Abstract: A four-region semiconductor device (that is a p-n-p-n or n-p-n-p device) including at least one further region utilizes integral FET structure for diverting carriers away from an interior region of the device and shunting them to a main current-carrying electrode of the device, whereby the device is provided with a turn-off capability. The device requires only a small amount of energy for its turn-off control gate, and utilizes a high percentage of its semiconductor body for carrying current through the device. High speed turn-off is achieved in a particular embodiment of the device.

Abstract: Analog-to-digital (AID) converters with power line frequency noise rejection by synchronization of the converter clock with the power line frequency through a phase locked loop. Both sigma delta and integrating A/D converters may use the synchronized clock to precisely reject power line frequency noise.

Abstract: A multiplexed sigma delta analog-to-digital (A/D) converter for low frequency applications has a single oversampling modulator together with a relatively high cutoff lowpass filter together with individual line frequency (50 or 60 Hz) rejection filters for each output channel.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for providing a current proportional to absolute temperature comprises circuitry for providing a first current exhibiting substantially zero temperature coefficient; circuitry for providing a second current exhibiting a negative temperature coefficient; and circuitry for summing the first and second currents for providing a third current proportional to absolute temperature.

Abstract: A stair climbing exercise apparatus for use within a pool of water comprises two steps mounted for reciprocal movement along vertically disposed guides, pulleys disposed at an upper end of the guides, and a cable interconnecting the two steps and extending around the pulleys. Mounted on each of the steps, for movement therewith, is a flap having a relatively large surface disposed perpendicularly to the direction of movements of the steps. In use, when one of the steps is moved downwardly by the foot of a user of the apparatus, the other step is moved upwardly by the interconnecting cable. The water resists movement of the flaps, hence provides resistance to downward movement of the steps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a capacitive switching network for producing signals of opposite polarity. In one embodiment of the invention, a first signal (V1) is applied to the first plate of a first capacitor (C1) and a second signal (V2) is applied to the first plate of a second capacitor (C2). The first plates of the first and second capacitors are then shorted together to produce a combined voltage (Vc). The generation of Vc causes an AC voltage equal to (Vc-V1) to be produced at the second plate of C1 and an AC voltage equal to (Vc-V2) to be produced at the second plate of C2. By way of example, for C1 equal to C2, there is produced a Vc equal to (V1+V2)/2. Furthermore, if V1 is greater than V2, a negative going AC signal equal to (VC-V1) is produced at the second plate of C1, and a positive going AC signal equal to (Vc-V2) is produced at the second plate of C2. The capacitive network of the invention is highly suited for use in high speed differential comparators.

Abstract: A non-linear current mirror amplifier includes a master diode-connected transistor in series with a resistor to provide a forward diode bias and a resistive drop. A slave transistor is forward biased by the forward diode bias and the resistive drop. A current splitter applies a fraction of an input current to the master diode-connected transistor.

Abstract: A differential amplifier embodying the invention includes a differential stage whose total output current is sensed and whose "tail" and output current is maintained relatively constant over a large common mode voltage range by means of a current feedback loop. This feature eenables the differential amplifier to accurately amplify low amplitude signals riding on a very large common mode signal. The tail current to the differential amplifier is supplied by a controllable current source. The tail current flows via two differentially connected transistors in two differential output terminals and is divided between them as a function of the voltage applied to two differential signal input terminals. The amplitude of the tail current is set by a current level setting current source connected to a summing node. An amplifier and current mirroring network is connected between the summing node and the controllable current source.

Abstract: An amplifier includes first and second amplifying stages with the first amplifying stage having an inverting input, a non-inverting input and an intermediate output node at which is produced a signal responsive to signals applied to the inverting and non-inverting inputs. The second amplifying stage has an input connected to the intermediate output node and an output connected to an amplifier output terminal. A selectively enabled transmission gate is connected in series with a capacitor between the input and the output of the second amplifying stage. The selectively enabled transmission gate means, when enabled, functions as a resistance which in combination with the capacitor provides frequency compensation for the amplifier. When the transmission gate is disabled, it functions to disconnect one side of the capacitor and eliminates its loading effect on the amplifier stage.

Abstract: A bedside grab bar or post for better enabling infirm persons to get into and out of a bed without assistance. The grab bar is in the shape of an inverted U including two vertical legs removably attachable to a bed side rail. The grab bar may be disposed along the length of the bed at an adjustable distance from the head of the bed to accommodate the user of the bed and has a relatively small width, thereby leaving ample space for movement onto and off the bed in the open space between the grab bar and the bottom end of the bed and without movement of the grab bar.

Abstract: A wrench of a conventional worm gear-rack mechanism type includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw adjustable by means of a worm gear in driving engagement with a rack mechanism of the movable jaw. The rack mechanism is movable within a slot extending through the fixed jaw; the slot being disposed to one side of an object gripping surface of the fixed jaw and along an axis perpendicular to the gripping surface. For locking the movable jaw in position when an object is being gripped between the two jaws, the movable jaw is provided with a threaded stud which extends axially of the slot and outwardly beyond an exterior surface of the fixed jaw. A nut is mounted on the stud portion extending beyond the exterior surface, the nut serving to prevent unclamping movement of the fixed jaw when the nut is screwed along the stud and into contact with the exterior surface.

Abstract: In exercise apparatus for underwater use including an apparatus frame, and movable members mounted on the frame to be moved by a user of the apparatus, flap members, e.g., flat plates, are mounted on the movable members for movement therewith within the surrounding water. The water resists movement of the flap means, hence provides resistance to movement of the members moved by the user. Disclosed are apparatus which, in use, simulate the movements of a cross-country skier, an ice-skating speed racer, and a rower of a row boat. Arrangements are also disclosed for selectively varying the resistance to movement provided by the flap members in response to the direction of movement of the movable members.

Abstract: Counting and division circuits include an input differential stage connected to a cross-coupled differential stage. The input stage includes first and second IGFETS whose gate electrodes are respectively connected to first and second inputs, whose drains are respectively connected to first and second outputs, and whose sources are connected to the drain of a third IGFET whose source is grounded. The cross-coupled stage includes fourth and fifth IGFETs which are cross-coupled in that the gate of the fourth IGFET and the drain of the fifth IGFET are directly connected to the first output and the gate of the fifth IGFET and the drain of the fourth IGFET are directly connected to the second output. The sources of the fourth and fifth IGFETs are connected in common to the drain of a sixth IGFET whose source is grounded.

Abstract: A method for scanning and decoding the symbols of a bar code label using a CCD image sensor viewing the bar code, and coupled to a signal processor and memory, wherein initially a start of scan (SOS) first level signal is sent from the processor to the CCD image sensor, a digital data signal representative of the bar code is read from the CCD sensor, and the representative data signal read from the CCD sensor is stored in memory. When the SOS signal is at a second signal level, the stored data is validated and decoded to determine if the representative data is valid or invalid. The SOS first level signal is immediately restarted in response to an invalid bar code data signal to recollect bar code data signals from the CCD sensor viewing the bar code so that the scanning steps are repeated, or the SOS first level signal is immediately restarted to re-scan the bar code symbols immediately after the data signal is found valid. Thus, the CCD data collecting scan rate is maximized.

Abstract: A comparator circuit includes first and second differential amplifier input stages to which are applied the same differential input signals with each stage being powered by first (V1) and second (V2) operating potentials. The first stage is only responsive to differential input signals ranging in value between V1 and a first state threshold voltage (V.sub.T1) above V2. The second state is only responsive to differential input signals ranging in value between V2 and a second state threshold (V.sub.T2) below V1. Each one of the first and second stages, when operative, produces output signals which can swing fully between V1 and V2 as a function of the input signals. The output signals of the first and second stages are combined in an OR'ing circuit to produce an output signal whose amplitude can swing over the full operating voltage applied to the first and second supply lines for values of differential input signals ranging between V1 and V2.

Abstract: A power-on reset circuit produces a momentary signal when the operating potential increases above a first threshold and when the operating potential decreases below a second threshold level. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit includes first and second IGFETs of first conductivity having their conduction paths connected in series between a positive operating terminal and a first node and third and fourth IGFETs of second conductivity having their conduction paths connected in series between the first node and a negative operating terminal. An inverter is connected at its input to the first node. The output of the inverter is coupled via a first feedback network to the intersection of the conduction paths of the third and fourth IGFETs to control the voltage level at which the third IGFET conducts when power ramps up.

Abstract: Underwater exercise apparatus includes at least one paddle, which is coupled to an axle causing the paddle to rotate in response to rotation of the axle. When under water, the paddle produces resistance to the rotation of the axle. In a preferred embodiment, the paddle may be made part of a treadmill for underwater use for varying the resistance to movement of the treadmill belt. In a treadmill embodying the invention, the axle of one of the rollers supporting the belt, which roller is tightly coupled to the belt, extends beyond the side edge of the belt. Directly connected to the extending end of the axle, for rotation therewith, is a paddle. In use, movement of the belt causes rotation of the paddle through the water. The water resists the movement of the paddle which, in turn, resists movement of the belt. The amount of resistance to belt movement is a function of the speed of movement of the belt and the size of the paddle which is designed to be readily changed as desired.

Abstract: A four-region semiconductor device (that is, a p-n-p-n or n-p-n-p device) including at least one further region utilizes integral FET structure for diverting carriers away from an interior region of the device and shunting them to a main current-carrying electrode of the device, whereby the device is provided with a turn-off capability. The device requires only a small amount of energy for its turn-off control gate, and utilizes a high percentage of its semiconductor body for carrying current through the device. High speed turn-off is achieved in a particular embodiment of the device.

Abstract: A system includes an upper driver circuit connected between a first source of voltage and a first point of reference potential, for driving the gate of a first switching device having a main current path connected between a second source of operating voltage and the first point of reference potential. The system further includes a lower driver circuit connected between a third source of operating voltage and a second point of reference potential, for driving the gate of a second switching device having a main current path connected between the first and second points of reference potential. Detection circuitry is included for detecting a common-mode dv/dt induced signal to disable the sensing of valid "ON" and "OFF" signals by the upper circuit, to prevent false triggering of the upper circuit.

Abstract: In exercise apparatus for underwater use including an apparatus frame, and movable members mounted on the frame to be moved by a user of the apparatus, flap members, e.g., flat plates, are mounted on the movable members for movement therewith within the surrounding water. The water resists movement of the flap members, hence provides resistance to movement of the members moved by the user. Disclosed are apparatus which, in use, simulate the movements of a cross-country skier, an ice-skating speed racer, and a rower of a row boat. Stop are also disclosed for selectively varying the resistance to movement provided by the flap members in response to the direction of movement of the movable members.