Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a non-destructive method for determining a breakdown voltage of a dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate includes injecting a test current in increasing ramp steps into the dielectric layer. The method further includes measuring a test voltage across the dielectric layer at each increasing ramp step of the test current. The method further includes detecting a dropped test voltage in response to the increasing ramp steps of the test current. The ramp steps of the test current can be substantially logarithmically increased. The breakdown voltage of the dielectric layer can be designated to be substantially equal to the dropped test voltage.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating a diesel fuel are provided. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating a diesel fuel includes obtaining a testing sample from the diesel fuel and analyzing the testing sample to detect an amount of at least one selected component. The method also provides for determining if the diesel fuel is green depending on either detection of at least one selected component in the testing sample or observation of at least one non-normal molecular class distribution in the testing sample. Further, the specific component can indicate the specific biological feedstock used to produce the green diesel based on the molecular fingerprinting database.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provided that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: A drive wheel and suspension for a vehicle for mounting on a steering post to provide both a steering capability and propulsion to the vehicle. The drive wheel and suspension provides a spring suspension for that wheel of the vehicle, as well as what is effectively vehicle body mounting of the propulsion system so as to minimize un-sprung weight and to provide a compact assembly to support a suitable aesthetic and protective fender over the drive wheel and suspension.

Abstract: A composition including a collapsed, polymer nanoparticle and at least one organic, neutral compound associated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle is less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer comprises a water-soluble polyelectrolyte, has a molecular weight of at least about 100,000 Dalton and is cross-linked. The organic, neutral compound is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, colorants, oils, UV-light absorbing molecules, fragrances, flavoring molecules, preservatives, electro-conductive compounds, thermoplastic compounds, adhesion promoters, penetration enhancers, anti-corrosive agents, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are scratch resistant polypropylene molded parts comprising a) a polypropylene substrate and incorporated therein a combination of b) an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic reagent functionalized olefin polymer or copolymer, c) a primary or secondary fatty acid amide and d) a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, 2,2?-methylene-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, zinc glycerolate, calcium salt of 1,2-dicarboxylic acid cyclohexane and sodium salt of 1,2-dicarboxylic acid norbornane. Also disclosed is a method for providing scratch resistance to a polypropylene molded part by incorporating said additives. The polypropylene substrate is for instance polypropylene homopolymer or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). Component b) is for instance maleated polypropylene or the reaction product of an alpha-olefin and maleic anhydride. The fatty acid amide is for instance stearyl erucamide or oleyl palmitamide. The molded parts are suitable for automotive parts.

Abstract: Disclosed are scratch resistant polypropylene molded parts comprising a) a polypropylene substrate and incorporated therein a combination of b) an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic reagent functionalized olefin polymer or copolymer, c) a primary or secondary fatty acid amide and d) a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, 2,2?-methylene-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, zinc glycerolate, calcium salt of 1,2-dicarboxylic acid cyclohexane and sodium salt of 1,2-dicarboxylic acid norbornane. Also disclosed is a method for providing scratch resistance to a polypropylene molded part by incorporating said additives. The polypropylene substrate is for instance polypropylene homopolymer or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). Component b) is for instance maleated polypropylene or the reaction product of an alpha-olefin and maleic anhydride. The fatty acid amide is for instance stearyl erucamide or oleyl palmitamide. The molded parts are suitable for automotive parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: An open-drain output buffer is operative to sustain relatively high voltages applied to an output pad. The open-drain buffer includes a number of floating wells, output switching devices and corresponding well-bias selectors to ensure that no gate oxide sustains voltages greater than a predefined value. PMOS and NMOS well-bias selectors operate to select and provide an available highest or lowest voltage, respectively, to bias corresponding well-regions and ensure no device switching terminals are electrically over stressed. As output related terminals experience switching related voltage excursions, the well-bias selectors select alternate terminals to continue selection of the respective highest or lowest voltages available and provide correct well-biasing conditions. Voltage dividers are incorporated to generate well-biasing control voltages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: A time-to-breakdown for a dielectric layer in a semiconductor device is determined based upon a sudden change in capacitance. An alternating voltage, greater in magnitude than an operating voltage of the device, is applied to the semiconductor device, capacitance is measured across the dielectric layer during the application of the voltage until a sudden change in capacitance occurs, thereby indicating a breakdown in the dielectric layer, and the breakdown time is scaled to the operating voltage.

Abstract: A system is provided and may include logic circuitry in communication with an intelligent device. The logic circuitry may process a refrigeration system operating parameter as a function of time and at least one of the logic circuitry and the intelligent device may diagnose a refrigeration system status based on the processing. The intelligent device may output the diagnosis.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device is disposed between true-complement input pins of a differential signal pair and a ground node. A common node couples the three diode stacks together. A first and a second diode stack each connect to one of the differential signal pair input pins. The third diode stack couples to the ground node. Each of the diode stacks is fabricated by a pair of high concentration p-type contact dopant regions within a low concentration n-well region. Each of the p-type contact dopant regions is configured to form back-to-back diodes connected in series with cathodes in common. In protecting common mode receivers, current from an ESD event is channeled to ground rather than to the complementary receiver node. The diode stacks are capable of withstanding a 15 kV incident and save up to 25% in area compared to a fully parallel configuration for differential signal pairs.

Abstract: The invention features oligofluorinated cross-linked polymers and their use in the manufacture of articles and coating surfaces.

Abstract: A time-to-breakdown for a dielectric layer in a semiconductor device is determined based upon a sudden change in capacitance. An alternating voltage, greater in magnitude than an operating voltage of the device, is applied to the semiconductor device, capacitance is measured across the dielectric layer during the application of the voltage until a sudden change in capacitance occurs, thereby indicating a breakdown in the dielectric layer, and the breakdown time is scaled to the operating voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed are scratch resistant polypropylene molded parts comprising a) a polypropylene substrate and incorporated therein a combination of b) an alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic reagent functionalized olefin polymer or copolymer, c) a primary or secondary fatty acid amide and d) a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, 2,2?-methylene-bis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, zinc glycerolate, calcium salt of 1,2-dicarboxylic acid cyclohexane and sodium salt of 1,2-dicarboxylic acid norbornane. Also disclosed is a method for providing scratch resistance to a polypropylene molded part by incorporating said additives. The polypropylene substrate is for instance polypropylene homopolymer or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). Component b) is for instance maleated polypropylene or the reaction product of an alpha-olefin and maleic anhydride. The fatty acid amide is for instance stearyl erucamide or oleyl palmitamide. The molded parts are suitable for automotive parts.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: An auto-detecting input circuit is operative to sustain relatively high voltages applied to an input pad and generate corresponding signal levels at a native supply voltage range. The input circuit includes floating wells, corresponding bias selectors, and input biasing transistors to ensure that no gate oxide exposed to external voltages sustains a voltage greater than a predefined value. Bias selectors select an available highest voltage to reverse bias corresponding floating wells and ensure transistors are not electrically overstressed. As input-related terminals experience switching related voltages, the bias selectors select alternate terminals to continue selection of the highest voltage available and provide correct reverse biasing conditions. A resistor and clamp generate translated output voltage levels limited to the native supply voltage range. A latch is triggered by a first input signal excursion above the native supply voltage.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.