Abstract: A transistor bias circuit is provided that is capable of operating from a power supply voltage that is slightly higher than twice the base-emitter voltage of the transistor to be biased. The bias circuit includes a transistor connected in a current-mirror configuration with the transistor to be biased. A feedback circuit maintains the mirrored current at a constant level. The gain of the feedback circuit is improved by the addition of a non-inverting amplifier within the feedback circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the biased transistor is concurrently in both a Darlington and the current mirror configuration. Moreover, a feedback transistor in the feedback circuit is also concurrently in the Darlington configuration, thus providing an efficient biasing arrangement for an amplifier block based on the Darlington arrangement.

Abstract: The invention features an exhalation assist device for adjusting the airway resistance in an exhalation circuit of a medical ventilator. The device includes a set of pressure, airflow and airway sensors, a controlling processor, a user interface, and a ventilatory unit in communication with a medical ventilator. Data relating to pressure within the ventilatory unit and data relating to exhalation airflow, exhalation circuit pressure and exhalation circuit resistance are provided to the controlling processor by the sensors. The controlling processor compares measured and calculated values for airway pressure, airflow, airway resistance and applied negative pressure with desired values that have been entered by a clinician. Based on these calculations, the controlling processor transmits a signal that will change the applied negative pressure applied to the exhalation circuit by the ventilatory unit.

Abstract: An adjustable bike transport rack is adapted to permit mounting to truck beds of various sizes and includes a cross member with a pair of spaced-apart connectors for securing the cross member to a truck bed. At least one stabilizer arm projects from the cross member for supporting a bike that is positioned in the truck bed during transport. The connectors define a distance therebetween, and the connectors are adjustable relative to one another, such that the distance between the connectors can be varied to permit mounting of the cross member on truck beds of various sizes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor system comprising a sensor for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid in an enclosure. The sensor system can be installed or incorporated within electronics and communications enclosures that house fluid-sensitive components and is useful in the early detection and warning of fluid leaks into such enclosures. In addition to the sensor, the system includes a means for conducting fluids entering the enclosure to the sensor and absorbent material to absorb any entering fluid.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting accessories such as external container packages and splash reducing wheel cover skirts on trailers having a body including a floor which is supported on the exterior by longitudinally spaced apart transversely extending I-beams, the mounting system including fixed L-shaped latches for engaging the web and the lower flange at one side of an I-beam and moveable latch members for engaging the web and lower flange at the other side. The moveable latch members are carried by a slide plate on the lower surface of which is secured a rack, the rack being in mesh with a pinion gear. The pinion gear is rotatably mounted within the accessory and may be rotated manually from the exterior of the accessory to move the moveable latches into clamping engagement or to release such engagement.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical sensor comprising a light source, light detector and signal generator, and an optical fiber extending between the light source and detector. The optical fiber includes a sensing length comprising a return bend in the fiber, where the return bend has a bend radius less than or equal to 2.5 times the radius of the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the sensing length further includes a planar sensing surface. A method for detecting the presence of a medium in an environment using the optical sensor of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disk package for memory disks and the like and including a top cover, a disk cassette, and a bottom cover where the top cover includes sides with hooks which engage about catches on the box, and the bottom cover includes a channel which frictionally engages to the bottom edges of the box. The disk cassette supports a plurality of memory disks through perimeter contact of a rounded side and separated by teeth. The top cover includes a plurality of fingers which extend downwardly from the top cover, the fingers movable with respect to each other for engaging each disk independently of each other. The disks are separated by teeth having a rounded profile and a flat portion therebetween for perimeter contact with the disks, the teeth being longitudinal in length and running about the rounded sides and sides of the box.

Abstract: Container package for transporting a plurality of silicon wafers for shipment as well as preventing contamination thereof. The wafer container package includes a wafer cassette having two sides, a configured end, and an H bar end including an upper and lower ramp support with the bar being reinforced by a partially cylindrical rod; a package bottom including four sides, an edge surrounding the sides, hook latches, four internal side dividing members and a flat bottom; and a package top including four sides, a lip to encompass the edge, configured independent opposing flexible grooved members, and recessed top surface for stacking where the cassette is positioned by internal side dividers in the package tops and bottoms for secure placement.

Abstract: Wafer cassette for processing of wafers which includes a plurality of open supported wafer dividers for supporting a plurality of wafers in alignment in opposing dividers of the cassette for automated processing of the wafers while in the cassette. The wafer cassette utilizes an H-bar end with a configured rod reinforced open front which is fully functional and strategically located. The dividers are supported by longitudinal horizontal supports secured to the ends providing for open area between each of the dividers for passage of liquids during automated processing. The cassette provides open area about the H-bar end. The rear end which includes a downward arch and through the dividers for open, non-restricted automated processing of wafers. The processing wafer cassette provides for "on-center" processing where the carrier center of gravity is on-center of the axis of centrifugal wafer processing machinery.

Abstract: Container package for transporting a plurality of silicon wafers for shipment as well as preventing contamination thereof. The container wafer package includes a cassette having two sides, an end, and an H-bar including an upper ramp support and a lower round support with the bar being reinforced by a partially cylindrical rod, a package bottom including four sides, a female trough surrounding the sides, hook latches, four internal side dividing members, and orthogonal feet for stacking; and the package top including four sides, a male trough to mate with the female trough, configured independent flexible grooved fingers, and orthogonal feet for stacking where the cassette is positioned by internal side dividers in the top and bottom packages for secure placement.

Abstract: A shipping container for semiconductor substrate wafers including a rectangular receptacle having a plurality of outwardly extending aligned and opposing vertical rib members which are spaced on the interior opposing sides of the receptacle, and interchangeable upper and lower cover members having finger and post structure to support and space each of the wafers. The upper and lower cover members engage with the outer sides of the receptacle. The receptacle includes latching crossbars across offset ends of each side of the receptacle which engage with locking members extending from each end of the upper and lower cover members. The upper and lower cover members include a plurality of opposing fingers spaced the longitudinal distance of the covers which support the wafer at arcuate points on the wafer and a plurality of posts spaced in between the opposing fingers along the longitudinal distance of the covers which provide separation between each of the wafers.

Abstract: A shipping container for brittle substrates including a rigid outer container with a removable cover; a substrate carrier within the outer container and being slotted to carry the substrates on edge; and a substrate retaining cushion between the upper edges of the substrates and the cover of the outer container and including a resilient polyethylene panel with a corrugated shaped bottom to engage, locate and press downwardly upon the upper edges of each substrate and upstanding deformable ribs bearing against the cover and resiliently maintaining downward pressure through the panel on the substrates.

Abstract: A shipping container for silicone semiconductor wafers including an elongate receptacle with lid with interior wafer-locating ribs and resilient arcuately curved wafer supports positioned beneath and over the edges of the wafers and resiliently clamping such wafers in fixed position.

Abstract: Wafer tongs for grasping semiconductor wafers and the like are provided with a pair of jaws and at least one wafer-contacting stop limiting the reach of the jaws onto the surface of a wafer from the wafer edge. The stops may take the form of jaw guides which extend from one jaw towards the other to maintain alignment of the jaws. In one embodiment, the guides are carried by a clip movably attached to one jaw for forward or rearward movement thereon to adjust the reach of the jaws onto a wafer. The forward ends of the jaws may be resilient so as to engage and flatten against surfaces of the wafer to improve the grip of the jaws and reduce wafer breakage.

Abstract: A distortion-resistant wafer basket with an open top for insertion and removal of wafers and opposed side and end walls with the side walls having lower portions offset inwardly. An end wall is provided with a transverse indexing bar across its width and gussets joining opposing side walls with the indexing bar and spaced axially inwardly of the outer surface of the end wall. The gussets strengthen the end wall against distortion, and co-act with the offset side walls to stiffen the basket and to restrain twisting or bowing of the side walls.