A static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes a SRAM circuit and a programmable resistor connected to a storage node of the SRAM circuit. The SRAM circuit can be any type of SRAM circuit, such as a 3T, negative differential resistance (NDR) transistor-based circuit, or a 6T (conventional SRAM) circuit. The programmable resistor can be formed in a metal layer above the SRAM circuit to minimize the area requirements for the memory cell. Just before shutdown of the SRAM cell, the resistance state of the programmable resistor is changed (if necessary) based on the data value stored at the storage node. The programmable resistor provides a non-volatile indication of the stored data value at the time of power off. Then, when power is restored to the SRAM cell, a data value based on the resistance state of the programmable resistor is written back into the SRAM circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of semiconductor memory, and in particular, to a structure and method for providing non-volatile data storage in high-speed memory.
2. Related Art
Random access memory (RAM) is memory used in electronic device applications that provides direct access to stored data. The two main types of RAM are dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM). A schematic circuit diagram of a DRAM cell 100A is depicted in FIG. 1A. DRAM cell 100A includes a storage capacitor 111 and an access transistor 112. Access transistor 112 is connected between a bit line 113 and storage capacitor 111, and the gate of access transistor 112 is connected to a word line 114. To write a data value into a storage node 115 at a junction between storage capacitor 111 and access transistor 112, bit line 113 is set to the appropriate data level, and word line 114 is set to a logic HIGH level. The data level on bit line 113 charges or discharges storage capacitor 111, and word line 114 is then set to a logic LOW level, thereby isolating and storing the desired value at storage node 115.
To read the stored value from storage node 115, word line 114 is set to a logic HIGH level, and a sense amplifier (not shown for clarity) is used to read out the stored value by sensing the voltage on bit line 113. The simplicity and layout efficiency of DRAM cell 100A beneficially enables the implementation of low cost, high density DRAM memory arrays. However, a read operation to DRAM cell 100A destroys the data value stored at storage node 115, thereby necessitating a refresh operation to ensure that the data survives the read operation. In fact, DRAM cell 100A requires frequent refreshing due to charge leakage from storage capacitor 111. The overall speed of a memory array that incorporates DRAM cell 100A is partially limited by this dynamic refreshing that is required to maintain the stored data (e.g., >10 ns cell access time).
Therefore, high performance electronic devices that require high speed memory typically use SRAM arrays. FIG. 1B shows a schematic circuit diagram of a conventional SRAM cell 100B. SRAM cell 100B includes p-channel transistors 121 and 122, and n-channel transistors 131, 132, 133, and 134. Transistors 121 and 131 are connected in series between an upper supply voltage VDD and a lower supply voltage VSS (the reference or "ground" potential), and transistors 122 and 132 are connected in series between upper supply voltage VDD and VSS. The gates of transistors 121 and 131 are connected to the junction between transistors 122 and 132, and the gates of transistors 122 and 132 are connected to the junction between transistors 121 and 131. Transistors 121, 122, 131, and 132 therefore form a pair of cross-coupled inverters. Transistor 133 is connected between a bit line 141 and a storage node 161 at the junction between transistors 121 and 131, and transistor 134 is connected between a complementary bit line 142 and a complementary storage node 162 at the junction between transistors 122 and 132. The gates of transistors 133 and 134 are connected to a word line 150.
The cross-coupled inverters formed by transistors 121, 122, 131, and 132 act as a latch to store a data value at storage node 161 and a complement of the data value at storage node 162. To write a value into SRAM cell 100B, bit line 141 is set to the desired data level (i.e., voltage VBL) and bit line 142 is set to the complement of that data level (i.e., voltage/VBL). Word line 150 is then set to a logic HIGH level to turn on transistors 133 and 134 to allow the data on bit lines 141 and 142 to be latched into cross-coupled inverters formed by transistors 121, 122, 131, and 132. Word line 150 is then set back to a logic LOW level to turn off transistors 133 and 134, thereby isolating the latched data at storage nodes 161 and 162.
To perform a read operation, bit lines 141 and 142 are both driven to a logic HIGH level, after which word line 150 is set to a logic HIGH level to turn on transistors 133 and 134. Whichever of storage nodes 161 and 162 is storing a logic LOW value pulls down the associated one of bit lines 141 and 142, and this voltage change between bit lines 141 and 142 is detected by a differential sense amplifier (not shown) to determine the stored data value within SRAM cell 100B.
SRAM cell 100B is operationally faster (˜1 ns access time) than DRAM cell 100A, due to the transistors 131 and 132 which actively pull down the voltage on their respective bit line 141 or 142 when the voltage at their respective storage node 161 or 162 is at a logic LOW value. However, the larger number of transistors used in SRAM cell 100B (six transistors versus only one transistor in DRAM cell 100A) means that SRAM cell 100B consumes significantly more chip area than DRAM cell 100A, thereby undesirably increasing the cost of memory arrays that incorporate SRAM cells 100B. Furthermore, a problem common to both DRAM cell 100A and SRAM cell 100B is that both types of memory cells lose stored data when power is removed from the cells (i.e. when the supply voltage VDD goes to zero volts).
Flash semiconductor memory arrays commonly use a single floating gate transistor for each memory cell, and therefore can achieve very small cell size. However, flash memories exhibit relatively long read and write times (e.g., >20 ns read time and >100 ns write time) and have limited cell endurance (e.g., 105 read/write cycles). Therefore, flash memories are generally not suitable for high-speed, embedded RAM applications.
Some conventional efforts to add non-volatile properties to SRAM cells involve adding a floating gate transistor(s) to the SRAM cell. The floating gate transistor is used only for the storage of data during power down periods, thereby avoiding the speed and life cycle issues associated with flash memory implementations. Unfortunately, the floating gate transistor increases the size of the SRAM cell as well as the fabrication process complexity, and therefore undesirably increases layout inefficiency and cost.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a space-efficient SRAM memory cell/array with non-volatile storage capability.

Compact static memory cell with non-volatile storage capability


An endoscopic instrument is described having a fluid chamber, a cannula, a shell, a first locking mechanism, and a probe with a second locking mechanism. The fluid chamber has proximal and distal ends. The hollow cannula is coupled to the distal end of the fluid chamber. The port is located at the proximal end of the fluid chamber. The shell houses the fluid chamber, the port, and the first locking mechanism. The probe extends through the port, through the fluid chamber, and through the hollow cannula. In a first fully inserted position, the distal end of the probe extends past the distal end of the cannula. When the probe is partially withdrawn from the shell, the first locking means releasingly engages the second locking means on the probe. Different spring loaded mechanism are described, including one mechanism which is overcome by pulling on the handle of the probe, and another mechanism which requires an active release mechanism.

This invention broadly relates to endoscopic instruments. More particularly, this invention relates to a multifunction endoscopic instrument including suction, irrigation and electrocautery means.
Tools having both suction and irrigation features are well known in the art. Perhaps the earliest combination tool of this type is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,114,268 to Kells which discloses a "Method For Surgically Cleansing Wounds and Other Surfaces" where an irrigation tube enters a suction tube and the suction tube is covered with gauze or a swab. Irrigation fluid wets the gauze or swab and is sucked back by the suction tube. Rubber hoses may be grasped to control flow. Variations on this type of device include one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,471 to Truhan which discloses a "Surgical Aspirating Cannula". This is a combined irrigation-suction device where the suction tube is located within and is coaxial with the irrigation tube, and irrigation fluid is delivered in the annular space between the tubes. The distal end of the outer irrigation tube is sealed to the inner suction tube and the irrigation tube is provided with lateral openings. Even more recently, additional features have been added to combined suction-irrigation tools. U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,013 to Betz discloses a "Method and Apparatus For Surgical Irrigation, Aspiration and Illumination" having coaxial fiber optic, aspiration and irrigation tubes.
Tools combining suction and cautery features are also well known in the art and an early tool of this type is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,888,928 to Seiger which discloses a "Coagulating Surgical Instrument" where combined cauterizing and suction is provided by a hollow tube cautery probe to which a suction tube is attached. The cauterizing tip is conical with a small opening at the apex of the cone and several lateral openings spaced down from the apex. More recent improvements in this type of tool are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,720 to Weber which discloses an "Electrocautery Apparatus and Method and Means for Cleaning the Same". This is a combination cautery-suction device where electrode and vacuum tubes are arranged parallel to each other in the same "wand". The electrode is retractable into the wand and retraction of the electrode scrapes the surface of the electrode to clean it. Other variations of this type of tool include yet other features. U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,874 to Choy discloses a "Laser Tunneling Device" which is a probe for a tube such as a blood vessel. The probe includes central fiber optics for illumination, viewing, and laser output surrounded by a coaxial tube with a switchable valve for aspiration or irrigation.
More recently, suction, irrigation, and cautery have been combined in the same tool. U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,491 to Parisi et al discloses a "Liposuction Procedure with Ultrasonic Probe" which includes ultrasonic cautery, suction and irrigation in the same probe.
While many of the tools of the prior art served a purpose at the time they were invented, they are generally inapplicable in today's modern endoscopic surgical procedures. An endoscopic procedure typically involves the use of trocars for making one or more small incisions in the abdomen or chest cavity. Trocar tubes are then left in place in the abdomen or chest cavity so that optical tools may be inserted therethrough for viewing and endoscopic surgical tools may be inserted therethrough for operating. A camera or magnifying lens optical tool is often inserted through the largest diameter trocar tube (e.g. 10 mm diameter) while a cutter, dissector, or other surgical instrument is inserted through a similarly sized or smaller diameter trocar tube (e.g. 5 mm diameter) for purposes of manipulating and/or cutting the internal organ. Sometimes it is desirable to have several trocar tubes in place at once in order to receive several surgical instruments. In this manner, organ or tissue may be grasped with one surgical instrument, and simultaneously may be cut or stitched with another surgical instrument; all under view of the surgeon via the camera in place in another trocar tube.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that endoscopy is a rapidly growing field of surgery because it is less invasive than classical surgery. However, it will also be appreciated that even with endoscopic surgery where the incisions are typically small, it is advantageous to limit the number of incisions made. The number of incisions must be balanced against the desirability of having several tools inserted and available simultaneously to the surgeon. Likewise, while it is possible to remove endoscopic tools and insert different tools during a procedure, it will be appreciated that repeated insertion and removal of different endoscopic tools through the trocar tubes is preferably avoided, as it can be difficult to locate the new tool at a desired location, and each insertion of a tool increases the risk of unnecessary trauma to the surgical site area.
Some attempts have been made to provide multi-functional endoscopic tools so that the number of incisions may be minimized while at the same time providing the physician with several tools available simultaneously. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,136 to Saito discloses a "Cautery Hemostatic Unit" which is deliverable through an endoscope and includes an irrigation nozzle. Other combination endoscopic tools are known and generally include combination suction-irrigation and suction-cautery probes. All of these probes occupy a trocar tube when use and no other tools may be inserted in the trocar when occupied by one of these probes. Additional combinational tools and prototypes recently introduced include tools which have a plurality of different distal end portions which can be attached and removed from a single handle as desired to accomplish different functions. However, this arrangement requires repeated insertion and removal of the endoscopic tool through the trocar tube to the surgical site.

Endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument with insertable probe lockable in partially withdraw position


Methods of laminating a multilayer substrate may utilize particular lamination systems to perform the methods. The methods may include providing the multilayer substrate, which may include a base, in a feed direction through a laminating system. The base may support segments of a material, each segment characterized by a height past the base in a direction normal to the feed direction. Each segment may define a leading edge at an intersection of a second surface and a third surface, and the segments may be separated from one another along the base by a spacing length. The methods may include contacting a first segment with a set of pinch rollers. The contacting may limit interaction with the third surface at the leading edge of the first segment. The methods may include compressing the first segment against the base in a direction normal to the feed direction.

Roller manufacturing, such as using nip or pinch rollers, may be performed to compress or laminate materials together. When materials have different height profiles, roller impact at the intersection of protruding materials with a base having a different height profile may cause leading edge damage on the protruding components. Improved systems are needed.

Systems and methods for manufacturing battery cells


Vaccinium×‘Robeson’ is a new and distinct pentaploid variety of blueberry plant that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety.                1. A ripening season that bridges the gap between highbush and rabbiteye blueberry varieties.        2. Consistent yields of medium size fruit best suited for local direct marketing.        3. Very good fruit quality and good color.        4. Very vigorous plants with upright plant habit and broad soil adaptation, including higher pH soils.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct pentaploid hybrid Vaccinium (blueberry plant) cultivar grown as a fruiting woody shrub for commercial agriculture. Blueberries are typically consumed both fresh and in a number of processed products.
The new and distinct pentaploid hybrid variety of blueberry (Vaccinium Linnaeus) plant originated from the hand pollinated cross of 'US 226' [tetraploid (2n=4x=48 chromosomes), a hybrid of Vaccinium corymbosum Linnaeus×V. myrtilloides Michaux] (unpatented)בPremier'{hexaploid (2n=6X=72 chromosomes) [(V. virgatum Aiton (syn. V. ashei Reade)]} (unpatented) made in 1980 in Raleigh, N.C. 'US 226' was an early blooming and early ripening genotype that produced medium size and rather soft light blue fruit during highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum L.) ripening season on a plant that was highly resistant to phytophthora root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamoni. 'Premier' is the standard early ripening rabbiteye blueberry (V. virgatum Ait.) cultivar grown commercially in North Carolina. (Early ripening rabbiteye cultivars start ripening about four weeks after early ripening highbush cultivars.) 'Premier' also blooms early and produces large size high quality light blue fruit that is medium in fruit firmness on a very vigorous plant that is resistant to phytophthora root rot.
Seeds from this hand pollination were germinated in winter 1980/1981 in Raleigh, N.C., and 35 seedlings were established at Jackson Springs, N.C., in 1982. When the seedlings reached maturity in 1986, an elite genotype designated as 'NC 2849' was selected for its vigorous erect plant habit, productivity, fruit size, color, picking scar, firmness, quality and early maturity by James R. Ballington. 'NC 2849' was by far the superior genotype of the two seedlings in the progeny of 35 that produced attractive blue fruit.
During 1987 the original seedling of 'NC 2849' was propagated by hardwood stem cuttings in Raleigh, N.C., and following rooting, single three plant plots were established at Jackson Springs and Fletcher, N.C. in 1988. Based on its performance in these initial trials, in 1996 it was propagated by softwood stem cuttings and established in a replicated trial at Castle Hayne, N.C. It was also established in a grower trial at Ivanhoe, N.C., under a Memorandum of Agreement whereby the grower provided the land and care of the plants and North Carolina State University retained ownership of the variety. Plants and fruit of this new variety have remained true to type through these successive cycles of asexual propagation. This new variety has been named the 'Robeson' cultivar.


A bypass plunger having one or more internal shock absorbing elements and a variety of bypass orifice options is disclosed.

A plunger lift is an apparatus that is used to increase the productivity of oil and gas wells. In the early stages of a well's life, liquid loading is usually not a problem. When rates are high, the well liquids are carried out of the well tubing by the high velocity gas. As a well declines, a critical velocity is reached below which the heavier liquids do not make it to the surface and start to fall back to the bottom exerting back pressure on the formation, thus loading up the well. A plunger system is a method of unloading gas in high ratio oil wells without interrupting production. In operation, the plunger travels to the bottom of the well where the loading fluid is picked up by the plunger and is brought to the surface removing all liquids in the tubing. The plunger also keeps the tubing free of paraffin, salt or scale build-up. A plunger lift system works by cycling a well open and closed. During the open time a plunger interfaces between a liquid slug and gas. The gas below the plunger will push the plunger and liquid to the surface. This removal of the liquid from the tubing bore allows an additional volume of gas to flow from a producing well. A plunger lift requires sufficient gas presence within the well to be functional in driving the system. Oil wells making no gas are thus not plunger lift candidates.
As flow rate and pressures decline in a well, lifting efficiency can decline. Before long the well could begin to "load up". This is a condition whereby the gas being produced by the formation can no longer carry the liquid being produced to the surface. There are two reasons this occurs. First, as liquid comes in contact with the wall of the production string of tubing, friction occurs. The velocity of the liquid is slowed, and some of the liquid adheres to the tubing wall, creating a film of liquid on the tubing wall.
This liquid may not reach the surface. Secondly, as the flow velocity continues to slow, the gas phase may no longer support liquid in either slug form or droplet form. This liquid, along with the liquid film on the sides of the tubing, may fall back to the bottom of the well. In a very aggravated situation, there could be liquid in the bottom of the well with only a small amount of gas being produced at the surface. The produced gas must bubble through the liquid at the bottom of the well and then flow to the surface. Because of the low velocity very little liquid, if any, may be carried to the surface by the gas. A plunger lift will act to remove the accumulated liquid, thereby improving lifting efficiency.
A typical installation plunger lift system 100 can be seen in FIG. 1. Lubricator assembly 10 is one of the most important components of plunger system 100. Lubricator assembly 10 includes cap 1, integral top bumper spring 2, striking pad 3, and extracting rod 4A. Extracting rod 4A may or may not be employed depending on the plunger type. It is commonly used to open bypass valves and can be spring loaded. Contained within lubricator assembly 10 is plunger auto catching device 5 and plunger sensing device 6. Sensing device 6 sends a signal to surface controller 15 upon plunger 200A arrival at the well top. Plunger 200A can represent the plunger of the present invention or other prior art plungers. Sensing the plunger is used as a programming input to achieve the desired well production, flow times and wellhead operating pressures. Master valve 7 should be sized correctly for the tubing 9 and plunger 200A. An incorrectly sized master valve 7 will not allow plunger 200A to pass through. Master valve 7 should incorporate a full bore opening equal to the tubing 9 size. An oversized valve will allow gas to bypass the plunger causing it to stall in the valve. If the plunger is to be used in a well with relatively high formation pressures, care must be taken to balance tubing 9 size with the casing 8 size. The bottom of a well is typically equipped with a seating nipple/tubing stop 12. Spring standing valve/bottom hole bumper assembly 11 is located near the tubing bottom. The bumper spring is located above the standing valve and can be manufactured as an integral part of the standing valve or as a separate component of the plunger system. Fluid accumulating on top of plunger 200A may be carried to the well top by plunger 200A.
Surface control equipment usually consists of motor valve(s) 14, sensors 6, pressure recorders 16, etc., and an electronic controller 15 which opens and closes the well at the surface. Well flow 'F'proceeds downstream when surface controller 15 opens well head flow valves. Controllers operate on time, or pressure, to open or close the surface valves based on operator-determined requirements for production. Modem electronic controllers incorporate features that are user friendly, easy to program, addressing the shortcomings of mechanical controllers and early electronic controllers. Additional features include: battery life extension through solar panel recharging, computer memory program retention in the event of battery failure and built-in lightning protection. For complex operating conditions, controllers can be purchased that have multiple valve capability to fully automate the production process.
FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B and 2C are side views of typical mandrel sections. Various existing sidewall geometries (known in prior art) can be used in conjunction with the present apparatus. In each of FIGS. 2-2C, an upper section of the plunger embodiment comprises a top collar shown with an internal standard American Petroleum Institute (API) fishing neck design A. If retrieval is required, a spring-loaded ball within a retriever and protruding outside its surface would thus fall within the API internal fishing neck at the top of the mandrel orifice to a point wherein the inside diameter of the orifice would increase to allow the ball to spring outward. This condition would allow retrieving of the plunger if, and when, necessary. Modification of each mandrel's lower section will be described below. Internal orifice 18 permits fluid to flow through each mandrel section shown as the plunger travels toward the well bottom bumper spring. A bypass valve (not shown) attaches via lower threads 19A and shuts off (closes) when the plunger reaches the bottom. The bypass feature optimizes plunger travel time in high liquid wells.
A. Plunger mandrel 20 is shown with solid ring 22 sidewall geometry. Solid sidewall rings 22 can be made of various materials such as steel, poly materials, Teflon®, stainless steel, etc. Inner cut grooves 30 allow sidewall debris to accumulate when a plunger is rising or falling.
B. Mandrel 80 is shown with shifting ring 81 sidewall geometry. Shifting rings 81 allow for continuous contact against the tubing to produce an effective seal with wiping action to ensure that all scale, salt or paraffin is removed from the tubing wall. Shifting rings 81 are individually separated at each upper surface and lower surface by air gap 82.
C. Plunger mandrel 60 has spring-loaded interlocking pads 61 in one or more sections. Interlocking pads 61 expand and contract to compensate for any irregularities in the tubing, thus creating a tight friction seal.
D. Plunger mandrel 70 incorporates a spiral-wound, flexible nylon brush 71 surface to create a seal and allow the plunger to travel despite the presence of sand, coal fines, tubing irregularities, etc.
E. Flexible plungers (not shown) are flexible for coiled tubing and directional holes, and can be used as well in straight standard tubing.
Recent practices toward slim-hole wells that utilize coiled tubing also lend themselves to plunger systems. Because of the small tubing diameters, a relatively small amount of liquid may cause a well to load-up, or a relatively small amount of paraffin may plug the tubing.
Plungers use the volume of gas stored in the casing and the formation during the shut-in time to push the liquid load and plunger to the surface when the motor valve opens the well to the sales line or to the atmosphere. To operate a plunger installation, only the pressure and gas volume in the tubing/casing annulus is usually considered as the source of energy for bringing the liquid load and plunger to the surface.
The major forces acting on the cross-sectional area of the bottom of the plunger are:                The pressure of the gas in the casing pushes up on the liquid load and the plunger.        The sales line operating pressure and atmospheric pressure push down on the plunger.        The weight of the liquid and the plunger weight push down on the plunger.        Once the plunger begins moving to the surface, friction between the tubing and the liquid load acts to oppose the plunger.        In addition, friction between the gas and tubing acts to slow the expansion of the gas.
In an ideal plunger lift application, a plunger should travel quickly to a well bottom. When a plunger falls slowly to the bottom of a well, well efficiency is not maximized. Fluid build up can hamper the plunger's descent during the return trip to the bumper spring located at the well bottom. Thus, wells with a high fluid level tend to lower well production by delaying the cycle time of the plunger system, specifically delaying the plunger return trip to the well bottom. In other words, plunger fall time can affect well production. Use of bypass plungers with bypass valves permit the fluid to flow through the plunger during the return trip to the bumper spring located at the well bottom. In an open mode, the bypass feature allows a faster plunger travel time through fluid and down the hole in high liquid wells. Bypass plungers can have a variety of orifice openings or can have a variable orifice. The bypass valve provides a shut off feature when the plunger reaches the bottom.
In certain wells, or if an operator or controllers release a plunger prematurely, a plunger could fall towards the well bottom at a relatively high velocity. As the plunger collides with the well bottom, the well seating nipple/tubing stop 12, and/or the spring standing valve/bottom hole bumper assembly 11, the impact force is absorbed in part by the plunger, the spring standing valve/bottom hole bumper assembly 11, the well seating nipple/tubing stop 12 and the well bottom (FIG. 1). A higher velocity could lead to greater impact force and can result in damage to the plunger, and/or the spring standing valve/bottom hole bumper assembly. Bumper springs could collapse over time due to repeated stress caused by impact force. Also, plunger damage can occur resulting in more frequent plunger replacement. Because some wells do not have a bumper spring at the bottom, more of the impact could be absorbed by the plunger itself. A plunger could also rise at a high velocity from the well bottom to the well top. This can occur when liquid levels are low or when an operator allows the plunger to lift prior to proper liquid loading. A high velocity rise could cause damage to the well top apparatus and to the plunger itself. Damage to well apparatus and plunger lift equipment typically increases well maintenance cost. Prior art designs have utilized plungers with externally located springs to help absorb the energy generated by the plunger force hitting the well bottom.


A contoured body pillow adapted to permit unlimited positioning options to facilitate relief from persistent back and neck pain, respiratory and digestive disorders, and to provide a sensation of closeness, comfort and security by conforming to the body of a user, thereby permitting the user to sleep comfortably through the night, the contoured body pillow having a substantially candy cane shape comprising a first terminal end having a semi-bell shape connecting to a U-shaped portion, a downwardly extending leg connecting to the U-shaped portion, the leg expanding at its lowermost portion to form a bell shape, the bell shape terminating at a second terminal end in a beveled edge.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a body pillow. More particularly, the present invention involves a contoured body pillow having a substantially candy cane shape with a semi-bell-shaped rounded top portion adapted to accommodate the upper front torso portion of a person, a U-shaped curved portion adapted to accommodate the head, a downwardly extending leg adapted to accommodate the back and rear torso, and a beveled bell-shaped bottom for accommodating the lower portion (legs) of the person.
2. Prior Art
There are a number of patents that show or relate to support pillows. Some of the support pillows are designed particularly for infants, some particularly for small children and some especially for adults. It is believe to be novel to provide a contoured body pillow with a substantially candy cane shape for optimal body support in a resting position. A preliminary patentability search was conducted on this invention and the following listed references were uncovered in the search.
The above patents are not considered to be particularly pertinent to the present invention. Applicant""s U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,164 B1 appears to be the most relevant of the prior art patents. However, the present invention is substantially different from U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,164 B as will hereinafter appear.
U.S. Des. Pat. No. 382,485 to Schaffier discloses a long pillow comprising a straight portion provided with a slight curvature at one end and circular indentations located in central spaced relation along the length of the pillow. U.S. Des. Pat. No. 201,492 to Jacobson discloses a J-shaped pillow. The Brownrigg U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,854 discloses an ultra-flexible pillow for medical applications which appears to be designed for use in hospitals and which is limited in its claims to a diameter of 4.5 inches and which does not satisfy the cooling feature of the present invention. Akey U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,990 discloses a comfort maternity pillow comprising a rectangular pillow having two arms extending therefrom to form a sort of pear shape having a central opening therein. Fanto-Chan U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,906 discloses a horseshoe shaped pillow having two legs extending therefrom. Kelly U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,848 discloses an elongated U-shaped pillow which may be of various lengths and the shape of which is easily adjustable for a variety of uses. Smith U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,551 discloses a segmented, elongated body pillow. Hofstetter U.S. Pat. No.4,624,021 discloses an elongated pillow.
A contoured body pillow having a substantially candy cane shape with a semi-bell-shaped portion connected to a U-shaped portion which transitions into a downwardly extending leg terminating in a beveled bell-shaped portion. The semi-bell-shaped top portion of the pillow consists of a short, fat pillow provided with a wide, rounded terminating end. A non-terminating end of the semi-bell-shaped top portion tapers upwardly and convergingly inward and curves to form a U-shaped portion, which U-shaped portion then transitions into an elongated leg, the elongated leg tapering divergently outward at its lower end to form a bell shape, the bell shape terminating in a beveled edge.
The contoured body pillow of the present invention is intended to permit unlimited positioning options to facilitate relief from persistent back and neck pain, respiratory and digestive disorders, and to provide a sensation of closeness, comfort and security by conforming to the body of a user, thereby permitting the user to sleep comfortably through the night.


A communication relay method and others are disclosed in which even when the channel quality varies, the communication data from MS can be relayed without degrading the throughput of the communication system. In this method, the channel quality between RS and BS is estimated (ST1010), and a determination criterion, which is used to determine whether to relay communication, is established based on the estimated channel quality (ST1020). More specifically, a severe determination criterion is set for a relay route having a bad channel quality between RS and BS, while a less severe determination criterion is set for a relay route having a good channel quality between RS and BS. On the other hand, the channel quality between MS and RS is also estimated (ST1030). Then, after both ST1020 and ST1030 are completed, the channel quality between MS and RS is compared to the determination criterion established in ST1020 to ultimately determine whether to relay the communication data from MS in ST1040.

In recent years, with spread of broadband communication services at home, also in a mobile communication system of a cellular scheme, research and development are actively conducted for the purpose of providing high-capacity data communication services. However, radio frequencies which are finite resources are running short, and it is actively studied to utilize high frequency bands and realize a high transmission rate in order to realize high-capacity data transmission.
When high frequency radio bands are utilized, a high transmission rate can be expected in a short distance, but attenuation due to a transmission distance is significant. Therefore, when high frequency radio bands are utilized in a real system, for example, the coverage area of a base station becomes small, and it is necessary to provide more base stations. Providing base stations requires significant costs, and therefore it is strongly desired to suppress an increase in the number of base stations and provide the above communication services.
Therefore, in order to make it possible even for the mobile station located outside a cellular service area to communicate with the base station, it is studied to realize communication between the mobile station located outside the cellular service area and the base station by making another mobile station (relay station) located between this mobile station and the base station relay the communication.
For example, there is a technique for determining a relay route by comprehensively judging a plurality of channel quality—channel quality from the mobile station located outside the service area to relay stations and channel quality from relay stations to the base station—and determining at the base station a relay station which actually performs a relay out of a plurality of relay stations, and transmitting control signals to the plurality of relay stations indicating whether or not to perform a relay (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI7-321722    Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-254308

Communication system, communication relay apparatus, and communication relay method


Method and apparatus for using components of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a computing device and a memory for instructions and an interface for components of the vehicle. The computing device is designed to control the components of the vehicle when the instructions are executed by the computing device. A first component is required for an automated driving mode of the vehicle and a second component are designed in a redundant manner with respect to one another. At least one load of the second component for an automated driving mode is either switched on or at least partially switched off depending on a condition. The condition characterizes the need for redundant operation of the first component and of the second component.

Vehicles provided for highly automated driving from level 4 and above, that is to say high degree of automation, contain a multiplicity of control devices and sensors which are responsible for implementing the functionality.
Since the driver can attend to other activities which do not correspond to vehicle guidance during the automated driving mode, very high requirements are imposed on safety.
These requirements are stipulated, inter alia, according to ISO 26262 and, for this degree of automation, necessitate a redundant design of sensors and control devices.
If a safety-relevant control device or a sensor fails, at least one further control device or sensor is available as a fallback level.
After the vehicle has been started, all systems in the vehicle are active and communicate with one another via communication buses, for example Ethernet, Flexray, CAN, etc. So that this is possible, all systems are supplied with power.

Apparatus and method for using components of a vehicle


Provided is a media content receiving method of a media content receiving device. The method includes: receiving information on a content location information file; receiving the content location information file by using the information on the content location information file; measuring a current bandwidth; requesting a first media content through a first network on the basis of the current bandwidth and the content location information file; receiving the first media content through the first network; and consuming the first media content.

Recently, the number of devices connected to internet is increased and various forms of receivers are manufactured. Especially, recent mobile devices have various codecs and resolutions and are basically equipped with network interfaces for connecting to an internet network. In general, mobile devices perform voice communication and data communication by accessing the networks of specific service providers and additionally transmit and receive content at high speed by accessing a network having a broad bandwidth such as Wi-Fi. A conventional broadcasting receiver such as a TV is only connected to a broadcasting network but a recent broadcasting receiver is equipped with a an Ethernet network interface and thus receives enhanced service by accessing an internet network through the Ethernet network interface.
Users want to use services and contents enjoyed in the PC environment through mobile devices while moving and also want to view contents played in a PC on a TV with large sized screen. Therefore, recent broadcasting receivers provide a supplementary network interface besides an existing network.
Such demands have highlighted the need for new transmission technology. The new transmission technology is a method for effective transmission through an internet network according to a situation of a receiver network. The development of technology for satisfying such demands is started by Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and then the standard called MPEG-Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) (DASH) is established.
MPEG-DASH is created based on HTTP that transmits web services accounting for most network traffic on internet. Since a Content Delivery Network (CDN), that is, an existing network, uses HTTP delivery service greatly, an MPEG-DASH service may be easily applied. Additionally, since it is necessary for a broadcasting receiver to receive and play an image in the level that a user feels comfortable even in a network that does not guarantee Quality of Service (QoS), MPEG-DASH includes rules for a stream configuring an image or an encoding method.
A media receiver may measure a bandwidth at the reception side by measuring the size and transmission time of a currently received content by itself. If the bandwidth at the reception side is reduced suddenly, since content transmission is not smooth, a broadcasting receiver plays content until a media segment in a playback buffer is exhausted and then, if the playback buffer is empty during playback, the broadcasting receiver becomes not capable of playing the content. Therefore, a screen freezes.
The playback Lime of a media segment may vary according to its size or its encoding method even if the media segment has the same size. For example, if content is encoded in 150 kbps, a media receiver may play the content of 150 kbytes for 1 sec. In order to play the media content seamlessly, the media receiver may need to receive at least 150 kbytes for each 1 sec. At this point, 150 kbps is called a bitrate. Of course, the media receiver has a playback buffer and thus may deal with a temporary drop in bandwidth but may not deal with a continuous drop in bandwidth. That is, while the media receiver plays the content continuously, if media content is received in less than 150 kbytes for each 1 sec due to the bandwidth drop at the reception side, the playback buffer of the media receiver becomes empty and thus may not play the content.
Even if the media receiver has a limited playback buffer in a network environment that does not guarantee QoS, in order to play the media content seamlessly by receiving media streaming, a media server according to MPEG-DASH encodes the media content in consideration of a plurality of bandwidth situation as preparing the media content. That is, the media server encodes one media content in a plurality of bitrates. Additionally, the media server divides the encoded media content by the amount that is transmittable at one time
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical DASH delivery system.
As shown in FIG. 1, the DASH delivery system includes a DASH client device 10, a DASH media presentation preparation server 60, an MPD delivery function server 70, and a DASH segment delivery function server 80.
The DASH client device 10 understands a DASH protocol and may thus receive and play media content according to the DASH protocol. The DASH client device 10 monitors a network bandwidth at the current reception side and receives media content according to a current bandwidth.
The DASH media presentation preparation server 60 performs DASH media presentation preparation. For this, the DASH media presentation preparation server 60 encodes media content in a plurality of bitrates to generate an adaptation set and stores it on a disk. The adaptation set include a plurality of media representations. The plurality of media representations may correspond to the plurality of bitrates, respectively. Additionally, the plurality of bitrates may correspond to a plurality of resolutions, respectively. Each media representation includes a plurality of media segments. Moreover, the DASH media presentation preparation server 60 generates media presentation description (MPD) metadata and stores it on a disk. At this point, the MPD metadata includes information on an internet location through which a receiver accesses a plurality of media segments of each of a plurality of media representations.
The MPD delivery function server 70 has an MPD delivery function. The MPD delivery function server 70 transmits MPD metadata to the receiver.
The DASH segment delivery function server 80 has a DASH segment delivery function. The DASH segment delivery function server 80 transmits media segment to the receiver in response to a request of the receiver.
The DASH client device 10 and the DASH segment delivery function server 80 use HTTP. When the DASH client device 10 transmits a media segment to the DASH segment delivery function server 80 through an HTTP request, the DASH segment delivery function server 80 transmits a media segment to the DASH client device 100 through an HPPT response. The media segment may include an MPEG-2 TS media segment and an MP4 media segment.
The DASH client device 10 downloads MPD metadata, measures a current bandwidth, and checks a current bandwidth and an internet location of a media segment in a processable resolution and a processable encoding method, and then transmits an HTTP request for requesting a corresponding media segment to the checked internet location.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a typical DASH client.
As shown in FIG. 2, the typical DASH client device 10 includes a DASH access engine 11 and a media engine 12.
The DASH access engine 11 receives and processes MPD metadata and requests necessary media segments from the media segment delivery function server 80 to receive segment data. The DASH access engine 11 takes off metadata describing segments from buffered segment data and obtains timing information and information on other medias and then provides only MPEG media data to the media engine 12.
The media engine 12 corresponds to an MPEG-2 TS Processor (T-STD) and decodes MPEG media data and then plays it.
However, the current MPEG-DASH standard only includes how to deliver media segments and necessary information through HTTP and does not deal with how to transmit/receive an MPD metadata file and a linkage method with broadcasting services. However, the current MPEG DASH standard defines the MIME Type of MPD metadata as "application/dash+xml" so that a receiver checks the MIME Type of a URL and determines that this URL is the URL of MPD metadata.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Device and method for receiving media content


A wet scrubber (8) for cleaning a process gas containing sulphur dioxide comprises an absorption vessel (40) operative for bringing the process gas into contact with an absorption liquid to absorb sulphur dioxide from the process gas. The wet scrubber (8) further comprises an acidification system (90) operative for mixing absorption liquid that has absorbed sulphur dioxide from the process gas with a carbon dioxide containing gas, an absorbent dissolution tank (54) operative for adding an absorbent material to at least a portion of the absorption liquid, and a return pipe (104) operative for returning to the absorption vessel (40) at least a portion of the absorption liquid that has been mixed with the carbon dioxide containing gas.

In the combustion of a fuel, such as coal, oil, peat, waste, etc., in a combustion plant, such as a power plant, a hot process gas is generated, such process gas containing, among other components, carbon dioxide CO2. With increasing environmental demands various processes have been developed for removing carbon dioxide from the process gas. One such process is the so called oxy-fuel process, an example of which is disclosed in US 2007/0243119. In an oxy-fuel process a fuel, such as one of the fuels mentioned above, is combusted in the presence of a nitrogen-lean gas. Oxygen gas, which is provided by an oxygen source, is supplied to a boiler in which the oxygen gas oxidizes the fuel. In the oxy-fuel combustion process a carbon dioxide rich flue gas is produced, the carbon dioxide content of which can be compressed in a separate unit and be disposed of in order to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The carbon dioxide, CO2, generated in an oxy-fuel process is normally compressed to a high pressure, or even liquefied, prior to being disposed of. The compression of the carbon dioxide is associated with stringent requirements for low concentrations of impurities. One such impurity is sulphur dioxide, which is generated when sulphur containing compounds of the fuel are oxidized during the combustion process. WO 2009/052775 discloses a wet scrubber that may be utilized for removing sulphur dioxide from a process gas generated in an oxy-fuel combustion process. The wet scrubber of WO 2009/052775 may in some situations not be efficient enough with respect to the required sulphur dioxide removal efficiency.

Wet scrubber for removing sulfur dioxide from a process gas


A composition for preparing a nanoporous material. The composition comprises a thermostable matrix precursor, a calixarene derivative, and a solvent. The composition may enable formation of a low dielectric constant film in which nanopores with a size not larger than 50 Å are uniformly distributed.

This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) on Korean Patent Application No. 2004-79860 filed on Oct. 7, 2004, which is herein incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a composition for preparing a nanoporous material comprising a calixarene derivative. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a composition for preparing a material in which nanopores with a size not larger than 50 Å are uniformly distributed, the composition comprising a thermostable matrix precursor, a calixarene derivative and a solvent.
2. Description of the Related Art
Nanoporous materials have drawn attention as materials for adsorbents, supports for catalysts, thermal insulators and electrical insulators in various fields. With the increasing integration of semiconductor devices, the speed between wirings has a significant impact on the performance of the semiconductor devices. Accordingly, an interlayer dielectric film having a low storage capacity is required in order to lower the resistance and capacity between wirings. For this purpose, attempts have been made to use low dielectric constant materials for interlayer dielectric films. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,615,272, 4,399,266 and 4,999,397 disclose polysilsesquioxanes having a dielectric constant of about 2.5-3.1, which can be applied by spin-on deposition ("SOD"), and which can replace SiO2 having a dielectric constant of around 4.00 applied by a conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,679 teaches polyphenylenes as organic polymers having a dielectric constant between about 2.65 and about 2.70. However, this dielectric constant range is not sufficiently low to satisfy an increasing demand to fabricate high-speed devices requiring an ultra-low dielectric constant not higher than 2.50. For this reason, there have been a number of trials to incorporate air having a dielectric constant of 1.0 at the nanometer-scale level into an organic or inorganic material. A method is known for forming a nanoporous silica (SiO2) using tetraethoxysilane ("TEOS") and an appropriate pore-forming agent (i.e. porogen) by a sol-gel process. According to the method taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,458, a lactone-based polymer in a dendrimeric form, which can be decomposed during heating for the formation of a thin film, is used as a porogen. A further method for preparing a material having a dielectric constant (κ) lower than 3.0 is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,107,357 and 6,093,636. According to this method, first, a particular amount of the lactone-based polymer or a vinyl-based polymer, e.g., polystyrene, polymethacrylate or polyester, in a dendrimeric form is mixed with an organic or inorganic matrix to form a thin film, and is then decomposed at high temperatures to form nano-scale pores. However, the porous materials prepared by the aforementioned methods have problems that the pores have a size as large as 50-100 Å and are not uniformly distributed in the matrix.

Composition for preparing nanoporous material comprising calixarene derivative


A flat panel display that is convertible between direct and projection display applications is incorporated in an information processing device of a unitary construction. In preferred embodiment, the information processing device is selectively configurable as a laptop-style personal computer and a projection display panel. The device includes a base section that contains computer circuitry, supports data input keys, and is pivotally coupled to a display panel section having an addressable flat panel display and an opaque backing member in opposed face-to-face relation thereto. The display panel section is selectively positionable between a first position in which the flat panel display is directly observable by a user, a second position in which the backing member covers the flat panel display and the data input keys for storage purposes, and a third position in which the display panel section is generally nonoverlapping and co-planar with the base section.

Flat display panels such as, for example, liquid crystal display panels, are commonly used to display computer-generated and other video information. Flat display panels are frequently used in direct-view applications, such as in laptop-style personal computers. Flat display panels are also used in projection display applications, such as an overhead projection display panel that operates with a conventional overhead projector light source. An example of such a projection display panel is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,197 of Hix et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application.
Projection display panels are typically coupled to a personal computer (e.g., a laptop-style personal computer) that provides graphic information to be projected for viewing by more than one person. Despite the generally portable configurations of many projection display panels and laptop-style personal computers, it can sometimes be inconvenient for an individual to transport and operate such equipment simultaneously.
More specifically, many projection display panels include a substantially rigid annular case that supports a liquid crystal device by its side margins. The annular case contains electronics that control the liquid crystal device and supports a control panel by which an operator controls various display characteristics of the display panel such as, for example, color, contrast, cursor position, or switching between different display images.
The annular case is typically of a fixed, relatively large size with a length and a width that are greater than the corresponding 10 inch (25 cm) length and width of an overhead projector light-emitting platen. The relatively large size of the annular case allows it to perform three functions: support the liquid crystal device over the overhead projector platen, encase the electronics that control the liquid crystal device, and occlude light emitted from portions of overhead projector platen not aligned with the liquid crystal device. The occlusion function allows the projection display panel to form computer-generated and other video display images on a projection screen without distracting extraneous boundaries of unused light.


The disclosure is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory including bitlines connected to memory cells and high-voltage specified NMOS transistors connecting the bitlines to sense amplifiers. Column selection signals applied to the NMOS transistors are established at a voltage higher than a power supply voltage during a read operation. In the case of power supply voltage drain, the invention prevents degradation of the drivability of the NMOS transistors.

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 2001-52058, filed on Aug. 28, 2001, the contents of which are herein incorporated by this reference in their entirety.
The present invention is generally concerned with semiconductor memory devices and, more specifically, with nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices with the operation modes of erasing, programming, and reading, using a voltage higher than a power supply voltage.
Referring to FIG. 1, as a kind of nonvolatile semiconductor memory devices, a NOR-type flash memory includes a memory cell array 10, a row (X) decoder 20, a column gate circuit 30, a column (Y) decoder 40, and sense amplifiers/write drivers (SA/WD) block 50, in general.
The NOR-type memory cell array 10 comprises of plural memory cells coupled to wordlines WL and bitlines BL in a matrix pattern. Each memory cell, as shown in FIG. 2, is constructed of a stacked gate type for example, being made of source and drain regions formed in a P-type semiconductor substrate 2, 3 and 4, a floating gate 6 isolated from the source and drain regions through an oxide film 7 thinner than 100 xc3x85, and a control gate 8 formed over the floating gate 6 with an interlayer oxide film 9 interposed therebetween. The NOR-type flash memory has a multiplicity of bulk regions, isolated from each other, in which the memory cells are formed. Therefore, memory cells in the same bulk region are erased simultaneously in the unit of bulk, so referred to as a xe2x80x9csectorxe2x80x9d that for example covers the storage capacity of 64 Kb.
Returning to FIG. 1, a row decoder 20 selects one of wordlines WL1xcx9cWLi in response to a row address, and a column gate circuit 30 selects a part of bitlines BL1xcx9cBLj in response to column selection signals Y1xcx9cYn provided from a column decoder 40. The selected bitlines are connected to the SA/WD block 50. The column gate circuit 30 is constructed of high-voltage specific NMOS transistors, T11xcx9cTn1, T12xcx9cTn2, . . . , T1mxcx9cTnm, which are connected to the bitlines BL1xcx9cBLj each of which corresponds to a group of the n-numbered transistors. The SA/WD block 50 senses data from a selected memory cell through its corresponding bitline during a read operation while it drives data into a selected memory cell during a program operation.
The following Table 1 shows voltage biasing states for performing relevant operations in the NOR-type flash memory.
Programming a memory cell involves hot electron injection by which a ground voltage (i.e., 0V) is applied to the source and substrate, a high voltage (e.g., +10V) to the control gate, and an appropriate positive voltage (e.g., +5xcx9c6V) to the drain region. The high positive voltage Vg, applied to control gates of memory cell transistors, is supplied from the row decoder 20. The positive voltage to the drain region, Vd, is supplied from the write driver 50 through the column gate circuit 30 in which a positive voltage of +5Vxcx9c+6V is applied to gates of the selected NMOS transistors among T11xcx9cTnm. With the voltage biases, electrons (or negative charges) accumulate in the floating gate, resulting in an elevation of the transistor""s threshold voltage. A programmed memory cell has a threshold voltage of +6Vxcx9c+7V, being detected as an xe2x80x9coff-cellxe2x80x9d when read.
Erasing the memory cells involves the Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling effect. A high (-potential) negative voltage of about xe2x88x9210V is applied to gates of memory cells while an appropriate positive voltage of about +5V biases the substrate (or bulk) of the memory cells. The drain region of the memory cell is in a floating state (or a high-impedance state) in order to maximize an erasing effect. The high negative voltage applied to the control gate of the memory cell is supplied from the row decoder 20. Under the condition of voltage-biasing to erase the memory cells, a strong electric field of 6xcx9c7 MV/cm over the oxide film 7 between the floating gate 6 and the substrate 2 induces the F-N tunneling, thus reducing a threshold voltage of the memory cell. The erased memory cell is detected as an xe2x80x9con-cellxe2x80x9d.
Reading a memory cell to distinguish a current state of the memory cell is achieved by applying an appropriate positive voltage of about +1V to the drain region 4, applying a positive voltage of about +4.5V to the control gate through a selected wordline, and applying 0V to the source region. The drain voltage (Vd) is supplied from the sense amplifier of the SA/WD block 50 through the column gate circuit 30, and the gate voltage (Vg) is supplied from the row decoder 20. If a selected memory cell has been programmed, there is no current flow through the programmed memory cell because its threshold voltage was set higher. Therefore, a voltage on a corresponding bitline increases and the sense amplifier detects the memory cell as an off-cell. On the other hand, if a selected memory cell has been erased, a current flows from the source region to the drain region, and a decreased voltage on a corresponding bitline lets the sense amplifier detect the memory cell as an on-cell.
As a high voltage beyond 5V is applied to the drain region during the program operation, the column gate circuit 30 employs high-voltage specified NMOS transistors (hereinafter, referred to as xe2x80x9cHVNMOS transistorsxe2x80x9d) T11xcx9cTnm in order to transfer the high voltage to the memory cells in full rate. Such a HVNMOS transistor is operative at a higher voltage than a power supply voltage, with a thick gate oxide film by which its threshold voltage is about +3V higher than a normal NMOS transistor having a threshold voltage of +0.5xcx9c+0.7V.
During a read operation, the voltage level around the power supply voltage, e.g., 3xcx9c5V, is established on a gate of the HVNMOS transistor in order to transfer the drain voltage of 1V to the drain region of the selected memory cell. However, if the power supply voltage becomes lower, the current drivability of the HVNMOS transistor degrades and accordingly the reading speed decreases. As a result, high-speed operation of the NOR flash memory device is impeded.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a nonvolatile memory device maintaining higher reading speed for memory cells which using a lower power supply voltage.
Features and advantages of embodiments the invention will be more fully described by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Low-power nonvolatile semiconductor memory device


A portable camping deck comprises a plurality of panels adjacently aligned and coupled via hinges affixed therebetween. A plurality of rollers are affixed about the lateral margins of the plurality of panels and are aligned with a pair of guide rails, the guide rails receiving and housing the rollers. A pair of housings affixed to the undercarriage of a vehicle and in mechanical communication with the guide rails so as to receive the plurality of rollers for collapsible storage of the deck beneath the vehicle.

The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Registration 514,468 filed on Jul. 9, 2002 under 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7122, 37 C.F.R. xc2xa71.14 and MPEP xc2xa71706. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related generally to a portable deck affixed to a mobile camper, and more particular, to a concealable and collapsible deck mounted to a camper or mobile home unit and having collapsible railings.
2. Description of the Related Art
Millions of Americans enjoy camping and traveling as their preferred leisure time activity. Among these avid campers, a great deal choose to do so in recreational vehicles that range in size from small pop-up campers that are designed to be towed behind a car or truck to large motorized RV""s with integral engines. While these vehicles bring their owners to the great outdoors, they often bring them to areas which are uneven, muddy and just generally unacceptable. Even if a site can be found that is covered in lush grass, after a few days of constant walking, it will begin to look worn and become muddy as well. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a suitable floor surface can be provided around a recreational vehicle to permit cooking, eating and entertaining in much the same manner as a deck found on a house.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,537, issued in the name of De Vore, III, discloses a multi-functional trailer comprising a core unit permanently attached to a wheel and axle assembly, wherein the core unit includes a frame with a cargo floor and means for converting to a flatbed configuration, a rigid and enclosed configuration or a tent camper configuration;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,189, issued in the name of Tarver, discloses a transportable modular living quarter having a ceiling, a wall and a floor comprising a planar support member, an upper support member, first anchoring means, and a second anchoring means;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,587, issued in the name of Ingram, discloses a camper shell for a pickup truck having a lumber rack when a covering shell is not installed, wherein the lumber rack is structured so that it may be converted to a full camper shell frame by setting in place several rafter members that are adapted to be removably mounted across the top of the lumber rack frame to define the camper top profile;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,703, issued in the name of Irvine, III, discloses a modular trailer for the storage and transportation of items used with a recreational vehicle comprising a trailer chassis, a hollow body mounted on the chassis, a rear door, a side door, fixed rigid interior walls, at least one modular interior wall and mounting means for interconnecting the interior walls;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,318, issued in the name of Doane et al., discloses a mobile service apparatus having a frame, wherein the frame includes a floor, a roof supported by the frame and overlying the floor, and at least one corner post assembly positioned to maintain the roof space above the floor;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,440, issued in the name of Golding, Sr., discloses a motor vehicle camper comprising a generally rectangular frame corresponding to the planar configuration of the motor vehicle, support means for releasably securing the frame to the vehicle, a first and second compartment assembly, and support means for supporting the frame, the first and second compartments in a freestanding condition when released from the motor vehicle;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,613, issued in the name of Alford, discloses a convertible van having a trailer hitch for towing, a trailer vehicle adapted for towing behind a van having a tow bar, and may be uncoupled from the rear of the van; and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,228, issued in the name of Reed et al., discloses a method and apparatus for temporarily converting campers and the like to water-based units, wherein the apparatus comprises an undercarriage for engaging the bottom of a barge, elevator means attached to the undercarriage for the undercarriage above the water level and means for controlling the elevator;
Consequently, a need has arisen for a solution to this problem that allows for a cost efficient, portable and collapsible deck for a mobile home that may be concealed when not in use.
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a portable camping deck stored along the undercarriage of a recreational vehicle.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a portable camping deck having a plurality of collapsible and folding panels that provide a sturdy and durable recreational deck when deployed, and are easily folded into a storage position after use.
It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable camping deck having a plurality of rollers along the lateral margins of the panels so as to slidably and rotatably engage an elongated sleeves housed along a pair of linearly elongated guide rails.
It is a still a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable camping deck having a pair of storage housings provided with a spring biased lever for directional control and movement of rollers into an upper or lower covering.
It is yet a further feature of the present invention to provide a portable camping deck having telescopically adjustable legs with feet and provide so as to be foldably stored against the underside of the deck or detachably removed for storage.
It is yet a further feature of the present invention to provide optional components, such as a slidably insertable fence about the perimeter of the deck, a canopy affixable to the top of the fence, a gate for ingress and egress to the deck and a set of portable steps for easier ingress and egress to the deck.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable camping deck with collapsible frame is a retractable deck for recreational vehicles or campers. The invention provides a 3-6 foot wide by approximately 8-10 foot long area that allows for outdoor activities without having to rest on the ground. The deck floor is made from a series of panels made from lightweight, synthetic material that is easily cleaned and is not affected by water or adverse weather. It retracts via hinged sections on a pair of rails. The panels fold or collapse on one another. When the deck is fully extended, it is supported by a set of adjustable legs that compensate for varying grade conditions. A flexible meshed or latticed railing, similar in nature to that found on toddler gates, complete with a banister top is then applied to the perimeter of the deck, along with a set of stairs to form a complete deck. The use of the portable camping deck with collapsible frame allows recreational vehicle or camper owners to enjoy outdoor activities on a deck in the same manner and convenience as a backyard residential deck.
The use of the present invention provides users with all of the materials and tools necessary to ensure the ease of assembly and maintenance.
An advantage of the present invention is that it is specifically adapted for personal use because of the light weight components and the use of inexpensive materials.

Portable camper deck with a collapsible frame for storage


An anti-theft apparatus for use in a dispensing machine for newspapers and the like having a coin-operated locking access door. The apparatus includes a cover panel sized to mount within the access opening in the rack. The cover panel restricts access into the dispensing machine is through a T-shaped access opening in the cover panel. Newspapers and the like stacked within the dispensing machine may be grasped through the vertical slot in the T-shaped access opening and raised for removal through the horizontal slot in the opening along the axis of the horizontal slot. A pivoting gauge gate mounted to the cover panel above the T-shaped access opening restricts the thickness of newspapers and the like which may be removed through the hozizontal slot. The gauge gate pivots between an open position wherein newspapers and the like can be removed through the horizontal slot and a closed position wherein access through the horizontal slot is substantially restricted. The relative opening of the gauge gate may be selectively adjusted to accommodate newspapers and the like of varying thicknesses. A locking means operably associated with the gauge gate prevents successive withdrawal of newspapers through the horizontal slot. The locking means includes a reset means for resetting the locking means upon closing of the access door.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of anti-theft devices and, more particularly, to such devices which are used in coin-operated dispensing machines for newspapers and the like to deter pilfering of extra copies therefrom.
One conventionally well known type of coin-operated newspaper dispensing machine has an enclosed storage cabinet for storing a stack of newspapers therein and a coin-operated front opening access door through which the stack of newspapers inside the cabinet may be accessed. Newspaper dispensing machines of this type are highly susceptible to pilfering because once the access door is unlatched by inserting the appropriate amount of coins in the coin mechanism, there is nothing to prevent the operator from removing as many additional newspapers as are stored in the cabinet.
Despite the ease with which standard dispensing machines of the above type may be pilfered, such machines remain in use because, among other reasons, they are relatively simple in design and are therefore (1) dependable in operation, (2) easy for purchasers to operate, and (3) inexpensive to manufacture.
Efforts have been made to design a newspaper dispensing machine which is theft-proof. One such design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,733 to Knickerbocker. This device includes a mechanism for preventing more than one newspaper from being removed from the cabinet at a time and an adjustment mechanism to allow for newspapers of differing thicknesses. An immediate drawback of this device is that it is not well suited for retrofitting conventional dispensing machines already in use. Another drawback of this device is that because the device is apparently designed to eliminate pilfering altogether, it is relatively difficult for a purchaser to manipulate and remove the purchased newspaper from the cabinet. Further, the design is sufficiently complex that access within the cabinet is limited and loading and unloading of the dispensing machine is rendered somewhat burdensome.

Anti-theft device for use in a coin-operated dispensing machine for newspapers and the like


An object of the invention is to provide a surface mounted resonator that improves impact resistance by the shape of a mounting terminal provided on an outside bottom face of a stacked resonator. A surface mounted crystal resonator is provided with a plurality of mounting terminals electrically connected to a hermetically sealed crystal piece at both ends of an outside bottom face having a rectangular shape long in the lengthwise direction, the mounting terminals having the same external dimensions with a total dimension of the mounting terminals in a lengthwise direction of the outside bottom face being 70% or more [but less than 100%] of a dimension in the lengthwise direction of the outside bottom face. Respective facing sides of the mounting terminals facing each other in a central area of the outside bottom face are formed curved in a convex shape such that a curvature thereof decreases gradually.

1. Background of the Invention
The surface mounted resonator, because of its small size and lightweight, is built into, for example, portable electronic devices as a reference source for frequency and time. As one of these surface mounted resonators, there is a stacked resonator with particularly small thickness, and for example, there is a stacked resonator in which both of a vibrating plate and a holding plate are made of crystal, and these are directly bonded (refer to Patent Document 1).
2. Prior Art
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of one conventional example of a stacked resonator, wherein FIG. 5A is a sectional view on arrow A-A in the lengthwise direction of the stacked resonator shown in FIG. 5B, FIG. 5B is a plan view of a vibrating plate 1, and FIG. 5C is a plan view of an outside bottom face 2c of the stacked resonator.
The stacked resonator has a rectangular shape in plan view, for example, with the dimension being 2.0×1.2 mm or 2.0×1.6 mm, and includes the vibrating plate 1 and a first holding plate 2, and a second holding plate 3, which have the same external shape. These are made of crystal with the same cutting angle, and stacked by direct bonding by, for example, siloxane bonding (Si—O—Si). However, the vibrating plate 1 and the first holding plate 2, and the second holding plate 3 are directly bonded beforehand in a state of a crystal wafer (not shown), and then divided into individual stacked resonators.
In the vibrating plate 1, a bottom face of a tuning fork base 1c of a crystal piece 1a having a tuning fork shape is coupled with an outer peripheral frame 1b by a connecting bar 1d. Each surface (both principal surfaces and both side faces) of a pair of tuning fork arms 1e has excitation electrodes forming pairs (not shown), and for example, a lead out terminal (not shown) is extended from one principal surface of the tuning fork base 1c to both lengthwise ends of the tuning fork arms 1e of the crystal piece 1a via, the connecting bar 1d.
The first holding plate 2 and the second holding plate 3 are both formed in a concave shape in cross-section, for example, by etching. The first holding plate 2 has mounting terminals 4a and 4b (for example, two terminals) having a rectangular shape in plan view, along a widthwise direction, on both ends of the outside bottom face (one principal surface) 2c, which is flat. Moreover, the first holding plate 2 is electrically connected to the lead out terminals extended to both ends of the vibrating plate 1, by a through electrode or the like (not shown) provided on the first holding plate 2.
As shown in FIG. 5C, the mounting terminals 4a and 4b each have a dimension L1 in the lengthwise direction of the first holding plate 2, which is 0.6 mm, with a dimension (exposed length) L2 in the lengthwise direction of the first holding plate 2 in a central area (exposed surface of a base material) formed between the mounted terminals 4a and 4b being 0.8 mm. Furthermore these stacked resonators are bonded, as shown in FIG. 5A, to a circuit terminal 6 on a set substrate 5 by a lead-free solder 7, and mounted on a surface 5a of the set substrate 5.


A technique facilitates monitoring of strain related effects along a tubing string, such as a tubing string extending from surface equipment toward a sea floor in a subsea well application. A monitoring module is employed to monitor the strain related effects and may have a tubular structure. The monitoring module also has a reduced wall thickness region constructed to concentrate strain in this reduced wall thickness region. Additionally, the monitoring module comprises at least one sensor mounted to the tubular structure in the reduced wall thickness region for monitoring of strains.

In subsea hydrocarbon well applications, production tubing may be used in a subsea well for communicating produced well fluids from subterranean formations to equipment at the sea floor. Completing a subsea well and installing the production tubing includes lowering production tubing into a marine riser string that extends from a surface platform (e.g. a surface vessel) down to the subsea equipment (e.g. a well tree, a blowout preventer (BOP), and/or other subsea equipment) that defines the sea floor entry point of the well. The marine riser string forms protection for the production tubing and other equipment which is lowered into the subsea well from the platform.
At the sea surface, the top end of the production tubing is connected to (e.g. threaded to) a tubing hanger that follows the production tubing down through the marine riser string. A tubing hanger running tool is connected between the tubing hanger and a landing string, and the landing string is lowered down the marine riser string to position the tubing hanger running tool, tubing hanger, and production tubing in the well so that the tubing hanger lands in, or becomes seated in, the subsea well head. The tubing hanger running tool is hydraulically or mechanically activated to set the tubing hanger in the well tree. The setting of the tubing hanger locks it to the well tree. The tubing hanger running tool may then be remotely unlatched from the tubing hanger and retrieved with the landing string from the platform.