Abstract: A stacked package of semiconductor packaging units includes a direct electrical connection between leads of an upper semiconductor package unit, and includes direct electrical connections between selected leads of the upper semiconductor package unit and a lower semiconductor package unit. Leads of the upper semiconductor package unit are straightened, and chip-select and clock-enable leads are shortened and electrically connected to adjacent not-connected leads. Selected leads of the upper semiconductor package unit are electrically connected directly to underlying leads of the lower semiconductor packaging unit. Electrical connections preferably are solder connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing damage to a system due to runaway current and provides for the reactivation of the system. The shutdown and reactivation method and apparatus includes a driving circuit which supplies an output current to a load. If a runaway current condition occurs in the system the shutdown and reactivation apparatus is activated by triggering a shutdown signal which deactivates the driving circuit such that the output current is no longer supplied to the load. The shutdown signal activates a charging circuit, which supplies a charging current to the load. A first monitoring circuit is coupled with the load, and configured to monitor an output voltage across the load when the shutdown and reactivation apparatus is in the active state.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for optimizing the efficiency of a switching converter for converting a first voltage to a second voltage. The apparatus includes a regulator, a DC-to-DC converter and a controller. The controller couples with both the regulator and DC-to-DC converter, and the controller is configured to activate and deactivate the regulator and the DC-to-DC converter depending on an output demand. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to activate the regulator and deactivate the DC-to-DC converter when the output demand transitions from a first demand level to a second demand level. The controller is further configured to activate the DC-to-DC converter and to deactivate the regulator when the output demand transitions from the second demand level to the first demand level. The apparatus is configured to monitor demand, and to activate the DC-to-DC converter when demand is in a first state or activate the regulator when demand is in a second state.

Abstract: P-type and n-type regions are defined in the first surface of a substrate upon which is formed an epitaxial layer of preferably Si—Ge material, preferably capped by Si material. During epitaxy formation, dopant in the defined regions diffuses down to form p-type and n-type junctions in the Si material, and diffuses up to form p-type and n-type junctions in the Si—Ge epitaxial material. Si junctions are buried beneath the surface and are surface recombination velocity effects are reduced. Photon energy striking the second substrate surface generates electron-hole pairs that experience the high bandgap of the Si materials and the low bandgap of the Si—Ge epitaxy. The tandem structure absorbs photon energy from about 0.6 eV to about 3.5 eV and exhibits high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting phase shift defects in a photomask is provided by scanning the photomask for the defect and determining locations of at least one defect. Following the determination of the location of a defect, the defect is three-dimensionally analyzed producing three-dimensional results. Utilizing the three-dimensional results, a focus ion beam (FIB) is directed onto the defect to eliminate the defect. The FIB is controlled by an etch map which is generated based on the three-dimensional results. To provide further precision to the repairing of the photomask, test patterns of the FIB are generated and three-dimensionally analyzed. The three-dimensional test pattern results are further utilized in generating the etch map to provide greater control to the FIB.

Abstract: A debinding apparatus for inclusion in a machine adapted to bind together sheets formed with first apertures spaced longitudinally on one edge thereof. The machine uses a first narrow thermoplastic strip which has studs projecting therefrom and spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets and a second narrow strip formed with second apertures spaced complementary to the first apertures in the sheets. The machine has a frame and a platen for supporting the second strip with the sheets superimposed on the second strip and the studs of the first strip extending through the first and second apertures and protruding below the second strip. In addition, the machine includes a plurality of cutting elements, heating elements for heating the cutting elements, and a mechanism for moving the cutting elements to cut off excess stud length and to initiate the formation of heads on the ends of the studs.

Abstract: A clamp to retain thighs in eviscerated poultry from which the legs and feet have been removed in trussed condition is formed of wire having a central, U-shaped portion. On either side of the U-shaped portion, the wire is symmetric and extends in a backward stretch at about a 90.degree. angle and then bends in an outward stretch into a plane at an angle to both the backward stretch and the U-shaped portion. In the aforesaid plane, the wire extends in an outward-downward stretch, a convex stretch and then a concave stretch. Below the concave stretch is a straight stretch which terminates in a hook stretch at about a 90.degree. angle to the straight stretch. In use, the hook stretches are inserted inside the poultry carcass and their ends fit into the kidney cavities of the carcass. The straight stretches extend out of the tail opening of the carcass.

Abstract: A retainer for attachment to the body of eviscerated poultry having a spine and hocks to hold the hocks together. The retainer includes an anchor element having an arcuate central portion and opposed hooks extending from the central portion for hooking about the spine. An apparatus is provided for holding the hocks together in juxtaposition to each other. At least one connector joins the anchor element to the holding apparatus. In the preferred embodiments, the anchor element, holding apparatus and connector are integrally formed from plastic. The anchor element is generally annular and the central portion thereof is generally planar.