Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel semiconductor device and the method of making it. A novel field effect transistor (FET) has a channel region which is heavily doped under the gate and between the gate and the source of the FET. The channel region between the gate and the drain is lightly doped. The FET is formed on a heavily doped semiconductor substrate. The method of making the novel FET comprises providing a mask layer over a lightly doped channel region and forming openings in the mask layer such that a portion of the mask is located at the gate location and has a predetermined width and height. Ion implanting is performed at a predetermined angle such that a first portion of the channel adjacent the source is heavily doped and a second portion of the channel adjacent the drain is not exposed due to the height of the mask at the gate.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a multi-function wilderness seat/backpack/sled combination capable of functioning as a supporting device, a backpack or a light weight sled. The combination comprises a base section having first and second ends and first and second sides. The combination also comprises first and second end sections each having first and second sides, the first end section having a first end hingeably attached to the first end of the base section and the second end section having the first end hingeably attached to the second end of the base section. Each of the end sections has an upwardly extending portion on a second end. In a closed position the upwardly extending portions on the second ends of the first and second end sections meet to form a substantially box-like structure with the base section. In an open position the first and second end sections lie substantially in a common plane with the base section to form a sled-like structure.

Abstract: A solid state relay is responsive to a control signal and is used with an impedance load and a source of alternating electrical power. The solid state relay is used to connect and disconnect the load from the source of alternating electrical power. The solid state relay turns on in response to a control signal and to a substantially zero voltage crossing of the alternating electrical power of the source. The solid state relay turns off in response to the control signal and to a substantially zero current crossing of the alternating electrical power of the source.

Abstract: A gallium arsenide differential line receiver circuit has a first and second receiver means for receiving first and second differential input signal voltages. A pair of depletion transistor means for transforming the signal voltages into corresponding signal currents provides pull-up, and the depletion transistors have their gates operatively connected to the first and second receiver means. A pair of enhancement transistor means is operatively connected to the pair of depletion transistor means for outputting a gallium arsenide signal representation of the first and second differential input signal voltages. Positive feedback is provided for increasing the gain of the pair of enhancement transistors and is operatively connected to the pair of enhancement transistors. Shunting means is also provided for reducing hysteresis switching and is operatively connected to the pair of enhancement transistors.

Abstract: A screwdriver tool provides positive engagement with screw having a head with a straight slot. An end portion is substantially flat, but is wider at its midpoint than at its ends. A tapering segment extends from the end portion and an engagement area is defined on the side of the segment. Engagement initially occurs at a location intermediate to the ends and midpoint of the end portion. As torque on the screwdriver is increased the engagement extends toward the midpoint and up the side of the segment.

Abstract: An adjustable connector secures an outer covering of an electrical line to an outlet box having an opening therein for receiving the connector. The connector comprises a body having a first open end and a second open end for insertion into the opening in the outlet box. The connector is secured in the opening of the outlet box and is contained within the second end of the body. A holder for holding the outer covering of the electrical line is also provided and is contained within the first end of the body.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a substantially constant capacitance circuit for use with an external circuit having a variable voltage signal across first and second terminals. The circuit produces a constant capacitance across the terminals as the voltage signal varies. The value of capacitance is adjustable. The capacitance circuit comprises a first variable voltage source having its positive terminal operatively connected to the first terminal and a second variable voltage source having its positive terminal operatively connected to the second terminal. First, second, third and fourth reverse biased diodes are provided. The first diode is connected across the first voltage source and the fourth diode is connected across the second voltage source. The second diode is connected from one side of the first voltage source to the opposed side of the second voltage source and the third diode is connected between the first and second voltage sources in an opposite configuration to the second diode.

Abstract: A low voltage series pass regulator configuration has an input terminal for receiving a predetermined input voltage and an output terminal operatively connected to a load. The regulator comprises at least one field effect transistor in a source follower configuration. The drain of the field effect transistor is operatively connected to the input terminal and the source is operatively connected to the output terminal which provides an output voltage across the load. In one embodiment of the present invention a current limiter is operatively connected between the source and a gate of the field effect transistor. In another embodiment of the present invention a comparator for comparing the output voltage to a first reference voltage is provided. The comparator supplies a control voltage, indicative of the value of the output voltage compared to the first reference voltage, to the gate of the field effect transistor.

Abstract: A star coupler is described in which a plurality of optical fibers are embedded in a first rigid substrate. The fibers may be etched or polished to a core area to expose a first evanescent coupling zone. A second substrate has one or more optical fibers embedded in the second substrate. The optical fibers in the second substrate are similarly etched or polished to expose a second evanescent zone area. The two substrates are then placed in juxtaposition with each other so that the first and second evanescent zones are in close proximity to one another so that evanescent coupling may occur between the plurality of fibers in the first evanescent zone and one or more optical fibers in the second evanescent zone.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts an electrostatic grey tone printing device having a writing head for use with dielectric paper. The printing device comprises recording electrodes on the writing head having a substantially elongated cross-sectional geometry such that a width dimension is significantly less than a length dimension. Complementary electrodes are operatively associated with the recording electrodes and have a predetermined cross-sectional geometry. A means is provided for applying a first voltage of one polarity to one or more of the recording electrodes, and a means is provided for applying a second voltage of opposite polarity to one or more of the associated complementary electrodes. The printing device also comprises a means for advancing the dielectric paper past the complementary and recording electrodes in increments substantially equal to the width of the recording electrodes. The recording electrodes are oriented such that their width dimension is parallel to the direction of advancing paper.

Abstract: A medical power service column for use in a hospital room for supplying electrical power, lighting and gases and also for providing a centralized support for medical equipment. The medical column comprises a lower column section having an upper end and a lower end in contact with the floor of the hospital room, a see-through section having a first end attached to the upper end of the lower column section for providing increased visibility in the hospital room and a second end extending upward toward the ceiling of the hospital room, and an upper column section attached to the second end of the see-through section for supplying room lighting for the hospital room.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a combination handle and cover apparatus for use with a plug-in device having an electrical terminal strip on a front end. The device is contained within a mainframe assembly. The apparatus comprises first and second means. The first means is for covering the electrical terminal strip and for inserting the device into and removing the device from a mainframe assembly. A second means is attached to the first means and is also hingably attached to the front end of the device such that in an open position the first means functions as a handle and in a closed position the first means functions as a cover.

Abstract: An automatic phase compensation circuit is disclosed for use with carrier transducers. A quadrature oscillator drives the carrier transducer and provides phase reference and quadrature reference signals to a phase shifter. The phase shifter provides phase shifted reference signals. The return signal from the carrier transducer is separately demodulated with respect to each of the phase shifted reference signals. The demodulated signal with respect to the phase shifted quadrature reference signal is converted into a DC control signal which controls the amount of the phase shift of the phase shifter. The phase shifter receives the quadrature reference signal into a variable gain amplifier controlled by the DC control signal. The output of the variable gain amplifier is summed with the phase reference signal. The resultant summation is a phase shifted reference signal with the control signal controlling the amount of phase shift.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts a novel gas switch comprising a membrane having at least one passageway separating a first gas containing region from a second gas containing region. The gas switch also comprises a liquid having a low vapor pressure contained at least within the passageway of the membrane. The liquid is contained in the passageway when a pressure difference between the first and second regions is less than a first predetermined value, thereby preventing a gas exchange between the first and second regions. When the pressure difference across the membrane exceeds a second predetermined value the liquid substantially flows out of the passageway, thereby opening the passageway for a gas exchange between the first and second regions; and when the pressure difference across the membrane is reestablished at a value less than the first predetermined value, the fluid flows back into the passageway thereby closing the passageway and ending the gas exchange between the first and second region.

Abstract: A timing circuit for charging motive power batteries (B). The timing control circuit (25) provides different times of charge in accordance with the time at which a predetermined voltage/current state of the battery is achieved. Control circuit (25) cooperates with a controller (18) in causing termination of the charging operation immediately upon reaching of the voltage/current state if this occurs in a first time slot of an initial control time period. The timing circuit (25) provides an automatic finish time period of charge if the battery (B) reaches the predetermined voltage/current state at some time during the initial control time period. The control includes a switch (23) permitting the user to cause an automatic additional amount of charging upon completion of the normal charging cycle effected by the control, such as for effecting a weekend charge.

Abstract: An ink jet tip assembly in which the individual jets are comprised of a piezoelectric cylinder having a longitudinally through bore, a glass ink nozzle disposed in the cylinder bore and a low melting temperature alloy interposed between the bore and the nozzle for anchoring the nozzle to the piezoelectric cylinder. The method of assembly for the individual jet tip assemblies comprises inserting the glass ink nozzle into the cylinder bore which contains the anchoring alloy in a molten form. A method of checking for flaws in the cylinder comprises fluxing the cylinder bore for allowing flux to pass through any cylinder pinholes or cracks. Upon introducing solder for coating the interior cylinder wall, some solder will appear as shining spots or areas on the cylinder exterior wall.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel light fixture having a base, a support section and a cover with means for connecting electrical components on the base with electrical lighting components on the support section. The support section and cover can be assembled and disassembled from the base without the use of any tools.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel reversing conveyer track for changing the orientation, direction and spacing of books for use with book construction machinery. The reversing conveyor track first comprises a means for accepting the books and for establishing a predetermined spacing of the books. The means for accepting the books outputs the books with a predetermined velocity. The conveyor track further comprises a means for orienting and directing the books which is attached to the means for accepting the books. The orienting of the books is a change from an edge position to a side position and the direction of the books is a direction of movement different from the input movement direction of books to the means for accepting the books.

Abstract: A diode switching system for use with an electrographic writing system is disclosed. The switching system has a high storage charge diode with a capacitor connected to its anode which defines an output. Once the diode is charged, application of a large drive voltage to the free end of the capacitor will short the voltage through the diode due to the stored charge of the diode, thus preventing the stylus from writing. When the diode has not been charged, application of a large drive voltage will be coupled through the capacitor thus powering the writing stylus.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel frictional locking non-rotatable strain relief clamp for securing an electrical conductor which is attached to an electrical plug or socket and for relieving strain on the attachment of the conductor and plug or socket. The strain relief clamp comprises a first clamp section having front and back walls and a curved side wall. The back wall has a radially extending narrow slot centered in the first clamp section. A second clamp section also has front and back walls and a curved side wall. The back wall has a radially extending narrow slot centered in the second clamp section. A means for holding the first clamp section to the second clamp section is provided such that the back wall of the first clamp section aligns with the back wall of the second clamp section. The strain relief clamp further comprises a unitary adapter having two retaining means for slideably engaging the slots in the first and second clamp sections.