Abstract: A conventional ESD protection circuit comprises an SCR and a first diode connected in series between ground and a node or pad to be protected and a second diode connected between ground and the node to be protected. An anode of the first diode and a cathode of the second diode are connected to the node to be protected. In one embodiment of the invention, the capacitance of the second diode is reduced by forming the second diode from a PN junction between a heavily doped region of one conductivity type and a substrate region instead of a well region of the opposite conductivity type. The reduction in the capacitance of the second diode makes it possible to increase the size of the first diode and SCR, thereby decreasing their resistance, while keeping the total capacitance of the ESD circuit at or below the capacitance of the prior art ESD circuit.

Abstract: A multi-segment capacitor fabricated on a semiconductor substrate includes M×N capacitor segments arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns. Each capacitor segment includes two groups of conductive fingers preferably made of metal wires. The metal wire fingers are distributed within multiple metal layers in such a manner that two neighboring parallel metal wire fingers within a particular metal layer are electrically insulated and connected to different terminals of the capacitor. Further, at least the longitudinal axes of the parallel metal wire fingers within two different metal layers are not parallel to each other within the same capacitor segment.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel device for climbing inside corners, outside corners, and a variety of surfaces. The technology presented herein relies on high friction materials, suction devices, adhesive materials, pneumatic devices, etc. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are designed to clamp onto inside or outside corners such that the devices weight, and an optional load, can be supported. Further embodiments allow the device to climb up, down, and across corners. Moreover, embodiments that can scale flat, rough, or jagged surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: This relates to a sense circuit to detect an ESD event and turn on an SCR to discharge the ESD event. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit comprises a resistor in the signal path to/from an I/O buffer, a sense circuit in parallel with the resistor, an SCR connected between ground and a node between the resistor and the I/O pad, and an I/O buffer connected between ground and the other end of the resistor. When the sense circuit detects a significant voltage drop across the resistor, it injects current into the SCR, thereby turning on the SCR and discharging the ESD event.

Abstract: The present invention is a trigger device useful, for example, in triggering an SCR in an ESD protection circuit. Illustratively, an NMOS trigger device comprises a gate and heavily doped P and N regions in a P-well on opposite sides of the gate. A first N type source/drain extension and a first P-type pocket region extend from the P region toward the N region with the pocket region located under the source/drain extension and extending under the gate. A second N-type source/drain extension and a second P-type pocket region extend from the N region toward the P region with the pocket region located under the source/drain extension and extending under the gate. Preferably, the gate itself is heavily doped so that one half of the gate on the side adjacent the heavily doped P region is also heavily doped with dopants of P-type conductivity and the other half of the gate on the side adjacent the heavily doped N region is also heavily doped with dopants of N-type conductivity.

Abstract: A temperature-dependent attenuator including one or more temperature-dependent resistors disposed in series with a transmission line and an inductive element shunting at least one of the temperature-dependent resistors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mass spectrometry and the analysis of chemical samples, and more particularly to ion guides for use therein. The invention described herein comprises an improved method and apparatus for transporting ions from a first pressure region in a mass spectrometer to a second pressure region therein. More specifically, the present invention provides a segmented ion funnel for more efficient use in mass spectrometry (particularly with ionization sources) to transport ions from the first pressure region to the second pressure region.

Abstract: A secure telephone call management system is provided for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. Authentication of the users of the telephone call management system is accomplished by using a personal identification number, biometric means, and/or radio frequency means. The secure telephone call management system includes accounting software capable of limiting access to the system based on funds in a user's account or other related limitations. The system includes management software capable of implementing widespread or local changes to the system and is further capable of modifying or setting any number of user account parameters.

Abstract: A secure telephone call management system is provided for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. Authentication of the users of the telephone call management system is accomplished by using a personal identification number, biometric means, and/or radio frequency means. The secure telephone call management system includes accounting software capable of limiting access to the system based on funds in a user's account or other related limitations. The system includes management software capable of implementing widespread or local changes to the system and is further capable of modifying or setting any number of user account parameters.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product is provided for establishing real-time communications between computer users connected by a communications network. An invitation is created by a first computer. An invitation is data that proposes a communication session. An invitation can indicate the status or availability of the sending user or of some other resource. Creation of the invitation is followed by the transfer of the invitation from the first computer to at least one second computer. The invitation can be transferred electronically through the network, or physically, by the transfer of a magnetic medium bearing the invitation. The invitation contains parameters to configure an invitation communicator application for communications between the first and second computers. The second computer accepts the invitation and invokes an invitation communicator application to allow communication.

Abstract: A system and method for the auction and tender of complex multi-variable commodities, which are defined as commodities having a plurality of characteristics with each characteristic's value contributing to the determination of the commodity price. The system and method are implemented using an exception handling process whereby a tender participant requests exceptions to the terms and conditions of the original tender. The original tender serves as the baseline tender all participants bid on. Exceptions are changes that are priced in addition to the baseline bid. The suggested auction and tender winners are determined based on the their baseline bids. The winner can execute accepted exceptions for an additional fee.

Abstract: A method for migrating information, and a migrator for migrating information, are disclosed. The method may include extracting organizational information from at least two service providers, accessing a first at least one of the at least two service providers upon selection of a migration selection interface by the user, receiving of a first plurality of information related to the user from one of the service providers, accessing a second at least one of the at least two service providers, and writing the first plurality of information to the second at least one of the at least two service providers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to direct ions away from their otherwise intended or parallel course. Deflectors are used to establish electric fields in regions through which ions are to pass. With such electric fields, ions may be deflected to a desired trajectory. According to the present invention, a multideflector, in the form of a series of bipolar plates spaced evenly across the ion beam path, is used as an ion deflector.