifts the phase of one of the signals. A combiner combines the phase shifted and non-phase shifted signals to produce a conditioned signal. A quality examiner circuit changes the amount of phase shift provided by the variable phase shifter to produce a plurality of different conditioned signals. The quality examiner circuit then determines a quality of each conditioned signal and changes the phase shift again to provide the highest quality conditioned signal to a receiver. | 11-07-2013 |
20140015716 | Window Assembly Having An Antenna Element Overlapping A Transparent Layer And An Adjacent Outer Region - A window assembly for a vehicle has a transparent layer including a metal compound such that the transparent layer is electrically conductive. The transparent layer defines an area covering the window assembly. An outer region which is electrically non-conductive surrounds the area. The window assembly includes an antenna element including wire or transparent coating which overlaps the transparent layer and overlaps the outer region. The antenna element is configured to receive linearly or circularly polarized radio frequency (RF) signals. A feeding element is coupled to the antenna element for energizing the antenna element. The antenna element is capacitively coupled to the transparent layer. The transparent layer operates as a parasitic or active antenna element with respect to the antenna element. | 01-16-2014 |
20140104122 | Window Assembly Having A Transparent Layer And An Outer Region For An Antenna Element - A window assembly for a vehicle has a transparent layer including a metal compound such that the transparent layer as is electrically conductive. The transparent layer defines an area covering the window assembly. An outer region which is electrically non-conductive surrounds the area. The window assembly includes an antenna element including wire or transparent coating disposed within and surrounded by the outer region without extending into the transparent layer. The antenna element is electrically disconnected from the transparent layer such that the antenna element operates independent of the transparent layer. A feeding element is coupled to the antenna element for energizing the antenna element. The feeding element is electrically disconnected from the transparent layer such that the feeding element energizes the antenna element independent of the transparent layer. | 04-17-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100292355 | ALKENYL-AROMATIC FOAM HAVING GOOD SURFACE QUALITY, HIGH THERMAL INSULATING PROPERTIES AND LOW DENSITY - Prepare an alkenyl-aromatic foam having good surface quality, high thermal insulating properties and low density using an extrusion method by expanding a foamable polymer composition of an alkenyl-aromatic polymer composition containing less than 20 weight-percent covalently bonded halogens and having a polydispersity of less than 2.5 and a water solubility greater than 0.09 moles per kilogram and 2.2 moles per kilogram or less at 130 degrees Celsius and 101 kilopascals pressure and 0.8-2 moles per kilogram of a blowing agent containing 0.4 moles per kilogram or more of a chlorine-free fluorinated blowing agents and water at a concentration of at least 0.22 moles per kilogram; wherein moles per kilogram are relative to kilograms of alkenyl-aromatic polymer. The resulting foam has a density of 64 kilograms per cubic meter or less and a thermal conductivity of 32 milliwatts per meter-Kelvin or less after 180 days. | 11-18-2010 |
20130018117 | MACHINABLE THERMALLY INSULATING POLYMERIC FOAM - Provide a foamable polymer composition containing: (i) a thermoplastic polymer matrix and a blowing agent, (a) the thermoplastic polymer matrix containing a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer having a weight-averaged molecular weight in a range of 90,000 to 150,000 and polymerized acrylonitrile concentration in a range of five to twenty weight-percent relative to total polymer matrix weight; and (ii) a blowing agent containing water, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluouroethane and at least one of difluoromethane and 1,1-dilluoroethane; (b) cooling the foamable polymer composition to a foaming temperature; and (c) extruding the foamable polymer composition and allowing the blowing agent to expand the foamable polymer composition into a polymeric foam having an average vertical cell size in a range of 0.5 millimeters to 1.8 millimeters and a density in a range of 24 to 40 kilograms per cubic meter and a Normalized Roughness Quotient of 3.5 or less in a Milled Surface Test. | 01-17-2013 |
20130249135 | POLYSTYRENE MELT EXTRUSION PROCESS - Extruded polystyrene foams are made with an added brominated styrene-butadiene polymer as a flame retardant. The blowing agent is a mixture of carbon dioxide, ethanol and water, which may also contain a C | 09-26-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090005932 | Trailer articulation angle estimation - This invention takes the advantage of existing radar, vision and ultrasonic sensors available for side blind spot detection, rear view, rear virtual bumper, and rear parking assist. Using a sensor fusion technique to combine the useful information from these sensors, the trailer articulation angles as well as trailer track width and tongue length is accurately estimated. When an active steering system is present, vehicle and trailer can be controlled with increased stability by applying the trailer information. | 01-01-2009 |
20090037062 | Curve Speed Control System with Adaptive Map Preview Time and Driving Mode Selection - A system and method for detecting a road curve as a vehicle approaches the curve, automatically providing road curvature information and controlling vehicle speed. The system uses a locating device and a map database to know the vehicle's position. Depending on the speed of the vehicle, the system generates a curvature profile for different curvature data points at or around the curve in front of the vehicle. The system then generates a desired speed profile for the curvature points. The desired speed profile and the actual vehicle speed are compared to determine whether the vehicle is traveling too fast for the target speed at each profile point. The acceleration computation can be enhanced by providing a driver cornering mode input that the vehicle operator can select based on how aggressively the driver wants the system to act to slow down the vehicle. | 02-05-2009 |
20100131142 | VEHICLE DYNAMICS PREDICTION WITH LANE/PATH INFORMATION USING A PREVIEW-CORRECTION-PREDICTION APPROACH - A method for predicting the dynamics of a vehicle using information about the path on which the vehicle is travelling that has particular application for enhancing active safety performance of the vehicle, to improve driver comfort and to improve vehicle dynamics control. The method includes generating a preview of a path to be followed by the vehicle where the preview of the path is generated based on actual values of a plurality of vehicle parameters. The method further includes obtaining a corrected value of at least one of the plurality of vehicle parameters corresponding to the actual values of each of the plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein the corrected value of the at least one of the vehicle parameters is obtained based on a target path to be followed by the vehicle on the road, and wherein the target path is obtained on the basis of a plurality of road parameters. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131233 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVER HANDS OFF DETECTION FOR VEHICLES WITH ACTIVE FRONT STEERING SYSTEM - A system and method for detecting the absence of contact between the hands of a driver of a vehicle and a steering wheel of the vehicle that have particular application in ensuring the proper functioning of various components of the driver assist steering systems and maintaining driver attentiveness. The method for detecting a no-contact condition between the hands of the driver of the vehicle and the steering wheel includes generating a model of the no-contact condition using a second-order transfer function. The method further includes obtaining a set of model-generated steering dynamics by estimating a plurality of parameters of the second-order transfer function and a set of measured steering dynamics using a plurality of sensors. The set of model-generated steering dynamics and the set of measured steering dynamics are then compared and the no-contact condition is detected based on this comparison. | 05-27-2010 |
20100152952 | DETECTION OF DRIVER INTERVENTION DURING A TORQUE OVERLAY OPERATION IN AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM - A method for controlling an assisted steering maneuver in an electric power steering (EPS) system includes modeling steering dynamics during a torque overlay operation to generate a dynamic steering model (DSM), measuring vehicle operating values, and detecting a driver intervention in the torque overlay operation based on the DSM and the vehicle operating values. The torque overlay operation is overridden when driver intervention is detected, allowing the driver to regain control of the steering maneuver. A vehicle includes a steering wheel, a steering assist mechanism, and an EPS system having an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to determine a present intent of a driver of the vehicle to interrupt application of the TOC based on a vehicle operating value transmitted by the driver to the steering wheel. The ECU is operable for interrupting the torque overlay operation when the present intent of the driver is determined. | 06-17-2010 |
20100228417 | DRIVER HANDS ON/OFF DETECTION DURING AUTOMATED LANE CENTERING/CHANGING MANEUVER - A system and method for determining whether a vehicle driver is holding a steering wheel of the vehicle while the vehicle is in an autonomous driving mode. The vehicle will include an electric power steering (EPS) system and may include an active front steering (AFS) system, both of which include a motor that can apply a high frequency and low amplitude perturbation signal to the steering wheel of the vehicle that is not felt by the vehicle driver and does not cause the vehicle to turn, but is able to be detected by a steering angle sensor. The method subtracts a steering angle command signal from the steering angle signal and removes road disturbances, and then determines whether the induced perturbation signal is present in the steering angle sensor signal. If the perturbation signal is present, then the system knows that the vehicle driver is not holding the steering wheel. | 09-09-2010 |
20110098890 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DRIVER INTERVENTION IN AN AUTOMATIC STEERING SYSTEM - A vehicle steering system includes an automatic steering control unit configured to control the vehicle steering system when in an automatic operational state and a driver intervention unit is configured to determine driver intervention during the automatic operational state. The driver intervention unit comprising a decision software module configured to determine driver intervention. | 04-28-2011 |
20110125457 | TRAILER ARTICULATION ANGLE ESTIMATION - A method for operating a vehicle includes acquiring position information including an azimuth angle between a non-contacting sensor and a wheeled axle of an attached trailer, determining a trailer tongue length correlated to the position information, determining a track width of the attached trailer correlated to the position information, and calculating a trailer hitch articulation angle corresponding to the trailer tongue length and the track width of the attached trailer. | 05-26-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090244971 | Memory cell structure, a memory device employing such a memory cell structure, and an integrated circuit having such a memory device - A memory cell structure for a memory device is provided, the memory cell structure comprising a read transistor having a floating gate node, a tunnelling capacitor, and a coupling capacitor stack. The tunnelling capacitor is connected to the floating gate node and has a first programming terminal, whilst the coupling capacitor stack is connected to the floating gate node and has a second programming terminal. The coupling capacitor stack comprises at least two coupling capacitors arranged in series between the floating gate node and the second programming terminal, with the coupling capacitor stack having a larger capacitance than the tunnelling capacitor. During a programming operation, a voltage difference is established between the first programming terminal and the second programming terminal to cause charge tunnelling to occur through the tunnelling capacitor, such that after the programming operation a charge is stored in the floating gate node. During a read operation, the read transistor is activated to produce an output signal indicative of the charge stored in the floating gate node. Such a memory cell structure is efficient in terms of area, and can be manufactured using standard CMOS logic manufacturing processes, thereby avoiding some of the complexities involved in the production of more conventional EEPROM and Flash memory devices. | 10-01-2009 |
20150085406 | Electrostatic Discharge Clamp Circuit For Ultra-Low Power Applications - An electrostatic discharge clamp circuit is provided for low power applications. The clamp circuit includes: a detection circuit, a bias circuit and a shunting circuit having at least one shunt transistor. The detection circuit is configured to detect an occurrence of an electrostatic charge on a power supply node and trigger discharge of the electrostatic charge through the shunting circuit. The bias circuit is coupled between the detection circuit and the shunting circuit and applies a bias voltage to the gate terminal of the shunt transistor. During an electrostatic discharge event, the bias circuit is configured to generate a bias voltage that is substantially equal to the supply voltage; whereas, during the absence of an electrostatic discharge event, the bias circuit is configured to generate a bias voltage that is substantially half of the supply voltage. | 03-26-2015 |