Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate having organic and inorganic residues disposed thereon is provided. The method includes removing organic residue from the substrate using atmospheric oxygen plasma, and removing inorganic residue from the substrate using cryogenic CO2. The substrate may be pretreated using a benign cooling agent, and post-treated using a dilute wet chemical cleaning method.

Abstract: An arc-fault circuit-interrupter includes a capability for a controller in the interrupter-circuit to be placed in a learn mode. In learn mode, the controller may change firmware to reduce the probability of false tripping or nuisance tripping. Alternatively, in learn mode, the controller may store a signature to be used as the normal signature for a dedicated load.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodologies for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: Thermal communication of matched transistors formed in lower electrical resistance subregions of first and second active substrate regions is provided by thermally conductive members formed to extend over isolation regions between higher electrical resistance subregions of the first and second regions. In one form, thermal communication is done, with or without contacts, through insulating layers to metal layers formed over the substrate. In another form, thermal communication is done through a polysilicon layer formed over the substrate.

Abstract: In one example, an amplifier for providing stable output quiescent current comprising includes a number of supply rails, an output device configured for providing an output voltage, the output device coupled to the plurality of supply rails, and an output quiescent current controller coupled to the plurality of supply rails and the output device, the output quiescent current controller to regulate the voltage in the output device to provide a consistent quiescent current in the output device.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: A knee brace assembly with a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to the thigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf. The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distal compression system. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximal compression system and the distal compression system. The strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for providing power to a USB client device and polling for a correct protocol. A USB host device provides power and a first part of a first handshake determined by a first protocol. The host then monitors the client for a second part of the first handshake. When the second part of the first handshake is detected by the host, the client recognizes that power may be applied according to the first protocol. When the second part of the first handshake is not presented by the client device, the host provides a first part of a second handshake according to a second protocol. When the second part of the second handshake is provided by the client, the host the client recognizes that power may be applied according to the second protocol.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for continuously detecting when a USB client device may be charged according to a BCS charging standard. Power is supplied from a USB host device to the USB client device with a first current limit. Next, the USB host device monitors data lines D+ and D? for a first part of a handshake. When the first part of the handshake is detected, a second part of the handshake is provided by the USB host device indicating that the USB client device may be changed according to the BCS charging standard. All current sources and all voltage sources that are coupled to the data lines D+ and D? are decoupled from data lines D+ and D? after the handshake is complete. After the data lines are decoupled, communication may begin between the USB host device and the USB client device.

Abstract: Thermal communication of matched transistors formed in lower electrical resistance subregions of first and second active substrate regions is provided by thermally conductive members formed to extend over isolation regions between higher electrical resistance subregions of the first and second regions. In one form, thermal communication is done, with or without contacts, through insulating layers to metal layers formed over the substrate. In another form, thermal communication is done through a polysilicon layer formed over the substrate.

Abstract: A transistor apparatus includes a silicon substrate and a barrier structure extending substantially from generally adjacent the silicon substrate to a locus displaced from the silicon substrate. The barrier structure generally surrounds a volume containing connection loci for the transistor apparatus and a buried layer in a silicon medium. The connection loci and the buried layer occupy a space generally presenting a first lateral expanse generally parallel with the silicon substrate. The volume presents a second lateral expanse generally parallel with the silicon substrate. The second lateral expanse is greater than the first lateral expanse within a predetermined distance of the substrate.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a circuit. In this circuit, a first semiconductor device with a first geometry is associated with a first region of a semiconductor body within a first isolation structure. A second semiconductor device with a geometry that matches the first geometry is associated with a second region of the semiconductor body within a second isolation structure. A member, which spans the semiconductor body between the first region and the second region, thermally couples the first region to the second region while retaining electrical isolation therebetween. Other circuits and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one example, an amplifier for providing stable output quiescent current comprising includes a number of supply rails, an output device configured for providing an output voltage, the output device coupled to the plurality of supply rails, and an output quiescent current controller coupled to the plurality of supply rails and the output device, the output quiescent current controller to regulate the voltage in the output device to provide a consistent quiescent current in the output device.

Abstract: System and method for limiting an output signal of a differential amplifier. A preferred embodiment comprises a limit sense amplifier configured to detect when the output exceeds a permitted limit, a common mode bias current unit configured to increase a signal gain of a common mode amplifier in the differential operational amplifier when the limit sense amplifier detects that the output exceeded the permitted limit, and an output stage bias current unit configured to fix the output at a level substantially equal to the specified limit when the limit sense amplifier detects that the output exceeded the permitted limit. The clamping is achieved by changing the operation of circuitry within the differential amplifier and results in a smoother clamping that helps to maintain stable operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodologies for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: Described herein is a GPS pet containment system is that generally self contained within a collar. However, the collar includes a battery power source, a microcontroller powered by the battery power source, a global positioning system (GPS) interfaced to the microcontroller and an accelerometer interfaced to the microcontroller. The GPS operates to provide collar location information on a periodic basis while the accelerometer provides collar dead reckoning location information on a substantially continuous basis. The dead reckoning location information is acquired by integrating the acceleration value provided by the accelerometer over sub-second time intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting signal chopping in an amplifier device having an amplifier section, a modulation section, a ramp generating section and a clock section includes: at least one signal treating unit coupled among the clock section, the amplifier section and the ramp generating section. The at least one signal treating unit cooperates with the clock section to effect providing a chopping signal to the amplifying unit at a chopping frequency and to effect providing a ramping signal at a ramping frequency to the ramp generating section. The chopping frequency is neither a fundamental frequency nor a harmonic frequency of the ramping frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for generating high resolution MR images of the fractional amount or percentage of fat content in an imaged object. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for obtaining high resolution MR images of fat content with reduced NMR relaxation effects. Moreover, the present invention relates to systems and methods for obtaining high resolution MR images of fat content with reduced fat-percentage ambiguity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to systems and methods for diagnostic, and prognostic imaging where knowledge of fat content within tissues, organs, and lesions is beneficial to improve diagnostic accuracy, aid in risk assessment of future disease, and aid in assessment of therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.