Disclosed is a memory device which can minimize a reduction in area efficiency even when the memory device has a small storage capacity and which can hide the access time to a row line. The memory device comprises: a matrix of a plurality of memory cells, each of which is connected to an intersection of each bit line of a plurality of pairs of bit lines and each word line of a plurality of word lines which intersect the bit lines; a plurality of sense amplifiers capable of read and write operations independently of one another, which are disconnectedly connected in parallel with the plurality of memory cells connected to the pairs of bit lines, through the pairs of bit lines; and a read gate and a write gate which are connected to each of the plurality of sense amplifiers connected in parallel with the pairs of bit lines, wherein the memory device is controlled so that read data is read out successively, when a word line to be activated, of the plurality of word lines is switched to another word line to be activated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a memory device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A D-RAM (dynamic random access memory) of the prior art will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 specifically showing some of circuits shown in FIG. 1. The D-RAM has plural, (n+1) pairs of bit lines BL0 and BLB0, BL1 and BLB1, . . . , and BLn and BLBn; plural, (m+1) word lines WL0, WL1, . . . , and WLm which intersect the bit lines BL0 and BLB0, BL1 and BLB1, . . . , and BLn and BLBn; a matrix of a plurality of D-RAM memory cells 10-0 {MC0-1, MC1-0, MC2-0, . . . , MC(m−1)−0, and MCm−0}, 10-1 {MC0-1, MC1-1, MC02-1, . . . , MC(m−1)−1, and MCm−1}, and 10-n{MC0-n, MC1-n, MC2-n, . . . , MC(m−1)−n, and MCm−n}, each of which is connected to an intersection of each bit line and each word line; and sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n connected to the memory cells 10-0, 10-1, . . . , and 10-n, each of which comprises a plurality of memory cells, through the bit lines BL0 and BLB0, BL1 and BLB1, . . . , and BLn and BLBn, respectively.
Each of the memory cells 10-0 {MC0-0, MC1-0, MC2-0, . . . , MC(m−1)−0, and MCm−0}, 10-1 {MC0-1, MC1-1, MC2-1, . . . ,MC(m−1)−1, and MCm−1}, . . . , and 10-n {MC0-n, MC1-n, MC2-n, . . . , MC(m−1)−n, and MCm−n} comprises, for example, an N-channel (or P-channel) type MOS-FET Q which functions as a switching transistor, and a capacitor C connected in series with the MOS-FET Q.
The drains of the MOS-FETs Q of the memory cells MC0-0, MC2-0, MC4-0 , . . . of the memory cell 10-0, the memory cells MC0-1 , MC2-1, MC4-1 , . . . of the memory cell 10-1, . . . , and the memory cells MC0-n, MC2-n, MC4-n, . . . of the memory cell 10-n are connected to the bit lines BL0, BL1, BL2, . . . , and BLn, the gates thereof are connected to the word lines WL0, WL2, WL4, . . . , and the sources thereof are connected to cell plate potential lines VL to which a common cell plate potential Vcp is applied, through the capacitors C.
The drains of the MOS-FETs Q of the memory cells MC1-0 , MC3-0 , MC5-0 , . . . of the memory cell 10-0, the memory cells MC1-1 , MC3-1, MC5-1, . . . of the memory cell 10-1, . . . , and the memory cells MC1-n, MC3-n, MC5-n, . . . of the memory cell 10-n are connected to the bit lines BLB0, BLB1, BLB2, . . . . , and BLBn, the gates thereof are connected to the word lines WL1, WL3, WL5, . . . , and the sources thereof are connected to the cell plate potential lines VL to which the common cell plate potential Vcp is applied, through the capacitors C.
Each of the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n comprises P-channel type MOS-FETs Q1 and Q2 which are connected in series between the bit lines BL0 and BLB0, between the bit lines BL1 and BLB1, . . . , and between the bit lines BLn and BLBn and whose gates are connected to the bit lines BLB0, BLB1, . . . , BLBn and the bit lines BL0, BL1, . . . , and BLn, respectively; and N-channel type MOS-FETs Q3 and Q4 which are connected in series between the bit lines BL0 and BLB0, between the bit lines BL1 and BLB1, . . . , and between the bit lines BLn and BLBn and whose gates are connected to the bit lines BLB0, BLB1, . . . , BLBn and the bit lines BL0, BL1, . . . , and BLn, respectively. Each sense amplifier is configured so that a driving signal from a sense amplifier driver is supplied to the midpoint of connection between the P-channel type MOS-FETs Q1 and Q2 and the midpoint of connection between the N-channel type MOS-FETs Q3 and Q4.
Data read out from the memory cells 10-0, 10-1, . . . , and 10-m, each of which comprises a plurality of memory cells, are transmitted to a read DB (data bus) through the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n and read gates 40-0, 40-1, . . . , and 40-n. Data from a write DB (data bus) are transmitted to and written in the memory cells 10-0, 10-1, . . . , and 10-m through write gates 50-0, 50-1, . . . , and 50-n and the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n.
A D-RAM of the prior art shown in FIG. 3 comprises the D-RAM shown in FIG. 1, and additional read gates 41-0, 41-1, . . . , and 41-n which are provided for the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n, respectively. When a transfer gate 20 is on, data read out from the memory cells 10-0, 10-1, . . . , and 10-m, each of which comprises a plurality of memory cells, are transmitted to the read DB (data bus) through the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n, the transfer gate 20, D latches 60-0, 60-1, . . . , and 60-n and the read gates 41-0, 41-1, . . . , and 41-n. When the transfer gate 20 is off, the memory device shown in FIG. 3 operates in the same manner as the memory device shown in FIG. 1. The other configuration of the memory device is the same as that of the memory device shown in FIG. 1.
The D-RAM of the prior art shown in FIG. 3 has the following problem. Since data read out from the memory cells 10-0, 10-1, . . . , and 10-m pass through the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n when the data are transmitted to the D latches 60-0, 60-1, . . . , and 60-n, this makes it impossible to make access to the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n during the passage of the data, or the read data overwrite data of the sense amplifiers 30-0, 30-1, . . . , and 30-n.
The above-mentioned D-RAM has a problem of a long access time to a row line. This result from the fact that data of the memory cells of the D-RAM must be amplified and latched by the sense amplifiers before the data are read out. This is a fundamental problem of the D-RAM.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a plurality of D-RAMs or a D-RAM having a bank structure is used so that the D-RAM operates using banks. More specifically, when access to a bank is being made, another bank is activated to previously enter a ready state so that data are read out consecutively. This is called interleaving. This allows apparently hiding the setup time (tRCD) and the reset time (tPR) required for the D-RAM.
It is possible that a plurality of D-RAMs or the D-RAM having the bank structure is used in order that the D-RAM having a conventional configuration may realize the operation using banks. When a plurality of D-RAMs is used, each D-RAM is not good in area efficiency, but each D-RAM is not limited in operation. On the other hand, the D-RAM having the bank structure is good in area efficiency because a part of a circuit is common among banks, whereas each bank is partly limited in operation.
The D-RAM has properties that its larger storage capacity yields its higher area efficiency, while its smaller storage capacity yields its lower area efficiency, similarly to other types of memories. A D-RAM having a multibank structure causes a reduction in area efficiency. Assume that a mixed D-RAM comprises banks of varying minimum units (i.e., blocks), e.g., a 2-Mbit block, a 1-Mbit block, and a 512-Kbit block. If a 4-Mbit D-RAM is manufactured without consideration of the bank structure, the decreasing order of area efficiency, from highest to lowest, is the 2-Mbit block, the 1-Mbit block, and the 512-Kbit block. When a 4-Mbit D-RAM is manufactured in consideration of the bank structure, the D-RAM can be, however, occupied by up to two banks each having the 2-Mbit block, up to four banks each having the 1-Mbit block, or up to eight banks each having the 512-Kbit block. Even if a D-RAM comprises two banks each having the 1-Mbit or 512-Kbit block, the area efficiency of the D-RAM is not different from that of a D-RAM comprising four banks each having the 1-Mbit block or eight banks each having the 512-Kbit block.
However, a D-RAM having a larger capacity than a necessary capacity, if a small-capacity D-RAM is used, must be used in order that the D-RAM may operate using banks. In terms of area efficiency, the reason is that the size of the block that is the minimum unit of the bank is large. For example, when a user wants to use a 1-Mbit D-RAM in the form of two banks, a D-RAM of at least 2 Mbits must be used to obtain a D-RAM having a two-bank structure, provided that one block equals 1 Mbit.
The above-mentioned D-RAM adopts a bank method in order to apparently hide the access time to a row line requiring consecutive data.
However, the bank method has to be provided with a D-RAM macro (which refers to a group of circuits having functions of a D-RAM), and therefore the method is often disadvantageous in area to an application that needs only a small capacity.
A RAM having a capacity of at least 2 Mbits or more must be packaged to employ a bank structure for, for example, an application that requires a RAM having a capacity of only 1 Mbit, if a macro size that can be provided is 1 Mbit and the use of a plural-bank structure is demanded.
The invention is designed to overcome the foregoing problems. It is an object of the invention to provide a memory device which can minimize a reduction in area efficiency even when the memory device has a small storage capacity and which can hide the access time to a row line.


A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.71(e), a portion of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Fermentation is a key technology in many fields and industries and is performed both on a mass production scale and on an experimental, bench top scale. For example, fermentation systems are used for the production of a large number of products such as antibiotics, vaccines, synthetic biopolymers, synthetic amino acids, and proteins. Fermentation technology is integral in the production of recombinant proteins using biological organisms, such as E. coli, and many other cell cultures. For example, production of commercial pharmaceuticals such as recombinant insulin (Eli Lilly), erythropoietin (Amgen), and interferon (Roche) all involve fermentation as an essential step.
In addition, the recent identification of the tens of thousands of genes comprising the human genome highlight an important use of fermentation, namely the production of the proteins encoded by those genes. The determination of each gene""s function is of paramount importance and therefore, the proteins encoded by those genes must be produced, e.g., by fermentation methods. Because each gene encodes at least one protein, tens of thousands of proteins must be produced and isolated. However, fermentation and isolation of the resulting protein products typically requires several labor intensive and time-consuming procedures. Fermentation systems that can produce tens of thousands of different proteins, e.g., in amounts sufficient for analysis are therefore needed. An additional advantage would be fermentation systems that are amenable to high throughput processes and the microtiter plate format used in many biotechnolgy applications.
Although, rapid advances in biotechnology have enabled the development of high throughput alternatives to traditional laboratory bench top processes, fermentation methods have not been amenable to automation. For example, limits in current fermentation technology prevent the uninterrupted processing flow that characterizes automated high throughput systems. Existing fermentation systems typically involve multiple handling steps by either a batch processing method or a continuous processing method.
Fermentations are typically carried out in batch mode or continuous mode. Batch mode processes are those in which a fermentor is filled with a medium in which cells are grown and the fermentation is allowed to proceed with the entire contents removed from the fermentor at the end for downstream or post-processing. The fermentor is then cleaned, re-filled, and inoculated for the fermentation process to be performed again. For example, current production scale batch processes involve first fermenting in large scale, bulk fermentation vessels, then processing the fermentation medium to isolate the desired fermentation product, followed by transferring this product into the production stream for further processing, and finally cleaning the fermentation apparatus for the next batch. In a large scale batch culture, it is generally necessary to provide a high initial concentration of nutrients in order to sustain cell growth over an extended time. As a result, substrate inhibition may occur in the early stages of cell growth and then may be followed by a nutrient deficiency in the late stages of fermentation. These disadvantages result in sub-optimal cell growth rates and fermentation yields. Another disadvantage of this method lies in the need to individually dispense the fermentation products from the bulk fermentation apparatus into separate sample vessels for further processing. Thus, by producing the fermentation product on a bulk scale, the fermentation product is not immediately available for automated processing. Further disadvantages include the decreased efficiency of both transferring the material to another sample vessel, as well as cleaning and sterilizing the fermentation apparatus for the next batch. These disadvantages result in increased production costs, inefficient production times and decreased yields.
Continuous batch processes involve siphoning off the fermentation product from the bulk fermentation vessel and continuously adding nutrients to the fermentation medium according to a calculated exponential growth curve. This curve, however, is merely an approximation that does not accurately predict cell growth in large, industrial scale quantities of fermentation medium. Consequently, due to the unpredictable nature of large scale fermentation environments, experienced personnel are required to monitor the feeding rate very closely. Changes in the fermentation environment may result in either poisoned fermentation products being siphoned off into the production stream or sub-optimal production yields due to starved fermentation mediums. As a further disadvantage, unpredictable fermentation product yields affect the accuracy of subsequent processing steps. For example, when the fermentation yield decreases, the amount of aspirating, the amount of reagent dispensed, or the centrifuge time is no longer optimized, or even predictable. Frequent or continuous monitoring of the fermentation process and adjustment of the fermentation conditions is often not practicable or efficient in a production scale process.
Neither of the current processes provides an efficient, automated production scale fermentation. However, fermentation remains a key processing step in a number of industries, particularly in biotechnology industries, and thus a need exists for incorporating fermentation processes into automated high throughput systems. A process that produces a precise, known, and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product with limited human interaction or sample vessel transfer is essential to integrating fermentation into modern production processes. The present invention meets these as well as other needs that will be apparent upon review of the following detailed description and figures.
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for simultaneously fermenting a plurality of samples, e.g., small samples in an 8 by 12 array. For example, the present invention provides a fermentation apparatus comprising a container frame configured to contain a plurality of sample vessels and a gas distribution arrangement coupled to the container frame. The fermentor provides for fermentation of large numbers of samples, e.g., to produce a large number of proteins. Alternatively, the fermentors of the invention provide a more efficient route for production scale fermentations.
In one aspect the invention provides a container frame configured to contain a plurality of sample vessels, e.g., in an array; and, a gas distribution arrangement configured to provide gas to a plurality of sample vessels, e.g., when the sample vessels are positioned in the container frame. The container frame is typically configured to contain an array of sample vessels, e.g., an 8 by 12 array, e.g., holding at least about 96, 384, or 1536 samples. The gas distribution arrangement typically comprises a gas inlet configured to deliver gas to a plurality of cannulas, which are configured to provide gas to the sample vessels.
In one embodiment, the container frame is a transportable container frame, e.g., configured for transport to a post-fermentation processing station. In addition, the container frame is optionally configured for placement within a temperature controlled area, e.g., water bath or a temperature controlled room, wherein a temperature controller is coupled to the container frame and/or to one or more sample vessels within the container frame.
In other embodiments, the container frame is autoclavable. For example, the container frame is autoclavable on its own or in combination with the gas distribution arrangement and/or the sample vessels.
The sample vessels typically comprise glass, plastic, metal, polycarbonate, ceramic, or the like. Each sample vessel typically has a volume of about 50 to 100 ml, e.g., and is used to hold a sample comprising less than about 80 mls, more typically about 65 mls. The samples in the plurality of sample vessels each have substantially the same composition or different compositions, e.g., to produce a large quantity of a single protein, or to produce multiple proteins simultaneously.
In other embodiments, the sample vessels optionally comprise a vent, e.g., for releasing built up pressure during fermentation. Sensors are also optionally placed in contact with one or more of the samples in the sample vessels, e.g., for monitoring temperature, pH, and the like.
In one embodiment, the gas distribution arrangement comprises a dispensing plate, an array of sample vessel areas, an array of cannulas, and a gas inlet. The dispensing plate typically comprises a top portion and a bottom portion that are joined together such that a hollow space exists between them. The array of sample vessel areas is typically located in a bottom surface of the bottom portion. Each sample vessel area comprises a recess and is positioned to correspond to the array of sample vessels. The array of cannulas are typically in fluid communication with the hollow space and protrude from a bottom surface of the dispensing plate through the sample vessel areas, e.g., to provide gas flow to the sample vessels. In some embodiments, the cannulas comprises a plurality of passages, e.g., at least three passages. The gas inlet is typically in fluid communication with the hollow space for delivering gas into a plurality of sample vessels via the cannulas during fermentation. For example, the gas distribution arrangement in some embodiments comprises a gas source that provides oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and at least one other gas to each sample vessel during operation of the apparatus.
In other embodiments, the gas distribution arrangement is optionally configured to allow delivery of one or more reagents to the sample vessels. For example, a dispenser is optionally coupled to the gas distribution arrangement, e.g., for dispensing one or more reagents into the plurality of sample vessels. The dispenser is typically configured to dispense reagents into the plurality of sample vessels, e.g., via a plurality of apertures corresponding to the sample vessels.
In addition, a process controller is operably coupled to the gas distribution arrangement, e.g., for controlling and/or monitoring gas flow to the plurality of sample being fermented.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a fermentor head for multiple sample fermentation. A typical fermentor head comprises a dispensing plate that comprises a top portion and a bottom portion, an array of sample vessels areas, an array of cannulas and a gas inlet. The bottom portion and the top portion of the dispensing plate are joined together such that a hollow space exists between them. The array of sample vessel areas is typically located in a bottom surface of the bottom portion of the dispensing plate, which sample vessel areas each comprise a recess and are positioned to correspond to an array of sample vessels. The array of cannulas are typically in fluid communication with the hollow space and protrude from a bottom surface of the dispensing plate through the sample vessel areas, e.g., 15 to 16 cm; with the gas inlet in fluid communication with the hollow space for delivering gas into a plurality of sample vessels via the cannulas during fermentation. Typically, the cannulas deliver gas adjacent to a bottom of the sample vessels. In some embodiments, the dispensing plate further comprises an array of apertures for accessing samples during fermentation. Alternatively, the cannulas are adapted to deliver gas, deliver fluid, or aspirate fluid from the sample vessels during fermentation. The vessels and samples used with the fermentor head typically correspond to those described above.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of fermenting a plurality of samples. The method typically comprises providing a plurality of sample vessels in a container frame, wherein each of the sample vessels contains a sample. The samples in the plurality of sample vessels are typically fermented, which fermenting comprises simultaneously delivering gas, e.g., oxygen, air, and/or, nitrogen, to each of the sample vessels via a plurality of cannulas associated with the sample vessels. Each sample typically has a volume of less than 100 ml, e.g., using sample vessels and a container frame as described above. In some embodiments, delivering gas to the samples comprises delivering air and oxygen to the samples over a period of time, during which period of time, the ratio of air to oxygen changes, e.g., linearly over time or in a stepwise manner over time.
In some embodiments, the methods further comprise detecting one or more fermentation conditions with a sensor coupled to one or more sample vessels and adjusting the fermentation conditions in the sample vessels, e.g., at pre-determined time intervals. For example, adjusting the fermentation conditions optionally comprises adding a feed solution to the sample vessels. Detecting optionally comprises measuring a pH of one of the samples; measuring a redox potential of one of the samples; measuring an optical density of one of the samples; and/or measuring a light emission from one of the samples.
In some embodiments, the methods further comprise pre-processing or post-processing the samples in the same set of sample vessels, e.g., in the same or a different location as the fermentation step. In some embodiments, the pre-processing and/or post-processing are performed robotically. Pre-processing and/or post-processing steps include, but are not limited to, centrifugation, aspiration, and/or dispensing of one or more reagent. For example, the methods optionally comprise transferring the sample vessels into a centrifuge rotor after fermentation or autoclaving the sample vessels, e.g., in the container frame prior to fermentation. In addition, the cannulas are also optionally autoclavable with the container frame.
In another aspect, the methods of the invention comprise positioning a plurality of sample vessels into a transportable container frame, which container frame maintains the sample vessels in an array. The plurality of samples is optionally placed into the plurality of sample vessels, e.g., before or after the vessels are positioned in the frame. A fermentor head is typically attached to the container frame, e.g., prior to or after the samples have been added to the vessels. The fermentor head typically comprises an array of cannulas, e.g., as described above. The cannulas typically correspond to the array of sample vessels and are inserted into the sample vessels when the fermentor head is attached. The samples in the sample vessels are then fermented, e.g., by simultaneously delivering a gas, e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, and/or air, to the samples via the array of cannulas. In some embodiments, the fermentation is an anaerobic fermentation comprising delivering an inert gas to maintain anaerobic fermentation conditions in the sample vessels. The methods optionally comprise robotic steps pre-processing steps, and/or post processing steps as described above. For example, the sample vessels and/or the sample container used in the above methods are optionally configured to be compatible with a centrifuge, wherein the method further comprises transporting the container frame and/or sample vessels to the centrifuge for centrifugation.
In some embodiments, the methods comprise transportation to an aspirator or dispenser, wherein the aspirator typically comprises an aspirator head which corresponds to the array of sample vessels within the container frame, in which case, the method further including operably attaching the aspirator head to the sample vessels and simultaneously aspirating the samples within the sample vessels. In other embodiments, a dispensing step is included, wherein the dispenser comprises a dispensing head corresponding to the array of sample vessels and the method further includes operably attaching the dispenser head to the sample vessels and simultaneously dispensing one or more materials into the sample vessels.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of processing a plurality of fermentation samples. The method comprises fermenting a plurality of fermentation samples in a plurality of sample vessels, resulting in a plurality of fermented samples; robotically transporting the sample vessels containing the fermented samples to a centrifuge head; and centrifuging the fermented samples in the same sample vessels in which the fermentation was performed. For example, about 4 to about 10 sample vessels are optionally robotically transported to the centrifuge head at the same time. The method also optionally includes isolating a supernatant from the sample vessels after centrifuging the fermentation samples.

Multi-sample fermentor and method of using same


A hybrid integrated circuit device of the present invention includes: a circuit board having a front surface subjected to an insulation process; a conductive pattern formed on the front surface of the circuit board; a circuit element placed at a desired position on the conductive pattern and electrically connected to the conductive pattern; and a plurality of leads fixed to the conductive pattern and led to the outside. End portions of the leads which are led to the outside extend approximately parallel to the circuit board in a plane different from that of the front surface of the circuit board.

Priority is claimed to Japanese Patent Application Number JP2004-089495 filed on Mar. 25, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hybrid integrated circuit device. In particular, the present invention relates to a hybrid integrated circuit device having leads led to the outside.
2. Description of the Related Art
With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the constitution of a conventional hybrid integrated circuit device 100 will be described. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the conventional hybrid integrated circuit device 100, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a packaging structure thereof.
Referring to FIG. 6A, a conductive pattern 102 is formed on the front surface of a circuit board 101 made of metal such as aluminum with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and a desired hybrid integrated circuit device is realized by mounting circuit elements 105 at predetermined positions on the conductive pattern 102. Here, an IC, a chip resistor, a chip capacitor, a power transistor, and the like are adopted as the circuit elements 105, and a transistor mounted face-up is electrically connected to the conductive pattern 102 through fine metal wires 103. A plurality of pads 102A of the conductive pattern 102 are formed on one side edge of the circuit board 101. At the positions of the pads 102A, leads 104 are fixed with brazing material such as solder.
Referring to FIG. 6B, the hybrid integrated circuit device 100 is fixed to a mount board 111 by inserting the leads 104 into holes made in the mount board 111, thus establishing electrical connection. Further, in order to prevent the leads 104 from bending due to vibration or the like, the leads 104 have curved shapes.
With reference to FIG. 7, one example of a circuit formed in the hybrid integrated circuit device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the outline of a circuit formed on the front surface of the circuit board 101.
Here, a plurality of channels CH, each of which is an amplifier circuit for amplifying a signal inputted from one lead 104 and outputting the amplified signal from one lead 104, are formed on the front surface of the circuit board 101. Three channels each having such a circuit configuration are constituted.
A first channel CH1 is formed in the vicinity of a middle portion of the circuit board 101. A second channel CH2 is formed to surround the first channel CH1. A third channel CH3 is formed to surround the second channel CH2. This technology is described for instance in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-12987 (page 4, FIG. 1).
However, in the hybrid integrated circuit device 100, since the leads 104 are long, parasitic inductance are generated. This destabilizes the operation of the entire device. Further, the entire device is vertically fixed to a mount board in an upright position. This inhibits the thinning of a set in which the hybrid integrated circuit device is incorporated.
Moreover, if a plurality of channels are formed on the circuit board 101 in the case where the leads 104 are fixed on one edge of the circuit board 101, the length of each channel becomes uneven, and there has been the fear of problems such as electrical signal delay. Further, in order to equalize the length of each channel, means for crossing interconnections using jumper wires or the like are necessary. There has been the fear that this may newly increase the number of manufacturing steps and generate inductance sources.
Furthermore, there are cases where the voltages of input signals inputted into the hybrid integrated circuit device and those of output signals outputted from the hybrid integrated circuit device are greatly different from each other. In such a case, if a lead through which an input signal passes and a lead through which an output signal passes are adjacent to each other, there has been the problem that either of these signals is affected by the other.


A heat exchanger includes an inlet header configured to receive a cooling fluid and an outlet header configured to discharge the cooling fluid. A plurality of microchannel tubes are in fluid communication with and extend between the inlet header and the outlet header. The microchannel tubes define a first heat exchanger region and a second heat exchanger region between the inlet header and the outlet header. The first heat exchanger region has a plurality of fins defining a first fin density that is greater than a second fin density of the second heat exchanger region.

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a microchannel heat exchanger for use as an evaporator under conditions in which moisture is present, such as within a refrigerated merchandiser.
Refrigerated merchandisers are used by grocers to store and display food items in a product display area that must be kept at a predetermined temperature. These merchandisers generally include a case that has an integrated refrigeration system.
Microchannel heat exchangers include an array of aligned microchannel flow tubes, the ends of which are connected to an inlet manifold or header and an outlet manifold or header, respectively. Fins are brazed between the tubes, and at low operating temperatures, the heat exchanger is susceptible to frost formation, especially near the air inlet to the heat exchanger. Such frost formation can damage the evaporator and necessitate more frequent and thorough defrost cycles.


In an overcurrent protection circuit of a power device, an analog switch (4) connects a negative input of a comparator (3) to a reference voltage VREF1 or another reference voltage VREF2 depending on a control signal (S5) from a timer (5). A positive input of the comparator (3) receives voltage drop value (VS). The timer (5) is triggered by a leading edge of an input signal (IN) to output the control signal (S5) to the analog switch (4). The control signal (S5) directs the analog switch (4) to connect the reference voltage VREF2 to the negative input of the comparator (3) only during a transient state estimated period (T) and to connect the reference voltage VREF1 to the negative input of the comparator (3) out of the transient state estimated period (T).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an overcurrent protection circuit of a power semiconductor device having a current sensing electrode.
2. Description of the Background Art
FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a conventional overcurrent short-circuit protection circuit of an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) having a current sense (current sensing terminal). As shown in FIG. 11, an N-channel current sense IGBT 1 has a collector (C) connecting to a positive (+) terminal of a power supply V.sub.cc through a load LOAD, an emitter (E) connecting to a negative (-) terminal of the power supply V.sub.cc and a gate (G) terminal connecting to an output of a driver 2 through a gate resistance RG. Further, a current sensing resistance RS is connected between a sense (S) terminal and the emitter (E) terminal of the IGBT 1. The amount of the sense current flowing through the sense terminal is in proportion to that of the emitter current (=collector current I.sub.c) flowing through the emitter terminal.
The current sensing resistance RS has a node N10 on the side of the sense terminal connecting to a positive input of a comparator 3. In other words, the value of voltage drop VS across the current sensing resistance RS is fed to the positive input of the comparator 3. The comparator 3 has a reference voltage VREF1 applied to its negative input. An output of the comparator 3 is applied to an input of the driver 2. The driver 2 is thereby controlled whether to be active or non-active depending on whether the output of the comparator 3 is L-level or H-level, respectively.
The driver 2 outputs an input signal IN to the IGBT 1 when it is active while it outputs thereto an L-level signal which works to turn off the IGBT 1 when non-active.
A current detection of the IGBT 1 is conducted by the comparator 3 through comparing the voltage drop value VS across the current sensing resistance RS with the reference voltage VREF1. When the relation VS>VREF1 is satisfied, the output of the comparator 3 becomes H-level to be fed back to the input of the driver 2. In consequence, the output of the driver 2 becomes L-level to turn off the IGBT 1. Accordingly, the current supply of the IGBT 1 is cut off to thereby avoid keeping the IGBT 1 in an overcurrent supply condition. Thus, the IGBT 1 is protected from falling into a latch-up condition.
The IGBT incorporating a current sense has a characteristic that the ratio of the sense current to the emitter current becomes larger when the gate voltage immediately after its turn-on is close to V.sub.th (a threshold voltage) because of feedback capacitance, as compared with when enough voltage is applied to the gate voltage.
FIG. 12 gives three timing charts showing a gate voltage V.sub.GE, collector currents I.sub.c and voltage drop values VS across the current sensing resistance RS of the IGBT incorporating a current sense at its turn-on time. In the figure, the period t immediately after its turn-on is a transition period in which the gate voltage is remaining close to the threshold value V.sub.th. During the period t, waveforms of the voltage drop values VS highly surge up, as compared with those of collector currents (I.sub.c =emitter currents). Therefore, in the case of waveform b, though the collector current I.sub.c is always equal to or less than the overcurrent level OI, the relation VS>VREF1 disadvantageously holds because of the surge of the voltage drop value VS during the transition period t, to thereby cause a mistaken detection that the IGBT is in an overcurrent condition.
FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a conventional overcurrent protection circuit of the IGBT incorporating a current sense tier preventing the above mistaken detection. As shown in the figure, a capacitor CS is connected in parallel with the current sensing resistance RS. In the circuit, the current sensing resistance RS and the capacitor CS connected thereto in parallel work as a low-pass filter for preventing the mistaken detection (malfunction).
Accordingly, by setting the time constant of the filter to be sufficiently larger than the threshold state maintaining period t of the gate voltage V.sub.GE to sufficiently soften the surge of the waveform of the voltage drop value VS immediately after the turn-on of the IGBT 1, the voltage drop value VS of the IGBT 1 in normally operation can always satisfy the relation VS<VREF1 even during the threshold state maintaining period t. In consequence, the IGBT 1 is not detected mistakenly being in an overcurrent condition immediately after its turn-on.
According to the configuration of FIG. 13, however, since the voltage drop value VS after being filtered is taken in through the positive input of the comparator 3, when the IGBT incorporating a current sense actually falls into an overcurrent and short-circuit condition while holding the relation VS>VREF1, a time-lag for the filtering time disadvantageously occurs before breaking the IGBT, so that the IGBT can not be protected promptly and at the worst may break down.

Overcurrent protection circuit of power device and semiconductor integrated circuit device


A beam load cell transducer is positioned between a stationary member and moveable member. The stationary member, as well as the moveable member are surrounded by a collar, which collar has an inner surface means to limit the movement of the moveable member of the transducer. By limiting the movement and restraining further movement after a predetermined excessive force is applied, one stops the beam and therefore prevents the beam from fracturing or rupturing. In the unlikely event that the beam does fracture or rupture, then the sleeve acts to hold the entire unit together, thereby maintaining integrity to the transducer.

Beam load cell stress measurement devices are well-known in the art. FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified model of a conventional beam load cell 100. In this model, load cell 100 consists of a fixed first part 110, a moveable second part 120 and measurement component, referred to as load-beam, 130 therebetween. Measurement component 130 further includes measurement resistors 140 thereon. The resistors may be piezoresistors or other devices. The resistors 140 change resistance value in accordance with the magnitude of an applied force or stress.
As force 145 is applied to load cell 100, the second part 120 moves in accordance with the applied force, and measurement component 130 is stressed in response. Beam type transducers are known in the prior art and it is known how to limit the deflection. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,451 entitled, "Beam Type Transducers Employing Dual Direction Limiting and Means", which issued on Sep. 27, 1977 to A. D. Kurtz et al and is assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc., the assignee herein. That patent shows a beam subjected to a transverse force (up and down) to move the beam with a stop above and below the beam.
See also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/814,903 entitled, "Force Transducer with Environmental Protection" filed Mar. 22, 2001 for A. D. Kurtz et al. and assigned to the assignee herein. This application shows a beam load cell as utilized herein.
In the load cell transducer, as shown in FIG. 1, as one can ascertain, if unusually large forces are applied in either a pull or a push direction, the beam can fracture and actually come apart. In this manner, it can cause catastrophic failure of the entire system. For example, one may want to measure the stresses applied on an aircraft rudder during a mission or during normal operation. One may use the pressure sensor as part of a servo system, where as the pressure increases, one may want to turn the rudder or apply more or less force on the rudder. If the beam fractures, then the entire sensor becomes inoperable and therefore, there would be no recovery of the control system. However, if the beam is stopped and prevented from rupturing or fracturing, then when normal forces are applied, the sensor will still operate during normal operation and thus, a disaster can be circumvented. In this manner, there is provided a new and improved load cell which employs a stop to prevent the rupture or breakage of a beam employed for measuring forces in either a push or a pull direction.


A communications method is provided, to satisfy a requirement of indicating a random access resource dynamically and effectively reduce resource conflicts caused when PRACH resource configuration is performed. The method includes: sending, by a network device, a first message and a second message to user equipment, where the first message is used to indicate a set of candidate time domain resource units of a physical random access channel of the user equipment, the second message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate a time domain resource unit format of a first candidate time domain resource unit in the plurality of candidate time domain resource units; and receiving, by the network device from the user equipment based on the time domain resource unit format, a random access preamble in the first candidate time domain resource unit.

A long term evolution (LTE) system standard formulated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is considered as a 4th generation wireless access system standard. In an existing LTE communications system and a time division duplex (TDD) mode, in a random access procedure of a user equipment (UE), a network device needs to send, to the UE, a system information block type 2 (SIB 2) broadcast message including a predefined random access resource index number, and the UE looks up a pre-stored random access resource configuration table according to the index number to determine a corresponding random access resource on which a random access procedure can be initiated, where the random access resource has a clear definition corresponding to each of different predefined uplink-downlink subframe configurations. The index number is semi-statically provided by the network device by using the SIB 2 broadcast message. To be specific, the UE looks up the table according to an index number that is sent by the network device and that is associated with an uplink-downlink subframe configuration, to determine a random access resource on which the random access procedure can be initiated. Because the semi-static random access resource allocation solution is a resource allocation solution limited by a predefined uplink-downlink subframe configuration, flexibility that the communications system allocates radio resources is limited.
With requirements of scenarios and services in a communications system are diversified, in a next-generation communications system, for example, in a new radio (NR) system, which is alternatively referred to as a 5th generation (5G) radio access system, different services have different resource requirements. In this case, a dynamic time division duplex (D-TDD) technology attracts wide attention. The D-TDD means that a network device can flexibly adjust an uplink-downlink subframe configuration. The network device may dynamically adjust a TDD uplink-downlink subframe configuration based on requirements of different services for uplink resources and downlink resources. However, for a communications system in which uplink and downlink resources of a cell are determined by the network device dynamically, how to determine a resource configuration of a physical random access channel becomes a problem to be urgently resolved.

Communication method, network device, and user equipment


The invention relates to a POS system arrangement with a transport belt device with at least one belt portion which for the transport of the goods present thereon can be put into a feed movement along a goods feed path, wherein the goods along the goods feed path are separable from each other by at least one goods divider, and a goods detection device for detecting goods transported by means of the transport belt device. There is provided at least one sensor device arranged at a distance from the goods detection device along the goods feed path with a sensor and a detection area, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect by means of the sensor whether the goods divider is present in the detection area, and a control device which is configured to control the feed movement of the belt portion of the transport belt device.

This invention relates to a POS (point of sale) system arrangement and to a method for operating a POS system arrangement.
Such POS system arrangement includes a transport belt and a goods detection device. The transport belt device comprises at least one belt portion which for the transport of the goods present thereon can be put into a feed movement along a goods feed path, wherein the goods are separable from each other along the goods feed path by at least one goods divider. The goods detection device is formed and provided to detect goods which are transported by the transport belt device.
A POS system arrangement as mentioned above is known from DE 10 2008 010 642 A1. A goods divider with an oblong body and a machine-readable mark is used for separating goods deposited on a goods transport belt. A scanning device serving as goods detection device for the optical recognition of a machine-readable mark on the goods thus can add the prices of goods present on the goods transport belt between a first and a second goods divider. The machine-readable marks both on the goods and on the goods dividers are detected by the scanning device. The machine-readable mark can be formed as optical bar code or as RFID chip.
In the known POS system arrangement it is disadvantageous that goods deposited on the transport belt closely one beside the other possibly cannot clearly be recognized by the scanning device, for example because a first piece of goods conceals an optical sight axis between the scanning device and a machine-readable mark formed as optical code on a second piece of goods. A possible consequence is an unreliable goods recognition of the known POS system arrangement. Customers of the POS system arrangement also frequently are not used or trained to place goods on the transport belt at sufficient distances to each other, so that a reliable recognition of all goods by the scanning device is ensured. To ensure the highest possible comfort for the customers, it therefore is desirable to ensure a reliable goods recognition, even if a customer deposits his/her goods on the transport belt at dense distances to each other.

Checkout system assembly with goods separator detection


An umbrella shank is provided with a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) inner tube (10); an FRP outer tube (20); a spring biased moving mechanism (30) including a three-step diameter upper member (31) having a longitudinal groove (315), and a three-step diameter lower member (32) wherein the lower member (32) is inserted into the inner tube (10), the upper member (31) is complementarily disposed in the lower member (32), and the lower member (32) is in the outer tube (20); a fixing mechanism (40) in an upper portion of the outer tube (20); and a linking mechanism (60) in the outer tube (20) and including a rod (62) secured between the fixing mechanism (40) and a lower part (313) of the upper member (31), and a spring (65) put on the rod (62) and biased between the fixing mechanism (40) and tops of the upper member (31) and the lower member (32).

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to umbrella frame and more particularly to a telescopic shank of a collapsible umbrella, the shank being made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) having advantages including insulation, being rust proof, weight, smooth opening and closing operations, and prolonged useful life.
2. Description of Related Art
Umbrellas are personal articles. An umbrella can be collapsible or non-folding. An umbrella typically includes a shank, a rib assembly, and a canopy secured onto the rib assembly. A collapsible umbrella includes a folding rib assembly and a telescopic shank. A non-folding umbrella has a shank of fixed length. Shank of an umbrella can be made of metal or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). Shank of a collapsible umbrella comprises an outer tube, an inner tube, and a moving mechanism mounted in the inner tube. Typically, the inner tubes of small umbrellas are made of metal. Large umbrellas (e.g., golf umbrellas) have a shank of greater diameter, and a large rib and stretcher assembly. Thus, they are heavy. It is labor consuming for a user carrying a large umbrella for a long distance walk. Therefore, both the inner tube and the outer tube of a shank of a large umbrella (e.g., golf umbrella) are made of FRP.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,053 entitled "Beach Umbrella Having Telescopic Shank" discloses a telescopic shank made of FRP wherein both the inner tube and the outer tube have eccentric section so that they can be fastened together. However, its manufacturing is difficult because eccentric tubes cannot be easily molded due to different wall thicknesses. Further, fibers are not uniform in length. Furthermore, polymers of FRP are not uniformly mixed in the manufacturing process. Thus, precision of both the inner tube and the outer tube is poor and tolerances are large. As a result, both the inner tube and the outer tube tend to malfunction after a time of use.
Further, metal shank can be machined but FRP shank cannot be machined. Thus, positioning of the inner tube and the outer tube and positioning of the inner tube and the moving mechanism are impossible for FRP shank. Therefore, no disclosure of telescopic FRP shank of an umbrella is available. To the contrary, improvements with respect to weigh reduction of a large umbrella are made continuously. As a result, length reduction of an umbrella shank made of FRP is not possible as the present inventor is aware.
For reducing weight of umbrella shank, using aluminum alloy or other light metal materials as raw material for manufacturing umbrellas is possible. However, its manufacturing cost is several times of that of FRP frame. That is, its market survivability is low due to competitiveness. Thus, how to devise a light umbrella having a telescopic shank without the drawbacks of large umbrellas is always desirable among manufacturers in the art.
Typically, a type of large umbrella has all components made of FRP except the spring. However, actions between the inner tube and the moving mechanism are not smooth. To the contrast, most components of small umbrellas are made by machining thin metal blanks. Small umbrellas thus have drawbacks of being weak, being susceptible to being damaged by strong winds, susceptible to being rusted, and being susceptible to being injured by thunder.
The invention discussed below aims at providing a collapsible umbrella with a telescopic shank made of FRP having advantages including insulation, being rust proof, and light weight, thereby eliminating all drawbacks associated with conventional large umbrellas.


A conveying device comprising a chassis and a conveyor bed, the bed connected to the device at a rear pivot and at a lift point, the bed engaging a forward fulcrum or pivot positioned between the rear pivot and the lift point. The bed may be pivotally connected at the forward pivot and at the rear pivot, and the rear pivot may be slidably engaged with the chassis to accommodate height change of the rear pivot. As the conveyor bed is lifted at the lift point which is preferably a pivoting lift point, the bed pivots about the forward pivot and the rear end of the bed is lowered while simultaneously pivoting at the rear pivot.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to conveying devices, and more specifically to vertically adjustable portable conveyors, and particularly to portable aircraft belt loaders having a low profile.
2. Background Information
Baggage loading devices are common. A typical device includes a vehicle equipped with an endless belt upon which luggage or other items are placed. Movement of the belt conveys the luggage from one end of the vehicle to the other end. An airplane loading vehicle preferably elevates at an angle so the luggage is transported from a lower level and into higher positioned cargo area of the airplane.
One desire of such conveyors is to maintain a low elevation of the rear of the device so as to accommodate easy loading of items onto the belt. Having the rear end of the device located at an appropriate height from the ground lessens user strain, for instance, allows a user to place articles on the belt with minimal bending or lifting. Baggage handling equipment is often subject to requirements or regulations as to minimum or maximum height allowances. Equipping a vehicle with an elevating belt loader at a lower position is not always possible given the height and position of the engine or other equipment mounted to the vehicle chassis. It is also advantageous to provide the conveyor bed at a low profile so that the vehicle operator has increased visibility during transport (i.e., so the conveyor bed does not inhibit the user's view).
With some conveyors, during elevation, the rear end may tend to lower to accommodate ease of placement of articles onto the belt. However, the other end of the elevated and angled bed must reach the cargo hold areas of an aircraft. The location of such cargo areas varies from aircraft to aircraft, with some being located higher than others. Accommodating proper location of one end at the cargo hold while the other end is at an appropriate lower-end height is not easily accomplished and is impossible for some conveyor units (depending on the aircraft being serviced).
Thus, there is a need for a conveying device having an elevating bed of low profile yet capable of clearing engine and other vehicle parts, while at the same time accommodating desired rear-end and front-end elevation parameters. There is also a need for such device to be simple to use and construct. The present invention provides such a novel conveying device.


A method is described for surgical implantation of a cochlear implant system. An intraoperative baseline value stapedial reflex response is determined for a cochlear implant patient. Then while performing a given step in a multi-step surgical process to implant a cochlear implant system in the patient, the stapedial reflex response is monitored, and if the stapedial reflex response changes from the baseline value response more than a safe change threshold value, the given step is stopped.

A normal ear transmits sounds as shown in FIG. 1 through the outer ear 101 to the tympanic membrane (eardrum) 102, which moves the bones of the middle ear 103, which in turn vibrate the oval window and round window openings of the cochlea 104. The cochlea 104 is a long narrow duct wound spirally about its axis for approximately two and a half turns. The cochlea 104 includes an upper channel known as the scala vestibuli and a lower channel known as the scala tympani, which are connected by the cochlear duct. The scala tympani forms an upright spiraling cone with a center called the modiolar where the spiral ganglion cells of the acoustic nerve 113 reside. In response to received sounds transmitted by the middle ear 103, the fluid filled cochlea 104 functions as a transducer to generate electric pulses that are transmitted to the cochlear nerve 113, and ultimately to the brain. Hearing is impaired when there are problems in the ability to transduce external sounds into meaningful action potentials along the neural substrate of the cochlea 104.
In some cases, hearing impairment can be addressed by a cochlear implant that electrically stimulates auditory nerve tissue with small currents delivered by multiple electrode contacts distributed along an implant electrode. FIG. 1 shows some components of a typical cochlear implant system where an external microphone provides an audio signal input to an external signal processing stage 111 which implements one of various known signal processing schemes. The processed signal is converted by the external signal processing stage 111 into a digital data format, such as a sequence of data frames, for transmission into a receiver processor in an implant housing 108. Besides extracting the audio information, the receiver processor in the implant housing 108 may perform additional signal processing such as error correction, pulse formation, etc., and produces a stimulation pattern (based on the extracted audio information) that is sent through wires in an electrode lead 109 to an implanted electrode array 110. Typically, the electrode array 110 includes multiple electrodes on its surface that provide selective stimulation of the cochlea 104.
The electrode array 110 penetrates into the cochlea 104 through a surgical opening called a cochleostomy. The electrode array 110 has multiple electrode contacts on or slightly recessed below its outer surface for applying one or more electrical stimulation signals to target audio neural tissue within the cochlea 104. The extra-cochlear electrode lad 109 that goes from the implant housing 108 to the cochleostomy opening usually has no electrical contacts except perhaps a ground electrode and it encloses connecting wires that deliver electrical stimulation signals to the electrode contacts on the electrode array 110.
Insertion and placement and insertion of the electrode array 110 into the cochlea 104 causes trauma to the cochlear tissue due to the rigidity, friction, and impact of moving the electrode array 110 through the cochlea 104. For example, insertion of the electrode array 110 may damage soft tissues, membranes, thin bony shelves, blood vessels, neural elements, etc. In the case of multiple insertions, the damage can accumulate. In addition, removal and replacement of the electrode array 110 due to device failure or aging is also a serious problem. For example, patients with some residual hearing now receive hybrid implant systems that also include acoustic-mechanical stimulation components, and further hearing loss could occur when the electrode array 110 is removed or replaced. In addition, there are efforts to use therapeutic drugs to regrow neural tissue around an inserted electrode array 110 which could suffer catastrophic consequences when the electrode is removed since any new neural tissue growth that might reach the electrode could be disrupted or destroyed.
It has been shown that patients with preserved low frequency hearing have significantly better outcomes than those without such hearing preservation. And it is generally accepted that the amount of electrode insertion trauma correlates significantly with the level of hearing loss caused during the surgery. Thus the extent of hearing preservation preoperatively or postoperatively is believed to serve as a good indicator of the magnitude of electrode insertion trauma. See Skarzynski et al., Atraumatic Round Window Deep Insertion Of Cochlear Electrodes, Acta Otolaryngol. 2011 July; 131(7):740-9. Epub 2011 Apr. 15.
Currently there is no existing developed objective method to evaluate intraoperative hearing trauma. There have been some initial proposals of intraoperative methods to detect possible intraoperative trauma, but all of these approaches still are under development. And all of the existing proposals are based on measuring evoked potentials (e.g., ECAPs) either using acoustic stimuli or some combination of electric and acoustic stimuli, and then recording near-field and/or far-field sensor measurements.
Besides evoked potentials such as ECAPs, measurement of the stapedius reflex response also has been widely used in a clinical practice to evaluate hearing and fit hearing prosthesis systems. The stapedius is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body. At just over one millimeter in length, its purpose is to stabilize the smallest bone in the body, the stapes. The stapedial reflex refers to the involuntary contraction of the stapedius and tensor tympani muscles of the ossicles that occurs in response to a loud sound. The stapedius muscle pulls the stapes (stirrup) of the middle ear away from the oval window of the cochlea and the tensor tympani muscle pulls the malleus (hammer) away from the ear drum. This reflex decreases the transmission of vibrational energy to the cochlea where it is converted into electrical impulses to be processed by the brain for perception as sound.
Several methods to measure the stapedial reflex have been described including:                Recording a pressure change from a probe placed in the ear canal,        Recoding a myogenic response in the vicinity of the stapedial muscle or stapedial tendon, and        Intraoperative surgical observation of the facial nerve during cochlear implant surgery.In combination with other measurements, measurement of the stapedius reflex can be used to determine if a patient suffers with conductive, sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. However, stapedius reflex responses have not been used for monitoring of hearing trauma during cochlear implant surgery.

Monitoring of hearing preservation during cochlear implant surgery using stapedial reflex measurement


Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods relating to a beam system. An example beam system includes a charged particle source configured to generate a beam of charged particles, a pre-accelerator system configured to accelerate the beam, and an accelerator configured to accelerate the beam from the pre-accelerator system. The pre-accelerator system can cause the beam to converge as it is propagated from the source to an input aperture of the accelerator. The pre-accelerator system can further reduce or eliminate source disturbance or damage caused by backflow traveling from the accelerator toward the source.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a modality of treatment of a variety of types of cancer, including some of the most difficult types. BNCT is a technique that selectively aims to treat tumor cells while sparing the normal cells using a boron compound. A substance that contains boron is injected into a blood vessel, and the boron collects in tumor cells. The patient then receives radiation therapy with neutrons (e.g., in the form of a neutron beam). The neutrons react with the boron to kill the tumor cells while reducing harm to surrounding normal cells. Prolonged clinical research has proven that a beam of neutrons with an energy spectrum within 3-30 kiloelectronvolts (keV) is preferable to achieve a more efficient cancer treatment while decreasing a radiation load on a patient. This energy spectrum or range is frequently referred to as epithermal.
Most conventional methods for the generation of epithermal neutrons (e.g., epithermal neutron beams) are based on nuclear reactions of protons with either beryllium or lithium (e.g., a beryllium target or a lithium target). In both cases, the energy spectrum of the resulting neutrons is shifted to higher energies and therefore requires moderation. Such slowing of the neutrons down to the required energies (e.g., within the epithermal spectrum), together with forming the requisite neutron beam for BNCT, is conventionally achieved using beam shaping assemblies (BSA).
A cyclotron accelerator accelerates charged particles outwards from a center of the accelerator along a spiral path. The particles are held to a spiral trajectory by a static magnetic field and accelerated by a rapidly varying (radio frequency) electric field. The reaction of protons with a beryllium target is characterized by a high yield of neutrons, which enables maintaining of a relatively low proton beam current, for example, within limits achievable on cyclotron accelerators of protons. The energy of the proton beam is also within the limits of cyclotron accelerators. Accordingly, neutron sources based on cyclotron accelerators and beryllium targets are characterized by high neutron yield. However, the energy spectrum of the resulting neutrons is shifted towards higher energies and, as described above, requires substantial moderation in complicated BSAs. Such complicated BSAs are inefficient for slowing the neutrons and forming the requisite neutron beam for ideal BNCT applications.
High energy accelerators are usually expensive, and protons and neutrons with higher energies cause higher activation of system components, which makes systems with beryllium targets less attractive for BNCT treatment centers.
Beams of epithermal neutrons formed in cyclotron-based systems with beryllium targets have flux densities comparable with systems with lithium targets. However, systems with lithium targets result in lower energies of the proton beam, usually within the range of 1.9-3.0 Megaelectronvolts (MeV). Existing proton beam accelerators designed for lithium targets can be divided in two categories: RF-based accelerators and Electrostatic accelerators.
RF-based accelerators: Typically, RF-based proton accelerators for the present requisite energy range are based on Radio Frequency Quadrupoles, or RFQs. An RFQ is a linear accelerator which focuses and accelerates a continuous beam of charged particles with high efficiency while preserving emittance. The focusing as well as the acceleration are performed by a radio frequency (RF) electric field. While RFQ technology is mature, it remains still expensive and unattractively complex for manufacturing and operation. Moreover, it is difficult to build an RFQ system for an average current of 10 milliamps (mA) or higher.
Electrostatic accelerators: The present requisite energy range is within reach for electrostatic accelerators. Electrostatic accelerators accelerate charged particles by subjecting them to a static high voltage potential. For example, a high voltage terminal is kept as a static potential on the order of millions of volts (e.g., also referred to as an accelerating voltage). Electrostatic accelerators are usually substantially less expensive, more compact, and more energy efficient than other conventional solutions. Electrostatic accelerators also advantageously provide the ability to adjust the spectrum of the resulting neutrons by variation of the proton beam energy.
Generation of requisite accelerating voltages higher than 2 Megavolts (MV) in electrostatic accelerator systems with direct acceleration is highly challenging, which limits the achievable energy of the ideal proton beam. Placement of a proton source at a high voltage end of the electrostatic accelerator limits the ability to form the injected proton beam with low emittance, which limits the quality of the accelerated beam. Control and maintenance of the proton injector/source at the high voltage end of the electrostatic accelerator is also very technically challenging.
A tandem accelerator is a type of electrostatic accelerator that can employ a two-step acceleration of ion particles using a single high voltage terminal. The high voltage is used to form, for example, an increasingly positive gradient that is applied to the incoming negative beam to accelerate it, at which point the tandem accelerator converts the negative beam to a positive beam, and then the high voltage is used again to form a reversed decreasingly positive gradient that accelerates (e.g., pushes) the positive beam from the tandem accelerator. Because the high voltage can be used twice, generation of proton beams with a particle energy of 3 MeV typically requires an accelerating voltage of only 1.5 MV, which is within the reach of modern technologies of electrical insulation. Moreover, an ion source of a tandem accelerator is placed at the ground potential, which maintaining and control of the ion source easier.
In ion beam systems utilizing plasma-based ion sources, ions are extracted from a boundary surface (called a meniscus) of the plasma. The shape and parameters of the boundary surface are characterized by the strong dependence on the extracted current density, local rates of ionization, recombination and diffusion, and applied electric field distribution. A newborn ion beam is typically highly divergent, aberrant (an effect of the magnetic dipole separating electrons and ions of the same polarity) and subjected to space charge effects due to low initial energy. As a result, various existing solutions face several drawbacks.
Single aperture sources of negative hydrogen ions with sufficiently high current usually face a number of challenges, such as high initial beam divergence due to conditions of high current beam generation; limited beam acceleration in the ion source apertures due to the high gas load required for high current beam generation; and beam divergence due to the space charge of the beam, which is more pronounced at lower energies of the beam particles.
For these and other reasons, a need exists for improved, efficient, and compact systems, devices, and methods that provide high-quality ion beams for tandem accelerator systems.

Systems, devices, and methods for high quality ion beam formation


A winch system for controlling the elevation of an aerostats restrained by a cable is provided. The system includes a capstan arrangement configured for reducing the tension in a segment of a cable extending between an aerostats side and a drum side thereof; a spool drum configured for wrapping therearound a segment of the cable extending from the drum side of the capstan arrangement; a first drive mechanism configured to selectively activate the capstan arrangement in a released mode, in which the cable is let out towards the aerostats, and a pulling mode in which the cable is pulled in towards the spool drum; and a second drive mechanism configured to rotate the spool drum in the released mode and in the pulling mode such that the segment of the cable extending from the drum side of the capstan arrangement is pulled in a counter direction to the direction of the tension exerted on the cable.

A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope or wire rope (also called "cable" or "wire cable"). In its simplest form it consists of a spool and attached hand crank. In larger forms, winches stand at the heart of machines as diverse as tow trucks, steam shovels and elevators. The spool can also be called the winch drum. More elaborate designs have gear assemblies and can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives.
US20140284531 discloses an orbital winch having: lower and upper frames; spool having upper and lower flanges with lower flange attached to lower frame; axial tether guide mounted to upper frame; secondary slewing ring coaxial with spool and rotatably mounted to upper frame, wherein secondary slewing ring's outer surface has gearing; upper tether guide mounted to inner surface of secondary slewing ring; linear translation means having upper end mounted to upper frame and lower end mounted on lower frame; primary slewing ring rotatably mounted within linear translation means allowing translation axially between flanges, wherein primary slewing ring's outer surface has gearing; lower tether guide mounted on primary slewing ring's inner surface; pinion rod having upper end mounted to upper frame and lower end mounted to lower frame, wherein pinion rod's teeth engage primary and secondary stewing rings' outer surface teeth; and tether passing through axial, upper, and lower tether guides and winding around spool.
CN103663222 discloses an electric winch control device and method for winding and unwinding photoelectric composite cables for load bearing. The control device comprises a control unit, a friction winch brake resistor, a friction winch frequency converter, a friction winch, a friction winch signal detection unit, an industrial personal computer, an alternating current power supply, a storage winch frequency converter, a storage winch brake resistor and a storage winch. According to the method for winding and unwinding cables for load bearing, the variable-frequency regulating speed technology is adopted, combined with the control device, and therefore closed-loop control of the friction winch and the storage winch and synchronous control of the friction winch and the storage winch are achieved. Meanwhile, due to detection of various signals, safety of system operation is improved.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,182 discloses a winching arrangement is disclosed for winching a cable comprising a winching frame; a capstan for winding the cable onto; a drive motor for driving the capstan; and a first clutch mechanism for disengaging the capstan from the clutch when the torsional load on the cable exceeds a first predetermined limit. Preferably, the first clutch mechanism is located within the capstan and ideally the clutch mechanism is an adjustable cone clutch mechanism. The winching arrangement can further include a second adjustable clutch mechanism located adjacent the motor for providing secondary disengagement of the motor from the capstan when the cable exceeds a second predetermined limit. Further, a gear reducer can be interconnected between the capstan and the drive motor.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,163 discloses a so-called capstan winch comprising drums driving a cable and provided with a peripheral wall around which are strung independent peripheral rings. Said rings are provided with a peripheral groove designed to receive the cable and are made of an elastic material so as to allow both the cable to be driven and a relative sliding movement between the peripheral rings and the peripheral wall, the relative sliding movement being of amplitude substantially equal to longitudinal deformation of the cable, when it is subjected to tension stresses. The two drums can be axially offset relative to each other and their axes of rotation, may form a non-null angle of inclination.
US20100224844 discloses a winch for pulling a cable for maneuvering a load is composed of two motorized drums each including an active cylindrical peripheral surface equipped with several annular grooves, the cable intended to be wound around the two drums according to a helical arrangement. The motorized drums are each formed from at least three pulleys, that can each be rotated around a common central axis, cooperating with their own dedicated motor element and including a cylindrical peripheral surface equipped with at least one of the grooves: two pulleys known as outer pulleys, positioned between which is at least one pulley known as a central pulley. The central pulleys include at least one axial cylindrical extension, the cylindrical peripheral surface of which constitutes a rotation bearing for the central cylindrical surface of at least one of the other pulleys.
CN102135651 discloses an optical fiber micro cable withdrawing and releasing winch, which comprises a direct current torque motor, a winding drum, a tensioning mechanism and a cable arrangement mechanism, wherein the winding dram is connected with an output shaft of the direct current torque motor; the tensioning mechanism comprises a movable pulley, a fixed pulley A and a fixed pulley B; the movable pulley is arranged on a bracket with a spring device; and the optical fiber micro cable is wound and connected to the winding drum through the fixed pulley A, the movable pulley and the fixed pulley B.


A mouse pad includes a fabric and a flat pad. The pad has an upper surface and a lower surface corresponding to each other, and an edge is along the periphery of the upper and lower surfaces. The fabric is smoothly and flatly covered on the upper surface, the lower surface, and the edge smoothly and flatly. Thus, by completely covering the upper surface, the lower surface and the edge of the pad, formation of deckle edge or falling off of the fabric to expose the product defect due to lack of durability.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a computer peripheral accessory. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mouse pad applied to computer operation.
2. Related Art
The conventional mouse pad is designed according to a mouse having a trace ball. The mouse pad is used to help roll the trace ball to a precise position during operation, and for the trace ball to work properly, the mouse pad in the early stage is usually made of a hard material. Nowadays the mouse is upgraded to optical without the trace ball, the material selected to make the mouse pad is altered to a soft fabric with better texture and comfort.
The commonly used mouse pads have the same structure including combination of an upper layer and a lower layer, and the material of the upper layer is fabric. However, the conventional mouse pad only has a fabric coating on the surface, and since the mouse pad has the upper fabric layer and the lower foam layer, the fabric edge easily turns rough that affect the outlook of the mouse pad. When moving the mouse on the mouse pad, the fabric edge usually is squeezed to cause the deckle edge or even to fall off to expose the product defect due to lack of durability.


A printing control apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys a document to a reading unit, a detection unit that detects a size of the document before it begins to be conveyed, a detection unit that detects the size of the document after the document begins to be conveyed, and a control unit that performs a copy job using the reading unit and printing unit based on the size of the document detected before it is conveyed in a case where the printing unit starts to print the image data before the reading unit finishes generating image data for one page and performs a copy job based on the size of the document detected after it begins to be conveyed in a case where the printing unit starts to print the image data after the reading unit finishes generating image data for at least one page.

In a printing control apparatus having a copy function, image data read by a reading unit is printed by a printing unit. As a method for reading an image on a document used at this time, a feed reading method is known. In the feed reading method, a document is set on a document setting unit, and an image on the document is read at a fixed position of an optical system while the document is being conveyed by a document conveying unit (ADF: Auto Document Feeder).
In addition, a technique for reducing time (First Copy Out Time: FCOT) taken until a first sheet is output when an image on a document is read and the read image is printed on a sheet is known. Printing on the first sheet is usually performed after reading of image data for one page ends. On the other hand, in PTL 1, reading of image data performed by a reading unit and transfer of the image data to a printing unit are performed as parallel processes, and printing starts before reading of image data for one page ends, in order to reduce the FCOT. In addition, in PTL 2, a printing control apparatus that determines, after a start button is pressed, whether job settings correspond to an FCOT mode is described. This printing control apparatus determines that the job settings correspond to the FCOT mode if parameters set for a job are certain parameters, such as the size of a document being A4, a reading scaling factor being 100%, a specified tray being a tray closest to a printing unit, and the size of a sheet being A4, and performs control for reducing the FCOT.
If the FCOT is to be reduced by starting printing without until reading of image data for one page ends, parameters relating to a reading process and a printing process need to be determined before a copy job starts. A reading size of a document, for example, needs to be determined as one of the parameters.
In addition, in a copying process, an operation for starting printing without waiting until reading of image data for one page ends might not be possible. If a function such as "scaling", in which printing is performed after the size of an image is changed, or "page integration", in which a plurality of pages are laid out on a surface of a sheet, is set, for example, processing on an image needs to be performed after image data for one page is read. Printing can therefore start only after the reading of the image data ends.
In addition, the following two types of method are known as a method for automatically detecting the size (document length and document width) of a document to be read by the ADF. A first method is a method in which the size of a document is detected by a sensor provided on the document setting unit. In addition, a second method is a method in which the size of a document is detected by a sensor provided along a conveying path.
If the size of a document is detected by the sensor on the document setting unit, the size of the document can be detected before reading starts, and the FCOT can be reduced using the above-described method. If the size of a document is detected on the document setting unit, however, erroneous detection might occur.
If the size of a document is detected on the document setting unit, a method for detecting the size of a sheet on the basis of whether a protrusion on the document setting unit is pressed by the sheet, for example, is used. In this method, however, the size of a document is erroneously detected if a rounded document (a curled document in the following description) or a document with a fold (a folded document in the following description) is set with part of the document not in place. In this case, for example, a curled document of A3 size is erroneously detected as having A4 size, and printing is performed with part of the actual document missing although the document of A3 size is copied.
On the other hand, if the method in which the size of a document is detected in the conveying path is used, the size of the document can be correctly detected even if the above-mentioned curled document or folded document is read. Since the size of the document is not detected before a starting of reading, however, the FCOT cannot be reduced using the above-described method.
Aspects of the present invention are established in view of the above and provide a mechanism for dynamically selecting a method for detecting the size of a document in accordance with conditions.

Printing control apparatus method for controlling printing control apparatus and storage medium


In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for determining the position and orientation of an anchor attached to the skull of a patient from a topographic image of the anchor acquired therefrom. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of simulating an image of the anchor that matches the acquired topographic image of the anchor, determining the position and orientation of the anchor from the simulated image of the anchor, and determining the position and orientation of the anchor in the acquired topographic image of the anchor from the position and orientation of the anchor determined from the simulated image of the anchor. The simulating step comprises the step of modeling the anchor with an object that has a geometric shape simpler than that of the anchor.

Neurosurgeons sometimes rely on "image-guidance" systems to help them navigate through the brain of a patient during a brain surgery. Such an image-guidance system must be positioned in as accurate as possible in relation to a predetermined portion of the patient.
A currently available image-guidance system can be utilized in an operating room in a manner as shown in FIG. 3. First, at step 301, a plurality of anchors is attached to the skull of a patient. At step 303, a three-dimensional (3D) topographic image, such as by x-ray computed tomography (CT), of the skull of the patient is acquired, in which the anchors are visible. At step 305, a platform is customizedly designed and constructed with a plurality of legs to be engaged with the plurality of anchors attached to the skull of the patient, where each of the plurality of legs can be attached by means of a bolt to a corresponding one of the plurality of anchors. At step 307, the platform is attached to the plurality of anchors, wherein each of the plurality of legs is attached to a corresponding one of the plurality of anchors by means of a bolt passing through a hole defined in the leg and into a threaded hole in the corresponding anchor. At step 309, the plurality of legs of the platform is aligned in relation to the plurality of anchors with a predetermined degree of alignment accuracy. And then at step 311, the platform, which is now attached or mounted to the plurality of anchors, is used as a guidance device during surgery.
Different types of anchor and platform have been utilized by people skilled in the art. FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematically an exemplary anchor 100 and an exemplary platform 200 mounted to several anchors 100, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, the anchor 100 has an axis, A, of symmetry representing the orientation of the anchor 100. The anchor 100 also has a cylindrical engagement portion 110 attachable to the skull 190 of a patient, which has an axis, A1, of symmetry representing the orientation of the cylindrical engagement portion 110. And the anchor 100 has a base portion 120 extending away from the cylindrical engagement portion 110 along the axis A, where the base portion 120 has a body 122 defining a threaded recess 124 therein and having an axis, A2, of symmetry representing the orientation of the threaded recess 124, and wherein the axis A1 and the axis A2 are substantially coincident with the axis A. The base portion has a first end 122a (top surface) and an opposite, second end 122b defining the body 122 therebetween, the body 122 has an outer side surface 122c, and an interior surface 122d, where the interior surface 122d is formed in the form of a female threaded portion, and the engagement portion 110 has a first end 110a and an opposite, second end 110b defining a body portion 110c therebetween, the body portion 110c having an outer surface 110d. In this example, the cylindrical engagement portion 110 is in the form of a screw, which attaches the anchor 100 to the skull 190, and the base portion is in the form of a hexagonal nut.
The platform 200 has a frame 202, and several legs 204. This exemplary platform 200 has four legs, although only three of them are shown. But a platform that has other numbers of legs can also be used. A bolt 206 attaches one leg 204 of the platform 200 to a corresponding anchor 100, where the bolt 206 is received into the threaded recess 124. As mounted, the bottom of the leg 204 sits on the top surface of the corresponding anchor 100. The design of the platform permits the bolt to pass through the hole in each leg and into a threaded hole in the corresponding anchor. The platform 200 also has one or more guide holes 208 formed such that a probe 210 attached to them can reach a desired target or targets.
The attachment of the platform 200 to the several anchors 100 requires that both the position of the top center, C, of the threaded recess or hole 124 and the orientation of that hole be determined for every anchor. In practice, these platforms are customized for each patient so that a particular platform can be positioned on a corresponding patient's head to mate with the anchors, which are attached to the skull of the patient at predetermined positions, chosen by medical professionals according to a surgery plan made for that patient. As shown in FIG. 2, the positions and orientations of the anchors, and hence the positions and orientations of their threaded recesses or holes for receiving bolts, are arbitrary. This arbitrariness arises because the positions and orientations depend on the shape of the patient's head, which is varied from one patient to another, and because the locations of the anchors on the head of a particular patient are chosen by the surgeon according to the particular case. The platform must be manufactured so that the holes in its legs line up with the threaded recesses or holes in the anchors to allow a bolt to pass through the hole in the leg and into the threaded recess or hole in the anchor. The platform must be aligned in relation to the anchors to a required alignment accuracy, which is estimated to be on the order of +/−5 degrees, so that bolts can be accurately positioned in right orientation and right position to mount the platform to the anchors, which at least requires two pieces of information: the position of the top center of the anchor hole and the orientation of the hole. The alignment accuracy requirement is estimated to be on the order of +/−5 degrees. These two pieces of information: the position of the top center of the threaded recesses or hole of the anchor and the orientation of the threaded recesses or hole of the anchor, which can be roughly determined by a user who uses interactive graphic software. However, it is difficult to achieve 5-degree accuracy and it is also time consuming for a medical professional to do so in the OR.
Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

System and methods for determining the orientation and position of a bone-implanted anchor


An enhanced amplifier circuit includes an amplifier having an input and an output and a current source. A diode is coupled between the current source and the input of the amplifier. The enhanced amplifier circuit may include a number of current sources with associated diodes and amplifiers. The diode prevents the amplifier from interacting with some undesired properties of the current source, such as capacitance and resistance, prevents current sources from interacting with one another, and allows for the use of intrinsic properties of the diode to modify the current source output signal, among other advantages.

Current sources, such as sensors, generally convert physical quantities to electrical signals for further processing by electronic circuits. To assist with this signal processing, signals from the current sources are often amplified prior to processing. Current sources are coupled to an amplifier directly, through a passive component, such as a resistor or capacitor, or through an active component, such as a transistor.
When current sources are coupled to other circuit elements in an application circuit, undesirable and non-ideal properties of the current sources, such as capacitance and resistance, are introduced into the application circuit. This is especially true of solid-state current sources such as photodetectors. Additionally, elements of the application circuit, such as interconnections and bias circuits needed to operate the current sources, may introduce additional undesirable and non-ideal properties. Further, undesirable signals, often in the form of undesirable amplitudes or frequencies, may be introduced by the current sources, the application circuit, or the application environment.
These undesirable and non-ideal properties and signals introduced by the current sources may degrade the amplifier performance and overall application circuit performance and impose additional requirements on the design of both the amplifier and the application circuit. This is especially true for application circuits sensitive to fast dynamic changes in current source signals.
Another problem with current sources occurs when output signals from several current sources are connected together prior to amplification by one or more amplifiers. The signal current may flow between the current sources, which reduces the amount of current delivered to the amplifier. This signal loss may degrade system performance. Additionally, undesirable and non-ideal properties of the current sources, such as capacitance and resistance, as described earlier, may accumulate with each additional current source and further degrade system performance.
A further problem with current sources occurs when a grid of current sources, typically in a resistor-coupled configuration, is used in position-sensitive applications where the resistor-coupled grid can exhibit a signal leakage effect. In the grid configuration, signal current should flow primarily along one row and one column in the grid. Signal leakage occurs when signal current that flows through adjacent coupling resistors into adjacent rows and columns. Signal leakage reduces the amount of current delivered to the desired row and column amplifiers, which degrades spatial uniformity and position resolution.

Diode enhanced amplifier circuits and methods thereof


An object of the present invention is related to detecting of a detection signal at an optimum position in such a case that a sample plane is inclined with respect to a charged particle beam.

To analyze defects of semiconductors and the like and analyze physical properties of materials, there is such a trend that scanning electron microscopes (will be referred to as "SEM" hereinafter), scanning transmission electron microscopes (will be referred to as "STEM" hereinafter), and transmission electron microscopes (will be referred to as "TEM" hereinafter) are employed which can perform high-precision observations.
More specifically, in order to observe predetermined portions, there are many cases that the predetermined portions are cut out from samples by employing focused ion beam (will be referred to as "FIB" hereinafter) apparatuses to manufacture STEM, or TEM observation-purpose thin-film samples, and the manufactured thin-film samples are observed by STEMs, or TEMs.
Then, very recently, since semiconductor devices are manufactured in higher integration degrees, higher observations are required and end points of processes by FIBs are required to be more precisely sensed, so that FIB-SEM (dual beam) apparatuses corresponding to FIB apparatuses constructed by adding SEMs are utilized.
JP-A-2002-150990 publication (patent literature 1) discloses a minute sample working observation apparatus equipped with a focused ion beam optical system, an electron beam optical system, a sample stage for mounting a sample, and a second sample stage for holding a minute sample extracted from the sample worked by the focused ion beam, in which an angle of the second sample stage is adjusted in such a manner that the minute sample becomes a proper angle with respect to the electron beam.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a charged particle beam apparatus for irradiating a charged particle beam to a sample, in which a detector is moved to a plurality of desirable positions around the sample so as to optimize positions of the detector. In accordance with the present invention, since it is possible to obtain an optimum detection signal in response to an attitude and a shape of the sample, a highly accurate sample observation, for instance, an SEM observation, an STEM observation, and an FIB observation can be carried out. Moreover, in an FIB-SEM apparatus, it is possible to highly accurately detect an end point of an FIB process.