Abstract: An ultra-rugged biometric integrated circuit sensor and method for constructing the same is provided. The sensor comprises a sensing area and a control electronics area, and, as result of its construction, the sensor has a topology whereby the sensing area is elevated with respect to the control electronics area. In other words, a depression is created on the sensor surface that allows the control electronics to escape damaging impacts by external forces. According to one embodiment, the sensing area and control electronics area are structures such there is no overlap between either area, except where the sensing area is electrically coupled to the control electronics. According to another embodiment, the sensor further comprises a electric static discharge structure that creates a least resistant path to ground. The electric static discharge structure further protects the control electronics from high voltage surges encountered in normal operation.

Abstract: An MOS transistor having a closed layout plan in which the drain is laterally surrounded by the source and gate and having an extended charge carrier drift zone between the gate and drain, thereby achieving high reverse breakdown voltage. An oxide or other dielectric layer is provided on the surface of the drift zone, and on such layer between the gate and drain electrodes a crossover path is formed by a succession of unconnected narrow conductive strips extending transversely to such path and having a dielectric coating thereon. A high voltage external connection bus for the drain electrode traverses such crossover path and extends through a gap formed by a disjuncture in the gate and source electrodes. Since the length of each of the conductive strips greatly exceeds the width of the connection bus, the coupling capacitance between each strip and such bus in much less than the coupling capacitance between such strip and the underlying portion of the drift zone.

Abstract: A shoe protector for carpet installers and others whose shoe toes are subject to abrasion and chemical abuse. The protector cup includes a pair of superior stabilizers connected to the top of the protector cup and a pair of inferior stabilizers connected to the bottom of the protector cup. A superior and inferior stabilizer are each connected to a stabilizer ring which is in turn connected to a heel strap linking the two stabilizer rings. The stabilizer rings translate the rearward force of the heel strap into pulling forces on the superior and inferior stabilizers in order to allow the protector cup to be pulled not only rearward against the toe of the shoe, but also downward against the shoe toe top and upward against the shoe toe bottom for maximum gripping effect on the shoe.