Abstract: A control loop having an amplifier arrangement that has a variable gain is specified. The amplifier has an output for outputting a signal representing the present gain. The control loop comprises a combination unit, which combines the signal at the additional output with a threshold value in such a way as to avoid a kink in the characteristic curve in the region of the highest or lowest variable gain. The advantages of an amplifier that is voltage-linear within wide ranges can thus be united with low switching transients.

Abstract: An amplifier arrangement and also a control loop having the amplifier arrangement are specified, wherein the amplifier arrangement is based on a Gilbert multiplier. Connected in parallel in this case with one of the transistors of the differential amplifier cells is an additional transistor, at which it is possible to tap off a signal that is proportional to the gain factor. Processing this signal in a suitable manner, for example in a control loop, makes it possible to compensate for temperature and manufacturing fluctuations and also to obtain a highly linear characteristic curve having a gain factor which can be set in a stable manner. In addition, the structure shown is current-saving and can be used, in particular, for application in radio frequency technology as an amplifier having a variable gain factor (VGA).

Abstract: A static tie switch (10) designed to provide the upmost in reliable power to critical equipment, such as communications and computing equipment. The switch uses solid state devices, wherever possible, and preferable uses silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR)s (30) to tie corresponding phases of multiple buses (12,14) together. In the preferred embodiment, the switch (10) broadly comprises three pairs of SCRs (30), one pair for each phase, and a controller (32) to control the SCRs (30). The SCRs (30) can be triggered or biased to selectively allow current to flow between the buses (12,14), thereby allowing a first source (16) to power both a first load (18) and a second load (22). Similarly, the SCRs (30) can be triggered to selectively allow a second source (20) to power both the first load (18) and the second load (22).

Abstract: A control loop having an amplifier arrangement that has a variable gain is specified. The amplifier has an output for outputting a signal representing the present gain. The control loop comprises a combination unit, which combines the signal at the additional output with a threshold value in such a way as to avoid a kink in the characteristic curve in the region of the highest or lowest variable gain. The advantages of an amplifier that is voltage-linear within wide ranges can thus be united with low switching transients.

Abstract: An amplifier arrangement and also a control loop having the amplifier arrangement are specified, wherein the amplifier arrangement is based on a Gilbert multiplier. Connected in parallel in this case with one of the transistors of the differential amplifier cells is an additional transistor, at which it is possible to tap off a signal that is proportional to the gain factor. Processing this signal in a suitable manner, for example in a control loop, makes it possible to compensate for temperature and manufacturing fluctuations and also to obtain a highly linear characteristic curve having a gain factor which can be set in a stable manner. In addition, the structure shown is current-saving and can be used, in particular, for application in radio frequency technology as an amplifier having a variable gain factor (VGA).

Abstract: A cutting pliers for cutting implant plates features two handgrips (10) joined via a hand-grip pivot (11), which handgrips actuate by way of leverage pivots (14) a pliers holding jaw (15) and a pliers punching jaw (16). Formed on the pliers holding jaw (15) are holding pins (19, 20, 21) adapted for entering matching recesses of the implant plates being cut. A cutting device (18) is fashioned on the pliers punching jaw (16). Implant plates of different implant systems, with half-round, burrless cuts, can be cut with said cutting pliers.

Abstract: A process and device for gas analysis has an input for a gas analyzer which is meant for connection to a vacuum pump. At least a portion of the gas to be analyzed is supplied at the inlet by applying a pump flux to the inlet. Superimposed on the pump flux is a further gas flux which is supplied over one or more gas line segments at a non-molecular flow-dominant flowrate.

Abstract: The use of a photoconducting material having specific characteristics in conjunction with a heat sensitive optical recording medium also having specific characteristics yields desirable properties. Specifically, through the use of this combination an optical recording medium that has a relatively low applied power threshold for writing and yet a relatively long-term stability is obtained. The photoconductor material should have an unilluminated resistivity of at least 10.sup.6 Ohm-cm and should undergo a resistivity descrease of at least 10.sup.5 upon illumination to yield this desired attribute.

Abstract: Well-oriented device quality silicon is formed on a dielectric material through a specific melting procedure. In this procedure, a body including polycrystalline or amorphous silicon overlying a dielectric is heated to a temperature close to the melting point of silicon. A narrow region of the amorphous or polycrystalline silicon whose length is substantially longer than its width is then melted using an energy source such as a laser. This long, narrow region is propagated through the amorphous or polycrystalline silicon to produce the desired device quality material.