Abstract: Reference network embodiments are provided for use in pipelined signal converter systems. The network embodiments are fast and power efficient and they generate low-impedance reference signals through the use of at least one output transistor, a diode-coupled transistor coupled to the output transistor, and a controller. The controller is configured to provide a backgate voltage to the diode-coupled transistor to thereby establish a substantially-constant output current. The controller is further configured to provide a gate voltage to the output transistor to establish a reference voltage.

Abstract: A through-wafer via interconnect region is in a circuit portion of a wafer, the circuit portion including at least one electrically conducting metal layer and configured for use, after dicing of the wafer, as one of a plurality of layers stacked vertically to form a three dimensional integrated circuit. Within the metal layer in the circuit portion, the metal is removeably distributed such that the ratio of metal to nonmetal area, within the via region, varies by less than a predetermined amount from the ratio of metal to nonmetal area outside the via region.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method according to the present invention for fabricating a high light extraction photonic device comprises growing a lift-off layer on a substrate and growing an epitaxial semiconductor device structure on the lift-off layer such that the lift-off layer is sandwiched between said device structure and substrate. The epitaxial semiconductor structure comprises an emitter adapted to emit light in response to a bias. The device structure, lift-off layer and substrate is flip-chip mounted on a submount such that the epitaxial semiconductor device structure is sandwiched between the submount and lift-off layer. The lift-off layer is removed to separate the substrate from the device structure. Different removal methods can be used such as removal by a photo electrochemical etch or by illuminating the lift-off layer with laser light.

Abstract: An LED component comprising an array of LED chips mounted on a planar surface of a submount with the LED chips capable of emitting light in response to an electrical signal. The LED chips comprise respective groups emitting at different colors of light, with each of the groups interconnected in a series circuit. A lens is included over the LED chips. Other embodiments can comprise thermal spreading structures included integral to the submount and arranged to dissipate heat from the LED chips.

Abstract: A laminar flow jet is disclosed that provides a non-turbulent smooth stream of water. The jet is structured to remove turbulence from the moving water. As the water flows through the jet, a screen component and a nozzle component cooperate to slow the water flow and provide a uniform flow direction. The jet is also structured so that the laminar stream may be lighted from within the jet. The body of the jet is designed to receive an elongated and transparent probe carrying a lighting apparatus such as a fiber optic cable. The laminar flow jet is designed to be mounted to a structure such as a spa, pool or tub wall.

Abstract: A spa speaker apparatus having a housing with a speaker mounted therein, wherein the speaker can be extended and retracted with respect to the housing and the speaker is also rotatable within the housing. A system for providing audio to a spa is also disclosed. The system comprises a spa having walls and at least one speaker unit mounted to a spa wall. Each of the speaker units is capable of receiving an audio signal, and generating sound towards the occupants of the spa. Each of the speaker units comprises a speaker that is individually retractable to be hidden behind the spa wall and extendible from the spa wall. Each of the speakers is also rotatable within the spa wall to direct the speaker sound.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) device per the present invention comprises a semiconductor wafer—typically an SOI wafer, a substrate, and a high temperature bond which bonds the wafer to the substrate to form a composite structure. Portions of the composite structure are patterned and etched to define stationary and movable MEM elements, with the movable elements being mechanically coupled to the stationary elements. The high temperature bond is preferably a mechanical bond, with the wafer and substrate having respective bonding pads which are aligned and mechanically connected to form a thermocompression bond to effect the bonding. A metallization layer is typically deposited on the composite structure and patterned to provide electrical interconnections for the device. The metallization layer preferably comprises a conductive refractory material such as platinum to withstand high temperature environments.

Abstract: A laser diode comprising a first separate confinement heterostructure and an active region on the first separate confinement heterostructure. A second separate confinement heterostructure is on the active region and one or more epitaxial layers is on the second separate confinement heterostructure. A ridge is formed in the epitaxial layers with a first mesa around the ridge. The first mesa is 0.1 to 0.2 microns above the second confinement heterostructure.

Abstract: Epoxidised oil, epoxidised wax or epoxidised fatty acid ester recovered from Vernonia Galamensis seeds provide topical medicament preparations which are effective in preventing and treating various different forms of skin diseases, skin lesions and wounds. These epoxidised oil, epoxidised wax or epoxidised fatty acid ester recovered from Vernonia Galamensis seeds can also be bound to bio-available molecules, such as proteins, to modify the effect of the bio-available molecules when administered to the human body.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a light emitting diode (LED) package comprising providing an LED chip and covering at least part of the LED chip with a liquid encapsulant having a radius of curvature. An optical element is provided having a bottom surface with at least a portion having a radius of curvature larger than the liquid encapsulant. The larger radius of curvature portion of the optical element is brought into contact with the liquid encapsulant. The optical element is then moved closer to the LED chip, growing the contact area between said optical element and said liquid encapsulant. The liquid encapsulant is then cured. A light emitting diode comprising a substrate with an LED chip mounted to it. A meniscus ring is on the substrate around the LED chip with the meniscus ring having a meniscus holding feature.

Abstract: An improved safety hypodermic syringe includes a reciprocal tubular needle sheath disposed on the exterior of the syringe body, a latch mechanism engaging the syringe body and the sheath to latch the sheath in a needle-covering position after delivering contents from the syringe body, and a spring engaging the syringe body and the sheath and expandable to move the sheath to cover the needle point, where the spring is a non-uniform helical spring having multiple 360° turns each turn uniformly spaced from adjacent turns, each 360° turn comprising first and second alternating angled portions, the first of the alternating angled portions being at a first angle to a plane perpendicular to an axis through the center of the helical spring and the second angled portions being at a second lesser angle to the plane perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A stowable table assembly comprising a hinge block, a tabletop, and a support carrying the tabletop. The support is pivotably attached to the hinge block for rotation about a hinge axis. The tabletop is thereby rotatable about the hinge axis between a use position and a stowing position. The tabletop is furthermore movable relative to the support. A releasable locking mechanism associated with the hinge block and the support prevents rotation of the tabletop unless the tabletop is in a predetermined position relative to the support. The locking mechanism is released in response to movement of the tabletop to the predetermined position thereby permitting the tabletop to be rotated toward its stowing position.

Abstract: A security device for engaging a threaded element includes an inner body configured to engage the threaded element and an outer body operatively coupled to the inner body. A pin is operatively coupled to the inner body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position such that the outer body moves relative to the inner body when the pin is disposed in the retracted position and the outer body and the inner body are operatively coupled for simultaneous movement when the pin is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: A manually operated pump for a bicycle comprises two cylindrical members with a first cylindrical member slidable within a second cylindrical member. One end of the first cylindrical member is provided with a fitting to receive a saddle while one end of said second cylindrical member is provided with a foot stand assembly which comprises a foldable foot stand and a retractable air hose. The pump is designed to be received in the seat post of the bicycle frame and the two cylindrical members are arranged to be releasably connected together in a closed position.

Abstract: An imaging device and method of fabricating the same is disclosed. The imaging device may include an imaging sensor base, an image detector and a multilayer board. The imaging sensor base has a bonded hub having uniform flatness. The mounting hub sized to fit into a receptacle in the multilayer board. The image detector sized to match a size of the imaging sensor base and bonded to a top surface of the imaging sensor base. The imaging device may also include a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) sized to substantially match the size of the imaging sensor base and disposed on the image detector. A plurality of equi-spaced flexures and receptacles for receiving the plurality of flexures may also be used to maintain positional stability and minimize thermal strain.

Abstract: A bootstrapped class AB CMOS output circuit and method for generating a class AB output are disclosed. The bootstrapped class AB CMOS output circuit has a voltage offset circuit coupled to an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor. The voltage offset circuit has a capacitor bootstrapped between the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor to establish a voltage offset between the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor to effect a class AB output. The method for generating a class AB output in a semiconductor device having a capacitor coupled to the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor includes providing a voltage offset across the capacitor to effect a class AB output.

Abstract: In an AC drive circuit for LEDs, a current limiting capacitor connects to an AC source, a first circuit portion, including a first rectifying diode and a first power capacitor, connects between the current limiting capacitor and the source and a second circuit portion, including a second rectifying diode in series with a second power capacitor, is in parallel with the first circuit portion. A first LED is in the first circuit portion in parallel with the first power capacitor, while a second LED in the second circuit portion is in parallel with the second power capacitor. During positive half cycles, the first rectifying diode charges the first power capacitor and drives the first LED. During negative half cycles, the second rectifying diode charges the second power capacitor and drives the second LED.

Abstract: A white light emitting lamp is disclosed comprising a solid state ultra violet (UV) emitter that emits light in the UV wavelength spectrum. A conversion material is arranged to absorb at least some of the light emitting from the UV emitter and re-emit light at one or more different wavelengths of light. One or more complimentary solid state emitters are included that emit at different wavelengths of light than the UV emitter and the conversion material. The lamp emits a white light combination of light emitted from the complimentary emitters and from the conversion material, with the white light having high efficacy and good color rendering. Other embodiments of white light emitting lamp according to the present invention comprises a solid state laser instead of a UV emitter. A high flux white emitting lamp embodiment according to the invention comprises a large area light emitting diode (LED) that emits light at a first wavelength spectrum and includes a conversion material.

Abstract: A dynamic magnet system, particularly useful for electrical generation, employs multiple magnets in polar opposition to each other for individual movement relative to a support structure. The magnets have a critical angle of displacement from a horizontal static position of less than 1 degree, with at least some of the magnets having mutually different properties. With different magnetic strengths, a greater movement is produced for both magnets in response to movements of the support structure, for particular ranges of magnetic strength ratios, than would be the case with equal magnets. The magnet movement can be translated into an electrical signal to power an operating system. Ultra low friction ferrofluid bearings can be used to establish static coefficients of friction between the magnets and support structure less than 0.02, enabling useful power generation from only slight movements of the support structure.