A semiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor memory device, in which a bit line can have a low resistance without an increase in the thickness of the bit line. In the semiconductor memory device, an insulating layer having a contact hole that exposes a conductive region is formed on a semiconductor substrate having the conductive region. A barrier metal layer is formed along the surface of the insulating layer and the surface of the contact hole. A grain control layer is formed between the barrier metal layer and the tungsten layer. A tungsten layer is formed on the grain control layer. A grain size of the tungsten layer is increased by the grain control layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a semiconductor memory device having a low-resistance tungsten line and to a method of manufacturing such a device.
2. Description of the Related Art
By improving the sensitivity of the sense amplifier used in dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), it is possible to more accurately sense and amplify the data stored in cells of the memory. The sensitivity can be improved by increasing the voltage difference, ΔV, at the input of the sense amplifier. The difference voltage, ΔV, is proportional to the supply voltage VCC, but is inversely proportional to the bit line loading capacitance (Cb).
The bit line loading capacitance includes the capacitance between the bit line and the substrate, the capacitance between the bit line and the word line, the capacitance between bit lines, and the capacitance between the bit line and a storage node contact plug. In particular, the capacitance between the bit line and the storage node contact plug has a great influence upon the bit line loading capacitance.
In order to reduce the capacitance between the bit line and the storage node contact plug, it is desirable to reduce the overlapping area between the bit line and the storage node contact plug. This can be accomplished by reducing the thickness of the bit line. However, reducing the thickness of the bit line increases the resistance of the bit line, resulting in a degradation of the operating speed of the semiconductor memory devices.
To reduce parasitic capacitance and to have a bit line with a small thickness, it has been suggested that a low-resistance metal layer be used as a bit line. Among such metal layers, a tungsten layer that is thermally stable and has a relatively low resistance has been frequently used as a bit line. A technique of forming a bit line of tungsten is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,563,162 granted to Han et al.
Hereinafter, such a bit line formed of tungsten will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, an interlayer insulating layer 20 is formed on a semiconductor substrate 10 in which conductive regions, e.g., a MOS transistor (not shown) having a gate, a source, a drain and a contact pad (not shown) that contacts the source and drain of the MOS transistor, are formed. To expose the drain (not shown) of the MOS transistor or the contact pad that contacts the drain of the MOS transistor, the interlayer insulating layer 20 is etched to form a contact hole H.
A Ti layer 30 and a TiN layer 40 are formed on the interlayer insulating layer 20 and along the surface of the contact hole H. The Ti layer 30 and the TiN layer 40 can be formed using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Using CVD they can be formed with a conformal thickness on the surface of the resultant structure of the etching. When depositing the Ti layer 30 and the TiN layer 40 using CVD, TiCl4 can be used as the source of Ti.
A tungsten (W)—nucleation layer is formed on the TiN layer 40, and then a bulk tungsten layer 50 is deposited on the tungsten (W)—nucleation layer. Predetermined parts of the bulk tungsten layer 50 and the tungsten (W)—nucleation layer are patterned. As a result, a bit line is formed.
As the capacity of semiconductor memory devices reaches up to 1 giga bits, the design rules of semiconductor memory devices drastically decrease. As a result smaller width bit lines are needed. When the width of bit lines is decreased, the resistance of the bit lines increases and the increase in resistance has an influence upon the operating speed of semiconductor memory devices.
Furthermore, if the thickness of a bit line is increased to reduce the resistance of the bit line, the capacitance of the bit line increases. Consequently, the sensitivity of the sense amplifier decreases. It is, in general, difficult to achieve a low-resistance bit line without increasing the capacitance of the bit line and therefore decreasing the sensitivity of the sense amplifier.

Semiconductor memory device having low-resistance tungsten line and method of manufacturing the semiconductor memory device


An illuminated animal restraint includes an elongated leash having a housing having a selectively enabled light source. The light source has a try-me timer assembly which enables selectively sampling operation of the light source and enables continuous and intermittent operation of the light source. A try-me package is provided with an opening to allows the user to press a button to activate intermittent or “try-me” illumination of the leash without draining the power source and without removing the leash from the package. The continuous operation is activated by removing the leash from the package.

The present disclosure relates to illuminated animal or pet restraints. More particularly, it relates to a "try me" feature used with illuminated pet leashes which are lighted by any suitable light source especially used for walking a pet or animal during dusk or nighttime hours to increase visibility as well as safety for both the pet and pet owner or walker in dark or dimly lit situations and environments.
There are several problems with some existing illuminated leashes. One problem with some lighted leashes is they are displayed on hooks or are exposed without any packaging. Some of these leashes do not have a try-me feature, so when the consumer turns on the light by pressing or sliding a button, they may forget to shut off the light thereby draining the battery. Then the leash is no longer demonstrable for other consumers who may wish to see the lighting feature before purchasing the leash.
A second problem is some lighted leashes may have a try-me feature but if they are not provided in a package or box, the user may pull out an insulator tab, thus rendering the try-me timer useless or ineffective. Again, a consumer could press the button to light the leash, and forget to shut it off, thus draining the battery precluding other consumers from using the lighting feature prior to purchase.
A third problem with some lighted leashes is they may be in packaging which does not provide any access to the lighting feature unless the leash is physically removed from the package. Thus, the consumer has no way to try or see the lighting feature while the leash is still in the store. This could also preclude a sale.
Thus, in these examples, there is no effective way to test or try the lighting feature without either: a) risking draining the power source by leaving the leash in a power on position; b) risking pulling of the insulator tab off the leash rendering the try-me timer useless; or c) having to physically remove the leash from a package.
Accordingly, there is a need for an illuminated animal leash which has a "try me" feature and incorporates unique "try me" packaging which allows the user to test or temporarily try the lighting feature and see the lighting feature while the leash is still in its packaging with an automatic shut-off period for the light and also allows the user to use the lighting feature for a longer period of time when the leash is removed from the packaging and which overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies and others while providing better overall results.

Try-me feature used with lighted animal restraint


In order to provide an optical disk of a small radius suitably used in recording/reproducing data at a high density and an optical disk apparatus capable of according/reproducing information into/from such an optical disk, the optical disk of the present invention uses both the grooves and lands as recording tracks. each recording track is divided into a plurality of sectors each including an address segments ASG 0 and ASG 1, and data segments DSG 0-DSG 52. The address segment 0 (ASG 0) and address segment 1 (ASG 1) respectively have wobbled areas in the opposite side walls, by which the address information is recorded. The data segments are non-wobbled DC grooves. Further, each segment is provided with a clock mark.

The present invention relates to an optical disk having lands and grooves both used as data recording tracks and an optical disk apparatus for recording/reproducing information into/from such an optical disk.
optical disks, such as magneto-optical disks and phase-change disks, have been known. More precisely, ROM (Read Only Memory) disks used exclusively for reading out data, WORM (write-once, read-many-times) disks, RAM (Random Access Memory) disks used for recording and reproducing data, and so-called partial ROM disks having both a ROM area and a RAM area have been known. The diameters of these disks are: 130 mm and 90 mm for MOs (Magneto Opticals) used in computers; 120 mm and 80 mm for CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs); and 64 mm for MDs (Mini Discs). These optical disks were originally arranged in such a manner that data is recorded into either lands or grooves which are preformed on the disks. However, to meet an increasing volume of recording data in recent years, a so-called land and groove recording technique has been proposed, by which data is recorded in both the lands and grooves. In order to increase a recording density by the land and groove recording technique, a highly reliable clock mark is necessary, so that a clock can be reproduced without depending on the quality of the recording data. Also, as to the structure of the sectors formed on the disk serving as the minimum recording units, such that sector address information can be obtained from the lands and grooves separately has to be given.
Accordingly, Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 16216/1999 (Japanese Official Gazette, Tokukaihei No. 11-16216, publishing date: Jan. 22, 1999) discloses a segment structure such that provides {circumflex over (1)} a high-quality clock mark in the land and groove recording technique, and {circumflex over (2)} a one-side wobbling address such that realizes sharing of address information by the lands and grooves.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a disk format proposed by the technique disclosed in the foregoing publication. As shown by (A) in FIG. 10, a one-round track used in recording/reproducing data is composed of a plurality of frames denoted as (FRM 0) to (FRM n). As shown by (B) in FIG. 10, each frame is composed of an address segment (ASG) and a total of 46 data segments (DSG 0) to (DSG 45). As shown by (C) in FIG. 10, the address segment (ASG) is composed of: a preamble (PRA) used for clock phase adjustment when reproducing address; a synchronous signal (SYNC) indicating the start of address information; a frame address (FA) as address information in the disk""s tangential line direction (i.e., a direction along which the recording track extends); a track address (TA) as address information in the radius direction of the disk; an error detecting code (CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check Code) used for detecting an error in reproduced address information; and a postamble (POA).
Shown by (D) in FIG. 10 is a land/groove format on the disk. More precisely, in an address segment 100, each of grooves (n) and (n+1) is wobbled at their respective walls at one side to record the address information shown by (C) in FIG. 10. An address used in this one-side wobbling address represents address information shared by a particular groove and a land adjacent to this particular groove. In other words, a pair of the groove (n) and a land (n) adjacent to the same shares the address information, and so does a pair of the groove (n+1) and a land (n+1) adjacent to the same. Thus, a single address segment can be used as a common address area for the land and groove. This offers a significant effect that redundancy caused when assembling address information can be reduced. The foregoing address information can be detected by a radial push-pull signal.
On the other hand, a data segment 101 is composed of so-called straight grooves and lands each sandwiched by non-wobbled two walls.
With any of the foregoing optical disks, the data area and address area are spaced apart from each other so as to prevent interference between these areas, thereby making it possible to reproduce high-quality signals.
A clock mark 102 is appended at the head of each of the address segment 100 and data segment 101. The clock marks 102 are convex marks on the grooves and concave marks on the lands, and aligned along the disk""s tangential line direction at regular intervals and radially in the radius direction of the disk (that is, along the radius direction of the disk). By this arrangement, the clock marks can be detected with a tangential push-pull signal from both the lands and grooves. Consequently, a clock can be generated in a stable manner without being affected adversely by a tracking offset or a tilt in the radius direction of the disk. A clock generated from this clock mark responds to an error in the number of rotations of the disk and a change in linear velocity caused by decentering. Thus, if this clock is used as a reference clock when recording/reproducing data, data can be recorded/reproduced into/from the disk at an absolute position with high accuracy.
The foregoing one-side wall wobbling address of the optical disk offers an effect that the address information can be shared by the lands and grooves, but it also has a problem that the quality of an address signal is deteriorated by a tilt in the radius direction of the disk, namely, a radial tilt.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing a change in an address signal amplitude (radial push-pull signal) versus a quantity of the radial tilt. In the graph, a solid line represents a rated amplitude of the address signal, and a broken line represents a quantity of crosstalk between the address signal and an adjacent track. The amplitude of the address signal reaches its maximum when the radial tilt position shifts to the minus side from the center of the radial tilt (0xc2x0 tilt), and the amplitude of the address signal keeps decreasing as the radial tilt position shifts to the plus side. On the other hand, the crosstalk between the address signal and the adjacent track keeps increasing as the radial tilt position shifts to the plus side. Hence, the plus side of the radial tilt becomes weak in this case (that is, the quality of the address signal is deteriorated markedly). Also, the radial tilt polarity that deteriorates the quality of the address signal reverses when the wobbling on the groove wall is switched from the inner side to the outer side of the disk and vice versa, and between the grooves and lands. In order to eliminate this inconvenience, an ASMO format (Advanced Storagexe2x80x94Magneto Optical Disk, April, 1998) adopts a technique, by which the one-side wobbling address for one address segment is divided by two (first address portion and second address portion). To be more specific, according to the above technique, the first address portion is provided as the one-side wobble at the inner side of the disk, and the second address portion is provided as the one-side wobble at the outer side of the disk, so that a larger radial tilt margin will be given.
The optical disks are advantageous over conventional tapes of recording media in that (1) an access time is far shorter and (2) a large volume of data can be recorded/reproduced without physical contact to the recording media. Thus, while the optical disks are used as an install type external storage device for a personal computer, expectations are also rising that the optical disks can realize an apparatus for recording/reproducing digital motion images of a larger volume or a compact portable device.
However, applying the land and groove recording technique which can realize a large volume recording to a disk having a small diameter causes the following problems.
That is, the foregoing disk format is suitable to a 120-mm disk, and a recording/reproducing area extends from 24 mm to 58 mm along the radius of the disk as does in the DVD, and approximately 1200 segments (clock marks) are provided for each rotation of the disk (per track) in the inner side of the disk. This number is set based on the fact that approximately 1000 clock marks are necessary for each track to have a recording/reproducing clock respond to a change in linear velocity caused by a decentering component in the disk. This is one of the factors used when determining the segment size in the conventional method. Thus, if the disk format is applied directly to a small 50 mm-disk, the recording/reproducing area ranges from 12 mm to 23 mm along the radius of the disk. Therefore, the number of clocks per track in the inner side of the disk is reduced to half, approximately 600, and there arises a problem that the clock can not respond satisfactorily to a change in linear velocity caused by the decentering of the disk. This problem can be solved by increasing the number of clocks per track, that is, reducing the segment size. However, a too small segment size limits a volume of address information placed within the segment.
Further, in a style implemented by the foregoing ASMO format to secure the quality of the address information signal against a radial tilt, that is, in a style where an address for one segment is divided by two (first address information (information at the first address portion) and second address information (information at the second address portion)) to give different one-side wobble directions, if the clock mark at the head of the address segment is broken by a defect or a flaw of the disk, a clock is not generated normally when reproducing the address information, and there is a case that this broken clock makes it impossible to reproduce the first address information and the second address information normally.
In addition, in order to give a constant recording density across the disk regardless of a position along the radius direction, the conventional optical disk adopts the ZCAV (Zoned Constant Angler Velocity) method, by which the disk is divided into a plurality of zones along the radius direction of the disk, and the segments and frames are aligned radially along the radius direction of the disk in each zone, so that the number of frames per track is increased from the inner zones to the outer zones. The address information used in this method is composed of, as shown by (C) in FIG. 10, a track address (TA) that increments for each track (one rotation of the disk) and a frame address (FA) that increments within the track. Thus, if a disk recording/reproducing apparatus is to identify a zone, the reproduced track address information have to be converted (translated) adequately.
Further, when the disk recording/reproducing apparatus fails to reproduce the address information due to a defect of the disk or the like, the disk recording/reproducing apparatus carries out interpolation of address values based on the address information reproduced previously. In case that the address information is in different formats for the track address and frame address, because the number of frames per track differs in each zone, the address interpolation has to be carried out differently in each zone, thereby making the entire process complex. Thus, in this case, there arises a problem that the processing time is extended undesirably and an expensive processing circuit has to be provided.
Also, the disk recording/reproducing apparatus carries out slipping to handle a defective sector on the disk. More precisely, the entire surface of the disk is recorded/reproduced in advance, and a list of addresses of sectors causing a data error is registered on the disk as error management information, so that the defective sectors included in the error management information are skipped when data is actually recorded/reproduced. In this case, in order to skip the defective sectors, the disk recording/reproducing apparatus has to convert an address value of a particular sector into an address value on the disk from which the defective sectors are removed. However, if the address information is in different formats for the track address and frame address, because the number of frames per track differs in each zone, the address conversion involves complicated processing. Consequently, there arises a problem that the processing time is extended undesirably, and an expensive circuit has to be provided.
Further, in order to realize a portable movie, that is, a super-compact disk camera, a disk apparatus has to attain a high data processing rate in order to record/reproduce digital motion pictures, but at the same time it has to be a small-power-consuming compact device. Furthermore, it is preferable that a rising time since a disk is inserted into the disk apparatus is short, that is, it is preferable that the disk apparatus can start recording shortly after the disk was inserted.
The present invention is devised to solve the above problems, and therefore, has an object to provide an optical disk (especially the one having a small radius) suitably used in recording data at a high density, and an optical disk apparatus for recording/reproducing information into/from such an optical disk.
In order to fulfill the above and other objects, an optical disk of the present invention having concentrical or spiral lands and grooves both used as recording tracks each divided into sectors used as units in writing/reading out data is arranged in such a manner that each of the sectors provided in each of the recording tracks includes:
a first address area for recording address information at one of two walls at boundaries between each recording track and adjacent recording tracks alone by means of wobbling;
a second address area for recording the address information at the other wall on a non-wobbled side in the first address area alone by means of wobbling;
a data area sandwiched by non-wobbled portions of the two walls; and
a plurality of clock areas provided discretely along a tangential line direction of the recording tracks, each sandwiched by two areas at a head and a bottom, respectively, each and said two area having different light reflection,
wherein:
each sector is divided into a plurality of segments along the tangential line direction;
the first address area is placed in a first segment at a head of each sector;
the second address area is placed in a second segment adjacent to the first segment; and
the plurality of clock areas are placed in the plurality of segments, respectively.
According to the above arrangement, deterioration of a data reproducing signal caused by a change in light quantity or disturbance of the light deflected direction can be prevented, thereby improving an S/N ratio. Also, with this optical disk, the wobbles do not have to be provided throughout the recording tracks, and therefore, the disk can be readily manufactured. In addition, because a clock can be reproduced in a stable manner independently of the data, the recording density can be increased. Further, with this optical disk, because a clock can be reproduced independently of tracking, the recording density can be increased.
Also, with this optical disk, a clock can be reproduced from a short mark. Thus, not only can the recording density be increased by reducing redundancy of the data (herein, clock mark), but also the address information can be reproduced in a reliable manner even if the quality of the address information signal is deteriorated by a radial tilt. Further, because the first and second address segments are separated from each other, even if the clock mark in the first address segment is broken by a defect or a flaw of the disk and a clock is not reproduced normally from the broken clock mark when reproducing address, propagation of the adverse effect of the broken clock can be limited, thereby offering an effect that the address can be reproduced in a more reliable manner.
Also, in order to fulfill the above and other objects, an optical disk apparatus of the present invention for recording/reproducing data into/from the foregoing optical disk is arranged to be furnished with:
a laser emitting unit for emitting a laser beam onto the optical disk;
a clock detecting unit for detecting a clock signal by obtaining a tangential push-pull signal which is a sign al of a difference in light quantity of reflected light of the laser beam emitted onto each of the plurality of clock areas in a tangential line direction of the optical disk;
an address reproducing unit for re producing the address information by obtaining a radial push-pull signal which is a signal of a difference in light quantity of reflected light of a laser beam emitted onto the first address area and/or the second address area along a radius direction of the optical disk;
a recording/reproducing unit for recording/reproducing data into/from the optical disk based on the address information reproduced by the address reproducing unit; and
a clock generating unit for generating a recording clock and a reproducing clock of the data based on the tangential push-pull signal.
According to the above arrangement, deterioration of a data reproducing signal caused by a change in light quantity or disturbance of the light deflected direction can be prevented, thereby improving an S/N ratio. In addition, a clock can be reproduced in a stable manner independently of the data, and the clock can be reproduced independently of tracking. Also, the clock can be reproduced from a short mark. Further, the address information can be reproduced in a reliable manner even if the quality of the address information signal is deteriorated by a radial tilt.
Furthermore, because the first and second address segments are separated from each other, even if the clock mark in the first address segment is broken by a defect or a flaw of the disk and a clock is not reproduced normally from this broken clock mark when reproducing address, propagation of the adverse effect of the broken clock can be limited, thereby offering an effect that the address can be reproduced in a more reliable manner.
For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


An assembly of superposed transparent flexible plastic leaf-like pockets connected at one edge for folding and each having therein a removable sheet to mount keepsake memorabilia for leafing display through the pocket walls; and a protective enclosure for the assembly facilitating storage and transport thereof without folding or collapse of the pockets and included keepsake material.

This invention relates to improvements in a composite compartmented assembly for selective storage, transport and/or display of various types of memorabilia such as art work, drawings, writings, photographs, and including such keepsake materials as may be developed by children during their formative years.
Such materials have been accumulated in albums of various types, usually in book, loose leaf or scrap book form. In conventional photograph albums, pictures are attached to opposite sides of pages assembled in book form. Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 315,327 shows a scrap book with pocketed leaves to removably receive a cutting board permitting slitting of the leaves for mounting pictures or the like. Ullmann U.S. Pat. No. 2,558,996 shows a floatable childrens' book with transparent plastic sheets forming a waterproof sealed air space therebetween in which visible material may be viewed through the sheets. Ortis et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,850,294 shows a picture album in which each pocketed leaf includes a central pressed board mounting within pockets with picture framing apertures within which pictures may be inserted and removed from the framing upon release of the leaf assembly from its mounting. Fenkel U.S. Pat. No. 2,757,939, shows a protective enclosure for a book which may be read upon opening of the enclosure.


An image forming apparatus that is orientatable in either a first position or a second position, the second position being different from the first position in inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, comprising: a platform configured to be stacked with a plurality of recording sheets used for image formation; a pickup roller in contact with the recording sheets and configured to pick up the recording sheets one at a time; a pressing member applying pressure to the platform against the pick-up roller; and a pressure changer causing the pressing member to change an amount of the pressure according to whether the image forming apparatus is in the first position or in the second position.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image forming apparatuses such as printers, and in particular to an image forming apparatus that is orientatable in different positions.
(2) Related Art
Generally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer has a paper feed tray that assumes a substantially horizontal position when the apparatus is set up. In such an image forming apparatus, a pickup roller picks up one recording sheet at a time from a plurality of recording sheets stored in the paper feed tray and transports the recording sheet, on which an images will be formed.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-298616 discloses a lifter designed for stable paper feeding. The lifter lifts up a sheet loading plate loaded with the recording sheets, so that the recording sheets are pressed against the pickup roller. The lifter includes: a first elastic member that rotates a turnable pressurizing plate by linear elastic force, the pressurizing plate lifting up the sheet loading plate; and a second elastic member that rotates the sheet loading plate by nonlinear elastic force. The first elastic member and the second electric member cause the pickup roller to apply paper feed pressure against the recording sheets loaded on the sheet loading plate.
Meanwhile, considering the space occupied by the apparatus in an office or home, research for developing an image forming apparatus that can be orientated not only in the horizontal position with the paper feed tray assuming a substantially horizontal position, but also in an upright position, which is the position raised up from the horizontal position by substantially 90° (e.g. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H08-314333).
However, a conventional image forming apparatus orientated in the upright position often causes a paper feed failure such as multiple feed. Multiple feed is a problem that the apparatus cannot separate one recording sheet from the recording sheets loaded in the paper feed tray, and transports several sheets at a time.

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


The invention provides an image communication apparatus in which an image input unit for entering image and a portable communication unit capable of wireless connection with a public wireless network are constructed in separate manner and are rendered capable of mutual wireless communication.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus capable of wireless communication with a public wireless network and wireless communication with an image communication apparatus, and an image communication apparatus capable of wireless communication with a wireless communication apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
Portable communication apparatus has recently become remarkably popular owing to progress in semiconductor technology, etc. Also, communication by telephone is shifting from calling to a number, to calling to a person.
Also, most portable wireless communication apparatus now has a character mail function and a simplified web browsing function, in addition to voice communication. In consideration of the further improvement in the communication ability of portable wireless communication apparatus of the next generation, it is anticipated that the image taking function and the communication function for such image will play an important role.
It has already been tried to digitize and transmit an image taken with a camera, and its practical value is increasing by the improvement in the communication speed and by the higher image quality in the digital camera.
In fact the digital camera is recently showing remarkable progress in its performance and has become capable of taking an image with an image quality close to that of a conventional camera utilizing the silver halide-based photographic film for the printout of so-called L-size. Therefore, in comparison with the time and work required for taking an image with the conventional camera, developing the film and printing the image with a minilab or the like and digitizing and transmitting thus obtained image, it will be far more efficient to transmit the image with a digital camera and a portable wireless communication apparatus.
Also, such image communication with the digital camera and the portable wireless communication apparatus matches the recent trend of the modern society toward diversification of the communication needs and toward multimedia.
However, in order to replace the conventional image communication utilizing digitization of an image obtained with a conventional camera by the digital camera and the electronic mail function, it is necessary to be able to transfer the image data to be transmitted from the digital camera to the personal computer and to transmit thus transferred image data to a desired address by means of the image transmitting function of the personal computer.
In the communication in such form, however, it is necessary to connect the digital camera and the personal computer with a cable and to operate the personal computer, which not only interferes with the convenience of the user but also makes it difficult promptly to transmit the image taken with the digital camera. It has therefore been difficult to execute communication exploiting the prompt operability of the digital camera.
It has also been proposed to incorporate the digital camera function in the portable wireless communication apparatus for achieving the image communication without the mentioned cabling, but such configuration limits the development in the performance of the digital camera despite the rapid progress in the function of the digital camera itself, and, in such integrated configuration, the digital camera has to be carried even in a case where portable wireless communication apparatus alone is utilized without the digital camera function, leading to a limitation on the dimension, weight or usable time of the equipment.
In short, the conventional configuration of utilizing the digital camera and the personal computer for image communication is associated with a drawback that the taken image cannot be immediately transmitted, whereas the conventional integrated configuration consisting of the digital camera and the portable wireless communication apparatus is associated with a drawback of poor portability.

Wireless communication apparatus capable of wireless communication with public wireless network and wireless communication apparatus, and image communication apparatus capable of wireless communication with wireless communication apparatus


A cell according to the present invention comprises a plurality of terminals capable of transmitting an input signal or an output signal and serving as a minimum unit in designing a semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein the plurality of terminals is located on routing grids lined in a Y direction which is a direction vertical to a power-supply wiring of the cell used in automatic placement & routing and has a shape extended in an X direction which is a direction in parallel with the power-supply wiring, more specifically such a shape that, for example, a longer-side dimension of the terminal is equal to “a routing grid interval in the X direction+a wiring width. According to the constitution, a cell area is reduced, which advantageously leads to the reduction of a chip area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a standard cell, a standard cell library and a placement method of standard cells for higher integration and area reduction.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the layout design of LSI using an automatic placement & routing tool with on-grid design scheme, terminals of a cell for the communication of input/output signals must be located at the intersections of routing grids in the X and Y directions. In order to satisfy the demand, it is necessary to set a height of the cell to an integral multiple of an interval between the routing grids lined in the Y direction and to set a width of the cell an integral multiple of an interval between the routing grids lined in the X direction. Otherwise, the terminals may not locate at the grid intersection when the cells are placed adjacently with no spacing therebetween. The X direction denotes a direction along a power-supply routing of a standard cell, while the Y direction denotes a direction vertical to the power-supply routing.
According to a conventional method of designing the standard cell recited in No. 61-44444 of the Publication of the Unexamined Japanese Patent Applications, the height and the width of the cell are respectively set to an integral multiple of the interval between the routing grids so that the terminals can always locate at the grid intersection when the cells are placed adjacently with no spacing therebetween. And, the automatic placement & routing tool decide the location of the cells so that their terminals are located at the grid intersection. Then, the automatic placement & routing tool determines the position at which the cell is placed so that the position of the terminal is located at the routing grid intersection.
FIG. 17 is a layout of a standard cell according to a conventional technology. In FIG. 17, C41, C42 and C43 denote a standard cell, T denotes a terminal capable of communicating an input signal or an output signal in the standard cell, and G denotes a gate electrode. The gate electrode G extends in the Y direction because the power-supply wiring is provided in the X direction. FIG. 17 shows that the terminals T cannot locate at the grid intersection when a cell width Lc along the X direction is not an integral multiple of a routing grid interval Lx in the X direction.
None of the widths of the cells C41, C42 and C43 disposed on the upper side in FIG. 17 is the integral multiple of the routing grid interval Lx in the X direction. In the foregoing example, the cells C41, C42 and C43 are identical in order to simplify the description. The terminals T of the cells C41 and C43 locate at the grid intersection, while the terminals T of the cell C42 do not. In other words, the terminals T of the cell C42 fail to be connected in the automatic placement & routing design. In order to avoid the failure, as a general countermeasure, regions R1, R2 and R3 are provided to adjust the cell width to the integral multiple of the routing grid interval in the same manner as cells C51, C52 and C53 disposed on the lower side in FIG. 17. As a result of the adjustment, origins O51, O52 and O53 of the cells C51, C52 and C53 locate at midpoints between the routing grids adjacent to one another along both of the X and Y directions. Accordingly, all of the terminals T can locate at the grid intersection.
However, the regions R1, R2 and R3, which are only provided exclusively for the adjustment in the conventional technology, are normally unnecessary and do not include any device required for a circuit such as a transistor and wiring. As a result, a cell area increases, which is one of the factors obstructing the area reduction of LSI.
Further, in the conventional technology, each cell is placed based on the routing grid in performing the automatic placement in the automatic placement & routing tool with the on-grid design scheme. Therefore, when the cell width is not the integral multiple of the routing grid as in the cells C41, C42 and C43 shown on the upper side in FIG. 17, the cells cannot be placed adjacently with no spacing therebetween as shown on the upper side in FIG. 17. In the automatic placement, the cells are actually placed as shown on the lower side in FIG. 17. Because the cells C41, C42 and C43 are identical in the example shown in FIG. 17, it may be possible to use the widths of the cells C41, C42 and C43 as placement grid in the automatic placement and place the cells shown on the upper side in FIG. 17 in the automatic placement based on the placement grids. However, the automatic placement in the foregoing manner cannot be applied when a plurality of cells to be placed include non-identical cells and are designed so that their widths are arbitrary.
Further, as the miniaturization of the process, a precision in a finished dimension of the gate electrode ultimately obtained is deteriorated by an optical proximity effect when an interval between the gate electrodes and gate lengths of the gate electrodes are irregular in their patterns. When the precision in the finished dimension of the gate electrode is deteriorated, performances of respective transistors of the semiconductor integrated circuit are increasingly inconstant, which leads to an increased variation in a performance of the semiconductor integrate circuit. As a result, a yield ratio is decreased.
In order to solve aforementioned problems, The OPC (optical proximity effect correction) has been widely adopted in each transistor as a conventional technology, however, it takes a larger amount of time to process the OPC in each transistor. Therefore, as recited in No. H10-32253 of the Publication of the Unexamined Japanese Patent Applications, the interval and the length of the gate electrodes in each standard cell are set regular so that the OPC is processed per standard cell in the conventional technology.
FIG. 18 shows a result of the application of the foregoing conventional technology to the standard cell shown in FIG. 17. Like components in FIGS. 17 and 18 are provided with like references. Dummy gate electrodes DG are provided on cell boundaries of standard cells C41′, C41′ and C43′ disposed on the upper side in FIG. 18. These dummy gate electrodes DG are shared between the adjacent standard cells. The gate electrodes G and the dummy gate electrodes DG are respectively equally spaced, and their gate their lengths are equal. Accordingly, the gate electrode pattern, gate length and gate interval (in particular, gate electrode pattern) are regular, not only inside the cell, but also between the cells. In the case of the standard cells C41′, C41′ and C43′ on the upper side in FIG. 18, the pattern of the gate electrode, gate length and gate interval (in particular, the pattern of the gate electrode) are regular not only inside each of the cells but also between the cells. As a result, the precision in the finished dimension of the gate electrode can be improved.
There is no difference between the patterns of the gate length and the gate interval in the case of a single standard cell and in the case of placing the standard cells adjacent to one another. Accordingly, the OPC can be processed in each standard cell.
The OPC can be processed in each of the standard cells C41, C42 and C43 disposed on the upper side in FIG. 17 where the dummy gate electrodes DG are not provided because a distance from the cell boundary of each standard cell to the gate electrode in the closest vicinity and a distance from the cell boundary of an adjacent standard cell to the gate electrode in the closest vicinity can be constant when the distance from the cell boundary of each standard cell to the gate electrode in the closest vicinity is constant.
However, as described, when the regions R1, R2 and R3 for adjusting the cell width to the integral multiple of the routing grid interval are provided, the gate electrode located on the cell boundary of the standard cell cannot be shared. There is a possibility that the dummy electrodes DG are located with less than a minimum interval allowed in a design rule therebetween, which results in an error in the design rule. In order to avoid the foregoing error in the design rule, it is necessary to enlarge the gate length, for example, in the same manner as the dummy gate DG2 disposed on the lower side in FIG. 18.
Though the gate interval in each standard cell can be maintained at the constant level when such the gate length enlargement is executed, the gate length becomes irregular at the dummy gate electrodes DG2, which results in the imprecision of the finished dimension of the gate electrodes. Further, the OPC cannot be processed in each standard cell due to the different gate lengths in the dummy gate electrodes DG in each standard cell and the dummy gate electrodes DG2 adjacent thereto. As a result, the OPC has to be processed with respect to the entire semiconductor integrated circuit.
When the regions R1, R2 and R3 are provided, there is an disadvantage even in the standard cells C51, C52 and C53 disposed on the lower side in FIG. 17 without the dummy gate electrodes DG and DG2 though the distance from the cell boundary of each standard cell to the gate electrode in the closest vicinity in the cell is made constant. To describe the disadvantage, the cell boundary position is changed when the regions R1, R2 and R3 are provided. In that case, though the distance from the cell boundary of each standard cell to the gate electrode in the closest vicinity in the cell is made constant, the distance from the cell boundary to the gate electrode in the closest vicinity becomes inconstant. As a result, the OPC cannot be processed in each standard cell.

Cell, standard cell, standard cell library, a placement method using standard cell, and a semiconductor integrated circuit


A sensing cable, including an outer cladding; and at least one sensing bundle contained within the cladding, each sensing bundle having a sensing fiber wrapped strain-transmissively by at least one strand. A method of sensing strain is also included.

Cables, particularly fiber optic cables, are used ubiquitously in the downhole drilling and completions industry. These cables are used for enabling a variety of downhole conditions and parameters, such as temperature, vibration, sound, pressure, strain, etc. to be monitored. Due chiefly to their pervasive use, there is an ever-present desire in the industry for alternate styles of sensing cables, particularly for enhancing the ability to more accurately sense a specific parameter such as strain.


In a digital signal reproducing apparatus which reproduces digital PCM audio signals that have been recorded on a track helically formed on a recording medium with the use of a rotary head, various failsafe techniques are incorporated. For example, it is checked if the signal level sampled according to a sync signal is normal or abnormal, and if it is abnormal, the sync signal is judged to be the remainder of the previous signal that has not been completely erased and no capstan servo control will be performed on the basis of this abnormal signal level, whereby the control of capstan servo is not disturbed.

The present invention relates to a digital signal reproducing apparatus suitable for reproducing digital PCM audio signals that have been recorded in the form of single helical tracks on a recording medium, one track being formed per unit time, with a rotary head.
A technique is known in which audio signals are recorded on magnetic tape with a helical scanning a rotary head in the form of helical tracks, one track being formed per unit time, and reproduced thereafter. A digital signal record/reproduce apparatus known as R-DAT (rotary head type digital audio tape recorder) has been designated for recording audio signals as PCM signals and thereafter reproducing the same.
A format of tracks to be recorded in the actual system of R-DAT has a pattern as shown in FIG. 13(a), in which each of MARGIN, PLL and POSTAMBLE has a frequency or 1/2 f.sub.M (f.sub.M =9.4 MHz) and IBG a frequency of 1/6 f.sub.M. Each of SUB-1, SUB-2 and PCM is composed of a plurality of blocks as shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b). SYNC is composed of 10 bits, 9 of which are fixed with the remainder assuming various patterns depending upon the place and audio signals. SUB consists of a cyclic pattern of 8 such blocks, and PCM 128 blocks. The numerals given in FIG. 13(a) represent the numbers of blocks occupied by the respective regions. ATF-1 between SUB-1 and PCM and ATF-2 between PCM and SUB-2 are each a region (ATF automatic track finding) provided for ensuring that tracking control i.e., control for allowing a rotary head to correctly scan the recorded tracks during reproduction, can be accomplished by means of the output of the head without employing any special head.
In R-DAT, PCM signals compressed on a time base are recorded in the form of helical tracks on magnetic tape by means of two rotary heads. Instead of providing a guard band between adjacent tracks, a tracking pilot signal is recorded both at the beginning and at the end of each track in a region independent of the area in which the PCM signals are recorded During reproduction, the recorded tracks area scanned with a rotary head having a scanning width larger than the width of each track, and the reproduction output of the pilot signals from the two tracks adjacent to the track being scanned is used to control the tracking of the rotary head.
The track pattern for ATF is specified as shown in FIG. 14 and is hereinafter described with reference to the case where a drum having a diameter of 30 mm is rotating at 2,000 rpm with the tape wound at an angle of 90.degree. to the drum.'
ATF-1 and ATF-2 located in the front and rear portions, respectively, of each track have a low-frequency (small azimuth-effect) signal f.sub.1 as a tracking pilot signal. This signal is used for the purpose of detecting the levels of crosstalk resulting from the two tracks adjacent to the track being reproduced, so as to obtain the difference between the levels of such crosstalk as a tracking error signal. A low-frequency signal of f.sub.M /72 (130 kHz) is used as the pilot signal f.sub.1.
In each of ATF-1 and ATF-2 is recorded a sync signal for identifying the location at which the pilot signal f.sub.1 is recorded. In the presence of crosstalk, the sync signal is unable to distinguish the on-track from adjacent tracks, so it is selected in such a way that it not only has a frequency capable of producing an azimuth-effect but also affords a pattern that is not possessed by the PCM signal. If the head having a +(plus) azimuth is designated A and the head having a-(minus) azimuth as B, two different sync signal are provided for the purpose of distinguishing head A from head B. Stated more specifically, a sync 1 signal f.sub.2 having a frequency of f.sub.M /18(=522 kHz) and a sync 2 signal f.sub.3 having a frequency of f.sub.M /12(=784 kHz), as associated for heads A and B, respectively, are recorded in predetermined positions.
In R-DAT which does not employ an erase head, a new signal is written over the previously recorded signal. In order to enable this "overwrite" mode, an erase signal f.sub.4 having a frequency of f.sub.M /6(1.56 MHz) is recorded at a predetermined position for erasing the previously recorded pilot signal f.sub.1, sync 1 signal f.sub.2, and sync 2 signal f.sub.3.
The pilot signals for ATF are located at different positions on the on-track and the two adjacent tracks and the level of the pilot signal on the on-track (i.e., the track being scanned) differs on a time basis from the level of each of the pilot signals on the adjacent tracks, so that the three different levels can be sampled independently of each other.
Five blocks are assigned to each of the ATF regions, ATF-1 and ATF-2, and the pilot signal f.sub.1 is recorded in two of the five blocks of each of the ATF regions. The sync signal f.sub.2 is recorded in an area covering 1 or 0.5 blocks beginning at the center of the position in which the pilot signal f.sub.1 of one of the two adjacent tracks is recorded. The pilot signal f.sub.1 on the other adjacent track is recorded in such a way that its center is positioned two blocks after the beginning of the sync signal recorded on the on-track. A sync signal composed of one block is assigned to an odd-number frame, and a sync signal composed of 0.5 blocks is assigned to an even-number frame.
As described above, the sync signals to be recorded in the ATF region have different frequencies depending upon which head is used in scanning, and these sync signals also have different recording lengths in odd-number frames and even-number frames. This design enables four consecutive tracks to be distinguished from one another since they are provided with different ATF regions. The pattern of ATF regions is of the a 4-track completed type in which it is cyclically repeated for every 4 tracks.
When magnetic tape in which signals have been recorded in the format shown in FIG. 13(a) is played back with a rotary head, an RF signal of the type shown in FIG. 15(a) is reproduced from the head. If this RF signal is obtained by playback of a track with the odd-number frame (A) shown in FIG. 14, it may be passed through a bandpass filter (BPF) of 130 kHz so as to obtain a pilot signal f.sub.1 as shown in FIG. 15(b).
The signal in zone I is due to the pilot signal on the on-track, and those in zones II and III result from the a crosstalk of the pilot signal on a track with the odd-number frame (B) and a track with the even-number frame (B), respectively. If the rotary head were scanning the on-track correctly, the envelope levels of zones II and III, or the values of V.sub.II and V.sub.III indicated in FIG. 15(c) should be equal to each other. However, if a tracking deviation occurs, V.sub.II is not equal to V.sub.III (V.sub.II .noteq.V.sub.III) and the amount and direction of the deviation of the rotary head with respect to the on-track can be determined by the magnitude and polarity of the difference between V.sub.II and V.sub.III. Therefore, by actuating a capstan servo according to the difference between V.sub.II and V.sub.III so as effect fine adjustment of the tape speed, the rotary head can be controlled to travel correctly on the on-track.
In practice, however, the performance of head A differs from head B and the condition under which one head is mounted on the drum also differs from the condition of mounting the other head. If such variations exist, the level of the reproduction with head A differs from the level for head B and as a result, the level of crosstalk of pilot signals comes to vary from one head to the other. This difference in the output level of crosstalk from the rotary heads causes the error signals for ATF tracking to vary from one reproduction head to the other, resulting in an exaggerated variation in the tracking error signal. This can be explained more specifically as follows: even if the two heads A and B have the same amount of mechanical deviation with respect to the tracks with which they come in contact for reproduction, the difference between the levels of crosstalk of pilot signals from the two tracks adjacent to the track being scanned fails to assume the same value for each head (this difference should inherently assume the same level for each head) if the two heads produce different output levels, and the capstan servo will act in different ways for each change of heads. As a consequence, control performed on one head in a certain direction may sometimes cause a greater amount of tracking deviation for the other head.
This problem could be solved by compensating for the tracking deviation with an offset being introduced in the tracking error signal for each head but then, this presents a great bottleneck in commercial production of DAT systems because an extra job of adjustment is necessary for setting a proper amount of offset for individual systems.

Digital signal reproducing apparatus having improved pilot level compensation control


The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device, etc. having a structure for capturing a high-resolution image even when any row selecting wiring is disconnected. The solid-state imaging device (1) comprises a photodetecting section (10), a signal reading-out section (20), a row selecting section (30), a column selecting section (40), an overflow preventing section (50), and a controlling section (60). The photodetecting section (10) has M×N pixel portions P1,1 to PM,N two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns, and each of the pixel portions P1,1 to PM,N includes a photodiode that generates charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a reading-out switch connected to the photodiode. Each of the N pixel portions Pm,1 to Pm,N belonging to an m-th row is connected to the row selecting section (30) and the overflow preventing section (50) by an m-th row selecting wiring LV,m.

As a solid-state imaging device, those using the CMOS technique are known, and among these, a passive pixel sensor (PPS) type solid-state imaging device is known (see Patent Document 1). The PPS type solid-state imaging device has a structure where PPS type pixel portions including photodiodes for generating charges of amounts according to incident light intensities are two-dimensionally arrayed in M rows and N columns. In each pixel portion, charges generated in the photodiode in response to light incidence are accumulated in a capacitive element of an integrating circuit, and a voltage value according to the accumulated charge amount is output.
In general, an output terminal of each of the M pixel portions belonging to each column is connected to an input terminal of an integrating circuit provided corresponding to the column via a reading-out wiring provided corresponding to the column. And, in order from the first row to the M-th row, a charge generated in the photodiode of the pixel portion is inputted to a corresponding integrating circuit through a corresponding reading-out wiring, and a voltage value according to the charge amount is outputted from the integrating circuit.
Moreover, each of the N pixel portions belonging to each row is connected to a controlling section via a row selecting wiring provided corresponding to the row. In accordance with a row selecting controlling signal transmitted from the controlling section via the row selecting wiring, each pixel portion outputs a charge generated in the photodiode to the reading-out wiring.
The PPS type solid-state imaging device is used for various purposes. For example, the PPS type solid-state imaging device is used in combination with a scintillator panel as an X-ray flat panel also for medical purposes and industrial purposes. Further, the PPS type solid-state imaging device is also used, specifically, in an X-ray CT apparatus, a microfocus X-ray inspection system, etc. The solid-state imaging device to be used for these purposes has a large-area photodetecting section in which M×N pixel portions are two-dimensionally arrayed, and the photodetecting section may be integrated on a semiconductor substrate having a size with sides more than 10 centimeters in length. Therefore, only one solid-state imaging device may be produced from one semiconductor wafer.    Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2006-234557

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Solid imaging device and X-ray CT device including the solid imaging device


In a method of screening bulk material, a gas is conducted in counterflow to a direction of movement of bulk material for separating the bulk material into a fraction of coarse particles and a fraction of fine particles. In order to limit the amount of coarse particles in the outgoing fraction of fine particles, the amount of coarse particles contained in the fraction of fine particles is measured and compared with a desired value. When encountering a deviation of the measured the amount of coarse particles contained in the fraction of fine particles form the desired value, the energy of gas is so controlled as to match the amount of coarse particles contained in the fraction of fine particles with the desired value.

The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for screening bulk material.
It is known to use pneumatic sifters for screening granulate bulk material. These pneumatic sifter are available in a wide variety of different designs, such as counterflow sifters, deflection sifters etc., and can be configured also as zigzag sifters. While in counterflow sifters, the sifting gas is conducted in opposition to the bulk material being screened, in deflection sifters the gas flow is typically conducted transversely to the flow direction of bulk material. Regardless of the type of pneumatic sifter being used, all designs require a very precise setting of the energy of gas, e.g. air, to be supplied. If the air energy is too weak, the separation of the fraction of fine particles will not be satisfactory. On the other hand, if the gas energy is excessive, the amount of coarse particles being entrained together with the fraction of fine particles is too high. This causes a problems, in particular, when different mixtures of bulk material are repeatedly screened, so that a correct adjustment of the air energy can normally be carried out only on the basis of empirical observation and only approximated.

Method of and apparatus for screening bulk material


The invention is directed to a ball support practice tee whereby a ball is suspended on a column of air. The apparatus involves a housing having an annular cone shaped nozzle extending upwardly therefrom. Within the nozzle is placed a blind core which prevents axial flow of air from the nozzle, but will cause air to flow between the nozzle and the inner surface of the nozzle to produce an annular flow of air from the nozzle, thus suspending a ball. A compressor is placed within the housing for producing a supply of air under pressure through the nozzle.

Devices are known which employ an air jet to hold a ball in an elevated position. Such a device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,195, issued Jan. 14, 1986, in the name of R. H. McClure, et al, in which a ball rides on a jet of air emanating upwardly from a nozzle. The purpose of these devices is to enable a player to practice without a second player. Moreover, unlike simply hitting a ball against a wall or hitting a ball attached to a tether string, these devices are intended to support the ball in a relatively stationary position.
In practice, however, it has been found that these prior known devices do not support a ball in a stable, mid-air position. By simply employing a straight flowthrough nozzle through which an air jet passes, the ball is elevated to the level at which the lift provided by the air jet is equal to the weight of the ball. However, the only support which is provided to the ball is directly upward, which makes the ball highly susceptible to movement and instability caused by atmospheric wind and the like.


Methods and apparatus for emulating optical modules. A method includes receiving, from an optical module emulator, a first serial data stream having the plurality of upstream signals multiplexed into a plurality of bits; wherein the first data stream includes a plurality of frames, each frame having a multi-frame alignment bit; and de-multiplexing the plurality of upstream signals based on each multi-frame alignment bit within each respective frame. A method includes receiving, from an emulator controller, a second serial data stream having a plurality of downstream signals multiplexed into a plurality of bits; wherein the second serial data stream includes a plurality of frames, each frame having a multi-frame alignment bit; and de-multiplexing the plurality of downstream signals based on each multi-frame alignment bit within each respective frame.

An optical module control interface, for example an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) serial computer bus, and its control signals are used by a host computer to recognize and configure the optical module itself, when it is plugged (typically) into a line card of the host computer.
Due to an evolving optical module market, lots of newly developed optical modules are made available for service providers to be used in the existing network scenarios. This means that it is responsibility of the equipment provider to guarantee the interworking between the existing network equipment and the newly introduced optical modules.
Even in a laboratory environment it may be difficult to check whether the control interface and the control signals of the optical module are working within the recommended timings, as this would require having both access to specific instruments (such as an oscilloscope with an I2C protocol analyzer) and physical access to the control interface and/or the control signals of the optical module, for example, using probes. This may then mean having to dismount the board that hosts the optical module.
For in-field checks dismounting of the board would be difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, the availability and cost of the specific instruments required, may be limiting.
Currently, a Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) Terminal Emulator (STEM) has been developed to be placed in-between a host computer and a real optical module, connecting one another by an electrical cable so to replicate on the STEM the memory map of the real optical module, or to mimic the memory map of a given one.
This solution may provide memory map emulation but does not address the issue of emulating the control interface or control signals for timing monitoring and timing emulation.

Methods and apparatus for providing emulation of optical modules


An apparatus for discriminating a printed matter having a discriminating pattern printed thereon, including: a sensor for scanning the printed matter and producing an analog signal corresponding to the discriminating pattern thereof. A timing device is provided for generating periodical timing signals in proportion to the transferring speed of the printed matter. An analog-digital converting device is provided for sampling the analog signal in accordance with the timing signals, and producing a series of digital sampled data. A reference data memorizing device is stored therein with at least one reference to be compared with the series of sampled data, and a control system which shifts each reference data in address a plurality of times relative to the series of sampled data, checking if the amplitudes shown by the sampled data are within the allowable limits shown by the the reference data, and determining from the results of the checks the coincidence or noncoincidence between the series of sampled data and the reference.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for discriminating printed matter such as bank notes or the like, and more particularly to an apparatus for distinguishing the genuineness from the spuriousness of printed matter or for discriminating the kind or sort of printed matter, for example, the denominations of bank notes.
The Japanese Patent publication TOKKAI No. 177592/86 discloses a method for discriminating printed matter, in which the analog output of a magnetic sensor and reference data are compared with each other while being relatively shifted in their addresses, to thereby discriminate printed matter. However, this method identifies the coincidence or noncoincidence of a series of sampled data with the reference data, which sampled data is formed by standardizing the analog output of the magnetic sensor with a fixed level of threshold. This is nothing but the comparison of the pulse width between the sampled data and the reference data, and makes no effective use of individual or minute pulse amplitude data. Therefore, such a disadvantage of the prior art cited in the foregoing occasionally hinders a higher improvement in the discriminating accuracy.
It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for discriminating printed matter which is capable of achieving a much higher improvement in the discriminating accuracy by using the basic operation thereof in which the analog signal from the magnetic sensor is converted into digital data each informing the amplitude thereof, with an A-D converter means, and the digital data are compared with the reference data to check if the amplitude of the analog signal is within the allowable limit while being shifted in their addresses.

Discriminating apparatus for printed matter


A method for helping to position a component on the wall of a structural element, including the steps:                elaborating an image to be projected on the wall, from a virtual model of the structure and from the positioning of a projector with respect to the structure, and an additional motif providing positioning information of the piece with respect to the direction normal to the wall,        projecting the image on the structural element by means of the projector;        placing the base of the piece inside an outline of the image projected on the wall; and,        while keeping contact between the piece and the structural element, modifying the positioning of the piece with respect to the direction normal to the wall, until the predefined set of points of the piece coincides with the motif.

During the production of a structure, for example a surface ship or a submersible, after making or laying the main elements of the structure, such as the hull or the main subdivisions of the latter, a phase occurs for implanting various secondary pieces on the elements of the structure. The secondary pieces are for example ties, beds, structural parts or further pieces awaiting to be equipped, such as electrical pieces of equipment or equivalent. For a medium tonnage ship, such as a frigate, the matter is thus to position and attach about 50,000 pieces.
Presently, on the building site, an operator positions a piece on a structural element by means of a paper blueprint made in a design department, and then printed out. The dimensions indicated on this blueprint should be taken relatively to a local reference system of the structure also indicated on the blueprint. For each piece to be positioned, the operator should then identify, in position and in orientation, the local reference system. The operator then has to copy out, on the wall of the structural element, the dimensions indicating the suitable position and orientation with respect to the local reference system, of the surface of the piece, or base, bearing upon the structural element.
This conventional positioning method requires a substantial amount of time, not only for preparing the blueprints, but especially for using them on the site. Further, this method has the drawback of resorting to a local reference system. Further, under the particularly difficult conditions of a building site (congestion, shadowy light, etc.), the reading of the blueprints and the taking of measurements often carried out by hand are sources of errors on the exact positioning of the piece.
In order to optimize the positioning of the piece on the structural element prior to its attachment, the use of positioning aid systems was proposed, allowing the outline of the base imprint of the piece to be projected on the wall of the structural element used as a screen. The projection is made so that it accurately plots, in position and in orientation, the area for implanting the piece. Such a system, used in the building of aircraft, is disclosed by document WO2005/025199 A2.
The secondary pieces to be attached on the wall of a structural element of a ship are often ties for supporting a piece of equipment, the latter not being directly attached against the wall of the structural element. The tie is thus provided with connecting means intended to cooperate with conjugate connecting means provided on the piece of equipment to be supported.
A tie is generally a profile, the base of which substantially corresponds to a cross-section. That is to say that the tie is intended to be attached on the wall so that its longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel to the direction normal to the wall, at the implantation area. The means for connecting such a profiled tie are often located in the vicinity of the end of the tie, opposite to the base.
Now, as the tolerance margins on such secondary pieces are wide, it is possible that, although the base is properly positioned inside the outline projected on the wall of the structural element, the longitudinal axis of the tie is not properly oriented relatively to the direction normal to the wall. Accordingly, once the tie is attached, its connecting means do not have the required position and orientation, which may be a problem for cooperating with the conjugate connecting means of the piece of equipment to be supported.
The particular case of the positioning of a profiled tie, oriented substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the structural element, is illustrative and exacerbates the general problem of accurately spatially positioning a piece to be implanted on the wall of an element of a structure.

Method and system for helping to position a component on a structural element


An agent for preventing/treating respiratory diseases contains, as an active ingredient, a compound represented by following Formula (I):

The respiratory apparatus is the generic term for organs and tissues related to respiration, and it plays important roles in life support such as the intake of atmospheric oxygen and the excretion of carbon dioxide generated as a result of metabolism.
Representative respiratory diseases with the cough include, for example, lung cancer, carcinomatous lymphopathy, rib fracture, spontaneous pneumothorax, cold syndrome (upper respiratory infection), pulmonary tuberculosis, interstitial pneumonitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, pneumoconiosis, bronchiectasis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary infarction.
Cough is occurred as follows. The lungs enlarge as a result of deep inspiration, and the pressure in the lungs increases due to strong contraction of the respiratory muscles. The muscles of larynx suddenly relax, and thereby the air is rapidly exhaled with secreted materials to the respiratory tract. When secreted materials or foreign substances accumulate on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and/or there are abnormalities in the pleura, lungs, or diaphragma, their impulses stimulate the cough center in the posterolateral medulla oblongata and causes the attack of coughing ("Saishin Yakurigaku (in Japanese, Modern Pharmacology)", 10.3 Antitussive Agent, Sumiko Fujino, 1990, Kodansha Ltd.).
Cough is mainly caused by excessive secretion from the mucous membranes of respiratory tract, by chemical stimuli such as smoke and gas, by foreign substances, by inflammation of respiratory tract, by allergic reactions, by the compression of bronchi by tumor in the thoracic cavity, or by psychogenic factors. The worsening and chronicity of cough consumes energy of the respiratory muscles and physical strength to thereby prevent recovery of the underlying disease.
Antitussive agents are classified as centrally-acting antitussive agents which block the cough center and peripherally-acting antitussive agents which reduce the stimuli to peripheral receptors. The centrally-acting antitussive agents typified by codeine phosphate generally are very effective but induce adverse actions such as respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, emesis, headache, sleepiness, and eruption. The repeated use of them also induces tolerance and/or addiction. The peripherally-acting antitussive agents typified by methylephedrine exhibit only mild antitussive actions. Recently, the opioid delta (δ) receptor antagonists have been developed as antitussive agents. However, because the δ receptor is deeply involved in mental and emotional behaviors, these antagonists should induce adverse actions (Nat. Genet. 25, 2, 195, 2000). Accordingly, demands have been made on antitussive agents having higher efficacy and less adverse actions.
Huegi et al. have reported 4-hydroxypiperidine derivatives showing analgesic actions (J. Med. Chem. 26, 42, 1983). These compounds, however, are morphine-like centrally-acting analgesic agents having affinity for opiate receptors and differ in structure from the compounds of the present invention. PCT International Publication No. WO 00/61557 has disclosed 4-hydroxypiperidine derivatives having antiarrhythmic actions. In addition, PCT International Publication No. WO 00/61558 has disclosed 4-hydroxypiperidine derivatives which are useful as agents for treating neuropathic pain. These compounds act upon sodium channels and selectively prevent persistent sodium currents more than transient sodium currents. However, these compounds differ in structure from the compounds of the present invention.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Sho 60-163861 has disclosed 4-(phenoxymethyl)piperidin-4-ol derivatives containing aryloxymethylpiperidinol derivatives having antidepressive, antiarrhythmic or antihypertensive actions. However, it has lacked the disclosure about antitussive actions. These compounds also differ in structure from the compounds of the present invention. PCT International Publication No. WO 93/02052 has disclosed 2-(4-hydroxypiperidino)-1-alkanol derivatives as anti-ischemic agents. However, it has lacked the disclosure about antitussive actions. These compounds differ in basic structure from the compounds of the present invention.
Piperidine derivatives having antitussive actions have been disclosed as nociceptin receptor agonists in PCT international publication No. WO00/06545 but they have different structures from those of the compounds of the present invention.
PCT International Publication No. WO 00/06544 has described cyclic amine derivatives (piperidine derivatives) with the tachykinin-antagonistic action. These derivatives can be useful for the treatment of asthma, cough, or pain related to tachykinin. These derivatives, however, are different in structure from the compounds of the present invention which have specific substituents.
PCT International Publication No. WO 02/22572 has disclosed 3-substituted azetidine derivatives, 3-substituted pyrrolidine derivatives or 3-substituted piperidine derivatives. They have a modulating actions on dopamine, serotonin or norepinephrine receptors, or their transporters. These derivatives are useful for the treatment of anxiety, depression, erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer disease, mental disorder, urinary incontinence, and/or neuropathic pain. The publication, however, has lacked the disclosure about antitussive actions.
Drugs to be developed must be required to have not only high pharmacological activities but also high safety over long time. They also must achieve the rigid criteria in, for example, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and secretion. They must satisfy various requirements in, for example, drug interaction, desensitization or tolerance, gastrointestinal absorption, transition rate, absorption rate and first pass effect, organ barrier, protein binding, the induction of drug metabolic enzymes, excretion route and clearance, and application method (application site, method, and object). It is very difficult to satisfy these requirements. Thus, new drugs must have a wider safety range and more excellent pharmacokinetic properties.
These general requirements in the development of drugs are applied to agents for treating respiratory diseases. In addition, the agents for treating respiratory diseases typified by antitussive agents must have less adverse actions and higher efficacy than conventional equivalents such as the conventional centrally-acting antitussive agents, peripherally-acting antitussive agents, and the δ opioid receptor antagonists.

Agent for treating respiratory diseases containing 4-hydroxypiperidine derivative as active ingredient

Abstract: wherein A is a group represented by L-W [wherein L is a bond or CH2; and W is O, SOn (wherein n is 0 to 2), or —NR7— (wherein R7 is hydrogen or lower alkyl)]; each of G1 and G2 is (CH2)r (wherein r is 0 to 2), provided that when n is 1, G1 and G2 may be bridged by lower alkylene; Y is a lower alkylene or (substituted) benzylidene; Z is a bond or O, provided that when Z is a bond, Y may form a 5- or 6-membered ring with carbon on the benzene ring; R1 is, for example, NO2, a lower alkoxycarbonyl, (substituted) carbamoyl, (protected) hydroxyl group, (protected) carboxyl, or (protected) N-hydroxycarbamoyl; each of R2 and R3 is hydrogen, halogen, (halogenated) lower alkyl, (halogenated) lower alkoxy or NO2; each of R4 and R5 is, for example, hydrogen, halogen, (halogenated) lower alkyl, (halogenated) lower alkoxy, CN, or lower alkylsulfonyl; and R6 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, a salt thereof or a solvate of them. It has excellent antitussive activity when used as an agent for preventing/treating respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, common cold syndrome, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis.


A self-contained photovoltaic powered light which is a stand alone unit. The solar cells which power the light are assembled and maintained within the top, or upper, portion of the self-contained unit. The solar cells are encapsulated within a resiliently deformable material to provide for contraction and expansion of the solar cells while at the same time providing protection from the elements for the assembly.

This invention relates generally to lighting devices and more particularly to a self-contained photovoltaic powered light. More specifically, the invention is directed to a packaging assembly for the solar cells.
In the prior art, there exists many electrically powered outdoor lighting systems which are utilized to illuminate pathways, yards, certain areas of parks, or other predetermined areas. Typically such lights are connected to the public utility system, or similar source of electrical power and are controlled by preset timing devices so that they illuminate at nightfall and extinguish at a predetermined time, such as approaching daybreak, or the like. Such lights require extensive cabling, including conduits as well as appropriate timing mechanisms and are thus relatively expensive to install and maintain. In addition thereto, by utilizing electric power generated in the traditional manners, such as by the burning of fossil fuels, additional contamination of the environment occurs as well as depletion of fossil fuel sources. Therefore, there is a need to provide a source of illumination for predetermined outdoor areas which does not require connection to a public utility source of power or the like and which is relatively easy and inexpensive to install and requires no maintenance.

Solar cell packaging assembly for self-contained light


Described herein is a process for producing an alpha olefin by obtaining a feed stream of internal olefins having a first carbon number and alpha olefins having a first carbon number. The olefins are isomerized to increase the quantity of the alpha olefins. The olefins are then fractionated, subjecting the overhead material to catalytic metathesis to produce a mixed olefin effluent of internal olefins having a second carbon number and other hydrocarbons. The first isomerization reactor and fractionator are prepared to receive the olefins having a second carbon number, where the internal olefin intermediate is isomerized in the prepared first isomerization reactor. The second isomerization effluent is fractionated in the prepared first fractionator to separate the alpha olefins having the second carbon number from the internal olefins having the second carbon number. A corresponding system is also described, along with a heat pump that may be incorporated into the process.

The disclosed embodiments generally relate to processes and systems for producing alpha olefins and more particularly to a batch process for the production of alpha olefins.
A conventional process for production of comonomer grade hexene-1 from C4 raffinate feed streams is a continuous process that has three stages. First butene-1 is separated from the feed stream in a C4 fractionator. The butene-2 in the fractionator bottoms stream is isomerized to butene-1 and recycled to the fractionator. Second, the butene-1 is sent to an autometathesis reactor to form ethylene and hexene-3. The reactor effluent is sent to a depentanizer to separate hexenes. The products are lights that go overhead, the hexene-3 is a liquid bottoms product, and the C4/C5 products are recycled. Third, the hexene-3 feed is isomerized and the hexene-1 product is separated in a C6 fractionator.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,396 (Gartside, April 2004) describes a continuous process for production of hexene-1, combining the isomerization and metathesis steps. Typical metathesis reactions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,595,920 (Ellis et al, July 1971). U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,115 (Jung et al, November, 1987) discusses improving the selectivity and conversion of butene-1 and butene-2 to hexene-3 by using catalytic distillation. The removal of the lighter components pushes the reaction equilibrium toward the heavy products. U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,638 (Sweeney, October 1991) discusses a method for production of hexene-1 from butene-1 in which the butene-1 is metathesized to hexene-3. Subsequently, a hydration/dehydration procedure is applied to produce a mixture of n-hexenes containing hexene-1.
Various other processes are known for the processing of C4 olefins. U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,901 (Gartside et al, April 2005) describes olefin isomerization technology used for production of terminal olefins. The process is applied to the production of butene-1 from butene-2. U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,582 (Gartside et al, August 2004), describes butene-1 autometathesis technology, including differences from the conventional metathesis reaction of butene-2 and ethylene to produce propylene.
Closed-loop heat pumps are used in various processes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,395 describes a process in which a closed-loop heat pump is included on a general distillation tower. This document describes the use of a heat source and heat sink that can be substituted for the heat pump should the compressor fail. U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,075 (Keil et al, January 1995) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,769 (Horigome et al, October 1986) discuss the use of an open-loop heat pump in an ethylbenzene/styrene distillation.
It would be useful to develop a process for producing alpha olefins that has improved efficiency when operated on a small scale.

Batch process and system for the production of olefins


This invention relates to a new shock absorber which may be used as an insole or as a midsole for an article of footwear. The shock absorber comprises a multi-cell membrane which may be embedded in a flexible envelope or which may be used itself as a one-piece multi-cell membrane insole or midsole. The shock absorber exhibits improved shock absorbing characteristics which increases the comfort of the wearer of the shoes and reduces damage to the foot during athletic exercises.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a new shock absorbing material and more particularly to a new shock absorber which may be used as an insole or as a midsole for an article of footwear.
The new shock absorber comprises a multi-cell membrane which may be used as an insole or a midsole or which may be embedded in a flexible envelope which is then used as a midsole or an insole.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For ease of reference, the following description of the prior art as well as the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be made with reference to a shoe, as a specific article of footwear. It is to be understood that the present invention is applicable to all forms of footwear, such as shoes, boots, skates and the like and is not restricted to any type of footwear.
In the past, various attempts have been made to design a shock absorbing structure for use in shoes which directly increases the comfort of the wearer and reduces damage to the foot during athletic exercises.
These devices tended to increase the shock absorbing and functional support characteristics of the shoe and included inserts, shock absorbing layers, gas-inflated midsoles and the like. These devices generally were attached to a shoe or inserted directly into the shoe.
Synthetic rubber and other elastomeric materials used as an integral part of a shock absorbing device are well known and in widespread use. For example, Dupont Company's Hytrel (trade mark) 4056 is widely used as a material from which cushion insoles are made. For example, the "Bostonian Golf Shoe" uses an insole of about 3/16" in thickness which has been molded into a block and cut to shape.
While such insoles have significantly helped to reduce stress and discomfort experienced during walking or running, they did not provide to any great degree, the required shock absorbing characteristics without increasing the inner sole thickness to an unacceptable amount.
Other ideas have been suggested which involve the manufacture of an insert for use as a part of a shoe or for use as an insole to be inserted into existing footwear. One such idea is disclosed in Canadian patent No. 1,099,506 issued on Apr. 4, 1981 to Rudy. This patent discloses the use of a membrane consisting of a plurality of interconnected, intercommunicable chambers which are inflated with a large molecule gas as an inflating medium to produce the desired cushioning effect While this invention provides shock absorbency, it has three serious drawbacks. First, as the inflation medium shifts between the chambers, the antero/posterior and mediolateral stability is compromised to the point of creating a severe wobbling effect which could lead to a serious injury. Secondly, in the case of a heavier person, the inflating medium (gas) will shift from the heel portion to the forward portion of the shoe during walking. This will result in a bottoming out phase which may be a direct cause of heel spurs, severe knee problems or other serious injury. The third drawback is obviously that any anomaly or leak in any one of the chambers leads directly to a failure of the entire system since the channels communicate with each other.
Another system based on different principles is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,553 granted to Nike, Inc. The invention disclosed in this patent shows a shock absorbing layer encased in an elastomeric foam. This sole layer insert comprises many transversely and longitudinally spaced projections which act as a shock absorber.
A further solution is that proposed in my Canadian patent No. 1,084,260 issued on Aug. 26, 1980. This patent discloses an improved shoe sole containing discrete air chambers which helped to overcome or reduce injuries suffered by athletes during the performance of athletic activities. My invention provided the required shock absorbency of an air cushion system, the stability of an independent air chamber shoe sole and resiliency to the shoe. The use of discrete air chambers disclosed in my prior patent is particularly useful as an integral part of a shoe such as a midsole, but it is not practical to use it as an accessory for existing footwear.

Shock absorbing system for footwear application


An XDSL system may include an active unit and a standby unit. The active unit may include a plurality of line circuits, which can be used to form XDSL loops with far end units. The standby unit may be synchronized with the active unit. In response to an indication, such as a fault, the TDM system may switch from the active unit to the standby unit. Then, the standby units may be used to form the XDSL loops with the far end units.

XDSL is a technology that overcomes some of the limitations of plain old telephone service ("POTS"). The acronym XDSL generally identifies the broad class of "digital subscriber line" services. The letter "X" in the general acronym can be replaced with another letter to identify a specific type of digital subscriber line service, such as asymmetric digital subscriber line ("ADSL") service or high-bit-rate digital subscriber line ("HDSL"). Using XDSL, the bandwidth of a carrier loop can be extended to support higher speed data communications than provided by POTS, and the carrier loop may support simultaneous voice and data communications.
The carrier loop can be formed by connecting a line card, generally located at a central office, with a far end unit. The far end unit may be, for example, an XDSL device. The central office can generally house one or more network interfaces. A network interface may include multiple line cards, each of which may connect to a different far end unit.
Various problems, such as faults, may occur within an XDSL transmission system. For example, physical problems may develop on the connections between the far end units and the line cards. In another example, one or more components in the XDSL system may physically fail. Other problems can also develop.
In order to prevent a problem on one carrier loop from affecting the other carrier loops, the network interface typically provides a complete set of circuitry for each line card. For example, the network interface may have separate control circuits and power supplies for each line card. That way, if a control circuit or power supply fails, it will not affect the operation of the other line cards. Also, a failure in a carrier loop will not be reflected back through the common circuitry to the other carrier loops. While this provides some degree of protection against transmission problems, the use of separate circuitry for each line card increases the total number of components in the network interface. This can increase both the cost and complexity of the network interface.
In another method of providing fault tolerance in an XDSL transmission system, the network interface may be matched with a corresponding standby interface. In the event of a problem in one or more of the carrier loops, the XDSL system can switch from using the network interface to using the standby interface. This implementation, however, has disadvantages. In addition to the carrier loop having the problems, other non-affected carrier loops are also switched from using the network interface to using the standby interface. In order to continue communication with the far end units, the line cards in the standby network interface should be initialized with the far end units. For example, according to some current XDSL standards, the initialization process can be on the order of thirty seconds. Therefore, the carrier loops that are unaffected by the problem in the XDSL system may still experience an outage of service greater than thirty seconds while the far end units initialize with the new line cards in the standby interface.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide an improved method for providing fault tolerance in an XDSL system.

Method for providing fault tolerance in an XDSL system


A hybrid circuit includes a high-voltage circuit and a low-voltage circuit having different power supply voltages, respectively, a board on which a connecting terminal for connecting an external element outside of the hybrid circuit is mounted; and a hybrid integrated circuit mounted on the board. The low-voltage circuit includes a control unit for controlling an operation of the high-voltage circuit. The control unit and the high-voltage circuit are integrated in the hybrid integrated circuit.

As a hybrid circuit configured by a high-voltage circuit and a low-voltage circuit having different power supply voltages, respectively, there have been proposed hybrid circuits disclosed in JP-A-11-176479 (PTL 1) and JP-A-2006-009687 (PTL 2). In each of the patent literatures, the high-voltage circuit and the low-voltage circuit are mounted on different boards and are disposed so as to be laminated to each other thereby suppressing the increase of the disposing area of the boards.