Abstract: An aerial utility meter read system and a custom utility meter read equipment carrying case are disclosed. The custom utility meter read equipment carrying case is configured to attach to a drone while securely carrying operable wireless radio-based utility meter read equipment used to conduct aerial utility meter reads.

Abstract: A method of forming an intermediate semiconductor structure as part of a BiCMOS process to provide for improved anti-punch-through (APT) protection and improved threshold-voltage (Vt) adjustment for the MOS devices of the structure. The method includes the fabrication of a split polysilicon layer and the introduction of APT and Vt related carriers after formation of the gate oxide layer. The intermediate structure includes the gate oxide layer and a protective amorphous silicon layer formed on the surface of the gate oxide layer in an in situ process. The protective amorphous structure is formed to protect the integrity of the gate oxide layer during subsequent acid washes associated with the BiCMOS process. The amorphous layer may be deposited in a thickness substantially less than that associated with prior spilt polycrystalline silicon processes. This allows for introduction of the APT and Vt related carriers using relatively standard implanting equipment.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a sliding door to a vehicle body for movement between an open position and a closed position. The arrangement includes a guide track mounted to the sliding door, a carriage support arrangement carried by the sliding door and a swing arm. The swing arm is connected to the carriage for pivotal movement about a first axis and to the body for pivotal movement about a second axis. With the sliding door unlatched, the swing-arm rotates the carriage support arrangement and the sliding door through an obtuse swing angle, thereby reducing longitudinal tipping forces on the sliding door. Further, when the swing-arm and sliding door are in the full-open position, the sliding door's center of gravity is only slightly offset aft of the carriage support arrangement, thereby reducing the force needed to remove the swing-arm, carriage support arrangement and vehicle sliding door to a fully-closed position.