Author: claimsbot

1. A semiconductor device, comprising:
a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type and a top substrate surface;
a buried layer below the top substrate surface, wherein the buried layer has a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type;
a sinker region between the top substrate surface and the buried layer, wherein the sinker region has the second conductivity type, and an isolation structure is formed by the sinker region and the buried layer;
an active device in a portion of the semiconductor substrate contained by the isolation structure, wherein the active device includes a source region of the first conductivity type; and
a diode circuit connected between the isolation structure and the source region.
2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the diode circuit comprises:
a Schottky diode formed from a Schottky contact coupled with the isolation region.
3. The semiconductor device of claim 2, wherein the diode circuit further comprises:
a resistive network in series with the Schottky diode.
4. The semiconductor device of claim 2, wherein the diode circuit further comprises:
a resistive network in parallel with the Schottky diode.
5. The semiconductor device of claim 2, wherein the diode circuit further comprises:
a resistive network in series with the Schottky diode; and
a resistive network in parallel with the Schottky diode.
6. The semiconductor device of claim 2, further comprising:
a further region of the first conductivity type extending into the sinker region and partially across the sinker region, wherein the diode circuit comprises the Schottky diode and a PN junction diode formed between the further region and the sinker region.
7. The semiconductor device of claim 2, further comprising:
a first further region of the first conductivity type extending into the sinker region and partially across the sinker region at an interior wall of the sinker region; and
a second further region of the first conductivity type extending into the sinker region and partially across the sinker region at an exterior wall off the sinker region, wherein a portion of the sinker region is present at the top substrate surface between the first further region and the second further region, and wherein the diode circuit comprises the Schottky diode, a first PN junction diode formed between the first further region and the sinker region, and a second PN junction diode formed between the second further region and the sinker region.
8. The semiconductor device of claim 2, wherein the sinker region is formed as a ring that substantially surrounds the active area, the Schottky contact is positioned at a first portion of the ring, and the device further comprises:
one or more additional Schottky contacts positioned portions of the ring that are spatially separated from the first portion and from each other; and
a plurality of further regions of the first conductivity type extending from the top substrate surface into the sinker region at a top surface of the sinker region, wherein the plurality of further regions are positioned at other portions of the ring that are interspersed between the Schottky contacts.
9. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising:
a further region of the first conductivity type extending into the sinker region, wherein the diode circuit comprises a PN junction diode formed between the further region and the sinker region.
10. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the diode circuit comprises a polycrystalline silicon diode interconnected between the source region and the sinker region.
11. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the active device comprises:
a drift region of the first conductivity type within a central portion of the active area and extending from the top substrate surface into the semiconductor substrate;
a drain region of the first conductivity type extending into the drift region from the top substrate surface;
a body region of the second conductivity type extending from the top substrate surface into the semiconductor substrate between the drift region and the isolation structure; and
a source region of the first conductivity type extending into the body region from the top substrate surface.
12. A driver circuit comprising:
a first laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (LDMOSFET) formed on a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type and a top substrate surface, wherein the first LDMOSFET includes
a buried layer below the top substrate surface, wherein the buried layer has a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type,
a sinker region between the top substrate surface and the buried layer, wherein the sinker region has the second conductivity type, and an isolation structure is formed by the sinker region and the buried layer,
an active device in a portion of the semiconductor substrate contained by the isolation structure, wherein the active device includes a source region of the first conductivity type, and
a diode circuit connected between the isolation structure and the source region.
13. The driver circuit of claim 12, wherein the diode circuit comprises:
a Schottky diode formed from a Schottky contact coupled with the isolation region.
14. The driver circuit of claim 12, further comprising:
a further region of the first conductivity type extending into the sinker region, wherein the diode circuit comprises a PN junction diode formed between the further region and the sinker region.
15. The driver circuit of claim 12, wherein the diode circuit comprises a polycrystalline silicon diode interconnected between the source region and the sinker region.
16. The driver circuit of claim 12, wherein the diode circuit comprises:
a diode; and
a resistive network in series with the diode.
17. The driver circuit of claim 12, wherein the diode circuit comprises:
a diode; and
a resistive network in parallel with the diode.
18. The driver circuit of claim 12, wherein the diode circuit comprises:
a diode;
a resistive network in series with the diode; and
a resistive network in parallel with the diode.
19. A method for forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising the steps of:
forming a buried layer below a top substrate surface of a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type, wherein the buried layer has a second conductivity type that is different from the first conductivity type;
forming a sinker region between the top substrate surface and the buried layer, wherein the sinker region has the second conductivity type, and an isolation structure is formed by the sinker region and the buried layer;
forming an active device in a portion of the semiconductor substrate contained by the isolation structure, wherein the active device includes a source region of the first conductivity type; and
forming a diode circuit connected between the isolation structure and the source region.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein forming the diode circuit comprises:
forming a Schottky contact coupled with the isolation region.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein forming the diode circuit comprises:
forming a further region of the first conductivity type extending into the sinker region, wherein the diode circuit comprises a PN junction diode formed between the further region and the sinker region.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein forming the diode circuit comprises:
forming and interconnecting a polycrystalline silicon diode between the drain region and the sinker region.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An optic comprising:
a wedge-shaped light guide having opposing first and second faces; and
a turning film bonded to the wedge-shaped light guide via an interface layer, the turning film comprising a plurality of facets oblique to the first face of the wedge-shaped light guide and supporting a dichroic coating.
2. The optic of claim 1, wherein the plurality of facets are parallel to each other and disposed between 15 and 45 degrees with respect to the first face of the wedge-shaped light guide.
3. The optic of claim 1, wherein the dichroic coating is at least partially transparent in a visible wavelength band and reflective in an infrared wavelength band.
4. The optic of claim 3, wherein the visible wavelength band comprises at least some light less than 700 nanometers in wavelength.
5. The optic of claim 3, wherein the infrared wavelength band comprises at least some light greater than 800 nanometers in wavelength.
6. The optic of claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped light guide comprises a material having a first refractive index, wherein the first face supports a cladding layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index, and wherein the interface layer has a third refractive index substantially equal to the first refractive index.
7. The optic of claim 6, wherein the cladding layer is a first cladding layer, and wherein the second face supports a second cladding layer having a fourth refractive index less than the first refractive index and nearer to the second refractive index than to the first refractive index.
8. The optic of claim 6, wherein the cladding layer comprises a fluoropolymer.
9. The optic of claim 1, wherein the interface layer comprises an adhesive.
10. The optic of claim 9, wherein the adhesive comprises a polyacrylic adhesive.
11. The optic of claim 9, wherein the adhesive comprises an ultraviolet-curable adhesive.
12. A system comprising a touch-sensitive display configured to detect touch by capturing an image of one or more objects disposed on a touch-sensitive display surface, the system comprising:
an infrared illuminant configured to illuminate the one or more objects from behind the touch-sensitive display surface with light having a median wavelength;
a detector configured to capture the image; and
an optic configured to deliver to the detector light reflected from the one or more objects, the optic comprising:
a wedge-shaped light guide having opposing first and second faces; and
a turning film bonded to the wedge-shaped light guide, the turning film comprising a plurality of facets oblique to the first face of the wedge-shaped light guide and supporting a dichroic coating.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the infrared illuminant comprises an infrared light-emitting diode.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the detector comprises an infrared-sensitive camera.
15. A system comprising a touch-sensitive display configured to detect touch by capturing an image of one or more objects disposed on a touch-sensitive display surface while displaying a visible image on the touch-sensitive display surface, the system comprising:
an infrared illuminant configured to illuminate the one or more objects from behind the touch-sensitive display surface with light having a median wavelength;
a detector configured to capture the image;
an optic configured to focus on the detector light reflected from the one or more objects and to attenuate a reflection of the light, the optic comprising:
a wedge-shaped light guide having opposing first and second faces and comprising a material having a first refractive index, the first face supporting a cladding layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index, a thickness of the cladding layer an odd-integer multiple of one-half of the median wavelength; and
a turning film bonded to the cladding layer via an interface layer, the interface layer having a third refractive index matched to the first refractive index, the turning film comprising a plurality of facets oblique to the first face of the wedge-shaped light guide and supporting a dichroic coating;

an image-creating subsystem adapted to create the visible image, and comprising a visible illuminant configured to project visible light through the optic in a direction toward the touch-sensitive display surface and substantially normal to the opposing first and second faces.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first illuminant comprises an infrared light-emitting diode.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the detector comprises an infrared-sensitive camera.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the image-creating subsystem further comprises an image-forming light valve disposed between the optic and the touch-sensitive display surface.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the image-forming light valve comprises a liquid-crystal display device.

1. An automatic lubrication system for a vehicle, comprising:
a pump assembly having a plurality of outlet ports and a lubricant inlet port;
a motor operable to drive said pump assembly;
a cartridge assembly that is attachable to said pump assembly at said lubricant inlet port to provide a source of lubricant to said pump, said cartridge assembly being removable from said pump assembly, said cartridge assembly having a base, a cover that is attachable to the base to define a cavity, and a lubricant cartridge within said cavity, said base having a passage therethrough and said lubricant cartridge having an interior space that is collapsible as lubricant is dispensed therefrom, said interior space being in fluid communication with said passage in said base, said base being attachable to said lubricant inlet port;
a valve within said passage, said valve being movable to control the flow of lubricant through said passage, said valve being movable when said base is attached to said inlet port;
a controller operable to periodically initiate said motor to cause said pump to dispense lubricant to said outlet ports; and
a housing having a first housing section attachable to said vehicle and a removable cover attachable to said first housing section, wherein said pump assembly, said motor assembly and said cartridge assembly are contained within said first housing section and said removable cover.
2. An automatic lubrication system as defined in claim 1, wherein said pump, motor and controller are mounted to said first housing section.
3. An automatic lubrication system as defined in claim 1, wherein said pump is a piston pump.
4. An automatic lubrication system as defined in claim 3, wherein said motor is a reversible motor.
5. An automatic lubrication system as defined in claim 1, wherein said lubricant cartridge includes a collapsible bellow for holding said lubricant.
6. A lubrication system for a vehicle, comprising:
a lubrication dispensing assembly having a lubricant inlet fitting and a plurality of outlet ports that are connectible to locations on said vehicle;
a controller operable to periodically activate said lubrication dispensing assembly to dispense metered amounts of lubricant to said outlet ports;
a replaceable lubricant cartridge having an interior cavity for storing lubricant under pressure, said cartridge having a base having a passage therethrough that is attachable to said dispensing assembly, said cartridge being attachable to said base and having valve means operable to allow flow of lubricant to said dispensing assembly when said cartridge is attached to said dispensing assembly and to prevent flow of lubricant to said dispensing assembly when said cartridge is detached from said dispensing assembly; and
an opening through said dispensing assembly, said opening being disposed to be in conmiunication with said passage in said base to allow filling or refilling of said cartridge when said cartridge is attached to said dispensing assembly.
7. A lubrication system as defined in claim 6, further comprising a housing dimensioned to contain said lubrication dispensing assembly, said controller and said replaceable lubricant cartridge.
8. A lubrication system as defined in claim 6, wherein said lubrication dispensing assembly is comprised of a pump and a motor operable to drive said pump.
9. A lubrication system as defined in claim 8, wherein said pump is a piston pump and said motor is a reversible motor.
10. A lubrication system as defined in claim 6, wherein said lubricant cartridge is comprised of collapsible bellows having a collapsible internal chamber for holding said lubricant, said internal chamber being in communication with said passage.
11. A lubrication system as defined in claim 10, further comprising a cover releaseably attachable to said base, said cover dimensioned to encase said collapsible bellows.
12. A lubrication system as defined in claim 11, further comprising a biasing element disposed between said cover and said bellow to bias said bellow towards a collapsed position.
13. A lubrication system as defined in claim 6, wherein said valve means includes a valve element disposed within said passage, said valve element being movable between a first position, wherein lubricant is prevented from flowing through said passage and a second position wherein lubricant is permitted to flow through said passage.
14. A lubrication system as defined in claim 13, wherein said valve element is movable from said first position to said second position by surface means on said dispensing assembly when said cartridge is attached to said dispensing assembly.
15. A lubricant cartridge for connection to a pump assembly in a lubrication system, comprising:
a base having a passage therethrough, said passage having a first end and a second end connectable to a pump assembly of said lubrication system;
a collapsible cartridge having a collapsible inner chamber for storing a lubricant, said cartridge being mountable on said base with said inner chamber in communication with said first end of said passage;
a biasing element biasing said cartridge toward a collapsed configuration, wherein said lubricant within said inner chamber is forced into said passage; and
a flow control assembly in said passage for controlling the flow of said lubricant through said passage, said lubricant flow control assembly comprised of a valve having an opening therein, said valve being movable in said passage between a first position wherein said opening is obstructed and said lubricant is prevented from flowing through said passage, and a second position wherein said opening connects said first end of said passage to said second end of said passage and said lubricant is allowed to flow through said passage to said second end thereof, said valve being movable to said first position by removal of said cartridge from said lubrication system and being movable to said second position by attachment of said cartridge to said lubrication system, said valve remaining in said second position while said cartridge is attached to said lubrication system.
16. A cartridge as defined in claim 15, further comprising a cover releaseably attachable to said base, said cover dimensioned to encase said cartridge between said base and said cover.
17. A cartridge as defined in claim 16, wherein said cover is formed of a clear, polymeric material.
18. A cartridge as defined in claim 16, wherein said biasing element is a spring disposed between said cover and said cartridge.
19. A cartridge as defined in claim 18, wherein a plate is disposed between said spring and said cartridge.
20. A cartridge as defined in claim 15, wherein said cartridge is a generally cylindrical collapsible bellow.
21. A cartridge as defined in claim 20, wherein said bellow is formed of a resilient, polymeric material.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing apparatus comprising:
a horizontal track having a forwardrearward moving track and a leftwardrightward moving track, which are perpendicular to each other;
a movable body moved along the horizontal track in forwardrearward and leftwardrightward directions;
a horizontal rotary bar having one end connected to the movable body via a rotary shaft; and
a camera installation section installed at the other end of the horizontal rotary bar,
wherein a front portion of the camera installation section is normally directed in a photographing direction of a front surface even when the horizontal rotary bar is rotated.
2. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing camera comprising:
a horizontal track having a forwardrearward moving track and a leftwardrightward moving track, which are perpendicular to each other;
a movable body moved along the horizontal track in forwardrearward and leftwardrightward directions;
a horizontal rotary bar having one end connected to the movable body via a rotary shaft;
a photographing unit connected to the other end of the horizontal rotary bar, normally directed in a photographing direction of a front surface even when the horizontal rotary bar is rotated, and including a lens and an image sensor; and
a memory unit configured to receive and store image data photographed by the image sensor of the photographing unit in a wired or wireless manner.
3. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing apparatus comprising:
a horizontal track having a forwardrearward moving track and a leftwardrightward moving track, which are perpendicular to each other;
a movable body moved along the horizontal track in forwardrearward and leftwardrightward directions;
a column extending upward from the movable body;
a vertical rotary bar having one end connected to an upper section of a front surface of the column via a rotary shaft; and
a camera installation section installed at the other end of the vertical rotary bar,
wherein an upper section of the camera installation section is normally directed upward even when the vertical rotary bar is rotated.
4. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing camera comprising:
a horizontal track having a forwardrearward moving track and a leftwardrightward moving track, which are perpendicular to each other;
a movable body moved along the horizontal track in forwardrearward and leftwardrightward directions;
a column extending upward from the movable body;
a vertical rotary bar having one end connected to an upper section of the column via a rotary shaft;
a photographing unit connected to the other end of the vertical rotary bar, having an upper section normally directed upward even when the vertical rotary bar is rotated, and including a lens and an image sensor; and
a memory unit configured to receive and store image data photographed by the image sensor of the photographing unit in a wired or wireless manner.
5. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing apparatus comprising:
a horizontal track having a forwardrearward moving track and a leftwardrightward moving track, which are perpendicular to each other;
a movable body moved along the horizontal track in forwardrearward and leftwardrightward directions;
a vertical track extending upward from the movable body; and
a camera installation section installed at the vertical track to be movable upward and downward.
6. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing camera comprising:
a horizontal track having a forwardrearward moving track and a leftwardrightward moving track, which are perpendicular to each other;
a movable body moved along the horizontal track in forwardrearward and leftwardrightward directions;
a vertical track extending upward from the movable body;
a photographing unit installed at the vertical track to be movable upward and downward, and including a lens and an image sensor; and
a memory unit configured to receive and store image data photographed by the image sensor of the photographing unit in a wired or wireless manner.
7. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing apparatus comprising:
a circular track, which is horizontally disposed;
a movable body moved along the track; and
a camera installation section connected to the movable body,
wherein a front portion of the camera installation section is normally directed in a photographing direction of a front surface even when the movable body is rotated.
8. The three-dimensional moving picture photographing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein lengths in forwardrearward directions and leftwardrightward directions of the circular track are able to be adjusted.
9. A three-dimensional moving picture photographing camera comprising:
a circular track, which is horizontally disposed;
a movable body moved along the track;
a camera installation section connected to the movable body;
a photographing unit connected to the movable body, having a front portion normally directed in a photographing direction of a front surface even when the movable body is rotated, and including a lens and an image sensor; and
a memory unit configured to receive and store image data photographed by the image sensor of the photographing unit in a wired or wireless manner.
10. The three-dimensional moving picture photographing camera according to claim 9, wherein lengths in forwardrearward directions and leftwardrightward directions of the circular track are able to be adjusted.