A projection exposure apparatus used for the purpose of forming extremely fine patterns, e.g., semiconductor integrated circuits on a wafer. The apparatus includes an illuminating optical system for irradiating a reticle with light emitted from a light source, a projection optical system for projecting an image of the reticle onto a wafer which is to be exposed, a first chamber for enclosing the projection exposure apparatus on the whole, a second chamber arranged inside the first chamber to enclose a space containing an optical path of an exposure light between the projection optical system and the wafer, and means for separately adjusting internal air temperatures of the first and second chambers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a projection exposure apparatus used in the production of extremely fine patterns such as semiconductor integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With the recent trend toward increasing the level of integration of semiconductor integrated circuits, projection exposure apparatus heretofore used for projecting and transcribing the pattern of a reticle onto a wafer have predominatly consisted of so-called steppers so designed that a high-resolution reduction projection lens is mounted and a wafer is moved in a step and repeat manner, thereby projecting and transcribing patterns sequentially on the plurality of exposure areas of the wafer.
The stepper is required to meet a degree of accuracy of alignment (registration of the projection image of a reticle with the patterns formed on a wafer by the preceding wafer process) corresponding to the resolution of the projection lens. Generally, an alignment accuracy of 1/5 to 1/10 of the minimum resolution linewidth of the projection lens is required. Therefore, an alignment accuracy of 0.08 to 0.16 .mu.m is required for a lens which for example resolves patterns of 0.8 .mu.m width for VLSI manufacturing purposes.
In order to realize such a highly accurate alignment, it is important to adjust the various parts of the apparatus in temperature and the usual practice in the past has been such that as shown in FIG. 4, the whole apparatus is arranged inside a temperature adjusting chamber 120 and the internal air temperature of the chamber 120 is controlled. In FIG. 4, a reticle 102 is illuminated by an illuminating optical system 101 so that the image of the pattern formed on the reticle 102 is projected and transcribed through a projection lens 103 on an exposure area of a wafer 104 which is positioned just below the projection lens 103.
The wafer 104 is movable by a Z-stage 105 in a vertical direction (the direction of the optical axis of the projecting lens) and it is also movable in X and Y directions (the directions perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens) by an X-stage 106 and a Y-stage 107, respectively. Then, the X-direction and Y-direction positions of the wafer 104 are monitored by means of a laser interferometer-type linear scale 110 and the wafer 104 is positioned in a desired position by the X-stage 106 and the Y-stage 107. Also, the height of the surface of the wafer 104 is detected by a height sensor which is not shown and its height is adjusted by the Z-stage 105.
This apparatus on the whole is mounted on a surface table 108 subjected to vibration damping by a plurality of vibration damping bases 109 and in this condition the apparatus is installed within the temperature adjusting chamber 120. The air adjusted to a preset temperature by a heat exchanger 121 is blown into the temperature adjusting chamber 120 through a blowing duct 122 and the blown air is discharged through a return duct 123. Although not shown in the Figure, the air delivered from the blowing duct 122 flows into the surroundings of the reticle 102 as well as the surroundings of the projection lens 103 and the wafer stages (105, 106 and 107).
In the case of the conventional technique described above, however, the whole apparatus is enclosed by the partition wall of the single chamber thereby air conditioning the apparatus as a whole and therefore the apparatus is affected considerably by the heat generated from such heat sources as various electronic component parts, motor and laser, thereby making it difficult to maintain the temporal and spatial uniformity of the refractive index of the air in the space containing the projection optical system between the reticle and the wafer. In other words, the refractive index of the air varies in dependence on the temperature and thus the image forming position is varied or the image is distorted, thereby giving rise to a major cause of deteriorating the alignment accuracy.


An optical low-noise block down-converter for a satellite television system is disclosed. The optical low-noise block down-converter includes a first down-conversion module coupled to a satellite antenna of the satellite television system for converting a vertically polarized signal received by the satellite antenna into a first intermediate frequency signal, a second down-conversion module coupled to the satellite antenna for converting a horizontally polarized signal received by the satellite antenna into a second intermediate frequency signal, and a third down-conversion module having a first input terminal coupled between the satellite antenna and a first down-converter of the first down-conversion module and a second input terminal coupled between the satellite antenna and a second down-converter of the second down-conversion module for draining out part of the vertically polarized signal and the horizontally polarized signal to combine and convert into a legacy electrical signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical low-noise block down-converter and satellite television system, and more particularly, to an optical low-noise block down-converter and satellite television system capable of draining out part of the radio satellite signals to convert into a legacy electrical signal for improving an installation efficiency for the satellite television system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An optical Low-Noise Block Down-converter (hereinafter called optical-LNB) is an advanced component for a satellite television system. Optical communication has advantages such as a wide bandwidth, a low signal loss for long distance transmission, an immunity from electromagnetic interference, and can be equipped with a passive optical splitter for transmitting multiple optical signals to multiple users simultaneously, which may overcome a disadvantage of great signal loss due to long distance transmission for a traditional cable, e.g. RG-6 cable.
In general, a traditional optical-LNB includes an F-connector for receiving an input power and a FC-connector for outputting an optical signal. However, the traditional optical-LNB does not have an output port for the radio satellite signal, i.e. an electrical signal, to support a Legacy operating mode. Hence, for positioning and aligning an antenna dish with a satellite, staff of a satellite television system operator may utilize a multiple dwelling unit to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal and utilize a signal demodulator, e.g. a set-up box, to demodulate the electrical signal. As a result, the staff may determine whether an installation of the antenna dish succeeded according to the demodulated electrical signal. Besides, the antenna dish and the optical-LNB are usually installed on a roof or an exterior wall of a building where power sockets or power source may not be available. Thus, the staff may have to use power from an interior of the building for powering the multiple dwelling unit and the demodulator. Such environmental disadvantages may prolong a time for positioning and aligning the antenna dish with the satellite and increase difficulties in installation of the satellite television system.
Therefore, how to directly drain out the satellite signals to convert into the electrical signal to support the legacy operating mode without affecting the standard installation of the satellite television system for speeding up the installation has become a main topic of the industry.

Low-noise block down-converter and satellite television system


A clock signal generator and method thereof are provided for a system to generate an output signal. The apparatus comprises: a delay circuit for generating a delayed clock with a first time, a delay module for generating delayed signal(s), and a decision circuit for comparing the delayed signal(s) with the delayed clock to obtain the relative relation between the delay time and the first time and controlling a delay time of an input signal according to the relative relation to generate the output signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a clock signal generator and method thereof, in particular, to be used for adjustment.
2. Related Art
In the process of data transmission, it is essential to keep the output data signal in synchronization with the system clock. However, when the data or clock signal is transmitted via the printed-circuit-board (PCB), it is usually coupled to generate noise. Further, the optimal latch phase is shortened due to the jitter of the signal itself and the time skew caused by the different lengths of the signal wires on the PCB. That is, the latch duration between the data and the data strobe signal (DOS) is reduced. Therefore, the generation of a better and appropriate phase for latching the data, especially for the application in high-speed circuits, has become an extremely important task in the research of this field.
With regard to the clock signal generator of the prior art, please refer to FIG. 1, wherein the conventional clock signal generator comprises a delay locked loop (DLL) 110, a delay module 120, and a multiplexer 130. The delay lock loop 110 has a voltage controlled delay line (VCDL) 118 formed by a plurality of voltage controlled delay cells 119 connected in series. The delay module 120 has a plurality of VCDLs. When the system clock CKi is inputted to the DLL 110, the DLL 110 generates a voltage control signal Vc for supplying to each VCDL of the delay module 120. The voltage controlled delay cell 122 of the VCDL of the delay module 120 is substantially the same as the voltage controlled delay cell 119 in the DLL 110. That is, these voltage controlled delay cells 119, 122 have substantially the same characteristics relative to the voltage control signal Vc. As such, the output clock CKo is kept latched on the system clock CKi, and then the output data signal and the system clock is maintained in synchronization is achieved.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the DLL 110 may be replaced by a phase locked loop (PLL) 210. Referring to FIG. 2, in this case, the clock signal generator comprises: a PLL 210, a delay module 220 and a multiplexer 230. The PLL 210 has a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 218.
However, the delay time of the voltage controlled delay cells of the delay module are controlled by the voltage control signal VC. Thus, the DLL or PLL must consistently consume power. Further, the areas occupied by the voltage controlled delay cells of the delay module are much larger.

Clock signal generator with self-calibrating mode


Disclosed are transformed cells comprising one or more genetic modifications that increase the lipid content of the cell, e.g., relative to an unmodified cell of the same type. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the lipid content of a cell by increasing the activity of one or more proteins in the cell and/or by decreasing the activity of one or more proteins in the cell.

Lipids are indispensable ingredients in the food and cosmetics industries, and they are important precursors in the biodiesel and biochemical industries. Many oleaginous microorganisms produce lipids, including the well-characterized yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.
Oleaginous microorganisms can be easily and cost-effectively grown on large scale, which suggests broad applicability for biodiesel and biochemical production. Microorganisms may also be engineered to produce high-value products for the food and beverage industries. Further, these products are typically sequestered within the microorganisms, which can facilitate their isolation and purification.
Microorganisms produce lipid products at different rates and with different efficiencies. Lipid production in eukaryotic organisms generally proceeds by the oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA in the mitochondria via pyruvate dehydrogenase and the subsequent export of acetyl-CoA to the cytosol via the metabolic intermediate citrate. Mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation and citrate export results in a net accumulation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in the mitochondria. The accumulation of NADH in the mitochondria is suboptimal for lipid production, however, in part because mitochondrial NADH cannot reduce cytosolic ketones, which results in a lower overall lipid yield.
The lipid yield of oleaginous organisms can be increased by the up-regulation, down-regulation, or deletion of genes implicated in a lipid pathway. The successful modulation of enzymes, however, is unpredictable at best. For example, overexpressing the type 2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase from Mortierella alpine in Y. lipolytica has no significant effect on lipid content (U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,937; hereby incorporated by reference).

Enhanced production of core lipids in oleaginous yeasts


Various embodiments of the present application are directed to an IC, and associated forming methods. In some embodiments, the IC comprises a memory region and a logic region integrated in a substrate. A memory cell structure is disposed on the memory region. A logic device is disposed on the logic region having a logic gate electrode separated from the substrate by a logic gate dielectric. A sidewall spacer is disposed along a sidewall surface of the logic gate electrode. A contact etch stop layer (CESL) is disposed along an upper surface of the substrate, extending upwardly along and in direct contact with sidewall surfaces of the pair of select gate electrodes within the memory region, and extending upwardly along the sidewall spacer within the logic region.

The integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing industry has experienced exponential growth over the last few decades. As ICs have evolved, functional density (i.e., the number of interconnected devices per chip area) has generally increased while geometry size (i.e., the smallest component (or line) that can be created) has decreased. Some advancements in the evolution of ICs include embedded memory technology and high κ metal gate (HKMG) technology. Embedded memory technology is the integration of memory devices with logic devices on the same semiconductor chip, such that the memory devices support operation of the logic devices. High κ metal gate (HKMG) technology is the manufacture of semiconductor devices using metal gate electrodes and high-K gate dielectric layers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Embedded memory with improved fill-in window

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A method of restoring a section of a composite includes the steps of removing an undesirable section of a perforated composite and depositing a repair material in the location of the removed, undesirable section. The repair material is then cured. Before completing the curing step, one or more opening are formed through the repair material to produce one or more perforations through the repair material upon completing the curing step.

This invention relates to composite materials and, more particularly, to repairing composite sandwich structures.
Composite structures are commonly known and used in, for example, gas turbine engines for aerodynamic fairings. One type of composite is a sandwich structure having a face skin and a back skin that are bonded to a honeycomb core. The face skin and back skin may be laminated structures with a resin matrix, such as epoxy, with one or more plies of reinforcement fibers.
Holes through the face skin are typically mechanically machined or laser drilled or formed in a process known as pin forming. In the pin forming method, a series of pins are pushed through resin impregnated woven fiber plies and left in place during curing. The pins are then removed after curing, leaving a hole through the outer skin. Skins made with the pin forming method are generally structurally superior because the reinforcement fibers remain intact and continuous, whereas the mechanical machining process and laser drilling severs the fibers, thereby diminishing the reinforcing properties of the fibers.
In some instances, it is desirable to repair a section of the face skin that has become damaged from an impact, elevated temperatures, abrasion, erosion, or other phenomenon rather than replace the entire face skin. A typical repair of a pin-formed face skin includes removing the section of the perforated face skin and repairing it with a solid laminate patch. Sometimes the patch is left solid, which leads to loss in acoustic absorption. Other times, new perforations are mechanically machined into the patch. Disadvantageously, the patch is made thicker to make up for the loss in strength caused by the mechanical machining. A thicker patch can also cause a loss in acoustic absorption by increasing the thickness to diameter ratio for the skin. Thus, there is a need for a repair method that allows replacement of a damaged section of the perforated skin while maintaining structural, acoustic, and dimensional properties. This invention addresses those needs while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of the prior art.

Repair of perforated acoustic skins by reverse pin transfer molding


The present invention provides several scalable integrated circuit high density capacitors and their layout techniques. The capacitors are scaled, for example, by varying the number of metal layers and/or the area of the metal layers used to from the capacitors. The capacitors use different metallization patterns to form the metal layers, and different via patterns to couple adjacent metal layers. In embodiments, optional shields are included as the top-most and/or bottom-most layers of the capacitors, and/or as side shields, to reduce unwanted parasitic capacitance.

Advances in semiconductor manufacturing technology have led to the integration of millions of circuit elements on a single integrated circuit. In order to integrate these increasing numbers of circuit elements onto an integrated circuit, it has been necessary to reduce the dimensions of the various component parts, including capacitors, which are basic building blocks for electrical circuits. Therefore, a need exists for new capacitors that improve area utilization and/or integrated circuit performance.

Scalable integrated circuit high density capacitors


Systems and methods for energy management includes receiving parameters from commercial building management system components; generating a stochastic programming model of electric vehicles (EVs) as mobile energy storage (MES) for optimal planning, operation, and control purposes; and controlling operation of EVs according to the stochastic programming model to lower operating cost and carbon emission.

This application relates to mobile energy storage systems in commercial buildings.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have attracted much attention in recent years mainly due to economic and environmental concerns. It is expected that 3 million EVs to be on the read in California by 2015. While wide-scale penetration of EVs in electric systems brings new challenges to electric systems that need to be addressed, at the same time, it shows great potentials and new opportunities to improve efficiency of energy and transportation sectors. One can take advantage of the unique characteristics of these relatively new components of energy systems to address some of the existing issues of the grid.
EVs can be considered as Mobile Energy Storage (MES) that are available only during certain hours of a day. The presence of these MESs in an energy system, e.g., commercial building, offices, schools, colleges, etc., depends on many uncertain parameters such as end-users driving patterns, weather conditions, fuel price, and electricity price. Also, the initial level of energy stored in each MES connected to an energy system is an uncertain parameter. These probabilistic parameters might follow specific patterns that are associated with some probability distribution functions, and can be forecasted with a degree of uncertainty.
The use of EVs is particularly of importance for commercial buildings, where employees can plug in their EVs to the building energy system to be charged and/or discharged controlled by the Energy Management System (EMS) of the building. This invention investigates the optimal planning, operation, and control of such MESs using stochastic optimization techniques.
In the context of smart grids, smart distribution systems are envisioned as coupled microgrids (μG) that not only are connected to the grid, but also utilize Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to generate power. High level of DERs integration in μGs raises concerns about the availability of high quality power supply mainly due to the variable and intermittent nature of power generation by Renewable Energy Resources (RESs). To cope with these issues, energy storage systems have been proposed to be used in μGs with DERs. When added, an energy storage system can immediately improve μGs' availability. Today, pumped hydro, flywheel, compressed air, and different types of batteries are the main energy storage technologies considered in the US electric power grid. In addition to these technologies, EVs can be considered as MES that are available only during certain hours of the day. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary load profile of a large commercial building office during weekdays and weekends for summer and winter. As shown therein, peak energy usage occurs during working hours, and drops off during non-working hours.

Systems and methods for stochastically using electric vehicles as mobile energy storage


Modified phenolic resins and processes for producing these are described, as also are phenolic-resin formulations which comprise the modified phenolic resins, and processes for producing these. Specific uses of appropriate phenolic resins and, respectively, phenolic-resin formulations, and the use of block copolymers for producing phenolic resins, are also described.

The present invention relates to modified phenolic resins, and also to processes for producing these. The present invention further relates to phenolic-resin formulations which comprise the modified phenolic resins, and also to processes for producing these. Finally, the present invention relates to specific uses of appropriate phenolic resins and, respectively, phenolic-resin formulations, and to the use of block copolymers for producing phenolic resins.
Phenolic resins are condensates of phenols with aldehydes, in particular with formaldehyde. Phenolic resins belong to the family of thermoset materials. In the hardened state, these have no melting point, because of three-dimensional crosslinking. Above a specific temperature threshold they begin to decompose. Phenolic resins are used as binders or glues or raw materials for producing molding compositions, electrical and thermal insulation materials, varnishes, frictional coatings, abrasives, timber-based materials, and fiber-based moldings. Phenolic resins are also used as foundry binders and refractory binders.
Significant application sectors for products produced with phenolic resins encompass the electrical, construction, and timber industry, vehicle construction, and also aerospace, the reason for this being that the materials have high strength, stiffness, and surface hardness, and also resistance to temperature change. Because of the low coefficient of thermal expansion, they are dimensionally stable and can withstand heating. Other features of phenolic resins are excellent fire- and flame-resistance, and also high electrical and thermal insulation capability.
In the synthesis of phenolic resin, the phenolic component and the aldehyde component react in a catalytic condensation reaction with elimination of water to give low-molecular-weight polymers. Decisive factors in determining the nature of a phenolic resin are not only the ratio of phenolic component to aldehyde component but also the selection of the catalyst. Acids are used as catalysts in the synthesis of novolaks. Bases are used for the resol condensation reaction.
However, a disadvantageous feature of the conventional phenolic-resin systems is that the phenolic resins often have a certain degree of undesired brittleness, therefore having only restricted extensibility.
WO 97/17385 discloses an arrangement for reducing brittleness, by modifying phenolic resins through incorporation of segments based on liquid rubbers. To this end, the liquid rubbers are reacted with formaldehyde or with derivatives thereof, and phenol or derivatives thereof, during synthesis of the phenolic resin. The result of this is chemical incorporation of the liquid rubbers into the structure of the phenolic resin. The rubber is generally incorporated here by way of a single bond at each of the two ends of the rubber molecule, and the two ends of the rubber molecules therefore bear functional groups, such as carboxy groups or amino groups.
The resultant phenolic resins are generally less brittle than the corresponding unmodified phenolic resins, since the lower density of the network results in a certain degree of flexibilization of the structure of the phenolic resin.
Examples of known liquid rubbers that can be used are the following materials containing functional groups: polybutadiene rubbers, acrylic butadiene rubbers, or silicone rubbers, and also vinylpyridine polymers or acrylic acid-butadiene-styrene polymers. Examples of functional groups in said liquid rubbers are hydroxy, carboxy, amino, or epoxy groups.
However, a disadvantage of said procedure is that the modification process has an adverse effect on the chemical and thermal aging of the phenolic resins. The strength of the resin can also decrease. Overall processability is impaired. The resin also has a very short shelf life.
There is also a process disclosed in JP 5770119 for phenolic resin production in which an intermediate is first provided, derived from liquid rubber and from an epoxy component. This then reacts in a second step with a precondensed phenolic resin. The intermediate reacts here with the phenolic resin primarily by way of its high content of reactive epoxy groups, apparent in terms of a measurable epoxy equivalent weight of about 1000 or less. This leads inter alia to further crosslinking of the phenolic resin, and this crosslinking in turn leads to very high viscosity of the precondensed phenolic resin. The high viscosity makes further processing of the phenolic resin more difficult; in particular during impregnation of textiles or of paper. The phenolic resin disclosed in said Japanese publication moreover lacks adequate shelf life. By way of example, phase separation is apparent after only a few days.
GB 2 075 517 A discloses a phenolic resin for which a liquid rubber is first reacted with a phenolic component, so that reaction with an aldehyde component can then give the phenolic resin. Polybutadienes are used as liquid rubbers here, and the phenolic component undergoes an addition reaction to the double bond of these.
The liquid rubbers therefore comprise aromatics which have random distribution across the polymer, where the liquid-rubber-polymer chains provide numerous possibilities of crosslinking in the context of phenolic-resin production. Here again, one problem inter alia is the increased viscosity of the resultant phenolic resin.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to mitigate at least one disadvantage of the prior art, and in particular to provide phenolic resins with reduced brittleness and therefore with increased extensibility, but in essence without any change in the aging properties. The phenolic resin should also have maximum end-use processability.


FC and FX mini-hubs with a limited number of ports, e.a., 4-8 ports, provide a wide variety of configurations for small form factors. The mini-hubs provide compact, low cost hubs for form factors that can include PMC, CompactPCI, and VME. The mini-hubs are installed into an unused system slot of a host computer or as a mezzanine card for use in the host computer. Thus, the mini-hubs use power received directly from the backplane of the host computer so that no external power connections are required and mechanical support is provided by the system chassis or carrier card into which a mini-hub is installed. The mini-hubs eliminate external communication/control cabling since managed mini-hubs are controlled directly via the system bus of the host computer. This direct communication also reduces system latency.

The present invention relates in general to high speed communications equipment and, more particularly, to small hubs or mini-hubs which do not require external power cabling, take up less space than existing hubs and, in the case of managed mini-hubs, can be controlled directly via a computer""s system bus without requiring a separate RS-232, Ethernet or other communication/control connection. While the present invention is generally applicable to high speed communications equipment, it will be described herein with reference to Fibre Channel (FC) and FibreXtreme (FX) (a trademark of Systran Corporation, assignee of the present application) data link equipment for which it is particularly applicable and initially being used. The description will refer to either of these systems by the term Fibre Channel even though FX uses a protocol that is a modification of the standard FC protocol.
Commercially available FC hubs are implemented in rack mounted boxes that require external power cabling and communication/control connections in the case of managed hubs. These hubs are not well suited for use in embedded, real-time, military/defense and industrial applications where equipment must be small, requires minimum cabling and low power levels, can be easily xe2x80x9cruggedizedxe2x80x9d and provides low latency. Computer systems used in these applications are typically implemented in VERSAmodule Eurocard (VME) and Compact Peripheral Computer Interconnect (CompactPCI) formats.
Currently available managed hubs require some type of connection to a computer that monitors status and controls the configuration of the hub. Today""s hubs typically use an RS-232 or Ethernet connection to achieve the monitoring/control connections.
Monitoring and control of a hub over a serial connection, such as RS-232 or Ethernet, requires software overhead to assemble communication packets and additional hardware to serialize/deserialize the packets. Additionally, such hubs are only able to support Arbitrated Loop topologies.
There is, thus, a need for improved Fibre Channel hubs for use in embedded, real-time, military/defense and industrial applications that do not require a separate source of power or a separate control connection. Preferably, such hubs would be able to support topologies in addition to Arbitrated Loop including, for example, topologies such as Point-to-Point, One to Many (broadcast) or loop segmenting (where ports can be grouped into separate independent loops).
This need is met by the invention of the present application wherein mini-hubs comprising a wide variety of configurations can be produced in small form factors to provide FC and FX type hubs with a limited number of ports, for example four (4) to eight (8) ports. The mini-hubs of the present invention provide compact, low cost hubs for form factors that can include, without limitation, PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC), CompactPCI, and VME. The mini-hubs of the present invention are easily installed into an unused system slot of a host computer or as a mezzanine card for use in the host computer. Thus, mini-hubs of the present invention use system power received directly from the backplane of the host computer so that no external power cabling connections are required and mechanical support is provided by the system chassis or carrier card into which a mini-hub is installed. With the mini-hubs of the present invention, external RS-232 or Ethernet communication/control cabling is eliminated altogether since for managed mini-hubs the system bus of the host computer, for example a VME, CompactPCI or PCM bus, is used to communicate with the managed mini-hub. This direct communication also reduces system latency. In this way, the mini-hubs meet the cabling, power, ruggedization, and low latency requirements required in embedded, real-time, military/defense and industrial applications.

Fibre channel mini-hub powered by and supported within a host computer and directly controlled over a bus of the host computer


A fiber optic switch is formed using cylindrical or biconic fibers optic connector components for axially aligning pairs of fibers to be switched. The ferrules of the connector are rotatably mounted within an alignment sleeve, such that a pair of fibers in a first ferrule may be rotated relative to a pair of fibers mounted in a second ferrule to effect a bypass switch operation. Various forms of switch actuators, including rotary and linear actuators, are disclosed, along with fail-safe arrangements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fiber optic switches and, more particularly, to a switch wherein the optical fibers to be switched are coupled by a butt joint and are rotated relative to each other about an axis offset from an axis through the butt-joined fibers in order to effect switching.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There has been a long-standing need for a relatively inexpensive but precise fiber optic switch. It has been recognized that a key component needed for the practical implementation of optical fiber local area networks is a precision fiber optic switch, particularly a switch that can perform a bypass function.
Historically, fiber optic switches have been difficult to build because of the accurate mechanical alignment which must be maintained between the cores of the optical fibers being switched. Such precise alignment must be maintained in extreme environmental conditions and over many operating cycles.
Numerous schemes have been used to provide a precision fiber optic switch, and while some of these have proven somewhat successful, a low-cost precision switch has not yet been developed. Butt-joined optical fibers are usually switched by linear translation of the fibers relative to each other. In this type of switch considerable difficulty is experienced in attempting to attain the desired precision. Another switching technique makes use of an expanded-beam optical coupling between two fiber cores where switching is effected by manipulation of the optical beam between the fibers using devices such as lenses, prisms, gratings or mirrors. This type of switch becomes complex and expensive.
Mechanical type switches rely on displacing a fiber or a physical body containing the fiber to connect or disrupt the passage of light from one fiber to another. The optical fiber switch depends on the transverse mechanical motion of the fiber within a guide mechanism. Such fiber optic switches have been provided for switching a single optical fiber, or in the form of a multi-fiber switch array; however, the desired precision has not been achieved with consistency, and the switch is very sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly vibration.
Another type of mechanical switch is based on the electro-wetting effect wherein the switch operates by moving a mercury slug into and out of a collimated beam of light leaving a lens to allow the light to enter another similar lens or to reflect the light back through the lens to another optical fiber.
Several types of electro-optic switching mechanisms have been employed using such schemes as a frequency-tunable cleaved coupled cavity laser and a grating de-multiplexer. Pure optical switches have also been suggested for use in conjunction with magnetic fields employing Faraday rotation.
More recent attempts have been made to design optical fiber switches utilizing the switching effect of liquid crystals.
While some of these techniques hold great promise, they are extremely sophisticated and complex, resulting an unacceptably high cost and questionable reliability.


Disclosed is a filter assembly capable of adjusting elimination of solid materials using a flow-variable bypass flow path. The filter assembly includes a filter portion (100) which includes a cover portion (110) formed on top to have a shape in which a bypass flow pipe (112) and a water discharge pipe (113) sequentially surrounds a perimeter of a vertically protruding original water inflow pipe (111) in a stepped structure and accommodates a filter body therein and a filter cartridge header (200) in which the cover portion (110) of the filter portion (100) is accommodated therebelow and which includes a bypass flow rate control unit (300) capable of adjusting an inflow amount of original water flowing into the bypass flow pipe (112).

Recently, as environmental pollution (or contamination), particularly, water pollution (or contamination) has become a social issue, use of purifiers which physically or chemically filters impurities from water has increased.
Such purifiers each include a variety of filters such as a precipitation filter, a carbon filter, a membrane filter, and the like connected and installed therein such that water undergoes a physical or chemical process while passing through such filters to be purified.
Here, a precipitation filter performs a function of primarily filtering out impurities such as sand, heavy metals, and the like included in a fluid (water). A pre-carbon filter performs a function of adsorbing and removing a chlorine (Cl) chemical, trihalomethane, and organic chemicals, and the like dissolved in a fluid. A membrane filter is an essential filter of a purifier and performs a function of ultimately filtering foreign substances including heavy metals, viruses, bacterium, organic chemicals, and the like using a reverse osmosis method through an ultraprecision semipermeable membrane.
Also, a structure of a general filter includes an inlet into which water is injected and an outlet through which the water is discharged in a head of the filter such that a connecting tube is coupled to each of the inlet and the outlet and water supplied from a water source is purified and supplied to a water tank of the purifier.
Meanwhile, in the case of a reverse osmosis membrane filter, water purification is performed by artificially applying a pressure to a thick side such that water that is a solvent in a thick solution passes through an osmosis membrane and moves toward a weak side.
Although such a reverse osmosis membrane filter is capable of eliminating ionic materials such as calcium (Ca) ions and magnesium (Mg) ions which cause forming of scale, a high-pressure environmental condition is necessary for reverse osmosis, a carbon-pretreatment filter is necessary for preventing a membrane from being damaged by Cl, and it is difficult to satisfy customers due to an amount of purified water in comparison to that of original water.
To solve such problems, a filter assembly according to a related art includes a solid material elimination means in a filter housing which accommodates a filter body. However, a structure of the filter housing becomes complicated and the number of additional components increases such that manufacturing processes and manufacturing costs increase.
Also, recently, customers who would like to adjust contents of solid materials such as metal ions including Ca ions, Mg ions, and the like in purified water rather than to completely eliminate such solid materials from original water have increased. However, although the filter assembly according to the related art is capable of eliminating such solid materials using the solid material elimination means, it is impossible to adjust contents thereof.
To overcome such a limitation, attempts for adding an adjusting means to the solid material elimination means installed in the filter housing have been made. However, it is difficult to perform installation due to a complicated internal structure of the filter housing, and manufacturing costs increase due to an increase in the number of components.
Accordingly, a technology related to a practical and applicable filter assembly capable of adjusting contents of solid materials while reducing manufacturing costs has been desperately needed.

Filter assembly capable of adjusting elimination of solid materials using flow-variable bypass flow path


A method of chronically reducing a patient's pathological inflammation via the administration of an agent that specifically binds to an alpha-4 integrin or a dimer comprising an alpha-4 integrin is disclosed. The agent provided must have a binding affinity such that administration is sufficient to suppress pathological inflammation, and the agent is administered chronically to provide long-term suppression of pathological inflammation.

Inflammation is a response of vascularized tissues to infection or injury and is affected by adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelial cells of blood vessels and their infiltration into the surrounding tissues. In normal inflammation, the infiltrating leukocytes release toxic mediators to kill invading organisms, phagocytize debris and dead cells, and play a role in tissue repair and the immune response. However, in pathological inflammation, infiltrating leukocytes are over-responsive and can cause serious or fatal damage. See, e.g., Hickey, Psychoneuroimmunology II (Academic Press 1990).
The integrins are a family of cell-surface glycoproteins involved in cell-adhesion, immune cell migration and activation. Alpha-4 integrin is expressed by all circulating leukocytes except neutrophils, and forms heterodimeric receptors in conjunction with either the beta1 or beta7 integrin subunits; both alpha-4 beta-1 (α4β1) and alpha-4 beta-7 (α4β7) dimers play a role in the migration of leukocytes across the vascular endothelium (Springer et al., 1994 Cell 76: 301-14; and Butcher et al., 1996 Science 272: 60-6) and contribute to cell activation and survival within the parenchyma (Damle et al., 1993 J. Immunol. 151: 2368-79; Koopman et al., 1994 J. Immunol. 152: 3760-7; and Leussink et al., 2002 Acta Neuropathol. 103:131-136).
Specifically, alpha-4 beta-1 (also known as very late antigen-4 (VLA-4)), binds to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)(Lobb et al., 19941 J. Clin. Invest. 94:1722-8), which is expressed by the vascular endothelium at many sites of chronic inflammation (Bevilacqua et al., 1993 Annu. Rev. Immunol. 11: 767-804; and Postigo et al., 1993 Res. Immunol. 144:723-35). The alpha-4 beta-7 dimer interacts with mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM-1), and mediates homing of lymphocytes to the gut (Farstad et al., 1997 Am. J. Pathol. 150: 187-99; and Issekutz et al., 1991 J. Immunol. 147: 4178-84). Expression of MAdCAM-1 on the vascular endothelium is also increased at sites of inflammation in the intestinal tract of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Briskin et al., 1997 Am. J. Pathol. 151: 97-110).
Adhesion molecules such as alpha-4 integrins are potential targets for therapeutic agents. For instance, the VLA-4 receptor, of which alpha-4 integrin is a subunit, is an important target because of its interaction with a ligand residing on brain endothelial cells. Diseases and conditions resulting from brain inflammation have particularly severe consequences. In another example, the alpha-4 beta-7 integrin dimer is an important target due to its involvement in lymphocyte homing and pathological inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Alpha-4 beta-1 integrin is expressed on the extracellular surface of activated lymphocytes and monocytes, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute inflammatory brain lesions and blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) (Coles et al., 1999 Ann. Neurol. 46(3): 296-304). Agents against alpha-4 integrin have been tested for their anti-inflammatory potential both in vitro and in vivo in animal models. See Yednock et al., 1992 Nature 356: 63-66; U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,299 issued to Bendig, et al. on Nov. 24, 1998, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,809 issued to Thorsett et al. on Dec. 14, 1999. The in vitro experiments demonstrate that alpha-4 integrin antibodies block attachment of lymphocytes to brain endothelial cells. Experiments testing the effect of alpha-4 integrin antibodies on animals having an artificially induced condition simulating multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), have demonstrated that administration of anti-alpha-4 integrin antibodies prevents inflammation of the brain and subsequent paralysis in the animals. Collectively, these experiments identify anti-alpha-4 integrin antibodies as potentially useful therapeutic agents for treating multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases and disorders.
In another specific example of pathological inflammation involving alpha-4 integrins, Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, incurable, relapsing, transmural inflammation of the intestinal tract. The disease is characterized by inappropriate immune cell migration and activation in the intestinal mucosa involving T cells, macrophages and neutrophils (Schreiber et al., 1991 Gastroenterology 101: 1020-30). First-line medical therapies for Crohn's disease include 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), which have low efficacy, and corticosteroids, which have various short- and long-term side effects (Munkholm et al., 1994 Gut 35: 360-2). Patients refractory to first-line therapies are treated with immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, and methotrexate, but these agents have a slow onset of action and potentially serious side effects (Stein et al., 2001 Surg. Clin. North Am. 81: 71-101, viii). More recently, biologic agents with a faster onset of action have been introduced for use in treating Crohn's disease, but such agents are similarly plagued by issues such as long-term efficacy and side effects.

Administration of agents for the treatment of inflammation


A plurality of serially addressable devices connected to transmit data to or from a central controller via a two-wire polling loop has a global poll capability. The transmissions of data are via a tri-level line signal to provide both power and data transmission on a two-wire line. Global polling is initiated by a preamble recognized by each device in the loop. The preamble is followed by a single bit sequence to allow the devices to signal the central controller that one or more devices will respond to the global poll. If one or more devices will respond to the global poll, a series of bit sequences is generated by the central controller equal to the number of bits that will be transmitted by the serially addressable device to transmit its address and status. In order that only a single device respond to a global poll, if two or more devices are in contention for control of the loop to transmit their message to the central controller, each device measures the voltage on the loop and drops out of contention if it measures a digital zero while it is trying to transmit a digital one in the address field.

This invention generally relates to a polling technique for a plurality of devices connected together by a two-wire loop. More specifically, it relates to a global polling technique for a plurality of devices in a security system in which the devices are coupled together by a two-wire loop.
Security systems may comprise a plurality of devices which are coupled together via a wire link. In simple security systems, these devices may be magnetic or mechanical switches or other well known devices which either open or close a connection on the line. However, in more sophisticated systems, each point of a multi-point security system is assigned an address and communicates its response to a central controller along with the address so that the location of the intrusion in known. Such security systems may employ lengthy loops of wire to couple the devices to the central controller, with a length of several thousand feet being a typical maximum for each loop. Accordingly, minimalization of the number of wires in the loop is desirable in order to minimize the wire costs associated with the wire loops.
Serially addressable receiver/transmitter circuits are known which can transmit and receive data between points in the loop and a central controller along the same lines which are also utilized to transmit power. The devices typically utilize a three-level line signal, as shown as signal 100 in FIG. 1. The signal typically comprises a high voltage level, a reference voltage level, and a third logic level in between the first two levels. The circuit rectifies and filters the high level on the line in order to obtain power for the circuitry. The devices may be typically embodied in a single integrated circuit such as model CS-212 manufactured by Cherry Semiconductor. The devices known in the art utilize a unit poll. That is, an address is sent via a central controller along the wire loop. This is contiguously followed by a series of bit sequences corresponding to logic ones, for example, having a length equal to the number of bits in a message expected to be received from one of the serially addressed devices. The serially addressed device in the loop having the corresponding address is activated by the address on the line and responds by modifying the bit sequences that follow the address so as to transmit a message to the controller. If the bit in the bit sequence that is being transmitted by the controller is desired to be a logic one, for example, the serially addressable device would not change the bit and thus a one would be transmitted to the controller. If it was desired that the bit actually represent a zero, the serially addressable device would place a low impedance across the line in order to force the voltage on the line to a zero, thus transmitting a zero to the controller.
In loops operating on this principle, it is necessary that the controller periodically sequence through all of the addresses of the devices on the loop in order to obtain new messages from each of the devices. In a multi-point security system, the data on the loop can represent an intrusion, an ARMING or DISARMING of the system, a failure within the system or the need to change a battery at one of the points, for example. It is thus necessary that the polling take place so that each device is addressed within a relatively short interval, so that these actions can take place in real time. As the number of devices in the loop increases, it is also necessary to increase the number of bits in the address. Furthermore, an addressing scheme that can be utilized employs an Applications Specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that, in addition to the function that it performs in the security system, is programmed with a unique serial number. The type of functions performed by the ASIC, such as a security detector data receiver/transmitter, for example, are well known in the art and need not be discussed in detail here. In fact, depending upon the use of the ASIC, various functions may be provided on the chip. In addition, thereto, the integrated circuit is provided with a unique serial number. In this scheme, 22 serial number bits are provided. When the ASIC is in the wafer stage of its manufacturing cycle, the chips are tested and malfunctioning chips are marked for eventual deletion by automatic test equipment. The remaining chips which are acceptable are then made to undergo an additional operation in accordance with this scheme. The 22 serial number bits are uniquely configured in a sequential manner for each "good" chip starting with the serial number 0 to a number corresponding to the actual number of chips to be fabricated for a given order. For example, the first 10,000 chips will be numbered sequentially from 0-9,999. Subsequent manufacturing runs of this chip will start from the next available number and continue for the number of chips required in that manufacturing run. The utilization of 22 bits yields 2.sup.22 or 4.2 million unique combinations. This provides a very low probability of repeating numbers occurring in the same general area within the physical range of a wireless system or within the same wired system. An advantage of this scheme is that the user need not enter a multi-digit code in order to activate the security system either to arm or disarm the system or to perform another function. The code is transmitted automatically. A further advantage is that each part has a unique number, which has been preprogrammed at the factory. Thus, neither the user nor the installer need know the unique number. The microprocessor control controller 334 is simply informed that a particular user, for example assigned as user 1, is to be associated with a unique serial number which is then entered into the computer via activation of the ASIC. Once the identification number , for example 1, and the parameters are entered into the computer, the sensor can be activated to trigger the ASIC to transmit its unique serial number to the computer, which will then "memorize" the unique serial number associated with that newly programmed sensor. Again, this can be accomplished without the installer having knowledge of the unique serial number and avoids the difficulties in programming such numbers found in the prior art. Thus increases in the number of bits in the address and increases in the number of devices on a single polling loop exacerbate the problem of the need to poll each device via a unit poll within a short enough cycle so that the system can operate in real time.

Method and apparatus for global polling having contention-based address identification


A method and device for monitoring the functionality of a valve stroke adjusting device of an internal combustion engine in a cold start phase. The internal combustion engine includes an electronically controllable throttle, the control utilizing an integral component to control the throttle, and the functionality is monitored by determining the integral component in a cold start phase, comparing the integral component with at least one predetermined threshold value and evaluating the functionality of the valve stroke adjusting device on the basis of the comparison.

The present invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring the function of a valve stroke adjusting device of an internal combustion engine during cold starts.
Modern internal combustion engines are equipped with serial camshaft adjusting systems for improving power and torque. All such systems function according to the principle of rotation of the phasing of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft by means of hydraulic or hydromechanical adjustment elements.
However, such systems are scarcely able to meet rising demands on exhaust quality, fuel efficiency, power and torque. There are already developments on the market such as the multistep or stepless valve stroke adjusting system.
German patent publication DE 100 16 103 A1 describes a valve stroke adjusting device. The valve stroke is adjusted so that the valve blocks the gas flow of the air/fuel mixture to a greater or lesser degree, which decisively influences how the combustion chambers are filled with and emptied of the combustion gas.
Besides the pure adjusting function, importance is also placed on aspects such as a simple, robust construction, small friction losses, reliable function over the entire useful life, applicability to existing cylinder head constructions, and so on. It should be possible to use the device in both Otto and diesel engines on the intake and/or exhaust sides.
The proper functioning of a valve stroke adjusting device is an important factor in reducing the fuel consumption and exhaust emission of an internal combustion engine. Therefore the legislature has mandated that whenever an internal combustion engine is equipped with a valve stroke adjustment system, the functionality of such system must be monitored.
One type of valve stroke adjusting system, for example, switches from a small valve stroke to a large stroke immediately upon the ignition of the engine during a prescribed cold start phase. Known monitoring systems have problems during this cold start phase or have complicated and expensive constructions.
European patent publication EP 1 467 068 A1 describes a method in which the valve stroke adjustment is evaluated by a lambda probe with reference to the exhaust gas composition. This known system has exhibited the drawback that the lambda probes are not operational during cold starts.
Another possibility for monitoring functionality is to detect uneven running in individual cylinders and compare it with predetermined threshold values. However, there is no notable unevenness during cold starts.
Still another possibility for monitoring functionality is to evaluate the signal of the airflow meter. The drawback of this method is that the signal qualities of the airflow meter are heavily dependent on other factors.
A solution which involves a large expenditure for sensor technology is to measure the pressures in front of the intake valves. Different pressure levels can be correlated with different valve stroke profiles. These pressure levels are compared with values stored in engine operating maps.
Japanese patent publication JP 61 294 03 discloses a valve stroke monitoring device having a solenoid valve for opening and closing an air intake line in an operation section. The solenoid valve is closed for a definite time-span by means of a diagnostic start signal, and when the valve opens, an abnormality signal is emitted if a valve opening value is below a predetermined threshold value. A stroke detector measures the valve's opening level. It is also expensive to apply this known solution to monitoring the functionality of a valve stroke adjusting device.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and a relatively inexpensive device for monitoring the functionality of a valve stroke adjusting device of an internal combustion engine during cold starts, which device is optimally reliable.
The method of the invention claimed and the corresponding device for monitoring the functionality of a valve stroke adjusting device of an internal combustion engine during cold starts exhibit the advantage that monitoring can be carried out inexpensively and precisely.
The central idea of the invention is that the monitoring of the functionality of a valve stroke adjusting device of an internal combustion engine during cold starts is based on the integral component of the throttle control. The advantages of this type of monitoring are that it does not require any extra expenditure for sensors, and monitoring can be carried out a few seconds after the start-up of the engine.
According to a preferred embodiment, there is a measuring step to determine the time elapsed since the start of the cold start phase and whether said time-span is at least equal to a predetermined time-span, which condition must be fulfilled before the acquisition of the integral component in the cold start phase will be performed. The advantage of this is that it prevents faulty detection at the beginning of the cold start phase.
According to a further preferred development, the threshold value to be compared with the acquired integral component is chosen from a number of predetermined threshold values on the basis of the measured time-span. This way, a time dependency of the integral components is taken into account.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the internal combustion engine comprises two cylinder banks with separate valve stroke adjustment by the valve stroke adjusting device, and the comparison and evaluation steps proceed as follows: a first comparison of the integral component acquired in the cold start phase with a predetermined first threshold value; first evaluation of the functionality of the valve stroke adjusting device of both cylinder banks based on the result of the first comparison; if the first evaluation indicates that the functionality of the valve stroke adjusting device of at least one of the two cylinder banks is faulty, a second comparison of the integral component acquired in the cold start phase with a predetermined second threshold value; a second evaluation of the functionality of the valve stroke adjusting device of the two cylinder banks based on the second result of the second comparison. This allows for incremental diagnosis.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the threshold value or values are stored in a storage device.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the threshold value or values are adapted before the comparison on the basis of a throttle setpoint value adaptation. This way, aging processes and error tolerances can be taken into account.
According to a further preferred embodiment, errors detected in the functioning of the valve stroke adjusting device are indicated by a signaling means. This way, the driver can be informed of errors.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Identical or functionally equivalent elements are assigned the same reference signs.

Method and device for monitoring the functioning of a valve stroke adjusting device of an internal combustion engine during cold starts

Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellscaft


A torque arm, for a dynamometer defining an axis of rotation, having a first, support, end configured for rigid attachment of the arm to the dynamometer, a second, free, end for engaging a reaction stop, a longitudinal axis, an axis intersecting and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the axes intersecting and being perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the arm is attached to the dynamometer and a strain gauge for measuring strain of the arm on the transverse axis whereby the strain measurement is a function of torque applied to the arm by an attached dynamometer about an axis of rotation independent of the distance between the axis of rotation and a reaction stop engaging the second end. A dynamometer assembly comprising a dynamometer and such a torque arm attached to a housing of the dynamometer.

This invention relates to a dynamometer torque arm capable of measuring torque supplied by a dynamometer without recalibration with changes in the distance between center of rotation of the dynamometer and the reaction support of the torque and to a dynamometer assembly including a torque arm for measuring torque, horse power and/or rpm of engines particularly, although not exclusively, to engines without removal from an associated vehicle such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, chain saws, and lawn mowers. More particularly the invention provides an easily portable form of such a dynamometer assembly.
Dynamometers typically utilize a water brake to measure the torque of a rotary power source such as an internal combustion engine, with the torque being calculated from the reaction force necessary to hold a torque arm stationary at a fixed predetermined distance from the center of rotation of the water brake with the torque arm itself being affixed to the housing of the water brake. Such an arrangement is quite satisfactory in permanent installations but does not lend itself to universal portable dynamometers in which the dynamometer will be used in a number of different applications, perhaps with an internal combustion engine remaining installed in a vehicle while being tested by the dynamometer in which the distance from the center of rotation of the water brake to the reaction support point will be determined by the structural layout of the vehicle and the engine concerned and will in all probability vary from application to application with the consequent need or desire to recalibrate the dynamometer with each change in that distance if accurate readings are to be achieved.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a torque arm for a dynamometer capable of providing an accurate reading of torque without recalibration over a significant range of distances between torque center and reaction support for the torque arm.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dynamometer assembly including a torque arm according to the invention which is readily transportable and suitable for use to ascertain the torque and the horse power of an engine or motor mounted in the equipment in which its operation is associated.

Dynamometer torque arm and dynamometer assembly


A reinforcement structure for asphalt pavements comprising corrugated or zigzag bent perforated or open mesh strips disposed relative to each other so that when said strips are brought into contact with each other and fixed together at the apices the contacting strips define therebetween a plurality of cells or honeycomb-like structure. Further, there is provided a superior asphalt pavement when the above-described reinforcement structure is positioned and embedded within said pavement.

Asphalt pavements, roads, sidewalks and the like are subject to deterioration such as cracks, cave-ins, and potholes. Such deterioration may occur in the original asphalt surface but is more likely in areas of refilled or repaired asphalt cuts or excavations which often times are repeatedly dug to repair and/or replace the underlying utility network, such as telephone wires, electrical systems or aqueducts.
Past practices have attempted to improve the structural integrity of asphalt pavement by inserting within the pavement a planar construct structure or flat wire mesh of various geometric design.
One such construct is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 181,392. This patent discloses a substantially planar structure of single iron rings provided with exterior wedge-shaped projections which are rigidly united or assembled by a connecting strip. U.S. Pat. No. 1,707,939 discloses a reinforced pavement structure which comprises a flat planar mesh structure of expanded metal. U.S. Pat. No. 1,809,870 is of a substantially similar construction in that a flat planar open reinforcement structure comprising a number of bars each bent to include a plurality of substantially V-shaped formations along its length. The bars are arranged with the apex portions of the V-shaped formations in abutting relation with clips bent around the abutting apex portions of said bars to hold the bars in place. The resulting construct is then inserted within concrete as reinforcement for cement. Other structures to reinforce pavement and the like are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,179,019, 2,184,146, and 4,309,124. The disclosures of these patents neither disclose nor suggest the subject invention.
It is an object of this invention to provide a reinforcing structure for asphalt pavements and the like which may be utilized in the new construction or repair or for rehabilitation/resurfacing of existing asphalt pavements. It also may be utilized in the resurfacing asphalt layer.
It is another object of this invention to provide material and techniques for repairing asphalt roads.
It is a further object of this invention to lessen or eliminate dependence on optimum compaction of backfill material in asphalt pavement repair.

Reinforced asphalt concrete and structure for producing same


There is provided a proximity to a target, detection system, including a laser transmitter for transmitting a beam of radiation at a predetermined wavelength temporal and spatial shape, towards a target from which the proximity is to be determined, a small dimensions body having an opening for admitting radiation reflected from the target, the body housing a receiver for receiving the reflected beam radiation from the target and directing it towards a detector in the body for producing a signal. The detector includes a detection logic circuit allowing detection of reflected radiation for producing an output signal when the body is at a predetermined range from the target and in consideration of the temporal or spatial relative strength of the signal produced by the detected radiation of the reflected beam. A method for detecting the proximity of a body to a radiation-reflecting surface of a target, is also provided.

The exact positioning of a body such as a projectile or an autonomic vehicle relative to an optically reflecting or partly reflecting surface is of major importance for determining the timing of detonation and for optimizing its performance when actuated.
Common methods for proximity detection utilize optical time of flight range finders, located in a projectile head, where repetitively pulsed laser radiation, emitted from the transmitter, located in the projectile head, impinges on a solid target surface. Travel time is measured by a receiver containing fast detectors located in the projectile head, measuring the reflection time of arrival and calculating the distance. These methods are suitable for distances greater than a few meters, and their accuracy is in the range of about one meter. When the sought-after distances are in the range of tens of centimeters to a few meters, these methods reach their capability limit, requiring a multiplicity of very short pulses having short rise times, thereby the cost of such systems is greatly increased, making this solution expensive and elaborate. The volume required to host the transmitter and receiver, as well as their energy source is large and cannot be placed in very small dimension projectiles, such as bullets, having diameters of 1 to 2 cm and about the same length.
Such bodies are referred to hereinafter as "small size bodies having small internal volume". An optical range detector suitable for small dimension bodies should have the following properties:                1) resolution capability of a range of a few centimeters;        2) the capability to be contained in the body;        3) unaffected by sunlight or stray light;        4) able to operate independently without any communication, wire or wireless, to the body launching station, and        5) have a pre-set range for actuation.

Proximity to target detection system and method


The disclosure relates to a method of collecting data from a directory service used to administer a private network comprising a group of interconnected computers (PDS, PC), the directory service collecting data relating to objects in the network, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a terminal (PC) to a network server (PDS) including an instance of the directory service, configuring the instance of the directory service on the server by the terminal, so that the terminal is notified of modifications made to the directory service data, receiving by the terminal notification messages (NTF) containing modified directory service data transmitted by the server, and processing each of the received notification messages to determine the modifications made to the directory service data.

A directory service of this type is intended to provide centralized services for managing a private network of computers, as well as identification and authentication services, allowing access to the private network. It also authorizes the installation of critical updates by designated administrators, to list network items and resources such as user accounts, servers, workstations, shared folders, printers, etc. This makes it easy for a private network user to find shared resources, and administrators can control their use with features for distributing, replicating, partitioning, and securing access to listed resources. All the information necessary for the provision of these services under appropriate security conditions is collected in a database distributed on one or more servers of the private network called "domain controllers". Each controller in the same domain locally stores a copy of the database that can hold a few hundred to several million objects for very large private computer networks.
The database of an "Active Directory" service has a hierarchical structure gathering information on objects such as resource, service, user or group of users. An object is uniquely identified by an identifier and is associated with a set of attributes defining the characteristics and information that the object may contain. The structure of each of the objects stored in the database is defined by a schema object.
In addition, to ensure the consistency of the local copies of the database, stored by the different domain controllers of the private network, the directory service includes replication mechanisms ensuring the transmission and propagation of modifications made in one local copy of the database to the other local copies stored in the private network. This propagation is carried out according to a replication topology where each domain controller can be the center of modifications (addition, modification, deletion) of the database.
The protection of a private network of computers implementing an "Active Directory" directory service is generally ensured upstream by an adequate adjustment of security settings, and downstream by the analysis of event logs produced by domain controllers. Such an analysis requires the activation of advanced logging services on domain controllers, and the implementation of an event redirector ensuring the transmission of the information to be analyzed to a central collection point (a network computer) where the event analysis is performed. Indeed, many security breaches in a private network can be detected as soon as the event occurs if the appropriate event log is activated, the lack of analysis of such logs appears to be a security flaw for many private networks. However, it appears that the volume of safety-related information relative to the total volume of information collected in these logs is extremely unbalanced and therefore unsuitable for the implementation of an effective safety analysis.
Another commonly implemented method of protecting an "Active Directory" service is to install software probes on domain controllers that are configured to collect information about the applications or operating system running on the domain controller. However, such software probes must act at the heart of the domain controller's operating system. They can therefore lead to system malfunctions or generate security breaches that can be exploited by potential attackers.
It is therefore desirable to offer a method of protecting a computer network, capable of effectively and extensively detecting security breaches and attacks, without the risk of disrupting the operation or affecting the security of one of the network's domain controllers.

Method for protecting a private computer network


A fuel injection fuel supply system for a combustion engine has a fuel injector valve assembly effective for metering and injecting metered fuel into the engine induction system; the valve assembly is shown having a plurality of reed-like valving members each of which is opened and closed in response to the energization and de-energization of an electrical field generating coil which is a part of the injector valve assembly.

Various types of electromagnetic fuel injectors are known in the art. Generally, such injectors contain an electromagnetic coil which, when energized is operative to effect axial movement of an armature. In such prior art arrangements, the armature itself may be the valving member or it may be mechanically connected to a valve member that is movable relative to a valve seat for controlling fuel injection.
Such prior art injectors normally require very close manufacturing tolerances to obtain concentricity of parts for effecting proper seating of the valve, for proper stroke length of the armature and to obtain other desired structural relationships effecting fuel metering, fuel spray patterns and the durability of the injector.
The invention as herein disclosed and described is primarily directed to the solution of the aforestated and other related and attendant problems of the prior art

Electromagnet and reed-type valve assembly


The present invention discloses rare earth-bonded magnetic powder and a preparation method therefor. The bonded magnetic powder is of a multilayer core-shell structure, and comprises a core layer and an antioxidant layer (3), wherein the core layer is formed by RFeMB, R is Nd and/or PrNd, and M is one or more of Co, Nb, and Zr; and the core layer is coated with an iron-nitrogen layer (2). In addition, the present invention also discloses the preparation method for the rare earth-bonded magnetic powder and a bonded magnet. The oxidation and corrosion of magnetic raw powder during phosphorization and subsequent treatment process are effectively prevented, thereby further improving the long-term temperature resistance and environmental tolerance of the material.

At present, the NdFeB rare earth permanent magnet material has become an irreplaceable basic material in many fields, is widely used in many fields such as electronics, automobiles and computers, and drives the development of various industries. The conventional preparation method for a bonded magnet comprises: mixing rare earth-bonded magnetic powder having permanent magnetic properties with a resin binder (such as epoxy resin or nylon), and then performing compression molding or injection molding on the mixture. For the final magnet, the magnetic properties are mainly derived from the bonded magnetic powder, while the mechanical properties are mainly derived from the binder.
The rare earth permanent magnet material is generally required for operation at a certain temperature and environment, and is required to maintain the integrity of the external dimensions and the stability of the magnetic properties during long-term operation. For the bonded magnet, there are two key factors affecting the use performance, and the first factor is the binder. Although due to the binder, the bonded magnet has relatively strong advantages relative to a sintered magnet, the decomposition and softening temperature of the magnet is significantly lower than that of a metal material due to the defects of a high molecular material per se, which ultimately affects the properties of the material contained therein. Secondly, the bonded magnetic powder is externally coated with the high molecular material, but oxidation still occurs, and with the raise of the temperature, the oxidation occurs more easily. Such oxidation causes the remarkable increase of irreversible magnetic flux loss of the material, leading to the problems such as rusting and demagnetization of the magnet.
The oxidation of the magnet is generated in both the use process and the preparation process. As a result, not only is the poor product stability due to the safety hazards in preparation caused, but also great limitations on the expansion of the bonded magnet in the application field are generated.
At present, in the aspect of improving the oxidation resistance of the bonded magnetic powder, Chinese patent applications CN102498530A, CN101228024A, CN103503086A, and the like all mention the method of depositing an organic coating on the surface of the rare earth-bonded magnetic powder to form an organic passivation layer on the rare earth-bonded magnetic powder, thereby achieving the anti-aging purpose. Chinese patent CN1808648B also provides a surface treatment process for anisotropic bonded magnetic powder, in which anhydrous phosphorization treatment is performed on the anisotropic magnetic powder to prevent the oxidation of the anisotropic magnetic powder during high-temperature injection molding. In addition, Chinese patent applications CN103862033A and CN102744403A also mention a method for performing surface treatment on soft magnetic powder to reduce the eddy current loss of a soft magnetic powder core.
However, in all the above prior art, the modification is performed from the angle of surface chemical treatment of the powder, but in the chemical treatment, the material is still oxidized to some extent due to the inevitable contact with oxygen, water, and the like which cause corrosion.
Therefore, in view of the deficiencies of the prior art, there is still a need to further explore a surface treatment process with more advantageous performance.

Rare earth-bonded magnetic powder and preparation method therefor, and bonded magnet


A sectioned bit line of an SRAM memory device, an SRAM memory device having a sectioned bit line, and associated systems and methods are described, including embodiments having sectioned bit lines with hierarchical aspects. In one illustrative implementation, each sectioned bit line may comprise a local bit line, a memory cell connected to the local bit line, and a pass gate coupled to the local bit line, wherein the pass gate is configured to be coupled to a global bit line. Further, in some embodiments, the sectioned bit lines are arranged in hierarchical arrays. In other implementations, SRAM memory devices may be configured involving sectioned bit lines (including hierarchical) and a global bit line wherein the pass gates are configured to connect and isolate the sectioned bit line and the global bit line.

1. Field
The innovations herein relate to static random access memory, and, more particularly, to systems and methods relating to SRAMs involving sectioned bit lines in memory arrays, including embodiments arranged in hierarchical manner.
2. Description of Related Information
In high density static memory arrays, considerable effort is directed towards minimizing bit line capacitance. Bit line capacitance affects the speed of memory cell sensing and overall stability of memory cells. One way to reduce bit line capacitance is to reduce memory cell size, which is sometimes feasible though is subject to technological limitations. By reducing the memory cell size, the bit line is shortened but the memory cell active current is also reduced. Consequently, the overall performance of memory array may generally stay about the same. Performance may also be improved by reducing the number of memory cells on any given bit line. However, known practices in conventional SRAMs that maintain sensing speed typically entail reducing memory arrays density, which yields larger array area(s). Overall, such existing systems and methods suffer drawbacks relating to the failure to achieve smaller bit line capacitance in desired higher density memory arrays.
Other known systems and methods, such as with some DRAMs and folded bit line structures used in conventional DRAM, may include local bit line connected to gates of access transistors that pass representations of the local bit line onto a global bit line. However, such existing systems and methods may have one or more of a variety of drawback, such as being limited to having very small quantities of memory cells per bit line and thus very short bit lines due to their reduced sensing capability. Voltage swings associated with the bit lines of such systems and methods also tend to be large because of threshold voltage of gate. Further, such systems also suffer drawbacks related to the pass gates being gate-connected the local bit line, to passing an inverse of the signal on the local bit line, and/or to being pre-charged to high instead of low.
Moreover, DRAM implementations and folded bit line structures used in the conventional DRAM relate to a variety of disparate structural or operational issues and/or restrictions. For one, bit lines are typically charged to half Vcc in DRAM. Further, for example, folded bit line structures associated with conventional DRAMs are limited to two pairs of bit lines arranged on either side of the relevant sense amplifier. Also, due to the destructive nature of DRAM cell reading, various DRAM cells need to be sensed once a memory cell is turned on. Accordingly, there can only be one DRAM cell selected for every sense amplifier. Hence, as there can only be one memory cell selected on either the true bit line or the complement bit line, disparate issues associated with selecting memory cells on both at the same time are not present. Moreover, with DRAM, the word lines are not shared by the memory cells on the true bit line and complement bit line. In a hierarchical bit line DRAM, for example, when one memory cell is selected on the true local bit line, there can be no memory cell selected on the complement local bit line at the same time. And no issues related to selection of pass gates coupling the complement local bit lines and the complement global bit lines are present, either. The complement global bit line, e.g., is simply used as a sensing reference in some cases. As such, among the other issues noted above, no design considerations relating to selecting more than only the pass gate on the true local bit line are encountered/overcome.
In sum, as detailed in the innovations below, there is a need for the present systems and methods that may achieve smaller bit line capacitance, improved memory cell stability and/or higher density memory arrays.

Systems and methods of sectioned bit line memory arrays, including hierarchical and/or other features


Systems and methods for time-multiplexed synchronous logic provide an enhanced time delay multiplexing (TDM) scheme that includes soft TDM logic generated by computer-aided design (CAD) tools to actualize a circuit design with improved density. The CAD tools can be used to utilize inherent regularity to devise time multiplexing user logic. The CAD can generate soft TDM hardware to realize a circuit design with improved density.

Time delay multiplexing (TDM) provides a way of sharing a communication link. A communication channel is divided into a number of digital channels or data streams such that the link sharing can be adapted to the traffic demands of the data streams. TDM can be used to share resources across time.
Some existing circuit architecture can increase throughput of a time-multiplexed circuit by exploiting a vast set of light weight flip-flops (FFs). For example, by duplicating the datapath and/or pipelines, the throughput of a circuit can be doubled. The duplication method, however, can be impractical for circuits with more complicated control logic, because it requires significant work to re-design and reproduce the duplicated circuit part. Other methods to improve the throughput include using designated hardware to implement a pre-designed and fixed TDM architecture in order to increase the density of a device. The designated hardware can incur a fixed architectural overhead to the circuit, such as extra hardware to swap between time slices in order to implement the TDM scheme.


A process for the activation of genes in micro-organisms, in which genes not occurring as such in nature are activated by contact with plants or with the substance or substances causing the activation and present or not in plant fragments or plant exudates, the genes used consisting of one or more proteins encoding fragments of one or more natural genes and/or one or more synthetically produced DNA-sequences, which encode for one or more proteins and a promotor region originating from one of the genes naturally present in micro-organisms and being of such a nature that respectively the effecting or omitting of the above-mentioned contact makes it possible to activate the artificially constructed gene or genes or to stop the activity of the gene or genes, respectively.

The genes of the Vir-region of the Ti-plasmid of A. tumefaciens, which are essential for the virulence properties of the bacterium, are not expressed or are only minimally expressed when the bacteria are cultivated on standard synthetic media. This is based on the fact that the relevant promotor regions of the genes are not sufficiently activated.

Process for the activation of promoters of bacteria