A manually-actuated fluid dispenser pump with a pump body (10) having a longitudinal axis (A), and a dip tube (90) connected to the pump body (10) and serving to extend towards the bottom of a reservoir to which the pump is assembled, the pump being characterized in that the dip tube (90) is substantially rigid and extends axially along the longitudinal axis (A) of the pump prior to the pump being assembled to the reservoir, the dip tube (90) being provided with deflection or tilting mechanism (95) so that, after assembly, the dip tube (90) forms an angle with the longitudinal axis (A) of the pump.

The present invention relates to a manually-actuated fluid dispenser pump, and to a fluid dispenser including such a pump.
To dispense metered doses of fluid contained in a reservoir, it is known that it is possible to use a fluid dispenser pump which is assembled to said reservoir, and by means of which the contents of said reservoir are dispensed by dispensing a dose each time the pump is actuated. To ensure that most of the fluid contained in the reservoir is dispensed, provision is generally made, at least in devices that are used in the upright position, for a dip tube to extend down to the bottom of the reservoir. In order make sure that emptying is good when little fluid remains, provision is often made to dispose the bottom end of the dip tube at a side edge of the bottom of the reservoir, so that, by tilting said reservoir slightly, almost all of the fluid can be dispensed through the dip tube. To achieve that, one of two options is generally chosen. In a first option, the dip tube is flexible and slightly longer in the axial direction than the depth of the reservoir, so that, when the pump is assembled to the reservoir, the bottom end of the dip tube comes into abutment against said bottom of the reservoir, and, by means of its flexibility, is flexed or deflected towards a side bottom edge of said reservoir. However, that is not always possible, in particular when the dip tube is made integrally with a portion extending inside the pump body, which makes it impossible for the dip tube to be made of a flexible material. In addition, the use of flexible dip tubes can be a drawback in certain assembly systems, in particular when the diameter of the opening of the reservoir is very small and when the assembly rate is fast. That can result in the dip tube not penetrating into the reservoir during said assembly. Another option for placing the bottom end of the dip tube at a side bottom edge of the reservoir consists in assembling a dip tube to the pump directly in a tilted configuration, and then in assembling said pump together with said tilted dip tube to the reservoir. That option suffers from a major drawback: it complicates the operation of assembly to the reservoir, since said assembly can no longer be performed merely axially because of the tilt of the dip tube.
An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser pump that does not suffer from the above-mentioned drawbacks.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser pump that guarantees good emptying of the contents of the reservoir to which the pump is assembled, in spite of a substantially rigid dip tube being used.
An object of the present invention is also to provide such a fluid dispenser pump that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and to assemble.
In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide such a fluid dispenser pump that avoids any risk of malfunctioning while the pump is being assembled to the reservoir containing the fluid to be dispensed.
The present invention thus provides a manually-actuated fluid dispenser pump comprising a pump body having a longitudinal axis, and a dip tube connected to said pump body and serving to extend towards the bottom of a reservoir to which said pump is assembled, said pump being characterized in that said dip tube is substantially rigid and extends axially along the longitudinal axis of the pump prior to the pump being assembled to the reservoir, said dip tube being provided with deflection or tilting means so that, after assembly, said dip tube forms an angle with said longitudinal axis of the pump.
In a first embodiment of the present invention, said deflection or tilting means comprise a deflection zone formed on the dip tube in the vicinity of the pump body.
Advantageously, said deflection zone is formed by a thin walled portion of said dip tube.
Advantageously, the dip tube is provided with a radial annular flange that co-operates inside the pump body with an annular end wall of the pump body, said dip tube being assembled to said pump body via the inside of the pump body, and said radial flange supporting the spring of the pump.
Advantageously, the dip tube is provided with a hollow axial tube extending from said radial annular flange towards the inside of the pump body.
Advantageously, said dip tube, said radial annular flange and said axial tube are made integrally with one another.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, said deflection or tilting means comprise a tilt ball connected in leaktight manner to a ball-receiving portion of the pump body.
Advantageously, said tilt ball and said ball-receiving portion are both substantially spherical in shape.
Advantageously, said tilt ball of said dip tube is assembled, in particularly snap-fastened, to said ball-receiving portion of the pump body.
Advantageously, on assembling the pump to a reservoir, the end of the dip tube comes into abutment against the bottom of the reservoir, thereby actuating said deflection or tilting means.
The present invention also provides a fluid dispenser device including a pump as defined above.


The invention provides an oral extended release formulation for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and treatment-resistant anxiety.

The initial report that low doses of the NMDA antagonist ketamine had rapid onset antidepressant effects in patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD; Berman 2000) has been confirmed in multiple subsequent studies (Xu 2016). More recently ketamine has been shown to have similar rapid-onset activity in a range of treatment-resistant anxiety (TRA) disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; Feder 2014), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD; Rodriguez 2013), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD; Glue 2017). All of these studies have used injected ketamine, usually given intravenously. There are preliminary case series data suggesting that oral ketamine has antidepressant effects in patients with TRD (Schoevers 2016). The major side effects of injected ketamine include dissociative symptoms that occur mainly in the first hour after dosing, and minor increases in blood pressure and heart rate, which occur in the first 30 minutes. An oral ketamine formulation could minimize these side effects, and be less onerous/time consuming to administer than injected ketamine.
To explore the potential for an oral ketamine formulation to show activity in patients with TRD or TRA, the inventors developed an extended release ketamine tablet, using a hydrophilic polymeric matrix approach. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is one of a number of hydrophilic polymers used in controlled drug delivery formulations, and has a number of positive attributes including nontoxicity, high water solubility and swellability (Maggi 2002). Furthermore, tablets formulations based on a high concentration of PEO are able to be annealed (heated) to give tablets of very high hardness that are resistant to crushing. This is a particularly attractive product attribute because ketamine is a drug of abuse. To minimize the potential for dissociative symptoms associated with rapid absorption of ketamine, a prolonged release profile was desirable. The formulation demonstrated linear in vitro dissolution over 10-12 hours. Elimination half-life estimates for ketamine and norketamine for this formulation are much longer that previously reported for tablets.
All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Extended release pharmaceutical formulation


A method for executing non-native binaries on a host computer architecture comprises receiving a guest executable binary encoded on a computer readable medium. The guest executable binary is executable on a first computer architecture. Moreover, the guest executable binary includes a mutex lock encoded instructions for implementing a mutex lock. The guest executable binary is then executed on the host computer architecture by first translating the guest executable binary to a translated executable binary. The encoded instructions for implementing a mutex lock are translated by mapping the mutex lock to an instance of a compound mutex lock data structure. A computer system implementing methods for executing non-native binaries on a host computer architecture is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of running non-native binaries on a host computer system.
2. Background Art
Currently, a large number of differing computer architectures are utilized both commercially and privately. Although many software applications exist for each of these platforms, there are frequent instances in which a desired program will not run on a given computer architecture. This is particularly true for custom applications developed to a specialized task. Binary translation, and in particular dynamic binary translation, are utilized to provide the capability of running non-native code on a host computer system.
Modern OS kernels such as Solaris are fully multithreaded. FIG. 1 provides a schematic illustration of the relationship between light weight processes (LWP). Each user threads 10, 12, 14 are 1-to-1 mapped to light weight process 16, 18, 20. Light weight process 16, 18, 20 are in turn 1-to-1 mapped to kernel threads 22, 24, 26 in the kernel mode. Scheduling and context switching are deployed on kernel threads 22, 24, 26. Dispatcher 28 is utilized to schedule which threads are running at any given time. For this reason, two threads simultaneously calling the same system call ("syscall") will not block each other and race condition happens only when two threads compete for the same object resources (user data, system resources, etc.).
The standard C library (libc) provides library subroutines such as mutex_lock/mutex_unlock that hide the detail of what each byte in the above data structure means from the common developers. Mutual exclusion locks are data objects that prevents multiple threads from simultaneously executing critical sections of code which access shared data. libraries, such at the standard C library shield developers from having to consider the detailed implementation of mutex locks on a given computer platform. FIG. 2 provides an illustration of the interaction of a mutex lock data structure with a library routine and the kernel. Library routine 30 accesses members of an instance of mutex lock object 32. Kernel 34 also accesses the instance of members of mutex lock object 32 via a system call (syscall).
Dynamic binary translators that are used to translate the library routines written for one platform (e.g. Sparc+Solaris) into code runnable on another platform (x86+Solaris/Linux) must determine what to do when a mutex-related syscall is encountered during execution of the translated code of these library routines. Occurrence of such syscall is probably insinuating the current thread may need to do something to block itself in sleep mode or to wake up other lightweight processes waiting for this mutex to be released, actions yet only doable in the kernel mode. The mutex_lock data structure, if in the native binary, works as a messenger through the syscall interface for the library routines to control the kernel behavior. However, since the kernel OS underneath our translator is of different platform/ISA, it's difficult to just pass the mutex lock directly to the kernel, as it may be viewed in a totally undesirable way. In fact, the common solution for quick translating other syscalls that are not as stringent on the atomicity as the mutex-related ones is to beef up the host data by duplicating/modifying the data structure given by the translated code and pass to the kernel. This is certainly not a choice for mutex-related syscalls requiring atomicity. If kernel views the data structure differently from user, there is a requirement for the translator to prepare new data object for the host syscalls and call them, all completed atomically, which is extremely hard to implement. On the other hand, without kernel help, is seems to be difficult to affect LWPs belonging to other processes.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods of executing non-native code on a host computer system.

Handling mutex locks in a dynamic binary translation across heterogeneous computer systems


A cooling system for cooling heat-producing electronic devices, such as CCDs, included in an electronic apparatus, such as a television camera, comprises electronic cooling devices disposed near the heat-producing electronic devices, buffering heat conducting mechanisms connecting the heat-producing electronic devices to the electronic cooling devices to transfer heat by conduction from the heat-producing electronic devices to the electronic cooling devices, a motor-driven fan disposed in an air passage formed by dividing the interior of the body of the electronic apparatus by a partition wall, and a heat radiating coil unit is formed by coiling a small tube in loops and sealing a heat conveying fluid in the small tube, such coil unit having heat absorbing portions connected to the electronic cooling devices and a heat radiating portion disposed in the air passage. Heat produced by the heat-producing electronic devices is transferred by conduction from the heat-producing devices to the electronic cooling devices through the buffering heat conducting mechanisms, an then conveyed by the heat conveying fluid to the heat radiating portion of the heat radiating coil unit from where heat is radiated into air flowing through the air passage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cooling system to be incorporated into an electronic apparatus, such as a television camera or an electronic still camera, having a device that generates heat, such as a solid-state imaging device.
2. Description of the Related Art
The applicant of the present patent application has previously proposed a cooling system for cooling the solid-state imaging device of a television camera in Japanese Patent Laid-open (Kokai) No. 3-58076. This previously proposed cooling system incorporated into a television camera has a heat transfer bag filled with a fluid having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and interposed between the solid-state imaging device and the cooling portion of a Peltier device, and a heat transfer pipe connecting the heat radiating portion of the Peltier device to the casing. The Peltier device cools the solid-state imaging device through the heat transfer bag, and heat generated by the Peltier device is transferred through the heat transfer pipe to the casing. The heat transfer bag is formed of a flexible material so that the heat transfer bag may not induce mechanical stress in the solid-state image sensor even if the Peltier device is not disposed in a correct position. However, this cooling system has the following disadvantages.
1. The fluid is likely to leak from the heat transfer bag.
2. The quantity of the fluid needs periodic inspection and replenishment because the fluid dissipates by evaporation.
3. The cooling system needs a pump and an associated mechanism additionally for circulating the fluid and these additional components increase the probability of malfunction.
4. Impurities contained in the fluid are likely to clog the fluid circulating circuit of the cooling system.
5. The performance of the heat transfer bag is subject to variation with changes in the atmospheric pressure and hence the cooling system cannot be used in a vacuum.

Cooling system for cooling a solid-state imaging device


A charging roller has a conductive shaft, a charge emission member provided to the shaft, and a gap securing member provided to the shaft. The gap securing member (i) protrudes toward the photoreceptor drum so as to be closer to the photoreceptor drum than the charge emission member is to the photoreceptor drum and (ii) is in contact with the photoreceptor drum so as to secure a gap between the charge emission member and the photoreceptor drum. A conductive part of the gap securing member and the shaft are bonded to each other by electrically releasing adhesive, so that the gap securing member is provided to the shaft.

A charging roller, attached to electrophotographic image forming apparatuses so as to charge photoreceptor drums, has been conventionally known. The charging roller has a shaft and a charge emission member (roller main body) attached to the shaft, and charge a photoreceptor drum by means of an electric charge emitted from the charge emission member.
A charging roller, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, has been conventionally known in which a gap retaining member, attached to a part of a charge emission member, is caused to be in contact with a photoreceptor drum. This allows the photoreceptor drum and the charge emission member to be out-of-contact with each other.
However, such a charging roller has caused a problem that a partial deterioration occurs at a boundary, in the charge emission member, between an area where the gap retaining member is attached and an area where no retaining member is attached. In order to address such a problem, Patent Literature 1 discloses as follows. That is, in a case where an old gap retaining member is released to be replaced by a new one, the new gap retaining member which has an area, to be attached to the charge emission member, larger than the old gap retaining member.

Charging roller and image forming apparatus


According to various embodiments, a radio device may be provided. The radio device may include a configurable component, a configuration information transmitter configured to transmit information identifying the radio device and an identifier of a configuration of the configurable component to a regulation server; and a permission information receiver configured to receive from the regulation server information indicating as to whether the radio device is permitted to use the configuration of the configurable component or as to whether a pre-determined configuration of the configurable component is to be used by the radio device.

Usually, a radio device that is operated may be desired to fulfill certain requirements in order to be allowed to be operated in a specific country or region. Usually, this certification is provided by tests performed by the manufacturer or distributor of the radio device before delivering the radio device to the customers, and information related to the certification is printed on the radio device.

Radio devices, regulation servers, and verification servers


An electromotor M of a electrohydraulic motor pump aggregate G drives at least one pump stage P, P1, P3. An attached element C is inserted between at least one pressure side port of the pump stage, a return line 13, and at least one consumer port A, B, 5, 6. A multiways control valve 3 is installed between the consumer port and the pressure side port. A pressure limiting valve R1, R2 constructed as a seated valve is installed between the consumer port A, B, 5, 6 and the return line 13. The motor pump aggregate G has an automatic hydraulic pressure relieving device D for relieving the system pressure whenever the electromotor M is switched off.

The invention relates to an electrohydraulic motor pump aggregate, to an attachable element and to a pressure limiting valve.
Electrohydraulic motor pump aggregates according to DE 200 07 554 U are employed e.g. in tooling machines for controlling the actuation of hydro-mechanic clamping devices or tool clamping devices or work piece holding devices. Moreover, electrohydraulic motor pump aggregates are used as portable supply units for cutting apparatuses or riveting devices, for tools or for screwing tools. The motor pump aggregate is equipped with an attached element provided with at least one consumer port to which the respective consumer is connected, e.g. via hydraulic tubes or pipings. When the motor pump aggregate is switched off a considerable system pressure will be maintained for longer time due to the high tightness of the valve components and also because of the manufacturing precision connected to hydraulic consumers. Particularly in case of transportable electrohydraulic motor pump aggregates intended to generate maximum pressures up to 800 bars the pressure maintaining property may constitute an undesirable drawback of the high quality of the co-operating hydraulic components, and particularly in case of electrohydraulic motor pump aggregates equipped with an electric AC-motor. Particularly in case of an AC-motor maintained pressure of considerable magnitude complicates the restart after an interruption of the operation. Furthermore, tube couplings or piping couplings hardly can be separated. The hydro-consumer, as long as it is connected to the aggregate, cannot be returned manually even though this might be desirable for a certain reason. A main reason for the long time-pressure maintaining property is that the respective valve components provide leakage free blocking positions. Particularly pressure limiting valves constructed as seated valves are completely free of leakage in the blocking position. On the other hand, leakage free valve components are a must for operating pressures up to 800 bars in order to reach the operating pressure reliably and rapidly with a AC-motor and a small flow rate of the high pressure pump stage.
In hydraulic control systems according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,705 A or U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,223 A which are supplied by a regulated variable displacement pump the discharge volume and/or the discharge flow of which is regulated depending on the load, i.e., depending on the pressure demand. A restart of the electromotor after a standstill period only does not cause problems, if all directional control valves are switched into the neutral position, because then a substantially pressureless circulation flow path is open to the tank. The variable displacement pump is adjusted by spring load for maximum discharge volume when restarting. Since the flow resistance of the substantially pressureless circulation flow path is low, no excessive restarting current is needed if the drive motor of the variable displacement pump is an electromotor. However, if one of the directional control valves still is in a control position after a standstill period, then the pressureless circulation flow path is blocked. The variable displacement pump, adjusted by spring load for maximum discharge volume, then has to discharge counter to a considerable flow resistance resulting in an excessive restarting current for the electromotor driving the variable displacement pump.
Further prior art is contained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,084 A.
It is an object of the invention to provide a hydraulic motor pump aggregate of the kind as disclosed in which, in a structurally simple way, the long time pressure maintaining property of the hydraulic valve components is eliminated, further to provide an attachable property of the hydraulic valve components is eliminated, further to provide an attachable element for a hydraulic pump aggregate particularly operated by an AC-motor, by which attachable element restart problems of the AC-motors can be avoided, and finally to provide a pressure limiting valve designed as a seated valve which allows an intended leakage in its blocking position.
The pressure relieving device is automatically relieving the pressure as soon as the electromotor has come to a standstill. This considerably facilitates the restart of the electromotor. The effect is of particular advantage in case of an AC-motor, because, otherwise, a restarting AC-motor would consume a relatively high starting current, which occasionally could overload the fuses or the protections provided in the normal power net. Particularly AC-motors are used in case of transportable motor pump aggregates because then the motor pump aggregate can be connected to the normal electricity net during its mobile application. However, the facilitated restart may be desirable for other types of electromotors as well. As further advantages, hose couplings or piping couplings can be separated without problems after relieving the pressure, and the consumer occasionally can be returned manually which might be of advantage e.g. in case of an accidental current breakdown.
The attachable element can be employed to retrofit a electrohydraulic motor pump aggregate in order to facilitate the restart of the electromotor after a break, e.g. in case of an AC-motor. The permanently open by-pass means only negligible loss. No special valve component is employed for this additional function, but the anyway necessary pressure limiting valve.
Despite its seated valve construction the pressure limiting valve generates in its theoretically leakage free blocking position a leakage of a predetermined magnitude which leakage, however, does not affect the pressure limiting function detrimentally. In this way the first maintained pressure will be relieved within a known time duration and without an additional valve component by the pressure limiting valve itself. This offers advantages in case of an electrohydraulic motor pump aggregate containing an AC-motor as a drive source for the pump stage, in order to keep the restarting current of the AC-motor low.
Expediently, the pressure relieving device is incorporated into the attachable element. The permanently open by-pass means a loss during operation which loss, however, is negligible. The pressure is relieved automatically as soon as the electromotor is switched off.
In order to achieve the desired function of the pressure relieving device without an additional valve component, expediently, the by-pass is provided in one of the pressure limiting valves. During operation the pressure limiting valve fulfils the normal pressure limiting function. At the beginning of an operational break the pressure limiting valve additionally is fulfilling the function of the pressure relief.
In case of an electrohydraulic motor pump aggregate having at least two consumer ports and a pressure limiting valve associated to each port both pressure limiting valves conventionally are set for differing response pressures. Expediently, the by-pass is provided in the pressure limiting valve operating with the lower response pressure to avoid losses during the build-up of the higher operation pressure. The loss caused by the by-pass is without importance during a return stroke or release stroke of a hydraulic consumer as controlled by the motor pump aggregate.
An AC-motor used as the electromotor has the advantage to be connectable to the normal AC-electricity net. The dual circuit pump stage allows to first rapidly reach a low pressure level by the lower pressure pump stage and with a relatively high flow rate, and then to reach a very high operational pressure, e.g. up to about 800 bars with the high pressure pump stage but with a small flow rate. The directions of movement of the hydraulic consumer are controlled by means of the multi-ways control valve, while each pressure limiting valve is limiting the maximum operational pressure in one direction of movement. In order to achieve the pressure relieving function the by-pass is provided in one of the pressure limiting valves, expediently in the pressure relieving valve provided for a function of less importance or for limiting a lower pressure.
In a structurally simple way the by-pass is formed in a seated cone valve by a flat surface in the cone jacket of the valve cone. In the blocking position of the pressure limiting valve the flat surface forms a passage or a throttle opening of a predetermined size with the valve seat through which passage or throttle opening the leakage will flow away. Expediently the flat surface is formed by a ground surface which is easy to manufacture.
The flat surface should be located parallel to the generatrice of the cone such that it can be formed precisely during the grinding strokes when grinding the cone jacket, particularly by once interrupting the rotational movement of the valve cone and by an additional positive inward adjustment of the grinding tool.
Alternatively, the by-pass could be formed in seated cone valve or a seated ball valve by at least one notch formed in the valve seat itself.
Expediently the by-pass is dimensioned such that it generates a leakage flow of about 0.3 to 0.4 liter per minute at a reference pressure of 150 bars. In this way a substantial pressure relieve can be carried out within a few seconds, e.g. within 5 seconds.
It is expedient to form the valve cone with a damping piston in order to avoid a nervous response behaviour of the pressure limiting valve.
The damping effect can be increased by an outwardly open cavity of the damping piston, a channel, and integrated a check valve.

Electrohydraulic motor pump aggregate, attachable element and pressure limiting valve

Heilmeier and Weinlein Fabrik F. Oel-Hydraulik GmbH and Co. KG


Corrosion-inhibited hypochlorite compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Corrosion inhibitors including sugar acids and calcium compounds, polyacrylate and calcium compounds, and/or zinc and calcium compounds are used with hypochlorite sources to enhance the longevity and performance of electrochemical cells as well as reducing corrosion of metal in contact with the generated hypochlorite sources. The methods for generation employ a variety of electrochemical cells, beneficially including use of portable electrochemical cell system for production of corrosion-inhibited hypochlorite cleaning solutions.

Sodium hypochlorite solutions are commonly used and highly effective as bleaches and sanitizers for cleaning a variety of surfaces. However, sodium hypochlorite solutions are extremely corrosive to many treated surfaces, in particular, metal surfaces become highly corroded. Hypochlorite solutions corrode surfaces as a result of its composition of sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride and often sodium hydroxide, each having distinct mechanisms of corrosion. Sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidant causing metal corrosion through a redox attack. Sodium chloride attacks and penetrates the passivation layer of metals, resulting in pitting of the surface. In addition, sodium hydroxide is corrosive to metals as a result of formation of metal hydroxide. Additional descriptions of the mechanisms of corrosion are disclosed in Corrosion Basics, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, 1984.
Electrolysis as a water treatment process can be used to produce hypochlorite cleaning solutions. It is well understood that electrolysis methods employ electricity entering a water source at a cathode and passes through the water, exiting through an anode. Hydrogen is collected at the cathode (negatively charged electrical current) and oxygen is collected at the anode (positively charged electrical current). The reaction of water in an electrolytic cell is a redox process, wherein an oxidation reaction occurs at the anode while a reduction reaction occurs at the cathode. Various types of conventional electrolysis cells and methods for electrolyzing water are known and disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,616,355, 4,062,754, 4,100,052, 4,761,208, 5,313,589, and 5,954,939. Such electrolysis cells are used for a variety of purposes. Depending upon the structure of an electrochemical cell and the input salt source, various effluents may be produced, including for example, hypochlorous acid, sodium hydroxide (caustic) and hypochlorite (sodium hypochlorite, commonly referred to as bleach).
The on-site production of chlorine-containing oxidant products such as sodium hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid, chlorine and/or Cl2 from aqueous sodium chloride solutions are desirable, as production from an electrolyzed water process prevents the need to transport diluted aqueous solutions of the corrosive products such as hypochlorite or difficult to transport corrosive and flammable gases such as chlorine gas. Such products produced from an electrolyzed water process may be referred to herein as "electrolyzed water products." Alternatively, electrolysis cells may be used to generate alkaline sources, such as potassium hydroxide and potassium sulfate through electrolyzing sodium sulfate. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,824.
The effectiveness and convenience of utilizing electrolysis systems are frequently limited due to the failure of the electrodes and membranes of the cells caused by corrosion and/or hard water scaling. The longevity of the electrodes and membranes of the cells are significantly diminished when scaling and/or corrosion are observed in the cell. There remains a significant need to inhibit fouling of electrochemical cells in order to prolong the lifetime of an electrochemical system. There is also'great demand for high-economic-efficiency operation conditions for improved electrolysis systems.
It is an objective of the claimed invention to incorporate corrosion inhibitor compositions to improved electrolyzed water products in order to prevent all corrosive mechanisms of sodium hypochlorite solution on metal surfaces.
A further object of the claimed invention is an improved electrolyzed water product containing a corrosion inhibitor composition capable of preventing metal corrosion caused by sodium hypochlorite solutions without adversely impacting the stability of the hypochlorite solution.
A further object of the invention is to provide methods for improved hypochlorite generation using electrolysis in a variety of electrochemical cells, including portable electrochemical cells for onsite generation of smaller quantities of hypochlorite for a variety of cleaning applications.


A machine for levelling a surface has ground engaging levelling members pivotally mounted on a main frame for back and forth vibratory or oscillatory motion relative to the main frame in a normal direction of travel of the machine. Each levelling member has a longitudinal axis which extends laterally with respect to the normal direction of travel of the machine and there is an eccentric drive for providing the back and forth motion which may be connected to a power takeoff shaft of a tractor.

This invention relates generally to levelling machines suitable for levelling surfaces such as for example, earth or ground. Whilst one application of the present invention relates to the levelling of earth the machine would also be suitable for levelling snow for example, on ski slopes or the like.
Currently known earth levelling machines generally comprise a large heavy blade which is adapted to be moved across the ground being levelled. Generally these devices are relatively heavy and difficult to manoeuvre and cannot be used in confined areas.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved levelling machine which alleviates one or more of the aforementioned problems.


A method and system for identifying manufacturing anomalies in a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of products which are manufactured with a plurality of manufacturing parameters is disclosed. The system comprises a data mining program applied to the data warehouse for analyzing the stored manufacturing parameters to define a normal manufacturing parameter subset. The data mining program is further for detecting that at least one of the plurality of manufacturing parameters is excluded from the normal subset. The system further comprises a reporting means for reporting the at least one detected manufacturing parameter. The data mining program may further detect that a plurality of the manufacturing parameters are excluded from the first subset. The data mining program then analyzes the detected plurality of manufacturing parameters to define a second normal subset of the detected plurality of manufacturing parameters. The reporting means may then report the second normal subset of manufacturing parameters.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for identifying manufacturing anomalies in a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of products which are manufactured with a plurality of manufacturing attributes. More specifically, the invention comprises a method and system for using data-mining techniques to define normality for product performance, and to identify anomalies for manufacturing parameters excluded from the defined normality based on product performance.
2. Description of the Prior Art and Related Information
Today's ever smaller manufactured products may comprise multitudes of components which are assembled in manufacturers' manufacturing facilities. In order to secure steady supplies and obtain lower pricing on components, manufacturers of the products may use a plurality of sources for the components. Such a diversification technique may include receiving different groups, or lots, of the same component from different manufacturers to be included in the same product line or model.
Typically, components are shipped from the component suppliers in lots that have similar component manufacturing parameters. Such parameters may comprise, for example, direct parameters such as the tolerance of a lot of resistors, the threshold of a lot of resistors, the capacitance of a lot of capacitors, the reactance of a log of capacitors; or indirect parameters such as the specific supplier from which a particular lot originated; the shipping method used for transporting the lot to the product manufacturer, or the time of year (date code) that the lot of components were manufactured. Such direct parameters may cause a variation in the quality, reliability or performance of a particular lot of components, thereby causing a variation in the performance of the assembled product. Further, correlation may exist between a variation in performance and indirect parameters. Further, there may be certain interactions between parameters that may lead to variations in performance. Such variations may be positive or negative influences on product performance.
The lots are typically identified by a lot number, called a component identifier herein, which identifies the lot to the product manufacturer and the supplier, the component identifier usually being used for accounting purposes or traceability to manufacturing parameters of the lot. However, especially with small electronic components, the component identifiers themselves may not be imprinted or bar-coded on the components themselves due to practical considerations such as component size, or the extra time and expense in manufacturing that would be required to do so. Therefore, once the components leave their packing materials in which they were shipped, the lot from which those components came from may not be able to be identified.
Certain lots of components may be in some way defective or vary in their performance due to the different manufacturing conditions referenced above, or due to a certain component supplier's neglect or breach in promise to supply a certain quality of components. One solution that has been employed heretofore is for the manufacturer to test statistically significant numbers of components from each lot as they arrive from the individual suppliers. However, with products that are sold for low profit margins, such testing and delay in product assembly has become untenable. More and more product manufacturers have been forced to rely on component suppliers' representations that the supplied components meet the standards set by the product manufactures, or that the supplied components fall within a set standard deviation of performance within each lot. Such reliance has proven inadequate in countless situations, with many product manufactures having their products show variations in performance when it is too late to trace the suspect components back to the lot from which they came.
Still, apart from the components themselves, there may be product manufacturing parameters which may be responsible for variations in performance in products. For example, the temperature or humidity of a factory where the components are assembled into the products may be a contributing factor to product performance. Other product manufacturing parameters such as the assembly line or conveyor belt speed my further affect product performance.
Solutions to the above problems are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/494,175, filed Jan. 31, 2000, entitled METHOD USING STATISTICALLY ANALYZED PRODUCT TEST DATA TO CONTROL COMPONENT MANUFACTURING PROCESS which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. That application provides for a plurality of analytical tools for identifying correlations between products which show variations in performance and product or component manufacturing parameters. Typical analytical tools which are described in the system of that application include statistical data tools, a data visualization tool, a data-mining tool, an on-line analytical processing (OLAP) tool, an information broadcast tool or some combination thereof. However, typical analytical tools require that the operator of such tools have a working knowledge of which manufacturing parameters may cause product performance to suffer. The programmer is then required to program the operation of a particular analytical tool based on predicted manufacturer parameter anomalies. As a result, unpredictable anomalies may thus go undetected, or may be difficult to pinpoint.
Finally, it is often difficult to ascertain normal operation of a product relative to a manufacturing parameter as compared with anomalous operation. This is especially so with respect to multi-variant manufacturing parameters which may have anomalies in one or more of several performance measure dimensions. For example, one or more configurations of a disk drive head assembly may have anomalous operation with respect to seek time while having a relatively low error rate and normal servo tracking. Given that other head assembly configurations may show anomalous performance in seek time, error rate or servo tracking, defining just what is normal operation can be difficult, much less identifying anomalous operation.
Thus, there is a need for a system and method for defining normal operation in product performance with respect to manufacturing parameters in multiple dimensions. There is further a need for a system and method for identifying unpredicted or unpredictable manufacturing anomalies.

Method and system for identifying manufacturing anomalies in a manufacturing system


Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a structure in which an oxide film and a nitride film are stacked. The method includes forming a stacked film having an oxide film and a nitride film stacked therein on a substrate in a processing container by alternately performing a first cycle and a second cycle a predetermined number of times, the first cycle comprising forming the oxide film by supplying a source gas, a nitriding gas and an oxidizing gas to the substrate in the processing container a predetermined number of times, and the second cycle comprising forming the nitride film by supplying the source gas and the nitriding gas to the substrate in the processing container a predetermined number of times, wherein the forming of the oxide film and the forming of the nitride film are consecutively performed while retaining a temperature of the substrate constant.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a thin film on a substrate, a method of processing a substrate, a substrate processing apparatus that is preferably used in forming the thin film on the substrate, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
As one process of a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a process of forming an insulating film having an ONO stacked structure, in which oxide films and nitride films are alternately stacked on a substrate, may be carried out. In this case, characteristics of the semiconductor device may vary according to an electrical film thickness of the insulating film having the ONO stacked structure. Since such a variation causes a deviation in operation of the semiconductor device, the oxide films and the nitride films, both of which constitute the insulating film having the ONO stacked structure, require high uniformity in film thickness.
As the oxide film constituting the insulating film having the ONO stacked structure, for example, a silicon oxide film (an SiO film) obtained by reaction silane (SiH4) gas and nitric oxide (N2O) gas, that is, a high-temperature oxide (HTO) film, or a silicon oxide film (an SiO film) obtained by reaction of TEOS [Si(OC2H5)4] gas and oxygen (O2) gas, that is, a TEOS film is used. Also, a silicon nitride film (an SiN film) obtained, for example, by reaction of dichlorosilane (SiH2Cl2) gas and ammonia (NH3) gas is used as the nitride film.
In the related art, these films were formed by a method such as so-called low pressure-chemical vapor deposition (LP-CVD). However, when the oxide film or the nitride film is formed using the conventional LP-CVD method, a deviation in film thickness, for example, a deviation of 2% to 4%, may be caused.
Also, in the conventional LP-CVD method, since film formation temperatures of the oxide film and the nitride film are different, temperature adjustment should be performed between these film formation processes when continuous film formation is performed. Therefore, the advantages of continuous film formation of these films using the same apparatus are insufficient. As a result, in the related art, these films were discontinuously formed in different temperature ranges using different apparatuses. In this case, however, the productivity may be significantly lowered since additional processes such as transferring of a substrate between the different apparatuses and pressure regulation after the transferring should be newly performed in addition to the temperature adjustment between the film formation processes, that is, an increase/decrease in temperature of the substrate.

Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, substrate processing method, substrate processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable recording medium


A curable organopolysiloxane composition capable of forming cured products of superior optical transmittance exhibiting little heat-induced yellowing over time. A semiconductor device having semiconductor elements encapsulated in a cured product of the composition. The composition includes (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl groups per molecule and bearing silicon-bonded aryl groups, whose content relative to all silicon-bonded organic groups is not less than 40 mol %, (B) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, and (C) an organosiloxane oligomer complex of platinum, where the oligomer has not more than eight silicon atoms per molecule and bears silicon-bonded alkenyl groups and silicon-bonded aryl groups.

Curable organopolysiloxane compositions are used in protective coating agents used for semiconductor elements in optical semiconductor devices such as photocouplers, light-emitting diodes, solid state image pickup elements, etc. Such protective coating agents for semiconductor elements must neither absorb nor scatter light when semiconductor elements emit light or receive light.
However, when cured products of compositions comprising organopolysiloxanes having at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl groups per molecule, organopolysiloxanes having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule, and platinum complexes are subjected to heating over extended periods of time, they tend to yellow over time, and the optical transmittance of the cured products deteriorates. In particular, semiconductor devices with semiconductor elements encapsulated in such cured products have been prone to decreased reliability.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a curable organopolysiloxane composition capable of forming cured products of superior optical transmittance exhibiting little heat-induced yellowing over time and a semiconductor device of high reliability, in which semiconductor elements are encapsulated in a cured product of the composition.

Curable organopolysiloxane composition, use of the cured product of the composition, and semiconductor device


A riding mower has multiple cutting units visible to the operator when mowing, and easily accessible for service and maintenance work. The riding mower chassis has a front end, a rear end, a left rail, a right rail, a pair of front wheels mounted at the front end, and a pair of rear wheels mounted adjacent the rear end. At least a portion of the left rail and right rail extend from under the operator module to define an uncovered area between the left rail and right rail adjacent the front end of the chassis. A first row of cutting units may be in front of the pair of front wheels, and a second row of cutting units behind the pair of front wheels. One of the cutting units in the second row may be positioned in the uncovered area between the left rail and the right rail.

Riding mowers for golf courses and athletic fields may have two rows of cutting units mounted to the chassis. Each cutting unit may cut a swath twenty or more inches in width so that multiple cutting units may cut grass in a path several feet or more in width. Examples of these riding mowers include lightweight fairway mowers available from Deere and Company of Moline, Ill.
These riding mowers may include a chassis with two driven wheels at or near the front end of the chassis, and two steered wheels at or near the back end of the chassis. An operator platform may be positioned near the front of the chassis, generally over the two front wheels. An internal combustion engine or other power supply may be positioned behind the operator platform. Arms may extend laterally from the chassis to support the cutting units.
Each cutting unit may be a cutting reel or rotary blade. Two or three cutting units may be positioned side by side in each of the two rows. The first or front row of cutting units may be positioned at or near the front of the chassis, in front of the front wheels and operator platform, so that the cutting units may be visible to the operator during mowing. The second or back row of cutting units may be positioned behind the front wheels, aligned laterally with the gaps between cutting units in the first or front row.
At least one of the cutting units may be completely or primarily underneath the operator platform and/or power supply. As a result, operating components on that cutting unit may not be visible when mowing, or visibility may be restricted or limited. For example, a cutting unit centrally mounted under the operator platform and/or power supply may not be visible while mowing. Similarly, the inboard ends of two cutting units in the second or back row may not be visible. A riding mower is needed having all cutting units visible to the operator when mowing.
Service access to cutting units that are partially or completely under the operator platform and/or power supply also may be difficult and/or restricted. Cutting units under the operator platform and/or power supply must be disconnected and pulled out from under the chassis to perform regular service including sharpening blades, adjusting reel-to-bedknife clearance, lubricating, etc. A riding mower is needed that will simplify and reduce the difficulty and time to access cutting units for service.
One or more cutting units mounted to these riding mowers may be designed to pivot and turn about a generally vertical axis when the riding mower turns. For example, pivoting mechanisms may provide the capability for each cutting unit to pivot several degrees or more on a vertical axis when the riding mower turns. This capability can add significant costs to the design and/or manufacture of the riding mower. The pivoting capability may help prevent or reduce the tendency of a cutting unit and/or its supporting wheels or casters to drag and/or scuff the turf when turning a corner. Non-pivoting cutting units positioned further in front of or behind the front axle may have a greater tendency to drag and/or scuff the turf. For example, non-pivoting cutting units positioned more than about 18 inches in front of or behind the front axle may have a greater tendency to drag and/or scuff the turf. (The distance to the front drive axle may be measured from the back end of cutting units in front of the front axle, and measured from the front end of cutting units behind the front axle.) A riding mower is needed having non-pivoting cutting units that do not drag and/or scuff the turf when cornering.
Riding mowers with two rows of cutting units may have difficulty climbing steep grades. For example, these riding mowers may lack sufficient weight over the front drive wheels. All-wheel drive systems may be employed to improve the traction, but are significantly more expensive and may increase the complexity and maintenance requirements, when compared to two-wheel drives. Additionally, all-wheel drive systems may have a tendency to tear up turf when making tight turns. A riding mower is needed with improved climbing capabilities without requiring all-wheel drive.
Riding mowers may be limited to cutting units having widths of about 25 inches or less. For example, riding mowers may lack adequate horsepower to pull wider cutting units, especially up steep grades. Or riding mowers may lack sufficient ground clearance to carry wider cutting units in the transport mode, and/or may have excessive width when carrying the wider cutting units. A riding mower is needed for cutting units greater than about 25 inches in width.

Riding mower having multiple cutting units


Provided is a silicon structure with a three-dimensionally complex shape. Further provided is a simple and easy method for manufacturing the silicon structure with the use of a phenomenon in which an ordered pattern is formed spontaneously to form a nano-structure. Plasma treatment under hydrogen atmosphere is performed on an amorphous silicon layer and the following processes are performed at the same time: a reaction process for growing microcrystalline silicon on a surface of the silicon layer and a reaction process for etching the amorphous silicon layer which is exposed, so that a nano-structure including an upper structure in a microcrystalline state and a lower structure in an amorphous state, over the silicon layer is formed; accordingly, a silicon structure with a three-dimensionally complex shape can be provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a silicon structure, a method for manufacturing the silicon structure, and a method for manufacturing a capacitor including the silicon structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, accuracy of microfabrication technique has been improving steadily, a nano-meter scale structure (a nano-structure) and nano-technology for manufacturing the nano-structure have attracted attention in a variety of electronics fields. As a method for manufacturing the nano-structure, a method in which a pattern is directly formed with a lithography technique using light or an electron beam is often used.
As a contrasting method, there is a method utilizing a phenomenon in which an ordered pattern is formed spontaneously to form a nano-structure without using an artificial technique such as a lithography technique. Since a nano-structure is formed by utilizing such a phenomenon, a pattern does not need to be formed directly, so that nano-structures can be formed simply and easily in a large area.
As an example of a nano-structure, there is hemispherical-grain-silicon (HSG-Si) (for example, Patent Document 1). The HSG-Si is a hemispherical polysilicon grain. In Patent Document 1, the HSG-Si is formed on an electrode surface of a capacitor to increase a surface area of the electrode and thus storage capacitance is increased.

Silicon structure and manufacturing methods thereof and of capacitor including silicon structure

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


The present disclosure relates to an augmented reality contents generation and play system. The augmented reality contents generation and play system includes an image acquisition unit configured to include a preview mode in which an image which is input through a lens is displayed on a screen and a shooting mode in which, if an image to be shot is displayed in the preview mode, the image is captured by operating a shooting button and the captured image is converted into an image file; a storage unit configured to store an image which is obtained from the image acquisition unit when the shooting button is pressed and video information which is automatically obtained for a predetermined time based on a shooting point of time; a mapping unit configured to map the image which is stored in the storage unit onto a video which is stored in the storage unit; an augmented reality processing unit configured to recognize an image corresponding to a marker from the image which is obtained by the image acquisition unit, configured to call the video mapped onto the image, and configured to overlay the video on a position of the marker on a screen in the preview mode; and a control unit configured to control a process of generating and playing contents by using an augmented reality contents.

1. Field
An exemplary embodiment according to the concept of the present invention relates to an augmented reality contents generation and play system and a method thereof, and particularly, to an augmented reality contents generation and play system and a method thereof which, when a video is shot by a mobile communication device such as a smart phone, easily generates and plays augmented reality contents by automatically storing videos before and after a shooting point of time and automatically storing a marker together, and at this time, can increase a resolution of the marker, can confirm quality of the marker to select, and can automatically extract the marker through a general video file.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, various contents which use a virtual object such as virtual reality or augmented reality have been proposed.
Generally, the virtual reality (VR) is a virtual space which is created by an artificial technology by using a computer or the like, and has a feature in which the virtual reality is similar to reality but not reality.
In addition, the augmented reality (AR) is a field of the virtual reality, and is a computer graphic technology by which the augmented reality appears to be an object existing in an original environment by combining a virtual object with an actual environment.
The augmented reality application has a feature in which the augmented reality can give a user enhanced reality by interacting the user with the virtual object, based on the real world.
Hence, the user recognizes an actual environment in which he stays and, at the same time, the user also recognizes virtual information that is displayed on an actual screen, in the augmented reality.
Since the augmented reality shows a real image and virtual graphics which are combined together, desired objects have be accurately located at a desired position on a screen so as to obtain a realistic and accurate image. In order to realize this, three dimensional coordinates for a virtual object are required, and the coordinates have to be coordinates based on a camera.
However, it is a problem that three dimensional coordinates of the camera on a certain point or an object in a real world have to be secured. In order to secure the three dimensional coordinates, two or more cameras are required, and thus, it is not easy to recognize a three dimensional position.
Hence, as a measure against this, a marker-based recognition technology is used which estimates a position where a virtual object stays and a posture by disposing a marker at which the virtual object is located in a space of a real world and by extracting relative coordinates based on the marker, in the augmented reality.
For example, a user arbitrarily makes a marker which means a cat, and a three dimensional virtual image in which an image of a real cat is embodied as a three dimensional graphic image is matched with the cat marker. If the marker is recognized by image recognition means such as a camera connected to a computer, a monitor of the computer displays the three dimensional virtual image.
As such, augmented reality contents are created through a complex process of generating the augmented reality contents by using a photo object and an image object.
That is, the augmented reality contents are created through a process of generating image contents that are real objects, generating image contents which are virtual objects, mapping the real object (image) onto the virtual object (image), printing the image contents, and calling the mapped image contents by recognizing the image contents as a marker.
As such, the augmented reality contents generation and play system of the related art has to include various devices, such as, a device for obtaining an image and a video, such as a camera, and a device for playing contents, and thus, the system has a problem that requires much cost for generating contents.
In addition, there is a problem in which a process of generating and playing the augmented reality contents is complicated because the system uses various devices and thereby it is difficult for an ordinary people to easily make the system.
The present disclosure is proposed to solve the aforementioned problems, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method which can easily generate augmented reality contents through a simple process of operating a shooting button by using a simple image and video acquisition device such as a smart phone.
In addition, the present disclosure provides a system and a method in which, when a video is shot to generate augmented reality contents, a video before and after a shooting point of time can be automatically stored or time when a marker is stored can be variously selected, a resolution of the marker can increase, quality of the marker can be selected, and the maker can be easily generated by automatically extracting the marker through a general video file.

Augmented reality contents generation and play system and method using the same


A control device and method of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a single movable actuator member having two spaced apart plungers respectively operatively associated with and in axial alignment with movable parts of two switch units and having two actuator buttons thereon respectively in axial alignment with the plungers and the parts of the switch units, the member being pivotally mounted to a support of the control device so that the member actuates only one of the two switch units when the member ms moved to one pivoted position thereof by an axial force applied to the button that is in axial alignment with the part of the one switch unit and actuates only the other of the two switch units when the member is moved to another pivoted position thereof by an axial force applied to the other of the buttons that is in axial alignment with the part of the other switch unit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a new control device, such as a clock and/or a timer, as well as to a new method of making such a control device.
2. Prior Art Statement
It is known to provide a control device comprising a support means, two switch means carried by the support means in spaced apart relation and each having a movable part thereof that actuates the respective switch means when that part is axially moved a certain distance in a certain direction, and movable actuator means carried by the support means for operating the parts of the two switch means, the actuator means comprising a single member having two spaced apart plungers respectively operatively associated with and in axial alignment with the parts of the two switch means and having two actuator buttons thereon respectively disposed inboard the two plungers and the parts of the switch means whereby pushing in on either one of the buttons first actuates the switch means closest to that button and then actuates the other switch means upon further inward movement of that button.

Control device and method of making the same


The invention includes container-shaped physical vapor deposition targets having a first conductive material in a container-shape and a second conductive material on an entirety of an exterior surface of the first conductive material. The second conductive material has a different composition than the first conductive material.

The invention pertains to container-shaped physical vapor deposition targets, and to methods of forming container-shaped physical vapor deposition targets.
An exemplary sputtering process utilizing a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target is described with reference to FIG. 1. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a sputtering apparatus 10, having a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target 12 incorporated therein. Apparatus 10 further comprises a substrate holder 14 and a substrate 16 provided on holder 14. Substrate 16 can comprise, for example, a semiconductive material wafer. In operation, atoms and/or ions are displaced from an interior region of target 12 and directed toward substrate 16. The displaced materials are illustrated by arrows 18 in the diagram of FIG. 1. A voltage differential or bias can be provided between target 12 and substrate 16, as shown, to draw charged materials from target 12 to substrate 16. The materials displaced from target 12 are deposited on an upper surface of substrate 16 to form a thin film (not shown) on substrate 16. In an exemplary process, target 12 can comprise copper. Copper ions and/or copper atoms can be sputter-deposited from target 12 onto substrate 16 to form a thin film of copper across an upper surface of substrate 16.
Target 12 is one example of a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target. For purposes of interpreting this disclosure and the claims that follow, a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target is defined as a physical vapor deposition target having a closed-ended cavity extending therein, and wherein a predominate feature of the target is the cavity. For instance, the target 12 of FIG. 10 has a closed-ended cavity 20 extending therein (with the closed-end being labeled 22 in FIG. 1), and cavity 20 is a predominate feature of the target.
FIG. 2 shows a bottom-view (relative to the view of FIG. 1) of target 12, and shows a configuration of target 12 wherein the target comprises a circular outer periphery surrounding cavity 20.
It can be difficult to form container-shaped targets, and accordingly it is desired to develop new methodologies for forming container-shaped targets.
In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of forming a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target. A conductive material is provided in a container-shape. The container-shape comprises an interior region and an exterior region, and the conductive material comprises an interior surface along the interior region as well as an exterior surface along the exterior region. A sputtering material is electrolytically deposited on at least one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the container-shaped conductive material.
In another aspect, the invention encompasses a container-shaped physical vapor deposition target. The target includes a first conductive material in a container-shape, with the container-shape comprising an interior region and an exterior region. The first conductive material comprises an interior surface along the interior region of the container-shape and an exterior surface along the exterior region of the container shape. The physical vapor deposition target further includes a second conductive material on an entirety of at least one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the first conductive material, with the second conductive material having at least one different metallurgical property than the first conductive material.

Container-shaped physical vapor deposition targets


A shock-absorbing seat stay for a bicycle includes a seat tube coupler having two branches each having a first joint portion, two extended parts each having a second joint portion corresponding to one of the first joint portions, two shock-absorption members made of elastic materials and each held between the corresponsive first and second joint portions, and at least two fastener units. Each of the first joint portions has at least one first through hole. Each of the second joint portions has at least one second through hole. Each of the shock-absorption members includes at least one third through hole. Each of the at least two fastener units is mounted to one set of the at least one first, second, and third through holes to further interconnect the corresponsive first joint portion, second joint portion, and shock-absorption member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a shock-absorption structure for a bicycle and more particularly, to a shock absorbing seat stay for a bicycle.
2. Description of the Related Art
When people ride bicycles to pass through the rugged road surface, they can perceive obvious vibration and feel uncomfortable, so shock absorbers are usually mounted to the bicycle frames for shock absorption. However, such shock absorber usually includes a metallic spring or is shock-absorbent pneumatically or hydraulically, so it is structurally complicated and heavy and the user's pedaling force is partially absorbed by the shock absorber to reduce the dynamic transmission rate. For this reason, the conventional shock absorber is not a good choice for a road bike of which lightweight and high-speed running are characteristic. On the other hand, the road bicycle without any shock absorber tends to make the user feel increasingly tired, so the user frequently faces the dilemma whether to choose a road bicycle having lightweight and high dynamic transmission rate properties or comfortableness.


A method and system for controlling vehicle network functions and version control, includes providing a functional block framework at a vehicle computing device for controlling functional devices in a vehicle communication network system. Each functional device can include one or more functional objects. The method and system include providing one or more interfaces for each functional object, wherein each interface is defined with a set of features, the set of features selected from a feature catalog defined in the framework. The method and system include implementing the interfaces for each function object of each function device in the vehicle network communication system to enable communication over the vehicle network communication system.

Electronic devices that are part of a vehicle network communication system can perform various functions in the system. These electronic devices can communicate with the vehicle and one another over the network to perform the various functions. Further, these electronic devices can communicate with electronic devices associated with other vehicles. To facilitate communication and control of the various functions and features of each electronic device, the vehicle network communication system can implement frameworks for interfacing with the electronic devices.

System and method for controlling vehicle network functions with version control


A pipe fitting includes a hollow body and at least one open end for connection to a pipe fitting, the end including internal screw threads. The end includes an integral extension collar which has an inner diameter larger than the screw threads for surrounding unused trailing screw threads of a pipe joined to the fitting and forming an annular gap for holding a sealing compound. The collar has a wall of a comparable thickness to the and an outer diameter larger than the body of the fitting.

The present invention relates to pipe fittings for use in building pipe lines for delivering, particularly but not exclusively, cooking and heating gas.
Pipe fittings are in abundant use for building pipe lines to deliver fluid from one location to another. They are available in a vast variety of forms and sizes for joining pipes together in different layouts. A typical low-cost material used for producing pipe fittings and pipes is iron, and the final products are usually galvanised with a coating of zinc or like for protecting the base material against rusting.
Pipes are cut with screw threads for joining purposes, whereby the base material at the joining positions is inevitably exposed. The base material adjacent to the joints upon completion may remain exposed, which would require protection. At present, paint is normally used for that purpose but is found to be unreliable.
The invention seeks to mitigate or at least alleviate such a problem by providing an improved pipe fitting.
According to the invention, there is provided a pipe fitting comprising a hollow body and at least one open end for connection to a pipe. This end is pre-formed with internal screw threads for connection and includes an integral extension collar. The collar has an inner diameter relatively larger than that of the screw threads for surrounding unused trailing screw threads of said pipe and forming an annular gap there between to hold a sealing compound. The collar has a wall of a comparable thickness as that of the end behind it and an outer diameter relatively larger than that of the end behind it.
In a preferred embodiment, the screw threads are slightly tapered outwards at a small angle with respect to the axis of the end.
It is preferred that for the pipe fitting to be made of a galvanised iron material.
The pipe fitting may be in the form selected from the group of an elbow joint, a T-shaped joint, a straight joint and a end cap.

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited


Apparatus and methods are provided for integrally packaging semiconductor IC (integrated circuit) chips with antennas having one or more radiating elements and tuning elements that are formed from package lead wires that are appropriated shaped and arranged to form antenna structures for millimeter wave applications.

Technological innovations in wireless systems and devices have lead to widespread development of wireless network applications for wireless PAN (personal area network), wireless LAN (local area network), wireless WAN (wide area network), cellular networks, and other types of wireless communication systems. To enable wireless communication between devices in a wireless network, the devices must be equipped with receivers, transmitters, or transceivers, as well as antennas that can efficiently radiate/receive signals transmitted to/from other devices in the network.
Conventional radio communication systems are typically constructed using discrete components that are individually encapsulated and/or mounted with low integration levels on printed circuit boards, packages or substrates. For example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional radio communication system (10). The system (10) comprises a leaded chip package (11) with an integrated circuit chip (12) and protruding package leads (13). The package leads (13) are connected to interconnect structures (14) that are formed on a PCB (printed circuit board) or printed wiring board, for example. The interconnect structures (14) provide electrical connections to a transmitter or receiver antenna (15) (such as a printed antenna structure formed on the board level). The electrical interconnects (14) are typically built using expensive and bulky wave guides and/or package-level or board-level micro strip structures.
There is an increasing market demand, however, for more compact radio communication systems with integrated transmitter/receiver/transceiver and antenna systems, which provide high-performance, high data transmission rate, high-volume, low-power consumption, low cost, and low weight solutions. Indeed, current communication systems require high performance antenna systems that provide, e.g., wide bandwidth, high-gain, and high-efficiency operating characteristics. As the operating frequency increases, the manufacture and assembly of conventional waveguide front-ends become more difficult. In this regard, innovations in semiconductor fabrication and packaging technologies, coupled with requirements for higher operating frequencies, have made it practically feasible for integrating antennas with RF integrated circuits to provide highly integrated radio communication systems.

Apparatus and methods for packaging integrated circuit chips with antennas formed from package lead wires

International Business Machines Corporation


A photo-curable transfer sheet having a photo-curable transfer layer comprising a photo-curable composition, the photo-curable composition being deformable by application of pressure and containing a reactive polymer having a photopolymerizable functional group,                wherein the photo-curable transfer layer shows linearity in relationship between strain [γ] (%) and time [t] (second) measured by a creep test using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus under the conditions of an ordinary temperature, stress of 50 Pa and a time period of 120 seconds, and satisfies a following formula: log γ=a+b·log t, in which “a” is a real number, and “b” is in the range of 0.10 to 0.53; and a process for the preparation of an optical information recording medium using the sheet and an optical information recording medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical information recording medium, such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or CD (Compact Disc), in which a large amount of information such as letters, sound and animation is recorded and/or recordable as digital signals, a process for the preparation thereof, and further a photo-curable transfer sheet advantageously utilized in the medium and process.
2. Description of the Related Art
As an optical information recording medium in which digital signals are in advance recorded by forming pits on its surface, CD and CD-ROM are widely used. Recently, DVD that the animation can be also recorded by forming pits on its both (double) sides has been noted as the next generation recording medium instead of CD and increasingly used. Further, attention is directed to recordable discs such as CD-R, DVD-R and DVD-RW having groove(s) or grooves and pits thereon.
Conventional DVD having recording layers (surfaces) on its both sides includes a disc readable from double sides, as shown in FIG. 9, in which each of reflective layers 1a, 2a is formed on a signal-pits surface of each of transparent resin substrates 1, 2 having the signal-pits surface on its one side, and the two transparent resin substrates 1, 2 are bonded to each other through an adhesive layer 3 such that the reflective layers 1a, 2a are faced to each other; and a disc readable from single side, as shown in FIG. 10, in which a semitransparent reflective layer 1b is formed on a signal-pits surface of a transparent resin substrate 1 while a reflective layer 2a is formed on a signal-pits surface of another transparent resin substrate 2 and the two transparent resin substrates 1, 2 are bonded to each other through an adhesive layer 3 such that the semitransparent reflective layers 1b and the reflective layer 2a are faced to each other.
The DVD readable from double sides can be prepared, for example, by subjecting melted polycarbonate resin to injection molding by the use of a stamper having unevenness (concave and convex) corresponding to the reverse of unevenness of the signal-pits to be recorded on the substrate to prepare a transparent resin substrate having unevenness on its surface, forming a reflective layer on the uneven surface by spattering metal such as aluminum on it, and bonding two transparent resin substrates obtained in the above manner to each other through an adhesive such that the two reflective layers are faced to each other.
For example, a standardized specification of a next generation optical disc "Blu-Ray Disc" was proposed on Feb. 10, 2002. The specification mainly includes storage capacity of 23.3/25/27GB, laser wavelength of 405 nm (violaceous laser), lens numerical aperture (N/A) of 0.85, disc diameter of 120 mm, disc thickness of 1.2 mm and track pitch of 0.32 μm.
In the Blu-Ray Disc, as mentioned above, the sizes of groove and pits are reduced, and therefore it is required to reduce a spot size of a reading laser. The reduction of the spot size results in that the reading is apt to be influenced by inclination of the disc, and hence even DVD having a little warpage cannot be reproduced (read out). In order to avoid the disadvantage, it may be effective to reduce a thickness of a substrate and make a thickness of a cover layer provided on pits surface on a laser-irradiation side to approx. 0.1 mm.
"NIKKEI ELECTRONICS", Nov. 5, 2001, pp.68 describes a process for the preparation of DVD suited to the above-mentioned requirements. The process is explained by referring to FIG. 11. A UV curable resin 5A is provided, by application, on a reflective layer (or recording layer) 6a of a disc substrate (1.1 mm) 4a having the reflective layer on its uneven surface, while a UV curable resin 5B is provided, by application, on a stamper 4b made of polycarbonate having uneven surface. Subsequently, after the substrate is turned over, the turned-over substrate and the stamper are put together, and the UV curable resins 5A, 5B are cured by irradiating ultraviolet beam from the stamper side. The stamper 4b is then removed from the cured UV curable resin 5B, a reflective layer (or recording layer) 6b is formed on the uneven surface and further a cover layer (thickness of approx. 0.1 mm) 7 is provided the reflective layer 6b.
In the process described in NIKKEI ELECTRONICS, a UV curable resin (layer) is provided on a disc substrate and a stamper by application, and the substrate is turned over and bonded to the stumper. Hence, the process is needed to perform complicated procedures such as the application and turning over steps. In more detail, when the turned-over substrate and the stamper are put together through viscous UV curable resins, bubbles are generated in the vicinity of an interface of the combined UV curable resins. Hence it is difficult to successfully bond the UV curable resins of the substrate and stamper to each other. Furthermore, the UV curable resin is accompanied by large shrinkage on its curing, and hence the resultant medium is apt to have deformation such as warpage.
A process for the preparation of an optical information recording medium such as DVD capable of solving the above disadvantages is disclosed in WO 03/032305 A1. In the process, used is a photo-curable transfer sheet having a photo-curable transfer layer comprising a photo-curable composition, the photo-curable composition being deformable by application of pressure and containing a reactive polymer having a photopolymerizable functional group. In more detail, the photo-curable transfer sheet in the form of solid instead of the above UV curable resin is used when depression of the stamper, and therefore it is possible to transfer the uneven surface into the sheet to avoid the above disadvantages.

Photo-curable transfer sheet, process for the preparation of optical information recording medium using the sheet, and optical information recording medium


The invention relates to a gas connection device for insufflation equipment, in particular for mini-invasive surgery as well as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. The invention includes a connection port 3 for the gas supply, a pressure reducer 4, a safety valve 5, a gas outlet port 7 provided with a solenoid vane 6, and a manometer 8.. In order to have an economic assembly of all components of the gas connection device pre-assembled in an insufflation device, it is provided, according to the invention, that the connection port 3, the pressure reducer 4, the safety valve 5, the solenoid valve 6, with the gas outlet port 7, and the manometer 8 are connected to a common metal main body 1, and are connected to a common metal main body 1, and are connected with main body 1. Therefrom simultaneously results, by the loosenable and replaceable installation of the connection port 3 in the main body 1, the possibility to perform, after the final assembly of the insufflation device, an adaption of the connection port to the requirements of the gas bottle connection (FIG. 1 ).

In a prior art embodiment of the gas connection device of a conventional insufflation device, the outlet port is mounted in the device wall, and is connected, over a copper pipe, with the pressure reducer. The latter is connected, over a pressurised-air hose, with the safety valve, and over another copper pipe, with a pressure-indicating manometer. Finally, another pressurised-air hose is present between the safety valve and the solenoid valve. The copper pipes and the pressurised-air hoses are connected over screwed joints with special cap nuts, to the respective components of the gas connection device. Thereby, when mounting the prior art gas connection device within the housing of an insufflation device, several individual assemblies have to be installed, and have to be connected with each other over copper pipes and pressurised-air hoses. Processing of the copper pipes requires an enormous expenditure by cutting, bending, chromating, removal of chips and the like. Further, considerable costs are caused by stocking and purchasing the copper pipes, pressurised-air hoses, screwed joints and cap nuts. In total, there are relatively high assembly costs and a large number of potential failure locations.

Gas connection device for insufflation equipment


The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an ultra high strength cold-rolled steel sheet, comprising the step of continuously annealing a cold-rolled steel sheet consisting essentially of, in terms of weight percentages, 0.07 to 0.15% C, 0.7 to 2% Si, 1.8 to 3% Mn, 0.02% or less P, 0.01% or less S, 0.01 to 0.1% Sol. Al, 0.005% or less N, 0.0003 to 0.003% B, and the balance being Fe, in which such continuous annealing comprises the steps of: heating the cold-rolled steel sheet at from 800° C. to 870° C. for 10 seconds or more; slowly cooling the heated steel sheet down to from 650° C. to 750° C.; rapidly cooling the slowly cooled steel sheet down to 100° C. or less at a cooling speed of over 500° C./sec; reheating the rapidly cooled steel sheet at from 325° C. to 425° C. for from 5 minutes to 20 minutes; cooling the reheated steel sheet down to room temperature; and coiling the cooled steel sheet. According to the invention, the ultra high strength cold-rolled steel sheet, for use in a structural member of automobile, which has a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more and is excellent in stretch-flangeability, ductility, and spot-weldability can be obtained.

From the point of view of achieving weight reduction of automobile for the purpose of reduction in fuel consumption and ensuring safety for occupants of automobile, application of an ultra high strength cold-rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more to a structural member of automobile has been studied. However, since such an ultra high strength cold-rolled steel sheet as described above is remarkably inferior to a mild cold-rolled steel sheet in stretch-flangeability and ductility, it is difficult to subject the ultra high strength cold-rolled steel sheet to press-forming.
In regard to formability of a high strength cold-rolled steel sheet, a number of prior arts have so far been disclosed, for example, in JP-B Nos. 7-59726, 55-22532, 55-51410, 1-35051, and 1-35052, Japanese Patent No. 2766693, and JP-B No. 8-30212.
However, except for a case in which C content is high, among these prior arts, there is no prior art which simultaneously achieves a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more and either excellent stretch-flangeability or ductility. In a case in which C content is high, there is a problem in that, since a spot-welded portion is liable to be fractured, sufficient joint strength can not be obtained.

Method for producing cold rolled steel plate of super high strength


A flexible screw for conveyors, which is made of a flexible rod and a polymer-coated cord helically wound on the rod, the cord being made of a core and a polymer layer formed on the core, and the core being a fiber bundle having a specific amount of buckling of not more than 0.3%. When the screw is used for transporting containers, it can adapt itself to a drastic change in the surrounding temperature and can endure a great tension caused by the transport of heavy containers, since winding pitch of the cord is not easily widened and the disturbance of the pitch can be prevented.

Screws wherein a metal wire such as a steel wire is helically wound around a flexible rod are used for transporting containers. A container transport apparatus using screws having such a structure is composed of two screws arranged in parallel at a specified distance from each other and are adapted to transport containers by rotating the screws, with tile neck of each container being held between the screws (usually with a flange at the neck of the container in engagement with shafts).
The apparatus transports containers by a principle entirely different from that of belt conveyors or roller conveyors which are usually used for container transport, i.e., by the frictional contact of the screws with the neck of the container, and permits more accurate container positioning, more facilitated automation of production lines, its simpler and more compact construction and lower equipment costs, as compared with conventional conveyors.
In the screw above, the wire helically wound is made of steel, and the neck of each container including its flange to be brought into contact with the wire is subject to abrasion or damage by rotation. Especially, great care should be given to the containers to be filled with a carbonated beverage to avoid flaws in the container.
For solving this problem, it has already been considered to use, in the place of the steel wire, a cord prepared by coating a polymer on a core of a bundle of twistings such as nylon. Since the surface layer of the cord is made from resin, the cord is advantageous in that the damage to the containers can be made less than do steel wires.
Cords having a core are generally produced by feeding a core in a direction under a given tension, extruding a polymer in a molten state onto the core from a die disposed coaxially therewith simultaneously with the advance of the cord to coat the core with the polymer, and cooling same. As the molten polymer solidifies, however, a buckling of the core occurs due to the difference in shrinkage between the polymer and the core. Upon application of a tension, the cord with buckling can be easily stretched for the same length as the core shrank.
According to the above-mentioned transport apparatus, containers are, with their own rotation, transferred by the sliding friction caused by a high speed rotation of the screw, which in turn means that the force to the direction which causes expansion of the winding pitch, namely, expansion of helical intervals of the cord acts repeatedly on the cord when containers advance on the cord. Accordingly, the cord is elongated on the rod to become loose in the course of operation due to the property of the cord mentioned above, thus resulting in an undesirable change in the winding pitch of the cord. The disturbance in the pitch makes container transport speed unsteady, and in an extreme case, the transport becomes impossible.
In view of the foregoing problems, it has been already proposed to use a polymer cord wherein the amount of the buckling of a core, i.e. a fiber bundle, is not more than 3.0% (WO 91/06493).
Out of the necessity to cope with the increasing force applied on a cord during transport of containers, which is caused by the growing container volume, and to meet the desire to develop a cord adaptable to a drastic change in the temperature of the environment in which the cord is used, requirements imposed on the cord have been becoming severer.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible screw for conveyors, which is free of disturbance in pitch caused by the growing container volume, and which can cope with changes in the temperature of the environment wherein the screw is used.


A case sealer has a frame with a low friction conveyor upon which boxes are moved in series through three stages, each having an independent pair of spaced-apart, lateral conveyors that are linked together for inward and outward movement to accommodate the width of the box to be sealed. A first measuring stage measures the height, width and length of the box. A second flap folding stage has a floating head located over its lateral conveyors and is responsive to the height and width of the box and folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. When a box enters the flap folding stage, the lateral conveyors in the measuring stage open to accept the next box, and based on the speed of the lateral conveyors and the measured length of the previous box, a gate allows the next box to enter the measuring stage as soon as the previous box has cleared the measuring stage.

In the packaging industry, many products are packed in cardboard boxes or cartons for shipping. Often, one end of the box, namely the bottom, is sealed shut before the box is filled, and after the box is filled, the open top end of the box usually has end and side flaps that are folded inwardly and downwardly. The box can be sealed by applying glue to the inside of the mating surfaces of the folded flaps prior to them being folded shut, or by applying tape to the outside of the flaps after they have been folded shut.
In many cases, the boxes are uniform in size, so providing apparatus that will fold the flaps and apply adhesive or tape thereto is not particularly difficult to do. The apparatus can be adjusted to suit the known width and the height of the boxes and there is usually no problem running the boxes through the case sealer once it has been adjusted properly.
However, sometimes the boxes are of different sizes coming down the same conveyor line. In these instances, a random case sealer is required, wherein the apparatus for folding the box flaps and applying adhesive or tape thereto adjusts automatically to suit the size of the box.
In prior art random case sealers, various sensors have been used to try to determine the exact size or position of the boxes entering the case sealer, and numerous actuators or other adjustment mechanisms, together with suitable control devices, have been used to adjust the position of the various folding and sealing components to suit the position and size of the box being sealed. A difficulty with the prior art devices, however, is that the boxes are often misshaped or underfilled or overfilled, so that they are not uniform in shape, so the sensors often cannot determine the optimum position adjustments. The result is that the boxes get jammed in the apparatus shutting down the packaging line.
Another difficulty with some prior art case sealers is that they tend to be slow, in that if the boxes are of different sizes, a new box cannot enter or proceed through the case sealer until the previous box has cleared the sealer and the controls have been reset to be ready to receive the new box. An example of this is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,380 issued to Poulsen.

Random multi-stage automatic case sealer