A toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) is comprised of first and second pairs of power rollers whose gyration angles are synchronized by first, second and third wires. The first wire is wound in the shape of 8-figure to power-roller supporting members of the first pair of power rollers, and the second wire is wound in the shape of 8-figure to power-roller supporting members of the second pair of power rollers. The third wire is wound around the four power-roller supporting members and fixed to the diagonally-arranged two power-roller supporting members. A pair of guide walls are disposed between the power-roller supporting members of the first pair of power rollers and between the power-roller supporting members of the second pair of power rollers and bend the third wire extending between the first-pair power-roller supporting members and between the second-pair power-roller supporting members toward output discs.

The present invention relates to a toroidal continuously variable transmission (toroidal CVT) for a vehicle, and more particularly to a structural arrangement of a toroidal CVT.
Japanese Patent Provisional Publication NO. 6-34009 discloses a toroidal CVT of a half toroidal type in which first and second wires are wound in the shape of 8-figure to two pairs of power-roller supporting members respectively and a third wire is wound around the four power-roller supporting members while being fixed to two diagonally arranged power-roller supporting members.
However, such a wire, particularly a third wire, in a toroidal CVT is simply wound to four power-roller supporting members (trunnions), and therefore the toroidal CVT employing such a wire arrangement has the following problems.
First, it is necessary to provide a cylindrical portion at an upper portion of each power-roller supporting member for the wire. This provision of the cylindrical portion elongates the power roller supporting member and therefore the size of the toroidal CVT becomes large.
Since it is necessary to set the length of the third wire with a sufficient margin, there is a tendency that a play of the third wire is caused between the diagonally arranged power-roller supporting members. This degrades a synchronized responsibility or an accuracy of the synchronicity during the synchronization of a gyration angle (tilting rotation angle) of the four power rollers.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved toroidal CVT which is advantageous in the fixing strength of a third wire while suppressing a play of a third wire between the diagonally arranged power roller supporting members.
A toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) according to the present invention comprises first and second input discs coaxially connected to an input shaft; first and second output discs coaxially disposed between the first and second input discs; pressure means for applying a pressing force along an axial direction of the toroidal CVT to the pair of the input discs; first and second power rollers disposed between the first input disc and the first output disc; third and fourth power rollers disposed between the second input disc and the second output disc; first, second, third and fourth power-roller supporting members supporting the first and second pairs of power rollers, respectively; a first wire wound in a shape of 8-figure to the first and second power-roller supporting members; a second wire wound in a shape of 8-figure to the third and fourth power-roller supporting members; a third wire wound around the first, second, third and fourth power roller supporting members and fixed to the first and third power-roller supporting members diagonally arranged; and guide walls disposed between the first and second power-roller supporting members and between the third and fourth power-roller supporting members, respectively, the guide walls bending the third wire extended between the first and second power-roller supporting members and between the third and fourth power-roller supporting members toward the output discs.

Toroidal continuously variable transmission


Embodiments of a mobile device and method of communication are generally described herein. The mobile device may be configured to operate as a slave device for a Bluetooth link with a master device. The mobile device may transmit a packet in an ESCO interval. The mobile device may, in an ESCO retransmission slot of the ESCO interval: attempt to decode, from the slave device, a request for retransmission of the packet. If the request for retransmission is not successfully decoded, the mobile device may determine whether the request for retransmission was sent during the ESCO retransmission slot based at least partly on a channel energy level detected during the ESCO retransmission slot. If it is determined that the request for retransmission was not sent during the ESCO retransmission slot, the mobile device may refrain from monitoring subsequent ESCO retransmission slots of the ESCO interval. If it is determined that the request for retransmission was sent during the ESCO retransmission slot, the mobile device may monitor one or more of the subsequent ESCO retransmission slots of the ESCO interval.

In some cases, a master device and a slave device may communicate over a Bluetooth link. The slave device may be a mobile device for which a battery life is limited. Many factors may affect battery life, including power consumption. In a non-limiting example, various challenges related to performance may arise in interference scenarios, scenarios in which a link margin is reduced and/or other scenarios. In some cases, performance degradation in such scenarios may be overcome by techniques that may also cause a power consumption to be higher than desired. The battery life may be negatively affected in such scenarios as a result. Accordingly, techniques to reduce power consumption and/or improve battery life may be beneficial in these and other scenarios. In addition, techniques to reduce power consumption and/or improve battery life may also be desirable during normal operation and in general.

Method to decrease bluetooth power consumption for periodic traffic profiles


An apparatus and method for executing a shortcut function in a portable terminal are provided, in which a display is included, a memory stores at least one drag pattern, a hold screen shortcut list, and a volume control menu, and a controller displays a hold screen by executing a hold function, recognizes a drag pattern received from a user, compares the recognized drag pattern with the stored at least one drag pattern, and executes the hold screen shortcut function for executing the shortcut function during executing the hold function when the recognized drag pattern is identical to a first drag pattern among the stored at least one drag pattern.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable terminal and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for executing a shortcut function in a portable terminal.
Description of the Related Art Along with the rapid development of technologies related to portable terminals, smart phones have evolved to provide many advanced PC-like functions including e-mail, Internet browsing, e-book and various applications.
A portable terminal senses a user input mostly through a touch screen. To prevent a user-unintended operation from being performed by an accidental input via the touch screen, the portable terminal provides a hold function to differentiate unintended input. However, if the portable terminal is executing the hold function, it can execute a user-intended menu or application only if it first terminates the hold function which in turn requires a slight delay before executing the menu or the application.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved method for eliminating inconvenience involved in terminating the hold function each time a desired menu or application is to be executed.

Apparatus and method for executing shortcut function in a portable terminal


Two-way disc mailers for mailing DVDs, CDs, video game discs, or other discs from a sender to a recipient via first class mail. The disc mailer provides improved automated mail processing while weighing less than or equal to 1 ounce, including the weight of the disc.

Envelopes for shipping discs containing digital data are conventionally known and are sometimes referred to as "disc mailers," even though the shipping may be provided by various delivery service providers. Conventional disc mailers have several drawbacks. For example, some conventional disc mailers do not adequately protect discs during the mailing process, resulting in lost, damaged, or stolen discs. Other conventional disc mailers may exceed certain shipping weight limitations—when weighed with the disc—resulting in increased shipping costs. Other conventional disc mailers use paper that is too flexible, thus resulting in automated processing difficulties and associated delayed processing times, particularly on the return trip of a two-way disc mailer.
A two-way disc mailer is designed for shipping a disc via a delivery service to a first recipient and later permitting the first recipient to forward the disc to a second recipient. Two-way disc mailers are popular among DVD rental companies who provide a customer with a rental disc for the customer's viewing, along with a mailer to send the disc back to the rental company.
In one example of a shipping weight limitation, for first-class United States Postal Service ("USPS") postage, the weight of the two-way disc mailer, with the enclosed disc, must be equal to or less than 1 ounce. The weight of a DVD is approximately 0.62 ounce, which is slightly heavier than the weight of a CD. As a result, the weight of a disc mailer being processed and shipped via USPS first-class mail is preferably less than or equal to about 0.38 ounce.
Most delivery items are processed automatically. For automatic processing by the USPS, for example, the dimension of the mailpiece must comply with the USPS aspect ratio regulation. The aspect ratio is expressed as a ratio of length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by height. For example, a postcard 140 mm long by 89 mm high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio of between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for existing USPS automation compatibility. Because discs have a diameter of approximately 120 mm, the height of the disc mailer must be greater than 120 mm, and the length must therefore be greater than 156 mm, to comply with the minimum aspect ratio requirement. As a result, at least 36 mm of length of the disc mailer does not house the disc and may become bent or folded during mail processing, possibly covering the information required for processing, resulting in unnecessary delays. Consequently, it is desirable for the disc mailer to be constructed of material that is less susceptible to bending, while still conforming with the first-class postage weight limitations.
Another aspect of delivery item processing is "cancellation," which can possibly damage the disc enclosed in the mailer. Cancellation involves marking the mailpiece with a mark, such as a postmark that contains the post office name, state, ZIP code, and month, day, and year that the delivery item was canceled. The Advanced Facer Canceller System ("AFCS") is the primary letter canceling machine used in USPS processing and distribution centers. If during cancellation, the canceling machine strikes the portion of the mailer containing the disc, the disc may be damaged. Generally, the mailpiece is struck anywhere in the area from about 30 mm from the top of the mailpiece, to about 100 mm from the right edge of the mailpiece. Accordingly, it is desirable to locate (that is, position and retain) the disc within the mailer to an area away from where cancellation strike may occur.
Further, during processing, some delivery items are marked with a unique identification tag ("ID tag") so that they can be identified and sorted correctly. The ID tag may be machine-readable and improves both tracking and processing of the marked mail piece. For two-way disc mailers, the ID tag from the initial outbound shipment must not be visible on the return envelope during the second processing. If the ID tag from the initial outbound mailing is visible on the return envelope, the delivery item may be delayed during return processing.
Also during processing, the AFCS orients the delivery item with the length side facing up and the short side substantially vertical. As the delivery item is fed through the AFCS, it is transported by belts and pulleys throughout the system. These belts and pulleys apply a frictional force to the delivery item that is substantially parallel to its length. As a result, this frictional force can have the undesirable consequence of inadvertently opening conventional disc mailers that are not completely bound along their length. Accordingly, if the disc mailer comprises a folded flexible sheet of material, it is desirable to locate the folds along the length of the mail piece in order to prevent the AFCS from inadvertently opening or damaging the disc mailer. It may also be desirable to locate the direction of grain of the folded material so that the folds are substantially parallel to the grain, thus minimizing the chance the flexible sheet will tear along the folds.
Additionally, because of the required aspect ratio for mail pieces, the disc in a two-way disc mailer with top and bottom sides not completely bound along its entire length may be vulnerable to theft. The disc in this type of conventional mailer may be manipulated out of the mailer without tearing the envelope. Accordingly, locating the folds of a two-way disc mailer along the length-side of the mail piece advantageously provides improved theft deterrence.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a disc mailer that overcomes the deficiencies found in conventional disc mailers, including those discussed above.


A method for sending an uplink order to active set base stations is disclosed. A new mode of operation for a wireless communication device is determined. A transmission is sent on an uplink control channel to active set base stations that indicates the new mode. The transmission from the wireless communication device is received on the E-DPCCH. It is determined if the transmission is an uplink order. The new mode of operation is transitioned to. Subsequent transmissions from the wireless communication device are interpreted using the new mode of operation if the transmission is an uplink order.

Electronic devices (cellular telephones, wireless modems, computers, digital music players, Global Positioning System units, Personal Digital Assistants, gaming devices, etc.) have become a part of everyday life. Small computing devices are now placed in everything from automobiles to housing locks. The complexity of electronic devices has increased dramatically in the last few years. For example, many electronic devices have one or more processors that help control the device, as well as a number of digital circuits to support the processor and other parts of the device.
Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, data and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting simultaneous communication of multiple wireless communication devices with one or more base stations.
Devices in a wireless communication network may use various signaling. Among other things, this signaling may be used to synchronize various devices within a wireless communication system. However, during soft handoff, multiple base stations may be affected by changes in the operation of a wireless communication device. Therefore, benefits may be realized by systems and methods for sending an uplink order to active set base stations.

Sending an uplink order to active set base stations


A detergent dispenser that is utilized with solid cast detergent. A single valve is utilized to initiate a flow of a ready to use detergent solution that may be drawn off in container. The valve commences a flow of water that is split in a T-shaped fitting. An appropriate portion is routed to spray on the solid cast detergent and to dissolve the detergent into a concentrated solution. The concentrated solution flows into a conduit where it is mixed with the second portion of the water, diluting the solution to an appropriate concentration for use. A restricter located in the T-shaped fitting acts to split the flow of water appropriately to ensure that the discharge solution is in a ready to use concentration.

There is a need in industry today to provide a detergent solution that is ready to use when mixed and that is made from solid cast detergent. Solid cast detergent is essentially detergent that is in solid form and cast in a preferably pliable, plastic container; it is effectively a bar of soap in a plastic container. Removal is typically done by dissolving the detergent in place in the container with a jet of water.
There are a number of advantages to using solid cast detergent as compared to liquid detergent. The first is safety. Since the detergent is cast inside of a container it is virtually impossible for personnel to come in contact with the detergent until it has been diluted. The U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes such detergent as safe to ship. If there is an accident, there is no liquid spillage to contaminate the ground water in the immediate area. The containers, even if cracked by the accident, retain the detergent and may simply be retrieved.
The concentration that is possible with solid cast detergent provides additional advantages. Such detergent is typically 100% detergent material as opposed to liquid detergent which is between 40% and 5% detergent, with the remainder being water. A single capsule of solid detergent can do the same work as six to seven gallons of typical liquid detergent. A related advantage is the compactness of solid detergents that provides benefits when storing the detergent, shipping detergent, and when handling the detergent. The dramatic reduction in storage space is especially attractive to relatively small commercial establishments such as gas stations and fast food restaurants that have very little space to devote to storing cleaning supplies. Freight costs are also dramatically reduced since the cost of shipping water is eliminated. Other handling costs are also reduced since, for equal cleaning potential, substantially less weight and volume is being handled as compared to liquid detergent.
Another advantage of solid cast detergent is that it has an essentially indefinite shelf life. Very little can occur that can change the character of the product over time.
Solid cast detergents are more environmentally sound than liquid detergents. ing of liquid detergent actually have approximately four to five ounces of detergent left when the package is considered empty and therefore is discarded. Raw detergent is accordingly dumped into landfills when liquid detergent packages are discarded. Solid cast detergents use approximately one sixth the volume of empty containers as a liquid system of equal cleaning capacity, and solid cast detergent containers are usually thoroughly rinsed of all detergent by water jet action before being discarded or recycled.
A further requirement of detergent dispensers is that the dispenser should preferably provide a ready to use solution. This requirement is a major concern for many commercial establishments. The portion of the labor pool that is utilized for cleaning functions is typically the lower skilled and less educated portion. Training of these employees is difficult and expensive. The fact that the solution is ready to use minimizes the training that is required for proper usage.
Another aspect of the training issue is that the dispenser should have a minimum number of controls and control operations necessary to obtain a bucket of properly mixed detergent solution. Ideally, the turning of a single valve would provide the solution.
Reliability is another desirable characteristic of a detergent dispenser. A minimum number of moving parts should be provided to minimize maintenance. The dispenser should also be small and be capable of being mounted on the wall, since the storage area for cleaning equipment in most commercial establishments is very small.
In the past, liquid detergent dispensers have been available that dispense a ready to use detergent solution. Additionally, solid cast detergent dispensers have been available. Conventional solid cast detergent dispensers, however, dispense concentrated solutions that must then be properly diluted by maintenance personnel.
In view of the foregoing, it would be a decided advantage to have a detergent dispenser that utilizes a solid cast detergent and that can discharge a ready to use concentration of detergent solution.

Detergent dispenser for use with solid cast detergent


A stress relaxation protective layer made of a silicone material is formed on a coating covering a circuit disposed on a substrate of a semiconductor device, and a predetermined depth of the surface of the stress relaxation protective layer is modified. A resist is formed on the thus-modified surface of the stress relaxation protective layer, and the thus-formed resist is patterned so that the resist in a predetermined region is removed. The stress relaxation protective layer in the region from which the above-described resist has been removed is removed by etching, and the remaining resist is removed. Next, the coating layer in the region from which the stress relaxation protective layer has been removed is removed by etching with the remaining stress relaxation protective layer used as a mask so that the circuit is exposed. The manufacturing process for semiconductor devices can be significantly simplified since the resist patterning needs to be performed only once and the resist removal can be performed by a dry treatment.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices using a silicone protective layer which is capable of serving as a stress relaxation protective layer for the semiconductor devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hitherto, as published in 7, 9-15 (1983) "Kino Zairyo (functional material)" or 51, No. 7, 554-558 (1983) "Denki Kagaku (electro chemistry)", polyimide materials have been used as a stress relaxation protective layer of the type to be provided for semiconductor devices such as EPROMs. Such polyimide materials exhibit an easy film forming possibility and form protective layers having an excellent heat resistance. However, the polyimide materials produce, as shown in FIGS. 1 (A) to (I), a problem in the manufacturing process for semiconductor devices because that manufacturing process for forming circuit patterns, such as bonding pads, is involved and too complicated.
FIGS. 1 (A) to (I) are cross-sectional views illustrating the steps of a process included in a manufacturing process for the semiconductor devices in which a stress relaxation protective layer is formed and pad apertures used for wire-bonding the aluminum circuit are bored by the conventional methods. In that conventional method, as shown in FIG. 1 (A), a resist 4 is applied to a silicon substrate 1 on which an aluminum circuit 2 has been disposed and covered by the glass coat layer 3. Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 (B) to 1 (D), the resist 4 is patterned, and the glass coat layer 3 is etched by a dry treatment using a plasma of the gas obtained by mixing carbon tetrafluoride and oxygen. Then, the resist 4 is removed by a dry treatment using an oxygen plasma.
Next, as shown in FIG. 1 (E), a stress relaxation protective layer 55 comprising a polyimide material is formed on the circuit 2 and the glass coat layer 3. Then, as shown in FIGS. 1 (F) and (G), another resist 4 is applied for the purpose of forming the pad apertures, and is patterned. Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 (H) and (I), the stress relaxation protective layer 55 is etched using an alkali solution, and the resist 4 is removed by a wet treatment using a solvent such as acetone and n-butyl acetate so that the pad is formed.
In the conventional method, patterning of the resist 4 needs to be conducted twice. This is because the stress relaxation protective layer 55 which is formed after the glass coat layer 3 has been etched also needs to be etched. As shown in FIG. 2 in which the present invention is illustrated as described later, if the glass coat layer 3 can be etched with the stress relaxation protective layer 5 used as a mask, the number of resist patterning steps can be reduced to one. However, as described above, the stress relaxation protective layer 55 generally comprises a polyimide material. Therefore, a problem arises in that the surface of the polyimide stress relaxation protective layer 55 can be degenerated by the plasma of a mixed gas formed by carbon fluoride and oxygen used to etch the glass coat 3. Another problem arises in that an oxygen plasma treatment which can be easily performed cannot be applied to an operation for removing the resist used for pattern-forming the stress relaxation protective layer 55. The reason for this is that polyimide materials can be incinerated during the oxygen plasma treatment. Furthermore, since even the silicone materials can crack when an oxygen plasma treatment is applied thereto, a wet treatment needs to be used for removing the resist but cannot easily be carried out.

Method of manufacturing semiconductor device using silicone protective layer


A transfer press or similar forming machine is provided with a transfer device having holding devices for the gripping and transport of sheet metal parts. During the transfer movement of the sheet metal parts from one machining stage to the next, the sheet metal parts are deposited intermediately on an intermediate depositing device. The intermediate depositing device takes over a partial path of the transfer so that the movement of the holding devices is less than half the distance between the machining stages.

The present invention relates to a transfer press, motor vehicle body press, press line or similar forming machine or facility comprising a transfer device with holding devices, which are moved by the press drive, for the gripping and transport of sheet metal parts through the forming machine, comprising at least one intermediate depositing device between two machining stations which has templates for the supporting of the sheet metal parts which can be moved by means of adjusting devices and movement deflecting devices in their height, their oblique position and horizontally with respect to the sheet metal part to be deposited and gripped by the holding devices.
Forming machines include multiple die presses, vehicle body presses, press lines, multistage presses, transfer presses on which sheet metal parts, also those of large dimensions, are formed, for example, into vehicle body parts. Because of the size of the sheet metal parts to be formed, the distance of the machining stages from one another and therefore the transport path is large.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,291, a transfer device in a forming machine is described which has an intermediate depositing device provided behind each machining stage. In this case, the transfer movement of the sheet metal parts from a machining stage into an intermediate depositing device and out of this intermediate depositing device into the machining stage that follows takes place by means of suction bars which are mounted on travelling carriages guided in running rails.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,318, an intermediate depositing device is described on which sheet metal parts are intermediately deposited. For this purpose, this intermediate depositing device has templates which can be adjusted with respect to their height and in their oblique position and in other movements. One of these movements is a correcting movement for the compensation of errors after the swivelling of the metal sheet. For this purpose, the mounting plate which carries the mounting of the intermediate depositing device is disposed horizontally in the direction of the transfer movement in rails and can be displaced by way of an adjusting device, a motor and a spindle.
An object of the present invention is to provide a forming machine in which a portion of the path of the transfer device is carried out by the intermediate depositing device in order to increase the number of strokes of the forming machine or facility and in order to enlarge the sheet metal parts to be transported. The transfer movement of the transfer device will intentionally be dimensioned to be shorter so that the intermediate depositing device will take over a portion of the whole transfer path.
This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which provides a forming machine comprising at least two machining stages, a transfer device with holding devices that are moved by a press drive for the gripping and transport of sheet metal parts through the forming machine, and at least one intermediate depositing device movably mounted along a transfer direction on horizontally extending rails between the two machining stations. The intermediate depositing device has at least one template for supporting the sheet metal parts. An adjusting device is coupled to the intermediate depositing device and adjusts the intermediate depositing device in height, oblique position and horizontally with respect to the sheet metal part to be deposited and gripped by the holding devices. The transfer movement of the holding devices is less than half the distance between two successive machining stages such that a partial path between the machining stages is not bridged by the transfer device, and the adjusting device has a range of action such than the intermediate depositing device is moved over the partial path.
In addition to an improved utilization of the forming machine, another advantage of the invention is the more favorable design of the transfer device while the possibilities of the depositing device are used without the requirement of having to design the intermediate depositing device in a more expensive or more complicated manner. In this case, the present invention moves away from the conventional idea that the transfer devices must cause the whole movement of the sheet metal parts.
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.


An apparatus for conditioning deionized water and delivering it to a semiconductor wafer in a post electrofill module includes a degassing station configured to remove dissolved gas from the deionized water flow, a heating station configured to heat the deionized water flow, and a nozzle configured to deliver the deionized water flow to the wafer. The heating and degassing are performed before the delivery of the deionized water flow to the wafer. In some implementations the degassing station includes a contact degasser or an inert gas bubbler, and the heating station is configured to heating the deionized water flow to a temperature of between about 35-40° C. In some embodiments the deionized water flow is passed through the degassing station before being passed through the heating station.

Damascene processing is a method for forming metal lines on integrated circuits. It is often a preferred method because it requires fewer processing steps than other methods and offers a higher yield. In Damascene processing, as well as other integrated circuit manufacturing processes, the conductive routes on the surface of the circuit are generally formed out of a common metal, traditionally aluminum. Copper is a favored metal because of its higher conductivity and electromigration resistance when compared to aluminum, but copper presents special challenges because it readily diffuses into silicon oxide and reduces its electrical resistance at very low doping levels.
During integrated circuit fabrication, conductive metal is needed on the active circuit region of the wafer, i.e., the main interior region on the front side, but is undesirable elsewhere. In a typical copper Damascene process, the formation of the desired conductive routes generally begins with a thin physical vapor deposition (PVD) of the metal, followed by a thicker electrofill layer (which is formed by electroplating). The PVD process is typically sputtering. In order to maximize the size of the wafer's useable area (sometimes referred to herein as the "active surface region") and thereby maximize the number of integrated circuits produced per wafer), the electrofilled metal must be deposited to very near the edge of the semiconductor wafer. Thus, it is necessary to allow physical vapor deposition of the metal over the entire front side of the wafer. As a byproduct of this process step, PVD metal typically coats the front edge area outside the active circuit region, as well as the side edge, and to some degree, the backside. Electrofill of the metal is much easier to control, since the electroplating apparatus can be designed to exclude the electroplating solution from undesired areas such as the edge and backside of the wafer. One example of plating apparatus that constrains electroplating solution to the wafer active surface is the SABRE™ clamshell electroplating apparatus available from Novellus Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,187, "CLAMSHELL APPARATUS FOR ELECTROCHEMICALLY TREATING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFERS" naming Jonathan Reid et al. as inventors, and filed Aug. 10, 2001, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
The PVD metal remaining on the wafer edge after electrofill is undesirable for various reasons. One reason is that PVD metal layers are thin and tend to flake off during subsequent handling, thus generating undesirable particles. This can be understood as follows. At the front side edge of the wafer, the wafer surface is beveled. Here the PVD layers are not only thin, but also unevenly deposited. Thus, they do not adhere well. Adhesion of subsequent dielectric layers onto such thin metal is also poor, thus introducing the possibility of even more particle generation. By contrast the PVD metal on the active interior region of the wafer is simply covered with thick, even electrofill metal which is eventually planarized by CMP down to the dielectric. This flat surface, which is mostly dielectric, is then covered with a barrier layer substance such as SiN that both adheres well to the dielectric and aids in the adhesion of subsequent layers. Another reason to remove the residual PVD metal layers in the wafer edge area is that the barrier layers underneath them are also thin and uneven, which may allow migration of the metal into the dielectric. This problem is especially important when the metal is copper.
To address these problems, semiconductor equipment may have to allow etching of the unwanted residual metal layers. Depending upon the type of metal to be removed and the characteristics of the etching system, some liquid etchant compositions are appropriate and others are not. In general, the liquid etchant should etch the unwanted metal rapidly at room temperature. But, it should not aggressively attack the mechanical and electrical components of the etch system. In addition, it should not liberate dangerous, gaseous by-products during the etching reaction. For example, nitric acid should be avoided because it liberates nitric oxide during reaction with copper. Still further, the components of the liquid etchant should include only those materials readily available in normal integrated circuit manufacturing facilities (FAB's), for example, a deionized water flow and reagents such as sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
Apparatus for processing wafers, for example, removing unwanted metal, are typically called a "post-electrofill module" (PEM). Examples of PEM's include "EBR modules" which are specifically designed to carry out the edge bevel removal (EBR) process, as well as a backside etch (BSE) process. Post electrofill processes often require an available flow of high purity deionized water. This high purity water is used as a solvent both to prepare etchant solutions as well as to rinse wafers, sometimes both before and after an etch step. One problem associated with post-electrofill processes is limited throughput associated with, for example, the time required to etch, acid wash, rinse and dry wafers in post-electrofill processing. Etchants take time to remove the desired amount of metal, deionized rinse steps require sufficient time to remove used etchant or acid wash, and it takes time to dry the wafer properly when needed as part of a post-electrofill process.
Another issue associated with post-electrofill processing is the amount of solvents or reagents used to effectively carry out each process step. Using highly purified solvents and reagents is expensive, so any steps taken to minimize this usage reduce the overall cost of the circuits made from each silicon wafer.
In view of these considerations, what is needed are methods and apparatus that decrease time required, and the amount of solvents and reagents used for post-electrofill processes that use deionized water. The present invention addresses these concerns.

Deionized water conditioning system and methods


A vehicle dashboard instrument assembly includes a gauge faceplate having front and rear faces and a gauge-receiving opening extending through the gauge faceplate from the front face to the rear face, a gauge, a bracket, and a collar. The collar is applied directly against the front face of the gauge faceplate to encircle the gauge-receiving opening, a front end of the gauge is applied to the gauge-receiving opening to locate an outer rim of the gauge directly against the collar, and locate a measurement display of the gauge for viewing near the gauge-receiving opening. The gauge extends rearwardly from the rear face of the gauge faceplate to the rear end of the gauge, and the bracket is coupled between the gauge and the rear face of the gauge faceplate to clamp the collar between the outer rim of the gauge and the front face of the gauge faceplate.

A dashboard, also called a dash, an instrument panel, or a fascia, is a control panel placed in front of the driver of a vehicle, such as an automobile or a boat, housing instrumentation and controls for the operation of the vehicle. Items located on the dashboard include the steering wheel and the instrument cluster. An instrument cluster contains gauges such as a speedometer gauge, tachometer gauge, odometer gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter gauge, and fuel gauge, and also indicators such as gearshift position, seat belt warning light, parking-brake-engagement warning light, an engine-malfunction light, as a matter of example. In the 1940s through the 1960s, American vehicle manufacturers and their imitators designed unusually-shaped and instruments on a dashboard laden with stylish chrome and transparent plastic. Since the 1960's, dashboard instruments have become increasingly less stylish, particularly with the implementation of digital readouts. However, there is a continued demand for stylish dashboard instrumentation and there are a handful of aftermarket manufacturers of vehicle accessories that provide such products. Nevertheless, this demand has waned over recent years due to relatively little improvement in field of aftermarket dashboard instrumentation designs and assemblies. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a dashboard instrumentation assembly that is easy to assemble and install and that may be configured into different design configurations.


Disclosed are a multi-hop MIMO system and method. The multi-hop MIMO system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a server including a plurality of virtual machines; one remote screen device first connected to the server through at least one virtual machine of the plurality of virtual machines, receiving screen data from the server in a unicast scheme, and driven as a multicast server; and a plurality of different remote screen devices connected to the server through the at least one virtual machine, existing on a sub network where the one remote screen device exist, operating as multicast clients, receiving the screen data from the server or the one remote screen device in a multicast scheme, wherein the one remote screen device and the plurality of different remote screen devices simultaneously output the same screen data.

In general, virtualization systems include a number of virtual machines and each virtual machine can use a number of peripheral input/output devices to establish a computing environment.
A virtualization system can simultaneously show a screen of the same virtual machine to a number of participants for a meeting on a network, and can dynamically show screen data of a specific virtual machine on a number of remote screen devices. For example, the virtualization system can show a screen of the same virtual machine to a number of educated people in a place for education.
To this end, the virtualization system according to the related art uses a multicast scheme. In this case, the characteristics of UDP packets cause packet loss and screen deterioration according to the packet loss during long-distance transmission.
Further, the virtualization system according to the related art cannot transmit and receive screen data between a server and a client in the case where a multicast protocol is not supported in a network layer (that is, a router) or in the case where the client does not support an internet group management protocol (IGMP).

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A medicated animal feed additive in a solid particulate or granular form having improved resistance to powdering and good fracture toughness is provided. The animal feed additive according to the present invention does require a compression or compacting step to achieve its solid structural form. The present invention also provides a method of producing animal feed compositions. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of combating microbial infection in animals comprising orally administering to said animals a prophylactic or therapeutic amount of an animal comestible composition comprising a medicated feed supplement according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to particulate or granular medicated animal feed supplements and methods for making the same.
Antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, are used as growth promoters and feed efficiency promoters in animals such as livestock, and for therapeutic and prophylactic disease control in animals such as poultry and livestock, domesticated pets, and so forth. Such antibiotics are typically formulated in an animal feed premix or animal feed supplement containing the antibiotic and an edible carrier. These premixes or animal feed supplements may then be mixed with a sufficient quantity of an appropriate animal feed to provide a final animal feed formulation having the desired level of active compound in the feed.
One problem associated with animal feed medication pertains to the loss of finely divided antibiotics through dusting and electrostatic adhesion of finely divided particles, which may cause a lack of uniformity in drug concentrations in the final feed from batch to batch. Dust particles that adhere to feed mills or other feed processing equipment or that may be carried away in dust collection system may contain significant quantities of the active ingredient. This may cause the feed mixtures to have a lower concentration of the medicament desired. Dust adherent to the feed processing equipment and dust collected in a dust collection that is recycled in subsequent batches may cause the feed mixtures produced in later batches to have a higher concentration of the active ingredient than desired, or may cause carry over of the drug to feed batches which are not intended to contain the drug.
Several attempts have been made to overcome the problem of dust formation in animal feed premixes and supplements. For example, it is known to add oil to reduce the dust and electrostatic adhesion in animal feed supplements. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,781, there is taught a process for preparing a substantially dustless carbadox animal feed premix by admixing carbadox with a non-toxic oil and an edible carrier. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,189, it is taught to coat the antibiotic particles of an animal feed supplement an oil to stabilize the antibiotic against the deleterious effects of moisture or other materials contained in the animal feed supplement. It is also known to add oil as a pharmaceutically and nutritionally acceptable carrier or diluent for animal feed supplements.
Another attempt to overcome the problem of feed batch cross contamination is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,421, directed to a process for making particulated animal feed premixes by combining the drug with a compressible carrier, followed by blending the mixture, compressing the mixture, and granulating the composition. Although this process has been somewhat successful in reducing dusting, it would be desirable to reduce dusting further. Attempts have been made to do so through the addition of oil, however, it has been found that the addition of oil causes a loss of structural integrity of such compressed formulations and causes a separation of the drug from the carrier.
It would be desirable to provide an animal feed premix or animal feed supplement which can be prepared directly from a fermentation product without isolating or purifying the antibiotic from the fermentation solids, and which can be prepared in a granular or particulate form without a compression or compaction step, and which does not lose its structural properties upon admixture with oil.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a prior art method of manufacturing oxytetracycline feed supplements. Oxytetracycline may be formed by a fermentation process, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,516,080. The fermentation product comprising the fermentation solids (mycelium) and fermentation liquid are made acidic and the fermentation solids removed from the fermentation broth. The removed solids are discarded and the oxytetracycline may be purified from the liquid by a number of methods. The purified oxytetracycline crystals are typically micron sized (around 600 mesh) and are may be used to form a standardized feed additive by the addition of mineral products, wax, roughage, etc. The final product is a finely divided meal (powder) and is subject to the electrostatic and dusting problems as described above. There is not currently available in the art an animal feed supplement comprising a granular formulation having a relatively large particle size. Therefore, it would also be desirable to provide an oxytetracycline formulation that is granular in nature and of relatively large particle size suitable for use in the veterinary and animal husbandry arts.
The present invention thus provides medicated animal feed additives in a solid particulate or granular form having improved resistance to powdering and good fracture toughness. The animal feed additive according to the present invention does not require a compression or pressing step to achieve its solid structural form. A dust suppression agent (such as an oil, fat, wax, glyceride, or the like) may optionally be added to bind dust without loss of the structural integrity of the particles. The present invention also provides a method of producing animal feed compositions.
In a further embodiment, there are provided particulate compositions, and methods for making the same, comprising oxytetracycline or chlortetracycline prepared from a fermentation medium and fortified by the addition of pure or semi-pure oxytetracycline or chlortetracycline thereto. As used herein, the term pure or semi-pure oxytetracycline is intended to encompass, the free base, salts of oxytetracycline acceptable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use including acid addition salts, and metal complexes of oxytetracycline and salts thereof, including oxytetracycline calcium complexes. The term pure or semi-pure chlortetracycline is intended to encompass, the free base, salts of chlortetracycline acceptable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use including acid addition salts, and metal complexes of chlortetracycline and salts thereof, including chlortetracycline calcium complexes.
In still a further embodiment, there are provided particulate compositions, and methods for making the same, comprising chlortetracycline prepared from a fermentation medium and fortified by the addition of pure or semi-pure chlortetracycline thereto. In an embodiment, the fermentation medium may further comprise a fermentation residue that has had the antibiotic separated therefrom.
In additional embodiments, the present invention also relates to a method of combating microbial infection in animals comprising orally administering to said animals a prophylactic or therapeutic amount of an animal comestible composition comprising a medicated feed supplement according to the present invention. In yet a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for promoting animal growth.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Particulate animal feed supplements and processes for the preparation thereof


An HVAC case for a vehicle including an airflow outlet defining a first outlet area having a first width and a first depth, and a second outlet area having a second width and a second depth. The first outlet area is larger than the second outlet area. A ramped surface is adjacent to the second outlet area. An airflow control door is movable to an open position, a partially closed position in which the airflow control door obstructs airflow through the first outlet area and permits airflow through the second outlet area, and a fully closed position in which the airflow control door obstructs airflow through both the first outlet area and the second outlet area.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.
HVAC cases often define paired outlets, such as a defrost outlet paired with a demist outlet. Some HVAC systems call for airflow distributions between the defrost outlet and the demist outlet that are not scaled the same between different modes. For example, in two different modes the defrost/demist call out may be, in percentage of total airflow, 50% and 20% in a first mode, and 30% and 40% in another mode. Existing HVAC cases use two doors paired together to throttle different outlets to adjust for different modes, which is a complex and costly arrangement. The present disclosure provides for an improved HVAC case that addresses these issues in the art, and provides numerous additional advantages as explained in detail herein and as one skilled in the art will recognize.


A novel method and system for extending ion source life and improving ion source performance during carbon implantation are provided. Particularly, the carbon ion implant process involves utilizing a dopant gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and one or more fluorine-containing gas with carbon represented by the formula CxFy wherein x≧1 and y≧1. At least one fluorine containing gases with carbon is contained in the mixture at about 3-12 volume percent (vol %) based on the volume of the dopant gas mixture. Fluoride ions, radicals or combinations thereof are released from the ionized dopant gas mixture and reacts with deposits derived substantially from carbon along at least one of the surfaces of the repeller electrodes, extraction electrodes and the chamber to reduce the overall amount of deposits. In this manner, a single dopant gas mixture provides carbon ions and removes problematic deposits typically encountered during carbon implantation.

Ion implantation is an important process in semiconductor/microelectronic manufacturing. The ion implantation process is used in integrated circuit fabrication to introduce controlled amounts of dopant ions into semiconductor wafers. An ion-source is used to generate a well-defined ion beam for a variety of ion species from a dopant gas. Ionization of the dopant gas generates the ion species which can be subsequently implanted into a given workpiece.
Carbon has emerged as a widely used dopant in the semiconductor industry for a variety of material modification applications such as inhibiting diffusion of co-dopants or enhancing stability of the doped region. In this regard, carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are two commonly used dopant gas sources for carbon implantation. However, CO2 and CO are prone to accumulation of deposits along surfaces of the ion chamber. Additional deposits can form along surfaces of electrodes of the ion source apparatus. The deposits may form directly from the dopant gas or from interaction of the dopant gas and/or its ionization product with the chamber components.
Such deposit formation is problematic. Deposits along surfaces of the electrodes of an ion implantation system create conditions susceptible to energetic high voltage discharge. Voltage discharge results in momentary drops in the beam current, commonly referred to as "beam glitching". Deposits on the extraction aperture degrade the beam uniformity and hence the uniformity of dopant levels in the doped region. Beam uniformity and the number of beam glitches (i.e., glitch rate) during the operation of an ion source can be key metrics for the performance of an ion implantation system, such as, for example, a ribbon beam ion implantation system as commonly known in the art.
Based on the process sensitivity, there may be an upper threshold to the glitch rate and/or beam non-uniformity beyond which the implant process cannot operate with acceptable efficiency. In the event the ion source performance degrades beyond the upper threshold, the user must stop the implant operation and perform maintenance or replace the ion source. Such downtime results in productivity loss of the ion implantation system. Hence, it is desirable to maintain proper functioning of the ion source for extended periods of time in order to perform an efficient implant process.
As will be discussed, among other advantages of the present invention, an improved method and system for minimizing deposits and beam glitching during an ion implantation process is desired.

Compositions for extending ion source life and improving ion source performance during carbon implantation


A standard receptacle connector has an insulating housing, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals, a plug detecting terminal and a shell. The first and second terminals and the plug detecting terminal are mounted on the insulating housing. The shell covers the insulating housing and all of the terminals. The plug detecting terminal is capable of being connected to a controlling circuit incorporated in a PCB on which the standard receptacle connector is mounted and selectively activates the controlling circuit to provide power to an external plug connector that is inserted in and connected to the standard receptacle connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a standard receptacle connector with plug detecting functions and a sink-type receptacle connector with plug detecting functions. Each aforementioned receptacle connector complies with the USB protocol and is capable of detecting and providing power for an external plug connector inserted in and connected to the receptacle connector.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connectors are widely used in various electronic devices. Most computer peripherals are equipped with USB connectors. Because electronic devices are constantly developed to increase transmission speed thereof, the USB 2.0 protocol does not meet the current transmission speed requirement of new electronic devices. Therefore, the USB Implementers Forum sets forth new USB 3.0 protocol for higher data transmission speed.
The USB 3.0 protocol is compatible with the USB 2.0 protocol and theoretically provides 5 Gbps of data transmission speed.
Generally, USB receptacle connectors are mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs) such as motherboards of desktops and laptops and have a power terminal to provide a connected external electronic device with electric power. Current PCBs are designed to selectively switch to a power-saving mode. Under the power-saving mode, the PCB cuts off electric power supplied to devices or interface cards connected to the PCB. Accordingly the electric power supplied to the USB receptacle connectors is also cut off.
In particular aspects, some users have a demand that the PCBs of the desktops and laptops under the power-saving mode still provide electric power to external electronic devices through the USB receptacle connectors.
However, a conventional USB 3.0 receptacle connector is not designed to timely detect the insertion of a USB plug connector to start to supply electric power under the power-saving mode of a PCB on which the USB 3.0 receptacle connector is mounted.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a standard receptacle connector with plug detecting functions and a sink-type receptacle connector with plug detecting functions to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.

Standard receptacle connector with plug detecting functions and sink-type receptacle connector with plug detecting functions


An apparatus for conveying products to a destination has a revolving conveyor chain embodied by entraining elements revolving along a first continuous track and have a certain chain pitch. A revolving conveying device is disposed with grippers arranged at a distance therebetween on the conveying device revolving around a second continuous track. A first zone of the first and second continuous track transfers products from the first continuous track on the conveyor chain to the second continuous track via the grippers. A second zone of the second continuous track delivers products from the grippers at the destination. A third zone of the first and second continuous track returns products not needed at the destination from the grippers on the second continuous track to the conveyor chain on the first continuous track. A distance traveled by the conveyor chain on the first continuous track from a transfer point of the products in the first zone to a return point in the third zone and a distance traveled by the grippers on the second continuous track from the transfer point of the products in the first zone to the return point in the third zone are chosen such that a phase shift amounting to a fraction of the chain pitch occurs between the conveyor chain and the gripper between the return point and the transfer point.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an apparatus for conveying products to a destination.
2. Description of the Prior Art
From European Patent Disclosure EP A 1 048 569, an apparatus for putting together two components to make a product comprising the two components is known. The apparatus has a first conveyor for supplying the first component and a revolving second conveyor with first entraining elements for the first component and second entraining elements for the second component that is supplied at a supply station. The apparatus is equipped with optical sensors for monitoring the first components for intactness and for monitoring the correct placement of the second components. If a sensor indicates a flaw, the corresponding defective product is ejected laterally as a reject by means of an ejection lever.
From European Patent Disclosure EP A 1 216 939, an apparatus for conveying and temporarily storing products is known. The apparatus has a carousel arrangement, with grippers revolving in a first continuous track for temporarily transferring products, to be conveyed on a belt conveyor to a destination, and delivering the products to a reservoir with a second continuous track. The products can be removed from the reservoir by means of the grippers again and put back on the belt conveyor.


A carbon fiber paper including carbon fibers having a surface area ratio of 1.05 or more, and a porous carbon electrode substrate for a fuel cell having this carbon fiber paper as a constituent. The electrode substrate for a fuel cell has carbon fibers uniformly dispersed therein and is flexible. The carbon fiber paper is suitable for production of the electrode substrate.

An electrode for a fuel cell need to have gas diffusibility and permeability, a strength capable of withstanding the handling, flexibility, a strength capable of withstanding the compression applied when they are produced or assembled into a cell, and so forth. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells, in particular, need to be small as compared with phosphoric acid fuel cells, and require thin electrodes. In such fuel cells, the electrodes use, as the electrode substrate, mainly a carbon fiber paper or a carbon fiber fabric. In the carbon fiber paper, in particular, the dispersion of carbon fibers is important and, when the paper is formed in a state that the carbon fibers are not spread from each other and form a bundle, there have been various problems, for example, the non-uniform thickness and non-uniform gas permeability of the paper formed and the difficulty of uniform coating of a catalyst on the electrode substrate produced from the paper.
In, for example, JP-A-11-185771 is disclosed a fiber of 1 to 4 μm in fiber diameter which is convertible into a carbon fiber, or a paper comprising a carbon fiber of 0.5 to 3 μm in fiber diameter. Use of such a small-diameter fiber contributes to a reduction in electrode-inside electrical resistance but makes very difficult the dispersion of fibers when a paper is produced therefrom; therefore, it is difficult to obtain therefrom a carbon fiber paper having carbon fibers uniformly dispersed therein and, when an electrode substrate was produced using the paper, there have arisen the above-mentioned problems such as non-uniform thickness.

Carbon fiber paper and porous carbon electrode substrate for fuel cell therefrom


A graphing calculator (10) or other computer based teaching tool that displays inequalities on a display screen. In contrast to prior art devices, the present invention provides displays of inequalities that are mathematically correct and consistent with non-electronic display of inequalities such as textbooks and black board representations to reinforce traditional teaching methods and help the student or user to readily see and understand the mathematical concepts involved. The display methods of the present invention are particularly useful for small, low-resolution displays that are typical of handheld computers and calculators.

This invention relates to computer based teaching tools such as electronic calculators, and more particularly to a calculator or other computer teaching tool having shading of mathematical inequalities.
Electronic calculators have become a common tool for teaching students mathematics. In particular, the advantages of graphing calculators are being utilized in the classroom. Graphing calculators are characterized by a larger screen, which permits the entry of mathematical expressions in a logical format. They also permit graph displays and table displays. They have sophisticated programming capability. They often permit data transmission to other computing devices, directly or via a data storage medium, as well as data collection via various interface protocols.
Particular calculator models are often designed for particular educational levels. For example, a calculator for middle school students might have less advanced features than one designed for older students. However, regardless of the level for which a calculator is designed, a continual goal in designing them is to provide a logical and easy-to-use interface. Another area of concern is the ability to display a result on a small and comparatively low-resolution display screen.
The present invention is a computer based teaching tool or device for mathematical calculations such as a graphing calculator that displays inequalities on a display screen. In contrast to prior art devices, the present invention provides displays of inequalities that are mathematically correct and consistent with non-electronic display of inequalities such as textbooks and black board representations. This improved consistency and clarity in the display of the inequality helps to reinforce traditional teaching methods and helps the student or user to readily see and understand the mathematical concepts involved. The display methods of the present invention are particularly useful for small, low-resolution displays that are typical of handheld computers and calculators.
The calculator may otherwise be a conventional graphing calculator. Namely, the calculator screen is capable of two-dimensional displays and of displaying at least straight lines in any direction and a cursor. A key panel has keys at least capable of selecting positions of the cursor and moving the cursor horizontally or vertically on said screen. A processor is operable to execute graphing programming that instructs the processor to perform the following steps: display one or more xe2x80x9cX=xe2x80x9d prompts and xe2x80x9cY=xe2x80x9d prompts, allow user input of an inequality for one or more prompt, display each selected inequality on the display, allow the user to select union or intersection shading of the selected inequalities.
In an embodiment of the invention a calculator or other computer based teaching tool represents a graphed inequality with a dotted line to more clearly indicate the underlying mathematical principle of the graphed line to the user.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the intersection of the graphed inequalities is shown with a different shade style so the user can clearly see the union of the inequalities.
In another embodiment, the union of the defined inequalities is graphed on the display.

Shading of inequalities on a graphing calculator


An insert for inclusion in a substantially sealed container to control the relative humidity within the container is provided. The insert is a packet at least part of the surface of which is a membrane capable of passing water vapor and which contains a buffering substance which is a saturated salt solution selected according to the desired relative humidity, and modified by a nonelectrolyte, if necessary, to adjust the relative humidity.

This invention relates to controlling the relative humidity within a substantially sealed container, such as a package of food or a pack of cigarettes. More particularly, this invention relates to a device for inclusion in a substantially sealed container for maintaining a desired degree of relative humidity within the container.
Many products are packaged today within a transparent film overwrapping the entire package. This overwrap film has several purposes, but one of its most important functions is to act as a moisture barrier. Certain products--among them being foods and tobacco products--need to have a particular moisture content in order to be satisfactory to the consumer. If the product is too wet or too dry, it may convey a negative impression to consumers. The manufacturer can easily set the moisture level in the product at the factory, but must then depend on the overwrap film to keep moisture in or out of the package as needed until the product is consumed.
It is difficult to make a perfect moisture barrier with a typical film made from commercially available polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon-6, nylon-66, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, or cellophane. There are two basic effects which prevent a perfect moisture barrier from being formed. First, the films covering packages may be imperfectly sealed in a manufacturing process. Secondly, polymeric films may not be totally impermeable to moisture vapor. That is, the moisture vapor may pass directly through the film as well as through poor seals.
It is desirable to have a practical means of maintaining a particular set relative humidity (RH)* or water activity (A.sub.w)** inside a package from the time it leaves the manufacturing plant until it is opened by the consumer. This way the product in the package will reach the consumer with the proper moisture content. FNT *RH, or "relative humidity", is the amount of water vapor present in air at a particular temperature, expressed as a percentage of the total amount of water vapor which can be in the same quantity of air at that temperature. FNT **A.sub.w, or "water activity", is equal to RH/100.
Any system for controlling the relative humidity in a package must be able to cope with both moisture absorbed into the package from a very humid external environment, and with loss of moisture from the package into a very dry external environment.
Known methods for controlling the relative humidity in a package, or supplying moisture to the contents of a package, include putting into the package an absorbent material, such as blotter board, impregnated with water or other materials, so that the absorbent material will release its contents over time into the interior of the package. Another known method is to include in the package a pouch of cellophane or other porous or microporous cellulosic or polymeric membrane. The pouch encloses a hydrated salt which releases water vapor over time through the membrane into the pack.
These methods do not work well. The first method--putting wet blotter board, or some other water carrier into the package--simply puts excess water into the package or container. Initially the contents of the package will have too high a moisture level, and then, as the excess water is lost from the package, the contents will dry out. This method provides no means of stabilizing the relative humidity within the package at a desired level.
The second method--putting a hydrated salt inside a package--does give a buffering effect which helps stabilize the relative humidity in the package at a particular level. However, most hydrated salts establish an equilibrium relative humidity which is wrong--usually much too high for most packaging applications, and certainly for foods and for tobacco products. Furthermore, their RH buffering capacities per unit weight are low.
While these known practices are sufficient to prevent the contents of the cigarette pack from drying out for some period of time, until the water in the absorbent material or the hydrated salt is exhausted, there has not been any way to maintain the relative humidity within the pack at a specified desired level. Because cigarette packs are generally sealed in a polypropylene or other polymeric overwrap, when using the known practices the absorbent material or the hydrated salt will give up water to the interior of the pack until some equilibrium, dependent on ambient conditions, is reached. When water vapor leaks out through imperfections in the sealed wrap, additional water is given up by the absorbent or the hydrated salt, until all available water has been given up. Because the relative humidity set this way in the pack may be too high or too low, the cigarettes in the pack may consequently be soggy or dried out.
It has long been known that the equilibrium relative humidity over a hydrated salt or a saturated aqueous salt solution is a function of the temperature and of the hydrated salt or saturated salt solution. Each hydrated salt or saturated salt solution gives a discrete relative humidity at a given temperature. These have long been used as buffering devices to control the relative humidities of closed systems. However, there are some very important practical disadvantages to the use of hydrated salts and saturated salt solutions in the control of relative humidity.
Hydrated salts all have very low buffering capacities. In a truly closed system, this is not too important, but in a system which leaks, or which is enclosed partially or completely by a barrier which is somewhat permeable to water vapor, it is a very important practical issue. Large masses of a hydrated salt might be required to successfully buffer a package enclosed in a typical film such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, cellulose, etc. Usually, the amount of hydrated salt required makes it an impractical medium for controlling relative humidity in a commercial package.
For use in consumable products, such as food or tobacco, many hydrated salts cannot be considered because of undesirable properties of the salt. For example, they may be toxic, or may create off-tastes in foods. Some may undergo chemical reactions with the other substances in the package. Consequently, the number of hydrated salts which can be practically considered is quite limited.
Finally, most practically usable hydrated salts give equilibrium relative humidities which are generally fairly high--75% RH and higher. Thus, it is very difficult to control relative humidity at low and medium levels using hydrated salts.
Saturated salt solutions do not have the same capacity problem as do hydrated salts. There can be a great deal more water per unit volume or per unit weight in a saturated salt solution than in a hydrated salt. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the initial ratio of excess salt to water, depending on whether the most probable problem expected is that the package will gain water or lose water.
There are also more salts which can be used to make saturated salt solutions, and their properties are well known. Even so, all ranges of relative humidities are not covered, and it is not always possible to find a saturated salt solution which will give exactly the equilibrium relative humidity needed.
Solutions which are saturated in two or more salts give equilibrium relative humidities which are different from those of saturated solutions of the original salts separately. Unfortunately, the equilibrium relative humidity over a solution saturated in two salts cannot be related in a linear manner to the equilibrium relative humidities of the saturated solutions of the individual salts. The interactions of the salts in solution are complex, and the equilibrium relative humidity over a solution saturated in two salts is not readily predicted.
In addition, like hydrated salts, many salts whose saturated solutions give desirable equilibrium relative humidities cannot be used because of other properties of the salts such as toxicity, off-taste problems, induced corrosion, chemical reactions, etc., as discussed above.
A further consideration is the need to contain a solution inside the package in such a way that it can equilibrate with the atmosphere inside the package, and at the same time not spill into the rest of the package, nor wick into the package or its contents. Obviously, an open container cannot be used, and a closed container would not allow equilibration with the atmosphere inside the package.
It would be desirable to be able to provide a device which will buffer the relative humidity in a closed container such as a sealed package of food or a sealed cigarette pack.

Device for controlling relative humidity within a substantially sealed container


A client management tool system comprises a gateway module configured to provide access to a data store storing clinical and non-clinical data, a collection of computerized question forms configured to obtain additional data about a client, a social data model defining a structure to store and organize the client data, a predictive model including a plurality of weighted variables and thresholds in consideration of the client data to identify needs of the client and a valuation of services to address the client needs, a knowledgebase of available programs and service providers able to deliver the needed services, a client management toolkit configured to provide recommended a course of action in response to the identified client need, valuation, and available programs and services providers, and a data presentation module operable to present notifications, alerts, and outcome report related to service delivery to the client.

A major challenge facing Community-based service organizations today is the ability to track outcomes and the impact of programs and services in the community. In the climate of shrinking funding for social programs, the need to assess program effectiveness and monitor and track outcomes to demonstrate value to grantors, donors, and ultimately attract more funding to support an organization's mission has never been greater.
Additionally, due to resource constraints, individual organizations simply are unable to maintain and support an IT group for the longer-term.
Lastly, case workers and volunteers who are largely non-technical simply do not want to use a cumbersome and non-intuitive system. Case workers require flexible workflows in order to deliver effortless client management, and often times, these case workers resort to using paper forms to document and plan and track client status and needs. If client management and client tracking is not executed electronically, real-time electronic exchange of useful client information is hindered, preventing the organization from achieving efficiencies around client service delivery.

Client management tool system and method


A distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named xe2x80x98Sevamilxe2x80x99, characterized by its compact, mounded and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching growth habit; freely flowering habit; and pale yellow-colored ray florets and dark purple-tipped disc florets.

Botanical classification/cultivar designation: Osteospermum ecklonis cultivar Sevamil.
The present Invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant, botanically known as Osteospermum ecklonis, and hereinafter referred to by the name xe2x80x98Sevamilxe2x80x99.
The new Osteospermum was discovered as a naturally-occurring whole plant mutation of the Osteospermum ecklonis cultivar Seikilrem, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,407.
The new Osteospermum was discovered and selected by the Inventor in June, 2000, as a single flowering plant within a population of plants of the parent cultivar in a controlled environment in Sondersoe, Denmark.
Asexual reproduction of the new Osteospermum by terminal vegetative cuttings was first conducted in Sondersoe, Denmark in August, 2000. Asexual reproduction by cuttings has shown that the unique features of this new Osteospermum are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.
The cultivar Sevamil has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, daylength and light intensity without, however, any variance in genotype.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of xe2x80x98Sevamilxe2x80x99. These characteristics in combination distinguish xe2x80x98Sevamilxe2x80x99 as a new and distinct Osteospermum:
1. Compact, mounded and outwardly spreading plant habit.
2. Freely branching growth habit.
3. Freely flowering habit.
4. Pale yellow-colored ray florets and dark purple-tipped disc florets.
Plants of the new Osteospermum are most similar to plants of the parent, the cultivar Seikilrem. Plants of the new Osteospermum differ primarily from plants of the cultivar Seikilrem in ray floret coloration as plants of the cultivar Seikilrem have bright yellow-colored ray florets.


Systems and Methods disclosed herein relate to providing control of smart devices via data provided from or to a doorbell, via an application programming interface (API). The data provided by the doorbell may be submission data related to the doorbell, while received data may be reception data related to one or more smart devices, a smart-device environment structure hosting the smart devices, or both. Based upon the reception data and/or the submission data, a status of the doorbell and/or of the smart devices may be modified.

This disclosure relates to accessing data and/or controlling electronic devices (e.g., smart devices) via one or more application programming interfaces (APIs).
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
People interact with a number of different electronic devices on a daily basis. In a home setting, for example, a person may interact with smart thermostats, lighting systems, alarm systems, entertainment systems, and a variety of other electronic devices. To interact with some of these electronic devices, a person may communicate a command using an application program running on another electronic device. For instance, a person may control the temperature setting on a smart thermostat using an application program running on a smartphone. The application program may communicate with a secure online service that interacts with that thermostat.
To preserve the user experience associated with an electronic device, the manufacturer of the electronic device may develop the application programs to control the electronic device. Opening access to the electronic devices to third party developers, however, may potentially improve the experience of some people with the devices—but only if third party application programs do not cause the electronic devices to behave in an undesirable manner. Accordingly, while it may be desirable to open access to the electronic devices to third party developers, it may also be desirable to place restrictions on that access so as to reduce the risk that the third party access may negatively impact the operation of the electronic devices and thus the user experience associated with those devices.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods and apparatus for using smart environment devices via application program interfaces


A first inductor is connected to a transmission circuit. A second inductor is connected to a reception circuit, and is inductively coupled to the first inductor. At least part of the first inductor is formed with a first bonding wire. The first bonding wire has two ends connected to a first connecting terminal and a third connecting terminal. At least part of the second inductor is formed with a second bonding wire. The second bonding wire has two ends connected to a second connecting terminal and a fourth connecting terminal.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device that is capable of transferring electric signals between two circuits to which electric signals having different potentials from each other are input.
2. Related Art
To transfer electric signals between two circuits to which electric signals having different potentials from each other are input, photo couplers are often used. Each photo coupler includes a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving element such as a photo transistor. The light emitting element converts an input electric signal into light, and the light receiving element returns the light to an electric signal. In this manner, photo couplers transfer electric signals.
However, it is difficult to reduce the size of each photo coupler due to the existence of the light emitting element and the light receiving element. Also, where the frequency of electric signals is high, the photo couplers cannot follow the electric signals.
Inductor elements that are formed with the use of bonding wires are disclosed in Japanese Laid-open patent publication NO. 2005-39023 and Japanese Published patent application A-H10-74625.
The present inventors have recognized as follows. To transfer electric signals between two circuits to which electric signals having different potentials from each other are input, electric signals are transferred by inductively coupling the two inductors to each other. In this case, to reduce transmission errors, the coefficient of coupling between the inductors needs to be made larger. To form the two inductors that are inductively coupled to each other, spiral inductors may be stacked on each other. However, spiral inductors are often formed with interconnect layers of a semiconductor device. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the diameter of each inductor. As a result, the coefficient of coupling between two inductors cannot be made larger.

Semiconductor device including an inductor that is inductively coupled to another inductor


A liquid immersible electronic aquastat in which a temperature responsive element and substantially all associated electronic circuitry are arranged on a circuit board within a tubular capsule of liquid impervious material closed at one end and having a external diameter not exceeding 3/8ths of an inch so as to be interchangeable with industry standard aquastat temperature sensor mounting hardware and fittings.

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for controlling energization of an electrical load in response to liquid temperature, and, more specifically, to an electronic implementation of such apparatus in which the liquid temperature sensing element and all electronic circuitry, except for a manually adjustable temperature setpoint control device, if any, are contained within a liquid impervious capsule.
Boilers, storage tanks, recreational and therapeutic hot tubs, and a variety of other equipment containing water or other liquid whose temperature must be controlled typically require a thermostatic control device or aquastat responsive to temperature of the liquid to achieve the necessary control function. The most common form of aquastat comprises a sealed bulb connected through a capillary tube to a chamber partially bounded by a diaphragm which serves as an electromechanical switch actuator, the bulb, capillary tube and diaphragm chamber being filled with a liquid having desired thermal expansion properties. The switch is typically used to control electrical energization to a fuel valve, such as a gas valve, a water or steam vane, or other desired load.
Such aquastat construction is well known, and certain industry standards regarding form, fit and function have been adopted. This is particularly true for the temperature sensing bulb which extends into the tank, pressure vessel or plumbing. Specifically, the bulb may be located in a well which provides integrity of the liquid container against leakage, in which case the bulb must fit snugly within the well to provide good thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the bulb may cooperate with a compression fitting or other suitable fitting in a port in the container to provide integrity against leakage. In either arrangement, industry. standard hardware is designed for a bulb having specific dimensions. The most common standard bulb diameter is 3/8 ths of an inch.
Although the design of such aquastats and related production equipment and methods have been refined over many years, and are well developed, such aquastats have several inherent shortcomings partially attributable to the mechanical nature of the design and the requirement for several manual operations associated with filling and sealing the bulb-capillary tube-diaphragm chamber system. Such shortcomings include unit-to-unit variations in the nominal control point of the manufactured devices. As a result, the control temperature for a particular application may not fall within the range of temperatures to which the aquastat can be calibrated. This results in a relatively high production rejection rate which contributes to unit cost. An additional contributor to cost of the design is its requirement for high content of various metals.
A further shortcoming stems from the requirement that the bulb and the switch apparatus must be connected by a capillary tube. Thus, there is a practical limit to the spacing between the bulb and switch apparatus, and unless the aquastat is specially manufactured for a particular installation, arrangements must be made for accommodating the excess length of capillary tube.
Finally, the diaphragm actuator and electrical switch are relatively large, and typically separated from the sensing bulb location, thereby resulting in limitations in the design of equipment incorporating an aquastat, and complicating aquastat installation.
Electronic aquastats have been proposed to overcome some of the previously noted shortcomings of conventional aquastat design. In an electronic aquastat, the liquid filled temperature sensing bulb is replaced by a thermistor or other device whose electrical characteristics vary with temperature. The thermistor is contained in a capsule having dimensions which are compatible with the mounting hardware for traditional liquid filled bulb temperature sensors. The thermistor is connected by means of a pair of leads to an electronic circuit typically fabricated on a circuit board and contained in a housing to be mounted at a separate location. Such a design offers greater flexibility than the previous designs, in that the connecting electrical leads may be substantially any desired length and require less care in handling and routing than a liquid filled capillary tube. Further, the electronic implementation is potentially less expensive, is adapted to more automated to manufacturing processes, and is smaller, thus providing greater equipment design and aquastat installation flexibility. The electronic implementation design is also inherently more accurate, thus providing for improved production yields, as well as performance benefits.
Although the proposed electronically implemented aquastat design offers various advantages, it concurrently introduces certain complications. Also, there remain areas in the design in which further improvements are desired.
One complication arises from the nature of a common system in which an aquastat is used. In particular, such a system employs an electrically operated fuel gas valve which is energized from a thermoelectric generator powered from the heat of a standing pilot flame. The electric power output of the generator is very low, and a special low power consuming gas valve system is required for use therewith. Such a gas valve system is commercially available from Honeywell Inc., with the generator being marketed under the tradename "Powerpile".
A conventional aquastat can be readily incorporated into such a system since it consumes substantially no electric power. Conversely, an electronic aquastat does consume electric power, and because electric power in a thermoelectric generator based system is limited, the electronic circuitry must be designed for very low power consumption. A circuit suitable for use in such an application is shown and described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,696,369 and 4,734,658 issued on Sep.1987, and Mar. 29, 1988, respectively, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.
One feature of the proposed electronic aquastat in which further improvement is desired relates to cost. At the present state of development, the proposed electronic aquastat is somewhat more costly to produce than a traditional aquastat based on a liquid filled bulb sensor. A feature which contributes to cost and manufacturing complexity is a requirement for sealing at least portions of the electronics against the effects of moisture. This is an important requirement particularly in hot tub and certain other applications in which high humidity or otherwise moist conditions exist. Also, in many applications, it is necessary to provide electromagnetic shielding, which imposes a further requirement on the housing or packaging for the electronics.
Finally, the proposed electronic aquastat design involves two separate components, each of which must be individually accommodated in the equipment design and the installation process. Obviously, the equipment design and installation process would be simplified with an aquastat incorporated into a single package.

Electronic aquastat in immersible capsule


Various implementations disclosed herein includes a method for operating lighting fixtures in horticultural applications. The method may include receiving a user input of a desired irradiance for a first color channel of one or more lighting fixtures that irradiates a plant bed, in which each of the one or more lighting fixtures comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) array, determining, for each of the one or more lighting fixtures, a PWM setting of the first color channel such that each of the one or more lighting fixtures irradiate the plant bed at the desired irradiance based on calibration data stored in each of the one or more lighting fixtures, and applying, to each of the one or more lighting fixtures, the determined PWM setting of the first color channel.

Horticultural systems utilize light sources that emit light of various wavelengths to encourage plant growth. Generally, in the context of horticultural applications light is measured in terms of irradiance, which is the flux of radiant energy per unit area. A common unit for measuring irradiance is micromoles per square meter per second (μmol/m2-s). Light sources used in horticultural applications are set to emit light with a certain irradiance depending on a number of factors, including the type of plant that is being grown and the distance between the light sources and the plant bed.

Irradiance-controlled fixture for horticultural applications