An electrical connection configuration includes an electrical connection element for electrically connecting an electrical assembly accommodated in a housing to an electrical peripheral system disposed outside the housing. The electrical connection element is a flat, flexible conductor-track carrier having electrical conductor tracks integrated therein and is guided into the housing in the vicinity of a housing seal between two housing parts.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an electrical connection configuration including an electrical connection element for connecting an electrical assembly accommodated in a housing, in particular a transmission housing of a motor vehicle, to an electrical peripheral system disposed outside the housing.
In motor vehicle technology, it is often necessary to establish electrical connections to components which are accommodated in a sealed housing. By way of example, in the case of electronically controlled automatic transmissions of passenger cars, a sensor system present in the transmission housing as well as mechanical actuating elements present therein have to be connected to an electrical peripheral system disposed outside the transmission housing. That makes it necessary to lead voltage supply lines, as well as control signal lines in the case of a transmission control unit disposed outside the transmission housing, through a transmission wall into an interior of the transmission. For that purpose, use is made of special transmission connectors which are inserted into holes in the transmission wall. Those connectors have a comparatively complicated configuration since it is necessary for both the connection between the hole and the outer side of the connector and the contact pin fittings integrated in the connector, to be oil-tight.
For some time there has been a trend toward relocating the control electronics for the automatic transmission to a greater and greater extent in the interior of the transmission. In that case, it is no longer necessary to pass the signals supplied by the sensor system of the transmission out of the interior of the transmission. However, an electrical lead-through from the outside into the interior of the transmission cannot be dispensed with in such a structure either. In the case of such "on site" electronics, the problem additionally arises that the control electronics have to be accommodated in their own control-unit housing so that they are protected against the extremely aggressive additives which are added to the transmission oils. That necessitates further electrical bushings, which are generally constructed in the form of oil-tight plug connections on the control-unit housing.
European Patent 0 513 263 B1 describes a fuel injection pump in which electrical conductors in the form of conductor tracks applied on a flexible conductor sheet are guided through a sealing gap between a housing and a housing cover into the interior of the housing. That document relates neither to a transmission housing nor to the case where a plurality of electrical components are present in the housing. Furthermore, the control electronics which are used for the fuel injection pump described in that document are situated outside the sealed housing region.


A package and a method for making the package for mounting a sound system on a motorcycle, which is easily attached and detached from the motorcycle is disclosed. The components of the sound system are generally surrounded by a cushioning filler and enclosed in a housing formed of a durable flexible fabric. The package is attached to the motorcycle by the magnetic force provided by magnets mounted in the bottom of the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improved method for making a package and a package for mounting a sound system on a motorcycle.
2. Background Information
Various arrangements have been provided in the past for mounting radios and tape players on motorcycles. Some of these have included metal enclosures which were intended to be permanently attached to the motorcycle. Such permanently attached metal enclosures were intended to protect the components of the sound system which could include a radio, tape player, and speakers from physical damage and from the adverse effects of the environment. While intended to be permanently attached, such installations, due to their highly visible exposure were more often subject to theft than similar units installed within a locked automobile. A sound system designed for use on a motorcycle would not be as susceptible to theft, or deterioration due to the elements of weather if it could be readily removed from an unattended bike, and just as easily reattached for use. Not only is it desirable that the system be readily attached and detached, but it is also desirable that the system be contained in one package which is as small as possible, and is readily carried by a person to and from the bike. It is further desirable that the package protect the electronic components to the greatest extend possible from damage by bumping of the package and from the road shocks transmitted to the package while mounted on a bike which is traveling a rough road. Further, the components of the package, and the package itself should be readily manufactured and assembled.

Mounting arrangement for motorcycle stereo system


A method of producing an ink-jet recording head using ion milling is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a piezoelectric layer subsequent to an electrode layer on a substrate by using a thin-film deposition technology, forming an energy-generating element for generating energy for ink ejection by etching the electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer simultaneously by ion milling, and removing a fence formed by deposits of mixed fine powders including those etched off the electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer.

The present invention relates to methods of producing an ink-jet recording head, and more particularly to a method of producing an ink-jet head using a thin-film deposition technology such as ion milling.
Conventionally, a wire-driving printer head has been widely used as a printer head. The wire-driving printer head performs printing by driving wires magnetically and pressing the wires against a platen with a paper sheet or an ink ribbon interposed therebetween. The wire-dot printer head, however, has many disadvantages such as large power consumption, noise generation, and low resolution, thus leaving much to be desired as a printer device.
Therefore, a printer employing an ink-jet recording head using piezoelectric elements or air bubbles generated by heat has been developed lately. The ink-jet recording head, which is driven noiselessly with low power consumption and achieves high resolution, has come to the front as a preferred printer device.
The ink-jet recording head basically includes nozzles, ink chambers, an ink supply system, an ink tank, and a pressure-generating part. In a printer using the ink-jet recording head, displacement generated in the pressure-generating part is transmitted to the ink chambers as pressure so that ink particles are sprayed from the nozzles, thereby recording characters or images on a recording medium such as a sheet of paper.
According to the conventional known method, a thin-plate piezoelectric element is attached to one side of the outer wall of an ink chamber as a pressure-generating part. By supplying a pulse-like voltage to the piezoelectric element, a composite plate formed of the piezoelectric element and the outer wall of the ink chamber deflects. Displacement generated by the deflection produces pressure that is applied to the ink chamber, so that ink is sprayed.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an ink-jet recording head 10 and its periphery of a conventional printer 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ink-jet recording head 10, showing the outline of a configuration thereof.
In FIG. 1, the ink-jet recording head 10 is attached to the-lower surface of a carriage 2. The ink-jet recording head 10 is positioned between a feed roller 3 and an eject roller 4 so as to oppose a platen 5. The carriage 2 includes an ink tank 6, and is provided to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the FIG. 1 sheet. A paper sheet 7 is pinched between a pinch roller 8 and the feed roller 3 and further between a pinch roller 9 and the eject roller 4 to be conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow A. The ink-jet recording head 10 is driven and the carriage 2 is moved in the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface so that the ink-jet recording head 10 performs printing on the paper sheet 7. The printed paper sheet 7 is stored in a stacker 20.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ink-jet recording head 10 includes piezoelectric elements 11, individual electrodes 12 formed on the piezoelectric elements 11, a nozzle plate 14 having nozzles 13 formed therein, metal or resin ink chamber walls 17 forming, with the nozzle plate 14, ink chambers 15 corresponding to the nozzles 13, and a diaphragm 16.
The nozzles 13 and the diaphragm 16 are positioned to oppose the ink chambers 15. The periphery of the ink chambers 15 and the corresponding periphery of the diaphragm 16 are firmly connected, and the piezoelectric elements 11 cause the respective corresponding parts of the diaphragm 16 to be displaced as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 2. Voltages are applied to the piezoelectric elements 11 by supplying electrical signals from the main body of the printer to the individual piezoelectric elements 11 through a printed board not shown in the drawing. The piezoelectric elements 11 supplied with the voltages contract or expand to cause pressure in the respective ink chambers 15 so that ink is sprayed. Thereby, printing is performed on the recording medium.
The piezoelectric elements 11 are formed on the above-described conventional ink-jet recording head 10 shown in FIG. 2 by attaching plate-like piezoelectric elements to positions corresponding to the ink chambers 15 or by first attaching a piezoelectric element over the ink chambers 15 and then dividing the piezoelectric element according to the ink chambers 15.
If a thin piezoelectric element (smaller than 50 xcexcm) is employed in the thus produced conventional ink-jet recording head 10 in order to reduce the size thereof, a variation in the thickness of an adhesive agent used for the attachment causes variations in the displacement of the piezoelectric elements so that the characteristic of the ink head is deteriorated. Further, the piezoelectric element of this type has a problem in that a crack is made therein at the time of attachment.
Some inventors of the present invention, together with another inventor, have proposed a method of producing an ink-jet recording head using a thin-film deposition technology in order to eliminate the above-described disadvantage. However, there is still room for improvement in this method.
That is, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a downsized ink-jet recording head of higher accuracy at low cost by making further improvements with respect to a method of producing an ink-jet recording head using a thin-film deposition technology.
The above object of the present invention is achieved by a method of producing an ink-jet recording head, the method including the steps of forming a piezoelectric layer subsequent to an electrode layer on a substrate by using a thin-film deposition technology, forming an energy-generating element for generating energy for ink ejection by etching the electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer simultaneously by ion milling, and removing a fence formed by deposits of mixed fine powders including those etched off the electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer by the ion milling.
In the present invention, an energy-generating element having integrality can be produced since the electrode layer and the piezoelectric layer are etched simultaneously by ion milling.
Further, a large area can be processed by etching by ion milling, and etching anisotropy is high. Accordingly, the shape of the energy-generating element can be designed freely, and its etched section is vertical without formation of unnecessary tapers.
Deposits of mixed fine powders generated by the ion milling are formed on the energy-generating element. However, by the step of removing the deposits, the periphery of the energy-generating element can be planarized before the subsequent production process is performed, so that an ink-jet recording head having a proper energy-generating element can be produced.
In the above-described step of removing the fence, the deposits of the mixed fine powders can be removed by using ion milling.
An ion milling angle herein is preferably greater than that in the step of forming the energy-generating element.
The ion milling angle in the step of removing the fence is smaller by five degrees than xcex8 obtained from the following equation, and the ion milling angle in the step of forming the energy-generating element preferably falls between 0 and 45xc2x0.
The ion milling angle for removing the fence differs depending on an element array space, a pattern resist thickness (wall height), and a pattern opening width, and an optimum ion milling angle is determined based on each dimension. For instance, a maximum angle in emission of argon (Ar) gas is determined by the following equation defined by the depth (from the surface of a resist pattern to a bottom formed after ion milling) and the width of an opening part:
xcex8=arctan (width/depth)
That is, the ion milling angle for removing the fence is set within the range of 0xc2x0 to xcex8 of the above-described equation, preferably between xcex8 (maximum) and xcex8-5xc2x0 approximately. In the ion milling for removing the fence, where etching is performed as in the ion milling for forming the pattern, the bottom part is etched to induce generation of a fence by contrast if the emission angle is set too upright (approximated to 0xc2x0).
CMP or wet etching can be employed in the step of removing the fence.

Method of producing ink-jet recording head


A method is provided for operating a memory device. The method includes counting, from among memory cells, a number of first off-cells with respect to a first reading voltage and a number of second off-cells with respect to a second reading voltage, comparing the number of first off-cells and the number of second off-cells, and determining, based on a result of the comparing, whether a programming error exists in a storage region in which the memory cells are included.

Embodiments of the inventive concept relate to methods of operating a memory device and methods of operating a memory system, and more particularly, to methods of operating a memory device whereby a programming error of the memory device may be detected, and methods of operating a memory system using the method of operating the memory device.
Generally, it is desirable for a memory device to provide reliable storage of data. To this end, after writing data to a memory cell, it may be determined whether the data has been accurately written. Also, when reading data, an error correction method, such as an error check and correction (ECC), may be performed to correct data including an error.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Memory system including a memory device, and methods of operating the memory system and memory device


A handheld work apparatus includes a drive motor (28) to drive a tool and at least one handle (3) as well as at least one anti-vibration element (9) that includes a coil spring (10). The coil spring (10) is operatively connected to the handle (3) at one end and with the drive motor (28) at the other end. The anti-vibration element has a tear-off guard (29) which extends through the anti-vibration element (9). A centering element (21) is arranged on the tear-off guard (29) to avoid, in a simple manner, that the tear-off guard moves radially outwards.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,642 B2 discloses a handheld work apparatus having an anti-vibration element which includes a tear-off guard. A holder of the tear-off guard is held in the slot by a housing part. Fixation by means of a housing part is not always easily possible because, for example, in the case of plastic housing parts the demolding directions must be taken into account. Because the ledge on the housing partially projects into the coil spring, the mounting direction is predefined. Thus, the ledge can be fixed on the housing only in the case of special installation situations.


To provide a system which supplies nitrogen enriched air (NEA) produced by using bleed air as a supply source of the NEA to a fuel tank, and which can further improve the fuel consumption. The present invention employs an NEA supply system 10 that controls a supply in a flow control valve (FCV) 11 so as to obtain a supply flow rate Fs as a value obtained by adding a small margin flow rate Fm to a required amount Fn of nitrogen enriched air required to be supplied to a first fuel tank 15, in at least a part of a descent phase of an aircraft 100. Accordingly, explosion of the first fuel tank 15 can be prevented, and the fuel consumption of an engine 1 can be improved in the descent phase.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system which supplies gas enriched with nitrogen more than air to an aircraft fuel tank.
Description of the Related Art
Since an aircraft fuel tank is filled with vaporized fuel during a flight, it is necessary to prevent explosion of the fuel tank when, for example, the fuel tank is struck by lightning or a short occurs in the wiring. Thus, there has been proposed an explosion-proof system which supplies nitrogen enriched air (referred to as NEA below) having a higher nitrogen concentration and a lower oxygen concentration than air to the fuel tank.
While the air has an oxygen concentration of about 21%, the oxygen concentration of the NEA is set to, for example, 12% or less. To produce the NEA, an air separation module (ASM) that uses a permselective membrane having different permeability coefficients for oxygen molecules and nitrogen molecules is employed. Bleed air from a flight engine is used as a supply source of air to be supplied to the air separation module.
In the explosion-proof system in which the bleed air is used as the supply source of the NEA, it is necessary to increase the amount of bleed air from the engine so as to increase the amount of NEA to be supplied to the fuel tank. In this case, the fuel consumption of the engine is deteriorated. When the supply of the bleed air is increased, the oxygen concentration tends to become higher (the nitrogen concentration tends to become lower) in relation to the separation performance of the air separation module. For example, when the supply is increased to more than that by which an oxygen concentration of 10% is obtained, the oxygen concentration may be increased to 12% even by using the same air separation module.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188 proposes a process for supplying NEA to an aircraft fuel tank.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188 employs the concentration of inert gas in the NEA, and the supply of the NEA to the fuel tank as a target of control. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188, the two control targets are adjusted according to a flight phase from takeoff to landing of the aircraft. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188, the flight phase is divided into a phase from takeoff until entering a descent phase for landing through an ascent phase and a cruising phase (referred to as first phase below), and the descent phase (referred to as second phase below).
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188, a relatively small amount of NEA is supplied in the first phase, and a relatively large amount of NEA is supplied in the second phase. It is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188 that the supply of the NEA to the fuel tank is increased in the second phase so as to compensate for an increase in the atmospheric pressure since the altitude is lowered in the second phase.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188, the concentration of the inert gas (typically, nitrogen gas) is set to a relatively high level of, for example, 98% in the first phase, and to a relatively low level of, for example, 86 to 95% in the second phase. It is described therein that the nitrogen concentration can be reduced in the second phase since the fuel tank contains a large amount of nitrogen gas in the first phase.
In accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,188, it is possible to prevent explosion of the fuel tank while improving the fuel consumption. In aircraft, however, there is always a demand for a decrease in the running costs.
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a system which supplies NEA produced by using bleed air as an NEA supply source to a fuel tank, and which can further improve the fuel consumption.

Nitrogen enriched air supply system and aircraft


A gas purifying apparatus, including: at least one cylindrical ground electrode configured to receive gas flowing therethrough; a discharge electrode disposed centrally within each of the at least one cylindrical ground electrode; and a power supply electrically connected to the discharge electrode and the at least one cylindrical ground electrode so as to produce an electric field and a corona discharge from the discharge electrode to a corresponding cylindrical ground electrode to generate ions and free electrons into the gas to ionise substances in the gas for gas purification, wherein the discharge electrode and the corresponding cylindrical ground electrode form at least one plasma chamber when power from the power supply is applied, and wherein the discharge electrode includes: at least one annular plate having an outer edge extending towards the corresponding cylindrical ground electrode.

Gas purification apparatuses are used to remove contaminants from gases passing through the apparatuses and in atmosphere, and air purification apparatuses are used to remove contaminants from air in a room. Air purification apparatuses can be employed as stand-alone units in a room or can be used, for instance, with respect to a room's ventilation or air-conditioning system. Gas purification apparatuses can be used with respect to electrostatic precipitators to precipitate particles from industrial gas streams. In both apparatuses, different techniques can be employed to remove contaminants from the gas. For example, mechanical filters, including Titanium dioxide coated filters can be used, as well as ultraviolet irradiation and ozone application to the gas. In addition, electronic purification techniques can also be used, such as ionisation.
Ionisation requires the generation of ions and free electrons which then attach to substances and contaminants in the gas to ionise them, and thus purify the gas. For example, in respect of an existing air purification apparatus, high voltage is used to ionise air molecules to generate ions (typically negative ions) and free electrons. In this existing air purifier, ion generation is typically provided with an annular ground electrode and a needle-like discharge electrode disposed centrally within the ground electrode. When high voltage is applied to the needle electrode, a corona discharge occurs and ions are generated from the needle electrode. The ground electrode and needle-like discharge electrode disposed centrally within the ground electrode form a plasma chamber and the region between the needle-like discharge electrode and the ground electrode is a plasma region having an electrical field.
In these existing air purifiers, the needle electrode is delicate and can easily be moved or bent when, say, cleaning the ground electrode or during transportation of the purifiers (or just over time). Cleaning is required on a regular basis due to a build-up of precipitated waste on the needle-like electrode and particularly on the ground electrode. Further, if the needle electrode is bent, the plasma region is no longer uniform and contaminants flowing in the air through the ground electrode into the plasma region can be subjected to lower electrical field intensity and less ions in the area in the region where the distance between the needle electrode and the ground electrode is greater; thus contaminants flowing through this area may not be eliminated. Further, the intensity of the resultant electrical field in the plasma region might not be adequate to cause an irreversible electroporation of microorganisms in the air and therefore cannot destroy certain microorganisms in the air. Indeed, in some existing air purifiers with multiple ones of these plasma chambers, the overall performance of the purifiers may decrease significantly due to an intensity decrease in the electric field in all the plasma chambers if just one of the needle electrodes is bent.
Another problem with these existing air purifiers is that electromagnetic interference (EMI) is generated within the plasma chambers which requires shielding using filters to reflect and absorb the EMI. These filters, however, also increase the resistance against air flow through the plasma chambers and result in an impeded air flow through the air purifiers—thus reducing the air purifiers' efficiency. Also, the increased pressure drop across these existing air purifiers may require a more powerful fan to push air through the air purifier which may also be undesirable.


Methods and systems for presenting interactive content, to members of an audience having visible access to a common display screen, as part of a pre-show that precedes presentation of featured display content. Social network messages are received at a server. Each of the messages originates at, and is received from, one of a plurality of mobile devices executing a client application. The server forwards at least some of the received messages to a projector, which in turn projects the messages to the display screen as posts within a social network “page”. Concurrently, the received messages are transmitted over a wireless local area network to mobile terminals executing the client application. The client application initiates display of the messages within a corresponding social network page. A resource identifier (e.g. HTML link) within a message enables viewing of supplemental content at the discretion and initiative of each individual mobile terminal user.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and method for providing an interactive experience to audiences in a multiple viewer presentation environment such as a movie theater or cinema.
2. Description of the Related Art
Prior to the beginning of a feature presentation (i.e., the movie that members of a theater audience have come to watch), a "pre-show" is commonly provided. A pre-show includes advertising and other display content in the form of slides (also called "fixed stock") that are presented in seriatim to the theater screen by projector technology. The fixed stock is presented when the theater lighting is dimly lit and moviegoers are entering the theater to take their seats during the seating period. Another form of advertising, called "rolling stock", is presented when the lights have been lowered and most of the moviegoers are seated during the pre-feature period. Rolling stock may include such advertising content as trailers for other movies currently featured in the same theater, as well as trailers for upcoming movies from the same studio.
For a variety of reasons, fixed stock has a smaller and less attentive audience than rolling stock. One reason may be the static and repetitive nature of the content. However, the inventors herein have also observed the tendency of members of the audience to find other ways to entertain themselves during the seating period. Mobile terminals such as smart phones and tablets, for example, have become both ubiquitous and capable of supporting a host of interactive, feature-rich applications. Only at the time when presentation of the rolling stock begins, as a transition to the feature presentation, are the lights of the theater lowered and patrons asked to turn off their mobile terminals to avoid disturbing other patrons.
As such, the inventors have further determined that a continuing need exists for systems and methods which better utilize the seating period as a means to gain meaningful and statistically significant consumer insights from and market products and services to members of a movie theater audience.
The inventors herein have further determined that a continuing need exists for systems and methods able to achieve the foregoing ends inside and outside of the group viewing context.

System and method for arranging and presenting interactive preshow sessions to an audience


The method comprising displacing the formed electric arc towards an electrode located in an intermediate position between both main electrodes; a separating the formed electric arc into two secondary electric arcs, a semiconductor switch, normally open, connecting the intermediate electrode to one of the main electrodes; closing the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the secondary electric arc between both electrodes connected by the semiconductor switch; opening the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the other secondary electric arc. The disclosure further relates to a protection method and a protection device, notably a protection device specially designed for applying the method.

It is known how to ensure protection of an electric installation against voltage surges by means of devices including at least one component for protection against voltage surges, in particular one or several varistors and/or one or several spark-gaps. Such devices are currently designated by the term of lightning arrester. For single-phase installations, a varistor can be connected between the phase and the neutral while a spark-gap is connected between the neutral and the ground. For three-phase installations, varistors can be between the different phases and/or between each phase and the neutral and a spark-gap between the neutral and the ground. For electric installations operating with a DC current, for example for installations of photovoltaic generators, resort is also made to varistors and optionally spark-gaps.
The use of a spark-gap as a protective device against voltage surges may pose a problem for dealing with the follow current of the spark-gap. Indeed, because of priming of the spark-gap, a current may continue to flow through the primed spark-gap and this even after the end of the transient voltage surge. This current is sustained by the voltage source of the electric installation to be protected. This current then corresponds to a follow current which is desirably cut off by breaking the arc formed in the spark-gap. This problem of cutting off the follow current is notably posed in the case of an electric installation operating under a DC current such as an installation for photovoltaic generation of electricity.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are related to lightning arresters for which different breaker systems can be used.
For example, in the case when an arc only forms between two electrodes at the end of the life of the varistors, there exist single-use breaker systems including mechanical short-circuiting of the arc and then dealing with the short-circuit current with a fuse.
In another example, a spark-gap can be used as a lightning arrester, arcs are repeatedly formed between the electrodes of the spark-gap, preventing the use of single-use breaker systems which are unsuitable. The cutting-off of arcs which repeatedly form, moreover corresponds to a need for other pieces of equipment for which the purpose is to cut off a current as a result of a fault, or any external action. Multiple-use breaker systems can be used both for pieces of equipment such as contactors, circuit breakers or switches and for lightning arresters with spark-gaps.
The systems disclosed herein are based on enlarging the distance between the electrodes between which the arc forms or on separating the arc into a multiplicity of arcs. In both cases, the cutting-off of the arc is achieved by raising the so-called arc voltage to a sufficiently high value so that the voltage source is no longer capable of maintaining this arc voltage. Thus, when the voltage of the source is high, the multiple-use breaker systems should allow an all the greater enlargement of the distance between the electrodes or an all the greater separation into a multiplicity of arcs. For high operating voltages which may be encountered in photovoltaic installations, for example between 500 and 1,000V or even up to 1,500V because of the DC nature of the current, adaptation of the previous systems to the cutting-off of such voltage levels may lead to significant dimensional constraints. Now lightning arrester devices can be contained in casings said to be "mountable" on a DIN rail. These casings do not exceed a width of 17.5 mm and a length of 92 mm, and are then too small for being able to meet such dimensional constraints.
Therefore there exists a need for a method for cutting off an electric arc with which the bulkiness of the devices applying it, may be less significant.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method for cutting off an electric arc which forms between two main electrodes, the method including displacing the electric arc formed towards an electrode located in an intermediate position between both main electrodes, separating the electric arc formed into two secondary electric arcs between the main electrodes and the intermediate electrode, a semiconductor switch normally open, connecting the intermediate electrode to one of the main electrodes, closing the semiconductor switch for extinguishing the secondary electric arc between both electrodes which are connected by the semiconductor switch, opening the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the other secondary electric arc.
In an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, the method includes a time-out after separation of the arc formed into two second electric arcs in order to prevent an arc from being re-formed between both main electrodes upon closing the semiconductor switch.
In another exemplary embodiment, the method includes a time-out after closing the semiconductor switch in order to prevent the extinguished arc from being re-formed between the intermediate electrode and one of the main electrodes upon opening the semiconductor switch.
In another exemplary embodiment, a method for protecting an electric installation against transient voltage surges is disclosed, the method applying the cutting-off of an electric arc according to the previous cut-off method when a transient voltage surge occurs in the electric installation to be protected causing the formation of a first electric arc between both main electrodes, the main electrodes being connected to the electric installation to be protected.
According to the present disclosure, an exemplary electric installation is connected to a low voltage electricity distribution network.
According to another exemplary embodiment, an electric installation operates under a DC current, such as an installation for photovoltaic generation of electricity.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a protection device for protecting an electric installation against transient voltage surges, including two terminals for connecting the device to the electric installation to be protected, a first main electrode and a second main electrode, each main electrode being connected to respectively one of the connection terminals, an electrode located in an intermediate position between the first main electrode and the second main electrode, a semiconductor switch, normally open, connecting the intermediate electrode to the first main electrode, a circuit for controlling the semiconductor switch, the control circuit being provided in order to successively ensure closing of the switch, and then opening of the switch, after an electric arc formed between the main electrodes has been divided into two arcs via the intermediate electrode.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor switch is an insulated gate bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor with a metal-oxide gate.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the control circuit ensures a time-out between the division of the electric arc into two arcs via the intermediate electrode and the closing of the switch and/or between the closing of the switch and the opening of the switch.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the electrodes are fixed, both main electrodes being positioned facing each other from a first side to a second side and forming a spark-gap; and the intermediate electrode partly extending between both main electrodes from the second side.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a unit for triggering an arc between the main electrodes if a transient voltage surge occurs on the electric installation to be protected, the triggering unit including an electrode for triggering an arc from the first side of the main electrodes.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the intermediate electrode has a wedge-shaped end portion on the side where the intermediate electrode extends between both main electrodes.
According to the present disclosure, the exemplary protection device includes a magnet positioned in order to displace, in the direction from the first side to the second side, an electric arc which forms between the main electrodes of the spark-gap and/or the main electrodes being divergent from the first side to the second side.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the device includes an additional connection terminal and an additional spark-gap formed by two additional electrodes, one of the additional electrodes being connected to the additional terminal and the other one of the additional electrodes being connected to one of the two terminals for connecting the device to the electric installation.
According to an alternative, the device is specially designed for applying the previous method.

Method for cutting off an electric arc, method and device for protecting an installation against voltage surges


A rafter tool and method includes a rafter square portion, a base portion, an extension member, an L-bar and a support bracket. The extension member, such as a string, may be wrapped within the base portion during storage of the rafter tool and can be extended between two points for laying out a rafter board. The square portion may be integrally attached to the base portion and is used for providing angular and distance measurements. The L-bar and support bracket can also be stored within the base portion and are used when laying out rafters. The method includes using a floor surface, a stud wall, or a building to lay out the rafter boards.

The invention relates to roofing tools and, more particularly, to a tool and method for laying out boards for building rafters.
To lay out rafters for constructing a roof involves measuring and cutting boards for common rafters, valley rafters, hip rafters and jack rafters. Each rafter must be cut to the proper length with the correct angles and seat cut.
There are several kinds of tools which may be used to lay out rafters. One such device is a SPEED(copyright) square which includes graduated markings for determining angles and lengths. The SPEED(copyright) square is currently used in combination with a tape measure.
A rafter tool is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,744,332 entitled xe2x80x9cRafter Toolxe2x80x9d. The tool includes a main body having horizontal and vertical arms and a flexible rule. The tool is positioned on a plate member of a building and the flexible rule is pulled to the peak of the building. An aligning arm is clamped in position to define the rafter angle. The tool is then moved to a board and the clamped aligning arm is laid on the board to transfer the size of the angle onto the board. However, the tool does not include graduated markings for noting the degree of the angle when the tool is positioned on the building and the tape rule is cumbersome and difficult to maneuver.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,166 entitled xe2x80x9cDevice for Measuring Lengths and Conforming Anglesxe2x80x9d discloses a tool having telescoping members to measure the distance between the peak of the building and the wall of the building. However, the telescoping members are cumbersome and difficult for one person to maneuver.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,504 entitled xe2x80x9cRafter Tool and Methodxe2x80x9d discloses a rafter tool having a first support bracket which is attachable to a rafter square, a second support bracket, and a guide member for laying out rafter boards.
Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus and method for laying out rafters which includes, and compactly and conveniently stores, all of the necessary components for laying out rafters and which may be used for laying out rafters on a ground surface, on a stud wall, on the roof supports, or in any other convenient location.
A rafter tool includes a square portion having a first edge, a second edge and a third edge. The first edge has a degree scale and the second edge has a measuring scale. A base portion includes an upper support, a lower support, and a center support positioned therebetween. The upper support is attached to the third edge of the square portion. The base portion has a first slot positioned parallel to the center support and extending along the lower support and has at least one second slot positioned perpendicular to the center support and extending through the upper and lower supports. An extension member is positionable about the center support of the base portion during storage of the extension member and extendable from the base portion during use of the rafter tool. The extension member is alignable with the degree scale of the square portion for providing an angular measurement for a rafter board. An L-bar is positionable within the first slot during storage of the L-bar and positionable within the at least one second slot during use of the rafter tool. A support bracket has a first bracket portion, a second bracket portion positioned perpendicular thereto and a plurality of holes therethrough.
A method for laying out rafters includes the steps of measuring a run of a building and measuring a rise of a building, marking the measured run and rise of the building on a first surface, positioning a support bracket in a first position determined by one of the measured run or rise of the building, positioning the rafter tool in a second position determined by the other of the measured run or rise of the building, extending an extension member from the support bracket to the rafter tool, reading an angle on the rafter tool which aligns with the extension member, removing the support bracket and rafter tool from the first and second positions, positioning the support bracket on one edge of the board, adjusting an L-bar attached to the rafter tool to a heel cut depth, sliding the L-bar along the edge of the board until the extension member lines up with the angle read on the rafter tool, marking the board along an edge of the rafter tool for laying out a first cut on the board, measuring a length of the seat cut of the rafter board, and determining the degree of the heel cut and using that same degree for laying out a second cut on the board.


A method of employing a plurality of integrated circuits in a multi-chip module is described. The method comprises steps of identifying a defective programmable logic device implemented on a first die; identifying a functional programmable logic device implemented on a second die; and coupling the defective programmable logic device and the functional programmable logic device. According to an alternate embodiment, a method of employing a plurality of integrated circuits in a multi-chip module comprises steps of configuring a plurality of programmable logic devices on a multi-chip module. A multi-chip integrated circuit package is also described.

A programmable logic device, such as a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is designed to be user-programmable so that users can implement logic designs of their choices. In a typical FPGA, an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) are coupled to programmable input/output blocks (IOBs). The CLBs and IOBs are interconnected by a hierarchy of programmable routing resources. These CLBs, IOBs, and programmable routing resources are customized by loading a configuration bitstream into configuration memory cells of the FPGA. As circuit designs implemented in an FPGA are becoming more complex, the number of CLBs, IOBs, and/or other resources (e.g., multipliers and block RAMs) has increased, as well as the routing resources to make the connections between the various blocks. As a result, the size of FPGA die and the resources fabricated on the die has grown. Because the number of defects is proportional to the area of a die, the probability of having a defect in a die has also increased.
The circuits implemented by different customers using FPGAs are generally unique. In some cases, customer designs may require more than one FPGA. Further, a circuit design may undergo modifications during product development phase. Thus, multiple versions of a circuit may be implemented on an FPGA. If an FPGA contains a single defect (e.g., one of its configuration memory cells is defective), it may render an end product unusable because the design may need to use that defective resource. Accordingly, the problem of low yield has significant economic impact on FPGA manufacturers.
While a gross defect causes failure of an entire FPGA, a localized defect causes failure of small circuitry in the FPGA. In order to avoid problems with customers, an FPGA manufacturer needs to discard an FPGA even if it contains only one defect. It has been found that a majority of large FPGA dies are discarded because of localized defects. Methods have been found to use some of these defective dies, thereby reducing the cost of product of the FPGA manufacturer. In particular, it may be determined that a defect in a given FPGA die will not affect the customer's design, making that given defective die suitable for the customer. For example, a user may program a predetermined circuit design. If the design works, the die would be acceptable to the customer. As a result, customers can take advantage of lower priced FPGAs for specific design patterns. However, some applications of programmable logic devices require that configurable logic blocks of the programmable logic device be reprogrammed. Defective die are typically not suitable for such applications because a defective die which may have been suitable for a predetermined design may not be suitable for a revised design.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved circuit for and method of implementing defective programmable logic devices.

Circuit for and method of implementing programmable logic devices


A rope termination (10) for a rope (19) having a plurality of sub-ropes (21 -32), the rope termination including a connection device having a load pin (12)wherein each of the plurality of sub-ropes (21 -32) is spliced into itself to form a looped end, wherein the looped ends are arranged on the load pin and each of the plurality of sub-ropes (21 -32) is of equal length. The connection device further includes a connector (34) for a rope connection assembly whereby tension is equally transferred between the load pin and each of the plurality of sub-ropes.

Synthetic multi-core ropes are used in a wide variety of fields, but are being increasingly used in the oil and gas industries, due to their strength and versatility. Amongst other tethering applications, multi-core ropes are used in the oil and gas industries to moor offshore facilities and anchor lines to the sea bed.
Multi-core ropes can be made to withstand very heavy loads before breaking, in some cases supporting many thousands of tonnes. The strength of a multi-core rope is derived from its composition, typically being made up of many smaller fibre ropes, known as sub-ropes, that are bundled together so as to run parallel to one another along the length of the rope. Although multi-core ropes are capable of withstanding high loads, their maximum load strength is determined by their weakest point, which is often a termination or connection point. Indeed, in most applications it is essential that a termination and/or connection be employed at some point along the length of the rope for the rope to be of use.
A rope termination for terminating a yarn rope is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,932,697 (Hood) which comprises a frusto-conical body having a tapered peripheral surface and an axial bore. The rope yarns are inserted into the bore at the narrow end of the fitting and divided into two pairs of bundles with each pair being splayed diametrically outwards and returning along the outside of the fitting. The bundles are wrapped helically in opposite directions about the periphery of the main section of the rope for a predetermined distance and secured by means of tape or twine lashing wrapped several times around the ends of the bundles. When tension is applied downwardly to the rope (or upwardly to the fitting), the wrapped bundles cooperate to grip the periphery of the rope to fasten the fitting thereto. The Hood termination is specifically suited to providing a termination point for yarn fibres in a rope where it is desirable to separate the outer fibres from an inner core (such as an electrical cable). Although the Hood termination meets this need, it would not be suitable for providing a termination of a multi-core synthetic rope that would be able to withstand the typical loads encountered in the oil and gas industries.
Another termination is described in WO-A-2005/054710 (Marlow Ropes Limited). The Marlow document describes a termination for use with marine ropes where individual sub-ropes of a rope are spliced onto themselves forming connecting eyes. The sub-ropes are of varying lengths and their connecting eyes are each arranged onto individual load pins that extend between load plates. The load pins are arranged in a staggered arrangement in two rows with respect to the load plates to keep the transverse dimension of the termination relatively compact. The rope termination is arranged such that the load is transmitted from the rope into the plates through the individual load pins. As shown in FIG. 5 of the Marlow document, two such ropes may be connected to one another by a single load plate with load pins.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,960 (Vanasse) discloses a termination for an aramid fibre rope/cable. The termination comprises a threaded coupling provided with an internal sleeve through which the fibres are threaded. However, the fibres are exposed to the environment and are not protected. Also, while the ends of the sleeve over which the fibres are bent are curved, nevertheless, the fibres are distorted at both ends of the sleeve.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved termination for a multi-core rope, wherein the sub-ropes are arranged so that the termination can withstand high tensile forces when compared with prior art terminations. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a termination that can be quickly and easily connected to other terminations or fixtures. It is also an object to provide a termination that offers some protection for the sub-ropes and a mechanically advantageous connection between load pins supporting the sub-ropes and a coupling member of the termination


A tether is disclosed for attaching a drill chuck key to the handle of a motor housing of a cordless drill. A length of elastic tubing defines a notched opening adjacent one end for the inserted reception of a drill chuck key handle leaving the handle unobstructed for insertion into a handle receiving recess provided in the cordless drill. The remaining end segment of the elastic tubing is provided with a similar notched opening for the formation of a looped segment enabling placement about the cordless drill handle or motor housing. A modified form of the tether includes a post structure for adhesive attachment to a cordless drill housing.

The present invention concerns a tether for attaching a drill chuck key to a hand held power drill.
Various arrangements are proposed in the prior art for tethering a tool chuck key to the power supply cord of an electric drill. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,552,694 discloses a tether receiving a drill chuck key at its free end with the remaining tether end secured to the power drill cord. U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,001, issued jointly to the present inventor, discloses a tubular tether for a chuck key with an inserted member in the tube having a deformable portion for gripping engagement with the power cord of an electric drill. U.S. Pat. 4,032,160 discloses a power drill handle defining sockets for insertion of a drill chuck key handle and gear of the key. While such tethering arrangements serve electric drills with power cords, the same are of no use with regard to battery powered drills, termed in the marketplace, cordless drills. As such drills also utilize a tool chuck operated by a key, certain drill manufacturers have provided for key storage by the formation of recesses in the motor housing or handle of the drill. While such positions the chuck key to a convenient manner, the user is still confronted with handling of the small key which presents the risk of accidental dropping of the key or dislodgment of same from its storage receptacle. Known tethering arrangements do not provide unencumbered portions of the key handle to permit key handle insertion into the recess provided in the motor housing or handle to further preclude use of known tether arrangements.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,728,038 shows a key retainer permanently attached to the drill.


A system and method for a security glass system. The system includes a pane of glass and a security film adhered to the glass. A bracket has a glass coupler portion, a gap definer, and a support coupler. The glass coupler is adhered to the security film via an adhesive. The support coupler is adhered to the support via an adhesive. The result is a securement system which can withstand more blows than traditional glass.

Technical Field
The present invention relates to a system and method for installing and securing glass having a security film.
Description of Related Art
Glass is typically the weak point many criminals exploit in order to gain entry into a building or home. Consequently, it is desirable to have a system and method which allows for increased security compared to the prior art.


The invention pertains to a body-side mounting for suspension strut (1, 2, 3) or spring shock absorber of a motor vehicle, with a rubber mount (8) effective between the body and suspension strut, predominantly loaded in shear, which is placed between a mount receptacle (7) formed into the body or parts thereof and a spacer (6) joined to the suspension strut, with the mount receptacle and spacer being adjusted to the dimensions of the rubber mount and receiving the latter in the inward spring deflection direction and radially thereto.. The object of the present invention is to create a body-side mounting of the aforesaid type in which the rubber mount itself, when radial forces are introduced, for example, as a result of full steering lock, guarantees a largely constant spring rate and therefore stable steering response.. The object is achieved by the fact that teeth are provided on the inside of the mount receptacle (region 22) and on the outside of the spacer (region 15), which engage in teeth in the rubber mount (regions 16, 19). The teeth prevent the rubber mount, when radial forces are introduced, from shifting from its loaded side to the unloaded side, which would lead to a degressive change in spring stiffness.

The invention pertains to a body-side mounting for a suspension strut or spring shock absorber of a motor vehicle, with a rubber mount effective between the body and suspension strut, predominantly loaded in shear, which is placed between a mount receptacle formed into the body or parts thereof and a spacer joined to the suspension strut, with the mount receptacle and spacer being adjusted to the dimensions of the rubber mount and receiving the latter in the inward spring deflection direction and radially thereto.
A body-side mounting of this kind, in which, however, the mount located between the mount receptacle and spacer is configured as a rubber-metal mount, is known, for example, from DE-PS No. 30 41 985. The rubber-metal mount consists of a cylindrical inner sheet-metal casing, joined with the shock absorber piston rod or the housing of the suspension strut, possibly with a roller bearing or plain bearing interposed, a rotationally symmetrical and conically shaped outer sheet-metal casing joined to the body and an annular rubber element adhesively vulcanized between the inner and outer sheet-metal casings, predominantly loaded in shear. The outer sheet-metal casing is inserted from below into the mount receptacle matched to its dimensions and is received therein in a form-fitting manner in the spring deflection direction and perpendicularly thereto, while the outer sheet-metal casing is held in the mount receptacle in the outward spring deflection by frictional engagement alone.
The known mounting has proved entirely successful in practice, but has the critical disadvantage that the rubber-metal mount can only be produced with a large outlay in terms of manufacturing and cost. For example, the mount requires both an inner sheet-metal casing and an outer sheet-metal casing, which are to be adjusted to the mounting elements on the body side and on the suspension strut or spring shock absorber side; moreover, the rubber element shaped to correspond to the contour of the inner and outer sheet-metal casings must be adhesively vulcanized to these parts.
DE-GM No. 1,960,990 discloses a body-side mounting for a suspension strut or spring damper of a motor vehicle, in which a simple annular rubber mount is received between a rotationally symmetrical body-side mount receptacle and a spacer, also shaped with rotational symmetry, joined to the suspension strut. Although the rubber mount represents a considerable simplification in design over a rubber-metal mount and thus can also be produced more economically, it displays decisive disadvantages under a load in the radial direction, for example, when the steering is at full lock. For example, a radial load on the rubber mount causes the rubber to shift from the loaded side to the unloaded side, which is accompanied by creep behavior and a degressive spring stiffness, resulting in unstable steering response. Besides this, the creep behavior of the rubber ring results in increased wear on the rubber mount.
To improve the damping properties of the body-side mounting of the suspension strut or spring shock absorber, DE-GM No. 1,960,990 furthermore recommends that the rubber mount be provided, at its contact surface with the body-side mount receptacle, with indentations that gradually come into contact with the mount support as the compression load increases. As a result, the spring constant decreases as the compression load increases, and the transition from a low spring constant with shear load to a higher spring constant with compression load is smoothed out, except, however, that creep behavior by the rubber mount under shear load cannot be prevented.
The object of the present invention is to create a body-side mounting of the aforesaid type in which the rubber mount itself, when radial forces are introduced as a result of full steering lock, guarantees a largely constant spring rate and therefore stable steering response.
The object is achieved by the fact that teeth are provided on the inside of the mount receptacle and on the outside of the spacer, which engage in teeth in the rubber mount.
The configuration of the body-side mounting according to the invention in the region of the mount receptacle, the rubber mount and the spacer causes creep behavior of the rubber to be prevented under all driving conditions of the motor vehicle. For example, when there is a radial load on the rubber mount, because of its form-fitting joints with the mount receptacle and the spacer, the rubber does not shift from the loaded to the unloaded side of the rubber mount; it is thus held in position and guarantees stable steering response along with progressive spring stiffness.
The configuration of the body-side mounting according to the invention in the region of the aforesaid components makes it possible, with reference to the rubber mount, to eliminate the rubber-metal joint, so that the mount can be produced much more economically and there is also a reduction in scrap as compared to a rubber-metal joint. Moreover, the simple configuration of the rubber mount and of the mount receptacle and spacer allows a reduction in costs for production of the parts and thus a decrease in product cost.
Especially good mounting properties, particularly with regard to steering response, can be achieved with the body-side mounting when the motor vehicle has a top-mounted steering system and therefore, because of the overhead attachment point, when greater radial forces can be introduced into the rubber mount. Even in the case of a bottom-mounted mounting, with consequently lower radial forces, the body-side mounting according to the invention is regarded as conditionally necessary.
One especially simple design configuration of the body-side mounting provides for the mount receptacle and spacer to be configured as stamped sheet-metal parts and for the teeth of these parts to be present as depressions and projections in the particular stamped sheet-metal part. They should advantageously extend regularly over the inner circumference of the mount receptacle and the outer circumference of the spacer, respectively, and preferably be located in the regions with which the rubber mount comes into contact when radial forces are introduced.
Additional features of the invention are presented in the description of the figures; note that all individual features and all combinations of individual features are essential to the invention.

Body-side mounting for a suspension strut or spring shock absorber of a motor vehicle


A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first surface serving as an element formation surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a through-via penetrating the semiconductor substrate; an insulating via coating film formed between a sidewall of the through-via and the semiconductor substrate; and an insulating protective film formed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate. The via coating film and the protective film are different insulating films from each other.

The present disclosure relates to semiconductor devices formed by three-dimensionally integrating semiconductor integrated circuits with through-vias and manufacturing methods of the devices.
In recent years, in order to proceed with miniaturization of packages with higher integration, higher function and higher speed of semiconductor integrated circuit devices, the industry has been fully studied three-dimensional packaging techniques of stacking a plurality of chips using through silicon vias. One of the techniques is described in for example, Deniz Sabuncuoglu Tezcan, Fabrice Duval, Ole Luhn, Philippe Soussan, and Bart Swinnen, A New Scaled Through Si Via with Polymer Fill for 3D Wafer Level Packaging, Extended Abstracts of the 2008 International Conference on Solid State Devices and Materials, Tsukuba (Japan), 2008, pp. 52-53. A manufacturing method of a through silicon via according to a conventional example will be described hereinafter with reference to the document.
FIGS. 13A-13F are cross-sectional views illustrating steps of the manufacturing of the through silicon via according to the conventional example.
As shown in FIG. 13A, after bonding an element formation surface of a silicon device wafer (silicon substrate) 101 to a glass carrier 105 with wax 104, polishing is performed from the back surface (an opposite surface to the element formation surface) of the silicon substrate 101 to thin the silicon substrate 101 to a thickness of about 50 μm.
After that, as shown in FIG. 13B, after a resist 106 having a ring-like pattern is formed on the back surface of the silicon substrate 101 by lithography, the silicon substrate 101 is etched using the resist 106 as a mask. This forms a ring-like groove 151 which reaches the interlayer film 102 covering the element formation surface of the silicon substrate 101. FIG. 14 is a top view of the ring-like groove 151.
Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, after removing the resist 106, an insulating polymer 107 is applied onto the back surface of the silicon substrate 101 to fill the ring-like groove 151.
Next, as shown in FIG. 13D, after a resist 108 having an opening over a circular region surrounded by the ring-like groove 151 is formed on the insulating polymer 107 by lithography, the insulating polymer 107 is etched using the resist 108 as a mask. This removes the portion of the insulating polymer 107, which is positioned in the circular region surrounded by the ring-like groove 151.
After that, as shown in FIG. 13E, the portion of the silicon substrate 101, which is positioned in the circular region surrounded by the ring-like groove 151 is removed by dry etching, thereby forming a via hole 152 reaching the interlayer film 102. Then, the interlayer film 102 on the bottom of the via hole 152 is removed by wet etching. This exposes an interconnect 103 formed on the interlayer film 102 covering the element formation surface of the silicon substrate 101.
Next, after removing the resist 108, a seed layer 109 is formed to cover the side surface and the bottom surface of the via hole 152 as shown in FIG. 13F. Then, after forming a resist pattern 110 having an opening in an interconnect formation region, copper plating is performed to fill the via hole 152 with the copper film 111. Finally, although not shown in the figure, a through silicon via electrode is completed by removing the resist pattern 110 and the underlying seed layer 109.
According to the above-described method of the conventional example, the insulating polymer 107, which has a lower dielectric constant and a lower coefficient of elasticity than an insulating film formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), can be formed between the silicon substrate 101 and the through-via (the copper film 111). This reduces parasitic capacitance caused by the through-via. Furthermore, since the insulating polymer 107 serves as a buffer material, stress mismatch caused by a difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the silicon substrate 101 and the through-via (copper film 111) can be reduced.

Semiconductor device having through substrate vias


The particle size of energetic explosive materials is reduced by slurrying the particulate explosive materials in an inert liquid such as water or an aqueous solution, and subjecting the slurry to intense acoustic cavitation from an ultrasonic generator for a short time. The particulate explosive materials are rapidly ground to a small particle size while minimizing the danger of detonation.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to size reduction of particles of explosives. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved method for rapidly and safely grinding explosive materials to a small particle size with reduced variation in particle size distribution.
2. State of the Art
Size reduction of explosive materials has historically been accomplished by either (a) dissolution and recrystallization under carefully controlled conditions, or (b) grinding of the dry explosive. Grinding equipment such as fluid energy mills or jet mills are typically used. These grinders have no moving parts in contact with the material undergoing size reduction. The particles are ground by fluid jets which cause the particles to travel in a "racetrack" course, so that the particle size is reduced by interparticle collision. Alternatively, ball mills or pin mills are used. Nevertheless, the use of fluid-energy mills and other dry grinding methods for explosives is considered to be inherently hazardous. Excessive energy input into a single particle may result in catastrophic detonation. Such high explosives as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) are considered to be too dangerous to be used in the pure form in ammunition. Various desensitizing agents are combined with the explosive materials which enable their use in ammunition and useful detonable products.
Even with insensitive materials such as coal, steam is used as a carrier in production scale fluid-energy mills to minimize the risk of spontaneous combustion and possible explosion.
Wet grinding, i.e. grinding of a slurry of the solid material in an "inert" liquid such as water, is considered to be much less dangerous, because the liquid lubricates the solids and readily absorbs energy.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,239,502 of Lee et al. describes one method currently used for preparing cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) of small particle size, i.e. less than 325 mesh. Crude HMX is diluted with a non-solvent liquid such as water, methanol, ethanol or the like. The resultant slurry is recirculated by passage through a piping system including a pump or pumps, and throttling valves or orifices. The recirculating treatment is conducted for a period of at least 10 (ten) hours to gently grind the HMX particles. A cyclone separator is used to separate the desired fines from the larger particles. The latter are returned to the grinding circuit for additional size reduction. The grinding period is very long, typically about 16 hours, and there is considerable batch to batch variation in mean particle size as well as in the distribution of particle size.
More recently, ultrasonic energy has been proposed for size reduction of coal. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,156,593 Tarpley Jr. describes the size reduction of coal particles for separating contaminants such as pyrite and clay therefrom. Coal is slurried in an aqueous liquid containing a leaching agent and a penetrant/embrittling agent. Fragmentation in the presence of ultrasonic cavitation is facilitated by the natural porosity of coal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,410,423 of Walsh describes the use of ultrasonic energy to enhance the acid dissolution of sodium fluoride and cryolite. Alkaline ore containing the sodium fluoride, cryolite, and insoluble alumina is reduced in particle size by dissolution of the fluoride and cryolite. However, the released alumina particles and carbon particles in the slurry are not reduced in size by the ultrasonic treatment.
Generation of an ultrasonic field in liquids may result in cavitation capable of producing high local pressures, i.e. several tens of thousands of atmospheres. It is believed that the gas bubbles which are created have high internal temperatures as well, e.g. 5000 to 10,000 degrees C. Microscopic flames are known to occur in the liquid, and the ultrasonic treatment has been shown to ionize water, degrade organic compounds, melt metals, and erode solid surfaces. Sonification is also known to significantly increase the detonation rates of explosives.
The high explosives RDX and HMX are known to be particularly sensitive to impact, with impact sensitivities of 0.45 and 0.52 kgm, respectively. When the conditions are such that a gas may be adiabatically compressed, with a rapid increase in temperature, and subsequently collapsed, the sensitivity of the explosive material is known to be enhanced. Such conditions are known to exist, and are in fact desirably created, in liquids subjected to ultrasonic generation.


A system for managing web traffic comprising a meta control operating on a first processor having a first control interface and configured to generate a request for content and to transmit the request for content over a digital data network to a meta control server. The meta control server operating on a second processor and configured to receive the request for content and to select data for one or more second control interfaces as a function of data associated with the first control interface and to transmit the data for the one or more second control interfaces over the digital data network to the first control interface. The first control interface displays the data for the one or more second control interfaces and monitors user activity associated with the data.

Web based applications can direct viewing users to other web based applications and from other web based applications to the web based applications using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) or other procedures. Direction of viewing users thus creates traffic between the web based applications. However, there is very little control over such traffic, as a viewing user of a primary web based application can then navigate to other web based applications after they have left the primary web based application and the viewing user of the secondary web based applications can navigate to the primary web based application and can view the content of the web based applications therein without any control of the traffic directed there between.

System and method for application traffic control


The invention discloses a screen sticker comprising a backside coated release paper and a screen printed label, wherein the screen printed label comprises a removable glue layer, a filler layer, a mesh layer and a frosted glue layer. A method for making the screen sticker comprises the steps of: spreading and flattening the backside coated release paper on a work table; printing the desired pattern on the backside coated release paper; laying the mesh layer on the filler layer and then printing the filler layer on the removable glue layer with the pattern; printing the frosted glue layer on the mesh layer; and cutting the resulting screen sticker. The screen sticker of the invention can be repeatedly cleaned for use.

Stickers belong to adhesive-type dry-gummed paper. Common stickers on the current market are formed by printing various pictures and photos on dry-gummed paper. Such stickers are also popular fashion products for teenagers and young people, which can be adhered to multi-element products such as stationery, cups and bowls, furniture, electrical appliances, metalware, porcelain, motor vehicles or non-motor vehicles, mobile phones, notebooks, game machines, advertising trademarks and industrial indicators, have a wide range of applications, and also are key products in the printing industry. Such stickers are also printed with various kinds of patterns such as cartoon characters, which can be arbitrarily pasted, but the majority of which are disposable. Moreover, such stickers have many varieties.
For existing stickers, only patterns generally need to be torn off and adhered to objects, but the patterns are generally difficult to be removed after being adhered, and such patterns are easily stained, which affects the aesthetic appearance and causes certain pollution to the environment. In view of the current situation, it is therefore urgent to develop a screen sticker and a method for making the same to overcome the disadvantages in the current practical applications.

Screen sticker and method for making the same


An electronic meter for measuring electricity consumption is provided that includes extra functionality without significantly increasing cost or complexity of the meter. The meter includes a capacitor for storing energy during normal operation of the meter. The output voltage of the capacitor is used as the input to an auxiliary power supply that is used to power the meter during a power outage. The auxiliary power supply may provide sufficient power to enable the meter to transmit a power outage signal to alert a utility of the power outage. Service disconnect circuitry is also included within the meter to disconnect or reconnect service to the load when desired. The energy stored on the capacitor can be used to energize a relay within the service disconnect circuitry to open or re-close the line to the load. Thus, the single capacitor is used to provide power to two different meter functions.

Electronic meters for measuring electric power consumption are rapidly replacing the more traditional electromechanical meters. As the focus towards electronic meters grows, so does the desire to minimize the costs of electronic meters. But the desire to minimize costs is juxtaposed with a desire to add functionality.
An electronic meter typically includes a power supply that receives the AC line voltage as its input and provides a lower voltage DC output (e.g., 5 or 12 volts DC) that is used to power the internal electronic components of the meter. The cost of a meter is proportional to the complexity. of its power supply. Therefore, a simpler power supply helps to lower the cost of the meter. When adding functionality to a meter, the ability of the power supply to support the added functionality can be a factor in the complexity of the power supply design. In addition to the complexity of the power supply, the number of other components needed to support the added functionality also influences the pricing of the meter. Clearly, fewer components in a meter results in a less expensive meter.
One added function presently found in some electronic meters is a remote service disconnect capability. This function allows a utility to transmit a signal to the meter to cause the meter to interrupt the AC line voltage to the customer site. When the meter receives such a signal, circuitry within the meter responds by energizing a relay within the meter that opens the line to the customer to interrupt service. In some electronic meters, the relay is powered by a capacitor within the meter that is charged from the AC line voltage so that, when a service disconnect signal is received, the voltage on the capacitor can be used to energize the relay coil.
Another desirable function included in some electronic meters is power outage signaling. Typically, this function is implemented by circuitry within the meter that detects an outage condition by, for example, monitoring the output of the meter power supply, and then transmits a signal to the utility to report the outage. The outage signal may be transmitted in a variety of ways, such as via telephone modem, power line communications, or wireless transmitter. Obviously, because this circuitry is reporting a power outage, some other source of power is needed to power the transmitting circuitry long enough to enable it to report the outage. One solution is to provide a battery within the meter as a back-up power source. But that solution increases the overall complexity and cost of the meter.
Accordingly, there is a need for new ways to provide power within an electronic meter to support added functionality, such as service disconnect and power outage signaling functionalities, without increasing the overall complexity, and hence cost, of a meter. The present invention satisfies this need.

Auxiliary power supply for supplying power to additional functions within a meter


In an interconnect layout 100, the first gate pattern, the second gate pattern, the first dummy pattern, and the second dummy pattern are arranged so that, if a wavelength of a light used to expose the first gate pattern and the second gate pattern is λ, natural numbers are m1, m2, and m3, the first predetermined distance is P1, the second predetermined distance is P2, the third predetermined distance is P3, a design value of the first predetermined distance is P1′, a design value of the second predetermined distance is P2′, and a design value of the third predetermined distance is P3′, then the first predetermined distance satisfies relationships of P1=m1λ and P1′−0.1λ≦P1≦P1′+0.1λ, the second predetermined distance satisfies relationships of P2=m2λ and P2′−0.1λ≦P2≦P2′+0.1λ, and the third predetermined distance satisfies relationships of P3=m3λ and P3′−0.1λ≦P3≦P3′+0.1λ.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an interconnect layout method.
2. Related Art
Recently, following high integration and reduction in size of semiconductor devices, fluctuations in shape of gate patterns during forming the gate patterns has greatly influenced on fluctuations in electric characteristics such as an ON current and a threshold voltage. It is, therefore, required to provide a technique for controlling fluctuations in shape of the gate patterns so as to improve semiconductor device yield by improving the electric characteristics.
As shown in FIG. 4, in a conventional gate layout as disclosed in Japanese Laid-open patent publication No. 1997-311432 (No. H09-311432), a so-called vacant area 9 is present between actual patterns 8a to 8d and actual patterns 8e to 8h employed for interconnects. Due to this, the shape of the actual patterns arranged closer to the vacant area 9 are disadvantageously made thinner.
To solve this disadvantage and control the fluctuations in shape of the gate patterns, a technique for controlling fluctuations in gate length while making optical diffraction and microloading effects constant is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open patent publication No. 2000-112114.
FIG. 5 shows one example of a gate layout method using the technique disclosed in Japanese Laid-open patent publication No. 2000-112114.
In a gate layout 10 shown in FIG. 5, a dummy gate pattern 3 and a dummy gate pattern 4 which is equal in device structure to actual gates but which include no circuitry functions are provided to be separated from a gate pattern 1 and a gate pattern 2. Because of this, a smallest distance p between each gate pattern and each dummy gate pattern is substantially constant except for gate terminal portions and corner portions.
A gate length of each gate pattern is equal to or smaller than 0.5λ/NA, center-to-center distances p between two adjacent patterns of the gate pattern 1 and the gate pattern 2 and the dummy gate pattern 3 and the dummy gate pattern 4 are equal to or smaller than 2λ/NA, and a fluctuation width of the center-to-center distance p is within a range between −10% and +10% of the distance p.


Processes for dehusking psyllium seeds to obtain high yields of high purity psyllium seed husk. These processes comprise milling intact psyllium seeds in a mill which causes the husk to be fragmented by collision under conditions whereby the husk is fractured and separated from the non-husk portion of the psyllium seed without substantial breakage and size reduction of the non-husk portion. Preferred milling utilizes impact speeds within the range of from about 5 m/sec to about 40 m/sec.

The present invention relates to processes for dehusking psyllium seeds. These processes are useful for obtaining high yields of high purity psyllium seed husk.
The seed to be dehusked by the processes of the present invention is psyllium seed from plants of the Plantago genus. Various species such as Plantago lanceolate, P. ruqelii, and P. major are known. Commercial psyllium seed husk is typically obtained from the French (black; Plantago indica), Spanish (P. psyllium) or Indian (blonde; P. ovata) psyllium seeds. Indian (blonde) psyllium seed husk is preferably prepared by the present processes.
Psyllium seed husk is used in high fiber food products and/or health care products for its benefit of normalizing bowel function and laxation. In addition, recent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of psyllium seed husk fiber in reducing human serum cholesterol levels, and in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetics. Observed and anticipated growth in the markets for these psyllium husk-containing products give rise to the need for greater quantities of high purity psyllium husk. Thus, there is a need for processes for obtaining higher yields of high purity psyllium husk that are more efficient than the currently used methods.
Psyllium seed husk is typically manufactured presently by separating the seed husk from the remainder of the seed by slight mechanical pressure, for example by crushing the seeds between rotating plates or rollers. The husk in then typically purified by sieving the mixture to separate the husk from the remainder of the seed parts and/or by blowing (winnowing) the husk away from the impurities. Impurity present in the psyllium husk is predominantly dark particles which are readily visually apparent amongst blond-colored psyllium husk; and are readily perceived as being particularly gritty during ingestion. Subsequent attempts at purifying the psyllium further, for example by sieving, are generally tedious processes which produce low yields of psyllium and/or only moderately improved purity.
Mills suitable for the processes of the present invention are known. Generally, they are characterized as being mills which produce fragmentation (i.e., the "milling") of materials through collision, including particle-particle collision (e.g., fluid energy mills) and/or particle-blunt surface collision (e.g., stud mills; ball mills), rather than having the fragmentation being caused solely by a crushing action or by scissoring, screening, abrading, shearing, or slicing actions.
Such mills have been used to mill a wide variety of materials. For example, materials such as silica gel, tungsten carbide, toner, wax, resin, fat, and mica have been milled in fluidized bed opposed jet mills; and materials such as acetyl salicylic acid, bran, sesame seeds, glucose, grains, and copper oxychloride have been milled in stud mills. Furthermore, selective grinding by fluidized bed opposed jet mills during the processing of foundry sand (to separate water glass bond or resin cement from the sand) and the cleaning of metal alloys (to separate mineral or ceramic contaminants from the main alloy) are known.
An object of the present invention is to provide processes for dehusking psyllium seeds without substantial breakage and size reduction of the non-husk core of the psyllium seed. Such processes are useful for manufacturing high yields of high purity psyllium seed husk from whole psyllium seeds. A further object is to provide processes for removing the psyllium seed husk from whole psyllium seed while avoiding breaking the core of the seed, thereby reducing contamination of the husk with non-husk seed parts (resulting in higher purity due to easier separation of husk and non-husk seed parts). Another object is to provide processes obtaining psyllium husk and non-husk mixtures which are easily separated by density, particle size and/or shape separation methods (e.g., sieving; screening) into husk and non-husk fractions having little contamination by the other fraction's components. It is also an object to provide efficient, low energy processes for manufacturing psyllium seed husk.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description which follows.
All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight unless otherwise specified. Screen mesh sizes used herein are based on U.S. standards.


Systems for inserting and orienting a soft robotic probe into an apparatus and capturing images and methods of using the same are generally disclosed. For example, the system includes a cable, an actuation assembly, and a camera at the tip of the probe. The cable includes an adjustable sheath at an exterior of the cable defined around a probe centerline extending the length of the probe. The adjustable sheath extends and contracts the cable between a first length and a second length different from the first length and is defined within the adjustable sheath. The actuation assembly extends or contracts the cable between the first length and the second length and further adjusts an orientation of the cable, an orientation of the tip of the probe, or both along at least one axis. The camera captures images at least partially around a circumferential direction relative to a camera centerline.

Optical scopes are used as an inspection tool to view inside an apparatus such as a turbomachine or engine. Optical scopes, such as borescopes, include a removable optical adapter tip at an end of the optical scope. The optical adapter is generally suited for various purposes, such as providing a discrete direction of view. The optical scope, including the optical adapter, is ingressed into the apparatus for viewing and assessing internal components.
In order to allow for periodic inspection of internal parts of the engine (e.g., blades, vanes, shrouds, disks, frames, etc.), borescope ports are typically provided in the engine casings and/or frames. Such ports allow optical borescope instruments to be inserted into the core engine to enable a visual inspection of the engine to be performed without requiring disassembly of the engine components. However, once an instrument has been inserted into a borescope port, minimal information is typically available to an inspector regarding the actual position of the instrument within the engine, leading to errors in measurements and reducing the efficiency of performing the visual inspection.
Adding to these inefficiencies, many borescope examinations are controlled physically by the inspector. For example, the inspector inserts and manipulates the borescope to achieve the desired view of the apparatus. This manual control of the borescope can lead to irregular and/or inconsistent images captured during the insertion of the borescope probe, thereby reducing the quality of the borescope inspection. Further, trial and error of the human operator can lead to longer inspection times, increased maintenance costs, loss or damage of the borescope within the apparatus, and/or damage to the apparatus. Additionally, borescope inspection of an engine often must wait for the engine to cool sufficiently from its previous flight. For instance, the engine may be too hot for the human operator, the materials constituting the probe, or both.
As such, there is a need for a system and method of borescope examination that may mitigate borescope insertion trial and error, improve inspection quality, improve inspection time and cost, and mitigate losses and damages to the borescope or surrounding apparatus.


According to one embodiment, an air battery includes a case, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a first nonaqueous electrolyte, a second nonaqueous electrolyte, a solid electrolyte layer and a hole. The first nonaqueous electrolyte is permeated into the positive electrode and includes an ionic liquid. The second nonaqueous electrolyte is permeated into the negative electrode and includes an organic solvent. The solid electrolyte layer is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and has lithium ion conductivity.

Recently, the market of portable information apparatuses such as a portable telephone and an electronic mail terminal has been rapidly expanding. With progress in the miniaturization and in the weight reduction of these portable information apparatuses, the power source of the apparatus is also required to be miniaturized and to be made lighter in weight. A lithium ion secondary battery having a high energy density is used for these portable information apparatuses. Further, there is a need for a battery capable of providing higher capacity.
As for an air battery using oxygen in the air as a positive electrode active material, it is not necessary to integrate the positive electrode active material in the battery. Thus, a higher capacity can be expected. A lithium/oxygen organic electrolyte battery is described in Non Patent Literature 1. The lithium/oxygen organic electrolyte battery comprises a positive electrode containing MnO2 and carbon black, a negative electrode formed of lithium, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte which is immersed in the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator.
Patent Literature 1 suggests that a hydrophobic ionic liquid is used as a nonaqueous electrolyte of a nonaqueous electrolyte air battery. Patent Literature 2 suggests that a solid electrolyte is applied to the nonaqueous electrolyte of the nonaqueous electrolyte air battery.
On the other hand, Non Patent Literature 2 points out a problem that, according to a lithium air battery using an organic electrolyte, the accumulation of Li2O (a solid reaction product) at the positive electrode results in blocking of the pores of the positive electrode, and thus the discharge reaction is terminated. In order to avoid this problem, in the air battery of Non Patent Literature 2, it is suggested that the solid electrolyte is arranged as the separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the organic electrolyte is used for the negative electrode, and a water-based electrolyte is used for the positive electrode.