Abstract:
A technique for forming Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) in a conventional Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) process. A number of single-layer polysilicon gates are formed on an as-grown, native doped silicon substrate, with gaps between them. Masking is used to selectively dope the gates while preventing doping of the silicon in the gaps. Masking may likewise be used to selectively silicide the gates while preventing silicide formation in the gaps. Conventional source-drain processing produces input/output diffusions for the CCD.
Abstract:
A kitchen utensil system including a universal handle and modular heads adapted for quick and easy interchangeable attachment to the handle. The interchangeable heads may include a fork, spoon, spatula, straining ladle, mixer, or any other suitable head. A storage basket is provided for compact and convenient storage of the handle and interchangeable heads, and maintains all of the components in a single compact configuration when placed in a dishwashing machine. The storage basket further functions to keep the heads organized and accessible during use, and includes a cover that doubles to contain drippings.
Abstract:
A sample-and-hold device provides output charge pairs which represent samples of a continuous-time differential input voltage. The device uses charge-coupled device elements in a symmetrical structure for splitting a constant input charge into a signal-dependent output charge pair. It is capable of operation at higher speed and with higher dynamic range than similar prior-art devices.
Abstract:
A plumbing pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith is disclosed. The pipe plug is adapted with a conduit having a check valve that opens in response to fluid pressure to enable the injection into the plumbing system of a pressurized fluid, such as water, to pressurize the system downstream of the plug to allow for leak inspection and pressure testing.
Abstract:
A Direct Current (DC) charge comparator that provides low input offset by feeding complimentary plus and minus charge inputs to a single amplification path via an alternate input path switch. Multiple sample and hold circuits at the output of the amplification path permit comparison of the result when each of the charge inputs travels down each of the paths, to determine a correction.
Abstract:
A biasing circuit for use with a Charged Coupled Device (CCD) that creates a gate bias voltage by maintaining a model or surrogate representation of the surface potentials within the CCD storage and barrier regions. In one embodiment the invention is a bias circuit that includes at least a first and second model transistor for modeling the two regions. The first model transistor is connected to a supply voltage to provide a first reference voltage at a first node, and models the first charge storage region. A resistive circuit element is coupled between the first node N1 and a second node N2 in order to allow a step voltage to be developed. The second model transistor is in turn connected to the second node N2 and provides the bias voltage at an output portion that can be used to control the gate of the barrier region. The model circuit therefore allows a proper bias voltage to be maintained through process and operating condition variations.
Abstract:
A user activated insect bait station particularly adapted for use with a flowable bait, including attractants and toxicants is disclosed. The bait station is formed as a sealed container fabricated from two primary parts, an upper portion and a lower portion sealingly connected along common peripheral edges. The bait station includes first and second internal chambers for containing the bait. The user forms an opening in the bait station to expose the bait in the second chamber to the atmosphere while providing access to the bait for ants. The bait station further defines a recessed groove that provides a pathway leading to the second chamber opening. A top cover is provided for shielding the bait station opening while providing access to the opening.
Abstract:
A toe protector for protecting the toe and sores or bunions on the foot of a patient from irritation, abrasion, and impact, so as to promote healing is disclosed. The toe protector comprises a generally tubular body sized to substantially cover a toe of the user. The device is preferably fabricated from a soft, FDA approved silicon material, in a double-walled tubular configuration wherein inner and outer layers form an interstitial space. The interstitial space is filled with substance, such as a liquid or gel. A flap extends along the inside portion of the foot and includes a recessed portion sized and positioned for covering relation with bunions on the metatarsophalangeal joint or other sores. According to another aspect, the present invention provides a foot protector to be worn on the foot of a patient. The foot protector preferably incorporates one or more water-filled toe protectors as generally described above. Each of the embodiments may define a plurality of ventilation holes formed by welding of inner and outer portions.
Abstract:
An illuminated safety device adapted for attachment to a bicycle or scooter, or worn by a jogger at night is disclosed. The safety device includes a pair of pivotally connected illuminated panels configurable between a compact stored configuration wherein the panels are disposed in substantially adjacent overlapping relation to a deployed configuration wherein the panels form a generally rectangular display. In the deployed configuration light-emitting devices such as LED'S, function to provide an illuminated display and illuminated signaling, including an illuminated word, such as “BIKE” or “JOGGER”, along with left and right blinker lights automatically actuated by a tilt switch. Accordingly, when the biker or jogger leans to turn left: or right, the corresponding left or right blinker is activated. In the stored configuration the electrical contact terminals disengage from the electrical contact with the battery power source, and the display surfaces are protected as the opposing display panels are pivotally folded in overlapping face-to-face relation.
Abstract:
A rapid refrigeration apparatus includes a container having a container upper end, a container wall with a container opening in the container upper end bordered by a container rim, the container liquid container contents; a receptacle extending within the container and containing a refrigerant, the receptacle including a cup portion sized to fit into the container opening, a cup flange sized to rest against and sealing secured to, the container rim and a cup wall, at least a portion of which is expandable, the cup wall having cup wall opening mechanism for releasing the container contents into the receptacle; and a lid sealingly secured to the cup flange and including a lid opening mechanism for releasing the refrigerant from the receptacle into the atmosphere and for releasing the container contents from the receptacle for consumption; the lid opening mechanism including a lid opening mechanism activation mechanism for voluntarily opening the lid opening mechanism at a selected moment in time.