Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package with a solder standoff on lead pads that reach to the edge of the package (non-pullback leads). It includes encapsulating a plurality of die on a lead frame strip. The lead frame strip comprises a plurality of package sites, which further comprises a plurality of lead pads and a die pad. The method also includes forming a channel between the lead pads of nearby package sites without singulating the packages. Another step in the method includes disposing solder on the lead pads, the die pad, or the lead pads and the die pads without substantially covering the channel with solder. The manufacturing method further includes singulating the packages.

Abstract: A method of providing audio transmissions from an electronic device having internal audio multiplexing is disclosed. The method comprises combining a plurality of received audio input signals for output as a first mode of operation for the electronic device, where the electronic device is configured to output the plurality of audio input signals on at least one audio channel. When a priority audio signal is detected from one of the received audio input signals in the first mode of operation, the method interrupts playback of the remaining audio input signals with the priority audio signal as a second mode of operation for the electronic device and transfers, within the electronic device, the priority audio signal to the at least one audio channel once the priority audio signal is detected.

Abstract: Embodiments of a semiconductor device and method provide a quad flat no-lead semiconductor package which can have an arrangement of both chip-on-lead (COL) style leads and a die pad for supporting a die, and can also provide non-COL leads, both COL leads and a leadframe power pad, COL leads which have varying lengths to reduce stress resulting from thermal mismatch between a semiconductor die and leads, and a die pad with a curved, meandering edge to reduce stress resulting from thermal mismatch between the semiconductor die and the die pad.

Abstract: A method of providing audio transmissions from an electronic device having internal audio multiplexing is disclosed. The method comprises combining a plurality of received audio input signals for output as a first mode of operation for the electronic device, where the electronic device is configured to output the plurality of audio input signals on at least one audio channel. When a priority audio signal is detected from one of the received audio input signals in the first mode of operation, the method interrupts playback of the remaining audio input signals with the priority audio signal as a second mode of operation for the electronic device and transfers, within the electronic device, the priority audio signal to the at least one audio channel once the priority audio signal is detected.

Abstract: A pressure regulator that has a geometry that reduces regulator droop is provided that reduces or eliminates the need for a larger package size for a given set of flow requirements. The regulator comprises a housing having a fuel inlet port and a fuel outlet port; at least one regulation stage having an input in fluidic communication with the fuel inlet port; a final regulation stage comprising an inlet in fluidic communication with an output of the at least one regulation stage, a mating valve seat in fluidic communication with the inlet, and a valve seat in movable contact with the mating valve seat, the valve seat having a bottom having an edge, the edge having means for reducing regulator droop; and means for moving the valve seat from a closed position to an open position in response to a pressure change. The means for reducing regulator droop comprises a reverse lip or an approximately square edge.

Abstract: An electronic device has a semiconductor chip (101) with a surface and an electric circuit including terminals on the surface. The circuit has a first (103) and a second terminal (104) with a metallurgical composition for wire bonding. The chip has a conductive wire (120) above the chip surface, which has a length and a first and a second end; the first end is attached to the first terminal and the second end to the second terminal. The wire is shaped to form at least one sequence of a concave and a convex portion. The sequence may be configured to form a loop, or multiple wire loops resulting in a spiraling wire coil. The number, shape, and spatial sequence of the loops control the electrical inductance of the wire; the inductance is selected to fine-tune the high frequency characteristics of the circuit.

Abstract: The semiconductor device whose structure is formed from a die attached to a leadframe comprises a die having an attachment member, and a leadframe having a recess configured to receive a corresponding attachment member so as to establish a connection between the die and the leadframe.

Abstract: A protocol or procedure is provided for lowering sympathetic nervous system arousal in a person in order to prepare that person for a medical or dental procedure. First, a therapeutic dosage of one or more neurotransmitter supplements, such as a gamma aminobutyric acid formulation, a tryptophan-derived neurotransmitter, and dehydroepiandrosterone are sublingually administered to the patient. After a period of time for the formula dosage to take effect, gelled electrodes are placed adjacent or below the mastoid. The gelled electrodes are connected to a cranial electrotherapy stimulation device that administers a sub-sensation level current to the patient. Also, a noise dampening headset is placed on the patient and a neuroacoustic entrainment recording or program is played. Then, the medical or dental procedure is performed.

Abstract: An improved control valve to control very low rates of flow having a valve body housing a throttle mechanism. The throttle mechanism comprising a bore and throttle plunger, having a helical exterior groove, sized with an annular passage therebetween. The size of the cylindrical passage is selected and held within limits so that media of a chosen viscosity maintains fully developed laminar conditions as it enters and exits the valve, by keeping the Reynolds Number under 4000. The flow rate is controlled by varying the distance that the throttle plunger extends into the bore. Because the valve operates under constant laminar conditions this varying distance yields linear results between the length of engagement of the throttle plunger in the bore and the flow rate resulting in an increased accuracy control valve.

Abstract: An improved latch mechanism for a fluid flow control valve. The latch mechanism having a latch body, a spring, a plunger and a thumb release lever for disengagement of the plunger. The latch mechanism is attached to a valve handle which controls the fluid flow rate through the valve. Provided with the latch, the handle and thereby the valve can be locked into either a closed or open position at the limits of the valves' necessary rotation thereby preventing inadvertent opening or closing of the valve. The thumb release lever disengages the plunger with detent notches provided in the valve body allowing safe and efficient single handed operation of the handle and latch mechanism even under adverse environmental conditions when operator dexterity is impaired by gloves.

Abstract: An indexable latching handle assembly for quarter-turn rotary valves which permits the arc of operation to be oriented as necessary to avoid surrounding obstacles and enhance ease of operation. This handle assembly has a latching device capable of latching the valve in the closed position or in the open position and is readily disengaged without regard to the orientation of the handle on the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve stem locking assembly for releasably locking a threaded fastener relative to a valve stem of a quarter-turn valve such as a ball valve. The assembly includes a handle defining an opening shaped to engage a corresponding shape of the valve stem to preclude relative rotation therebetween while allowing relative motion therebetween along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem. A standard nut engages the handle and is threaded onto the valve stem for movement relative to the valve stem along the axis. A spring biases the nut and the handle into relative rotation resisting engagement with each other. A camming mechanism, defined by the handle and the chamfer of the nut, is biased by the spring to prevent relative rotation therebetween until a desired torque about the axis is applied to the nut relative to the handle.

Abstract: A staple with parallel legs and two parallel cross pieces therebetween comprising a pair of parallel legs, the legs being formed with upper ends and lower ends, the lower edges being bevelled to facilitate movement into the surface to which the staple is to be secured; an upper first cross piece formed as an integral extension of the legs and extending therebetween at the upper end of the legs; and an intermediate second lower cross piece positioned parallel with the first upper cross piece at a location intermediate the ends of the legs and integrally formed therebetween, the entire staple including its legs and its first cross piece and its second cross piece being integrally formed of a rigid material.

Abstract: The invention supplements the use of a conventional authentication token such as a MAC or DSG, to provide very strong evidence of the origin of an electronic message. A new type of authentication token, known as the "Non-Repudiation Vector" (NRV) is attached to each message sent across a data network. The NRV cryptographically links each message sent or received by a particular data processor on the network to previous and subsequent messages handled by that data processor, to create a chain of cryptographically linked messages. The burden of proof for the repudiation of a message is transferred to the sender of a message, who must demonstrate how the sending data processor could have moved through the time period during which the disputed message was sent, without generating the NRV corresponding to the disputed message.

Abstract: An improved mechanism of simplified smaller construction for independently manually, as by a pushbar, or electrically, as by remote control, unlocking a latch bolt normally urged to locking position by a spring. The mechanism is especially adapted to be incorporated in a panic exit or fire door latch.

Abstract: A ball valve is described having a latching handle with a latch plate having raised lugs that engage the handle, a latch mechanism or both to act as detent stops in predetermined rotational positions. A flat spring rolled at one end urges the latch mechanism into the latched position and a pivoting cap secured to the handle is latched by simultaneous action of the latch mechanism to block access to a nut securing the handle assembly. Provision is made for attaching a padlock.

Abstract: A pilot valve for connecting a source of fluid under pressure to an actuator where the pilot valve may be connected to the actuator in any of 360.degree. of rotation so that the fluid connections may be made from any desired direction. Further disclosed is a coupling adapter joining the pilot valve to the actuator with passages so arranged in the adapter that 180.degree. rotation of the coupling adapter reverses the fluid flow connections between the pilot valve and the actuator simultaneously exposing indicia indicating the condition. Still further disclosed is a spring return manual override that is slotted to enable operation by a coin and has a mating slot in the pilot valve body allowing locking in the override position by insertion of a coin or similar device. A ball valve actuator is described as an actuator device.

Abstract: Handle assemblies for fluid control valves are described that can be operated from various positions and in either direction of rotation to open and close 90.degree. operating valves. A detenting element passes through a selectable one of a plurality of notches in a handle arm to engage fixed stops on the valve and sets limits at various positions depending on the selected notch.

Abstract: A mobile fluid storage tank structure for complete emptying regardless of the pitch of the underlying ground by modifying the floor of the tank to provide two converging pitched portions for the full length of the tank which meet at a point that is at a ratio of 3 to 1 along its horizontal axis between the end walls of said tank.

Abstract: An explosion-proof limit switch having an explosion proof housing that mounts to the side of a rotary control device with actuation pins extending through annular seals to be driven by a cam on the rotary shaft of the control device. Switching units mounted inside the explosion-proof housing are mounted on a fixed pivot at a first mounting point and held resiliently at a second mounting point in a double acting adjustable spring assembly which acts both to adjusting the switching point and to absorbing excessive impact or actuating throw so as to reduce possibility of damage.