A double oven crystal oscillator (DOCXO) is disclosed which is highly stable by incorporating means to reduce the effects of ambient pressure changes on the frequency of the oscillator. The oscillator crystal is mounted in a temperature controlled inner oven to reduce the effects on the frequency stability of the oscillator. The oscillator circuitry and all circuitry associated with the inner oven is mounted in good thermal contact with the inner oven. A Faraday shield at ground potential is placed over the oscillator circuitry to minimize the effects of stray capacitance between the oscillator components and the case wall of the inner oven. The effects of minor deformations in the case walls within the oscillator caused by ambient pressure changes and other factors causing pressure changes are thereby greatly minimized. To further reduce effects on oscillator frequency stability the ovens of the DOCXO are temperature controlled, cases are hermetically sealed, the case walls are rigid, and ovens and cases may be evacuated.

Oscillators are used to generate frequencies for applications varying from relatively unsophisticated applications for wristwatches and the like, to such extremely sophisticated applications as timing systems for space navigational systems. Most commonly, quartz crystal resonators are used in oscillators, although certain highly accurate frequency standards can be configured using an atomic reference source, such as cesium or rubidium. However, the output frequency of a crystal oscillator varies with temperature and so these oscillators must operate in a temperature controlled environment in order to achieve high frequency stability. A common technique used to control the ambient temperature of a crystal oscillator is to put the crystal in a temperature controlled oven.
One approach that has been used to achieve higher frequency stability than the oven controlled crystal oscillator is the double oven controlled crystal oscillator (DOCXO). DOCXOs are similar in design to oven controlled crystal oscillators, with an additional outer oven wrapped around an internal oven controlled crystal oscillator. The outer oven means that DOCXOs have an additional layer of insulation over which the power input must balance the heat dissipation, resulting in another drop in maximum ambient temperature at which the oven will operate. Most DOCXOs use higher temperature set points, which increases aging, and compensate for this by using 3rd or 5th overtone crystals. This can cause a DOCXO to be bigger and require more power to operate.
Oven controlled crystal oscillators (OCXO) that are both stable and accurate, are highly desirable for use in many applications. A typical oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) consists of a crystal based oscillator, a temperature control system, and support circuitry surrounded by a layer of thermal insulation enclosed in a sealed metal can. Inside the oven, the crystal is kept at a fixed temperature between 70 degrees Centigrade to 90 degrees Centigrade, based on the turnover point of the crystal where the frequency vs. temperature response is nominally flat. For example, an ovenized quartz crystal oscillator has means for controlling the temperature of a quartz crystal to an accuracy of less than 800 millidegrees centigrade. Currently, for example, stable and accurate OCXOs are sought for use in the design of base stations for cellular, PCS (personal communication system), and wireless local loop (WLL) systems that connect subscribers to a public switched telephone network. OCXOs can be used successfully, for instance, in the transmit and receive functions or in the clocks of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) base stations. The time error of a CDMA base station must be held to within 8.4 microseconds. This requirement forces an accuracy on the base station clock of a few milliHz for a 10 MHz signal which is difficult with an OXCO unless it is complex, relatively large and expensive.
In an OCXO, the crystal and associated components, the latter of which might also be sensitive to temperature, are enclosed in an oven that is kept at a stable temperature. Most temperature control systems are based on a thermistor/eror amplifier/semiconductor heater design. In order to maintain a constant temperature within the oven, there must be a balance of power input to the oven with heat flowing out of the oven. The temperature is kept constant by adjusting the amount of power supplied to the oven whenever the ambient temperature in the oven begins to change. The oven temperature selected is one at which the slope of the frequency vs. temperature curve for the crystal is zero. Thus, the oven minimizes the degree to which the frequency of the oscillator will vary with variations in temperature.
The realization of an OCXO typically requires: (1) a quartz crystal resonator as a primary reference element; (2) associated circuitry for frequency generation or synthesis; (3) a frequency tuning element or elements; (4) a thermal control system for the oven; and (5) an output buffer amplifier so that the signal output of the OCXO can be utilized.
More particularly, a typical oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) consists of a crystal based oscillator and temperature control system and support circuitry surrounded by a layer of thermal insulation enclosed in a sealed metal can. Inside, the crystal is typically kept at a fixed temperature between 70 degrees centigrade and 90 degrees centigrade, based on the turnover point of the crystal where the frequency vs. temperature response is nominally flat.
Ovenized oscillators heat the temperature sensitive portions of the oscillator which is isolated from the ambient to a uniform temperature to obtain a more stable output. Ovenized oscillators contain a heater, a temperature sensor and circuitry to control the heater. The temperature control circuitry holds the crystal and critical circuitry at a precise, constant temperature. The best controllers are proportional, providing a steady heating current which changes with the ambient temperature to hold the oven at a precise set-point, usually about 10 degrees above the highest expected ambient temperature. Temperature induced frequency variations can be greatly reduced by an amount approaching the thermal gain of the oven. The crystal for the oven is selected to have a "turning-point" at or near the oven temperature further reducing the sensitivity to temperature. The combination of the high oven gain with operation near turning point yields temperature stabilities as good as 1.0 ppb (one part per billion) over a temperature range that would cause the crystal to change by 10 ppm (one part per million). Highly polished, high-Q crystals which often have significant activity dips may be designed with no activity dips near the operating temperature providing better stability and phase noise than crystals designed for wide temperature ranges. Ovenized oscillators allow the use of SC-cut crystals which offer superior characteristics but which are impractical for ordinary TCXOs because of their steep frequency drop at cooler temperatures. Unfortunately SC cut crystals are much more expensive to produce than AT cut crystals typically used in TCXO's. Oven oscillators have a higher power consumption than temperature compensated oscillators. Oven oscillators require a few minutes to warm-up and the power consumption is typically one or two watts at room temperature.
In order to achieve an OCXO with a desired accuracy and stability, the precision of the reference element has always been of great significance. Unfortunately, the requirement for a precise reference element has limited the yield of crystal production and has kept the cost of creating OCXOs high. This is because the precision of the frequency of a crystal is affected by a great number of factors in the manufacturing process, such as the thickness of the cut of the crystal wafer, the angle of the cut, and imperfections or scratches on the crystal. The oscillator circuitry sensitivity to the frequency of the reference element likewise has contributed to manufacturing obstacles to large-scale and cost-effective OCXO production. Typical frequency-tuning components, such as inductors, capacitors and varactor diodes, are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as temperature, and repeatability and tolerance drift of these components over time must be taken into account in a typical OCXO design. The thermal control system for the oven has to be capable of achieving very accurate temperature settings uniquely adjusted for the characteristics of the particular reference element used.
When greater frequency stability is desired than can be provided by an OXCO other frequency stabilization approaches are used. One approach that has been used to achieve even higher frequency stability than the OCXO is the double oven controlled crystal oscillator (DOCXO). DOCXOs are similar in design to the OCXO, with an additional outer oven wrapped around the internal OCXO. That is, a temperature controlled oven contained within another temperature controlled oven is utilized. The outer oven means that DOCXOs have an additional layer of insulation over which the power input must balance the heat dissipation, resulting in another drop in maximum ambient temperature at which the oven will operate. Most DOCXOs use higher temperature set points, which increases aging, and compensate for this by using 3rd or 5th overtone crystals. This can cause a DOCXO to be bigger and require more power to operate.
More particularly, in a double oven configuration two insulated enclosures are utilized, one being placed inside the other with a proportionally controlled heater assembly for each. In order to maintain temperature control of the assembly under varying ambient conditions, it is necessary to maintain a differential of about 10 degrees Celsius between the highest ambient temperature to be experienced and the set point of the outer oven. Another 10 degrees Celsius differential is then required between the outer oven and the inner oven. The total heat rise above ambient between the crystal and the outside of the outer oven is more than 20 degrees Celsius. If the ambient temperature is high, the inner oven may need to operate at temperatures of around 110 degrees Celsius. There are several significant disadvantages of operating an oscillator at this high of a temperature. First, the reliability of electronic components decreases with temperature. The mean time between failures (MTBF) or operating lifetime of the circuit assembly is reduced as the temperature increases. In order to improve the failure rate, higher grade components must be used or more time spent screening components. Second, aging of the crystal resonator is accelerated. Crystals age more rapidly at higher temperatures. As the crystal ages, its frequency shifts causing frequency stability to rapidly degrade.
In addition, while present DOCXOs provide a relatively stable frequency output, as technology has advanced the need for oscillators having greater and greater stability has grown. Thus, there is a need in the art for ovenized crystal oscillators that provide even greater frequency stability than typically available in the prior art which is typically less than 0.1 part ppb.

High stability double oven crystal oscillator


A treatment for substrates such as wood protects against broad-spectrum UV degradation. The treatment includes a vegetable oil, an organic oil and a liquid supplement and includes a high solids content. While containing substantially no volatile organic compounds, the biodegradable treatment is also quick-drying and provides a number of wood-restoring and rejuvenating elements.

The present disclosure relates to providing protective treatments to substrates. In particular, the disclosure relates to providing protective treatments to biological material substrates such as wood.
For millennia, wood has found use in a variety of applications including as a structural element in construction and as a medium for artistic sculptural pursuits. The carbohydrates cellulose and hemicellulose account for 75% of wood's most valuable components. Additionally, for each 45.35 kgs of cut, air-dried wood there are approximately 0.45 to 0.91 kgs of essential minerals and nutrients. Up to 56 biological components including vitamin E (mixed alpha, gamma and delta tocopherols), twelve additional vitamins, thirteen minerals, nitrogen, eighteen amino acids, chlorophyll, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and six fatty acids are also found in both growing and harvested woods.
In outdoor applications, wood is frequently treated with one or more wood protection substances to, for example, reduce its vulnerability to moisture and ultraviolet (UV) light and the damages associated therewith. A great majority of wood protection products, including many labeled as being green, contain ingredients hazardous and damaging to wood itself. Instead of containing wood-rejuvenating ingredients, many wood protection products contain hazardous and other man-made chemicals which do not naturally occur in wood and shorten rather than lengthen the life span of harvested wood. Following application, many wood coating or protection products actually accelerate the degradation of substrate wood.
One commonly used wood treatment substance free from hazardous ingredients is linseed oil, a common vegetable oil and long oil alkyd derived from flax seeds, which contains lipids, linolenic fatty acids, linoleic fatty acids and alpha tocopherol. Its high color gardner 1953 of 12-max. provides a small amount of UV protection. In addition to the color, the strongest form of vitamin E alpha tocopherol is available as well as linolenic fatty acids (omega-3) and linoleic fatty acid (omega-6). The relatively high linolenic fatty acid concentration of 51-56% found in linseed oil may result in a yellowing of the oil after prolonged sun and/or ultraviolet light exposure.
Red raspberry seed oil, an organic caneberry seed oil, is known to deeply penetrate substrates such as wood and is further known to contains two classes of macromolecules, namely lipids and carbohydrates.
When combined, linseed oil and red raspberry seed oil contain carbohydrates and lipids which are two of the four main classes of macromolecules found in all living things, including, living trees as well as harvested trees which are subsequently milled into cut wood.


A multiple density layered insulator for use with a laser is disclosed wh provides at least two different insulation materials for a laser discharge tube, where the two insulation materials have different thermoconductivities. The multiple layer insulation materials provide for improved thermoconductivity capability for improved laser operation.

In considering means for improving the thermal efficiency of overall laser operation, one important consideration is the thermal conductivity of insulation materials surrounding the laser discharge chamber. A common approach is to use a single material of a predetermined thermal conductivity as insulation. However, one of the problems which arises in using only one type of insulation material is that its thermal conductivity may be insufficient, within certain temperature ranges, to provide optimum temperature parameters required for overall efficient laser operation. As an example, in a metal vapor laser such as a copper vapor laser, insulation material is usually utilized which provides the least thermal conductivity in the temperature range of about 1600.degree. C. (the approximate interior temperature of the copper vapor laser) to about room temperature, which is the temperature of the environment of the laser. However, a single insulation material generally is not capable of providing suitable thermal conductivity within such a temperature range for maximum efficiency of operation of the laser.

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy


A system and method for managing wireless vehicular communications include the ability to detect a message relating to a vehicle bus at a remote system and determine whether the message is a command that a protocol converter has the ability to implement. The system and method also include the ability to generate a command for a protocol converter if the message is a command that a protocol converter has the ability to implement and form a wireless message containing the command. The system and method further include the ability to transmit the wireless message over a wireless communication link and receive vehicle bus data over the wireless communication link.

This invention relates to wireless communication systems and, in particular, to a system and method for managing wireless vehicular communications.
Electronic controllers are currently being used to control a variety of components on vehicles, such as, for example, the engine, the transmission, and/or the brakes. When operating properly, these controllers enhance a vehicle""s performance and/or safety.
In operation, the controllers often need to exchange data with each other regarding their and/or the vehicle""s status. To exchange this data, the controllers usually use a bus, which is typically a wire or group of wires, to convey electrical signals that represent data. Thus, being able to monitor the signals on the bus is beneficial because the operational status of the controllers and/or the vehicle may be deduced. Furthermore, because many electronic controllers may be interrogated and/or controlled, being able to insert messages onto the bus is beneficial.
Unfortunately, typical devices that monitor and/or insert messages on a vehicle bus, such as, for example, a diagnostic computer, usually require a direct connection to the vehicle bus. Thus, each time one of these devices is used to monitor and/or insert messages on the vehicle bus, it must be connected to the bus, which increases set-up time and cost. Moreover, the connector in the vehicle may become damaged by repeated connections. Additionally, many of these devices tend to be rather large and, hence, are not very portable. Thus, the vehicle may have to be moved to be connected to the device, further increasing time and cost. Furthermore, because different devices are used for different functions, the vehicle may have to be moved several times to allow each device to monitor and/or insert messages on the bus, further increasing time and cost.
The present invention substantially reduces and/or eliminates at least some of the problems and disadvantages associated with previously developed systems and methods for communicating messages on a vehicle bus. Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method that manage the wireless communication of messages between a vehicle bus and a remote system.
In particular embodiments, a method for managing wireless vehicular communications includes detecting a message relating to a vehicle bus at a remote system and determining whether the message is a command that a protocol converter has the ability to implement. The method also includes generating a command for a protocol converter if the message is a command that a protocol converter has the ability to implement and forming a wireless message containing the command. The method further includes transmitting the wireless message over a wireless communication link and receiving vehicle bus data over the wireless communication link.
In certain embodiments, a system for managing wireless vehicular communications includes a computer and a wireless communication device. The computer is operable to detect a message relating to a vehicle bus, determine whether the message is a command that a protocol converter has the ability to implement, and generate a command for a protocol converter if the message is a command that a protocol converter has the ability to implement. The wireless communication device is coupled to the computer and is operable to form a wireless message containing the command, transmit the wireless message over a wireless communication link, and receive vehicle bus data over the wireless communication link.
In some embodiments, a method for managing wireless vehicular communications includes receiving vehicle bus messages at a protocol converter, analyzing the messages to determine whether to transmit the messages, and transmitting the messages over a wireless link if they should be transmitted.
The present invention provides several technical features. For example, in certain embodiments, a device that desires to monitor and/or insert messages on a vehicle bus does not have to be physically connected to the bus, decreasing time and cost. Additionally, for devices that are not portable, the vehicle may not have to be moved in order for the device to be able to monitor and/or insert messages on the bus, also service time and cost. Furthermore, different devices may monitor and/or insert messages on the bus without having to individually connect each of them to the bus. Thus, the vehicle may not have to be connected and/or moved to several different devices if they need to communicate with the bus, additionally reducing time and cost. As another example, in particular embodiments, the wireless communication format between the device and the bus accommodates all of the data rates on the bus. Thus, the messages on the bus can be timely communicated to the device, although there may still be some latency. As a further example, in some embodiments, the messages on the vehicle bus are filtered before being transmitted to the device. Thus, the device does not have to consume resources on extraneous messages, and the bandwidth of the wireless link between the bus and the device is conserved. As an additional example, in certain embodiments, messages in a variety of different vehicle bus protocols may be communicated to and/or from the device. Thus, a variety of types of devices may receive messages from a vehicle bus and/or a device may communicate with controllers that use different protocols. As a further example, in some embodiments, a user interface is generated to assist a user in managing the wireless communication of messages between the vehicle and the device. As still another example, in certain embodiments a device may manage the communications between a bus and multiple applications being run on the device. Particular embodiments may possess none, one, some, or all of these technical features and/or additional technical features.
Other technical features will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims.

System and method for managing wireless vehicular communications


Described herein are example charging stations for wirelessly recharging a variety of mobile devices. In some cases, the charging station is configured to receive a location indication of an antenna within the device, to determine a position of the device within the charging station, and to select an antenna from an array of antennas to provide a recharge signal to the device based on the location indication and the position of the device.

The continued proliferation of mobile electronic devices has resulted in a push to design devices that are smaller, lighter, and more power efficient. In particular, some of the major problems facing manufacturers of mobile electronic devices are achieving an effective balance between the size, weight, battery life, recharge cycling and dependability, of the portable electronic device, as well as a rate at which the device may be recharged. For example, the tendency to connect and unconnected a mobile device from a power supply for recharge multiple times a day can often result in wear in tear and/or damage to the connection interface. Therefore, in some cases, the device manufactures have moved to wireless recharging to extend the overall life time of the mobile devices. Unfortunately, most wireless rechargeable devices utilize an inductive system, which necessitates additional hardware, such as an inductive antenna, within the mobile device increasing size and weight and precise placement of the mobile device upon the charging bed.


Drag chain link typically employed for conveying cement clinker characterized by transversely ribbed underside adapted to trap a layer of clinker material for transferring a substantial portion of the normal chain wear to the clinker layer. Optionally, a grid of rectangular pocket forming ridges or other pocket forms may be employed over all or limited portions of the link face.

In drag chain transport of abrasive material such as cement clinker discharged from a rotary kiln, prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,485 discloses a TAPER-LOC DRAG LINK AND PIN having the ends of the TAPER-LOC PINS adapted for press fit respectively in each of the side arm bosses of the link engaging such ends. The usual pivotal clearance fit is confined to the center barrel element of the link. The TAPER-LOC PIN is provided with a head seated in a counterbore in one of the link side arm bosses; a reduced shoulder for a tight fit in the bore extending through said side arm boss; a further reduced shaft passing through the barrel with a pivotal fit; a further reduced tapered end having a flat face driven into the other side arm boss with a tight fit in a matching tapered boss hole having a matching flat to positively prevent the TAPER-LOC PIN from rotating; and a cross locking pin press fitted into a hole through the tapered pin near that end as a redundant safety feature to positively prevent link pin extraction under any condition.
The tight fit at both ends of the TAPER-LOC PIN and the side arm holes which engage them prevent abrasive grit from entering and the matching flats prevent rotation between the TAPER-LOC PIN and the boss holes in the drag link arms, thereby greatly reducing pin wear which is the principal object of the prior patent. However, the main underface of the chain link which drags abrasive material is also subject to wear which limits the life of the chain in normal use.


A microphone pop filter for attenuating plosive artifacts utilizes a substantially acoustically transparent material configured to define multiple airfoil surfaces that are oriented non-orthogonally relative to an axis defined between an audio source and a microphone diaphragm, with the substantially acoustically transparent material disposed intermediate the audio source and the microphone diaphragm and separated from the microphone diaphragm by an airspace. Plosive artifacts from the audio source may be deflected away from the microphone diaphragm by the airfoil surfaces to reduce the impact of such artifacts on the microphone diaphragm and the resulting electronic signal output therefrom.

Microphones are transducers; assemblies that convert one form of energy into another. In the case of microphones, they convert sound waves—periodic displacements of pressure in air—into electrical impulses. These impulses are then used in electronic reproduction of the original sound. Microphones operate utilizing a diaphragm, typically a flat disc that reacts to pressure changes in the air. The sound to be reproduced creates periodic waves in the air, which displaces the diaphragm from its resting place. The diaphragm, housed in what is commonly referred to as a capsule, acts as the first stage of the transducer, converting physical air pressure changes in the form of sound waves, into electrical impulses via a variety of methods.
Most modern vocal recording is done with the singer or announcer within six inches or less of the microphone. This often creates unwanted artifacts that occur when plosives (e.g., hard consonants such as p's, b's) from the singer or announcer's mouth result in bursts of air that, when they reach the diaphragm, cause it to travel in such a way that creates distortion of the desired sound. This is manifested to the listener as a low frequency pop or hump sound emanating from the electronic reproduction audio system. This is considered disruptive to the listener, as it is not an element that would be present acoustically if the listener was within physical proximity to the singer or announcer such that they could hear the sounds from the performer's mouth without the aid of an electronic reproduction system.
Conventional attempts to mitigate unwanted artifacts from a singer or announcer rely on the use of pop filters, or windscreens, of various constructions. There are several, often competing considerations in the design and construction of microphone pop filters. First, an apparatus should be as effective as possible in diminishing the negative artifacts of plosive consonants resulting from microphone positioning close to a vocal performer's mouth. Second, an apparatus should cause the fewest anomalies possible in the fidelity of the recording through said microphone. While microphones and electronic reproduction systems themselves do not approach the characteristics of human hearing of the same source in an acoustic environment, one measure of the overall quality of said apparatus is its sonic transparency. Put another way, the frequency response of the receiving microphone should not be altered significantly from that which would occur without the plosive reduction apparatus.
The first consideration can be measured by recording and measuring the amplitude of plosive consonants without the apparatus, then doing the same with the apparatus in place between the audio source (e.g., vocalist or announcer) and the microphone. This may be normally represented as a simple x-y graph, where x is a horizontal axis representing time and y is a vertical axis representing amplitude.
The second consideration—fidelity of frequency response—can be measured by recording and graphically representing the frequency response of a given acoustic source through the microphone and recording apparatus, then doing the same with the plosive reduction apparatus in place between the sound source (vocalist) and the microphone. A comparison of these two resultant graphs provides a measurement of the degree of anomalies introduced by the insertion of the plosive reduction apparatus between the sound source and the microphone. There are several methods of representing this graphically; one in which the sound as received through the transducer (microphone) is an x-y graph where x is the horizontal axis representing the spectrum (in cycles per second, or hertz) of human hearing, and y is the vertical axis representing the amplitude of those frequencies in relation to each other at one moment in time. The second method of graphic representation is a spectrogram, a three dimensional graphic representation of the sound received through the transducer (microphone), where the x axis represents frequency, the y axis represents amplitude, and the z axis represents time. In the case of a plosive filter, the first representation is adequate, as the plosive is typically representative of a relatively short (approximately 5 millisecond) period of time.
Conventional devices incorporate several different methodologies for shielding a microphone diaphragm from the distortion-causing burst of air or wind created from a sung or spoken plosive consonant. One conventional design incorporates a baffle system that is integral to the microphone capsule assembly. In such a construction, a series of physical baffles between the receiving end of the capsule and the diaphragm create a twisting path that acts as a series of barriers, around which the sound wave must travel to reach the diaphragm. In theory, the excess displacement of air resulting in the unwanted distorted plosive is dissipated by the series of baffles, yet the open spaces around the baffles allow the desired normal sound waves to pass through to the capsule and diaphragm.
A second type of design is made of open cell foam. This can be either an integral part of the capsule assembly or an external piece of foam in a variety of shapes with a hollow area into which the microphone is inserted. In theory, the network of foam cells acts as a complex baffle, which prevents the excess displacement of air from a plosive from reaching the microphone diaphragm, yet still allows the desired normal sound waves to pass through to the capsule and diaphragm.
A third type of design is an external hoop and fabric type, consisting of one or more layers of a permeable fabric such as Lycra or spandex that is stretched over a hoop-shaped frame. The fabric is held in place by a system of tightly-fitting concentric hoops, with the fabric edges secured by the pressure between the two hoops. This hoop assembly is attached to the microphone or to a microphone stand by a length of coiled metal whose shape retention allows the user to place the hoop type screen between the mouth of the singer or announcer and the capsule and diaphragm of the microphone. The hoop is affixed to one end of the length of coiled metal, commonly referred to as a "gooseneck." The other end of this gooseneck incorporates a clip, which is affixed to the microphone body, or the microphone stand. The fabric covered hoop is positioned with the flat face of the hoop assembly facing the vocalist's mouth, so the sound waves resulting in air pressure changes hit the flat surface of the stretched fabric at a 90° angle. In theory, the unwanted excess air movement created by a plosive is reflected and dissipated by the fabric, yet the fabric is permeable to the point that the desired sound waves pass through to the capsule and diaphragm.
Although the hoop type of pop filter or windscreen is commonly accepted to be the most efficient of the three types, providing the greatest amount of plosive artifact reduction while affording the highest fidelity of the sound that does reach the diaphragm, it has been found that this design is moderately effective, at best. Further, if the vocalist is too close (e.g., two inches or less) from the device, or if the device is too close to the microphone capsule, the device loses most of its effectiveness in reducing plosive distortion. One remedy for this—in practical use for some time—is the use of two of these hoop screens in succession, with a small airspace separating them. These are now being commercially manufactured in this dual configuration; however, it has been found that their effectiveness is still not optimal.
Therefore, a significant need continues to exist in the art for an improved device and methodology for attenuating plosive artifacts from an audio source such as a singer or announcer.


A dielectrically isolated photodiode having an increased p-n junction size with improved photo-carrier collection efficiency. The photodiode comprises a first layer of semiconductor material formed on the bottom and the walls of an isolation region; a second layer of semiconductor material formed on the first layer. The second layer forming a first p-n junction with the first layer and having opposite conductivity type compared to that of the first layer. The photodiode also comprises a third layer of semiconductor material formed on the second layer and electrically coupled to the first layer. The third layer having the same conductivity type as the first layer and forming a second p-n junction with the second layer. During operation, the first p-n junction functions to collect photo-generated carriers that extend to the bottom and walls of the isolation region, thereby increasing the active collecting p-n junction area per isolation region area to improve efficiency of the photodiode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of semiconductor devices, and more particularly, to a photodiode deivce in dielectrically isolated and silicon-on-insulator structures having improved photo-carrier collection efficiency.
2. Related Art
Optically coupled solid state relays, such as those used in telecommunications signalling, use a light emitting diode (LED) and a stack of photodiodes to control a high-voltage switch. Several conventional approaches to solid-state relays are discussed by J.C. Gammel in an article titled, "High-Voltage Solid State Relays for Telecommunications" (Electro, Section 24, pp. 1-4, 1986).
The LEDs commonly used in solid state relays emit light in or near the infra-red region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infra-red light of this wavelength penetrates the silicon to a depth of between 30-60 micrometers. The efficiency of the photodiode, which is primarily determined by the short-circuit current under illumination is a critical parameter. The efficiency of the photodiode determines the silicon area required to provide a specific drive capability for the high-voltage switch of the solid-state relay.
In accordance with the design criteria of nearly all solid-state devices, what is desired is a photodiode structure with an improved drive capability which minimizes the silicon area required to implement such a device.

Semiconductor photodiode device with isolation region


When a facsimile data is received, a control unit causes the content of the facsimile data to be displayed on a display. The control unit causes a recording unit to print the content of the facsimile data on a recording sheet when a “Print” key is pressed down with the facsimile data displayed on the display while causing a forwarding method selection screen to be displayed on the display when a “To Forward” key is pressed down. The control unit causes a display urging the selection of the E-mail transmission of the received facsimile data, the transmission thereof to another computer and the transmission thereof to another facsimile apparatus to be displayed in the forwarding method selection screen on the display, and the facsimile data is forwarded by a forwarding method corresponding to the instruction given from an operator.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus capable of further forwarding a facsimile data received from an external communication line to network-connected computers and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
There have been conventionally known network facsimile apparatus provided with a facsimile communication function of transmitting and receiving image information via a telephone line and a network communication function of transmitting and receiving image information to and from client terminal units via a local area network. With this network facsimile apparatus, the image information received via the telephone line can be transmitted to the client terminal units connected with the local area network.
In the above network facsimile apparatus, in the case of transferring the facsimile data received via the telephone line to the client terminal unit, the content of the received facsimile data is confirmed; a receiver of this facsimile data is confirmed; and this data is transferred to the client terminal unit used by this receiver. However, in the case of transferring the facsimile data in this way, an operator can neither confirm the content of the facsimile data nor judge the transferring end of the facsimile data unless the received facsimile data is printed (outputted) on a recording sheet upon receiving the facsimile data.


A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a fluid into a region of the well and monitoring a level of the fluid communicated via a downhole sensor. The communication is controlled in response to the monitoring.

The invention generally relates to an instrumented packer.
An oilfield well may have several production zones. These zones are established by one or more wellbores (of the well) that extend through one or more subterranean formations. Different zones may need to be treated over the lifetime of the well.
For example, a well treatment may be needed to selectively block or seal off production from a particular zone. In this manner, production from each zone is not always the same, as the compositions of the fluids produced by the zones typically vary. For example, some of the zones may produce an unacceptable level of water, and thus, it may be desirable to seal off these zones from the well. As another example, some of the zones may produce unacceptable levels of contaminants, and thus, it may be desirable to also block the communication of fluids from these zones. The quality of production from a particular zone may vary over the course of the well's lifetime. For example, over time, a zone may transition from producing well fluid of an acceptable quality to producing too much water or producing well fluid having an unacceptably high level of contaminants.
Thus, at some point, either before the initial installation of production equipment or at a later time, corrective action may have to be performed to seal off a particular zone in a well. One type of corrective action involves a technique that is referred to in the industry as a "squeeze job." In a squeeze job, any production tubing that is present in the well is first removed from the affected zone. Subsequently, the zone is isolated using temporary packers. This isolation involves sealing off the area inside the casing string or inside the wellbore, depending on whether the well is cased. A mixture called a cement slurry is then pumped down through a tube into the isolated zone and hardens into a cement to seal off the zone.
In the squeeze job, the cement slurry may be directed into perforation tunnels of the zone. In other applications, the cement may fill gravel packing of the zone. In this manner, the gravel packing is used in some wells to filter sand in an unconsolidated formation while allowing the oil to flow through. However, the corresponding production zone may be invaded by brine and thus, it may become necessary to plug the gravel packing by cementing through the gravel.
Well treatments also exist to enhance the production from a particular zone. For example, it may be desirable to introduce acid in a zone, in an operation called "acidizing." The introduced acid increases the productivity of the zone. However, when acidizing, it may be necessary to isolate the zone in which acid is introduced, because if the acid reaches a particular water-producing zone, water production from that zone may be undesirably enhanced. Thus, for the acidizing operation, it is also desirable to isolate the zone in which the operation is being performed.
In all of the above-described operations, an estimation typically is made of the volume of fluid (i.e., the cement slurry, acidizing fluid, or other chemical) that is needed to complete the well treatment operation. For example, in a cement squeeze operation, an estimation of the volume of cement slurry needed to isolate a particular zone is made. However, it is often difficult to ascertain the volume capacity of the zone into which the fluid is being introduced, and this difficulty may present challenges in effectively performing the operation. For example, if not enough cement slurry is used in a cement squeeze operation, then the targeted zone may not be properly isolated. However, if too much cement slurry is communicated into the well, production from an adjacent zone may be advertently blocked. As another example, if too much acidizing fluid is introduced into the targeted zone, the acidizing fluid may migrate into an adjacent water producing zone and enhance the water production from that zone.
Thus, there is a continuing need for an arrangement and/or technique to address one or more of the problems that are stated above as well as possibly address other problems not stated above.


A photolithography process for forming an island-shaped semiconductor layer is omitted, and a transistor is formed by at least two photolithography processes: a photolithography process for forming a gate electrode (including a wiring or the like formed from the same layer as the gate electrode) and a photolithography process for forming a source electrode and a drain electrode (including a wiring or the like formed from the same layer as the source electrode and the drain electrode). By using electron beam exposure, a transistor in which a distance between the source electrode and the drain electrode (channel length) is short can be formed. For example, a transistor whose channel length is less than 50 nm can be obtained.

1. Field of the Invention
The disclosed invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device.
The disclosed invention relates to a technique for miniaturizing a semiconductor integrated circuit. The invention disclosed in this specification includes in its scope an element formed using a compound semiconductor, in addition to that formed using a silicon semiconductor, as a component of a semiconductor integrated circuit, and discloses an element formed using a wide-gap semiconductor as an example.
In this specification and the like, a semiconductor device refers to all types of devices which can function by utilizing semiconductor characteristics; an electro-optical device, a light-emitting display device, a semiconductor circuit, and an electronic device are all semiconductor devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Attention has been focused on a technique for forming a transistor using a semiconductor thin film formed over a substrate having an insulating surface (also referred to as a thin film transistor (TFT)). The transistor is applied to a wide range of electronic devices such as an integrated circuit (IC) or an image display device (display device). A silicon-based semiconductor material is widely known as a material for a semiconductor thin film applicable to a transistor. As another material, an oxide semiconductor has attracted attention.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a transistor whose active layer includes an amorphous oxide containing indium (In), gallium (Ga), and zinc (Zn) is disclosed. Further, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 disclose a transistor whose channel is formed in a metal oxide layer having semiconductor characteristics.
As semiconductor memory devices, dynamic RAMs (DRAMs) formed using a silicon substrate are well-known products and currently used in a variety of electronic devices. A memory cell which is a key component in a DRAM includes a reading and writing transistor and a capacitor.
DRAMs are an example of volatile memory devices, and another example of volatile memory devices is static random access memories (SRAMs). An SRAM holds stored data by using a circuit such as a flip-flop and thus does not need refresh operation, which is an advantage over a DRAM. However, cost per storage capacity is high because a circuit such as a flip-flop is used. Moreover, as in a DRAM, stored data in an SRAM is lost when power supply stops.
An example of nonvolatile memory devices is flash memories. A flash memory includes a floating gate between a gate electrode and a channel formation region in a transistor and stores data by holding charge in the floating gate. Therefore, a flash memory has advantages in that the data holding period is extremely long (semi-permanent) and refresh operation which is necessary to volatile memory devices is not needed.
However, in a flash memory, there is a problem in that a memory element becomes incapable of functioning after a large number of repeated write operations because a gate insulating layer included in the memory element deteriorates due to tunneling current generated in the write operations. In order to avoid this problem, a method in which the number of write operations is equalized among memory elements can be employed, for example, but a complex peripheral circuit is needed to realize this method. Moreover, even when such a method is employed, the fundamental problem of lifetime cannot be resolved. In other words, a flash memory is not suitable for applications in which data is frequently rewritten.
In addition, high voltage is necessary in order to inject charge into the floating gate or remove the charge. Moreover, it takes a relatively long time to inject or remove charge, and it is not easy to increase the speed of writing or erasing data.
Volatile memory devices typified by DRAMs are formed using a silicon substrate, and their circuit patterns, like those for other semiconductor integrated circuits, have been miniaturized in accordance with the scaling law. There was a time when it was considered difficult to achieve a design rule of 100 nm or less. One of the reasons is that in a transistor having a channel length of 100 nm or less, a punch-through current is likely to flow due to a short-channel effect and the transistor becomes incapable of functioning as a switching element, which has been considered to be a problem. In order to prevent a punch-through current, a silicon substrate may be doped with an impurity at high concentration. However, this is not an appropriate solution to the problem because it makes a junction leakage current likely to flow between a source and the substrate or between a drain and the substrate and eventually causes a deterioration of memory retention characteristics.
Patent Document 4 discloses a technique in which a transistor formed using an oxide semiconductor layer is used as a memory.
Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a transistor formed using amorphous IGZO and having a channel length of 50 nm.

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


A test system for diagnosing twisted pair wiring includes a system processor in communication with a subscriber line interface module, which includes a codec and a SLIC (Subscriber Line Interface Circuit). The SLIC transmits a waveform having a frequency used for voice or baseband modem transmissions onto the twisted pair wiring. The system processor transmits a digital PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) stream to the codec, and the codec converts the digital PCM stream into the waveform transmitted onto the twisted pair wiring. In response to the transmitted waveform, the SLIC senses current on the twisted pair wiring. The codec generates an output waveform corresponding to the sensed current. The system processor receives the output waveform from the codec as a digital PCM stream, synchronizes the transmitted waveform and the output waveform at a single sample, and determines electrical properties of the twisted pair wiring from the output waveform.

Resistance and capacitance of a twisted pair wiring (or telephone line) have long been known to be important electrical properties that affect communications carried by that line. Such electrical properties can also serve to provide indications of line faults, which can arise for numerous causes, such as moisture, physical damage, and power surges. Accordingly, industry has devised various techniques for measuring the electrical properties of twisted pair wiring in order to determine whether certain electrical properties of the line, in particular, its capacitance and resistance, are within acceptable values.

Narrowband diagnostics for twisted pair wiring


In an approach to adaptive sound masking, one or more computer processors analyze a surrounding of one or more users and stores in a database. The one or more computer processors receive a request from the one or more users for adaptive sound masking. The one or more computer processors analyzes a surrounding environment associated with the one or more users and storing a first information associated with the surrounding environment in a database. The one or more computer processors generate a cognitive sound mask base on the first information. The one or more computer processors produce a sound cone based on the cognitive sound mask and directing the sound cone at a distracting sound. The one or more computer processors adapt the sound cone based on changes to the surrounding environment.

The present invention relates generally to the field of sound masking and more particularly to adaptive sound mask generation.
Humans have been masking their movement for thousands of years. During prehistoric times, humans quietly stalk their prey without making a sound. Stealth is the key to survival since it meant having a meal that night or the whole tribe going hungry. Modern day humans are fortunate that they do not need to forage for food or need to mask their footsteps. However, sound or noise does play an important role in today's modern society. For example, a group of students trying to study for the law school exams in the library can be distracted by the noise generated by the sound of the janitorial staff vacuuming the carpet 10 feet away. Considering another example, the sound of a tennis player hitting the ball can be masked so that an opponent is slow to react to the serve.

Adaptive sound masking using cognitive learning

International Business Machines Corporation


One embodiment of the invention provides for making electronic payments by scanning a merchant 2D code located near the point of sale with the customer's cell phone and transmitting the code or data embodied by the code to a payment center where the merchant's account can be credited and the customer's account debited without transmitting account information over the airwaves. In another embodiment of the invention, both parties transmit the same randomly generated 2D code or data embodied by the code to the payment center where they are matched to each other and to the buyer and seller to process the transaction. In a further embodiment of the invention, an inked tattoo or barcode marking is employed as a password to authorize access to smartphone applications for example, to make an electronic payment over a threshold amount.

The disclosure of my earlier patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,155, issued Mar. 2, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,155 at column 2, lines 40-42, the possibility employing temporary tattoos for the verification method is disclosed.
In my PCT patent application number PCT/US10/02986 filed Nov. 17, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, there is disclosed a further security improvement by employing a series of temporary tattoos, each valid only for a temporary period of time, or, alternatively, a temporary tattoo, label, decal or the like carrying a barcode or the like coupled to an identity confirmation step that employs a buyer's cell phone.

Methods for conducting electronic payment transactions with scannable codes


A pet washing station apparatus in combination with a supply of water adapted for washing a domestic animal having a collar attached to a collar fastener extending from a leash secured to a basin sidewall extending from a basin bottom and ending at a basin upper lip. The upper lip is configured with plural compartments for receiving pet accessories. A converter integrated into the basin sidewall is included for converting the water supply for washing the domestic animal, the converter including an integrated heating source and a distribution system for receiving the water supply and distributing the converted water to the interior of the basin. The distribution system may include a water connector and a spray nozzle for conveniently distributing the converted water to the apparatus.

Domestic animals are popular and provide a source of enjoyment for many people. However, they require care to remain healthy and happy. In particular, washing a domestic animal is sometimes challenging, in that while washing the animal some animals refuse to remain stationary and attempt to remove themselves from the washing source. In addition, some animals dislike the cold water which may be associated with the washing source. Also, cold water is not as effective at removing the oils which may be present on the animal. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a domestic animal washing basin which located the animal in a fixed position and provided warm water to help wash the domestic animal.


A method for driving a plasma display panel including first display electrodes, second display electrodes interleaved with the first display electrodes, an address electrode crossing over the first display electrodes and the second display electrode. The first display electrodes are sorted by the order into the even group and the odd group of the first display electrodes. A first sustain pulse pair formed by the sustain pulses are respectively applied to the even group of the first display electrode and the second display electrode. A second sustain pulse pair formed by the sustain pulses are respectively applied to the odd group of the first display electrode and the second display electrode. There is a phase difference between the sustain pulse applied to the even group of the first display electrode and that applied to the odd group of the first display electrode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a method for driving a plasma display panel (PDP). In particular, the present invention relates to a method for driving a PDP by providing sustain pulses with phase difference in a sustain period.
2. Description of the Related Art
PDP displays images by indicates of charges accumulated through electrode discharge. It is one of the most interesting plate display devices because, among other advantages, it can provide a large screen and display full-color images.
FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a conventional PDP structure comprising two glass substrates 1 and 7 with components formed thereon. Inert gas, such as Ne, Xe, is filled in the cavity between glass substrates 1 and 7. The components formed on the glass substrate 1 include sustain electrodes Xi and Xi+1 parallel to each other, and parallel scan electrodes Yi and Yi+1 deposed between sustain electrodes, a dielectric layer 3 and a protective film 5. The distance between Xi and Yi is shorter than that between Yi and Xi+1 and Xi and Yi are called an electrode pair (Xi, Yi). Sustain electrode Xi+1 and scan electrode Yi+1 form another electrode pair (Xi+1, Yi+1). The components formed on the glass substrate 7 include address electrodes A perpendicular to sustain electrodes and scan electrodes and the fluorescent material 9 formed thereon.
In addition, gas discharges D1 and D2 occur between electrodes pairs (Xi, Yi) and (Xi+1, Yi+1), accordingly. Thus, one electrode pair provides one display line. A cell is defined at the intersection of an electrode pair and a data electrode.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a plasma display formed by the PDP cells shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the drawing, the PDP 100 comprises the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn, the sustain electrodes X1˜Xn and the address electrodes A1˜Am. In addition, the plasma display includes the control circuit 110, the Y scan drivers 112A and 112B, the X sustain driver 114 and the address driver 116. Y scan driver 112A generates waveforms in every period, and Y scan driver 112B generates scan pulses in address period only. The control circuit 110 generates control signals and image data signals for the drivers according to the external clock signal CLOCK, the image data signals DATA, the vertical synchronous signal VSYNC and the horizontal synchronous signal HSYNC, wherein the clock signal CLOCK represents the data transmittal clock, the image data signals DATA represents the image data, which is processed in control circuit 110 to be display data to fit the format for address driver, and the vertical synchronous signal VSYNC and the horizontal synchronous signal HSYNC respectively define the timing sequences of a frame and a scanning line. The display data is transmitted to the address driver 116 by the control circuit 110 and is written to each cell through the address electrodes A1˜Am while the Y scan driver 112B sequentially scans the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn in address period. The detailed operation is described below.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a conventional PDP driving scheme to display a frame. As shown in the drawing, each frame is divided into eight sub-fields SF1˜SF8. The PDP field displays various gray scales for all of the scanning lines. Each sub-field includes three operating periods, that is, the reset period R1˜R8, the address period A1˜A8 and the sustain period S1˜S8. The reset period clears the residual charges of last sub-field and a certain amount of the wall charges remaining in each cell. The address period accumulates wall charges into the cell, which is to be displayed (i.e., turned ON), through address discharge. The sustain period sustains discharge for the cells which have accumulated charges through the address discharge. All of the PDP cells are processed at the same time during the reset period R1˜R8 and the sustain periods S1˜S8. The address operation is sequentially performed for scan electrode during the address period A1˜A8. Moreover, the display brightness is proportional to the length of the sustain period S1˜S8. In the example of FIG. 3, the length of the sustain periods S1˜S8 of the sub-fields SF1˜SF8 can be set at a ratio of 1:2:4:8:16:32:64:128 to display images in 256 gray scales.
FIG. 4 is a timing diagram of the driving waveform on the electrodes in a single sub-field of conventional process. The waveform on the address electrodes Ai is generated by the address driver 116, the waveform on the sustain electrodes X is generated by the X sustain driver 114, and the waveform on the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn is generated by the scan driver 112A and 112B. As shown in the drawing, each sub-field includes the reset period, the address period and the sustain period. The waveform of each period and resulting behavior are described in detail below.
At time point a (in FIG. 4) of the reset period, the voltage of the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn is set to 0 V, and a write pulse having a voltage of VS+VW is applied to the sustain electrode X, in which the voltage VS+VW exceeds the firing voltage between the sustain electrode X and the scan electrode Yi. Therefore, the global writing discharge W occurs between the sustain electrode X and the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn. This discharge process accumulates negative charges on the sustain electrode X and positive charges on the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn. The electric field produced by the accumulated negative charges and the positive charges cancels out the voltage drop between the sustain electrodes, thus the time of global writing discharge W is very short.
At time point b, the sustain electrode X is set to 0 V, and a sustain pulse 202 having a voltage of VS is applied to all of the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn, wherein the value of the voltage VS plus the voltage caused by the charges accumulated between the sustain electrodes must exceed the firing voltage between the scan electrodes Yi and the sustain electrode X. Thus, the total sustain discharge S occurs between the sustain electrode X and the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn. Unlike previous discharge process, this discharge process accumulates positive charges on the sustain electrode X and negative charges on the scan electrodes Yi.
At time point c, the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn are set to 0V, an erase pulse 203 having a voltage lower than VS is applied to the sustain electrode X. The erase pulse neutralizes a part of the charges. On the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn, required wall charges remain so that the write operation can proceed at a lower voltage in the subsequent address period.
In the address period, the voltage of the sustain electrode X and the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn are pulled up to VS at time point d. Scan pulse 204 is then sequentially applied to the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn from time point e, and an address pulse having a voltage of VA is applied to the address electrode A1˜Am at the same time to cause write discharge. Wall charge is written into the corresponding cell and the corresponding cell is turned ON.
After scanning all of the scan electrodes Y1˜Yn, the sustain period begins. The sustain electrode X and the scan electrode Yi are first set to 0 V. Sustain pulses 205 having the same voltage are then applied to the sustain electrode X and the scan electrodes Yi in an alternate way, i.e., at time point f and at time point g. Thus, the cell turned ON during the address period irradiates. It should be noted that the driving waveform described is only an example. The waveform varies in practice, but the same theory is applied.
FIGS. 5A˜5D show waveforms of the pulses provided to the scan electrode and the sustain electrode of different types during the sustain period. FIG. 5A shows the scan electrode and the sustain electrode driven by "positive & no gap" mode during the sustain period. FIG. 5B shows the scan electrode and the sustain electrode driven by "positive & gap" mode during the sustain period. FIG. 5C shows the scan electrode and the sustain electrode driven by "negative & no gap" mode during the sustain period. FIG. 5D shows the scan electrode and the sustain electrode driven by "negative & gap" mode during the sustain period. In the figures, pulse X indicates the voltage provided to the sustain electrode varying with time, pulse Y indicates the voltage provided to the scan electrode varying with time, and pulse (X-Y) indicates the voltage difference between the sustain electrode and the scan electrode varying with time. As shown in FIGS. 5A˜5D, the phase of the pulses provided to all sustain electrodes is the same, and the phase of the pulses provided to all scan electrodes is the same. In addition, the phase difference between the pulses respectively provided to the sustain electrode and the scan electrode is 180°.
However, PDP cells to be illuminated supplying the same voltage difference between the sustain electrode and the scan electrode induces gas discharge at the same time. Thus, the discharge current on the scan electrodes is great, especially when the numbers of the illuminated cell is large. In addition, the discharge current is greater when the percentage of Xe is increased. Thus, loading on the driving circuit of PDP is increased. In addition, the large discharge current generates notches on the waveform of the sustain pulse.
FIG. 6 shows the waveforms of the sustain pulses provided to the sustain electrode and the scan electrode, and the current on the scan electrode. In the figure, X(V) represents the voltage provided to the sustain electrode, Y(V) represents the voltage provided to the scan electrode, and Y(I) represents the current magnitude through the scan electrode. As shown in FIG. 6, currents 60 and 61 of the current waveform and notches 62 of the voltage waveform are generated on the scan electrode. Here, current 61 is called displacement current to charge or discharge the capacitive load of the panel in the sustain period.
However, the current 60 of the scan electrode cause notches 62 of the voltage generated on the scan electrode, and a driver having a higher current tolerance to drive the scan electrodes is required. In addition, the notches 62 of the voltage on the scan electrodes influence the gas discharge of PDP cells, causing cell extinction.

Plasma display panels and methods for driving plasma display panel with reduced voltage notches


A lubricating composition comprising a base oil and one or more additives, wherein the composition has: a sulphated ash content (according to ASTM D 874) of at least 0.4 wt % and at most 1.0 wt. %, by weight of the lubricating composition; a total base number (TBN) value (according to ASTM D 2896) of at least 4.0 mg KOH/g and at most 12 mg KOH/g; a total aromatics content contributed by the base oil in the range from 1 wt % to 30 wt %, by weight of the lubricating composition; and a sulphur content contributed by the base oil of 0.4 wt % or less, by weight of the lubricating composition; and wherein the base oil comprises a blend of (i) a first base oil which is a mineral base oil selected from an API Group I mineral base oil and an API Group II mineral base oil, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) a second base oil selected from an API Group II base oil and an API Group III base oil, preferably wherein the first base oil belongs to a different API group to that of the second base oil.

In power generation, gas engines operate continuously near full load conditions, shutting down only for maintenance and/or change of lubricant. As a result, the lubricant in use is exposed to a sustained high temperature and high pressure environment. These operating conditions may cause relatively severe lubricant oxidation and nitration processes, which lead to alkaline reserve (base number) depletion, increased viscosity and reduced cleanliness in critical engine parts, such as the piston assembly, that can lead to increase in fuel and lubricant consumption and ultimately engine reliability issues.
In commercially available low ash gas engine oil products typically sulphated ash values of about 0.5 wt. % and below 1.0 wt % with TBN (Total Base Number) values of at maximum about 9 mg KOH/g are used. Examples of such commercially available products are Mobil Pegasus 605, Mobil Pegasus 705 and Mobil Pegasus 1005, which are available from Exxon Mobil Corporation.
According to the Technical Data Sheets thereof, Mobil Pegasus 605 has a sulphated ash content (according to ASTM D 874) of 0.5 and a TBN value (according to ASTM D 2896) of 7.1, Mobil Pegasus 705 has a sulphated ash content of 0.5 and a TBN value of 5.6, and Mobil Pegasus 1005 has a sulphated ash content of 0.5 and a TBN value of 5.3.
It is an object of the present invention to improve the oxidation stability of lubricating compositions, especially for use in gas engine oils.
It is another object of the present invention to improve cleanliness performance of lubricating compositions for use in a gas engine.
Another object of the present invention is to improve both oxidation stability and cleanliness performance of lubricating compositions, especially for use in a gas engine.


The present disclosure relates to a method and non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for using prediction models for predicting values, the medium comprising instructions for receiving a plurality of entry identifiers, instructions for receiving a value for each of the plurality of entry identifiers, instructions for determining whether the value for each of the plurality of entry identifiers has changed and a magnitude of the change, instructions for building a model for predicting a time-to-value change, instructions for building a model for predicting a future magnitude of change, instructions for performing a simulation using the model for predicting the time-to-value change and the model for predicting the future magnitude of change and instructions for outputting a confidence interval.

Data analysis systems may facilitate presentation of real-time data and analysis of data. Although computer-assisted real-time data analysis systems exist, such systems may deliberately avoid consideration of certain data, such as data for a current period and/or a latest period that is still subject to change. Thus, such systems may be prone to significant errors caused by a lag period between first entry and final settlement of key performance indicators in real-time. These and other drawbacks exist.

System and method for providing prediction models for predicting changes to placeholder values


A heat exchanger for a CO2 refrigerant includes at least three rows of tube groups including a plurality of tubes having an independent refrigerant path, first and second header pipes including a header where a plurality of tube insertion holes into which the tubes are inserted are formed and a tank having partition walls formed along a direction of the flow of a refrigerant, wherein a plurality of return holes are formed in the partition walls, end caps sealing both end portions of the first and second header pipes, a coupling reinforcement portion installed at least one of the first and second header pipes and reinforcing a coupling force of the header and the tank, a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the first or second header pipe through which the refrigerant enters, and a refrigerant outlet pipe connected to the first or second header pipe through which the refrigerant is exhausted. The refrigerant entering through the refrigerant inlet pipe is made to flow in a direction adverse to a direction in which air flows.

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2002-29949 filed on May 29, 2002 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly, to a heat exchanger for a CO2 refrigerant in which fluid having a cooling cycle of a supercritical pressure like CO2.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a heat exchanger performs heat exchange as fluid having a high temperature and fluid having a low temperature transfer heat from a high temperature to a low temperature through a wall surface. An HFC refrigerant has been mainly used as an operational medium of an air-conditioning system having the heat exchanger. However, since the HFC refrigerant is recognized as one of the major reasons for global warming, a use thereof is gradually restricted. Thus, studies on a CO2 refrigerant as a next generation refrigerant to replace the HPC refrigerant have been actively performed. GWP (global warming point) of CO2 is about {fraction (1/1300)} of R134a which is a typical HFC refrigerant. In addition, CO2 has the following merits as a refrigerant. That is, since the operational compression ratio is low, a compression efficiency is high. Since a heat transfer performance is excellent, a difference in temperature between the temperature at an inlet of air which is a secondary fluid and the temperature at an outlet of a refrigerant can be small by far compared with a conventional refrigerant. Thus, since heat can be generated at a low outside temperature in the winter time by utilizing the above merits, the CO2 refrigerant can be applied to a heat pump performing cooling in the summer time and heating in the winter time.
Also, since the volume cooling capacity (evaporation latent heat x gas density) of CO2 is 7 or 8 times high than R134a which is a conventional refrigerant, the capacity of a compressor can be greatly reduced. Since a surface tension is small, boiling heat transfer is superior. Since specific heat at constant pressure is great and viscosity is lower, a heat transfer performance is superior so that CO2 has a superior thermodynamic feature as a refrigerant. Furthermore, in view of a cooling cycle, since a gas-cooling pressure is 6-8 times (about 90-130 bar) higher than that of the conventional refrigerant, pressure loss due to the pressure drop of a refrigerant inside a heat exchanger is relatively low compared to the conventional refrigerant. Accordingly, a fine channel heat exchanger tube which is known as one having a superior heat transfer performance but a great pressure drop can be used.
However, since the cooling cycle of CO2 is a supercritical pressure cycle, not only evaporation pressure but also gas cooling pressure is 6-8 times (about 90-130 bar) higher than a conventional cycle. Thus, in order to use CO2 as a refrigerant, it is important to secure a superior pressure-resistance feature.
In a typical heat exchanger, multiple steps of paths are added to the flow of a refrigerant to increase a heat exchange efficiency. For the CO2 refrigerant, when the refrigerant is cooled, the temperature is continuously lowered in the heat exchanger without a condensation step so that heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant paths in the heat exchanger. Thus, the heat exchange efficiency is lowered. Also, the heat exchanger needs to be made compact and the manufacture and assembly thereof must be easy and convenient.
As a heat exchanger using CO2 as a refrigerant, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-81294 discloses a multilayer heat exchanger for a high pressure. The multilayer heat exchanger includes header pipes each including a header, a tank, and partition walls integrally formed with the tank, so that a pressure-resistance feature and a mounting feature are improved and the large size of a heat exchanger is prevented.
However, the heat exchanger has a problem in that, when the header and the tank are combined by a brazing process, a combining portion between the header and the tank is not strong enough. In particular, during assembly, the header and tank receive a considerable force so that the material can be deformed. Accordingly, contact of part of a contact portion is incomplete so that a pressure-resistance feature is deteriorated.
To solve the above and/or other problems, the present invention provides a heat exchanger using a refrigerant working under a high pressure like CO2 as a heat exchange medium, in which a pressure-resistance feature is improved and simultaneously an assembly feature such as a brazing feature is improved.
The present invention provides a heat exchanger in which the structure of a header pipe is simple and simultaneously a sealing feature is superior.
The present invention provides a heat exchanger in which parts are simplified so that use of a material is reduced, a product is made light, and productivity is improved.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger for a CO2 refrigerant comprising: at least three rows of tube groups including a plurality of tubes having an independent refrigerant path; first and second header pipes including a header where a plurality of tube insertion holes into which the tubes are inserted are formed and a tank having partition walls formed along a direction of the flow of a refrigerant, wherein a plurality of return holes are formed in the partition walls; end caps sealing both end portions of the firs and second header pipes; a coupling reinforcement portion installed at least one of the first and second header pipes and reinforcing a coupling force of the header and the tank; a refrigerant inlet pipe connected to the first or second header pipe through which the refrigerant enters; and a refrigerant outlet pipe connected to the first or second header pipe through which the refrigerant is exhausted, wherein the refrigerant entering through the refrigerant inlet pipe is made to flow in a direction adverse to a direction in which air flows.
The refrigerant inlet and outlet pipes are installed at a side end portion of the first or second header pipe.
The coupling reinforcement portion is a pressing protrusion extending from an edge of each of the end caps over an outer surface of the header and the tank.
The coupling reinforcement portion is a band member provided to encompass an outer surface of the header and the tank.
the coupling reinforcement portion is a rivet coupling the header and the tank by penetrating the partition walls.
Assuming that a width of the return hole is W1 and a distance between the neighboring return holes is W2, W1 and W2 satisfy a relationship that W1/(W1+W2)xe2x89xa60.5.


Disclosed are a thin film transistor and a method of manufacturing the thin film transistor. An electrode layer of the thin film transistor includes a seed layer formed of a transparent conductive material doped with indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) and a main layer formed of a transparent conductive material. The thin film transistor includes a substrate, a gate electrode on the substrate, a gate insulation film on the substrate to cover the gate electrode, a semiconductor layer disposed on the gate insulation film in a region corresponding to the gate electrode, an electrode layer having a double layer structure and disposed on the gate insulation film in a manner such that a topside portion of the semiconductor layer is exposed through the electrode layer, and a passivation layer on the gate insulation film to cover the semiconductor layer and the electrode layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a thin film transistor and a method of manufacturing the thin film transistor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Thin film transistors (TFTs) are used as active devices for displays such as liquid crystal displays. Generally, a thin film transistor includes a semiconductor layer, a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The source and drain electrodes are important for the electric characteristics of a display. Therefore, various researches have been conducted to develop materials of source and drain electrodes that can improve the electric characteristics of a display.

Thin film transistor and manufacturing method thereof


The present invention relates to antibacterial agents of the carbapenem class, in which the 2-position sidechain is characterized by a phenanthridine moiety typically having a substituent attached to the nitrogen of the phenanthridine and substituted at other positions by various neutral substituents. When there is substitution on the nitrogen of the phenathridine moiety that nitrogen is a charged quaternary nitrogen.

The present invention relates to antibacterial agents of the carbapenem class, in which the 2-position sidechain is characterized by a phenanthridine moiety having a substituent on the nitrogen and substituted by various neutral substituents, as described in more detail further below.
Thienamycin was an early carbapenem antibacterial agent having a broad spectrum; it has the following formula: ##STR1## Later, N-formimidoyl thienamycin was discovered; it has the formula: ##STR2##
The 2-phenanthridinyl-carbapenems of the present invention are not characterized by an antibacterial spectrum such as that of thienamycin or N-formimidoyl thienamycin. Rather, their spectrum of activity includes gram positive microorganisms, especially methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), and methicillin resistant coagulase negative Stapphylococci (MRCNS). The antibacterial compounds of the present invention thus comprise an important contribution to therapy of these difficult to control pathogens. Moreover, there is an increasing need for agents effective against such pathogens (MRSA/MRCNS) which are at the same time safe, i.e., free from undesirable toxic side effects. No .beta.-lactam antibacterial has yet been found which meets these requirements. And, the current agent of choice, vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibacterial, is experiencing an ever increasing amount of resistance in the MRSA/MRCNS pathogens.
More recently, carbapenem antibacterial agents have been described which have a 2-substituent which is an aryl moiety optionally substituted by, e.g., aminomethyl and substituted aminomethyl. These agents are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,543,257 and 4,260,627 and have the formula: ##STR3##
However, there is no description or suggestion of a phenanthridinyl 2-substituent such as characterizes the compounds of the present invention, nor is there any suggestion of the surprisingly better anti-MRSA/MRCNS activity of the compounds of the present invention.
EP-A-0277 743 describes a particular class of compounds of the formula: ##STR4## but this limited teaching in no way suggests the totally different compounds of the present invention, nor their surprisingly better anti-MRSA/MRCNS activity.

2-phenanthridinyl carbaphenem antibacterial agent


The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of an aqueous polyurea dispersion containing blocked isocyanate groups and unreacted isocyanate-reactive groups by. (I) dispersing in water PA0 II) reacting the polyisocyanate with components b) and c) to form an aqueous polyurea dispersion.. a) a polyisocyanate PA1 b) a monofunctional blocking agent which is more reactive with isocyanate groups than water and PA1 c) an amine component

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of aqueous polyurea dispersions which contain blocked isocyanate groups and chemically incorporated isocyanate-reactive groups, have improved stability in water and are prepared by the emulsion polymerization process, and to the aqueous polyurea dispersions prepared by this process.
2. Description of the Prior
Aqueous polyurethane dispersions are known and are generally prepared by reacting a polyisocyanate with a high molecular weight polyol and low molecular weight chain extender components including components which provide hydrophilicity to the polyurethane. In these known processes, the polyisocyanate is initially reacted with the high molecular weight polyol to form an NCO prepolymer either in the melt or in the presence of an organic solvent prior to the introduction-of water.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,479,310 the NCO prepolymer is chain extended to form a linear polyurethane which is then mixed with an organic solvent prior to the addition of water. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,066,591 and 4,408,008 the NCO prepolymers are mixed with a solvent, dispersed in water and then chain extended with low molecular weight polyamines.
Accordingly, even though the chain extension step may be conducted in either the organic or the aqueous phase, the reaction between the polyisocyanate and the high molecular weight polyol is not conducted in the presence of water in either process. Further, in both processes organic solvents are necessary to reduce the viscosity of the fully reacted polyurethane or the NCO prepolymer prior to dispersing them in water.
An object of copending application, U.S. Ser. No. 07/677,011, filed Mar. 28, 1991 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,230, was to provide a method for preparing aqueous polymer dispersions which did not require the use of organic solvents to reduce the viscosity of fully reacted polyurethanes or NCO prepolymers and which could be conducted using readily available, simple mixing equipment. In accordance with this application an aqueous polyurea dispersion was prepared by emulsion polymerization, i.e., a polyisocyanate was dispersed in water and subsequently reacted with a high molecular weight polyamine. In this manner the need for solvents to disperse NCO prepolymer or fully reacted polyurethanes was avoided.
One of the disadvantages of this process is that the polyurea dispersions do not remain stable for more than a few hours. This becomes a problem if the dispersions cannot be prepared at the site where they will be used, which is often the case. This disadvantage was overcome in copending application, U.S. Ser. No. 07/877,686, by blending the high molecular weight polyamine with a low molecular weight polyamine containing an anionic group. The additional hydrophilicity of the anionic group improved the stability of the polyurea dispersions.
However, the aqueous polyurea dispersions of this latter copending application also suffer from a disadvantage in certain applications which require a reactive system such as the binding of fiberglass. In order to adequately bind fiberglass using existing processes and production equipment, it is necessary for a polyisocyanate polyaddition reaction to occur at the elevated temperatures employed for the binding operation. Because the aqueous polyurea dispersions of the copending applications are fully reacted, they are not suitable for binding fiberglass using established production methods.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide reactive aqueous polyurea dispersions which are suitable for use as fiberglass binders and which possess improved storage stability and do not sacrifice any of the valuable properties provided by the aqueous polyurea dispersions described in the copending applications.
This object can be achieved in accordance with the present invention as set forth hereinafter.

Reactive aqueous polyurea dispersions prepared by an emulsion polymerization process


An arrangement for limiting the whirl speed of a shaft after failure of a magnetic bearing supporting the shaft. The arrangement includes a surface extending essentially radially from the shaft axis and a machine element is provided with a projecting element extending from the machine element in a direction towards the surface. The surface is provided with a circular element that is concentric with the axis of the shaft. The arrangement also includes a disk-like element provided with an outer perimeter surface, a hole and an inner perimeter surface. One of the perimeter surfaces is designed so that it provides a varying distance along the circumferential direction with respect to the rotational center of the disk-like element. The element is arranged between the shaft and the circular element. The circular element and the projecting element are positioned in a common plane perpendicular to the shaft so that the circular element and the projecting element overlap one another. The disklike element operates as a whirl speed limiting mechanism causing a contribution to the whirl velocity at impact between any of the projecting element, the disk-like element, the circular element and the shaft.

An auxiliary bearing is used to support a shaft in the event of a failure of an associated magnetic bearing. When a magnetic bearing fails, the rotating shaft comes in contact with the inside of the inner ring of the auxiliary bearing, and this leads to an acceleration of the inner ring of the bearing. These contacts affect the shaft, resulting in the frictional forces. The shaft starts to whirl in the clearance between the shaft and the inner ring of the auxiliary bearing. The friction forces are directed to increase the whirling speed until the auxiliary bearing has accelerated almost to the speed of the rotating shaft. The resulting whirl speed causes a centrifugal force which can be 30-50 times the centrifugal force associated with the shaft rotating steadily about its center axis without any whirling motion. The limited contact area and cooling area often also cause temperature problems.
EP-0 499 310 A1 discloses a magnetic bearing shaft assembly having a back-up bearing to support the shaft in the event of a failure of the magnetic bearing. If the bearing portion of the back-up bearing includes a ball race, the radially outer raceway of the bearing is secured to an anchorage, such as a housing for the assembly. A low stiffness damper member in the form of an annular shaped body of resilient material is also included in the back-up bearing at a position between the bearing portion of the bearing and the anchorage. When the magnetic bearing fails and the shaft is being brought to rest by being in contact with the back-up bearing, the resilient body is in shear and the body has a lower stiffness than otherwise would be the case. Thus, any tendency for the back-up bearing and/or the anchorage to be damaged while the shaft whirl is being brought to rest is reduced because the provision of the low stiffness damper causes the shaft to have a low natural frequency of oscillation. The stiffness damper member constitutes a crucial part of the assembly.
A need exists however for a way of limiting the whirling movement of the rotatory shaft after a failure of the magnetic bearing has occurred. The problem associated with such whirling movement is particularly accentuated in the case of a vertical shaft.


One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.

To protect against injuries from falls, a cushioned surface overlying a hard surface, such as the ground or a hard floor, is often used. Cushioned surfaces have been used for floor coverings in indoor facilities, such as gymnasiums, industrial warehouses, nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, and with outdoor athletic and recreational areas such as children's playgrounds.


Extracting information corresponding to a three-dimensional object from an image captured by plural imaging apparatuses is implemented with simple configuration and processing. Parallax information representing a parallax amount in the X direction of a pair of images captured by a pair of imaging apparatuses disposed at different horizontal positions is stored in a storage section, and a parallax correction control section reads out a parallax amount corresponding to a Y coordinate value of image data for one line input from a pre-image processing unit from the storage section and outputs a selection signal to selectors such that the output of one image data is delayed by the differential amount. A differential image generation unit calculates an absolute value of the differential of the pair of input image data for each pixel and outputs the result as a differential image for detecting the three-dimensional object.

In recent years, imaging apparatus have improved in performance and decreased in size and cost, and as a result, imaging apparatus (or images captured by imaging apparatus) have been widely used in various fields. As an example thereof, it has become possible to detect the presence or absence, position, distance and the like of a three-dimensional object such as an obstruction from an image obtained by an imaging apparatus mounted on a vehicle that images a space in front of the vehicle and issues a warning as necessary. However, since the imaging apparatus records a three-dimensional space as an image target on a two-dimensional plane, the obtained image lacks three-dimensional information of a three-dimensional object existing in the imaging target space. Therefore, space recognition such as detection of a three-dimensional object from an image is achieved in a manner such that two imaging apparatuses image the same space to produce a pair of images with a difference corresponding to a parallax, the parallax is extracted from the pair of images, and the extracted parallax is made to correspond to spatial information.
In order to extract the parallax from the pair of images with a difference corresponding to the parallax, a block matching method is generally used. According to the block matching method, two images are searched for corresponding points, and the difference in the positions of the corresponding points in the pair of images with a difference corresponding to the parallax corresponds to the parallax.
Specifically, one of the pair of images is defined as a reference image, the other of the pair of the images is defined as a comparison image, and an evaluation area of, for example, about 8×4 pixels is set around a target pixel of the reference image. Further, a similar evaluation area is also set in the comparison image, the difference between a pair of evaluation areas is calculated for each pixel, the degree of matching of the pair of evaluation areas is repeatedly evaluated using an evaluation function (Σ|Li−Ri|) for integrating an absolute value of the difference or an evaluation function (Σ(Li−Ri)2) for integrating a square value of the difference while moving (raster scan) the position of the evaluation area in the comparison image, and the position of the evaluation area with the highest (the value of the evaluation function is the minimum (the smallest)) degree of matching in the comparison image is obtained. This position is a position of the corresponding point on the comparison image with respect to the target pixel of the reference image, and the difference between the position of the target pixel on the reference image and the position of the corresponding point on the comparison image corresponds to the parallax. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a distance L to an object corresponding to a target pixel is calculated by Equation 1 below from parallax D, focal lengths f of two imaging apparatuses 104L and 104R, and a distance (baseline length) b between the two imaging apparatuses 104L and 104R.Equation 1L=b×f/D  (1)
The above processing is performed for all pixels of the reference image, so that distances to individual objects captured as images can be detected. Note that, in FIG. 16, the reference numeral 106 is an imaging surface and the reference numeral 108 is a corresponding point (a corresponding pixel) on a comparison image.
As a technology using the block matching method, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open (JP-A) No. 2001-92968 discloses a technology in which image data in a reference pixel area in one captured image and image data on a horizontal line corresponding to a vertical position of a reference pixel area in another captured image are stored in a line memory, the image data in the reference pixel area and image data within a set search range are read from the line memory, the correlation destination of the reference pixel area is specified by stereo matching (block matching), and the position of the search range related to the reference pixel area is corrected based on the degree of deviation of a corresponding infinite point using a horizontal position of the reference pixel area as a reference.
JP-A No. 2007-235642 discloses a technology of creating a top view obtained by projectionally transforming a first image (oblique overhead view) including a road surface captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle and a top view obtained by projectionally transforming a second image captured by the same camera at a timing different from that of the first image, matching the two top views against each other by pattern matching based on a characteristic shape (for example, a white line, a boundary line between the road surface and a three-dimensional object, texture of the road surface, a tire nut or the like) on the road surface, and identifying a region having a difference in an overlapping portion of the two top views as an obstruction.
JP-A No. 2000-293693 discloses a technology in which a right image and a left image captured by two TV cameras capturing a road plane are stored, plural lines appearing on the stored right and left images are extracted, corresponding points between the right and left images are calculated based on the extracted plural lines, a parameter of a relational formula established between projecting positions of arbitrary points of the road plane is calculated based on the calculated corresponding points, and a region having a height different from that of the road plane is detected as an obstacle region based on a relational formula determined according to the calculated parameter.

Image processing apparatus, method, program, and recording medium