Abstract: A bipolar high output current buffer is disclosed using a negative feedback current mirror to supply the base drive to an output transistor. Small quiescent currents are used wherein the buffer demonstrates low quiescent power dissipation. The current mirror supplies the incremental base drive to the output transistor to support high output currents. When the output drive may source or sink the high output currents, two current mirrors may be used, one for each of the source and the sinking circuitry. This invention provides for minimal loss of dynamic range.

Abstract: A buffer circuit includes an input terminal operable to receive an input signal and an output terminal at which an output signal for the buffer circuit is provided. In the buffer circuit, three transistors at most provide signal currents. Two of the three transistors can be matched. Means are provided for feeding back the output signal so that the two matched transistors are balanced in response to a change in the input signal appearing at the input terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing the gain stage of an amplifier which may result in high signal gain, stable quiescent bias, and which controls the current in the quiescent state. A bias reference signal is coupled to the base of a gain stage transistor, and a bias feedback signal is coupled to adjust the bias reference signal based on the bias current of the gain stage transistor. The bias reference signal can be coupled to an input signal that is input to the base of the gain stage transistor. A compensation element can be coupled to the base of the gain stage transistor to control the time response of the gain stage transistor.

Abstract: A station for mounting a steam/condensate responsive device in a condensate return line comprises a housing block having front and back faces, opposite end faces and top and bottom faces. The back face has a mount for removably mounting a steam/condensate responsive device. The end faces has inlet and outlet ports for connection in a condensate return line. The bottom face has a third port. An inlet valve and outlet valve are operatively interposed between and control flow between the mount and corresponding ones of the inlet and outlet ports. The inlet and outlet valves are located on and extending forward from the front face. The inlet and outlet valves are angled acutely upwardly along the front face. A compact manifold assembly mounts a plurality of such stations. A screen may be interposed between the inlet valve and mount to bar contaminant particles from the steam/condensate responsive device.

Abstract: A station for mounting a steam/condensate responsive device in a condensate return line comprises a housing block having front and back faces, opposite end faces and top and bottom faces. The back face has a mount for removably mounting a steam/condensate responsive device. The end faces has inlet and outlet ports for connection in a condensate return line. The bottom face has a third port. An inlet valve and outlet valve are operatively interposed between and control flow between the mount and corresponding ones of the inlet and outlet ports. The inlet and outlet valves are located on and extending forward from the front face. The inlet and outlet valves are angled acutely upwardly along the front face. A compact manifold assembly mounts a plurality of such stations. A screen may be interposed between the inlet valve and mount to bar contaminant particles from the steam/condensate responsive device.

Abstract: A non-linear function of an input voltage is provided by cascading multiplying digital-to-analog converters (mDACs) to provide a polynomial power series to approximate the non-linear function. Weighting functions are provided by fixed gain amplifiers.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit includes a differential amplifier providing a differential output signal across two output terminals. The differential amplifier receives the input signal whose input impedance is to be matched at one of the differential input terminals. The other one of the differential amplifier's input terminals is coupled to ground by a resistor. In one embodiment, feedback signal paths from the output terminals are provided by feedback resistors. In another embodiment, feedback signal paths from the output terminals are currents related by the ratio of the resistance of the resistor to the input impedance.

Abstract: A combination steam trap and flow valve assembly including a compact housing having a steam trap chamber, valve chambers, a cover, and a body. The steam trap and valve chambers are integrally formed within the body to create a compact integral assembly. Valve assemblies are received in the valve chambers to control the flow of steam and/or condensate into and out of the assembly. A steam trap mechanism is positioned within the steam trap chamber and the valve unit of the steam trap mechanism being positioned in the cover. The cover is removably attached to the uppermost surface of the body. Passages are provided in the body and cover thereby allowing the flow of steam and/or condensate to the steam trap chamber.

Abstract: A station for mounting a steam/condensate responsive device in a condensate return line comprises a housing block having front and back faces, opposite end faces and top and bottom faces. The back face has a mount for removably mounting a steam/condensate responsive device. The end faces has inlet and outlet ports for connection in a condensate return line. The bottom face has a third port. An inlet valve and outlet valve are operatively interposed between and control flow between the mount and corresponding ones of the inlet and outlet ports. The inlet and outlet valves are located on and extending forward from the front face. The inlet and outlet valves are angled acutely upwardly along the front face. A compact manifold assembly mounts a plurality of such stations.

Abstract: A wideband buffer is described which has improved slew rate over prior buffers. In one embodiment the buffer includes (a) complementary buffer subcircuit, (b) first and second current mirrors to bias the buffer subcircuit in a cross coupled manner, and (c) means of setting a stable quiescent operating point for the circuit.

Abstract: An improved current mirror is described which has utility as either a stand alone current source or as a gain block whenever current gain or transimpedance gain is required. When used as a current source the current mirror exhibits higher output impedance, and when used as a gain block, the current mirror exhibits improved higher frequency performance and high transimpedance gain than prior art current mirrors.

Abstract: A drill bit for connection on a drill string has a hollow tubular body with an end cutting face and an exterior peripheral stabilizer surface with cylindrical sintered carbide inserts positioned in recesses therein having polycrystalline diamond cutting elements mounted on said inserts. The inserts each also have a metal reinforcing shroud secured on the supporting face providing a reinforcement for the polycrystalline diamond cutting elements which is not subject to notch fracture. Each shroud is arranged so that a wall of the associated recess reinforces the shroud against shear forces and reinforces the stud against fracture.