Abstract: Investment choices are each within a respective asset class of a defined set of asset classes. Investment choices of a first set of the investment choices (e.g., core investment choices) are within a particular asset class and have a performance factor value that is constrained by a performance factor value range defined by a filter structure. Investment choices of a second set of the investment choices (e.g., satellite investment choices) are within the particular asset class and have a performance factor value that may or may not be constrained by the performance factor value range of the first set, but may have a separate and distinct filter structure. The filter structure specifies unique characteristics desired of a set of investment choices, including a relationship between a benchmark performance factor value and a parameter used for determining the performance factor value range.

Abstract: Method of analyzing noise sensitivity of integrated circuits having at least one memory storage device and a noise sensitivity analyzer. In one embodiment, the noise sensitivity analyzer includes a circuit reservoir, a circuit parser and a circuit evaluator. The circuit reservoir is configured to receive and store a model of a circuit having at least one memory storage device to be analyzed. The circuit parser is configured to identify nodes of the model. The circuit evaluator is configured to apply a large test current to each of the nodes for multiple circuit states of the at least one memory storage device and determine which of the nodes are sensitive nodes.

Abstract: Investment choices are each within a respective asset class of a defined set of asset classes. Investment choices of a first set of the investment choices (e.g., core investment choices) are within a particular asset class and have a performance factor value that is constrained by a performance factor value range defined by a filter structure. Investment choices of a second set of the investment choices (e.g., satellite investment choices) are within the particular asset class and have a performance factor value that may or may not be constrained by the performance factor value range of the first set, but may have a separate and distinct filter structure. The filter structure specifies unique characteristics desired of a set of investment choices, including a relationship between a benchmark performance factor value and a parameter used for determining the performance factor value range.

Abstract: A consultation analysis for a 401K retirement savings plan comprises a plurality of informational elements. Participant profiles are a first one of the informational elements and are provided for each one of a plurality of classes of participants in the 401K retirement savings plan. A model portfolio is a second one of the informational elements and are provided for each one of the participant profiles. At least a portion of the model portfolios include a plurality of asset classes. Designation of a plurality of performance-quantified investment choices for each one of the asset classes is a third informational element. The performance quantified investment choices are performance-quantified with respect to at least one performance factor. Designation of a plurality of suggested ones of the investment choices for each one of the asset classes is a fourth informational element.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a plurality of investment performance scores, determining a plurality of investment index performance scores and assessing each one of the investment performance scores dependent upon a respective one of the investment index. Each one of the investment performance scores corresponds to a respective investment of an investment portfolio. Each one of the investment index performance scores corresponds to a respective investment index. The respective investment index corresponds to a respective one of the investment performance scores. The method may comprise determining a collection of indices that each corresponds to a respective investment of the investment portfolio of the client, determining a composite investment index performance score dependent upon the indices, and assessing the investment portfolio dependent upon the composite investment index performance score.

Abstract: A system includes instructions configured for enabling the one or more data processing device to facilitate preparing client-specific template information and determining client-specific consulting information dependent upon the client-specific template information. The client specific template information includes performance criteria, weightings, defined investment dataset information, filters configured for refilling investment dataset information and/or process instructions. Examples of client specific consulting information include investment index performance scores, performance scores of investments in an investment portfolio, objectively quantified investment choices, asset class corresponding to allocated investment within an investment portfolio, comparative performance analyses between allocated investments and non-allocated investments represented within an asset class, and other information utilized by an investor for making investment decisions.

Abstract: A system includes instructions configured for enabling the one or more data processing device to facilitate preparing client-specific template information and determining client-specific consulting information dependent upon the client-specific template information. The client specific template information includes performance criteria, weightings, defined investment dataset information, filters configured for refining investment dataset information and/or process instructions. Examples of client specific consulting information include investment index performance scores, performance scores of investments in an investment portfolio, objectively quantified investment choices, asset class corresponding to allocated investment within an investment portfolio, comparative performance analyses between allocated investments and non-allocated investments represented within an asset class, and other information utilized by an investor for making investment decisions.

Abstract: Method of analyzing noise sensitivity of integrated circuits having at least one memory storage device and a noise sensitivity analyzer. In one embodiment, the noise sensitivity analyzer includes: (1) a circuit reservoir configured to receive and store a model of a circuit having at least one memory storage device to be analyzed, (2) a circuit parser configured to identify nodes of the model and (3) a circuit evaluator configured to apply a large test current to each of the nodes for multiple circuit states of the at least one memory storage device and determine which of the nodes are sensitive nodes.

Abstract: A system includes instructions configured for enabling the one or more data processing device to facilitate preparing client-specific template information and determining client-specific consulting information dependent upon the client-specific template information. The client specific template information includes performance criteria, weightings, defined investment dataset information, filters configured for refining investment dataset information and/or process instructions. Examples of client specific consulting information include investment index performance scores, performance scores of investments in an investment portfolio, objectively quantified investment choices, asset class corresponding to allocated investment within an investment portfolio, comparative performance analyses between allocated investments and non-allocated investments represented within an asset class, and other information utilized by an investor for making investment decisions.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a plurality of investment performance scores, determining a plurality of investment index performance scores and assessing each one of the investment performance scores dependent upon a respective one of the investment index. Each one of the investment performance scores corresponds to a respective investment of an investment portfolio. Each one of the investment index performance scores corresponds to a respective investment index. The respective investment index corresponds to a respective one of the investment performance scores. The method may comprise determining a collection of indices that each corresponds to a respective investment of the investment portfolio of the client, determining a composite investment index performance score dependent upon the indices, and assessing the investment portfolio dependent upon the composite investment index performance score.

Abstract: A voltage level translator circuit for translating an input signal referenced to a first voltage supply to an output signal referenced to a second voltage supply includes an input stage for receiving the input signal, the input stage including at least one transistor device having a first threshold voltage associated therewith. The voltage level translator circuit further includes a latch circuit operative to store a signal representative of a logic state of the input signal, the latch circuit including at least one transistor device having a second threshold voltage associated therewith, the second threshold voltage being greater than the first threshold voltage. A voltage clamp circuit is connected between the input stage and the latch circuit. The voltage clamp circuit is operative to limit a voltage across the input stage, an amplitude of the voltage across the input stage being controlled as a function of a voltage difference between the first and second voltage supplies.

Abstract: A method for facilitating financial consulting services comprising determining client-specific investment choices dependent upon client-specific template information and objectively quantifying said investment choices dependent upon said client-specific template information thereby generating objectively quantified investment choices. The client-specific template information includes performance criteria, weightings, defined investment dataset information, filters configured for refining investment dataset information, and/or process instructions.

Abstract: A consultation analysis for a 401K retirement savings plan comprises a plurality of informational elements. Participant profiles are a first one of the informational elements and are provided for each one of a plurality of classes of participants in the 401K retirement savings plan. A model portfolio is a second one of the informational elements and are provided for each one of the participant profiles. At least a portion of the model portfolios include a plurality of asset classes. Designation of a plurality of performance-quantified investment choices for each one of the asset classes is a third informational element. The performance quantified investment choices are performance-quantified with respect to at least one performance factor. Designation of a plurality of suggested ones of the investment choices for each one of the asset classes is a fourth informational element.

Abstract: A bias circuit includes a reference generator for generating a bias signal at an output of the reference generator. The reference generator is selectively operable a first mode or a second mode in response to a first control signal applied to the reference generator, wherein in the first mode of operation, the reference generator is disabled, and in the second mode of operation, the reference generator is operative to generate the bias signal. The bias circuit further includes a shunt circuit connected to the reference generator. The shunt circuit is configured to provide a source of current to assist in charging the output of the reference generator to a quiescent operating level during the second mode of operation. The shunt circuit, in response to a second control signal applied thereto, is operable for a selected period time after the reference generator transitions from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A system includes instructions configured for enabling the one or more data processing device to facilitate preparing client-specific template information and determining client-specific consulting information dependent upon the client-specific template information. The client specific template information includes performance criteria, weightings, defined investment dataset information, filters configured for refining investment dataset information and/or process instructions. Examples of client specific consulting information include investment index performance scores, performance scores of investments in an investment portfolio, objectively quantified investment choices, asset class corresponding to allocated investment within an investment portfolio, comparative performance analyses between allocated investments and non-allocated investments represented within an asset class, and other information utilized by an investor for making investment decisions.

Abstract: A circuit configurable for indicating a voltage level of an input signal applied to the circuit includes at least one transistor having a first terminal connected to a first voltage supply, a second terminal configured for receiving the input signal, and a third terminal operatively coupled to an output of the circuit. The circuit further includes a passive load connected between the third terminal of the transistor and a second voltage supply. The circuit is configured to generate an output signal at the output of the circuit. The output signal being at a first value indicates that the input signal is substantially at a first voltage level, and the output signal being at a second value indicates that the input signal is substantially at a second voltage level.

Abstract: A semiconductor resistor comprises a resistor body formed on a semiconductor substrate and first and second conductive terminals electrically connected to the resistor body at opposite ends thereof. The semiconductor resistor further includes at least first and second conductive paths between at least one of the first and second conductive terminals and the resistor body. The at least one conductive terminal is configured such that a resistance of the at least one conductive terminal between the at least first and second conductive paths is substantially matched to a resistance of the resistor body between the at least first and second conductive paths. In this manner, a current distribution between the at least first and second conductive paths is substantially matched.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling the well of a molten metal ladle or like vessel with a pre-selected charge of disposable refractory sand is disclosed. The apparatus includes a disposable can positioned above and in the blocking and at the top of the well. The can includes a plurality of apertures spaced around said can. The apparatus includes a unit hopper that is filled with a preselected charge of sand and is suspended from an overhead crane and maneuvered by crane controls from a safe distance. The hopper unit includes latches for releasably holding the can at its bottom and a trigger mechanism for discharging the sand in response to the seating of the can on a surface and the lowering of the hopper unit through the can. The operator may charge the hopper with sand, latch the can to the bottom of the apparatus, maneuver it into and over the ladle to the well and lower it so that the can is seated above the well.