A data enrichment system may include an attribute relevance module to measure relevance of an attribute to a data object to be enriched. The data object may include the attribute including a known or an unknown value. An output value confidence module may calculate a confidence of an output value of a source used for enrichment of the data object. The output value may represent the known and/or unknown values of the attribute. The system may use the measured relevance of the attribute and the calculated confidence of the output value to determine assignment of the known or unknown values to the attribute.

Data enrichment may be used to determine, for example, missing or additional information for a data object, or the accuracy of information associated with a data object. For example, a data object may be a customer or a product. An example of enrichment of a data object may include, for example, determining an e-mail contact or city of residence for a particular customer. The data object may be enriched manually, for example, by searching sources and subjectively determining, for example, if the information in the sources can be used or is pertinent to the data object. Due to factors such as, for example, the large number of data objects that may need enrichment and the subjectivity of manual enrichment processes, such data enrichment techniques can generate erroneous results. If the enrichment process is automated by obtaining information from a source, changes in the content or format of the source may require modification of the enrichment process. Moreover, if multiple sources are available for enrichment, selection of a particular source can add subjectivity to the enrichment process.

Data enrichment using heterogeneous sources


A heather unit including a small diameter sheath heater with improved reliability is provided. The heater unit includes a first substrate having a first joint surface and a second substrate having a second joint surface being joined together, a groove arranged on at least one of the first joint surface or the second joint surface, and a sheath heater arranged inside the groove. The sheath heater includes a metal sheath, a heating wire having a band shape, the heating wire arranged with a space within the metal sheath so as to rotate with respect to an axis direction of the metal sheath, an insulating material arranged in the space, and connection terminals arranged at one end of the metal sheath, the connection terminals electrically connected with both ends of the heating wire respectively.

Semiconductor devices are mounted in almost all electronic devices and play an important role in the functions of electronic devices. In the manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, a functional element such as a transistor element, wiring, a resistor element or a capacitor element is formed by film formation and processing of a thin film on a semiconductor substrate. A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, or an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method and the like are used as a method for forming a thin film on a semiconductor substrate. In addition, a method such as a reactive ion etching (RIE) method, a mechanical polishing (MP) or a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is used as a method for processing the thin film. In addition, in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device, a surface treatment process such as a plasma treatment is performed in addition to thin film formation and processing.
In the film formation, processing and surface treatment processes described above, many reaction conditions determine the properties of the thin film and one of these conditions is the temperature of the semiconductor substrate. In many cases, the temperature of the semiconductor substrate is controlled by adjusting the temperature of a mounting table (referred to as "stage" herein) on which the semiconductor substrate is set. In order to adjust the temperature of the stage, a sheath heater, which is a heating mechanism, is embedded in the stage in a meandering or spiral shape.
For example, a sheath heater arranged with a plurality of heating lines in a single metal tube shaped sheath is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-151239. Usually, heating is performed using one of a plurality of heating wires, and when this heating wire is disconnected, the power supply circuit is switched to another heating wire to recover easily and quickly.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A method for setting the performance of a gas operating cooking device by setting a complete combustion of the fuel gas/air mixture supplied to the gas burner of the cooking device. The method includes determining a calorific output of the gas burner and the air ratio required for complete combustion, setting the air quantity supplied to the gas burner dependent on the identified calorific output of the identified air ratio, setting the specific air ratio via a setting of the combustion gas quantity supplied to the gas burner given a constant feed of the air quantity, delivering a combustion gas in a quantity so that the combustion gas/air mixture lies below a lower ignition limit and subsequently raising the amount of delivered combustion gas in steps with further ignition attempts until a successful ignition occurs to acquire the quantity of combustion gas supplied at the ignition point for the combustion gas/air mixture, the calorific value of the combustion gas is obtained from the acquired supply quantity of combustion gas and the combustion gas quantity needed for complete combustion is determined for the obtained calorific value.

The present invention is directed to a method for setting the performance of a gas-operated cooking device as well as to a cooking device that uses the method.
Problems can occur in the operation of a gas-operated cooking device, particularly in mobile employment or given an operating in a gas network, wherein the gas quality changes. On one hand, a different gas quality, particularly a change in the type of gas employed, will lead to a change in the air ratio of a combustion gas/air mixture supplied to a gas burner arranged in the cooking device. The ratio of air quantity to combustion gas quantity referred to the stoichiometry of the combustion gas and a change in the ratio of air quantity to combustion gas quantity causes a deviation in the combustion from a desired ideal value for a hygienic, complete combustion, so that increased emissions of pollutants can occur during the combustion. Both increased emissions of pollutants as well as increasing stresses on the component parts will occur from incorrect settings of air quantity and/or combustion gas quantity. On the other hand, a deviation from the ideal air ratio leads to a modified calorific output or heating capacity of the gas burner, which, given a continuous operation of the gas burner during a cooking process, leads to modifications of the cooking time and, thus, to a deterioration of the quality of the cooked product that is being prepared. A modulating operation of the gas burner, in fact, makes it possible to slightly reduce the influence of variable environmental conditions, which, in addition to gas quality, also includes changes in air or gas pressures and contamination of the cooking device, on the quality of the cooked product without, however, being able to completely eliminate this problem. Given cooking devices known from the prior art, a manual intervention is necessary for actuating components of the gas feed and of the air feed in order to adapt the cooking device for the variable environmental boundary conditions, which are usually not to be implemented technically correct by an untrained user.
Additional various methods for optimizing the combustion of a gas burner in and of itself are known from the prior art. German Patent Document DE 196 39 487 A1 discloses a method and an apparatus for optimizing the operation of a gas burner. Even without utilization of an oxygen sensor in the flue gas exhaust, the air-gas mixture for a gas burner is thereby optimized given employment of combustion gasses with different Wobbe indices in that the gas burner is first supplied with an air-gas mixture with a gas excess, and this is ignited. Subsequently, the air part in the air-gas mixture is increased until the flame lifts off from the gas burner, which is detected via a flame sensor. The air-gas ratio is then modified to decrease the air excess in order to set an optimum combustion. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that the gas consumption is elevated during the setting procedure when the air-gas ratio is set proceeding therefrom that the gas part is reduced proceeding from a high initial value given a constant air feed, which will lead to an increase in the operating costs and deflagration can occur given the ignition of the rich gas to air mixture, which reduces operational safety.
Additional methods or devices are known from the prior art that enable the determination of the Wobbe index and/or of the calorific value of a combustion gas supplied to a gas burner in order to set the air ratio needed for a hygienic combustion with the data acquired therefrom.
German Patent Document DE 41 18 781 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for a combustion-free determination of the Wobbe index and/or of the calorific value of a gas. For determining the Wobbe index, the volume stream of a flowing gas is measured and further characteristic properties, such as pressure drop, density, viscosity or the like are measured or kept constant. With the assistance of approximation functions, the Wobbe index of the combustion gas is subsequently identified from the measured volume stream and, thus, mass stream and at least one further characteristic. It is also proposed that the identified Wobbe index be used in order to set the quantity of the heat supplied to a gas burner by varying the pressure and, thus, the volume stream of the delivered gas or by varying the mixing ratio of the two gas grades. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that it requires an additional measuring instrument, which increases the structural outlay of the gas burner mechanism, the manufacturing costs of the device and also has an increases susceptibility to malfunction.
German Patent Document DE 198 24 523 A1, which discloses a regulating method for gas burners, and German Patent Document DE 39 37 290 A1, which discloses a method and a device for producing a fuel/combustion mixture to be supplied for combustion, disclose that an ionization electrode is arranged in the flame region of the gas burner with the result that an electrical conductivity is measured in this region and the stoichiometry of the supplied fuel can be determined therefrom. The calorific value can then be derived from the identified stoichiometry. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that the measurement method has a high susceptibility to error, since the determination of the conductivity is dependent on the exact known geometry of the electrode arrangement, and deviations from the ideal air ratio when setting the air-gas mixture can occur dependent on an imprecisely measured ionization current.
German Patent Document DE 198 38 361 A1 also discloses that the gas composition of a mixture supplied to a gas burner be identified by a sensor arranged in the gas conduit, particularly in the form of a metal oxide sensor. The gas composition identified in this way is then used for determining the calorific value of the combustion gas and for setting a corresponding Wobbe index for the gas mixture by varying the mixture composition. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that expensive sensors must be employed in order to achieve an adequate measuring precision in the determination of the gas composition, and the determination of the caloric value involves complicated conversions that can be affected by errors. Moreover, additional inserts are provided in the gas burner, which increases the design outlay for the device.
German Patent Document DE 199 08 885 A1 discloses a method for the operation of an energy converter supplied with combustion gasses with varying composition. It is provided in this method that the combustion gas is heated in a lockable measuring chamber, and the dependency between the heat quantity supplied to the measuring chamber and the rise in pressure and/or temperature in the measuring chamber is used in order to set the combustion gas composition to a rated value. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that additional inserts are provided and the measurement method is imprecise and susceptible to disturbance due to the determination of the supplied heat quantity that is sensitive to change in the environmental conditions.
German Patent Document DE 199 21 167 A1 discloses a method and an arrangement for measuring the calorific value and/or the Wobbe index of combustion gasses, particularly natural gas. In this method, the speed of sound or the density of the combustion gas is measured, the combustion gas is exposed to an infrared radiation, the part of the infrared radiation absorbed by the combustion gas is measured, and the calorific value and/or the Wobbe index is obtained from these two measured signals. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that it also is technologically complicated and susceptible to malfunction.
German Patent Document DE 197 50 873 A1 discloses a method for the control of an atmospheric gas burner for heating units, particularly water heaters. In order to adapt the starting gas quantity to various environmental conditions, it is proposed that the starting gas quantity be increased time-dependent during the starting procedure, so that a plurality of ignition attempts are undertaken for each starting gas quantity. The starting procedure is interrupted after a previously-defined plurality of unsuccessful ignition procedures and the heating unit is switched to malfunction. A disadvantage of this method, however, is that a hygienic, for example complete, combustion by the gas burner is not assured.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to offer a method for setting the performance of a gas-operating cooking device that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, automatically adapts to various environmental conditions.
This method is inventively achieved in that the performance setting occur by setting a complete combustion of a combustion gas/air mixture supplied to a gas burner of a cooking device by the following steps:
determining a calorific output to be output by the gas burner and the air ratio required for a complete combustion;
setting the air quantity supplied to the gas burner dependent on the identified calorific output and the identified air ratio; and
setting the specific air ratio via setting of the combustion gas quantity supplied to the gas burner given a constant feed of the air quantity that has been set, so that the composition of the combustion gas/air mixture lies below the lower ignition limit at the beginning of a first ignition attempt of the mixture, subsequently increasing the delivered combustion gas quantity and again attempting ignition, continuing the steps of increasing the quantity of the combustion gas and ignition attempts until there is a successful ignition, for example up to the ignition point, wherein the quantity of combustion gas supplied at the ignition point of the combustion gas/air mixture is acquired, the calorific value of the combustion gas is determined from the acquired, supplied quantity of the combustion gas, and the combustion gas quantity needed for a complete combustion is set by this derived calorific value.
What is to be understood by determination of the calorific output and of the air ratio is, for example, a selection, defining or the like of these quantities.
It can thereby be provided that the combustion gas feed is interrupted between two successive ignition attempts and the gas burner outlet is rinsed with air. It is also inventively proposed that the specific calorific value is corrected by measuring at least one temperature characteristic for the combustion of the combustion gas/air mixture, preferably the flame temperature, at the ignition point and/or by measuring the change of the first temperature given increases of the delivered gas quantity by at least one first sensor.
It can thereby be provided that the combustion gas feed is interrupted between two successive measurements of the first temperature and the area of the first sensor is flooded with air and is essentially cooled to room temperature.
It is inventively preferred that the identified calorific value is corrected by measuring at least one second temperature characteristic for heating of the cooking device via at least one second sensor.
A development of the inventive method is characterized in that the identified calorific value is corrected by measuring the quality of the combustion of the combustion gas/air mixture via at least one third sensor, like a probe, in the exhaust gas path of the gas burner for acquiring at least one exhaust gas component characteristic for the combustion.
For modifying the calorific output, particularly during operation of the cooking device, it is also proposed with the invention that the quantity of air supplied to the gas burner is adapted, preferably without interrupting the air feed, and that the quantity of combustion gas supplied to the gas burner is adapted dependent on the specific calorific value of the combustion gas for setting the desired air ratio, preferably without interrupting the feed of the combustion gas.
An especially preferred embodiment of the method is characterized in that the specific calorific value is stored and utilized for setting a complete combustion.
It is also proposed with the invention that a re-determination of the calorific value is implemented in certain statuses of the cooking device, preferably after separation of the cooking device from a supply of combustion gas and/or from an energy supply, after upward transgression of a prescribed operating time, after upward transgression of a prescribed off time and/or the like, particularly following a confirmation on the part of a user.
The object directed to the cooking device is achieved in that, for utilizing the inventive method, the cooking device comprises a cooking chamber that is heatable via a gas burner, the gas burner comprises a combustion gas feed with a first valve, an air feed with a blower and/or a second valve, an ignition device and a control and/or regulating device in an interactive connection with the first valve, the second valve, the blower and the ignition device.
An inventive cooking device is also characterized by the first temperature sensor at the output of the gas burner, preferably in the flame region of the gas burner, a second temperature sensor in the cooking chamber and/or an exhaust gas sensor in the exhaust gas path of the gas burner, preferably in the exhaust of the cooking device, so that the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and/or the exhaust gas sensor has or, respectively, have an interactive connection with the control and regulating device.
In an inventive cooking device, finally, at least one first device for recognizing a separation from a combustion gas supply and/or energy supply and/or a second device for determining operating time and/or the off-time of the cooking device can be provided in an interactive connection with the control and/or regulating device.
The invention is based on the surprising perception that a method for setting the performance of a gas-operated cooking device can be implemented so that the cooking process can be reproducibly implemented in the cooking device independently of variable environmental conditions, such as change in the gas quality, changes in the air or gas pressure or contamination of the cooking device. For example, there is no deterioration of the quality of the cooked product, particularly due to changes in the cooking times, without the user having to implement a manual intervention in the cooking device, particularly at component parts of the gas feed or of the air feed, for adaptation to the environmental conditions, in that an automatic regulation of the air/combustion gas composition is implemented for setting a specific air ratio. The setting of a complete and, thus, hygienic combustion having a prescribed calorific output is thereby accomplished exclusively via changes of the gas feed, whereas the air quantity is held constant for a prescribed calorific output and, thus, the air ratio is set only via the variation of the supplied quantity of gas. Over and above this, the recognition of the momentary combustion condition is inventively possible by an indirect recognition of the caloric value, in that the linear relationship between the calorific value and the air requirement forms the basis. What the method also achieves is that additional inserts in the cooking device are avoided, the operating costs are not increased and a higher operating dependability is assured.
Other advantages and features of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description, the claims and drawings.

Method for setting the performance of gas-operated cooking devices as well as a cooking device using this method


A mounting assembly for mounting a transceiver thereupon. The mounting assembly is integrally formed of a flexible material, and permits affixation of the transceiver thereto when the transceiver is positioned in a confronting relation upon the assembly, and then translated into a locking position thereupon. A lock formed integral with the mounting assembly locks the transceiver in the locking position. Application of an actuation force upon the lock unlocks the transceiver to permit translation of the transceiver out of the locking position to permit the transceiver to be lifted thereaway.

The present invention relates generally to mounting apparatus, and, more particularly, to a mounting assembly for mounting a portable transceiver thereupon.
Cellular communication systems permit a user to communicate telephonically at virtually any location. As continual improvements in the field of cellular communications have permitted ever greater numbers of users to utilize the cellular communication systems to communicate therethrough, the sale and use of cellular phones has increased dramatically in recent years.
A cellular communication system is created by positioning receiving stations at spaced-apart locations throughout a geographical area. Each receiving station receives radio frequency signals generated by a cellular phone when the phone is located in the vicinity of the receiving station, and the receiving stations are positioned throughout the geographical area such that the cellular phone positioned at any location in the geographical area is within the reception range of at least one of the receiving stations. The geographical area is divided into portions, and the number of portions into which the geographical area is divided is determined by the number of receiving stations positioned throughout the geographical area such that one receiving station is positioned in each portion of the geographical area. Each portion is defined to be a cell, and the signal transmitted by a cellular phone when positioned in a particular one of the cells is received by the receiving station which defines the cell.
A user operating a cellular phone when positioned in a particular cell communicates telephonically by transmitting a radio frequency signal to the receiving station. The receiving station is connected to a conventional telephone system to permit signals transmitted to the receiving station to be transmitted therealong. Numerous users of numerous cellular phones may simultaneously transmit signals to the same receiving station by transmitting signals at various different frequencies, or through the implementation of digital multiplexing techniques.
While a user may communicate telephonically through a cellular communication system when situated at any fixed location in the geographical area encompassed by the cellular communication system, cellular communication systems are perhaps most frequently utilized by operators traveling in an automobile or other vehicle. When carried in a vehicle, a cellular phone is referred to as a mobile phone, and the phone must be constructed to permit usage thereof as the vehicle is travelling towards or away from a receiving station. As the vehicle in which the mobile phone is positioned travels through successive cells, the signals transmitted by the mobile phone are received by successive receiving stations to permit continuity of telephonic communication.
Earlier designs of mobile phones were of significant dimensions and weights. The weights and dimensions of the phone were great enough to limit significantly the portability of the phone. In fact, in many instances, the phones were of such dimensions that substantial portions of the phones (e.g., transmit/receive circuitry and amplification circuitry) were placed in a trunk, or other storage area, of the vehicle, and, once installed thereat, were only removed with great infrequency, and with significant difficulty.
Increased miniaturization of the various components of the mobile phone permit the phone to be housed in ever-smaller packages. As a result, in many instances, the aforementioned phone component portions previously installed and affixed in a trunk, or other storage area, of a vehicle, may be conveniently carried in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. For instance, many mobile phone designs permit transmit/receive and amplification circuitry to be housed within a compact housing which is of dimensions to permit positioning thereof directly beneath a seat in the passenger compartment, or in a glove box compartment. When positioned thereat, the transceiver housing is readily accessible by a user, thereby greatly increasing the portability of the phone. In fact, several cellular phone designs, referred to as transportable phones, may alternately be carried within an automobile to function as a mobile phone, or directly by the user to function as a portable phone.
Mounting apparatus is available to affix component portions of the mobile phone (to be referred to hereinafter generically as a transceiver) at a mounting location of the vehicle, or at any other mounting location. The mounting apparatus affixes the transceiver in position to support the housing thereby. Additionally, several existing mounting apparatus further provide means to absorb vibrational forces generated during operation of the automobile. Such forces, if transmitted to the various circuitry of the transceiver, can cause damage thereto.
However, existing mounting apparatus was developed for use in conjunction with transceivers of the aforementioned greater dimensions and weights. Such existing mounting apparatus was not designed to support transceivers of dimensions suitable for placement in small areas, such as, for example, upon a floorboard beneath a seat in the passenger compartment of an automobile. Additionally, such existing mounting apparatus, designed to support the transceivers of the greater dimensions and weights, were not developed with the intent to permit quick or simple removal of the transceiver from the mounting apparatus.
In short, existing mounting apparatus does not advantageously facilitate or enhance the portability of the transceiver which is otherwise increasingly permitted due to the ever-decreasing dimensional requirements of the transceiver.
Increasingly, many users of cellular phones own or make use of more than one vehicle, and desire to carry a single mobile phone in the vehicle which the user wishes to operate. The transceiver should, therefore, be of a design to permit convenient positioning thereof in any one of the vehicles. To facilitate such interchangeability, the mounting apparatus to which the transceiver is mounted must permit the transceiver to be quickly and easily dismounted therefrom, and, thereafter, to be mounted quickly and easily to subsequent mounting apparatus.
What is needed, therefore, is mounting apparatus which permits quick mounting and/or dismounting of a transceiver therefrom to increase the portability of the transceiver.

Transceiver mounting assembly having integrally formed lock


A method for implementing alignment of a semiconductor device structure includes forming first and second sets of alignment marks within a lower level of the structure, the second set of alignment marks adjacent the first set of alignment marks. An opaque layer is formed over the lower level, including the first and second sets of alignment marks. A portion of the opaque layer corresponding to the location of said first set of alignment marks is opened so as to render the first set optically visible while the second set of alignment marks initially remains covered by the opaque layer. The opaque layer is patterned using the optically visible first set of alignment marks, wherein the second set of alignment marks remain available for subsequent alignment operations in the event the first set becomes damaged during patterning of the opaque layer.

The present invention relates generally to semiconductor device processing and, more particularly, to a method and structure for improved alignment in Magnetic (or magneto-resistive) random access memory (MRAM) integration.
MRAM is a non-volatile random access memory technology that could replace the dynamic random access memory (DRAM) as the standard memory for computing devices. The use of MRAM as a non-volatile RAM would allow for "instant on" systems that come to life as soon as the system is turned on, thus saving the amount of time needed for a conventional PC, for example, to transfer boot data from a hard disk drive to volatile DRAM during system power up.
A magnetic memory element (also referred to as a tunneling magneto-resistive, or TMR device) includes a structure having ferromagnetic layers separated by an insulating non-magnetic layer (barrier), and arranged into a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). Digital information is stored and represented in the memory element as directions of magnetization vectors in the magnetic layers. More specifically, the magnetic moment of one magnetic layer (also referred to as a reference layer) is usually maintained in a preassigned direction, while the magnetic moment of the magnetic layer on the other side of the tunnel barrier (also referred to as a "free" layer) may be switched during operation between the same direction and the opposite direction with respect to the fixed magnetization direction of the reference layer. The orientations of the magnetic moment of the free layer adjacent to the tunnel junction are also known as "parallel" and "antiparallel" states, wherein a parallel state refers to the same magnetic alignment of the free and reference layers, while an antiparallel state refers to opposing magnetic alignments therebetween.
Depending upon the magnetic state of the free layer (parallel or antiparallel), the magnetic memory element exhibits two different resistance values in response to a voltage applied across the tunnel junction barrier. The particular resistance of the TMR device thus reflects the magnetization state of the free layer, wherein resistance is typically "low" when the magnetization is parallel, and "high" when the magnetization is antiparallel. Accordingly, a detection of changes in resistance allows a MRAM device to provide information stored in the magnetic memory element (i.e., a read operation). There are different methods for writing a MRAM cell; for example, a Stoner-Wohlfarth astroid MRAM cell is written to through the application of fields to exceed a critical curve or stability threshold, in order to magnetically align the free layer in a parallel or antiparallel state. The free layer is fabricated to have a preferred axis for the direction of magnetization called the "easy axis" (EA), and is typically set by a combination of intrinsic anisotropy, strain induced anisotropy, and shape anisotropy of the MTJ.
One type of existing MRAM device architecture is what is referred to as a field effect transistor (FET) based configuration. In the FET-based configuration, each MRAM cell includes a select transistor associated therewith, in addition to an MTJ. By keeping the select transistors to cells not being read in a non-conductive state, shunting current is prevented from flowing through neighboring devices. The tradeoff with the FET-based configuration versus a cross point cell (XPC)-based configuration (in which each cell is located at the crossing point between parallel conductive wordlines in one horizontal plane and perpendicularly running bit lines in another horizontal plane) is the area penalty associated with the location of the select transistors and additional metallization lines. In a conventionally formed FET-based MRAM device, the MTJ is typically formed over a conductive metal strap that laterally connects the bottom of the MTJ to the select FET (through a via, metallization line and contact area stud). A metal hardmask layer or via on the top of the MTJ is coupled to an upper metallization line.
One of the challenges in forming MRAM devices during Back End of Line (BEOL) processing of Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) integration lies in the lithographic alignment of MTJs to the metal level beneath. In most conventional BEOL processing approaches, the dielectric films used are optically transparent, thereby allowing a stepper to view the alignment marks of the metallization level beneath for alignment thereto. However, since the MTJ metal stack is opaque, the alignment marks of the metal level beneath an MTJ stack are not visible.
One existing approach to alignment for MTJ stacks is to introduce topography into the alignment mark area of the underlying metal level that can be seen through the MTJ, such as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,858,441. However, the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) prior to MTJ stack deposition that is associated with this technique can lead to dishing and trapped slurry residue, this making the alignment more difficult. In another approach (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,933,204, assigned to the assignee of the present application), a portion of the opaque MTJ stack layer over a set of alignment marks is removed prior to hardmask patterning that is aligned to a lower metallization level. The marks are visible beneath an optically transparent layer once the portion of the opaque MTJ layer is removed.
However, subsequent to the initial tunnel junction lithographic alignment to the lower metal level, the resulting hardmask and metal strap etch processes can degrade the optically exposed alignment marks, which are only protected by a thin optically transparent layer (e.g., Ta/TaN). As a result, further alignment steps that also utilize the same alignment marks (e.g., aligning vias that directly connect an upper level metal line to a lower metal line) can become more difficult to perform. Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to implement alignment of MTJ stacks in a manner that utilizes optically transparent alignment marks, but that also maintains the capability for additional alignment following etch processes subsequent to a first alignment.

Method and structure for improved alignment in MRAM integration

International Business Machines Corproation


A latch described herein comprises a ratchet movable between a primary closed position, a secondary closed position and an open position. The ratchet is biased towards the open position for facilitating travel of a striker in a fishmouth of the latch to the secondary closed position. The latch includes a pawl movable between a primary locking position, a secondary locking position and an unlocking position. The pawl is biased towards the primary locking position and has a pawl locking surface for holding the ratchet in the primary closed position and the secondary closed position. The latch includes a lift lever biased towards the open position for moving the striker in the fishmouth away from the secondary closed position and towards the open position when the pawl is in the unlocking position. The striker is further from the primary position when in the open position compared to the secondary closed position.

Latches for vehicle hoods and the like are typically actuated in two stages. During a first stage a handle is actuated inside the vehicle which moves the latch from a primary closed position to secondary closed position. To release the latch completely the vehicle occupant typically must exit the vehicle and actuate a lever that is under the hood. This may be inconvenient in some situations.
The current state of the art for hood latch involves two operations to open gain access to the hood, one operation from inside the vehicle followed by an additional hood actuation at the front of the vehicle to complete the release of the latch. Desired is a mechanism to provide for a multiple stage release from inside of the vehicle. Also desired is visual signal that the hood has been released by the multiple stages. Further, having a compatible active pedestrian protection latch with the multiple stage release could also be desirable.
In terms of lifting a hood in general and specifically for an active pedestrian protection system, the latch is needed to provide a travel that is greater than that which is used for normal opening. Due to mechanical limitations of springs and targets for mass and packaging, the normal opening lift of the hood cannot be as high as compared to what is provided using the active pedestrian protection system.
The automotive industry is attempting to better protect pedestrians from head on collisions with vehicles. When a car hits a pedestrian in a front collision, the pedestrian can be thrown up and land on the front hood of the vehicle and/or the windshield. In an effort to ameliorate the harshness of the impact, and in particular to prevent the person's head from hitting the engine block or other hard point located directly underneath the front hood, it is desired to actively space the front hood from the engine block whenever a front end collision is detected.

Latch with double pull for closure panel


The disclosure relates to compositions comprising a nucleotide sequence having two domains: a locked nucleic acid (LNA) domain and a DNA gap domain, wherein nucleotide sequence binds to an endogenous DUX4 mRNA sequence disrupts DUX4 expression.

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) comprises a group of 30 or more inherited disorders which are characterized by muscle weakness and replacement of muscle cells with connective tissue and fat (Emery, 1991). Although all MDs share common characteristics such as muscle weakness and muscle cell death, the disorders differ from one another in terms of their severities (i.e. progression variability), age of onset as well as muscles and other organ systems affected (Barakat-Haddad et al., 2016).
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by early involvement of muscle weakness and atrophy in facial muscles and shoulder girdle muscles (Padberg, 1982). With disease progression, muscle weakness and atrophy often spreads to the upper arms, pelvic girdle and lower limb muscles (Padberg, 1982). FSHD is the third most common muscular dystrophy, with a birth incidence of approximately 1 in 14,000 (Mostacciuolo et al., 2009). The frequency of occurrence for FSHD is often underestimated due to the high degree of clinical variability in addition to the large proportion of individuals who remain asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms (Deenen et al., 2014). In 1884, Landouzy and Dejerine were first to describe the classical FSHD phenotype with the disease being formerly known as Landouzy-Dejerine's disease (Landouzy & Dejerine, 1884 and Landouzy & Dejerine, 1886). However, it wasn't until 1980 when a rise in interest led to a greater understanding of FSHD, its clinical variability and its genetic complexities (Wijmenga, Padberg & Moerer et al., 1991). When the disorder was first described, FSHD and its association to chromosome 4 was unknown. However, since then, the fundamental cause of FSHD and the finding of D4Z4 reduced alleles at 4q35 has become clearer (Upadhyaya et al., 1997).
FSHD is associated with the deletion of a subset of D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat arrays in the subtelomeric region of chromosome 4, 4q35 (FIG. 1). The genetic defect in FSHD was first identified by a reduction seen in an EcoRI fragment of genomic DNA using the p13E-11 probe compared to healthy individuals (Wijmenga et al., 1992). Non-affected control individuals typically contain between 11 and 100 D4Z4 repeats, with EcoRI fragments being 40-300 kb in size, while FSHD patients carry between 1 and 10 repeats on one allele, with EcoRI fragments being 10-38 kb in size (FIG. 1) (Lunt, 1998). The deletion of a subset of D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat arrays occurs in early embryonic development through mitotic rearrangement (van der Maarel et al., 2000).
There are two forms of FSHD, FSHD1, which occurs in over 95% of cases, and the less common form, FSHD2, which occurs in the other 5% of individuals (Jones et al., 2012). FSHD1 is genetically linked to contractions of the macrosatellite D4Z4 repeat array (Wijmenga et al., 1990), whereas FSHD2 shows chromatin relaxation at D4Z4, but does not have a contraction of the D4Z4 locus (de Greef et al., 2010). In majority of patients with FSHD2, the disease is caused by digenic inheritance of a heterozygous mutation in the chromatin modifier gene on chromosome 18, Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes Flexible Hinge Domain Containing 1 (SMCHD1), as well as a distally located PAS-containing chromosome 4 (Lemmers et al., 2012). SMCHD1 is an important gene known for its role in regulating the repression of the D4Z4 array via DNA CpG methylation (Lemmers et al., 2012). Recent evidence however suggests that there is evidence for locus heterogeneity with FSHD2, due to the lack of SMCHD1 mutations seen in approximately 20% of FSHD2 affected patients. This evidence suggesting the presence of other modifier loci that too are potentially affecting the structure of D4Z4 (Lemmers et al., 2012).
The open reading frame (ORF) for double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene was mapped in each unit of the D4Z4 repeat arrays remaining after partial deletion associated with FSHD (Gabriels et al., 1999). 4q variants were discovered distal to D4Z4, 4qA and 4qB, both of which occur commonly in the Caucasian population (van Geel et al., 2002). Interestingly, for FSHD, the polyadenylation site is required for a pathogenic contraction of the D4Z4 array and is only intact on the permissive 4qA allele, whereas this signal is missing on the non-permissive 4qB allele (FIG. 1) (Lemmers et al., 2010).
Two full-length isoforms of DUX4 exist with alternative splicing in the 3′ untranslated region (Snider et al., 2010). One full-length isoform of DUX4 is detected in FSHD skeletal muscle cells which contains the entire DUX4 ORF and in the 3′UTR has one or two spliced introns, ending in exon 3 (Snider et al., 2009). A second full-length DUX4 mRNA (fl-DUX4) isoform was characterized in induced pluripotent stem cells and in human testis cells by the addition of four exons and a more downstream polyadenylation signal in exon 7 (FIG. 2) (Snider et al., 2010). In control muscles and in other somatic tissues, a shorter DUX4 mRNA variant (s-DUX4) was discovered because of its ability to remove the carboxyterminal end of DUX4 while maintaining the amino-terminal double-homeobox domains, ending in exon 3. s-DUX4 is unique from fl-DUX4 in that it encodes a non-pathogenic protein (Snider et al., 2010).
A high correlation between FSHD disease severity and fragment size has been identified with individuals with a large deletion of the D4Z4 array having earlier-onset disease in addition to rapid progression, compared to those patients with smaller contractions of the D4Z4 locus (Zatz et al., 1995, Tawil et al., 1996 & Bindoff et al., 2006). Currently the existence and precise mechanism for anticipation in FSHD remains uncertain.
It is currently estimated that 10%-30% of FSHD patients carry a new mutation (Padberg et al., 1995 & Zatz et al., 1995), and show an array of D4Z4 array lengths varying from 1 to more than 50 units (van der Maarel et al., 2000). Several studies have shown that approximately half of these reported D4Z4 rearrangements are mitotic in origin, and likely occur from postzygotic array contraction during early cell divisions in embryogenesis, resulting in somatic mosaicism. The other half of de novo cases likely occur before fertilization (Upadhyaya et al., 1995, Lemmers et al., 2004 & van der Maarel et al., 2000).
DUX4 is a double-homeodomain transcription factor encoded within the D4Z4 tandem repeat. DUX4 is a nuclear protein that is normally transcriptionally silenced in healthy individuals after early development; however in FSHD, truncations of the D4Z4 array leading to fewer than 11 units cause a failure to maintain complete suppression of full-length DUX4. Chromatin relaxation of the D4Z4 array (inability to suppress DUX4 fully), causes occasional bursts of DUX4 expression in a small number of skeletal muscle nuclei (Snider et al., 2010). In healthy individuals, DUX4 is normally expressed in early development and silenced during cellular differentiation but maintains expression levels within the seminiferous tubules in male testis (Snider et al., 2010). The primary role of DUX4 remains unclear, however some previously identified targets include cancer-testis antigens, as well as a broad set of genes involved in germ cell maintenance and development and stem cell biology (Geng et al., 2012).
Unlike other disorders which are caused by structural mutations within the disease gene, FSHD involves an intricate cascade of epigenetic events after the deletion of a subset of D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat arrays (van der Maarel, Frants & Padberg, 2007). Several studies have shown that DUX4 expression induces the expression of genes involved in muscle atrophy, such as muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1) and atrogin-1/MAFbx, sensitizes cells to oxidative stress, thereby inducing the expression of mu-crystallin (CRYM), inhibits the MYOD1 gene resulting in differentiation abnormalities, and causes a p53-dependent myopathy in mouse muscles in vivo (de Palma et al., 2008, Vie et al., 1997 and Wallace et al., 2011). Recent evidence has also shown that paired-like homeodomain 1 (PITX1), tripartite motif containing 43 (TRIM43), and methyl-CpG binding domain protein 3-like 2 (MBD3L2) are also upregulated in FSHD (Dixit et al., 2007 and Ferreboeuf et al., 2014) (FIG. 3).
Despite the progress made in understanding the underlying genetic and pathophysiological complexities of FSHD, no curative treatment options have been established. Currently, standard disease management options include physical therapy, exercise, management of respiratory dysfunction and orthopedic intervention (Tawil et al., 2014).

Gapmers and methods of using the same for the treatment of muscular dystrophy

The Governors of the University of Alberta


An integrated circuit includes a serdes framer interface (SFI) circuit for receiving a first set of data channels and a reference channel, generating first logic levels for the first set of data channels, and realigning the first set of data channels relative to a reference channel. The integrated circuit further includes a multiplexing circuit for receiving a second set of data channels and for merging the second set of data channels into one or more data channels. The second set of data channels is generated based on the first set of data channels. A data rate of the one or more data channels is higher than a data rate of the second set of data channels.

Recently, the world has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the number of Internet users, applications and devices and in the amount of data traffic especially that of medium-rich content—all demanding reliable high-speed, low-cost, low power consumption communication devices. The Internet utilizes fiber optic channels for ultra high speed communications. The optical signals sent along the fiber optic channels are received by receivers that include both optical components and electrical components. The receivers convert the optical signals to electrical signals and send the converted electrical signals to electronic computer networks operating at lower speeds for processing data. The transmitters, on the other hand, receive the electrical signals from electronic computer networks, convert them into optical signals and send them to the fiber optic channels.
These receivers and transmitters used in telecommunications applications may need to meet the optical standards that have emerged. One such standard is the Synchronous Optical Networks (SONET) which is a standard formulated by the Exchange Carriers Standards Association (ECSA) for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The SONET is used for telecommunications and other industries mainly in North America and Japan. Another standard is the Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) standard which was published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and used in other parts of the world. The OC-192 SONET standard or STM64 SDH Standard is for speeds at about 9-13 Gbps depending on error correction coding, and the OC-768 SONET standard or STM 256 SDH Standard is for speeds at about 36 to 48 Gbps.
In 1998, an industry-wide initiative was announced to create the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), an open forum focused on fostering the development and deployment of interoperable products and services for data switching and routing using optical networking technologies. To accelerate the deployment of optical networking technology and facilitate industry convergence on interoperability, the OIF identified, selected, and augmented as appropriate and published optical internetworking standards. Information regarding the OIF and publications by the OIF can be found at www.oiforum.com.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to produce communication devices, and particularly serializers, deserializers, transmitters and receivers, that can satisfy the high-speed, high-performance, low-power communication needs demanded by the Internet and other multimedia communication applications while meeting the SONET/SDH standards and the OIF standards. It would be also desirable to produce such devices that are highly integrated and testable and cost-effective.

Highly integrated, high-speed, low-power serdes and systems


A friction clutch having at least one clutch part (1; 31) which has at least one friction lining (3; 33) with a friction surface (10; 40) which, when the friction clutch is closed, is connected in frictionally engaging fashion to a counterpart clutch part, wherein the friction lining (3; 33) and/or a carrier element (6) of the friction lining (3; 33) is, in a circumferential direction, of undulating shape with wave troughs (20) and wave crests (18, 19), wherein, when the friction clutch is open, the friction lining (3; 33) comes into contact with the counterpart clutch part not with the entire friction surface (10; 40) but only substantially in punctiform fashion in the area of peaks (15-17) of the wave crests (18, 19). The friction lining (3; 33) has reduced friction values locally in the region of the peaks (15-17) of the wave crests (18, 19) in relation to the friction surface (10; 40) surrounding the peaks (15-17) of the wave crests (18, 19).

The invention relates to friction clutch with at least one clutch part that has at least one friction lining with a friction surface that is connected to a counterpart clutch part with a frictional connection when the friction clutch is closed, wherein the friction lining and/or a carrier element of the friction lining is constructed with an undulating shape in a circumferential direction with wave troughs and wave crests, wherein, when the friction clutch is open, the friction lining is not in contact with the entire friction surface, but instead is in contact with the counterpart clutch part essentially only in a point-wise manner in the area of the peaks of the wave crests.
From the German published patent application DE 10 2008 032 458 A1, a wet clutch is known with at least two friction surfaces that can be brought into friction contact with each other, wherein at least one friction surface is formed by the surface of an annular friction lining applied to a carrier part with an inner and an outer circumference and a specified thickness that has an essentially planar friction surface and a specified porosity, wherein the friction lining has at least one cutout reducing the surface and extending over the entire thickness of the friction lining.


In a wireless communication system a method for high data rate transmission aggregates information signals processed by at least two modems, wherein the modulated information signals are transmitted using two carrier frequencies. The method provides multiple data transmissions concurrently over a broad bandwidth consistent with single transmission air-interface standards. An apparatus, mobile unit, includes a multi-link (ML) protocol processor that aggregates the information signals from the modems into a point-to-point protocol (PPP) format for interface with conventional data-based systems, such as the internet. The ML processor further receives an aggregated bundle and separates the bundle into its constituent parts for modulation by the modems.

The present invention relates to wireless data communication. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel and improved method and apparatus for high data rate transmission in a wireless communication system.
The easy access to information, via the internet, for example, has increased the demand for wireless data services. Wireless communication equipment is currently in place to accommodate mobile users for voice communications worldwide. Current systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), proposed High Data Rate (HDR) systems, and various proposed third generation CDMA systems, each having predefined protocols for transmission and processing of information. As there are significant differences between the requirements and applications of voice and data services, many existing wireless systems designed for voice communications and lower data rate transmissions are not readily extendible to higher data rate transmissions.
There is a need for a method for high data rate transmission compatible with existing systems and technology. Further, there is a need for a method of data transmission that does not require new and/or modified radio network protocols for transmission.
The disclosed embodiments provide a novel and improved method for high data rate transmission in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, a CDMA wireless communication system implements a Multi-Link Point-to-Point Protocol (ML-PPP) to aggregate data streams received from a wide bandwidth transmission. The aggregated data is then available for data processing, such as interface with an internet protocol. For transmission from a mobile unit, data is received in ML-PPP format and separated into individual data streams. Each data stream is modulated on a different carrier and broadcast concurrently. The application of ML-PPP allows high data rate transmissions in a CDMA system without requiring new and/or modified air interface radio network protocols and provides a data rate higher than achievable using a single carrier.

Method and apparatus for high data rate transmission in a wireless communication system


A transmission for operating an auxiliary assembly in a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle, includes a first sun gear rotatable about a main axis on a drive input side of the transmission, a first planet gear in engagement with the first sun gear on the drive input side of the transmission, a second planet gear on a drive output side of the transmission and mounted with the first planet gear on a common shaft, and a second sun gear in engagement with the second planet gear on the drive output side of the transmission, for coupling to the auxiliary assembly. The first planet gear is connected to the shaft by a first freewheel, which generates a rotationally conjoint connection when the first planet gear overruns in a first direction of rotation, and generates a freewheeling connection when the first planet gear overruns in a second, opposite direction of rotation. The shaft is mounted in a second freewheel in a planet carrier, which second freewheel permits a rotation of the shaft when the shaft rotates about its axis in the first direction of rotation and blocks a rotation of the shaft in the second, opposite direction of rotation.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a transmission for operating an auxiliary assembly, such as for example an oil pump or a transmission oil pump, in a drivetrain of a vehicle, in particular of a hybrid vehicle.
2. Description of Prior Art
In known hybrid drivetrains, the torque of the internal combustion engine is conducted via a rotary vibration damper (usually in the form of a dual mass flywheel (ZMS)) to a wet or dry starting clutch, the output part of which is connected to an electric drive (electric machine) such that via a second rotary vibration damper (for example a classic compression-spring or bow-spring damper), both the internal combustion engine torque and also the electric machine torque can be introduced into a downstream transmission (stepped automatic transmission/CVT/dual clutch transmission).
To control the starting clutch and the automatic transmission and to lubricate all of the transmission components, an oil pressure is usually required in the system, which oil pressure is generated by a mechanically driven hydraulic oil pump. The drive of such a transmission oil pump, which is usually arranged radially at the outside in the transmission, is generally realized by a chain drive, the drive-input-side sprocket of which is arranged coaxially with respect to the transmission input shaft. In the case of known torque converter automatic transmissions, the sprocket is driven by the converter casing (the pump neck) and a spline toothing, and thus at the engine speed. The drive via a component arranged radially outside the second rotary vibration damper however firstly restricts the installation space for the second rotary vibration damper radially and axially, and secondly has an adverse effect on weight and mass moment of inertia.

Transmission for operating an auxiliary assembly


Methodologies and an apparatus enabling a selection of design rules to improve a density of features of an IC design are disclosed. Embodiments include: determining a feature overlapping a grating pattern of an IC design, the grating pattern including a plurality of grating structures; determining a shape of a cut pattern overlapping the grating pattern; and selecting one of a plurality of rules for the feature based on the determined shape.

In a fabrication of semiconductor devices, methods frequently attempt to balance a manufacturing yield of an IC design and a density of features. Due to the resolution limitation of single patterning processes, double patterning technology is frequently used to improve a density of features in fabricated semiconductor devices. One common double patterning technology involves creating very dense grating lines and subsequently applying a cutting mask, where the dense grating lines can be created by self-aligned double patterning (SADP) or directed self assembling (DSA). Along with various design rules (e.g., contact enclosure rule), such double patterning technology can enforce a manufacturing yield level for features beyond the limitation of single patterning technology. However, such design rules are frequently overly conservative, resulting in a low density of features.
A need therefore exists for a methodology enabling a selection of design rules that allow for a high density of features of IC designs while maintaining a manufacturing yield level and for an apparatus for performing the method.

Cut mask aware contact enclosure rule for grating and cut patterning solution


Methods and apparatus relating to processor and chipset continuity testing of package interconnect for functional safety applications are described. In an embodiment, voltage divider logic circuitry divides a reference voltage. Controller logic circuitry compares a divided voltage value from a node of the voltage divider logic circuitry and a threshold voltage value. A first end of the voltage divider logic circuitry is coupled to receive the reference voltage and a second end of the voltage divider logic circuitry is coupled to a Non-Critical-To-Function (NCTF) solder ball. The controller logic circuitry generates an error signal in response to a mismatch between the divided voltage value and the threshold voltage value. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Functional Safety (FuSa) is important for real-time complex systems including systems used for IOT (Internet Of Things) applications (such as automotive and industrial segments). Such applications may impose tight constraints on the system to perform safely and reliably under complex system environments.
For example, both ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 26262 (for automobiles, first defined in 2011) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 61508 (for industrial applications, first defined in 2010) FuSa standards require diagnostic coverages close to and beyond 99% for the higher safety integrity levels, e.g., A(SIL) (where A stands for Automotive and SIL stands for Safety Integrity Level). For example, SIL 3 may be used for IEC 61508 and ASIL C and D may be used for ISO 26262. Hence, meeting FuSa can be complicated and difficult for real-time systems.

Processor and chipset continuity testing of package interconnect for functional safety applications


A safety device for quick-fastening a tool to the end of an arm including two portions (1 and 2), one of which is attached to the arm of the machine and the other of which is attached to the tool. The first portion (1) includes a cradle (3) that is insertable under the arm of the other portion (2) having an extension (5) in the form of a hook, having at least one side lug (10) that can pass through notched openings (8, 9) in the first portion (1) and in a locking plate (6). The locking plate (6) is capable of sliding on the middle portion of the first portion (1) so as to be inserted under the hook extension (5) by springs (7). The locking plate (6) is provided with an abutment member (12) that limits the return movement of the plate (6) in order to prevent the notched openings (8, 9) from coinciding.

A quick fastening device is a mechanical assembly comprising two portions, one of which is attached to the tool, a bucket for example, and the other one of which is borne by the arm of the machine.
The state of the art in this field is comprised, in particular, of the quick fastening device described in the French Patent published under No. 2809779.
The fastening device described in this patent comprises two substantially stirrup-shaped portions, the first portion, affixed to the arm of the machine, having a cradle that can be inserted under a shaft borne by the second portion, affixed to the tool.
The median portion of the second portion has a hook-shaped extension that can pass through an opening of the first portion and an opening of a locking plate sliding on the median portion of said first portion under the action of return springs.
Means are provided for maintaining the locking plate in the "set position", that is to say, a position in which the hook-shaped extension can pass freely through the median portion of the first portion and the locking plate.
While passing through the two openings, the hook-shaped extension releases the locking plate which, under the action of the springs, is inserted under the extension.
As the surfaces (hook and plate) adapted to cooperate are more or less embedded in the ground, the plate is not completed inserted under the hook, thereby giving the illusion of a locking which, in fact, is incomplete.
As a result, shocks and vibrations can cause the tool that is incompletely connected to the arm of the machine to separate and drop during operation.
To overcome this disadvantage, it has been provided to equip the hook with at least one lateral lug that can pass through a notch provided on the opening of the first portion and on the opening of the locking plate. Therefore, passing through the two openings is possible only when the locking plate is in the set position.
As soon as the locking plate starts to be inserted under the hook, under the action of the springs, the aforementioned lug extends above the locking plate, opposing the pivoting of the second portion.
This safety device is particularly efficient, but it is dependent upon the action of the springs that oppose the backward movement of the locking plate.
If the springs break or are detached, there is nothing left to oppose the backward movement of the locking plate; such backward movement being facilitated when the locking plate is in a substantially vertical position, as it then slides downward, under its own weight, to occupy a position in which the notches and openings mentioned hereinabove coincide with one another: separation of the tool is possible.

Quick-fastening safety device for attaching a tool to the end of the arm of a hydraulic power shovel or the like


A weight system for a rotor blade includes a weight box open in an outboard direction, a weight guide rod connected to the weight box, the weight guide rod extending in a spanwise direction through an interior of the weight box, and a span balance weight disposed within the weight box, the span balance weight being captured between the weight guide rod and the weight box.

Many systems for balancing rotorcraft blades exist that utilize weights. However, existing systems for balancing rotorcraft blades require securing the systems to the blade utilizing components that extend into and/or through outer skins or other outwardly located layers of the blade. In some cases, holes are formed in the outer skins to accommodate fasteners that extend through the outer skins. In other cases, access doors to the systems for balancing the blade similarly require breaks and/or discontinuities in the outer skins and/or outer mold line of the blade. The breaks and/or discontinuities in the outer skins and/or outer mold line of the blade generally tend to promote premature erosion and/or cracking of the material due to stress concentrations and/or increases in collisions with particulate matter such as sand. Further, many systems for balancing rotorcraft blades are not easily accessible after the blade is fully constructed, sometimes requiring overly destructive disassembly to access and/or adjust the systems for balancing the blade.


An apparatus for generating an output voltage from an input voltage is provided. The apparatus comprises a switch that receives the input voltage, an inductor that is coupled to the switch, a capacitor coupled to the inductor with the output voltage being output from a node between the inductor and the capacitor, a measuring circuit that receives and measures the input voltage, and a controller that is coupled to the switch and to the measuring circuit. Additionally, the controller receives the measured input voltage and calculates an on-time for the switch based on the measured input voltage and actuates the switch for the on-time.

Conventional AC-DC converters, in particular buck PFC AC-DC converters or buck PFCs, employ precise current measurement systems or other comparable, complex schemes. Some examples of conventional AC-DC converters are U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,275,018; 6,381,150; 6,909,266; and 7,391,630; U.S. Patent Pre-Grant Pub. Nos. 2006/0002155 and 2008;0205104; Chattopadhyay et al., "A Predictive Switching Modulator for Current Mode Control of High Power Factor Boost Rectifier," IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, Vol. 18, No. 1, Jan. 2003; Zhang et al., "A Digital Power Factor Correction (PFC) Control Strategy Optimized for DSP," IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, Vol. 19, No. 6, November 2004; and Zhang et al., "A New Predictive Control Strategy for Power Factor Correction," 18th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, February 2003, vol. 1, pp. 403-409. Yet, none of these references disclose a buck PFC that does not employ a precise current measurement or other comparable, complex system.


Polyhydroxyamides are polymerized to form highly-crosslinked, temperature-stable polymers. The polyhydroxyamides include as their central, parent structure a benzenetricarboxylic acid to which side chains containing a terminal reactive group are attached by an amide bond. By way of this reactive group, highly crosslinked polymers can be formed. In addition, the polyhydroxyamide can be added as an additive to polymers in order to bring about three-dimensional crosslinking.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to polyhydroxyamides that can be used for preparing highly crosslinked polymers and to temperature stable polymers prepared from these polyhydroxyamides. The invention further relates to polymers that have been three-dimensionally crosslinked using the polyhydroxyamides.
In microelectronics, in the automobile industry, in mechanical engineering, and in the aerospace industry, chemically-inert, high-heat-resistance polymers are needed as protective and insulating coats. In microelectronics, such polymers are used, for example, as a dielectric between the chip and a metallization level or between two metal levels in a chip: for example, in multichip modules or in memory chips and logic chips. Furthermore, such polymers are also used as a buffer coat between chip and housing. In the automobile industry, in mechanical engineering, and in the aerospace industry, such chemically-inert, high-heat-resistance polymers are needed for producing weather-resistant protective coats.
Polybenzoxazoles exhibit a high level of temperature stability and great chemical resistance. They are generally prepared from polyhydroxyamides that are readily soluble in organic solvents, such as N-methyl-pyrrolidone. The solutions can be applied to surfaces by spin coating, by dipping or by brush methods. The solvent can be removed subsequently by heating, which can be accompanied or followed by cyclization of the polyhydroxyamide to the polybenzoxazole, with elimination of water, in accordance with the reaction depicted below, so giving a polymer having the properties described above.
Polyhydroxyamides that are readily soluble in organic solventsand exhibit good temperature stability are described, for example, in European Patent Application No. EP 0 317 942 (which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,183), European Patent No. EP 0 512 339 B1 (which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,499), German published, non-prosecuted Application No. DE 37 17 212 A1, or U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,378 issued to Mueller et al. These materials, however, exhibit only moderate adhesion to substrates such as, for example, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, glass or metals.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,644,288 issued to Odier et al. describes three-dimensionally crosslinked polybenzoxazoles obtained by cyclization from the corresponding crosslinked hydroxypolyamides by heating to a temperature in the range 220-400xc2x0 C. The hydroxypolyamides are obtained by reacting an aromatic dihydroxydiamine compound, a dicarboxylic acid compound, and a tricarboxylic acid compound with one another. In one variant, the hydroxypolyamides are prepared by preparing in a first stage a linear polyamide of low molecular weight, starting from a dihydroxydiamine and a dicarboxylic acid compound, and in a second stage crosslinking this linear polyamide by adding a triester of a tricarboxylic acid. The hydroxypolyamides obtained in this way have a structure that is three-dimensionally crosslinked to a high degree and are therefore insoluble solids. For further processing, these solids are pulverized. Accordingly, it is very difficult if not impossible to process these hydroxypolyamides to thin coats, because they cannot be applied to a surface by spin coating in the form of a solution in an appropriate solvent, These hydroxypolyamides are therefore unsuited to application in microelectronics.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,644,286 issued to Odier et al. describes crosslinked polyamides and processes for preparing them. Appropriate dihydroxydiamines are reacted with dicarboxylic acid derivatives and tricarboxylic acid derivatives to give infusible solids that cannot be dissolved in organic solvents and sulphuric acid. Since these polyhydroxyamides cannot be applied in the form of a thin coat to a substrate, these compounds are likewise unsuited to application in microelectronics.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a material and additive for highly crosslinked chemically and thermally stable polyhydroxyamide polymers that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and that are readily soluble in organic solvents and, from which, it is possible to prepare polybenzoxazoles that have good insulating properties, high thermal and chemical stability, and good adhesion to all customary substrates.
This object is achieved by a polyhydroxyamide of the Formula I
where
a, axe2x80x2, axe2x80x3 to d, dxe2x80x2, dxe2x80x3 may each be identical or different and
a=0 or 1;
b=0 to 100;
c=0 or 1; and
d=0 or 1;
where
if a=0, b=c=0;
if c=0, d=0;
if d=1, e=1; and
if a =1 and b=c=0, d=0; and
where
Z1, Z2, and Z3, which may each be identical or different, denote a tetravalent radical having up to 100 carbon atoms;
Y1, Y2, and Y3, which may each be identical or different, denote a divalent radical containing at least two carbonyl groups which form an amide bond to the adjacent nitrogen, and comprising up to 100 carbon atoms; and
X, independently at each occurrence, denotes hydrogen or a monovalent radical having up to 30 carbon atoms which comprises at least one reactive group which is able to form a bond to another reaction center.
The polyhydroxyamides of the invention are readily soluble in many organic solvents, such as cyclohexanone, diethylene glycol monoethyl or diethyl ether, N-methylpyrrolidone, xcex3-butryolactone or ethyl lactate. They can be processed readily, for example, by spin coating or by brush methods. After drying and baking on the substrate, during which the polyhydroxyamide is cyclized to the polyoxazole, the resulting film exhibits a substantially higher thermal stability than other comparable materials and a markedly better adhesion to a variety of substrates.
The polyhydroxyamides of the invention include as their central unit a radical derived from the benzenetricarboxylic acid. Going out from this central unit in a star formation are three linear side chains. In this form, the polyhydroxyamide of the Formula I does not yet exhibit a highly crosslinked form. However, because the side chains carry terminal groups X that can react with further compounds, the polyhydroxyamides of the Formula I are able to react with further polymers and crosslink them. Therefore, by adding polyhydroxyamides of the Formula I, highly-three-dimensionally crosslinked structures that possess high mechanical stability can be formed. By adding reactive groups X, containing for example a polymerizable double bond, the polyhydroxyamides of the Formula I may also be crosslinked further themselves. Accordingly, the polyhydroxyamides of the Formula I, accordingly can also be used themselves as a starting product for conversion into corresponding polybenzoxazoles. As a result of the branching of the polymers at the central unit derived from a benzenetricarboxylic acid, and/or, where appropriate, by further crosslinking, the polymer acquires a desirable high mechanical stability. The polyhydroxyamides of the Formula I may also, however, be used as crosslinking agents for other, preferably linear, polymers. Through the fraction of the added polyhydroxyamides of the Formula I, it is possible in this case to control the degree of crosslinking and consequently, for example, the solubility of the crosslinked polymer in an organic solvent as well. The central radical is preferably of symmetrical construction; in other words, it is derived from 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid. However, other substitution patterns of the central benzene nucleus may be realized. Attached to each of the three carbonyl groups of the central benzene radical, via an amide bond, is a side chain. The three side chains may be identical or different and may have different chain lengths. The conditions stated for the indices a to d therefore apply analogously to the indices axe2x80x2 to dxe2x80x2 and, respectively, axe2x80x3 to dxe2x80x3 as well. Depending on the chosen conditions for the preparation of the polyhydroxyamides of the invention, it is also possible to obtain mixtures of polymers with different side chain lengths. Especially with increasing side chain lengths, these polymers, viewed macroscopically, exhibit a distribution in the length of the side chains. In that case, although the indices a to d, axe2x80x2 to dxe2x80x2, and axe2x80x3 to dxe2x80x3 still correspond to whole numbers for one individual molecule, viewed macroscopically the average is determined over all of the side chains. This relates in particular to the indices b, bxe2x80x2, and bxe2x80x3. The side chains each include groups Z1 to Z3, Y1 to Y3, and X. The groups Z1 to Z3, Y1 to Y3, and X may each be identical or different in the three side chains. Preferably, the three side chains each contain identical radicals Z1 to Z3, Y1 to Y3, and X, respectively. Further, these groups Z1 to Z3, Y1 to Y3, and X may exhibit a high degree of variability in their structure, in which case the properties of the polyhydroxyamide and, respectively, of the crosslinked polymer obtained from it can be modified further through the structure of these groups.
The groups Z1 to Z3 each form a tetravalent radical that may include up to 100 carbon atoms. The 4 bonds are each formed to a hydroxyl group or to the nitrogen of an amide bond. The hydroxyl groups and the nitrogens are each attached to a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic radical, with one hydroxyl group and one nitrogen being arranged in each case vicinally on the aromatic or heteroaromatic radical. As a result, two pairs of substituents are formed on each of the groups Z1 to Z3, each pair being formed by a hydroxyl group and by an amide nitrogen disposed vicinally to it. The two pairs of substituents may be disposed on the same radical or else on different radicals within the respective groups Z1 to Z3. By cyclization with the carbonyl carbon of the amide bond, an oxazole structure may be formed from each of the pairs of substituents. As the aromatic radical to which in each case at least one substituent pair, including hydroxyl group and amide nitrogen, is attached within the groups Z1 to Z3, a phenyl ring is preferred. As the heteroaromatic radicals to which in each case at least one substituent pair, including hydroxyl group and amide nitrogen, is attached within the groups Z1 to Z3, both 5-membered and 6-membered rings are preferred, it is possible for these rings to include one or more heteroatoms. Preferred heteroatoms are oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen atoms. The aromatic or heteroaromatic radicals may in each case carry further substituents, examples being alkyl groups, aryl groups, fused-on aromatic or heteroaromatic groups or else halogens or pseudohalogens. Where, within the groups Z1 to Z3, the substituent pairs formed from a hydroxyl group and an amide nitrogen are attached to different aromatic or heteroaromatic radicals, these radicals may be connected by fused-on phenyl radicals, by fused-on heteroaromatic 5- or 6-membered radicals or by cycloalkyl radicals, especially cyclohexyl and cyclopentyl radicals. Alternatively, the radicals that carry the substituent pairs may be connected by way of alkylene groups, preferably a methylene group. It is possible for these alkylene groups as well, which preferably comprise from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, to carry further substituents, examples being alkyl groups or halogen atoms, and to contain heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, sulfur or silicon, in the alkyl chain or pendantly. Interlinking by way of a single bond or a heteroatom, an ether group or a thioether group, for example, is also possible. The alkylene chain may further include double bonds and triple bonds as well.
Preferably, Z1 to Z3 are selected from the group including the following:
where R2 stands for a divalent radical selected from the group including the following:
where g denotes an integer between 1 and 10;
R4 denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbons, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbons or an aralkyl group having 7 to 30 carbons, and
R5 denotes an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbons, an arylene group having 6 to 20 carbons or an aralkylene group having 7 to 30 carbons.
The groups Y1 to Y3, as a repeating unit, produce the connection between two adjacent units each formed by the groups Z1 to Z3. The Y1 to Y3 group may also exhibit a very great structural diversity. The groups Y1 to Y3 each contain at least two carbonyl groups, which in each case together with the nitrogen attached to the adjacent Z1 to Z3 group form an amide bond. The carbonyl group is preferably attached to a phenyl ring, the two carbonyl groups being able to be attached to the same phenyl radical or to different phenyl radicals. Where the carbonyl groups are attached to different phenyl rings of the respective groups Y1 to Y3, the phenyl groups may be connected by way of a single bond or by way of an alkylene radical, preferably including 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The alkylene radical can contain heteroatoms, especially O, S and N, pendantly or in the chain, and to be substituted by further groups, especially fluorine. The phenyl rings that carry the carbonyl group may also be connected to one another by way of fused phenyl rings, or cycloalkyl groups may be formed between the phenyl rings. The phenyl groups may also carry one or more further substituents, examples being halogen, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkenoxy groups or ester groups. The groups Y1 to Y3 may each also comprise heteroaromatic radicals, especially 5- and 6-membered rings that may contain one or more heteroatoms, especially O, S, and N.
Preferably, Y1 to Y3 is selected is from the following group:
where
f denotes an integer between 1 and 10 or, if R2 is a single bond or *xe2x80x94CH2xe2x80x94*, denotes an integer between and including 0 and 10;
R1, independently at each occurrence, denotes at least one radical selected from the group
R2 is as defined in claim 2; and
R3 is selected from the group including the following:
where h denotes an integer between and including 0 and 10.
The group X from Formula I permits polymerization of the polyhydroxyamides of the invention and/or copolymerization with further monomers and/or crosslinking of polymers that contain a reactive group. The group X must therefore include at least one reactive group that is able to form a bond to a further reaction center. The reactive group is preferably a polymerizable double or triple bond.
Where the side chain ends with a radical formed by a Z1 to Z3 group, X at its most simple is a hydrogen atom. In that case the side chain ends with an amino group, which is then able to produce a bond to a further polymer, by nucleophilic attack on the carbon atom of a carbonyl or carboxyl group. Preferably, X includes a polymerizable double or triple bond by which attachment to the double or triple bond of a further polymer can take place, by way for example of a free radical reaction. Preferred radicals for the group X are depicted below, with a=b=c=0 or d=0 and X selected from the following group:
Where the side chain ends with a Y1 to Y3 group, X may for example be a hydroxyl group. In that case, the side chain ends with a carboxyl group, which by way of an amide bond, for example, is able to react with the amino group of a further polymer. The terminal group Y1 to Y3 may also be in ester form. In that case the group X is, for example, an alkoxy group or alkenoxy group. Corresponding cycloalkyl groups or aromatic groups are also possible. The group X may also be in the form of an amino group. In that case the Y1 to Y3 group possesses a terminal acid amide group, it being possible for the nitrogen atom thereof to be substituted by an alkyl radical, alkenyl radical, cycloalkyl radical, aryl radical, or aralkyl radical.
Preferred radicals for the group X are set out below, with a=1 and b=c=d=0 or d=1 and X selected from the following group:
As already stated above, polymers having advantageous properties may be obtained from the polyhydroxyamides described above. The invention therefore also provides a temperature stable polymer obtained by polymerizing the polyhydroxyamide described above. The polymerisation takes place preferably with heating, with ring closure to the oxazole being possible simultaneously or in a separate temperature step.
The polyhydroxyamide from which the temperature stable polymer is obtained preferably includes a group X containing at least one polymerizable double or triple bond.
However, the polyhydroxyamides of the invention may also be used for crosslinking other polymers. The crosslinking produces a polymer having improved mechanical and chemical stability. The invention therefore additionally provides a three-dimensionally crosslinked polymer obtained by subjecting a monomer, oligomer, or polymer containing at least one reactive group which is able to react with the group X of one of the above-described polyhydroxyamides to form a chemical bond to reaction with one of the above-described polyhydroxyamides.
The group X in this case preferably includes a polymerizable double or triple bond and the reactive group that is able to react with the group X of the polyhydroxyamide to form a chemical bond preferably includes a polymerizable double or triple bond.
The invention is illustrated below by examples. First of all, various polyhydroxyamides are prepared, and are then reacted to give polymers. After that, the properties of the polymers are investigated further.
In the synthesis of the polyhydroxyamides, the following compounds are used as starting materials. The abbreviations of the compounds are also used subsequently.
Bisaminophenol 1
9,9xe2x80x2-Bis(4-((3-hydroxy-4-amino)phenyloxy)phenyl)fluorine
Bisaminophenol 2
2,2-Bis(3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane
Bisaminophenol 3
3,3xe2x80x2-Diamino-4,4xe2x80x2-dihydroxybiphenyl
Dicarbonyl Chloride 1
2,2-Bis(4-chlorocarbonylphenyl)hexafluoropropane
Endcap 1
Phenylpropiolyl chloride
Endcap 2
Methacryloyl chloride
Endcap 3
5-Norbornene-2-carbonyl chloride
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is described herein as embodied in a material and additive for highly crosslinked chemically and thermally stable polyhydroxyamide polymers, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the exemplary details since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments and examples.

Material and additive for highly crosslinked chemically and thermally stable polyhydroxyamide polymers