According to one embodiment, a memory controller that writes write data provided from a host device into a memory, reads read data from the memory, and transmits the read data to the host device. The memory controller includes an external interface, a first ECC generating unit, an access unit, a first ECC correcting unit, and a control unit.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a memory controller and a storage device and the like that control to suppress degradation due to variation in a data holding characteristic and the number of times of rewriting of a nonvolatile memory.
2. Related Art
Conventionally, a semiconductor storage device such as an SD (Secure Digital) card as a card-type recording medium which incorporates therein a flash memory is extremely compact and extremely thin. Because of its easiness of handling, the semiconductor storage device is widely used to record data such as images in digital cameras and portable devices.
The flash memory incorporated in the semiconductor storage device is configured by many physical blocks of a fixed size, and can erase data in a unit of a physical block. To respond to recent demands for a larger capacity, multiple-value flash memories (MLC: Multi-Level Cell) that can accumulate data of two or more bits in one cell are commercialized as flash memories.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a relationship between a threshold voltage (Vth) and the number of electrons that are accumulated in a floating gate of a multiple-value flash memory. As shown in FIG. 1, in a four-value flash memory, an accumulation state of electrons in the floating gate is managed in four states in accordance with the threshold voltages (Vth). An erase state has a lowest potential, and this state is expressed as (1, 1). Along with accumulation of electrons, threshold voltages discretely increase, and these states are expressed as (1, 0), (0, 0), and (0, 1). Because threshold potentials increase in proportion to the number of accumulated electrons in this way, two-bit data can be recorded in one memory cell by controlling the threshold value to be settled at a predetermined potential.
However, in the multiple-value flash memory, because the four states are discriminated by a charge quantity of electrons, a difference of threshold voltages between the states is smaller than that of a two-value memory (SLC: Single Level Cell).
Further, when data rewriting is repeated each time the number of times of rewriting increases, a slight damage occurs in a gate oxide film by injection and extraction of electrons. When these damages are accumulated, many electron traps are formed. Therefore, the number of electrons accumulated in the actual floating gate decreases. Because the number of electrons accumulated in the floating gate becomes small in proportion to a finely divided semiconductor process, an influence of the electron traps becomes large.
In this way, in accordance with the multiple-value recording that supports a larger capacity of the flash memory and miniaturization of a semiconductor process, a problem of degradation in the data holding characteristic of the flash memory has become noticeable.
A first method for solving the above problem is to reinforce error correction. For example, error correction of a flash memory of 20n generation is based on 40-bit correction, and error correction of a flash memory of 10n generation is based on 60-bit correction.
A second method for solving the above problem is a method called leveling that equalizes the number of times of rewriting blocks of the flash memory. Leveling is a method of managing an address of the flash memory to convert a logical address as an interface with an outside into a physical address that is internally managed, and write data written in the same logical address into an actually different physical address. However, variation in the data holding characteristic of a cell of the flash memory cannot be shielded by the leveling.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-18373, the following is proposed. In a flash memory configured by a plurality of chips, blocks in mutually different chips of the flash memory are associated, and the associated plurality of blocks are handled as a common group. Then, by allocating one block in a group to a block for parity of user data written in other block in the corresponding group, an error correction capacity is reinforced, thereby suppressing degradation in the data holding characteristic of the flash memory.
As described above, the required number of error corrections following the miniaturization of a semiconductor process tends to increase. Therefore, there are commercialized flash memories such as an error-free NAND that incorporates an error correction function in the flash memory itself and a Management-NAND that accesses by a logical address, not only by the error correcting access, and internally averages the numbers of times of rewriting.
Although error correction policies of the error-free NAND and the Management-NAND are not fixed, in performing error correction of a maximum number of bits, there is a very small possibility that throughput of a maximum interface speed of the flash memory is satisfied. This is because an error correction algorithm employed by error correction of a BCH code and the like becomes the following (P1), (P2).
(P1) Possibility of error correction and decision of the number of correction bits
(P2) Detection and correction of error correction position
To achieve the (P2), a method of repeatedly performing error correction of few bits by considering an installation area and power consumption is often employed.
In the Management-NAND, because management of a flash memory is internally performed, data reading is performed by issuing a read command using a read-prefix logical address and the number of sectors to be read as arguments. When a reading error occurs, this is notified by an interruption signal or the like. Therefore, success of read operation can be known only in a read command unit.
A problem when the Management-NAND is used instead of a flash memory in the configuration of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-18373, for example, is described below.
By using five Management-NANDs, user data is written into four Management-NANDs, and parity data of the user data is written into one Management-NAND. The parity data is generated by calculating EXOR of 4-byte user data extracted from each Management-NAND.
FIG. 2 is a view showing assignment of logical sectors and Management-NANDs. In FIG. 2, M0, M1, M2, M3, M4 respectively denote Management-NANDs having a capacity of 2 MB. Into a Management-NAND (M0), sector0, sector4, . . . , sector4092 are written. Into a Management-NAND (M1), sector1, sector5, . . . , sector4093 are written. Into a Management-NAND (M2), sector2, sector6, . . . , sector4094 are written. Into a Management-NAND (M3), sector3, sector7, . . . sector4095 are written. Into a Management-NAND (M4), Parity sector0, Parity sector1, Parity . . . , sector1023 are written. In this case, Parity sector0 denotes 512-byte parity data generated by calculating EXOR of user data of sector0, sector1, sector2, sector3. Similarly, Parity sector1 denotes 512-byte parity data generated by calculating EXOR of user data of sector4, sector5, sector6, sector7. Parity sector1023 denotes 512-byte parity data generated by calculating EXOR of user data of sector4092, sector4093, sector4094, sector4095.
In the case of reading data from a memory card in which the data is written in this way, there is a following problem. Data is read from the Management-NAND by issuing a read command using a read-prefix logical address and the number of sectors to be read as arguments. When a reading error occurs, the reading error is notified by an interruption signal or the like. Therefore, success of read operation can be known only in a read command unit.
According to the above method, in a read command of 4 Kbytes, for example, when an error occurs after reading first 2 Kbytes and an interruption occurs, a read command for reading only the latter 2 Kbytes needs to be issued to obtain data of the latter 2 Kbyte data. Further, when a reading error occurs in the first 512 bytes of the latter 2 Kbytes, a read command of an address of next 512 bytes needs to be issued. Therefore, a processing time at the time of occurrence of an error becomes large. As a result, at a position where a reading error occurs in video data reproduction, a transfer rate drops extremely, and omission of a video frame and the like occurs.
When a read command is issued in each Management-NAND in a sector unit to avoid the above operation, a process becomes simple, but a command overhead becomes large. Therefore, a transfer rate when an error does not occur drops.


A ladder stand support apparatus is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the ladder stand support apparatus may include a base adapted to transport ladder stand sections of a ladder stand, and the base is adapted for attachment to a tree. In various aspects, the ladder stand apparatus may include a channel member rotatably connected to the base, the channel member adapted to receive a rail of a ladder stand within a channel defined therein.

A ladder stand, in various aspects, provides an elevated seat or platform for a hunter, wildlife photographer, and so forth. The ladder stand may be formed of metal and may be heavy and awkward to transport, particularly to remote locations. Furthermore, the ladder stand may be difficult for a single user to place into position against a tree or to remove from position against a tree.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatus as well as related methods that assist in the deployment of ladder stands.

Portable hunting stand apparatus and methods


A plasma processing apparatus having a process chamber to process specimens; a status detecting unit for detecting the internal processing status of the process chamber and outputting a plurality of signals; and a signal converting unit for extracting an arbitrary number of signal processing filters from a signal filter database using a signal filter selector and creating an arbitrary number of device status signals. The signal converting unit creates fewer effective device status signals of a time series from the output signals.

This invention relates to an apparatus having a plasma generating mechanism and to a plasma processing method thereof; and, more particularly, the invention relates to a plasma processing apparatus, which is applicable for use in the fine processing of semiconductor devices, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment and LCD equipment, and to a working method thereof.
Recent semiconductor processing technologies have been required to have finer processing performance and higher production accuracy. Further, the conventional plasma apparatus, which decomposes process gases by use of a plasma and physically processes semiconductor wafers, cannot be free from the deposition of reaction products on the inner wall of the plasma chamber of the apparatus. This inevitable deposition of a reaction product tends to substantially affect the processing status of wafers. As wafer processing technology advances, this influence becomes greater and the resulting patterns on the semiconductor devices tend to vary, even through the input conditions of the apparatus are kept identical. In other words, this makes the production unstable.
To solve this problem, conventional methods have employed cleaning of the inner walls of the chamber by plasma or controlling of the temperature of the chamber walls so that the reaction products will not deposit thereon. However, most of these methods are not sufficient to keep the wafer processing status identical, so that the wafer processing status keeps on varying gradually as the processing advances from wafer to wafer. Before the products are seriously affected, the plasma processing apparatus must be disassembled for parts replacement and wet cleaning, sometimes using ultrasonic waves. Besides the depositions on the chamber walls, the wafer processing status is also affected by various factors of the processing system, such as temperature. Therefore, various ideas have been employed to eliminate such influences. For example, detecting transitions in the processing status of the plasma processing apparatus and cleaning the chamber according to the result of detection, and feeding back the result of detection to the plasma processing apparatus to keep the processing status constant, have been proposed.
A method of monitoring transitions in processing status of the plasma processing apparatus is disclosed for example by Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-125660 (1998). This method of estimating the performance of an apparatus or diagnosing the plasma status uses a relational expression between plasma processing characteristics and the electric signals of the apparatus. More particularly, the method contains a step of determining an approximate equation expressing the relationship between three electric signals and the plasma processing characteristics of the apparatus in a major regression analysis manner.
Another method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-87323 (1999). This method employs an existing detecting system comprising a plurality of sensors in the plasma processing apparatus and monitors the device status according to the relationship of the signals from the sensors. Further, this example employs an expression using ratios of six electric signals as a method of creating a relational signal.
Another method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,423. This method involves taking a lot of signals from a light and mass spectrometer, creating a relational signal thereof, and monitoring the device status with the relational signal. This involves the use of a principal component analysis method as a method to create this relational signal.
However, the method disclosed by Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-125660 (1998) has hardly been put in actual use because the method determines an approximate equation expressing the relationship between three electric signals and plasma processing characteristics of the apparatus on a map which varies input values of part of many processing conditions and requires a measurement of processing characteristics using many wafers. Further, if a plasma input value which is not taken into consideration in the measurement changes, the estimated model expression cannot be used. Furthermore, this method must measure processing characteristics of an enormous number of wafers to reflect a processing characteristic which is difficult to measure and is dependent upon internal conditions (such as the thickness of deposition films which continuously increase as the wafer processing continues) upon the model expression. This makes the method more difficult to be put in practical use.
Additionally, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-87323 (1999) is a general method which uses a technique of relating a plurality of well-known detecting means to a plurality of detection signals for diagnosis. Further, the disclosed method of calculating the ratios of some signals for relationship is one of the conventional methods, and it is very difficult to apply the method to a plasma processing system which has various process states dependent upon various factors which are subject to fluctuation.
Unlike this, the method in U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,423 discloses a method of analyzing main components of a lot of data obtained from devices, obtaining device status changes, and thus monitoring plasma states. However, this method still has more items to be improved before being applied to actual plasma processing systems, which must process wafers having various device structures under various conditions.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of monitoring a plasma processing apparatus, whose status varies depending upon processing conditions and upon a total number of processed wafers. Further, in this monitoring method, a few items of useful information are extracted from a lot of detection signals automatically, to provide an easy-to-use process monitoring method. A plasma processing apparatus using such a monitoring method and a method of producing devices, such as semiconductor devices and LCD devices, are provided.
In order to attain the above object, a characteristic of the present invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus having a process chamber to process specimens, comprising: a status detecting unit which detects the processing status of the inside of the process chamber and outputs a plurality of signals, and a signal converting unit which extracts an arbitrary number of signal processing filters from a signal filter database by a signal filter selector means and creates as many device status signals as the filter selected; wherein the signal converting unit creates device status signals having a time series which are less than the output signals.
Another characteristic of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which inputs device status signals and controls devices therewith.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to display the status change of the device signals in accordance with time on a display unit.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to provide means for dividing plasma light by wavelengths as the status detecting unit.
Still another characteristic of the present invention is to provide means for detecting electrical states of arbitrary points in the plasma processing apparatus including plasma as the status detecting unit.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to provide means for dividing electrical status signals by frequencies.
Yet another characteristic of the present invention is to cause the status detecting unit to detect reflected power components when the plasma processing apparatus has a unit for supplying power to the process chamber as plasma generating means.
A more particular characteristic of the present invention is to provide means for adding optical signals to plasma; wherein the status detecting unit detects signals which change while the optical signals pass through the plasma or when the optical signals are reflected by the plasma.
Still another characteristic of the present invention is to provide means for adding electrical signals to the plasma; wherein the status detecting unit detects signals which change while the electrical signals pass through the plasma or when the electrical signals are reflected by the plasma.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to use eigen vectors obtained by principal component analysis of the result of specimen processing the signal filters.
Yet another characteristic of the present invention is to combine eigen vectors obtained by the principal component analysis of the result of specimen processing into a vector and to use the same as the signal filters.
A more particular characteristic of the present invention is to update the database using the result obtained in the processing of some specimens.
Still another characteristic of the present invention is to update the database using data obtained by processing particular specimens (called dummy wafers) in a preset process sequence.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to monitor how the database is updated in the plasma processing apparatus.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to stop the use of a certain status detecting means, or to remove the certain status detecting means from the plasma processing apparatus, after the database is created.
Yet another characteristic of the present invention is to obtain or update the database by use of external communication.
A more particular characteristic of the present invention is to provide means for selecting one or more signal filters according to tags, such as numbers or names assigned to the signal filters, wherein the selected signal filters are used to display, output, and control the device status signals of the signal converting unit.
Still another characteristic of the present invention is to provide a list of pre-named device conditions and a mechanism for selecting one named device condition from the device condition list using the device status signals and displaying and outputting named device conditions.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus, wherein the number of device status signals to be output or displayed varies according to the status of devices on the specimens.
A further characteristic of the present invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus, wherein the number of device status signals to be output varies in response to external requests (from outside the plasma processing apparatus).
Yet another characteristic of the present invention is to provide a judging mechanism which checks whether each device status signal is in a preset range and changes the operating status of the plasma processing apparatus (e.g. cleaning the apparatus, replacement of parts, or start of wafer processing) according to the result of judgment.
A more particular characteristic of the present invention is to provide means for selecting types of specimens to be processed, among specimens requiring a different level of processing accuracy in a single plasma processing apparatus.


The invention is a hydrophobic polyurethane foam prepared from a conventional PO/EO polyether polyol, a graft polyol and a hydrophobicity inducing surfactant. The foam is sufficiently hydrophobic to pass a stringent water impermeability test.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to hydrophobic polyurethane foams. Specifically, the invention relates to a hydrophobic foam prepared from a polyether polyol.
2. Background
Polyurethane foams and their methods of manufacture are well known. These foams have a large number of applications including: cushioning for furniture and bedding, including mattresses and topper pads; padding for underlying carpets; seals and gaskets for a variety of uses; acoustical applications; textile laminates; and energy absorbing materials. In particular, hydrophobic polyurethane foams provide a material useful for resisting water penetration in applications such as gaskets and seals. Several approaches have been attempted to produce hydrophobic polyurethane foams.
One method of rendering a polyurethane foam hydrophobic is by impregnating the foam with a hydrophobic agent such as asphalt. Typically, when preparing foams according to this method, the hydrophobic agent in a volatile solvent is added to the prepared foam and the solvent is allowed to evaporate. This method suffers from the drawback of using large amounts of volatile solvents which, when evaporated, may present environmental hazards. In addition, the volatile solvent may affect the physical properties and feel of the foam. In a variation of this technique, an aqueous dispersion of the hydrophobic substance is used to impregnate the foam. However, formation of an aqueous dispersion requires the use of an emulsifier prior to addition to the foam. This method suffers problems because the emulsifier remains in the foam after treatment. The emulsifier in the foam may adversely affect the physical properties or feel of the foam causing problems similar to those experienced when using a volatile solvent.
Alternatively, hydrophobic constituents such as asphalt derivatives may be incorporated into the foam structure during manufacture. For example, the hydrophobic substance may be incorporated by being present during foam formation or during the molding process. Again, however, these methods produce foams with altered physical properties that may not be suitable for particular applications.
Another approach, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,743 to Maruyama et al., assigned to NHK Spring Co., Ltd. of Japan, utilizes a polyester polyol based on dimer acid or castor oil as the major polyol component and other additives such as a blowing agents, a foam stabilizer, a catalyst and, optionally, a lipophilic filler. Such foams are marketed under the name Super Seal(copyright) by, for example, Recticel in Europe and Foamex in the United States. These polyester polyol based polyurethane foams exhibit good hydrophobicity, but suffer from hydrolytic instability due to the nature of the polyester material. In addition, these foams frequently have relatively high densities, for example, over 3 pounds for cubic foot. Thus, the cost of these foams per unit volume tends to be high.
Propylene oxide and propylene oxide/ethylene oxide polyether polyol (hereinafter xe2x80x9cPO/EO polyether polyolxe2x80x9d) blends are used to manufacture polyether polyols for making polyether polyurethane foams. These foams are typically characterized by good cushioning properties and excellent hydrolytic stability. Furthermore, the polyether polyols based on a PO/EO blend will have better processing characteristics that translate into higher yields and better quality foams. It would thus be desirable, in terms of hydrolytic stability and high quality foams, to produce hydrophobic polyurethane foams for, among other applications, use in seals and gaskets based on PO/EO polyether polyols. Attempts to produce highly hydrophobic foams from this system in the past have been unsuccessful.
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks in the art described above. The foam of the present invention has both good hydrophobic properties and good hydrolytic resistance; its relatively low density translates into a low cost polyurethane foam.
The invention relates to a hydrophobic polyurethane foam prepared from a PO/EO polyether polyol, a graft polyol and a hydrophobicity inducing surfactant. The present invention is also a hydrophobic polyurethane foam prepared from a PO/EO polyether polyol and a graft polyol, the foam being sufficiently hydrophobic to pass stringent water impermeability tests, for example, tests used by GM and Ford in the automotive industry and described in detail below (hereafter sometimes collectively referred to as the xe2x80x9cautomotive type testsxe2x80x9d). Preferred foams are sufficiently hydrophobic to pass a water impermeability test for at least 60 minutes, more preferred foams for at least 90 minutes, and the most preferred foams are sufficiently hydrophobic to pass a stringent water impermeability test for at least 24 hours. Graft polyols useful in preparing the inventive foams typically comprise polystyrene and/or polyacrylonitrile grafted onto or dispersed into a PO/EO polyether backbone structure. In a preferred foam, the graft polymer comprises about 60% of a PO/EO polyether backbone, about 30% polystyrene and about 10% polyacrylonitrile. A preferred foam is formed from about 80 parts graft polyol and about 20 parts PO/EO polyether polyol.
The foams of the invention are also prepared using a surfactant, particularly a hydrophobicity inducing surfactant. Typically, hydrophobicity inducing surfactants are polysiloxane-polyalkylene oxide copolymers, usually the non-hydrolyzable polysiloxane-polyalkylene oxide copolymer type. Hydrophobicity inducing surfactants include: Goldschmidt Chemical Corp. of Hopewell, Va. products sold as B8110, B8229, B8232, B8240, B8870, B8418, B8462; Organo Silicons of Greenwich, Conn. products sold as L6164, L600 and L626; and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. products sold as DC5604 and DC5598. Preferred surfactants are B8870, B8110, B8240, B8418, B8462, L626, L6164, DC5604 and DC5598. B8870 and B8418 from Goldschmidt Chemical Corp. are more preferred; B8418 is most preferred. Polyisocyanates are preferably added at a polyisocyanate index of from about 75 to about 125. Toluene diisocyanate is a preferred polyisocyanate, preferably at a TDI index of about 100. Typically, the inventive foams have an air flow of from about 0.01 to about 3.0 ft3/ft2/min and a density of no more that about 4.0 lb/ft3. The inventive foams may also contain typical polyurethane foam additives such as, for example, catalyst, dye, blowing agent and fire retardant.
In another aspect, the hydrophobic polyurethane foams of the invention are made up of polyol segments derived from a graft polyol and polyol segments derived from a PO/EO polyether polyol and prepared using a hydrophobicity inducing surfactant.
In another aspect, the invention is a hydrophobic polyurethane foam produced by the process of combining a polyisocyanate with a PO/EO polyether polyol and a graft polyol, and allowing the polyisocyanate and polyols to react in the presence of a surfactant to form a foam that is sufficiently hydrophobic to pass a stringent water impermeability test, preferably for at least 60 minutes, more preferably for at least 90 minutes and most preferably for at least 24 hours, with substantially no leaks of water through or into the foam.
In yet another aspect, the foams of the present invention may be formed into a manufactured article, for example, cushioning, padding, a seal such as an automotive seal and a gasket such as an automotive gasket.
Further objectives and advantages would become apparent from consideration of the description and examples that follow.


The present invention is a system and method that captures hand geometry, full-length fingerprints, and/or palm prints from a frontal view of a freely posed hand using contactless photography. A system and method for capturing biometric data of a hand includes the steps of and means for (a) digitally photographing a designated contactless capture area not having any predefined hand-positioning structures or platen for receiving a hand, to obtain a captured image of the capture area that includes a naturally-posed hand; (b) extracting a frontal hand image of the naturally-posed hand by applying an Active Appearance Model (AAM) to the captured image; (c) computing a plurality of hand geometry measurements of the frontal hand image; and (d) comparing the plurality of hand geometry measurements from the frontal hand image to corresponding existing hand geometry measurements, wherein the comparison results in a best match.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to 3-D imaging identification and, more particularly, to a system and method for identifying an individual based on hand geometry and/or fingerprints and palm prints.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, the more information which can be extracted from a hand, the more effective and useful the prints obtained will be for background checks, forensic investigations, security, etc. Also, fingerprint and palm print technology is becoming particularly necessary in airports and border patrols to prevent terrorism and other criminal activity. In all of these contexts, the prints captured are often compared with those in large databases. Thus, there is an escalating need for fast, accurate and complete fingerprint and palm print capturing to serve these purposes. However, the presently available touchless technology inefficiently requires fingerprints to be captured one at a time, and fails to capture the majority of the biometric information on the hand as a whole. Furthermore, the prior art capture devices introduce operator error or incorrect data capture. For example, because only one finger is scanned at a time, it may be the case that the wrong finger is inserted for scanning purposes, either unintentionally or deliberately. Therefore, the resultant captured fingerprint data may be incorrect with respect to the intended digital representation of a particular finger. Additionally, the prior art captures only the front and sides of the distal ends of the fingers and thumb. Information contained on the more proximal surfaces of the fingers, the tips of the fingers, and the palm is not captured by the prior art devices. The prior art devices are also limited due to speed, capture area, physical size, and rigid placement of hands.
Almost any characteristic of a person can be used as a biometric identifier, including the shape of a person's hand. Commercially available systems utilizing hand geometry require strict placement of hands against an outlined platen, a fixed arrangement of pegs, or other predefined hand positioning structure. For example, the HandKey II system by Recognition Systems requires a subject to place his or her hand on a lit table within rigid pegs. One camera images the back of the hand and another camera images the sides of the finger. The prior art system takes about 50-100 measurements using finger length, thickness, curvature, etc. A shortcoming of the prior art system is its requirement through usage of pegs to provide uniform placement of the hand. The system may fail to recognize the same hand unless the subject places fingers in the specific rigid formation outlined by the pegs. The system may also fail to recognize the same hand if the subject varies the amount of pressure that individual fingers exert against the pegs. Varying pressures applied by the same subject against the pegs often leads to radically different measurements and recognition errors.
There is a tenet in biometrics that more is better, meaning, that the more biometric information obtained from a person, the more unique the combination of observations will be and, therefore, there is more confidence in establishing the person's unique identity. Therefore, obtaining as much biometric hand data as possible is very useful for identification, recognition and authentication and, as such, there is a continual need for systems and methods which can capture and process all such information accurately and efficiently.

Frontal hand capture of fingerprints, palm prints and hand geometry using contactless photography


A system may include a driver for driving an output signal to a load, a pre-driver for driving a pre-driver signal to the driver, the pre-driver having a variable drive strength, and a controller configured to control the variable drive strength based on at least one measured physical quantity to compensate for variation of an output signal edge rate due to variations in the at least one measured physical quantity.

Many electronic devices on the market today often use power converters to convert electric energy from one form to another (e.g., converting between alternating current and direct current), amplifying a voltage or current of an electrical signal, modifying a frequency of an electrical signal, or some combination of the above. Examples of power converters may include boost converters, buck converters, and audio amplifiers (including, but not limited to Class D and Class H amplifiers). Such power converters often employ a switched output stage to drive an electronic signal (e.g., an output current or voltage) to a mechanical transducer (e.g., a loudspeaker, a voice coil, a vibrational transducer, etc.).
During operation of a vibrational transducer, properties of an amplifier system (capacitance, resistance, inductance, threshold voltages, etc.) may change as a function of temperature, supply voltage, and/or other environmental factors, thus affecting a slew rate of the output signal driven by an output stage. Accordingly, systems and methods are desired to maintain a desired output signal edge rate in the presence of varying physical quantities associated with the amplifier system driving the output signal.

Controlling edge rate of a switched output stage based on a measured physical quantity


An artificial hair comprises a mesh layer configured to fit around a circumference of a user's head comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a front region, a rear region, and a circumferential edge region that extends around the front region and the rear region; a filament coupled to the outer surface of the mesh layer, at least a portion of the filament being disposed in each of the front region, the rear region and on the circumferential edge region of the mesh layer; a plurality of first hair members coupled to the filament; and a plurality of second hair members slidably disposed between the filament and the mesh layer, the first hair members comprising a first length and the second hair members comprising a second length, the first length being greater than the second length.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to artificial hair, and more particularly, to an artificial hair apparatus and method of manufacturing the artificial hair apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wigs are used by people to enhance their appearance and to conceal their natural hair. Wigs generally include multiple strands of hair attached to a cap to form a unit that can be secured to an user's scalp. Hair weaves and hair extensions are also used by people to either conceal or supplement their natural hair. In some cases, people use wigs when they are experiencing baldness or thinning of their natural hair. For those experiencing baldness or thinning of natural hair, use of wigs provides an alternative to use of potentially dangerous hair growth drugs or chemicals, or uncomfortable hair plugs. In other cases, people use wigs for temporary purposes when they are undergoing medical treatments that result in loss of their hair, such as chemotherapy.
Wigs are also used to provide a user with an alternative hair color in order to improve their appearance. Furthermore, wigs can be used by people to present an alternative texture to their own hair, such as changing their hair from straight to curly. Just as many people enjoy accessorizing their wardrobe, people who wear wigs enjoy changing and enhancing their appearance.


Valve assembly and method in which a valve member is connected to an elongated lever arm for controlling communication between two chambers in an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly is disposed at least partially within one of the chambers, and the valve member is moved between open and closed by an actuator connected to the lever arm. In some disclosed embodiments, a pilot valve is opened to equalize pressure on both sides of the valve member prior to moving the valve member toward the open position. In others, where a piston in an expansion cylinder is driven by hot, expanding gases from a separate combustion chamber, the exhaust valve is closed before the piston has completed its exhaust stroke, and pressure is allowed to build up in the expansion cylinder to a level corresponding to the pressure in the combustion chamber before the valve member is moved toward the open position.

1. Field of Invention
This invention pertains generally to internal combustion engines and, more particularly, to a valve assembly and method for high temperature internal combustion engines.
2. Related Art
Valves used in conventional Otto and Diesel engines function reasonably well for some load conditions but have limitations, particularly with advanced engine designs using separate combustion chambers as described and illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,415,947 and 7,434,551.
In conventional engines with cam operated valves, the valve springs must be stiff or strong in order to close the valves quickly and without bounce at higher engine speeds. With such springs, the force or work required to open the valves significantly limits the efficiency of an engine. Strong, stiff springs also make electronic valving difficult because of the difficulty of generating electromagnetic forces that are strong enough to overcome them. Cam operated valves are also limited by the number of degrees of cam rotation required in order to provide even a moderate valve lift or opening, and this limitation may prevent cam operated valves from meeting the timing requirements of more advanced engines. Moreover, in conventional engines, valve cooling is often required in order to prevent heat damage to the valves, and such cooling further reduces engine efficiency.
With advanced engine designs, the valves must meet additional design and performance requirements to fully utilize the capabilities of an engine. In engines having separate combustion chambers, the valves must open into the combustion chambers where the pressure is typically on the order of 500 to 1000 PSI and the temperature is on the order of 1600-1800° K. Since the valve assembly is located in the pressurized hot gas instead of the exhaust or intake manifold, valve actuation must be leak tight at high pressure and at high temperature. Moreover, because of the high temperature of the valve parts, the valve must be able to function without the use of traditional lubrication, and conventional valve guides probably cannot be employed as guides or bushings in the valve assembly. Furthermore, with variable valve timing and high speed operation in advanced engines, the valve opening and closing times must be short, and valve actuation strokes must also be short. Standard valves of the types heretofore provided cannot meet the demanding needs of advanced engines.

Valve assembly and method for high temperature internal combustion engines


The present disclosure is related to a method of manufacturing a display substrate. The method may include forming a pattern layer (100, 200) on a base substrate (300) and forming a first planarization layer (500). The pattern layer (100, 200) may include at least one recess (105). Forming the first planarization layer (500) may include forming a pre-polymerized solution (501) at least in the recess (105) and polymerizing the pre-polymerized solution (501) in the recess (105) to form the first planarization layer (500).

An organic electronic thin film apparatus generally includes a transistor circuit, a light-emitting device (e.g., OLED), and a photo-sensing device. From a microscopic point of view, these components or devices are usually formed of multiple layers of inorganic (such as various metals, semiconductors, insulating media, etc.) and organic thin films. Furthermore, these films are patterned and can appear as linear, block, strip and so on. The patterned films overlap each other. However, different numbers of the film layers overlap in different regions, thereby causing a difference in the thickness of the film layers and an appearance of unevenness in different regions.

Display substrate, display apparatus, and method of manufacturing thereof

BEIJING BOE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.


A hair color which includes 0.5 to 8% by weight of a basic dye as a coloring agent, 0.5 to 15% by weight of a alcohol-soluble resin, 20 to 80% by weight of lower alcohol and 5 to 50% by weight of water. The hair color does not require washing of the hair immediately after being applied and enables the hair to be gradually dyed upon repeated use. The hair color can provide excellent water resistance against sweat and rain in a hot and humid period such as a summer season.

Permanent hair colors (oxidative hair colors) and semi-permanent hair colors (acid hair colors) which have so far generally been used have such large defects that dying operation in use is complicated and troublesome and that the circumference, cloths and the skin of persons applied are dyed.
Accordingly, they have to be applied usually in beauty salons or they have to be applied by ourselves at the time of bathing so that they can be washed away soon even if stained, and therefore an excessive burden has been forced to the users.
A cumulatively dying temporary hair color (refer to patent document 1) provided by the present applicants which comprises 0.01 to 3% by weight of an acid dye as a coloring agent, 1.5 to 10% by weight of a nonionic or anionic silicone base resin, 3 to 20% by weight of a hair dying auxiliary, 30 to 80% by weight of a lower alcohol and 5 to 50% by weight of water and which has a pH of 2 to 5 and a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less is known as a hair color which can reduce the above burdens and which can cumulatively dye hair by easily repeating use even if dying per once is little.
Further, a hair cosmetic (refer to patent document 2) which comprises a basic dye and an amphoteric polymer resin and which has a pH of 3.0 to 8.0 is known as a cosmetic which does not dye the skin and has the effect that it colors gradually the hair.
The hair color disclosed in the patent document 1 described above is excellent as a hair color which can cumulatively dye hair, but since an acid dye is used, a little problem is involved therein in that the skin is dyed in a case where the liquid adheres onto the skin of scalp and the fingertip to force a burden to the users. In addition thereto, the above hair color comprises an acidic liquid, and therefore involved therein is the problem that the dispersibility of a pigment is inferior when it is blended.
The hair cosmetics disclosed in the patent document 2 described above are common in that a basic dye is used, but a problem is involved therein in that water resistance and the cumulative dying property are inferior and in that the liquid tends to be increased in a viscosity, so that the coating property is deteriorated.    Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 172141/2001 (claims, examples and others)    Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 246714/2003 (claims, examples and others)

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


The present invention involves a method of preparing a reinforced polymer providing improved mechanical properties. The method includes providing particles of the layered silicate and a supercritical fluid. The method further includes mixing the layered silicate with a polymer to form a treatable silicate-polymer mixture and contacting the treatable mixture with the supercritical fluid to exfoliate the silicate particles so that the particles disperse within the polymer. The method further includes depressurizing the contacted mixture to exfoliate the layered silicate so that the layers are substantially dispersed within the polymer to define a reinforced polymer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a reinforced polymer having improved mechanical properties.
2. Background Art
Plastics usage in the automotive industry is steadily increasing due to their light weight and continual improvements in mechanical properties. Currently, polymer-based materials may comprise at least percent of a given vehicle""s weight. These materials are used in various automotive components, e.g., interior and exterior trim and side panels. As pressures to improve fuel economy continue, more steel and aluminum parts may be targeted for replacement by polymer-based materials. Thus, improvements in the mechanical properties of polymers are necessary in order to meet more stringent performance requirements. Mechanical properties of a polymer include stiffness, dimensional stability, modulus, heat deflection temperature, barrier properties, and rust and dent resistance, to name a few. Improved mechanical properties may reduce manufacturing costs by reducing the part thickness and weight of the manufactured part and the manufacturing time thereof.
There are a number of ways to improve the mechanical properties of a polymer, including reinforcement with particulate fillers or glass fibers. Currently, it is known that polymers reinforced with nanometer-sized platelets or particles of layered silicates or clay can impact significant improvements in mechanical properties at much lower loading than conventional fillers. This type of composite is termed a xe2x80x9cnanocompositexe2x80x9d. More specifically, polymer-silicate nanocomposites are compositions in which nano-sized particles of a layered silicate, e.g., montmorillonite clay, are dispersed into a thermoplastic or a thermoset matrix. The improvement in mechanical properties of nanocomposites is due to a combination of factors, such as high aspect ratio and surface area of the particles.
Typically, two steps are involved in producing reinforced polymers or polymer nanocomposites. The first step involves a process of conditioning or preparing the clay to make it more compatible with a selected polymer. The conditioning step is performed because the clay is generally hydrophilic and many polymer resins of interest are hydrophobic, thus rendering the two relatively incompatible.
In its natural state, clay is made up of stacks of individual particles held together by ionic forces. A cation exchange may be performed to exchange a naturally occurring inorganic cation with an organic cation. In addition, this process may increase the interlayer spacing between each particle, lessening the attractive forces between them. This allows the clay to be compatible with the polymer for subsequent polymerization or compounding. This preparatory step is known as xe2x80x9ccation exchangexe2x80x9d. Generally, cation exchange is performed with a batch reactor containing an aqueous solution wherein an organic molecule, usually an alkyl ammonium salt, is dissolved into water along with the clay particles. The reactor is then heated. Once ion exchange takes place, the clay particles precipitate out and are then dried.
Depending on the polymer, a monomer may be further intercalated into the clay galleries. The organically modified clay is then ready for melt compounding to combine the clay with the polymer to make a workable material, or polymerizing monomers in the presence of the modified clay. Both the polymerization step and the melt compounding step involve known processing conditions in which the particles disperse and exfoliate in the polymer.
However, while this strategy is effective in more polar systems such as nylon, efforts to extend the technology to extremely non-polar polymers, such as polyolefins, have met with limited success. Many attempts at generating polyolefin based nanocomposites have been partially successful only by use of large amounts of compatibilizers. Not only is this prohibitively expensive, but the enhanced dispersion and exfoliation gained with the use of compatibilizers comes at the expense of matrix stiffness, since the compatibilizers are themselves of low molecular weight.
Additionally, because of the high melt viscosity of many thermoplastics, uniform dispersion of the layered silicate becomes difficult. On the other hand, in systems such as nylons and epoxies which can be polymerized in situ, intercalation of monomers and exfoliation of silicate layers is less of an issue. In situ polymerization of polyolefins, however, is plagued by sensitive and unstable catalysts.
Therefore, the use of supercritical fluids to both pretreat/delaminate silicate layers and to reduce melt viscosity is an attractive means of generating a well-exfoliated polymer silicate nanocomposite material for any material system.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system and method of delaminating a layered silicate for producing reinforced polymers having improved mechanical properties.
The present invention also provides an improved method of preparing a reinforced polymer wherein the method includes providing particles or platelets of the layered silicate and a supercritical fluid and mixing the layered silicate particles with a polymer to form a treatable silicate-polymer mixture. The method further includes contacting the treatable mixture with the supercritical fluid and catastrophically or immediately depressurizing the contacted mixture to exfoliate the layered silicate particles so that the layered particles are substantially dispersed within the polymer to define the reinforced polymer.
The present invention also provides an improved reinforced polymer. The reinforced polymer includes a polymer mixed with a layered silicate having particle layers exfoliated by a supercritical fluid. The silicate layers are substantially exfoliated and dispersed within the polymer to provide reinforcement thereto.

System and method of preparing a reinforced polymer by supercritical fluid treatment


The present invention utilizes multiple A/D (analog-to-digital) paths and cross-path calibration to provide accurate and reliable measurements for each input channel in a data acquisition system. When the system and method are applied, user and automated methods of selecting among a number of alternative input range settings can be reduced, or even eliminated. That is, there is a significant reduction or complete elimination of input range settings in a measurement system. For each measurement channel of interest, the input signal is directed to at least two paths, e.g., Path A and Path B. The first path measures the full range (e.g., +/−10 volts), while the second path includes a high-gain amplifier. Each path includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the number of paths and the number of ADCs, which sample the input signal simultaneously.

In a conventional measurement system, the input range setting is one of the most important settings. For example, in an analysis system there may be a number of different input voltage range settings for each input channel. The input range setting has a direct impact on the quality of measurement, which is mainly reflected by SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) or dynamic range. Users are often troubled by being unable to set the optimum range because the measured signal either is non-stationary or has an unknown amplitude. For a high channel count system having multiple relevant input ranges, it is even more difficult to get all the input ranges to their suitable value. To deal with this situation, many instruments are designed with an intelligent auto-ranging capability. "Auto-ranging" tries to set the best input range based on a certain measurement before the test actually begins. The auto-ranging can only deal with stationary or repetitive signals, i.e., those signals without many magnitude changes. For non-stationary signals such as electricity transients, auto-ranging usually does not work because each pulse may take a different magnitude. For a signal with long time history and a large range of amplitude change, auto-ranging cannot be applied at all, because during the measurement procedure it is not allowed to change the input range, i.e., the amplifier gain setting.
As described in the publication "New Technology Increases the Dynamic Ranges of Data Acquisition Systems Based on 24-Bit Technology," in SOUND AND VIBRATION, April 2005, pages 8-11, Andersen et al. state that sound and vibration transducers (e.g., microphones) have outperformed the subsequent analysis systems in linearity and dynamic performance. For such a system, the ratio between the highest and lowest signal level the system can handle is defined as its "dynamic range." The publication states that if the dynamic range is too low, high signals will typically be clipped and distorted while the low signals will typically be buried in system noise that originates from the transducer element and the electronics conditioning the transducer. As a solution, the publication describes utilizing a specialized analog input designed to provide a very high dynamic range of analog circuit pre-conditioning the transducer signal before forwarding the signal to a pair of specially designed 24-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Both data streams from the ACDs are forwarded to a digital signal processing environment, where dedicated algorithms in real-time merge the signals.
While prior art approaches operate well for their intended purposes, additional advances are sought.

Cross-path calibration for data acquisition using multiple digitizing paths


A radiation curable coating composition for forming a primary polymeric coating on having good adhesion to a glass optical fiber is disclosed. The coating composition is formed by a mixture of a base radiation curable liquid composition capable of forming a polymeric coating; and a hydrolyzed coupling agent mixture comprising N-beta (aminoethyl)-gamma-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-beta (aminoethyl)-gamma-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, and gamma-(trimethoxylsilyl)propylacrylate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to protective coating compositions for glass optical fibers and glass optical fibers having coatings formed from such coating compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to radiation curable, primary protective liquid coating composition for glass optical fibers formulated to have good adhesion and strength properties and glass optical fibers coated thereby.
2. Description of the Related Art
For many years now, optical fibers made from drawn glass have been used as a reliable transmission medium in telecommunications cables. Glass optical fibers are widely used because they have the ability to carry large amounts of information over long distances. Glass fibers are inherently strong because the glass forming the fiber has an intrinsic strength on order of 3.times.10.sup.9 N/m.sup.2. See, "Optical Fibers for Transmission", J. E. Midwinter, 1979, John Wiley and sons. The retention of such strength is largely dependent upon the application environment surrounding the optical fiber. For example, if the optical fiber is subjected to an abrasive environment, the abrasion, even with micron sized particles, produces microscopic flaws in the glass surface. These flaws propagate through the glass and eventually cause a fracture of the glass fiber. Glass optical fibers can also lose strength from contact with moisture and ions in solution. It is well known that hydrolysis of the surface bonds in silica glass occurs rapidly in the presence of water containing sodium ions. The hydrolysis of the surface bonds causes significant strength deterioration.
To protect the integrity and strength of glass optical fibers from environmentally caused degradation, one or more protective polymeric coatings have been applied to the outer surface, such as the cladding, of such optical fibers, shortly after the optical fibers have been drawn from a glass preform. One purpose of the coatings is to protect the surface of the optical fiber from mechanical scratches and abrasions typically caused by subsequent handling and use. Another purpose of the coatings is to protect the glass from exposure to moisture and ions in solution. The coating or coatings may also have some influence over the fiber's optical characteristics because the coatings are physically responsive to external mechanical forces and temperature.
The coating compositions applied to the optical fiber are typically liquid, radiation curable compositions. Typically, the coating compositions are cured on the optical fiber by exposing the coating composition to ultraviolet radiation, electron beam radiation or ionizing radiation for a predetermined period of time deemed suitable for effective curing.
It is important that the cured coating adhere well to the glass cladding, otherwise the cured coating will have a tendency to delaminate from the optical fiber. Delamination of the coating from the optical fiber is undesirable because the protective function of the coating is lost. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that adherence properties of a coating are typically determined by measuring the force required to peel a coating from a test surface, such as a glass plate, to which it has been applied.

Radiation curable coating composition for optical fibers and optical fibers coated thereby


A hydrostatic bearing apparatus comprises a base member having a static pressure guide surface to which a static pressure pocket is formed, a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of an operation oil in the static pressure pocket at an outlet portion thereof and generating a signal representing the detected outlet temperature of the operation oil, a temperature controller for controlling a temperature of the operation oil to be supplied in the static pressure pocket in response to the signal from the temperature detector, and a pressure controller for controlling a pressure in the static pressure pocket by controlling a flow rate of the operation oil supplied to the static pressure pocket. An operation oil source storing the operation oil to be supplied to the static pressure pocket is further disposed. A gap between the static pressure guide surface and a member to be supported of the hydrostatic bearing apparatus is maintained always constant in accordance with the control of the operation oil temperature and the operation oil pressure.

The present invention relates to a hydrostatic bearing apparatus for supporting a movable member such as rotary table or reciprocally movable table through a hydrostatic bearing particularly for the purpose of maintaining constant a gap of the hydrostatic bearing and also relates to a method of controlling the hydrostatic bearing apparatus for achieving the same purpose.
There has been known a hydrostatic bearing in which a gap of the bearing is changed in response to a load change or temperature change and which supports a load by changing a pressure in a static pressure pocket of the bearing. When a hydrostatic bearing of the character described above is applied to, for example, a sliding surface of a machine tool, the change of the gap of the bearing caused by the change of the load directly affects on the performance of the machine tool, and in an adverse case, metallic contact is locally caused, thus damaging the sliding surface. Accordingly, there has been desired to provide a hydrostatic bearing in which the rigidity of the hydrostatic bearing is increased so as not to substantially change the bearing gap even if the load be changed.
In order to make large the rigidity of the hydrostatic bearing, a flow rate regulating valve is interposed between the hydrostatic bearing and an operation oil source to thereby adjust a supply amount of the operation oil in accordance with the load change of the hydrostatic bearing (for example, as disclosed in the Japanese Utility Model Laid-open (KOKAI) Publication No. 50-119027). In the flow rate regulating valve disclosed, an oil passage is formed in a spool slidably accommodated in a valve body for regulating the flow rate and the pressure. This oil passage is formed by drilling working or electric discharging working effected to the central portion of the spool.
Furthermore, in the conventional technology, for example, there are provided control methods of controlling an oil temperature of an operation oil utilized for the hydrostatic bearing of a machine tool, and the methods includes a method in which the temperature of the operation oil in an operation oil tank is accorded with a room temperature or a temperature of the machine tool by utilizing a refrigerating machine or cooler, and a method in which the operation oil temperature is accorded with a fixed value. Moreover, as a control method of a pressure of the hydrostatic bearing, a supply pressure of a hydraulic pump is made constant or a constant pressure valve is interposed on the way of the operation oil supply passage.
However, in the conventional technology described above, when drilling or boring working is effected to the inside of the spool to form an oil passage by the drilled bore or hole having a long length, it is considerably difficult to effect a fine drilling working with a large ratio of the length to the diameter of the hole and also difficult to ensure a size of the diameter, which results in a difference between the desired theory and the actual working. Furthermore, since the oil passage is formed with a small diameter hole, it is difficult to confirm the presence of the hole from the outside.
Furthermore, in the conventional apparatus, a good pressure-flow rate characteristic of the flow rate regulating valve and a good linearity thereof have not been achieved, and thus, it is difficult to achieve an initial object.
Further, it is considered to form a bearded groove on an outer peripheral surface of the spool instead of the hole, i.e. oil passage, but the bearded groove has not formed linearly, so that the working of such bearded groove requires troublesome working, and even if the working shape and dimension be made constant, it is difficult to stably produce the hydrostatic bearing always with the performance obtained by tests being maintained.
Moreover, in the oil temperature controlling method described above, it is aimed to coincide the temperature of the operation oil with a fixed temperature such as room temperature or a temperature of the machine. Accordingly, it is impossible to maintain the gap of the hydrostatic bearing because of the change of a viscosity of the operation oil due to a heat generation of the operation oil in the static pressure pocket of the hydrostatic bearing by a shearing force in accordance with, for example, the increasing or decreasing of a revolution number of a rotary table of a vertical lathe or reciprocation number of movement of a table of a planer, or the change of the pressure of the operation oil in the static pressure pocket in accordance with the change of the viscosity of the operation oil or an external force such as load. For the reasons described above, in a machine tool in which high performance, high quality and speed-up operation are required, the working performance of products is badly affected by the change of the gap of the hydrostatic bearing.


A system and method for flexibly blending multiple image planes in a video device comprises a timing controller configured to generate adjusted synchronization signals for pretiming multiple video image planes. The timing controller preferably generates the adjusted synchronization signals in response to programmable delay signals and a master synchronization signal. A blender device then receives and flexibly combines the multiple video image planes to generate a synchronized composite blender output signal. The blender preferably includes a selectable pseudo-output signal that may be routed through an external processing device, and returned as a feedback loop to an external input of the blender device.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to video processing techniques, and relates more particularly to a system and method for flexibly blending multiple image planes in a video device.
2. Description of the Background Art
Implementing flexible and efficient methods for manipulating video data is a significant consideration of designers, manufacturers, and users of contemporary video devices. Video technology continues to evolve in response to a variety of converging factors such as marketplace competition and user demand for increased functionality. One aspect of the foregoing video evolution process has been a substantial increase in the relative complexity and system capabilities of various modern video devices.
For example, a digital video disc device may be utilized to view high-quality recorded audio-visual materials, such as motion pictures and other types of entertainment or educational programs. Similarly, a digital video broadcast system may provide high-quality programs for reproduction and viewing on a corresponding electronic playback system. The foregoing advanced digital video formats may provide additional functionality that was unavailable in earlier versions of electronic programming.
Many digital video encoding formats enable the inclusion of one or more subsidiary sets of displayable program information, in addition to the primary video program that typically includes video data for display to a system viewer. For example, one subsidiary set of video program information may include subtitles in a language other than that of the primary video program.
Simultaneously displaying multiple sets of video program information on a display monitor may present a variety of challenges to a system designer. In order to optimize the functionality of a video system that simultaneously displays multiple sets of program information, a video system may significantly benefit from a flexible and efficient design. For example, the ability to flexibly select, manipulate and blend a number of diverse video sources or image planes may provide significant benefit to users of video devices. Furthermore, the importance of system flexibility becomes accentuated when the number of video data sets or image planes increases.
Another concern associated with flexibly manipulating and blending multiple image planes of video information is the successful and accurate timing of each of the various image planes to achieve synchronicity when simultaneously displaying the image planes on a display monitor. Failure to correctly time each of the image planes may result in significant display offsets of the image planes in relation to other displayed image planes.
Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons, implementing an efficient method for flexibly blending multiple image planes of video data remains a significant consideration of designers, manufacturers, and users of contemporary video devices.
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for flexibly blending multiple image planes in a video device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a timing controller initially accesses and references a master horizontal synchronization (hsync) signal. However, in alternate embodiments, various other signals may readily be utilized by timing controller as a reference. The timing controller then preferably receives a PF delay signal, an SP delay signal, and an OSD delay signal, however, in other embodiments, the timing controller may readily receive various other additional or different programmable delay signals.
Next, the timing controller preferably references the master hsync signal and responsively generates reshaped or adjusted hsync signals corresponding to the received delay signals. Specifically, the timing controller generates a PF hsync signal in response to a PF delay signal, an SP hsync signal in response to a SP delay signal, and an OSD hsync signal in response to an OSD delay signal. The timing controller then preferably provides the adjusted hsync signals to corresponding signal generation modules. More specifically, the timing controller provides the PF hsync signal to a postprocessing filter, the SP hsync signal to a subpicture decoder, and the OSD hsync signal to an OSD engine. In alternate embodiments, the adjusted synchronization signals may readily be provided to various other modules and devices, in accordance with the present invention.
Next, the postprocessing filter pre-synchronizes a PF video signal using the received PF hsync signal. Similarly, the subpicture decoder pre-synchronizes an SP video signal using the received SP hsync signal. Also, the OSD engine pre-synchronizes an OSD video signal using the received OSD hsync signal. The postprocessing filter then provides the pre-synchronized PF video signal to a blender device. The subpicture decoder similarly provides the pre-synchronized SP video signal to the blender device. Also, the OSD engine provides the pre-synchronized OSD video signal to the blender device.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the blender device responsively selects between the PF video signal and an external PDI signal to generate a selector A output signal. The blender device then blends the selector A output signal and the SP video signal in response to configurable blend factors to generate a mixer A output signal. Next, the blender device preferably selects between the mixer A output signal and the external PDI signal to generate a selector D output signal.
The blender device then preferably blends the selector D output signal and a mask video signal in response to configurable blend factors to generate a mixer B output signal. Next, the blender device preferably selects between the OSD video signal and the external PDI signal to generate a selector C output signal. Then, the blender device blends the mixer B output signal and the selector C output signal in response to configurable blend factors to generate a synchronized blender output signal, in accordance with the present invention. Finally, the blender device preferably selects between the PF video, the mixer A output signal, and the blender output signal to generate a pseudo output signal (PDO).
In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the foregoing blender device may readily perform processes and techniques that are different from, in addition to, or in varying order from those disclosed in conjunction with the foregoing embodiment. The present invention thus effectively implements a system and method for flexibly blending multiple image planes in a video device.

System and method for flexibly blending multiple image planes in a video device


An optical disc device prevents a rail guide from falling off from a bottom case when a housing receives an impact force. The bottom case 2 includes a bottom plate 2a, a side plate 2b and a second bottom plate 2c. The rail guide 3 has a bottom surface 3a, a side surface 3b and an upper surface 3c. The side surface 3b of the rail guide is engaged with the side plate 2b of the bottom case. The rail guide has a convex portion 3d that is located on the side surface 3b of the rail guide, the convex portion extending from the upper surface of the rail guide and being in contact with the second bottom plate 2c of the bottom case. The convex portion 3d prevents the rail guide 3 from falling off from the bottom case 2 when the bottom case 2 is deformed.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical disc device that records and reproduces information on and from an optical disc, and more particularly to a structure of a housing that stores a tray on which an optical disc is placed.
(2) Description of the Related Art
In general, an optical disc device that is installed in an electronic device has a tray that is held by a body (housing) of the optical disc device and can be inserted into and ejected from the body (housing) of the optical disc device. While the tray is ejected from the housing, an optical disc is placed on the tray. Then, the tray is inserted into the housing so that the optical disc is stored in the body of the optical disc device. A spindle motor and an optical pickup are attached to the tray. The spindle motor rotates the optical disc. The optical pickup can move in a radial direction of the optical disc. The optical pickup irradiates a recording surface of the optical disc with a laser beam so that information is recorded on or reproduced from the recording surface.
A mechanism for storing, in the housing, the tray that can be inserted into and ejected from the housing includes a housing, a rail, a rail holding section, and a rail guide. The rail movably holds the tray. The rail holding section is attached to the tray and holds the rail. The rail guide is installed in the housing and holds the rail. When a part of the mechanism is deformed due to an external force caused by an operation for ejecting or inserting the tray, the tray may fall off from the housing. In order to prevent the tray from falling, the following structures have been proposed.
JP-A-2007-265471 discloses a structure in which a guide unit is constituted by outer-side rail guides and inner-side rail guides, has rising portions or bent portions, and prevents rails from falling off from the rail guides.
JP-A-2007-109327 discloses a structure in which convex portions that face rail guides for rails minimize deformation of the rails located in the rail guides during ejecting of a tray from a housing, and prevent the tray from falling off from the housing.


A container system of this invention includes a container for holding a fluid, a follower in the container which moves in the container in response to a change in a level of fluid in the container, and a sensor assembly for sensing the level of fluid in the container. The sensor assembly is especially (albeit not exclusively) suited for viscous fluids.

This invention relates generally to container systems, and more particularly to a container system used in the delivery of viscous fluids, such as lubricants.
The proper lubrication of mechanical systems requires the delivery of a suitable lubricant (e.g., grease) at regular intervals to various points of lubrication. A typical source of lubricant is a container system comprising a container filled with grease, and a follower in the container above the grease which moves up and down as the level of grease in the container rises and falls. Lubricant is pumped under pressure from the container to locations where the lubrication is needed.
Conventional systems have not been provided with suitable means for monitoring the level of grease in a container. By way of example, one such system uses a switch mounted on the lid of the container, a mass which rests on the follower in the container, and a flexible line connecting the mass to the switch. The length of the flexible line is such that when the follower descends to a level indicating that the container is substantially empty, the weight of the mass transfers from the follower to the flexible line and actuates the switch to indicate that the container needs to be refilled. However, until the switch is activated, there is no means for determining the level of fluid in the container, short of removing the lid. Further, when the container is refilled, there is no convenient means for determining when the container is full except by overflow of lubricant from the container, or by other means which are not convenient. In one prior art system, a mass is attached to the container lid by a flexible line to suspend the mass at a location inside the container corresponding to the desired maximum fill level. When the follower rises to the maximum fill level, it lifts the mass which activates a switch to stop the pump.
There is a need, therefore, for a system capable of sensing the level of viscous fluid (e.g., grease) in such containers not only when the fluid level is low but also at other levels so that the amount of fluid remaining in the container can be monitored on a continuous basis after the container is filled.


Fastener alignment tools and methods of utilizing the same are disclosed herein. The fastener alignment tools are configured to operatively engage a plurality of fasteners with a corresponding plurality of fastening locations and include a gripping region and an alignment tool body. The alignment tool body defines a plurality of fastener-receiving regions. Each fastener-receiving region includes a fastener receptacle, which is configured to receive a corresponding fastener in a received orientation relative to the alignment tool body, and a fastener retention structure, which is configured to retain the corresponding fastener within the fastener-receiving region at a retained orientation relative to the alignment tool body. The methods include positioning each fastener of the plurality of fasteners within a corresponding fastener-receiving region, retaining each fastener within the corresponding fastener-receiving region, orienting the fastener alignment tool relative to the plurality of fastening locations, and simultaneously releasing each fastener.

During assembly of complex structures, a large number of fasteners may be utilized to assemble various subassemblies thereof and/or to operatively attach two or more subassemblies together to form and/or define the complex structure. Historically, installation of these fasteners has proceeded sequentially, with a technician installing a first fastener at a first predetermined fastener location and tightening the first fastener to a predetermined torque before proceeding to install a subsequent fastener at a subsequent predetermined fastener location. This process may be repeated hundreds, or even thousands, of times and may be quite time-consuming. In addition, and in certain applications, such as when the structures include aircraft, fastener installation may be spatially constrained and/or ergonomically challenging, making it difficult for the technician to install certain fasteners. In addition, loss of fasteners within the aircraft may be unacceptable. Thus, the technician may be required to search for, and find, any dropped fastener before proceeding to install the subsequent fastener. Thus, there exists a need for fastener alignment tools and methods of utilizing the same.


A system for authorizing a serverless application function having a plurality of tenants, each tenant may include one or more entities that share a common access to a processing space and a data store. The system includes a gateway that receives a request from a tenant, an authorization component that access a public key assigned to the tenant, and a serverless processor that generates public and private keys for the tenant. The serverless processor also generates an access token for the first tenant that is signed using the private key and requests a transaction token from the authorization component using the access token. The authorization component transmits a transaction token to the serverless processor, which is used to make further requests to a virtual environment.

Cloud computing may allow developers to deliver applications over a network as a service via an infrastructure provider. The infrastructure provider may abstract or obscure the underlying hardware and other resources used to deliver a service to relieve the developer from having to configure or be concerned with efficiently allocating and using those resources. Cloud computing may reduce the costs of delivering an application as a service because the developer may not need to administer the hardware infrastructure, electrical and temperature controls, physical security, and other logistics.
Multi-tenant cloud-based architectures may improve collaboration, integration, and community-based cooperation between tenants without sacrificing data security. In a multi-tenant system, a hardware and software platform may simultaneously support multiple tenants from a common data store. Each tenant may be assigned to a virtual environment that corresponds to a dedicated portion of the common data store. A tenant may be, for example, a user, a group of users, a website, a mobile application, an e-commerce store, an application programming interface (API), or the like. Multi-tenant architectures may allow for execution of applications within a common processing space, thereby simplifying access to specific sets of data for any tenant or user. Similarly, applications and services may be more easily shared between multiple tenants.


A deviation adjustment mechanism for spindle motor and pickup head of optical disk drives includes an optical disk drive dock for holding a pickup head and a motor holding seat for holding a spindle motor. The motor holding seat has a retaining flange on one edge. The optical disk drive dock and the motor holding seat are connected by an elastic element to move the motor holding seat in one direction in normal conditions. An adjusting member is provided to press the retaining flange to move the motor holding seat towards another side to adjust the deviation of the spindle motor and the pickup head of the optical disk drive.

With the advance of technologies, the optical disk drive has become a well-accepted product to the general public. And with the information industry flourishing tremendously in recent years, the optical disk drive has become an indispensable product. For instance CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and the like are very popular these days, and the technology is well developed.
At present, many optical disk drives have three light beams to perform server track control for the pickup head. A main light beam is used to read the data on the optical disk, and two secondary light beams are on two sides to correct the position of the main light beam. As the spindle motor and pickup head of the optical disk drive consist of many components, when these components are assembled, fabrication allowances of the individual components and the tolerance of the final assembly often result in a deviation between the spindle of the pickup head and the center of the optical disk. This deviation affects the positions of the two secondary light beams projecting on the optical disk. As the optical media density increases constantly, the interval of data tracks becomes narrower, and accurate control of the deviation becomes very important.
Refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 for conditions that have no deviation and a deviation between the spindle motor and pickup head of the optical disk drive, for a main light beam 10 and two secondary light beams 20 projecting on an optical disk track 30.
FIG. 1 illustrates the condition in which there is no deviation between the center of the optical disk and the pickup head. The main light beam 10 accurately projects in the center of the track 30 without any deviation.
FIG. 2 illustrates a condition in which the spindle motor deviates leftwards or rightwards. The relative positions of the track 30 and the three light beam spots on the optical disk are affected. The main light beam 10 moves away from the track 30, while the secondary light beams 20 move close to the track 30. As a result, the accuracy of the main light beam 10 of the pickup head to read data is affected, and the stability of the server track of the optical disk drive is reduced.

Deviation adjustment mechanism for spindle motor and pickup head of optical disk drives


A LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lighting fixture and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The LED lighting fixture comprises a LED module generating light at a wavelength range of 300-700 nm, a lamp cover shielding the LED module, and a phosphor layer. The phosphor layer which is coated on an inner surface towards the LED module comprises at least two types of phosphor mixed at a default ratio for transforming the light of 300-700 nm in wavelength to luminary light in the wavelength range of 400-700 nm.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a LED lighting fixture. More particularly, the present invention relates to an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting fixture with a thickness-variable phosphor layer and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor element which generates light by releasing the energy via the combination of holes and electrons. That is, to transform electric energy to optical energy. When a voltage is applied between a positive terminals and a negative terminal in a semiconductor, as current flows through to combine electrons with holes, energy will be released out as light. The color of the light depends on the materials. Also, the energy level changes the color of the light. Further, when a positive voltage is applied, the LED can emit single-color light, discontinuous light, which is one of the photo-electric effects. The LED can emit near-ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light by changing the chemical composition of the semiconductor. To sum up, the LED is a new economical light source in the 21st century and has advantages of high efficiency and long operation life, in comparison with the conventional light source.
Nowadays, various LED lamps appeared in the lighting market. However, it is still needed to improve the cost performance and enhance the illumination effect.

LED lighting fixture with phosphor-coated cover


The present disclosure relates to correction apparatus and correction methods. One example correction apparatus includes a first adjustment module, a plurality of second adjustment modules, a correction calculation module, and a plurality of non-ideal channels. One second adjustment module is disposed on one non-ideal channel. The first adjustment module is connected to each non-ideal channel. The correction calculation module is separately connected to the first adjustment module and the plurality of second adjustment modules. The correction calculation module is connected to an output end of each non-ideal channel. The non-ideal channel is a channel that outputs an output signal in response to a drive signal having an error value.

In the prior art, there is often a circuit in which a plurality of non-ideal channels is driven by using a single signal channel. The non-ideal channel may be, for example, a circuit with features such as nonlinearity, IQ imbalance, channel flatness, a channel delay error, a channel group delay ripple. Some elements in the circuit are easily affected by factors such as an environment and work in an abnormal state. Therefore, a signal in the circuit may be interfered, and an interference signal is introduced.
To enable the circuit to output a normal signal, the signal in the circuit usually needs to be corrected. A typical correction method is to dispose a correction circuit between an input end of the single signal channel and each non-ideal channel. A correction calculation module in the correction circuit obtains, through calculation, a correction parameter to adjust the global circuit, and then sends the correction parameter to a correction unit on the single signal channel, so that the correction unit uses the correction parameter to adjust an obtained signal, to adjust output signals of all the non-ideal channels and alleviate interference from the interference signal.
However, in such a solution, differences between the non-ideal channels are not considered, and signal correction is directly performed on the single signal channel. Consequently, accuracy and efficiency of correction are not high.

Correction apparatus and correction method


The invention relates to a method of embedding a metal trace in a silicone containing polymer layer, by the steps of applying an agent that does not adhere to a substrate; applying a polymer layer on the non adhering agent; irradiating a surface of the polymer with a light beam emitted by an excimer laser creating cuts, grooves, blind holes or vias; immersing the irradiated polymer in an autocatalytic bath containing metal ions and metallizing the polymer; thermally treating the metallized polymer layer to induce diffusion of the metalized metal into the first polymer layer; applying a polymer layer on the thermally treated metallized polymer; and thermally treating the metallized polymer.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a silicone polymer material comprising at least one metal trace.
2. Description of Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,345 "Method of Metallizing a Substrate" to Christian Belouet, et al. teaches a process for metallizing a substrate, having steps of coating the part with a precursor composite material layer consisting of a polymer matrix doped with photoreducer material dielectric particles; irradiating the surface of the substrate with a laser light beam; and immersing the irradiated part in an autocatalytic bath containing metal ions with deposition of the metal ions in a layer on the irradiated surface, and where the dimension of the dielectric particles is less than or equal to 0.5 micrometers [μm]. The process has three steps. The first step is coating the substrate part with a precursor composite material layer consisting of a polymer matrix doped with photoreducer material dielectric particles. The second step is irradiating the surface of the substrate with a light beam emitted by a laser. The third step is immersing the irradiated part in an autocatalytic bath containing metal ions, with deposition of the metal ions in a layer on the irradiated surface, wherein the dimension of the dielectric particles is less than or equal to 0.5 μm.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,592 "Process for the Metallization of Polymer Materials and Products Thereto Obtained" to Lucien D. Laude teaches a positive metallization process for metallizing a polymer composite piece containing a polymer material and oxide particles, having steps where oxide particles are one or more oxides, comprising three successive steps. The first step consists of the irradiation of a surface area of a polymer piece to be metallized with a light beam emitted by an excimer laser. The polymer piece is a polymer material and oxide particles. The oxide particles are one or more oxides. The second step consists of immersing the irradiated polymer piece in at least one autocatalytic bath containing metal ions. Immersion induces the deposit of the metal ions onto the irradiated surface area to form a metal film on the surface area, resulting in the selective metallization of the surface area of the polymer piece. The third step is thermally processing the metallized polymer piece to induce diffusion of the deposited metal film into the polymer material of the polymer piece. U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,592 is incorporated herein by reference.
Lucien D. Laude, et al. report that excimer lasers are effective tools in engraving ceramics and polymers, changing irreversibly the surface of the irradiated material, and restricting these effects to specific areas of interest. See L. D. Laude, K Kolev, C I. Dicara and C. Dupas-Bruzek "Laser Metallization for Microelectronics for Bio-applications", Proc. of SPIE, vol. 4977 (2003) pp 578-586.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,155, "Visual Prosthesis and Method of Using Same" to Mark S. Humayan, et al. teaches a visual prosthesis comprising means for perceiving a visual image, said means producing a visual signal output in response thereto; retinal tissue stimulation means adapted to be operatively attached to a retina of a user; and wireless visual signal communication means for transmitting the visual signal output to the retinal tissue stimulation means.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,878,643 "Electronic Unit integrated Into a Flexible Polymer Body" to Peter A. Krulevitch, et al. teaches a method of fabricating an electronic apparatus, comprising providing a silicone layer on a matrix, providing a metal layer on the silicone layer, providing a second layer of silicone on said silicone layer, providing at least one electronic unit connected to said metal layer, and removing the electronic apparatus from the matrix wherein the silicone layer and the second layer of a silicone provide a spherical silicone body.
J. Delbeke, et al. teach that silicone rubber biocompatibility is not altered by the metallization method. See V. Cince, M. A. Thil, C. Veraart, I. M. Colin and J. Delbeke, "Biocompatibility of Platinum-Metallized Silicone Rubber: In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation", J. Biomater. Sci. Polymer Ed, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 173-188 (2004).
There is a need and a high desire for a soft and biocompatible polymer layer with high insulation properties containing embedded very fine metal traces. There is further a need and a high desire for an economical and ecological process of manufacturing such polymer layers.

Polymer layer comprising silicone and at least one metal trace and a process of manufacturing the same


A powered skateboard having a skateboard deck formed from a blank core. The skateboard deck has a top surface for supporting a rider of the powered skateboard and a bottom surface configured to facilitate engagement with one or more skateboard trucks. The skateboard deck can include a well in the top surface of the skateboard deck. The well can be adapted to store one of more components of the powered skateboard.

Skateboards typically include an elongated board, sometimes referred to as a deck, having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface typically support the feet of a rider of the skateboard and the lower surface typically have two trucks attached to the deck disposed toward either end of the deck. The upper surface may support the rider who is sitting on the skateboard. The trucks typically provide several degrees of freedom to the wheels relative to the skateboard deck, allowing the wheels to roll over uneven ground and facilitate turning of the skateboard by the rider.
Skateboards typically require the rider to provide the propelling force to move the skateboard, usually by the rider having one foot on the deck of the skateboard and another pushing off from the ground.
Some skateboards have been developed that include a power source. The power source may be a gasoline powered engine. Alternatively, the power source may be an electrically-powered motor. Typically, such power sources are appended to the underside of the skateboard deck or rest on top of the skateboard deck. Such power systems adversely affect the distribution of mass and are aesthetically displeasing.