Abstract: An input buffer for a CMOS integrated circuit comprises parallel pairs of complementary PMOS pull-up and NMOS pull-down transistors. For each NMOS transistor, a polysilicon NMOS gate lead structure includes three sections: a heavily doped gate section, an undoped resistor section, and a heavily doped contact section. The heavily doped contact section is contacted by a metal delivering a logic low voltage (V.sub.SS) so that the NMOS gate is resistively coupled to V.sub.SS. This resistance cooperates with the gate to drain resistance to define a voltage divider between V.sub.SS and V.sub.IN. This voltage divider leaves the gate at a small positive voltage during an electrostatic discharge event. This ensures that all NMOS transistors of a buffer become current bearing before any of them enters second breakdown. This arrangement maximizes input-buffer protection from electrostatic discharge events. The novel NMOS arrangement is readily compatible with CMOS fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a gas chromatography injection port includes a two-piece septum. The two-piece septum includes a syringe seal for sealing an injection needle and a duckbill seal for sealing the injection port when the needle is not inserted. The syringe seal includes three annular ribs in its aperture. At the aperture base is a sealing rib that provides the main sealing function for the syringe seal. Just above the sealing rib is a stress-relief rib. At the top of the aperture is a wiping rib. The wiping rib wipes dust on the needle exterior so that it does not enter the aperture. Dust entering the aperture can be retained in the relatively large dust pocket between the wiping rib and the strain-relief rib. The septum is held in place by a septum nut that has a recess above the wiping rib for holding dust removed from the needle by the wiping rib. A washer in the recess prevents the syringe seal from deforming into the recess.

Abstract: A phase-controlled power modulation system switches modes in response to circuit-threatening conditions to avert the necessity of a shutdown. Normal operation is in reverse phase control (RPC) mode. When an inductive load sensor detects the presence an inductive load, the system switches to a forward phase control (FPC) mode (FPC) to minimize voltage spikes that would otherwise result from the load's opposition to voltage transitions. When an overcurrent sensor detects an overcurrent, the system switches into an asymmetric hybrid mode (AHPC) to maximize delivered power while remaining within switch current handling capacity. In AHPC mode, an RPC component of a half-cycle waveform is cut off at the current limit, while an FPC component of the same half-cycle waveform is triggered after the source voltage drops to a confidence threshold below the current limit to ensure that current limiting is not triggered again during the same half-cycle.

Abstract: Discloses a kind of built-up inner floating ceiling for use in an oil storage tank, with a view to removing electrostatic effects. The ceiling comprised a skeleton and plastic buoys concentrically arranged thereon, under which there is provided a metallic net in contact with oil, said buoys being pressed from both sides by radial beams of said skeleton, and placed between peripheral beams at rear and front, with a cover plate at top and said metallic net at bottom, so that they are in contact with conductors at any side. Further, wires leading to the top of the oil tank are connected to said cover plates, and said buoys are filled with a conductive additive to remove accumulation of electrostatic charge. Such a floating ceiling can, therefore, be free from any electrostatic effects.

Abstract: A method and circuit for reverse phase control of alternating current being delivered to a load are disclosed wherein voltage-controlled semiconductor switches, such as MOSFET's and IGBT's, are used as electronic switches to conduct voltage during the leading edge of the AC voltage cycle and conduction is terminated when the desired phase angle of the current flow has been reached. The disclosed method and circuit eliminate the need for zero crossing detection of the AC waveform and ensure that the voltage-controlled switches are always turned on before the zero crossing thereby minimizing radiated interference and incandescent lamp hum. The method used is primarily digital in nature making mechanical input or electronic input for the power control equally efficient to implement.