Abstract: Strategic placement and patterning of electrodes, vias, and metal runners can significantly reduce strain in a power semiconductor die. By modifying the path defining electrodes, vias, and metal runners, as well as patterning the material layers thereof, strain can be better managed to increase reliability of a power semiconductor die.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for selective photomorphogenesis of plants by directly illuminating the plant stem or other plant structures using various wavelengths of light and various light sources. The methods and apparatus disclosed can be used in commercial agriculture, plant breeding research programs, genetically engineered plant research and development programs or anytime a plant grower desires to maximize the volumetric efficiency or reduced the height of a plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for selective photomorphogenesis of plants by directly illuminating the plant stem or other plant structures using various wavelengths of light and various light sources. The methods and apparatus disclosed can be used in commercial agriculture, plant breeding research programs, genetically engineered plant research and development programs or anytime a plant grower desires to maximize the volumetric efficiency or reduced the height of a plant.

Abstract: A synthetic nervous system (10) capable of rudimental learning and self-organization for robotic applications having a control circuit (190) and servo actuators (224) using oscillating continuously variable analog voltages to mimic natural bio-neural processes. Simple oscillators (1-8) capable of being modulated in frequency, phase, amplitude, and DC offset act as analog processing elements or oscillating infinite state machines. A central pattern generator (140) utilizing periodic, quasi-periodic, or chaotic oscillators or phase shifters, or a combination thereof, along with a basic motor neuron circuit (314) enables multiple servos to coordinate their behavior to enable bio-inspired locomotion such as walking, swimming, flapping, crawling, and the like. Sensors (200) interfaced to the control circuit (190) provide a wide range of adaptive behavior such as following a light source, avoiding an obstacle, and shifting balance point.

Abstract: A device designed to assist individuals who have limited use of their hands, the device including a motor-controlled clamp for gripping objects, a microprocessor coupled to the motor-controlled clamp for actuating the motor, an input transducer coupled to the controller to receive input commands from the user to initiate action by the motor-controlled clamp to selectively grip and release an object, and a base for removably attaching the device to the limb of a user, either via straps or to a cast or brace using fasteners.