A method for performing a downhole perforating and fracturing operation from a wellbore (12) positioned within a subterranean formation (18). The method includes locating a perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12), detonating a first perforating gun (28) to create a first discrete fracture initiation site (42) in the formation (18), repositioning the perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12) and detonating a second perforating gun (30) to create a second discrete fracture initiation site (44) in the formation (18). Thereafter, the method also includes pumping a fracture fluid into the wellbore (12) and propagating a single dominant planar fracture (56, 58) from each of the discrete fracture initiation sites (42, 44).

Without limiting the scope of the present invention, its background will be described in relation to reservoir stimulation operations performed from a wellbore that traverses a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation, as an example.
It is well known in the well drilling and completion art that hydraulic fracturing of a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation is sometimes desirable to increase the permeability of the reservoir formation in the production interval or intervals adjacent to the wellbore by performing a stimulation operation. According to conventional practice, a fracture fluid such as water, oil, oil/water emulsion, gelled water, gelled oil, carbon dioxide and nitrogen foams, water/alcohol mixtures or the like is pumped down the work string with sufficient volume and pressure to open the desired fractures in the reservoir formation. In addition, during certain stages of the fracturing operation, the fracture fluid may carry a suitable propping agent, such as sand, gravel or engineered proppants, which are deposited into the fractures and serve the purpose of holding the fractures open following the fracturing operation.
During the fracturing operation, the fracture fluid must be pumped into the formation at a flow rate that is sufficiently high enough to generate the required pressure to fracture the reservoir formation and allow the entrained proppants to enter the fractures and prop the formation structures apart. As such, the proppants in the fractures create highly conductive paths from the reservoir formation to the wellbore. Importantly, the success of the fracturing operation is dependent upon the ability to inject large volumes of hydraulic fracture fluid into desired locations within the reservoir formation at a high pressure and high flow rate.
It has been found, however, that it is difficult to achieve the desired stimulation in certain completions, such as long horizontal completions, due to uncertainty regarding fracture initiation and fracture propagation in the reservoir formation after performing conventional perforating operations. Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved perforating and fracturing method that is operable to create communication tunnels through the casing and into the reservoir formation for fluid production. A need has also arisen for such an improved perforating and fracturing method that is operable to reduce the uncertainty regarding fracture initiation and fracture propagation in the reservoir formation.

Method for generating discrete fracture initiation sites and propagating dominant planar fractures therefrom


A data processing system is used which is provided with a computer for executing a program, and a storage unit having a cache memory for storing data transmitted as a result of execution of the program and a disk device for storing data stored in the cache memory. The storage unit responds to an input of a request for storing data transmitted from the program to store the transmitted data in the cache memory. Next, the storage unit responds to an input of a request for flashing transmitted from the program to store, in the disk device, the data stored in the cache memory.

The present invention relates to a cache control technique for executing a cache flash process of a storage unit having a cache memory at the timing determined externally of the storage unit.
A cache control method is available in which for the purpose of stopping a disk storage unit at the timing that the power supply is interrupted, the contents of a cache memory inside the disk storage unit is forcibly flashed and stored in a magnetic disk or a disk memory device. Such a technique is disclosed in JP-A-10-254780.


An approach for enhancing speech reproduction based on recognizing text segments from sound segments of an audio signal. Enhanced text segments are generated from any text segments whose quality indicators do not reach a threshold level, and enhanced speech segments are synthetized from the enhanced text segments. An enhanced sound is reproduced comprising enhanced sound segments based on the enhanced speech segments.

The present disclosure relates to the information technology field. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the reproduction of speech.
Computing systems are commonly used to output (digital) contents in different formats. Particularly, one of the most effective formats for conveying information to users of the computing systems is speech; for this purpose, most computing systems are provided with devices, such as loudspeakers, for reproducing sounds comprising speeches from corresponding audio signals.
A typical example is a voice call or a conference call that are used to provide a live exchange of sounds among two users or more users, respectively, of corresponding computing systems (referred to as participants) over a telecommunication network, possibly with additional sharing of multimedia contents, such as video, images, data, documents and so on; commonly, each voice/conference call is performed over the Internet (for example, by exploiting VOIP technology), so as to allow the participants to communicate from remote locations that are dispersed geographically. The calls make it possible to discuss topics of common interest in a time and cost effective way (without the need of meeting face-to-face, which generally would require long travels by the participants to reach a common physical location); this has become even more important in the last period, because of the widespread adoption of smart working in many offices.
An effectiveness of each call significantly depends on a quality of the reproduction of the speech of each participant to the call (contained in the corresponding sound that is received by the other participants to the call); indeed integrity and fidelity of the reproduction of the speech is important to ensure that each participant speaking in the call is understood by all the other participants listening to him/her.
However, several factors may adversely affect the reproduction of the speech in the call. For example, noise present in the background wherein each participant is speaking merges with his/her speech into the corresponding sound that is transmitted to the other participants; this noise may hinder the understanding of the content of the speech. Noise reduction techniques may then be used to remove (at least in part) the noise from the sound. Particularly, passive techniques (such as soundproofed rooms) may be used to reduce the generation of noise at the locations of the participants; however, these techniques are very expensive and difficult, if not impossible, to implement in many situations (such as in private contexts). Active techniques may be used to reduce the noise either in the sound that is transmitted or in the sound that is received. For example, it is possible to apply destructive interference techniques to reduce the noise in the sound at the locations of the participants that are speaking and/or filtering techniques to reduce the noise in the sound at the locations of the participants that are listening.
In any case, the quality of the speech that is received may be adversely affected by the performance of the telecommunication network that is used to transmit the corresponding audio signal. Indeed, poor performance of the telecommunication network (for example, low speed, high traffic and so on) generates artifacts that degrade the quality of the speech; for example, the speech may become noisy, distorted, intermittent and so on.

Enhanced reproduction of speech on a computing system

International Business Machines Corporation


A power transmission comprising a drive shaft and a driven shaft connected to each other to be relatively rotatable within a predetermined range. The connection between the two shafts includes a cam member axially slidable on the driven shaft. The driven shaft carries a brake device interlocked with the cam member. When an accelerating force is transmitted from ground wheels to the driven shaft, the cam member slides axially of the driven shaft. This sliding movement causes the brake device to brake the driven shaft.

Conventionally, when an agricultural tractor, a passenger vehicle or the like is running, the wheels and engine are interconnected through a reduction system. When the vehicle travels down an inclined terrain, the engine brake is operable to suppress acceleration of the vehicle by gravity.
FIG. 5 shows a commonly known transmission for a vehicle. This transmission comprises a propelling line for transmitting power from an engine 1 to a running device 3 through a hydraulic clutch 31 and a first transmission gearing 32, and a propelling line for transmitting power from the engine 1 to the running device 3 through a second transmission gearing 33, a one-way clutch 34 and a transmission shaft 35. With this transmission, when the hydraulic clutch 31 is disengaged, the power is changed into a plurality of speeds by the second transmission gearing 33 and transmitted to the running device 3 through the transmission shaft 35. When the hydraulic clutch 31 is engaged, the power is changed into a plurality of speeds by the first transmission gearing 32 for transmission to the running device 3. The first transmission gearing 32 provides higher rotational rates than the second transmission gearing 33. The one-way clutch 34 is mounted in the transmission to enable the different rotational rates. When, for example, the vehicle travels down an inclined terrain with the hydraulic clutch 31 disengaged, an accelerating force due to gravity is transmitted through the running device 3 to the transmission shaft 35. With this transmission, however, the one-way clutch 34, which is constructed to allow the higher rotational rates than those transmitted from the second transmission gearing 33, will allow the transmission shaft 35 to be accelerated by such a force. As a result, the vehicle will be accelerated without limitation. Thus, there is room for improvement from the safety point of view.
Among the transmissions being developed recently is one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,085, which steplessly changes the speed of power with a combination of a cam, a roller, a one-way clutch and the like. As disclosed in the above patent, the one-way clutch is connected in series to a propelling line. Such a transmission, as does the transmission shown in FIG. 5, has room for improvement from the safety point of view since the vehicle will be accelerated while traveling down an inclined terrain.
It is conceivable to provide a transmission mechanism comprising a worm gear between the transmission and running device to prevent acceleration of the running device. However, a transmission having such a worm gear not only entails a substantial power loss during a normal run, but results in enlargement of the transmission per se. This construction too has room for improvement.
It is to be noted that, in a transmission having a worm gear, the worm gear is meshed with a wheel gear, and use is made of the feature that the wheel gear is rotatable by rotation of the worm gear but not vice versa.


A gas-exhausting module structure includes a casing having a first open end and a second open end. An air-exhausting channel is defined within the casing. The air-exhausting channel has an upper opening that is lower than the second open end of the casing. A blower comprising a chamber, an air outlet, and an air inlet is provided. The blower is in communication with the air-exhausting channel. The air inlet of the blower is connected to an air-sucking box. When power of the blower is turned on, it sucks air into the air-exhausting channel and expels high-pressure air through the upper opening of the air-exhausting channel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gas-exhausting module structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gas-exhausting module structure that is suited for a continuous type oven.
2. Description of the Related Art
Surface mount technique (SMT) has improved on many weaknesses in the conventional type of penetrated-hole circuit board, application of such technology has reduced the cubic measurements of a product, increased its density, saved manpower and achieved the precision that could not be performed by manpower, therefore, it is highly commended by the manufacturing industry, many peripheral equipment have been introduced since, such as surface adhering components, positioning machine, spot welder, soldering furnace, etc.
A continuous type oven is designed to achieve welding purposes by heating the SMD component pins, solder and working piece with a heater. A conventional type of continuous heating oven involves a proper conveyance unit, which serves to convey a printed circuit board (PCB) through the heater in the machine unit to enable welding operations.
In operation, the continuous type oven generates gaseous byproducts that may cause harm to human beings. To comply with the environmental codes, a proper gas-exhausting device is usually needed. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating a prior art continuous type oven equipped with a gas-exhausting device. The gas-exhausting device comprises a vertical exhaust pipe 10a having one end in communication with the gas-generating area (not shown) to expel process gas generated by the heater through the exhaust pipe 10a. An air conveying tube 20a is installed within the exhaust pipe 10a. The air conveying tube 20a has one end connected to an air compressor (not shown) for providing high-pressure air to the air conveying tube 20a. The high-pressure air jetting out from the other end of the air conveying tube 20a carries gas away due to siphon effects.
However, according to the above-mentioned gas-exhausting device, flux residues condense and drop on the substrates while gas passes through the exhaust pipe 10a. The flux residues might cause substrate damages. Sometimes, condensed residues adhere to the sidewalls of the exhaust pipe 10a and inner sidewalls of the air conveying tube 20a, and eventually clogging the air exhausting system. Furthermore, the prior art gas-exhausting device needs a costly air compressor to provide high-pressure air.
Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide an improved gas-exhausting module structure. A separated air channel is disposed inside a casing. When gas passes through the channel, gas residues will not adhere to sidewalls of the channel. Also, the channel has an upper opening with large cross section area, thereby eliminating clogging problems. An air compressor is omitted to save cost.
It is another object of the present invention is to provide an improved gas-exhausting module structure having a casing and a gas residue collecting channel disposed at a lower portion of the casing.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a gas-exhausting module structure is provided. The gas-exhausting module structure includes a casing having a first open end and a second open end. An air-exhausting channel is defined within the casing. The air-exhausting channel has an upper opening that is lower than the second open end of the casing. A blower comprising a chamber, an air outlet, and an air inlet is provided. The blower is in communication with the air-exhausting channel. The air inlet of the blower is connected to an air-sucking box. When power of the blower is turned on, it sucks air into the air-exhausting channel and expels high-pressure air through the upper opening of the air-exhausting channel.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more clearly and readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Gas-exhausting module structure suited for a continuous type oven


A router is provided. The router includes a primary interface, a backup interface, a processor, and a memory. The primary interface and backup interface may be used to communicate with a network switch. The router may be configured to determine whether the primary interface is stable. The primary interface is stable when the primary interface may be used to exchange information with a network switch over a primary network segment. The router may be configured to activate the primary interface when the primary interface is determined to be stable. The router may also be configured to activate the backup interface when the primary interface is determined to be not stable. The backup interface may be activated for the exchange of information with the network switch.

Communication networks may include network switches. A network switch connects a communication device with a network router or other communication device. A transmission line, such as a copper cable or an optical fiber, may be used to transmit data between the network switch and the network router. The transmission line may be coupled with an interface of the network router. The interface may become inactive, for example, when the transmission line is disconnected from the network router or network switch. When the interface is inactive, the network switch is unable to communicate with the network router. Accordingly, the communication device, which uses the network switch to communicate with the network router, is unable to communicate with the network router or the other networks connected to the network router.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Failover and failback of communication between a router and a network switch


Disclosed are an apparatus for correcting an error of acquired data and a method thereof. The method includes determining whether states of at least one circuit breaker and at least one disconnecting switch included in at least one station are consistent with each other based on data received from at least one remote control apparatus including the at least one station; assigning a weight to a corresponding circuit breaker and a corresponding disconnecting switch and the station including the corresponding circuit breaker and the corresponding disconnecting switch when the determination result represents that the states of the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switch are inconsistent with each other; creating alarm information notifying a malfunction of the corresponding circuit breaker and the corresponding disconnecting switch when an accumulated weight value is equal to or greater than a preset reference weight value; and outputting an alarm corresponding to the alarm information.

The embodiment relates to an apparatus and a method for correcting an error of acquired data, and more particularly, to an apparatus which identifies whether an error occurs in data received from a field in an energy management system and corrects the error and a method thereof.
A data acquisition system has been used in various operation systems such as an energy management system, a distribution automation system and a railway system through SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), AMI (Advance Metering Infrastructure) or RTU (Remote Terminal Unit).
The data acquisition system is an operation system which may perform data formation about a real situation and stores the data in a database and may provide visual data and various analysis results to an administrator.
Topology may be constructed by using the data acquired through the data acquisition system and a link may be constructed between equipment. If an error occurs in the link between equipment, a correction for the error is performed.
According to the related art, an inconsistency inspection for a circuit breaker and a disconnecting switch is performed to correct an error in the acquired data. At this time, in the case of the energy management system, there is serious problem because about 60 thousand circuit breakers and disconnecting switches must be inspected. For this reason, circuit breakers and disconnecting switches are arbitrarily selected and the inspection for the selected circuit breakers and disconnecting switches are performed. Therefore, it is difficult to stably operate the system and to ensure the reliability of the system.

Apparatus and method for correcting error of acquired data


A controller controls a fluid pump to deliver primary fluid from a first source at a desired rate through a respective conduit to a recipient. The controller monitors a volume of the primary fluid injected into the conduit. Subsequent to injecting a predetermined amount of the primary fluid into the conduit, the controller i) discontinues injection of the primary fluid into the conduit and ii) injects a secondary fluid through the conduit to advance a remaining portion of the primary fluid in the conduit to the recipient. The controller advances the secondary fluid into the conduit until a desired amount of the primary fluid is delivered trough the conduit to the recipient. Injection of the secondary fluid to push the remaining portion of the primary fluid reduces waste associated with the primary fluid.

Conventional techniques of delivering fluid to a recipient can include drawing fluid from a fluid source into a chamber of a fluid pump. After the chamber is filled, a respective fluid delivery system applies a pressure to the chamber causing the fluid in the chamber to be delivered to a corresponding patient. The rate at which the fluid is delivered to the recipient may vary depending upon the magnitude of pressure applied to the chamber. Eventually, after applying pressure to the chamber for a sufficient amount of time, all of the fluid in the chamber is delivered to the recipient.
Typically, a conduit through which fluid is delivered to a recipient must be primed to deliver fluid to the recipient. For example, a conduit may initially be filled with a gas such as air. Pumping the fluid into the tube primes the tube, displacing any air in the tube with the fluid to be dispensed.
After the conduit is primed with fluid, the fluid pump automatically pumps fluid from a corresponding source container through the conduit to the recipient. When the pump is stopped, either manually or programmatically, there is some volume of fluid left in the conduit between the pump and the recipient that is typically either not delivered or delivered at an incorrect rate.

Injecting a supplemental fluid in a conduit to deliver a primary fluid


A display device which includes a plurality of adjacent gate lines and drain lines disposed in a display area of the display device, and a plurality of pixels disposed in the display area, each of the plurality of pixels having a switching element coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of adjacent gate lines and a corresponding one of the plurality of drain lines. During one frame period, the plurality of adjacent gate lines are selected, and thereby video signals are written into the plurality of pixels via the plurality of drain lines, and thereafter during the one frame period, the plurality of adjacent gate lines are selected, and thereby signals corresponding to blanking data are written into the plurality of pixels.

This invention relates to a liquid crystal display device driven by a switching element using amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon or the like for each pixel, an electroluminescent-type display device, and a display device provided with a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and the like for each pixel. In particular, this invention relates to a display device that performs blanking processing.
Liquid crystal display devices have been widely used as display devices that retain light emitted from each of a plurality of pixels in a desired amount within a predetermined period of time (e.g., a period of time corresponding to 1 frame period) on the basis of video data inputted for each 1 frame period. In the liquid crystal display device of active matrix scheme, each of a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional form or in a matrix form is provided with a pixel electrode and a switching element (e.g., a thin film transistor) for supplying a video signal to the pixel electrode. The video signal is supplied from one of a plurality of data lines (also called video signal lines) extending in the longitudinal direction of a picture, for example, to a pixel electrode through the switching element. The switching element receives scanning signals at predetermined intervals (e.g., for each frame period) from one of a plurality of gate lines (also called scanning signal lines) intersecting the plurality of data lines and extending (e.g., in a horizontal direction in a picture) and supplies a video signal from one of the plurality of data lines to a pixel electrode. Accordingly, the switching element keeps the pixel electrode at a potential based on the video signal supplied to this pixel electrode in response to the previous scanning signal until it receives the next scanning signal, so that the pixel provided with this pixel electrode is maintained at a desired brightness level.
Such an operation stands in contrast to an impulse emission operation of a cathode-ray tube represented by a Braun tube where a phosphor arranged for each pixel is caused to emit light at the instant of receiving the video signal. Unlike the impulse light emission, the video displaying operation of the active matrix type liquid crystal display device as described above is also called sometimes hold-type light emission. In addition, such video display as performed by the active matrix type liquid crystal display device is also employed in the electroluminescent type (abbreviated as EL type) or a light emission diode array type display device and those operations can be described by replacing the aforesaid voltage control of the pixel electrode with the control of carrier injection to the electroluminescent element or the light emission diode.
Since the display device using such a hold-type light emission displays an image by retaining a brightness level of each of the pixels within a predetermined period of time to display the image, when the image to be displayed by the display device is replaced with a different image, for example, between a pair of the successive aforesaid frame periods, the pixel sometimes does not provide a sufficient response. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that the pixel set to a predetermined brightness level in a certain frame period (e.g., a first frame period) keeps the brightness level associated with the previous frame period (the first frame period) in the next frame period (e.g., a second frame period) subsequent to the first frame period until the brightness level associated with the second frame period is set. In addition, this phenomenon can also be explained by the so-called hysteresis of the image signal in each of the pixels, in which part of the image signal (or an amount of electric charge corresponding to the image signal) sent to the pixel in the aforesaid certain frame period (the first frame period) interferes with the image signal (or an amount of electric charge corresponding to the image signal) to be sent to the pixel in the aforesaid next frame period (the second frame period). The technology for resolving such a problem as above in regard to the response performance of the image display in the display device using the hold-type light emission has been disclosed by Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 06-016223 and 07-044670, and Japanese Patent Laid-open Nos. 05-073005 and 11-109921, for example.
Among them, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-109921 makes a reference to the so-called blurring phenomenon in which a contour of an object becomes vague as compared with that of a cathode ray tube for light emitting the pixel in an impulse manner when moving images are reproduced by the liquid crystal display device (one example of the display device using the hold-type light emission). To obviate the blurring phenomenon, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 11-109921 discloses the liquid crystal display device in which a pixel array (a group of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional manner) in a liquid crystal display panel is divided into two, upper and lower, segments in a picture (an image display area) and each of the divided pixel arrays is provided with a data line drive circuit. This liquid crystal display device performs the so-called dual scanning operation in which a video signal is supplied from the data line drive circuits arranged the respective pixel arrays while selecting a gate line of each of the upper and lower pixel arrays one by one, i.e. two, upper and lower, gate lines in total.
An upper phase and a lower phase are displaced while this dual scanning operation is being carried out in 1 frame period, a signal (the so-called video signal) corresponding to a displayed image at one phase and a signal of blanking image (e.g., a black image) at the other phase are inputted from the associated data line drive circuits to the pixel array. Accordingly, a period in which the image is displayed and a period in which a blanking display is carried out are given to both upper and lower pixel arrays in 1 frame period, whereby a period for holding an image in the entire picture area is shortened. With such an arrangement, the liquid crystal display device can also provide moving image display performance comparable to that of a Braun tube.

Display device having improved drive circuit and method of driving same


A semiconductor module (10A) according to one embodiment includes: vertical first and second transistor chips (12A, 12B), wherein a second main electrode pad (20) formed on a back surface of the first transistor chip is mounted on and connected to a first wiring pattern (74) on the substrate, a first control electrode pad (16) formed together with a first main electrode pad on a front surface of the first transistor chip is electrically connected to a second wiring pattern (76) on the substrate, third main electrode pad (18) formed together with a second control electrode pad on a front surface of the second transistor is mounted on and connected to the first wiring pattern, and the second control electrode pad (16) formed on a back surface of the second transistor chip is electrically connected to a third wiring pattern.

As a semiconductor module, a power converter such as an inverter has been known (see Patent Literature 1). In the semiconductor module used for the power converter, a transistor chip as an upper arm switch in the inverter and a transistor chip as a lower arm switch are mounted to be connected together in series on a substrate. The transistor chip includes a vertical transistor chip having a gate electrode pad (control electrode pad) and a source electrode pad (first main electrode pad) on a front surface and having a drain electrode pad (second main electrode pad) on a back surface (for example, Patent Literature 2).


The present disclosure provides a die assembly. The die assembly includes a first die, a second die and a third die stacked together. The first die includes a plurality of first metal lines facing a plurality of second metal lines of the second die, and a second substrate beneath the second metal lines faces a plurality of third metal lines of the third die. The die assembly further includes at least one first plug, a first redistribution layer and a second redistribution layer. The first plug penetrates through the second substrate to connect to at least one of the second metal lines. A first redistribution layer physically connects at least one of the first metal lines to at least one of the second metal lines, and a second redistribution layer physically connects at least one of the third metal lines to the first plug.

As integrated circuit technologies continue to advance, ongoing efforts are made to increase performance and density. One approach explored by designers to realize such benefits is the implementation of stacked three-dimensional integrated circuits. Some areas where three-dimensional integrated circuits are suitable for consideration include stacking of two of more chips that are fabricated using the same or different fabrication processes to reduce the footprint of the integrated circuit system.
This Discussion of the Background section is provided for background information only. The statements in this Discussion of the Background are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this Discussion of the Background section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this Discussion of the Background section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this Discussion of the Background section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

Die assembly and method of manufacturing the same


A double sided-double heat exchanger core includes a plurality of sets of fluid passageways separated by a plurality of xe2x80x9cSxe2x80x9d shaped thermally conductive walls. Each set includes a plurality of fluid passageways. Each thermally conductive wall is configured to separate fluid flow between adjacent sets and configured to separate fluid flow between fluid passageways of one of the adjacent sets. The heat exchanger core is configured to provide segregated fluid flow between adjacent sets of fluid passageways. This heat exchanger core is particularly applicable for cooling equipment cabinets, wherein the air used to cool the equipment is recirculated through a plurality of sets and ambient air flows through interlaced sets to cool the recirculated air.

The present invention relates to heat exchangers and more specifically to heat exchanger core configurations.
Improvements in the design and construction of electronics, telecommunications, and optical fiber equipment and systems, have resulted in power densities and temperatures of these equipment and systems to increase. As known to those skilled in the art, typically, as the temperature of the equipment increases, the performance of the equipment, and the system of which the equipment is a part, degrades. As a result thereof, ways to cool the equipment and systems have been sought.
Examples of attempts to cool equipment housed within an equipment enclosure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,218, issued to Blanchard, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,740, issued to Flores, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,376, issued to Hendrix; U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,743, issued to Sakiura et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,988, issued to Mistry, et al. Common among these patents, is the construction of a heat exchanger or heat exchanging system directly within the enclosure, for the purpose of drawing and/or passing ambient air from outside the equipment enclosure through the enclosure for the purpose of cooling the equipment housed therein. Heat is exchanged through the use of structures that are relatively complicated in construction, and which increase the size, and necessarily the expense, of the enclosure in order to house the telecommunications or electronics equipment and the heat exchange system. Furthermore, these heat exchangers can not meet the demands of today""s high density equipment and systems. Thus, a need exists for a heat exchanger, and particularly a heat exchanger core, that can meet the demands of today""s modern equipment, without complicating the heat exchanger core""s construction, and without overly increasing the size and expense of the heat exchanger core.
A heat exchanger core includes a plurality of sets of fluid passageways extending from a first end of the heat exchanger core to a second end of the heat exchanger core. Each set includes a plurality of fluid passageways. At least one thermally conductive wall extends from the first end of the heat exchanger core to the second end of the heat exchanger core. Each thermally conductive wall is positioned between adjacent sets of fluid passageways. Each thermally conductive wall is configured to separate fluid flow between adjacent sets and configured to separate fluid flow between fluid passageways of one of the adjacent sets. Adjacent thermally conductive walls are configured to separate fluid flow between fluid passageways of a set positioned between the adjacent walls. The heat exchanger core is configured to provide segregated fluid flow between adjacent sets of fluid passageways between the first end and the second end of the heat exchanger core.


A brace and hinge apparatus having upper and lower brace members and a hinge, with a female half and a male half, attached to these upper and lower brace members. The female half contains an inner bearing surface and the male half contains a locking device for locking dowels against the inner bearing surface of the female half and, thereby, the brace members in one, locked, direction and allowing unlimited movement in another, free, direction. A lock release is provided for allowing movement in the locked direction when desired. Further, a tensioner is provided for providing constant tension to the upper and lower brace members in the free moving direction thereby providing constant therapeutic affect when in use. Additionally, a brake is provided to lock the device against movement in the free direction and to relieve the tension from the tensioner when so desired. Additionally, a stop device is included to prevent hyperextension of a joint to which the brace and hinge is attached by preventing movement beyond a certain degree.

This invention relates to an improved brace and hinge apparatus and method for maintaining advances obtained through therapy and the like. In particular the device relates to hinges and braces for use in orthopedic appliances.
A wide variety of braces and hinges for use in orthopedic appliances have been known in the art for quite some time. For example, most hinge and brace devices in the art are directed to orthotic devices with some manner of locking hinges. Some are adapted to provide pivoting between brace members only in a certain range of movement. An example of such a limited range of movement device is disclosed in Bledsoe, U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,588, which utilizes a hinge mechanism which has a single adjustment dial that cooperates with a pair of stop members to selectively limit the relative pivotal movement between the thigh and calf support members associated with the hinge. A restraining strap is used to inhibit extension of the leg beyond the hinge established extension limit angle of the brace. Another such example of a limited range of motion hinge is Kausek et al., U.S. Pat. No 4,732,143, which uses spaced-apart pivotal connections with intermeshing gear teeth. Brace and hinge devices are also known in the art that are adapted to lock in one direction but allow free movement in the opposite direction. DiGeorge, U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,804, uses a ratchet wheel and a pair of rotatable pawls which are selectively manually operable by a user to effectively control the direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel, as well as to lock the ratchet wheel and the brace against further rotation or relative pivotal movement. Pansiera, U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,472, is another example of a hinge that locks in one direction and is free to move in another direction. The hinge in that device includes a rotatable, substantially circular, double-tooth pawl which is slidably encased in a cylindrical housing. There is also provided a ratchet with a plurality of teeth and a means for selectively engaging the pawl in the ratchet for extension only use or not.
A drawback to the brace and hinge devices known in the art is that they are limited in their adjustability by the size of the teeth in the ratchets that are used. That is, they are not infinitely adjustable because of the space the teeth must take up in order to provide a discreet locking position for the hinge. A further drawback is that there is no provision in the prior art for a means for providing a continuous therapy action through the brace. Thus, there is a need in the art for providing a brace and hinge device which is infinitely adjustable and which provides for continuing therapy as desired. It, therefore, is an object of this invention to provide an improved brace and hinge apparatus and method, such as for orthopedic appliances, for infinite incremental adjustment of the hinge and for providing continuous therapeutic action when desired, among other things.


A base station (103) assigns a set of mobile stations (101) to a group wherein the group will share a set of radio resources (710). A shared control channel information element (501) is sent to the group of mobile stations (101) and provides a bitmap having fields for group ordering (511), resource allocations (530), failure handling resources (540), and an ordering pattern (513). If a mobile station fails to decode the shared control channel information element (501) it will access the failure handling resources in order to receive data. The failure handling channel may be persistent in some embodiments, or may be released after the mobile station is once again able to decode the shared control channel information element (501) and thereby share in the shared resource pool allocated to its mobile station group.

Wireless communications systems, for example packet based communications systems, may provide voice telephony using the Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP). Any historical demarcation between "data" and "voice" has become blurred in packet based communications systems such that the term "data" usually signifies payload information for any service, whether voice, or data such as may be provided by downloading from the Internet.
Differences remain however, in that voice will generally employ smaller packet sizes, for example due to delay sensitivity, than would traditional so-called data. For, example a non-voice data packet may be larger than a kilo-byte while a voice packet may be only approximately 15 to 50 bytes depending upon the vocoder rate employed.
Because of the smaller packet sizes utilized by voice sessions, a greatly increased number of voice users may be served thereby placing a burden on the control mechanisms and resources of the communications system.
For example, multiple voice users may form a group that shares a common control channel for allocating specific time-frequency resources, that is, traffic resources, to the multiple users. However, there is a possibility that some users in the group may not receive, or be able to correctly decode, the control channel information due to various reasons such as radio shadowing or fading. A possible solution may involve providing temporary, but specific control resources to a user that has not received a previously transmitted control message. However, such control resources require additional processing and transmission and therefore consumes even more resources which would have been available for voice traffic thus further burdening the network.
Thus, there is a need for handling mobile stations that have failed to receive a control message, without significantly increasing the overhead of the communication system.

Apparatus and method for handling control channel reception/decoding failure in a wireless VoIP communication system


An image forming apparatus, which includes a photoreceptor having a substrate whose surface having been subjected to a surface processing with a cutting tool, and a photosensitive layer formed on the substrate; an exposure device for exposing an image on the photoreceptor to form a latent image, having a light source for emitting a light beam, and carrying out exposure in a manner of dot arrangement through a main scanning by the deflection of the light beam and a sub-scanning by a movement of the photoreceptor; a developing device; and a transfer device. The apparatus is characterized in that the exposure device carries out scanning exposure with a spatial frequency of dot arrangement pitch of not less than 4 dots/mm in the main scanning direction, and surface roughness Rz of the substrate in the main scanning direction is not greater than 1.5 xcexcm.

This invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and in particular, to a photoreceptor for use in an image forming apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof.
In a digital image forming apparatus, an image is formed through the processes of dot exposure by means of a laser, an array of light emitting diodes (LED""s), or the like, and development. On the other hand, a photoreceptor as an image carrying member is composed of a substrate made of metal such as aluminum and a photosensitive layer; however, there is a problem that, in exposure, it occurs an interference phenomenon between light reflected by the surface of the image carrying member and light reflected by the surface of the substrate, to influence image quality.
In an image forming apparatus capable of forming a multi-color image, generally speaking, by means of a cylindrical or belt-shaped image carrying member which is being rotated (moved), charging, exposure, and development are carried out for each of the colors, the component color toner images are successively superposed on the image carrying member, and the superposed color toner images are transferred onto a transfer paper sheet by one-time transfer operation, to form a multi-color image.
The exposure is carried out by the scanning of the surface of the image carrying member by a laser beam; in the case of a cylindrical image carrying member, it is formed of a cylindrical metallic substrate (mainly aluminum is used) coated with a photosensitive layer (an OPC, for example). However, the thickness of the photosensitive layer fluctuates with the surface state of the substrate fluctuating, and interference fringes (moire) caused by the laser beam reflected by the surface of the photosensitive layer and the laser beam reflected by the surface of the substrate are generated, to bring about defects in an image formed.
For a countermeasure of the above-mentioned problem, to roughen the surface of the substrate, to provide a subbing layer containing fine particles between the substrate and the photosensitive layer, etc. are considered.
It has been known as one of the above-mentioned countermeasures a method to apply cut working to the surface of the substrate with a cutting tool. By this method, caused by the feed pitch of the cutting tool, linear surface inequalities (linear projections and concavities) having a definite size are formed with a definite pitch in a definite direction on the surface of the substrate.
On the other hand, as regards the dot arrangement for image formation, a method of error diffusion is generally used; but in recent years, it has been put into practice to adopt an arrangement method in which dots are arranged with a definite pitch in one direction. By this dot arrangement, it is possible to make a dot image have a sufficient gradation.
However, in cases where linear surface inequalities having a definite size are formed with a definite pitch in a definite direction as described in the above, and an image is formed, using an arrangement method in which dots are arranged with a definite pitch in one direction, on an image carrying member having a substrate with its surface roughened to a definite roughness by cut working with a cutting tool, density unevenness caused by a moire is produced in some cases although it depends on the pitch of the linear surface inequalities on the substrate of the image carrying member and the pitch of the dots.
Further, the above-mentioned conventional technology has a limit in its application to an image formation process with improved gradation or the like, and it is difficult to prevent sufficiently the degradation of image quality. In particular, it has been proved that, in an image forming method in which the arrangement of dots making up an image was made denser in one direction for the purpose of improving the gradation representation performance, a moire caused by the interference between the arrangement of dots and the linear surface inequalities on the substrate was produced to lower the image quality.
It is an object of this invention to solve such a problem and provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a high-quality image having no density unevenness.
It is another object of this invention to provide an image forming apparatus having the generation of density unevenness suppressed by the practice of image formation with the pitch of the linear surface inequalities of the substrate of an image carrying member and the arrangement of dots taken into consideration.
The above-mentioned object can be accomplished by any one of the structures of the invention described below.
(1) An image forming apparatus which is equipped with a photoreceptor having a substrate with its surface subjected to surface processing with a cutting tool and a photosensitive layer formed on said substrate and an exposure means having a light source for emitting a light beam, and carries out exposure in a manner of an arrangement of dots through main scanning by the deflection of said light beam and the sub-scanning by the movement of said photoreceptor, characterized by said exposure means carrying out scanning exposure with a spatial frequency of the arrangement pitch of dots of 4 dots/mm in said main scanning direction, and the surface roughness Rz of said substrate in said main scanning direction being not greater than 1.5 xcexcm.
(2) An image forming apparatus which is equipped with a photoreceptor having a substrate with its surface subjected to surface processing with a cutting tool and a photosensitive layer formed on said substrate and an exposure means having a light source for emitting a light beam, and carries out exposure in a manner of an arrangement of dots through main scanning by the deflection of said light beam and the sub-scanning by the movement of said photoreceptor, characterized by said exposure means carrying out scanning exposure with a spatial frequency of the arrangement pitch of dots of 4 dots/mm in said main scanning direction, and said substrate, as regards its cross-sectional surface shape in said main scanning direction, having substantially no projections and concavities of a period corresponding to the feed pitch of the cutting tool in said surface processing with a cutting tool.
(3) An image forming apparatus which is equipped with a photoreceptor having a substrate with its surface subjected to surface processing with a cutting tool and a photosensitive layer formed on said substrate and an exposure means having a light source for emitting a light beam, and carries out exposure in a manner of an arrangement of dots through main scanning by the deflection of said light beam and the sub-scanning by the movement of said photoreceptor, characterized by said exposure means carrying out scanning exposure with a spatial frequency of the arrangement pitch of dots of 4 dots/mm in said main scanning direction, and said substrate having a surface subjected to a surface processing satisfying the following condition:
Rxe2x88x92R cos [{(X/2)/2xcfx80R}xc3x97360] less than 0.001,
where R denotes the radius of curvature (mm) of the edge corner of a cutting tool used in said surface processing, and X denotes the feed pitch of the cutting tool (mm) in said surface processing.
(4) An image forming apparatus as set forth in any one of the above-mentioned structures (1) to (3), characterized by the aforesaid exposure means carrying out exposure with a dot arrangement such that the dot density in the sub-scanning direction is made larger than the dot density in the main scanning direction.
(5) An image forming apparatus as set forth in any one of the above-mentioned structures (1) to (4), characterized by comprising a developing means for developing a latent image using a toner composed of toner particles having a number-average particle diameter of 2 xcexcm to 7 xcexcm.
(6) An image forming apparatus as set forth in any one of the above-mentioned structures (1) to (5), characterized by the aforesaid substrate being made of a metallic cylinder.
(7) A method of manufacturing a substrate for a photoreceptor made of a metallic cylinder characterized by comprising the step of carrying out a surface processing to be applied to its surface satisfying the following condition:
Rxe2x88x92R cos [{(X/2)/2xcfx80R}xc3x97360] less than 0.001,
where R denotes the radius of curvature (mm) of the edge corner of a cutting tool used in said surface processing, and X denotes the feed pitch of the cutting tool (mm) in said surface processing.
(8) A substrate for a photoreceptor characterized by being manufactured by a manufacturing method of a substrate for a photoreceptor wherein a surface processing to be applied to its surface satisfying the following condition is carried out:
Rxe2x88x92R cos [{(X/2)/2xcfx80R}xc3x97360] less than 0.001,
where R denotes the radius of curvature (mm) of the edge corner of a cutting tool used in said surface processing, and X denotes the feed pitch of the cutting tool (mm) in said surface processing.
(9) A substrate for a photoreceptor characterized by being manufactured by a manufacturing method of a substrate for a photoreceptor wherein a surface processing to be applied to its surface satisfying the following condition is carried out:
Rxe2x88x92R cos [{(X/2)/2xcfx80R}xc3x97360] less than 0.001,
where R denotes the radius of curvature (mm) of the edge corner of a cutting tool used in said surface processing, and X denotes the feed pitch of the cutting tool (mm) in said surface processing; and a photoreceptor characterized by comprising a photosensitive layer formed on said substrate.
(10) A photoreceptor as set forth in the above-mentioned structure (9), characterized by the aforesaid photoreceptor having a thickness of 10 xcexcm to 30 xcexcm.
(11) An image forming apparatus which forms a latent image composed of a plurality of dots through the scanning of a cylindrical image carrying member in the lengthwise direction by a light beam emitted from a light source to make a latent image component in the main scanning direction, and forms a plurality of said latent image components in the rotating direction of the cylindrical image carrying member, that is, in the sub-scanning direction to form a latent image, characterized by the surface of the substrate of said image carrying member having linear surface inequalities (projections and concavities) caused by the feed pitch of the cutting tool formed in cut working, said latent image consisting of a plurality of dot lines formed in the sub-scanning direction arrayed at equal intervals, that is, with a pitch in the main scanning direction, and each of said plurality of dot lines being formed at an angle not smaller than a specified angle with the direction of the linear surface inequalities formed on the surface of said substrate of said image carrying member.
(12) An image forming apparatus as set forth in the structure (11), characterized by the aforesaid specified angle being not smaller than 30xc2x0.
(13) An image forming apparatus which forms a latent image composed of a plurality of dots through the scanning of a cylindrical image carrying member in the lengthwise direction by a light beam emitted from a light source to make a latent image component in the main scanning direction, and forms a plurality of said latent image components in the rotating direction of the cylindrical image carrying member, that is, in the sub-scanning direction to form a latent image, wherein the surface of the substrate of said image carrying member has linear surface inequalities caused by the feed pitch of the cutting tool formed in cut working, said latent image consists of a plurality of dot lines formed in the sub-scanning direction arrayed at equal intervals in the main scanning direction, and each of said plurality of dot lines is formed at an angle not smaller than a specified angle with the direction of the linear surface inequalities formed on the surface of said substrate of said image carrying member, characterized by one or both of said feed pitch of the cutting tool and said pitch of the array of said dot lines in the main scanning direction being determined so as to make the difference between the number of said surface inequalities per unit length and the number of said dot lines per unit length not smaller than a specified number.
(14) An image forming apparatus as set forth in the structure (13), characterized by the aforesaid specified number being not less than 1 line per 1 mm.
(15) An image forming apparatus as set forth in the structure (13), characterized by the aforesaid specified angle being not larger than 30xc2x0.
(16) An image forming apparatus as set forth in any one of the structures (11) to (15), characterized by the surface of the substrate of the aforesaid image carrying member having finer surface inequalities between the projections formed by the feed pitch of the cutting tool in cut working.

Image forming apparatus, method of manufacturing substrate for photoreceptor, substrate for photoreceptor, and photoreceptor


Provided are a converter circuit and a method of driving the same. The converter circuit includes: an input unit receiving a conversion target signal; a detection unit receiving a conversion target signal for each interval from the input unit, sampling the conversion target signal for each interval according to a plurality of timings to calculate an average value for each interval, and outputting a comparison unit input signal by using the average value for each interval; and a comparison unit comparing the comparison unit input signal with a predetermined reference signal to output a comparison result value.

The present disclosure relates to a converter circuit and a method of driving the same, and more particularly, to a converter circuit for converting an output value of a sensing device such as a pixel circuit of an image sensor, detecting a different output value for each interval, and reducing noise occurring during the detection operation and a method of driving the same.
In an image sensor, a 4T pixel structure (e.g., a 4-transistor pinned-photodiode pixel) generates two output signals according to temporal timing. One is a reset voltage (i.e., an initial value) of a photo diode and the other is a signal voltage (i.e., a final value of a photo diode). Accordingly, a brightness value of light incident to the image sensor may be measured by detecting a difference between the initial value and the final value.
A related art Correlated Double Sampling (CDS) circuit may effectively measure the brightness value by using a difference between pixel output values. However, the image sensor of the 4T pixel structure is affected by a significant amount of noise, which is added or accumulated on the initial value and the final value. In this case, even when a low-frequency noise is removed through an analog CDS processing, the analog CDS processing may amplify a high-frequency noise.
Since the noise has a negative effect on a dynamic range of a photodiode pixel array, it needs to be reduced.

Converter circuit and method of driving the same


A base for cutting circular plate with a gas burner comprising a base body to keep itself immovable on the iron plate to be cut by means of magnetism, a rotatable shaft inserting in the base body and combining with and statilizing an arm having a holed base at its end to guide a gas burner kept in the central hole in the holed base so that the gas burner can cut a circular iron plate, moving around in a circle with the rotatable shaft as the center of the circle.

A traditional method for cutting a circular plate with a gas burner needs a tool as shown in FIG. 1, a center post A combined with an arm having its end fixed with a base B. A circle has to be marked out on a metal plate with a compass, and then its center has to be marked with a point with a center punch, and on the point the tip of said center post A is placed. A gas burner is to be put into a hole in the base B to cut the circle marked on the plate by moving the base B along said marked circle with the post A functioning as the center. In the cutting process, the post A may move or slide away from the punched point so that the cut product may not have a correctly circular shape.

Base for cutting a circular plate with a gas burner


A method for controlling a multi-unit air conditioner is disclosed which is capable of preventing frost from being formed on the outer surface of a refrigerant line. In order to control an air conditioner including an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units corresponding to the out door unit, and a plurality of refrigerant lines for connecting the indoor units to the outdoor unit, respectively, the method includes the steps of measuring respective states of the refrigerant lines using a measurement sensor, determining respective states of the refrigerant lines, based on measurement data obtained by the measurement sensor, and controlling an operation state of an operating one or operating ones of the indoor units, in accordance with the determined state of the refrigerant line associated with the operating indoor unit or each operating indoor unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to a method for controlling an air conditioner, which is capable of preventing frost from being formed on the outer surface of a refrigerant line connected to an indoor unit.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Generally, air conditioners are used to cool or heat a confined space such as a room or to clean indoor air, in order to provide a comfortable indoor environment for users. Such an air conditioner includes a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.
Air conditioners are mainly classified into a separation type and an integrated type. In an integrated type air conditioner, indoor and outdoor units thereof are integrated. Such an integrated type air conditioner is directly installed on an outer wall or window of a house. In a separation type air conditioner, an indoor unit, in which a cooling/heat-radiating device is installed, and an outdoor unit, in which heat-radiating/cooling and compressing devices are installed, are separated from each other, and are connected to each other via a refrigerant line.
Separation type air conditioners are also classified into a general type wherein one indoor unit is connected to one outdoor unit, and a multi-unit type wherein a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit.
Also, in accordance with structures and operation methods of cooling systems thereof, multi-unit air conditioners are classified into a switching type wherein all indoor units operate in the same operating mode, that is, in cooling mode or heating mode alone, and a simultaneous type wherein a part of the indoor units operate in cooling mode, and the remaining indoor unit or indoor units operate in heating mode.
Recently, simultaneous type air conditioners have been mainly developed because they can provide both the cooling and heating effects to provide a more comfortable indoor environment without being influenced by ambient temperature or environment.
Meanwhile, in conventional air conditioners, a decrease in the suction pressure of a compressor occurs when a cooling operation is continuously performed for a prolonged period of time. Such a decrease in the suction pressure of the compressor results in a decrease in the surface temperature of the refrigerant line which connects the indoor and outdoor units. As a result, moisture (vapor) contained in ambient air is condensed on the outer surface of the refrigerant line, and is then accumulated in the form of frost on the outer surface of the refrigerant line in accordance with a further decrease in the surface temperature of the refrigerant line. Such a phenomenon is called "frosting".
When such frosting occurs on the outer surface of the refrigerant line, the heat exchange of the refrigerant with ambient air is inefficiently carried out. As a result, the frosting of the outer surface of the refrigerant line may become severe.
In order to melt the frost accumulated on the outer surface of the refrigerant line in the above-mentioned conventional air conditioners, a method for stopping indoor units, which are in operation, has been used. In accordance with this method, when a refrigerant line is maintained at sub-zero temperatures for a predetermined time or more, an indoor unit associated with the refrigerant line is stopped. The stopped indoor unit is operated again when the surface temperature of the refrigerant line increases to a predetermined temperature or more after passage of a certain time.
However, this method has a problem in that the indoor unit does not operate during the process for melting the frost accumulated on the outer surface of the refrigerant line, so that it is impossible to supply comfortable air to the user in the room in which the indoor unit is installed.
Since the above-mentioned method is adapted to simply melt the frost already accumulated on the outer surface of the refrigerant line, there is also a problem in that the temperature of air discharged to the room may be too low to supply comfortable air to the user, even before the stopping of the indoor unit.
Furthermore, the frost accumulated on the outer surface of the refrigerant line degrades the heat exchanging capability of the air conditioner, so that the air conditioner exhibits a degraded heat exchanging efficiency.


The present invention provides control of single crystal growth after the recovery from power failure when controlling crystal growth in an automatic mode. A source voltage is supplied to a controller 70 through a no-break power supply 62. At the time of recovery from power failure, the controller continues the automatic operation mode with the same control output as that stored when power failure is detected (84, 85) if the power failure time t is t .ltoreq.t.sub.1 (for example, 1 second), switches the control mode to the manual control mode with the same control output as that stored when the power failure is detected (86, 87) if t.sub.1 <t.ltoreq.t.sub.2 (for example, 5 seconds), stops the crystal growth operation and switches the control mode to the manual control mode (88, 89) if t.sub.2 <t.ltoreq.t.sub.3 (for example, 600 seconds), and separates the grown crystal from a melt 22 by upwardly moving the crystal and upwardly moves a crucible 16 (90) if t>t.sub.3.

The present invention relates to a single crystal rod pull-up growing apparatus.
FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of a principal portion of a single crystal rod pull-up growing apparatus.
In a chamber 10, a graphite crucible 14 is placed on a table 12, and a quartz crucible 16 is engaged in the graphite crucible 14. The graphite crucible 14 is surrounded by a heater 18 which is surrounded by a heat shield 20. When polycrystal line pieces are placed in the quartz crucible 16, and when electric power is supplied to the heater 18, the polycrystal line pieces are heated to form a melt 22. The upper end of a supporting shaft 24 is secured to the table 12, the supporting shaft 24 being rotated by a motor M1 and vertically driven by a motor M2.
On the other hand, a seed holder 28 is attached to the lower end of a wire 26, a seed crystal 30 being held by the seed holder 28. The wire 26 is rotated around the axis thereof by a motor M3 and wound and unwound by a motor M4. After the seed crystal 30 is downwardly moved and dipped into the melt 22, the seed crystal 30 is pulled up to grow a single crystal rod 32.
In addition, Ar gas is introduced into the chamber 10 through a solenoid valve 34, and the chamber 10 is evacuated through a solenoid valve 36 and a vacuum pump 38.
Modes for controlling single crystal rod growth include an automatic control mode and a manual control mode, and the automatic control mode is generally selected if possible. In the automatic control mode, the temperature of the melt 22, the surface height of the melt 22, the rotational speed of the quartz crucible 16 and the pulling-up speed and rotational speed of the single crystal rod 32 are automatically controlled. In the manual control mode, these conditions are controlled by the skilled operator operating control knobs and switches on a console panel while viewing the crystal growth state.
When the single crystal rod 32 is automatically grown in the automatic control mode, if a commercial power source is cut off, since the heater 18 is turned off, the temperature of the melt 22 decreases, and the single crystal rod 32 cannot be continuously grown depending upon the degree of the power failure. Even if the time of power failure is relatively short, since the speed of response of the melt 22 to temperature control is relatively low, the electricity supplied to the heater 18 is significantly changed when automatic control mode is continued except the term of the power failure. This sometimes makes the temperature of the melt 22 unstable and the growth of the single crystal rod 32 impossible. In a factory provided with many single crystal rod growing apparatuses, although each of the growing apparatuses must be appropriately controlled in a manual control mode after the recovery from power failure, preferable control of the motors M1 to M4 depends upon the power failure time, thereby causing a state of panic. As a result, the rate of success of growth of the single crystal rod 32 is decreased, and the production cost is increased.

Single crystal rod pull-up growing apparatus


An improved silicon chip metallization system for use in attaching silicon chips to substrates. The improvement comprises providing a layer of titanium between the silicon chip backside and the layers of chrome and gold which are conventionally used as the backside metallization. The layer of titanium adjacent to the silicon chip backside reduces silicon dioxide formation during chip attachment procedures carried out in non-vacuum environments.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for attaching silicon chips to substrates or package bases. More particularly, the present invention involves an improved metallization system for use in such chip attachments.
2. Description of Related Art
The use of eutectic solders, such as gold/tin is a common method for attaching silicon chips to substrates. This technique ensures good heat dissipation and long-term reliability. This attachment procedure involves placing a gold/tin preform between the substrate and a gold layer on the silicon chip and applying heat, to form a gold/tin alloy which functions as a bonding layer between the bottom surface of the silicon chip and the top surface of the substrate. Pure gold melts at temperatures of approximately 1100.degree. C. while pure tin melts at temperatures above 232.degree. C. The 80 percent gold/20 percent tin alloy melts at a temperature of around 280.degree. C. This relatively low melting temperature allows one to attach silicon chips to substrates at temperatures of between 300 to 350.degree. C.
One method for attaching silicon chips to a substrate involves forming a metallization system on the backside of the chip. A metallization system which is presently being used in the industry is shown in FIG. 1. This metallization system includes a layer of chromium and a layer of gold. The layers are typically about 1000 angstroms and 4000 angstroms thick, respectively. The chromium is applied to form an adhesion layer for the gold, while the gold is used primarily to form a mask for the etchants used in the wafer thinning process. During an annealing step at 400.degree. C., the metal layers react and allow a silicon-rich alloy to form on the surface. If oxygen is present in the processing atmosphere, the silicon which reaches the surface is converted into silicon dioxide. The presence of small amounts of silicon dioxide adversely affects chip attachment. As a result, all chip attachment processing utilizing this type of system is typically performed in a vacuum. This technique limits the amount of silicon which oxidizes during any heat treatment and/or during chip attachment.
It would be desirable to provide a metallization system which allows the necessary silicon alloying for chip attachment without the requirement of a vacuum environment. The need for a vacuum environment makes the present chip attachment process time consuming and expensive. Further, it would be desirable to provide a metallization system which could be used in conjunction with a nitrogen belt furnace. Nitrogen belt furnaces are conventional equipment which are designed to be used in processing large numbers of silicon chips.


A seating system, particularly suited for personal mobility vehicles, such as wheelchairs, that includes a seat cushion having pressure relieving properties and enhanced thermal absorption properties. The seat cushion includes a thixotropic fluid contained within a flexible envelope. The thixotropic fluid includes a phase change material that enhances the thermal absorption properties of the seat cushion to increase thermal absorption from a seated user to provide a reduced temperature sensory effect. The thixotropic fluid further includes a thermal conduction medium that facilitates heat distribution to the phase change material.

This invention relates in general to seating systems. In particular, the invention relates to pressure relieving seats having enhanced thermal conduction properties. In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a fluid-filled, pressure compensating seat cushion, particularly suited for personal mobility vehicles, having an adjustable thermal absorption characteristic.
Seating systems, particularly for personal mobility vehicles, such as wheelchairs, having fluid-filled cushions are known in the art. Once such type of cushion and fluid system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,164 to Nickerson, et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. This type of fluid-filled cushion utilizes a thixotropic fluid formed from an oil and a block polymer. The block polymer includes both oil-compatible and oil-incompatible portions of the polymeric chain. Microspheres are added to decrease the fluid density and the overall weight of the cushion and to provide an adjustment to fluid viscosity. The resulting thixotropic fluid provides support by conforming to the contours of contacted body parts, deforms in response to a continuously applied pressure, and maintains the deformed shape and position in the absence of the continuously applied pressure.
The fluid, particularly when positioned in a stabilized temperature environment, does not promote a desired level of heat movement from the seated user (heat source) into the fluid and on to the surrounding thermal environment. Such heat movement away from a user has a comforting feel, much like the familiar feel of a cool pillow. The movement of heat away from the area of user contact influences both the temperature and humidity levels of the microclimate of the cushion-body interface, which impacts metabolic and physical conditions of the user's skin. Since comfort levels are influenced by heat and moisture characteristics, reducing heat and moisture levels provides an increase in comfort level. Thus, it would be desirable to improve the heat storage removal and capability of a pressure compensating, fluid-filled seat cushion.

Seating system having pressure compensating fluid with thermal absorption and distribution properties


Methods and systems for indexing subband selections are disclosed. The selected subbands can be represented as a binary sequence and the index can be determined by employing a choose function, where a choose function value for a particular selected bit position is defined by a selection occurrence count of the selected bit position that is chosen from a bit position count of the selected bit position. In particular, the index can be the summation of choose function values for each selected bit position.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to indexing methods and systems and, in particular, to methods and systems for indexing signal options employed in communication links.
2. Description of the Related Art
In many communication systems, control signals are employed between transmitters and receivers to enable the identification and proper setup of a communication link. These signals include, but are not limited to, reference signals and signals conveying information of other signal options such as modulation format, coding rate, precoding index, assigned subbands and so on. For example, certain communication systems dynamically allocate a number of subbands from a set of available subbands to the users it services for purposes of transmitting data to the users on the allocated subbands. It is often desirable to reduce the signaling, as it increases overhead of the communication systems. Different indexing approaches for conveying control information have been described in the literature. For example, with regard to subband indexing, a conventional approach employs a known algorithm that is based on the enumerative source coding problem to compute indices for a set of binary permutations.


A hydrofoil device for a mobile offshore apparatus, in particular, a watercraft. The hydrofoil device includes at least one base body with at least one connection unit which is arranged for connecting the hydrofoil device to the mobile offshore apparatus. At least one hydrofoil is arranged on the base body. At least one flow generator is arranged to generate a flow around the hydrofoil. The hydrofoil device in its intended use is rotatable at least about a substantially vertical axis of rotation depending on at least one control data set that can be provided.

Wind power systems and wind farms, respectively, with a plurality of wind turbines are known. Here, a wind turbine is configured to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Offshore wind energy systems and offshore wind farms, respectively, are increasingly installed due to the higher wind safety and/or the higher wind speeds.
In offshore wind energy systems with a plurality of stationary offshore apparatuses, such as offshore wind turbines, offshore substations, offshore measuring stations, etc., in particular, maintenance and/or repair procedures for a corresponding offshore apparatus are complex and cost-intensive. The main reason for this is the offshore position of such an apparatuses.
It is known to use mobile offshore apparatuses, in particular, watercrafts, such as catamaran structures, for maintenance and/or repair operations in order to transport material and/or personnel to a stationary offshore apparatus. A respective watercraft is also called an offshore crew transfer vessel. The preferred catamaran structures, which may comprise a hull device with at least two hulls and a transport and/or landing platform arranged thereon, may have a length between 10 m and 30 m, preferably between 20 and 30 m (e.g., approximately 24 m).
For the landing process to a further offshore apparatus, a respective watercraft is pressed by engine power to the landing device (also called boat landing) of the further offshore apparatus. The height of the transport platform and landing platform, respectively, of the mobile offshore apparatus with respect to the water surface is selected in such a way that it corresponds to the height of the landing device of the further (stationary) offshore apparatus.
However, the previously described landing process has disadvantages. In particular, the respective maneuver is only feasible up to a specific wave height (e.g., approximately 1 to 1.5 m (significant)). If the swell exceeds this wave height, the landing procedure can no longer be performed in a safe manner due to the increased movement of the mobile offshore apparatus caused by this swell. For example, the swell may cause heeling of the mobile offshore apparatus about the longitudinal axis of the mobile offshore apparatus and/or pitching of the mobile offshore apparatus about the transverse axis of the mobile offshore apparatus. This prevents a safe landing at the further offshore apparatus.
For example, a previously described catamaran structure is pressed with its bow against the stationary offshore apparatus during the landing process. From the specific (significant) wave height (e.g. approximately 1 to 1.5 m), there is a risk of slipping of the bow of the catamaran construction. This is accompanied by corresponding risks of injury to the personnel. Accordingly, with such mobile offshore apparatuses, landings and thus the performing of maintenance processes and/or repair processes are not possible with a swell where the specific (significant) wave height (e.g. approx. 1.5 m) is reached or exceeded. This leads to an unwanted prolongation of maintenance and/or repair processes. This is particularly problematic if the operation of the offshore apparatus to be repaired and/or maintained (e.g. a wind turbine) has to be interrupted until the corresponding maintenance and/or repair process is completed.
Passive or hydraulically or electrically driven mechanisms and corresponding controls of actively compensated gangway systems (walk to work), such as Ampelmann, Uptime, etc., are also known for compensating the wave-induced movements of mobile offshore apparatuses. The disadvantages of these apparatuses are the complex construction and the considerable weight of these systems, so that they can only be used on larger ships.

Hydrofoil unit for a mobile offshore apparatus


An automatic riveting gun and a method of operating same are disclosed, the automatic riveting gun includes a gun body including a rivet cavity, a front cavity, and a main cavity; a rivet clamping assembly is disposed on the gun body adjacent to the rivet cavity; a front-dynamic structure is movably disposed in the rivet cavity and the front cavity and a main-dynamic structure is movably disposed in the front cavity and the main cavity. The front-dynamic structure includes a claw sleeve. A claw mechanism is movably disposed in the main-dynamic structure. A front elastic element provides an elastic force to the claw mechanism and a main elastic element provides an elastic force to the main-dynamic structure.

Riveting guns, a type of tool for riveting of various metal plates, pipes, and other manufactures, are widely used in riveting of mechanical and electrical products such as automobiles, aviation, railways, refrigeration, elevators, switches, instruments, furniture, and decoration. A conventional riveting gun requires manual installation of rivet pin into the riveting gun, which has low operation efficiency, and reduces the production efficiency of product. In another conventional art, a feeding mechanism is mounted to a riveting gun, and the operation parts of the feeding mechanism are completely exposed, presenting safety hazards and increasing the risk of personnel being mechanically injured.
In general, the speed of riveting has a critical impact on the production efficiency of product. Therefore, in order to improve the production efficiency of product, it is necessary to provide a solution to improve riveting guns, so that the riveting guns can achieve rapid riveting objects, exhausting rivet rods, and feeding rivets.

Automatic riveting gun and method of operating same

Shenzhen Fullan Fugui Precision Industry Co., Ltd.


According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes first and second memory cell blocks and an interconnect rerouting unit provided therebetween. The first memory cell block includes first interconnects and second interconnects provided in each space between the first interconnects. The second memory cell block includes a plurality of third interconnects provided on lines extending from the first interconnects and a plurality of fourth interconnects provided on lines extending from the second interconnects. A width and a thickness of the second and fourth interconnects are smaller than a width and a thickness of the first and second interconnects. Each of the first to fourth interconnects is connected to one end of first to fourth cell units including memory cells. The interconnect rerouting unit connects one of the fourth interconnects to one of the first interconnects and connects one of the third interconnects to the second interconnects.

Methods for high integration of semiconductor memory devices (memory) include a method of using sidewall patterning technology to form a data transfer line connected to a memory cell such that the width of the data transfer line is half the minimum dimension of the lithography. However, in such a method, the fluctuation of the width of the mask pattern of the lithography may cause, for example, a wide interconnect width and a narrow interconnect width to occur alternately in adjacent interconnects. Therefore, the interconnect resistance undesirably fluctuates between the interconnects.
Particularly for interconnects having narrow interconnect widths, the read-out speed decreases and the read-out margin decreases as the interconnect delay of the electrical signal increases. As the interconnect resistance increases, electromigration and stress induced migration occur easily; and the reliability of the semiconductor memory device deteriorates.
Although JP-A 2007-194496 (Kokai) discusses a layout regarding contacts between draw out lines and conductive lines having lines and spaces to increase the memory capacity and the reliability, the fluctuation of the interconnect resistance between the interconnects is not mentioned, and there is room for improvement.

Semiconductor memory device reducing resistance fluctuation of data transfer line


A railcar diaphragm includes a car side assembly configured to be coupled to an end wall of a railcar, a wear side assembly configured to engage the wear side assembly of another railcar diaphragm or an other railcar when the other railcar is coupled to the railcar, a bellows assembly disposed between the car side assembly and the wear side assembly to provide a pathway and at least one elastomer suspension unit assembly including an elastomer suspension unit, a bearing assembly and an arm having a first end coupled to the elastomer suspension unit and a second end coupled to the bearing assembly. The elastomer suspension unit assembly is coupled to the car side or wear side assembly via the bearing assembly. The arm is biased towards an initial position by the elastomer suspension unit as a distance between the car side assembly and the wear side assembly changes.

Diaphragms are structures attached to the ends of adjacent railroad cars (or railcars) to provide an enclosed space between the adjacent railcars that permits passengers and/or workers to move from one railcar to the other. Diaphragms provide passengers a means to transition from one rail car to the next while mitigating potential opening. Diaphragms also provide limited protection from the environment, and noise when the passengers move between railcars. Moreover, diaphragms are constructed such that they can absorb forces produced by the moving train when, for example, the train is navigating a curve at a relatively high speed.

Rubber suspension unit of a diaphragm assembly for passage between rail cars


A first reactor is provided on the input side of a rectifying circuit that rectifies AC power (on the side of an AC power supply), and on the output side of the rectifying circuit (on the side of a load), first and second capacitors that are connected in series to each other, and first and second switching elements that switch between charging and not charging of the first and second capacitors, respectively, are provided, a second capacitor group in Y-connection, provided with three capacitors, each of which is connected to each phase-terminal of the first reactor on the side of the rectifying circuit, is connected to the midpoint of the first and second switching elements, and the output voltage to the load is boosted, while the on-duty of the first switching element and the on-duty of the second switching element are controlled to be equal to each other.

There has been a conventional DC power-supply device, in which a rectifying circuit, connecting rectifying diodes in a full-bridge configuration, rectifies single-phase or three-phase AC commercial power, or the like, and a series-connected switching element group performs switching of the output of the rectifying circuit to store energy in a reactor provided at the previous stage or the subsequent stage of the rectifying circuit, and to charge a capacitor with this energy, which is connected in parallel to the switching element group, thereby supplying a boosted DC voltage to a load. In the DC power-supply device as described above, it is general to change the boost ratio by means of changing the switching, and changing the energy to be stored in the reactor. However, there is a problem that when the switching frequency is increased, a switching loss is increased.
To the problem as described above, a technique to change the boost ratio without changing the switching frequency has been disclosed in Patent Literature 1 listed below, for example. In this technique, in the case of decreasing the boost ratio, a first switching element and a second switching element are turned on/off simultaneously. Also, in the case of increasing the boost ratio, a state transition is repeated, in which the first switching element and the second switching element are turned on simultaneously, one of the switching elements is only turned on, the first and second switching elements are turned on simultaneously, and the other switching element is only turned on.
Patent Literatures 2 and 3 listed below disclose a technique to control an input current into a sine waveform. These Patent Literatures are mentioned later in the descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention.

DC power-supply device, motor drive device including the same, and refrigeration-cycle application device including the motor drive device


Polyelectrolyte nanoparticle compositions for biomedical applications are provided comprising at least two carrier domains comprising multivalent ionic domains and an agent exhibiting biological activity when contained within the nanoparticle or on the nanoparticle surface. The multivalent ionic domains may be contained in two separate molecules or in separate but linked domains of a single molecule. The nanoparticle optionally can further comprise an exposed targeting ligand and/or protective surface. The nanoparticle can be contacted to cells or administered directly to an animal for biomedical applications including therapeutics and immune response. The nanoparticle may alternatively be comprised of a carrier material capable of delivering various medically important antigens as vaccine.

A major need exists for new or improved vaccines including prophylactic vaccines for potential bioterrorism infectious organisms and therapeutic vaccines such as for cancer. For example, mailed powder containing anthrax material killed unsuspecting office workers and caused major disruption due, in part, to lack of a good and safe vaccine. The migration of avian flu is a major concern given lack of an effective vaccine. There exists a need for rapid development of vaccines toward emerging infectious agents such as SARS or bioterrorism developments. Therapeutic vaccines also are needed.
Anthrax is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis and occurs in domestic animals and humans exposed to infected animals, tissue, or spores. The virulence of B. anthracis is dependent on Anthrax Toxin (AT) and poly-gamma-D-glutamic acid capsule (PGA). PGA provides the bacteria a way to evade immune cells by providing a 'stealth' cover. PGA also is not very immunogenic. AT is composed of three entities: Protective Antigen (PA) (the binding subunit of AT), Lethal Factor (LF) and Edema Factor (EF) (Mikesell et al., Infect. Immun. 39:371-76, 1983; Vodkin et al Cell 34:693-97, 1983). PA is an 83 kDa protein that is the main protective constituent of anthrax vaccines. A currently approved human vaccine for Anthrax, which is manufactured from a cell free extract of un-capsulated Bacillus Anthracis (AVA, BioPort Corporation, Lansing Mich.), has several limitations including a requirement for six vaccinations over eighteen months followed by yearly boosters (Pittman et al., Vaccine 20:1412-20, 2002; Pittman et al., Vaccine 20:972-78, 2001) and is associated with undesirable reactions (Pittman et al., Vaccine 20:972-78, 2001). PA is necessary for vaccine immunogenicity (Ivins et al., Infect. Immun. 60:662-68, 199 Welkos and Friedlander, Microb. Pathog. 5:127, 1998) and can inhibit germination of spores (Welkos eta., Microbiology 147:1677-85, 2001). Current efforts for development of a new vaccine focus on using PA as the antigen. In order to have an effective prophylactic vaccine against capsulated bacteria and its toxin, a combined immune response against PA and the PGA will be advantageous. Late stage clinical development by VaxGen of an experimental vaccine based on recombinant PA has been put on hold.
Anthrax toxins are formed by PA, lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF), which are secreted separately as nontoxic monomers. Binding of LF or EF to PA produces active toxin. PA along with bound LF or EF is internalized by cells by receptor mediated endocytosis in a heptameric form. In the endosome, PA undergoes a pH-induced conformational change, producing a pore in the endosomal membrane permitting toxin translocation into the cytoplasm and toxicity. The conjugation of PA to gamma-D-PGA has been suggested as a means to obtain simultaneous immune responses (Rhie et al. PNAS 100, 10925 2003, Schneerson et al. WO 2005/000884). Antigenic constructs that can provide presentation of PA and PGA to antigen presenting cells and also prevent the multimerization and pore formation of PA molecules, will be advantageous in preventing the infection and the effect of toxin.
Many viral infections are not managed adequately, requiring new or better vaccines, including avian flu. The major viral antigens of influenza, including N, HA, and M proteins, change rapidly, limiting the benefit of each vaccine. Also current production relies on growth in eggs with severe commercial limitations. An effective and safe vaccine not dependent on biological manufacturing and that is rapidly adaptable for rapidly changing antigens is needed.
The purpose of a therapeutic vaccine is not only to induce an immune response but to induce a response that is beneficial for patients already exposed to an infectious agent or who have ongoing infection or disease. One major interest for potential application of therapeutic vaccines is for treatment of cancer patients. However, commercially successful products have encountered several hurdles, including the difficulty of identifying antigens, finding antigens that are broadly applicable, and identifying adjuvants that achieve an effective immune response. Despite the recent achievements using nanoparticles to improve immune response, a need clearly exists for more effective and safe prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines as well as further improvements in nanoparticles to address needed capabilities.
Most candidate therapeutic classes, from large proteins such as antibodies, to small molecules such as chemotherapy, are limited by pharmacological barriers that potentially can be overcome using drug delivery. Production of pharmaceutically active polypeptides and nucleic acids is adequate (Biomacromolecules 2004; 5:1917-1925), but their use remains limited by many barriers, including absorption, diffusion into cells, degradation, etc. (J. Control. Release 1996; 39:131-138). Small molecules also can face similar barriers, such as toxicity from widespread biodistribution, and these severely limit their development as seen by annual decreases in new drug approvals even though delivery systems often are incorporated. Another growing clinical need is for combinations of approved products, again pointing to a need for better delivery systems with capabilities for two or more active ingredients.
Nanoparticles have benefited several commercialized therapeutics, but the extensive research revealed numerous barriers and challenges hampering further application. Major challenges include a need for better manufacturing, control of particle size and homogeneity, cargo loading, cargo release at the target cell or tissue, biocompatibility, and disease selectivity. Improvement is needed for broad commercial application.
Hydrophilic polymer conjugates of active ingredients to improve pharmacological activity have been reported. These materials are nanoscale but are soluble and thus are not nanoparticles. Commercialization limitations include a need for all functions, such as targeting ligands, to be coupled effectively to the large carrier and difficulty for the carrier to meet all the strict regulations applied to the active ingredient, exacerbated as the carrier size increases. Adaptation of hydrophilic carriers for use in nanoparticles has been disclosed frequently by conjugation with poorly soluble material such as lipids, polylactides, etc., and further comprising association of active ingredient either covalently or non-covalently. In this case the conjugate forms or associates with a micelle, liposome, or solid colloid. A limitation of such compositions is that to obtain the nanoparticle benefits, the carrier mass and components is increased, reducing commercial utility due to increased costs, lower drug loading, great product heterogeneity. Although development of nanoparticles has led to improved products, the current compositions fail to address the needs of many vaccine and therapeutic applications. Therefore, a need exists for effective and safe vaccines and therapeutics.

Therapeutic and vaccine polyelectrolyte nanoparticle compositions