Abstract: A device which rectifies and regulates high voltage alternating current without the use of transformers, large capacitive coupling circuits or high voltage linear regulators. The device includes a rectifier, a control circuit for sensing the output voltage of the rectifier and switching on and off the input power, a storage capacitor and a low voltage linear regulator. The control circuit, which incorporates a voltage sensing circuit and a switch, limits the output voltage of the rectifier as seen by the linear regulator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for supporting a fluid sampling device in an opening below a manhole cover. The apparatus contains a triangular shaped assembly of three tubular members joined together at a common juncture. At least one of the tubular members has an extending member to adapt the triangular shaped assembly to be connected beneath a manhole cover of varying sizes for different sized openings in a street.

Abstract: A high-speed sluice assembly and method for transporting semiconductor devices includes a slide along which the semiconductor devices are transported and two independently controlled stoppers which control the transport of the semiconductor devices along the slide. Each of the independently controlled stoppers is connected to a separate actuator. Each of the actuators is also independently controlled. Several sensors are coupled to the slide to determine the position of the semiconductor devices as they are transported along the slide.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly that is an improvement over the Jamshidi biopsy needle assembly is provided. The improved biopsy needle assembly includes a cannula with a uniform diameter internal surface defining an inner biopsy tissue sample receiving and retaining bore having projections thereon, and a stylet having rounded edges with at least one V-shaped groove at a distal cutting tip removably received within the bore of the cannula. The projections may be barbs, annular or spiral ribs that line the inner biopsy tissue sample receiving and retaining bore. The stylet may include a quick release knob for engaging with an improved coupling at the proximal end of the cannula. The improved coupling is substantially cylindrical with a cross handle substantially in the middle thereof. The coupling may also include internal threads engaging a syringe. The improved biopsy needle assembly permits more consistent acquisition of an adequate tissue sample for biopsy and is less painful to the patient.

Abstract: Lid 12 has affixed thereto an annular resilient flap 26 which cooperates with a flange 21 on a lid support 13 to resist dislodgement of the lid. The flap 26 i worked into position beneath the flange 21 by rotation of the lid about its axis. A container portion 34 of the lid may contain a granular material to add weight to the lid.

Abstract: A coupon catalogue comprising a pack of equal sized cards which is readily concealable and carried on the person in a clothing pocket or a purse or a wallet, which can be fanned to expose all of the cards in the pack for simultaneous viewing, and which can be utilized to obtain complimentary goods and services without requiring that portions of the catalogue be torn, punched, marked, or located by using a table of contents in the coupon catalogue.

Abstract: An improved integrated electrically adjustable analog transistor device is delineated wherein the device has multiple sub-structures to optimize performance of the device. One of the sub-structures is particularly well suited for charging the device's insulated gate. Additional sub-structures, each different in dimensions and electrical characteristics from the first sub-structure, are implemented for optimal use with an external electrical circuit.

Abstract: A voltage compensated oscillator circuit having a resistor capacitor (RC) circuit for setting a frequency of oscillation for the oscillator circuit. A switching circuit with hysterisis is coupled to the RC circuit for providing upper and lower threshold limits. The upper and lower threshold limits being used for controlling the direction of switching of the oscillator circuit. By adjusting the upper and lower threshold limits, one may compensate for voltage signal fluctuations so that the frequency of oscillation will not change due to power supply voltage fluctuations.

Abstract: A Christmas tree support apparatus and method is disclosed wherein a collar member is provided around a base portion of a Christmas tree. A radial extension member is removably connected to the collar and to a rod at one end thereof which connection between the radial extension member and the rod can be adjusted. The other end of the rod is connected to the Christmas tree above the center of gravity point thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for supporting DMA I/O devices. A PCI-PCI bridge is provided to support DMA I/O devices on the PCI bus. Through the use of two signal lines and a serial link, DMA transfers may be accomplished over the PCI bus. A PCI-ISA dock bridge is also provided to allow the system to support DMA I/O devices and ISA masters (i.e., any device including DMA I/O devices on the ISA bus that generates ISA cycles) on the ISA bus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming narrow thermal silicon dioxide side isolation regions in a semiconductor substrate and MOS or CMOS semiconductor devices fabricated by this method. A thin oxynitride lateral diffusion barrier to oxygen is used in conjunction with a polysilicon buffering stress relief layer on the surface of a semiconductor substrate prior to the field oxidation process to restrict lateral silicon dioxide expansion thereby permitting the creation of narrow thermal silicon dioxide side isolation regions in the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A storage, admixing, and dispensing system is shown. The storage, admixing, and dispensing system has a first vessel for retaining a first substance. A support structure is coupled to and seals the first vessel, and a second vessel is coupled to the support structure for containing a second substance. A release mechanism is coupled to the support structure for releasing the second vessel from the support structure for combining the first substance with the second substance. The second vessel is internal to and retained within the first vessel. The release mechanism comprises a resilient material pushbutton which also seals the second vessel. The second vessel is also an agitator for combining the first substance and the second substance. Additionally, the first vessel is a dispensing apparatus for dispensing the admixture. Further included is a safety mechanism coupled to the resilient material pushbutton for preventing accidental operation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: A radio direction finder based on the simulated Doppler frequency shift principle is disclosed that is applicable to FSK encoded pulsed transmissions. Typical applications include tracking of stolen vehicles or shipped package tracking. During FSK decoding, all antenna elements of the antenna array are turned on in a non-rotating mode thus eliminating error due to the simulated antenna rotation modulation while providing enhanced gain for the FSK decoder circuit. After decoding a suitable FSK signal, a virtual antenna rotation is enabled, and the bearing is measured during the time interval when the transmitter is only broadcasting a carrier wave.