Abstract: The present invention discloses a low voltage rail-to-rail CMOS input stage. The input stage includes a differential pail of P-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect (PMOS) transistors, which produces differential output current signal. The input stage further includes a pair of N-channel depletion-mode metal oxide semiconductor field effect (NMOS) transistors, coupled to the bulk terminals of the differential pair of PMOS transistors, for receiving an input signal. The depletion-mode NMOS transistors further act as source follower devices to drive the bulk terminals of the differential pair of PMOS transistors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 29, 2000
Date of Patent:
April 2, 2002
Assignees:
Gain Technology Corporation, Seiko Instruments, Inc.
Abstract: A sonic actuator including a multi-layer membrane having an elastomeric dielectric polymer layer with a first surface and a second surface, a first compliant electrode layer contacting the first surface of the polymer layer, and a second compliant electrode layer contacting the second surface of the polymer layer. The actuator further includes a support structure in contact with the sonic actuator film. Preferably, the dielectric polymer is selected from the group consisting essentially of silicone, polyurethane fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, isoprene, and ethylene propylene diene. Also preferably, the compliant electrode layer is made from the group consisting essentially of graphite, carbon, and conductive polymers. The support structure can take the form of grid having a number of circular apertures.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 19, 1999
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2002
Assignee:
SRI International
Inventors:
Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph S. Eckerle
Abstract: The present invention improves the human/computer interface by providing printable interfaces that enable a user to invoke and control computer processes. The present invention teaches an encoded physical medium suitable for use in interfacing a computer user and a computer system such that the user can control and/or access a plurality of computer implemented processes such computer applications and web pages. The encoded physical medium has a Linkmark and an instruction mark. Encoded within the Linkmark is machine readable linking information directing to a computer implemented process. Encoded within the instruction mark is a machine readable operating instruction that, when decoded, may be executed by the computer implemented process. The present invention also teaches that the marks can present human readable information related to the nature of the machine readable information stored therein.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 14, 1998
Date of Patent:
July 3, 2001
Assignee:
Interval Research Corporation
Inventors:
Thomas J. Dougherty, S. Joy Mountford, Daniel Cummings, Allison De Fren