Abstract: Methods and devices to detect defects in gate oxides of MOSFETs are disclosed. The disclosed methods and devices rely upon current measurements or decay measurements of the voltages across MOS capacitors. The described devices can be implemented in the RF circuits with elements having stringent reliability requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling separate series or stacks of structural or shear walls of a multistory building are disclosed. The method comprises constructing a plurality of stacks of shear walls and attaching a rigid coupling member to the top of at least two of the stacks of shear walls between the stacks such that the walls are connected to the rigid coupling member and move together with the coupling member. The apparatus is a rigid coupling member, which may be a beam, such as an I-beam or rectangular beam, made from poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The coupling member may also be a wall of poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The attached rigid member acts to connect the tops of independent stacks of shear walls typically used to build multistory buildings, thereby creating a flexural moment at the top of the building that helps the building resist lateral loads.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling separate series or stacks of structural or shear walls of a multistory building are disclosed. The method comprises constructing a plurality of stacks of shear walls and attaching a rigid coupling member to the top of at least two of the stacks of shear walls between the stacks such that the walls are connected to the rigid coupling member and move together with the coupling member. The apparatus is a rigid coupling member, which may be a beam, such as an I-beam or rectangular beam, made from poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The coupling member may also be a wall of poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The attached rigid member acts to connect the tops of independent stacks of shear walls typically used to build multistory buildings, thereby creating a flexural moment at the top of the building that helps the building resist lateral loads.

Abstract: A first concrete element has a connecting member, and the connecting member of the first concrete element has a hole extending therethrough. A second concrete element has a connecting member, and the connecting member of the second concrete element has a threaded hole. A bolt is inserted through the hole of the connecting member of the first concrete element and is threadably secured into the threaded hole of the connecting member of the second concrete element so as to join the first and second concrete elements together. The connecting member of the second concrete member may be ductile so that earthquake energy may be dissipated in order to prevent significant structural damage in the presence of an earthquake.

Abstract: A masonry structure reinforcing and confinement apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the structural integrity under stress of masonry structures formed of a plurality of stacked masonry units. The apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected reinforcing members and is positionable between adjacent surfaces of tiers, or courses, of masonry units so that some members extend between the opposite walls of the masonry units with selected portions of the apparatus being secured in the horizontal mortar joint thereat.