Abstract: A variable gain amplifier comprising a differential input amplifier comprising a pair of transistors each having an input across which an input voltage is provided, the transistors being coupled such that each transistor is provided in series with a respective current source providing a reference current and whereby a current is developed across a resistor element coupling the transistors that is proportional to the voltage between the inputs; further comprising further transistors each coupled in series with a transistor of the transistor pair, and wherein the further transistors are arranged such that a current is developed in each further transistor due to the voltage provided across the inputs that is substantially equal to, in one further transistor, a sum of the reference current and the current in the resistor element, and in the other further transistor, a difference between the reference current and the current in the resistor element; further comprising a gain stage for developing currents equal to

Abstract: A process for etching a thick aluminum contact layer of a semiconductor wafer comprises the formation of a wet etch photoresist mask and the opening of a window in the mask, followed by a wet etch of a first portion of the thickness of the contact layer exposed by the window and the inherent under cutting of the contact layer under the mask window. A dry etch is next carried out, using the same window as a mask, to cut the remaining web of the contact layer under the window. An etch stop layer of Ti or TiN can be formed within the body of the contact layer to define the depth of the initial wet etch into the contact layer.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method and system are disclosed for certifying contents of a correspondence sent from a sender to a recipient. Steps and modules are provided for receiving by an information processor over a communication network an electronic file from a sending workstation associated with the correspondence. Further recipient information is received over the communication network that represents the recipient of the correspondence, and an electronic copy of the electronic file is preferably generated. The electronic copy includes identifying coded information. Thereafter, the coded electronic copy is output as a physical document, and then imaged to create an electronic imaged copy. The electronic imaged copy is stored in a database, and the physical document is delivered to the recipient. The electronic imaged copy is retained and stored in the database as a certification of physical document sent to the recipient.

Abstract: To make more effective use of the circumference of arm rotation while assisting the arm rotation in terms of the rotatability of an arm that holds a camera head, resulting in a more compact device. The imaging device 100 holds a camera head 120 against a table 110 by means of a camera holding arm 140, and the camera holding arm 140 is axially supported rotatably so that the degree of incline relative to the table 110 is variable. A coil spring 260 is incorporated in a through hole 203b, as well as a recess 143k continuous therewith, about the axis of a first subaxial pin 220 aligned with the axis of the arm axial support. The coil spring 260 assists rotation by building up coil spring stress while the camera holding arm 140 (base 143) rotates toward the table 110, and by allowing the coil spring stress to be exerted in the form of assisting force on the arm when the base 143 rotates in such a way that the angle of incline with the table 110 expands.

Abstract: A circuit for enabling an IC having a normal mode for performing normal functions and a program mode for programming settings of the IC to use same pins in both modes. The circuit includes an input circuit for receiving the input data; internal circuits for processing the input data in the normal mode; a program circuit for processing the input data in the program mode, a program enable circuit for providing a program enable signal for switching the IC from the normal to the program mode; and a demultiplexer circuit for providing the input data as normal data to internal circuits when the IC is in the normal mode and as program data to the program circuit when the IC is in the program mode.

Abstract: High-density components and products as well as processes for making high-density components and products are disclosed. One exemplary component, among others, includes a boron carbide component comprised of a homogeneous boron carbide powder. The component has at least a 93% relative density (RD) and a Vickers hardness of at least 2000 kg/mm2.

Abstract: A substrate holding device according to the present invention comprises: a motor; a rotating shaft rotated by the driving force of the motor; a spin base coupled to the rotating shaft and rotated integrally with the rotating shaft; a cover member surrounding the motor and having its one end arranged in the vicinity of the spin base; a rotating ring fixed to a surface, opposite to the cover member, of the spin base; a fixed ring arranged opposite to the rotating ring along the axis of the rotating shaft; a spring provided at the one end of the cover member for elastically urging the fixed ring toward the rotating ring; and clean gas supply mechanism for supplying clean gas to a space between the rotating ring and the fixed ring.

Abstract: A circuit for converting from an input serial pulse code modulated (PCM) digital signal to an output pulse width modulated (PWM) digital signal for driving a switching audio amplifier requiring a pulse width modulated input signal, the circuit comprising a sample rate converter receiving the input serial PCM digital signal at a first sampling frequency and converting the input serial PCM digital signal to a second serial PCM digital signal at a second frequency if the first sampling frequency is lower than the second frequency, a digital filter stage for up-sampling the second serial PCM digital signal to a third frequency and converting the second serial PCM digital signal to a parallel digital signal, a volume control stage receiving the parallel digital signal and generating a volume adjusted parallel digital signal in accordance with a digital volume command control signal, a digital cross-point estimator stage for calculating a cross-point between the volume adjusted parallel digital signal and a digital

Abstract: A structure for the transport, installation and dismantlement of a deck (2) of a fixed oil platform (1) for maritime use, the structure including a floating U-shaped hull (11) fitted with at least three lifting legs (12) adapted so as to rest upon the bottom of the sea, each lifting leg (12) being associated with mechanical displacement units (20), and a shuttle (30) which can be displaced along the lifting legs (12) by the hull (11) and which is applied to the lower surface of the deck (2) in a support position for the deck, the shuttle (30) being provided with locks (36, 37) for locking on the lifting legs (12). A method for the transport, installation and dismantlement of a deck of a fixed oil platform is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for distributing a lumpy bulk material, in particular iron ore which has been at least partially prereduced, onto an extensive surface, in particular onto a fixed bed, this surface extending within a reactor or vessel used in physical or chemical process technology, in particular in a reactor used in a metallurgical plant to produce pig iron or primary steel products, and the lumpy bulk material being charged via at least one charging apparatus, which has at least two, in particular rotationally symmetrical, chutes, which are preferably arranged at the same distance from the vertical longitudinal axis of the reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic plants and plant cells comprising a reduced expression of invertase inhibitors. The modification of the expression of the invertase inhibitors is achieved by introducing a cDNA sequence in an antisense orientation with respect to a promoter. The expression of the antisense DNA sequence is under the regulation of either the CaMV35S promoter or a tissue specific promoter.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus is provided for a linear motor that comprises a coil assembly and a magnet assembly, wherein the coil assembly generates heat during operation. The cooling apparatus comprises a compressed air inlet positioned to discharge compressed air in a direction directly towards a gap between the coil assembly and magnet assembly, and an inclined surface extending from the compressed air inlet and sloping at an obtuse angle away from the discharge direction of the compressed air. The compressed air inlet is configured to discharge the compressed air at a sufficient velocity so as to entrain atmospheric air along the inclined surface to amplify the compressed air that is discharged.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source comprises a semiconductor switch having a control input, a triggering circuit, a timing circuit, and a status indicator circuit. Preferably, the status indicator circuit includes a light-emitting diode in a rectifier bridge. In a first embodiment, the status indicator circuit is coupled in series with a capacitor in the timing circuit such that the status indicator is illuminated to a dim level when the load is not powered and the status indicator is illuminated to a bright level when the load is powered. In a second embodiment, the status indicator circuit is coupled in series with a control input of the semiconductor switch such that the status indicator is not illuminated when the load is not powered and the status indicator is illuminated when the load is powered.

Abstract: Golf club, comprising a shaft, which at one end thereof carries a striking head, which on the topside thereof facing the other end of the shaft has a pattern including a first line that extends parallel to a side face of the striking head, which forms a striking surface against a golf ball, two second lines connecting to ends of the first line and diverging at the same angle (?) from the ends of the first line and approaching the stroke surface, the angle (?) being in the range of 5-35.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which includes a laterally extending stack of laterally adjacent conductive semiconductor regions formed over a support surface of a substrate, and a method for fabricating the device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a schottky device and a trench type semiconductor switching device such as a MOSFET formed in a common die.