Abstract: An auxiliary line driver (514) able to sense data driven on a signal path (502) by a primary line driver (512), and then drive the data on the signal path (502). The auxiliary driver (514) allows a small primary line driver (512) to drive a large load, or a large number of loads (504, 506) without consuming a large area in the region where the primary line driver (512) is fabricated. The auxiliary line driver is particularly useful for driving the memory array of a micromirror device, especially during a block clear operation in which a large number of memory cells (506) are written to simultaneously. When the auxiliary line driver (514) receives an enable signal (518), the auxiliary line driver drives the last input provided to the input of the auxiliary line driver (514).

Abstract: A two prong symmetrical shaped element is connected to a non-symmetrical shaped element on opposite sides of a material by disposing the two prongs in two holes in the non-symmetrical shaped element, which is a hook or an eye. The non-symmetrical shaped element is supplied from a hopper through a feed chute to a guide channel in which it is advanced to a setting station where it is attached to the two prong element by cooperation of an anvil and a ram. When the non-symmetrical shaped element is a hook, its orientation is changed by a rotatable transport stop disposed betwen two portions of the feed chute during advancement of the hook through the feed chute. When the non-symmetrical shaped element is an eye, its orientation is changed during its advancement through the guide channel prior to its disposition at the setting station.