An A-D converter utilizing V-F conversion is realized that is capable of performing A-D conversion with high precision without increasing conversion frequency. Two VCOs are provided to find a V-F conversion value that is less than a period of the main VCO by making use of a period difference between the two VCOs. By counting the number of pulses in a pulse signal that is output from a BASE-VCO with a counter, a high order bit of a digital signal is generated. A low order bit, on the other hand, is generated by calculating, for each sampling period, a phase difference from the beginning of a sampling period until a first pulse generation in the sampling period for the output of the BASE-VCO by a third register and second and third subtracters, based on the number of pulses in the output of the BASE-VCO contained in a period from a current activation time point of sampling signal Ps to a time point at which phases of outputs of the BASE-VCO and JAW-VCO match.

An A-D converter that utilizes V-F (Voltage-Frequency) conversion is disclosed in the following Non patent document 1. In this type of A-D converter, the frequency of a pulse signal that is output from the V-F conversion unit fluctuates according to the magnitude of the input voltage, which is an analog signal, and the A-D converter generates a digital signal by counting the number of pulses contained in that pulse signal with a counter.
Non patent document 1: ANALOG DEVICES AN-277 APPLICATION NOTE, III INSTRUMENTATION APPLICATIONS, Analog-to-Digital Conversion, FIG. 9, Internet<URL:http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Application_Notes/511072672AN 277.pdf>


A single-use lancet device is provided for drawing capillary blood samples. The device includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion and a trigger carried by the upper portion of the body. The trigger is movable between a first raised position wherein the device is cocked and a second depressed position wherein the device is fired. A needle assembly is provided which is movable between a cocked position and a striking position. A free-floating drive spring is provided for moving the needle assembly from its cocked position to its striking position. A bounceback spring is integrally molded with the needle assembly and includes a pair of generally V-shaped spring arms. A trigger bar has a first position wherein it holds the needle assembly in its cocked position, and the trigger bar has a second position wherein it allows the needle assembly to move to its striking position as the drive spring expands. The trigger carries a pair of guillotine-type blades which sever the trigger bar and thereby releases the needle assembly from its cocked position. Alternate trigger bars are provided which may be deformed rather than severed. The device is also capable of assembly by automatic equipment. The device is incapable of a second use because of the deformation or severing of the trigger bar.

The present invention relates generally to single-use lancets for drawing capillary blood samples. In particular, the present invention provides a single-use lancet which for safety reasons is not capable of being used more than once. Reuse is prevented by a unique trigger mechanism which in the preferred embodiment is irrevocably broken upon firing. The dire consequences of reuse, such as the spread of hepatitis or HIV, are thereby avoided. Furthermore, the present invention is designed so that it may be assembled by automatic machinery. Automatic assembly reduces the cost of the device and assures the highest quality finished product.
Reliable attachment of the main spring to the rear end of the lancet and to the inner body of the device to cause "bounceback" after firing is a pervasive problem in prior art devices. If the spring becomes loose at either end, the lancet will fail to properly retract after firing. The present invention obviates this problem by using a "free floating" spring that does not require any attachments to either end of the lancet. Assembly is simplified and lancet bounceback after firing is reliably accomplished by utilizing plastic spring arms integrally molded into the lancet carrier.
A novel detachable tailpiece on the lancet carrier facilitates automatic or manual assembly. The tailpiece serves as a guide for dropping the spring onto the carrier and helps to stabilize the spring while it is being compressed. The method of spring assembly and cocking of the present invention reduces assembly cost and facilitates quality control.
The needle of single-use devices is driven into the patient's skin by a small spring, which is typically cocked by the technician just prior to use. The safety cap with its attachment keeps the end of the lancet sterile and, since it can be used as a kind of push rod, it is also employed by the user to cock the device. When pulled off, the needle is exposed and the device, having been cocked, is ready for use. Such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,748 to Marshall assigned to Owen Mumford.
One disadvantage of the Marshall device is the ease with which it can be recocked after use. The needle cap can simply be replaced over the end of the lancet and pushed inward to once again cock the spring of the lancet. A small metal rod such as a paperclip can also be used to recock the device described in '748. While such an action is unlikely by a professional blood drawer, it is nevertheless an undesirable feature of a lancet constructed in this fashion.
In an attempt to prevent recocking, another Owen Mumford patent W00243591 describes a single-use device in which the needle carrier has integrally formed spring arms extending rearwardly and alongside the lancet so that after firing, these arms will catch on abutments within the barrel of the device if recocking is attempted by the user. A disadvantage of this technique is that, if the lancet is pulled outward momentarily before being cocked by the user, the spring arms catch on the abutments and the device can therefore not be cocked.
Another method of preventing reuse of the device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,606 assigned to Palco Labs. In this device, a thin plastic fiber attached between the pull tab and the needle safety cap prevents any compressive force from being applied to the drive spring after firing which effectively prevents recocking of the device. The device must be cocked during manufacturing and is meant to be used after pulling off the finger tab which exposes the needle. A disadvantage of the '606 device is that a small bare area of the needle must remain exposed which could possibly result in airborne contamination since the device is not hermetically sealed.


The present invention provides a method for metal gate work function tuning before contact formation in a fin-shaped field effect transistor (FinFET), where in the method comprises the following steps. (S1) providing a substrate having a metal gate structure on a side of the substrate, (S2) forming a titanium nitride (TiN) layer on the side of the substrate, and (S3) performing a gate annealing to tune work function of the metal gate structure.

In the fabrication of integrated circuit devices, logic products are often produced using salicide (self-aligned silicide) processes in order to obtain higher circuit performance. In silicidation, a refractory metal-containing layer is deposited and then annealed. The underlying silicon reacts with the refractory metal layer to produce a silicide overlying the source and drain regions. The silicided source/drain regions then can have lower resistance than non-silicided regions, especially in smaller geometries, and hence, higher circuit performance.
In order to shrink cell size and enhance performance of a device at a same time, a fin-shaped field effect transistor (FinFET) becomes one of the most important processes in the art. The manufacturing process of a conventional FinFET is much more complicated than a conventional planar field effect transistor. Also due to the complexity of the manufacturing process of the conventional FinFET, there are some defects produced and lowering product yield. For example, work function of a gate is tuned during a gate formation process; however, an annealing have to be performed for silicidation after the gate formation in order to form contacts, and it leads to a problem that work function is altered in the annealing due to thermal effect. Moreover, in any heating or annealing process, the complicated structure and different materials coexist on a same substrate resulting in uneven distribution and absorption of heat. In these cases, temperature of portions of the substrates rise slower during the annealing process or even cannot rise to the desired temperature, and it can cause hardware error or even shutdown. Product yield and productivity reduction and increasing cost become a subject and is needed to be improved.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a manufacturing method for tuning metal gate in order to solve above discussed issues.

Method for tuning metal gate work function before contact formation in fin-shaped field effect transistor manufacturing process


An illumination and viewing system and method for detecting leaks by observing material caused to fluoresce by being illuminated by a beam of ultraviolet light. The beam is concentrated by a parabolic reflector coated to maximize ultraviolet reflection, and then passed through a filter which reflects visible wavelengths while allowing transmission of ultraviolet and IR wavelengths. The fluorescing light is viewed through eyeglasses which block wavelengths just below the wavelengths of the emitted fluorescing light.

This invention concern liquid leak detection methods and more particularly leak detection using dyes which fluoresce when illuminated by light of particular wavelengths, typically ultraviolet light, commonly referred to as xe2x80x9cblack lightxe2x80x9d.
Ultraviolet light sources are commonly employed for such uses as disinfection, prospecting, document examination, dental work curing, as well as leak detection.
The fluorescing dye is typically mixed with lubricating oil which in turn is mixed with fluid in the equipment being inspected, such as in the refrigerant of an air conditioning system.
If a leak is present, the dye in the fluid leaked out will fluoresce when illuminated with ultraviolet light, so that the leaked fluid will be readily visible.
Such dyes will fluoresce or emit light at certain visible band wavelengths, when excited by shorter wavelength ultraviolet light.
In order to make such leak detection easy and reliable, particularly under bright light ambient conditions, a powerful light source emitting light at the proper wavelength should desirably be used, which source does not also emit visible light. If visible light is reflected from the surface being inspected, it will render the fluorescing light less conspicuous.
Currently available light sources are not of sufficient intensity and also emit significant visible wavelengths such that the contrast of the fluorescent light with the visible reflected light is not great enough for reliable observation.
An overheating problem is also encountered in attempting to eliminate visible light by absorption in a filter lens.
This overheating can crack or shatter the lens, particularly if water drops impinge on the lens, the shattered glass presenting a hazard to the user.
In attempting to create a more powerful light source, reflectors are commonly provided which concentrate and direct ultraviolet wavelength light emitted from a quartz envelope lamps. Prior art reflectors have typically been crudely formed and had low efficiency due to destruction interference set up by protective coatings such as silicon dioxide.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a system for ultraviolet light illumination of enhanced intensity for fluorescent leak detection to allow easier and more reliable viewing of fluorescent light emitted from a dye.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultraviolet light source which emits an intense ultraviolet beam directed through a glass filter so as to eliminate visible wavelengths but without producing heating of the glass filter.
The above objects and others which will become apparent upon a reading of the following specification and claims are achieved by a system comprised of an improved parabolic reflector and filter associated with an ultraviolet lamp, combined with viewing eyeglasses which filter certain visible wavelengths for achieving maximum contrast of the fluorescing light emitted from a dye exposed to the illumination by a leak.
The improved reflector has an accurately formed parabolic shape. Two coatings of precisely control thickness are applied to the reflecting surface and each have a substantially different refraction indices. These coatings minimize the interference of a reflected ultraviolet light beam with the incident light beam by inducing offsetting phase shifts such that the reflected light is closely in phase with the incident light. This result maximizes the intensity of the reflected ultraviolet light beam by minimizing destructive interference between the incident and reflected light beams which could otherwise occur. The ultraviolet light source is preferably a quartz envelop tungsten halogen lamp mounted at the focal point of the reflector parabola.
The ultraviolet light beam from the reflection is then passed through an optical filter to selectively remove visible light from the reflected light beam by a process of selective reflectance rather than absorbance so as to minimize heat build up in the filter, as has occurred in previous light absorbing filters used for removing visible light.
A series of coatings are applied to a borosilicate glass disc in order to achieve this. Successive coating layers of high and low refraction indices are used to produce selective reflectance of a wavelength band above the ultraviolet wavelengths but shorter than the infrared band, i.e., from 475 nm to 700 nm.
The infrared light is transmitted through the filter to reduce heating of the confined space behind the filter.
The final element of the system is a pair of filtering viewing eyeglasses which absorb wavelengths just below the wavelength of the fluorescing light in order to block wavelengths of the illuminating light in this band, to increase the contrast and visibility of the fluorescence of the illuminated dye to the viewer""s eye.
The overall result is to produce an intense beam of ultraviolet light containing minimal visible wavelength light using practical components. The fluorescent light is thus strong and is not masked by the incidence of reflected visible light from the illuminating beam.

Ultraviolet light illumination and viewing system and method for fluorescent dye leak detection


An information processing apparatus and process for dealing with moving pictures. A storage stores still pictures corresponding to scene switchovers of the moving pictures, and time stamps of the scene switchovers. A display controller provides a display control to display, given a reference position on the screen, the still pictures in positions at distances from the reference position. Those distances reflect differences between a time stamp corresponding to the reference position and the time stamp of the scene switchovers.

The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a medium for information processing. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for information processing involving the recording of pictures, as well as to a medium for accommodating that method.
Coming progressively into general use today are techniques for having video and audio signals from a TV broadcasting station received by a tuner-equipped personal computer and for converting the received video and audio signals into suitable digital data which are recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk and reproduced as needed.
A major problem with the conventional techniques for causing personal computers to record pictures is that it takes time to verify the contents of recorded pictures and that it is impossible to know the quantity of pictures that may still be recorded. Also it is hard to understand the user interface when a user operates it to record and/or reproduce images and hard to comprehend, in case that a moving picture is recorded, the relationship among still pictures which consist of the moving picture on the time series basis.

Apparatus, method and medium for information processing


A method of producing volatilized fatty acids by heating a feedstock comprising at least one fat or oil in a reactor under inert vacuum to volatilize fatty acids, and removing volatilized fatty acids from bottoms residue comprising cross-linked oil. A system for stripping fatty acids from triglycerides, the system comprising a reactor, heating apparatus and a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor. A system for producing a hydrogenated product including a reactor comprising an inlet for a stream comprising triglycerides, an outlet for volatilized fatty acids, and an outlet for a cross-linked product, heating apparatus, a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor, and a hydrogenation reactor, wherein an inlet of the hydrogenation reactor is fluidly connected to the outlet for cross-linked product.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system and process for producing fatty acids and paraffinic wax alternatives from triglycerides derived from plants and animals. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for cross-linking glycerol fatty acid ester-containing compositions, producing free fatty acids and separating free fatty acids from a cross-linked residue. The free fatty acids may be fractionated. The residual cross-linked 'bottoms' may be used as an additive to crude triglyceride prior to hydrogenation thereof. The hydrogenation of a blend of cross-linked bottoms with crude triglyceride possesses properties that render it suitable for use as a paraffinic wax substitute.
2. Background of the Invention
Oils extracted from vegetable seeds and produce such as soy, corn, rapeseed and the like consist primarily of triglycerides. Triglycerides are composed of a glycerin molecule combined with three fatty acids. The term "fatty acids" is commonly understood to refer to the carboxylic acids naturally found in animal fats, vegetable, and marine oils. The major difference between vegetable oils derived from different sources is in the fatty acid component of the triglycerides. Fatty acids can vary in the number of carbon atoms in the molecule and in the number of double bonds in the fatty acid. The majority of the fatty acids in vegetable oils have carbon numbers of from about 8 to about 20 carbons. Fatty acids with the same number of carbon atoms may have different degrees of unsaturation (different numbers of double bonds). For example, stearic acid contains no double bonds (i.e. it is saturated), while oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid contain a single double bond, two double bonds, and three double bonds, respectively.
Fatty acids without double bonds are known as saturated fatty acids, while those with at least one double bond are known as unsaturated fatty acids. The most common saturated fatty acids are palmitic acid (16 carbons) and stearic acid (18 carbons). Oleic and linoleic acid (both containing 18 carbons) are the most common unsaturated fatty acids.
Trans fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that contain at least one double bond in the trans isomeric configuration. The trans double bond configuration results in a greater bond angle than the cis configuration. This results in a more extended fatty acid carbon chain more similar to that of saturated fatty acids rather than that of fatty acids comprising cis unsaturated double bonds. The conformation of the double bond(s) impacts the physical properties of a fatty acid. Fatty acids containing a trans double bond have the potential for closer packing or aligning of acyl chains, resulting in decreased mobility; hence fluidity is reduced when compared to fatty acids containing a cis double bond. Trans fatty acids are commonly produced by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Saturated fats and trans isomers of unsaturated fatty acids are undesirable as food product components, as there is some indication that they are unhealthy. Due to these health concerns with saturated fats and fats containing trans fat, low trans fat content is desirable when fats are to be consumed.
Triglycerides, also known as triacylglycerols, can by hydrolyzed to yield carboxylic acids and alcohols. Reaction products produced by the complete hydrolysis of a fat or oil molecule are one molecule of glycerol and three fatty acid molecules. This reaction proceeds via stepwise hydrolysis of the acyl groups on the glyceride, so that at any given time, the reaction mixture contains not only triglyceride, water, glycerol, and fatty acid, but also diglycerides and monoglycerides.
Fatty acids that are separated or split from the glycerine backbone of the triglyceride molecule are commonly used as is and/or as a raw material in a variety of industries including the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
Fatty acids may be split from the glycerine molecule by several means. Due to its favorable cost, a widely used commercial process for hydrolyzing fats and oils is a high-temperature steam treatment method known as the Colgate-Emery Steam Hydrolysis Process. This method, and modifications thereof, uses a countercurrent reaction of water and fat under high temperatures ranging from 240° C. to 315° C. and high pressures in the range of 4.93 MPa (700 psig) to 5.17 MPa (750 psig). In this method, a tower is used to mix the fat and water to increase the efficiency of the hydrolysis reaction. Typically, fat is introduced into the bottom of the tower with a high pressure feed pump. Water is introduced to the top portion of the tower at a ratio of 40%-50% of the weight of the fat. As the fat ascends though the descending water, a continuous oil-water interface is created. It is at this interface that the hydrolysis reaction occurs. Direct injection of high pressure steam raises the temperature to approximately 260° C. and the pressure is maintained at from 4.83 MPa (700 psig) to 4.93 MPa (715 psig). The increased pressure causes the boiling point of the water to increase, allowing for the use of higher temperatures, which results in the increase solubility of the water in the fat. The increased solubility of water provides for a more efficient hydrolysis reaction. This continuous, countercurrent, high pressure process allows for a split yield of 98%-99% efficiency in 2 to 3 hours. Further purification of the fatty acid product obtained by this method is often accomplished by separation, e.g. distillation.
Other methods of hydrolysis are also used to avoid by-product formation and unsaturated fat degradation which are associated with the high pressure-high temperature hydrolysis of unsaturated fats and oils. Such methods include the hydrolysis of unsaturated oils by splitting them with a base followed by acidulation or by enzymatic hydrolysis. Split yields are generally lower than that for the Colgate-Emery process under similar time conditions.
Hydrogenated vegetable oils that have been heavily hydrogenated have been used to replace petroleum waxes in such applications as candles, boxboard coatings and adhesives. Petroleum waxes in most of these applications have melting points in excess of 48° C. (120° F.). This minimum melting point is desirable in order to avoid melting of the petroleum wax in tropic or hot summer conditions or in such as applications as hot pour and seal hot melt adhesive applications.
Vegetable waxes derived from triglycerides may be hydrogenated to increase the melting point. The degree of hydrogenation is usually measured by the iodine value of the wax. Very low iodine values are required in order for the hydrogenated vegetable oil to have melting points in excess of 48° C. (120° F.). Additionally, when the melting point of a hydrogenated vegetable oil is increased it becomes harder as noted by the needle penetration value, a common test known to those experienced in the art. As the melting point and hardness of the vegetable wax increase due to additional hydrogenation, the wax becomes more brittle. Brittle waxes tend to crack on flexing and are not suitable for applications such as flexible packaging and adhesives. Use of low iodine value (IV) vegetable wax in candle applications is generally undesirable because the wax tends to crack on solidifying, which is aesthetically undesirable.
Efforts to hydrogenate triglycerides to provide for a less brittle more flexible high melting product have been reported. To overcome the deficiencies of low IV hydrogenated triglyceride wax, additives and/or diluents are typically used to modify the triglyceride wax and make it more flexible, less brittle and/or higher melting. Compounds that have been added include mono- and diglycerides, vinyl polymers, petroleum and microcrystalline waxes, styrene butadiene polymers, fatty acids, alpha olefins, and glycerin.
Some of the problems associated with prior art include undesirable burning characteristics of the additives used to impart flexibility in candle applications and the fact that conventional additives may not be renewable, leading to environmental concerns. Also the addition of additives to impart flexibility and increased melt point requires an additional mixing step that is undesirable due to the additional manufacturing involved.
Accordingly, there is still a need in the industry for a system and method of splitting fatty acids from triglycerides, thereby producing fatty acids that exhibit superior product appearance, texture, and/or stability, and to provide a method for its preparation whereby a co-product is obtained that can be utilized to enhance hydrogenation of oil. The co-product may be used to produce solid vegetable wax useful as an alternative to or admixture component with petroleum waxes.

System and process for production of fatty acids and wax alternatives from triglycerides


A protection system for a conveyor for items, such as food items, is provided to keep the conveyor free from bacteria and other contaminants which may accumulate and build-up on the conveyor track and track traversing components. The protection system includes a shroud surrounding the conveyor to which pressurized, bacteria-free air is fed. A preferred bacteria removal unit is a filtration unit to filter bacteria from the ambient air. Herein, a combination filter and blower unit is disclosed which finely filters ambient air, preferably down to 3 microns, and pressurizes the air and blows it into an air manifold connected to the shroud by a series of air ducts. The shroud walls cooperate to form a slot through which the meat hangers can extend and for allowing the clean air in the shroud to be continually flowed therethrough and circulated around the conveyor components. A cleaner, such as a steam cleaner, can be located at a predetermined position along the track between the unloading and loading stations for the meat transported by the conveyor. The protection system herein advantageously keeps the conveyor clean and sanitized during conveyor operations without requiring costly conveyor shutdowns for cleaning and maintenance.

The present invention is directed to providing a clean, protected environment for a conveyor and can be used in many industries and is not limited to use in only the food industry which will be described hereinafter as the preferred industry for use of the invention. In food processing plants, such as in slaughterhouses and smokehouses, overhead conveyor systems are utilized to carry meat or poultry carcasses to various locations around the path of the conveyor. In these plants, the environment in which the conveyors operate can be quite severe with climates in such plants having sub-zero freezing temperatures and the climates of others being the opposite extreme with the conveyors being subjected to extremely high heat and temperatures. Typically, the conveyors include a track and track traversing components or elements such as rollers in engagement with the track driven by a chain drive for traversing the track. Also, extending from the rollers are meat hangers for the food items with the meat hangers carrying the carcasses on their lower hook end around to workstations along the conveyor path and above the floor of the processing plant. Chain lubricators are also commonly provided along the conveyor path for maintaining proper lubrication of the chain and rollers.
When the conveyors are run exposed in hot environments, the lubrication oil or grease that is used can thin in viscosity to the point where it drips from the conveyor down onto the work floor or directly onto the product being conveyed. With food conveyors, this is particularly undesirable as it is very important to keep the work area clean and sanitized and to prevent any contamination of the food product conveyed. Further, loss of lubrication can strain and wear the conveyor components as they are driven around the track and eventually lead to premature failure of these elements. Similarly, when the conveyors are operated in cold environments, the lubrication will tend to increase in viscosity and gum up which can cause binding of the conveyor transversing components. Binding of conveyor components is undesirable in that it can create erratic and jerky movements of these components as they are driven around the conveyor track instead of the desired smooth rolling engagement of properly lubricated rollers on the conveyor track for their rolling movement around the track.
It is important that the conveyor remain clean and free from contaminants to insure reliable conveyor performance and prevent microorganisms, such as bacteria, from accumulating thereon which could contaminate the meat carried by the hangers. The presence of bacteria and other contaminants on the conveyor components is undesirable and a considerable amount of production time and cost is encountered in shutting down the conveyor and sanitizing the conveyor. Also, a build-up of contaminants can cause deterioration and binding of the chain and roller bearings which can eventually lead to breakdown of these components generating expensive repairs and downtime. As discussed earlier, when the conveyors are utilized in harsh temperature environments, these problems can be exacerbated. For these reasons, frequent shutdowns of the conveyors are required for sanitizing the conveyor with disinfectants and for the maintenance thereof. Such shutdowns are undesirable from an economic standpoint as the operating efficiency of the conveyor is reduced and labor efficiency is decreased as during downtime workers cannot do the work required at their stations along the conveyor path and additional workers are required for a maintenance crew for cleaning the conveyor.
Thus, it is desirable that the periodic shutdowns currently required for washing, cleaning and maintenance of overhead conveyors be reduced or substantially eliminated for more efficient conveyor operation. In this regard, it is known to utilize spray cleaning for directing cleaning fluid at the exterior of food processing equipment. However, spray cleaning is generally not practical for overhead conveyors for conveying meat carcasses as described above primarily because the cleaning fluid that is sprayed at the conveyors can drip down onto the meat. Also, use of the cleaning fluid would require an expensive waste disposal system to properly handle the waste effluent generated from such a cleaning process. Thus, there is a need for a system for cleaning and sanitizing overhead conveyors in use in food processing plants which avoids the extensive conveyors shutdowns for sanitizing as currently required and reduces the occurrence of breakdowns in the conveyor components and does not risk contaminating the meat with cleaning solution or require waste disposal.

Conveyor protection system for food processing


An electrical connector includes a housing body (1) having an arranging section (5) in which a cable with a core wire (C1) consisting of a plurality of strands is placed; a retainer body (2) having contact elements (3) with a blade-like press contact section (12) so that when the retainer body is fitted in the housing body,.the press contact section cuts into the core wire for making press connection; a stepped-down portion (7) provided in the arranging section of the housing body near a position of the press connection; and a press section (10) extending as downwardly from the retainer body to a level less than a tip of the press contact section to press the cable so that the cable is bent along the stepped-down portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to an electrical connector with a contact element having a blade-like press connecting portion.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 3 shows such an electrical connector as described above. The connector 50 includes a housing body 51 made from an insulation material and a retainer body 53 having a contact element 52 and is inserted into the housing body 51 from above.
A plurality of arranging grooves 54 are provided in the bottom of the housing body 51 to receive a plurality of insulated conductors C arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the sheet such that the insulated conductors project from the housing to the right. The core wires C1 of the insulated conductors C are made from twisted strands.
The contact elements 52 are provided in the retainer body 53 at positions corresponding to the respective insulated conductors C. The contact elements 52 are made by stamping a metal sheet so as to have a surface parallel to the sheet, two substantially triangular, blade-like press connect portions 55, and a J-shaped resilient contact portion 56, which projects into a recess 57 of the retainer body 53.
A mating connector 60 to be connected to the connector 50 includes a housing 61 having a raised section 62 and a contact element 63 provided in the raised section. The contact element 63 has a contact portion 64 placed on a side wall of the raised section 62 and a connection portion 65 projecting from the housing 61. The housing 61 has a guide section 66 to be guided by a guiding groove 58 of the connector 50.
In use, insulated conductors C are placed in the arranging grooves 54 of the housing body 51, and the retainer body 53 having the contact elements 52 is fitted in the housing body 51 so that the press contact portions 55 cut into the core wires Cl of the insulated conductors C. Thus, the press connection between the contact elements 52 and the insulated conductors C is completed.
The contact elements 52 are made from a thin metal sheet so that the press connection portions 55 enter the stranded wire without difficulty. However, the respective strands are waved so that they can be loosely connected to the press contact portions 55 and, when there is a temperature change or cable vibration, the resistance can become unstable. In addition, the strength with which the insulated conductor C is connected to the connector 50 is not always satisfactory.


The present invention is a cabinet having multiple compartments for storing and sorting articles, such as recyclables, laundry, toys, trash, etc. Vertical slots are provided in the front and rear walls of the cabinet for the insertion of dividing panels to thereby adjust the number and size of compartments. Cleats are provided on the interior of the cabinet, and on the panels for holding the handles or drawstrings of plastic or cloth bags. A bottom drawer is located on the front of the cabinet. The drawer can store extra bags for future use, and is also large enough to store any unused panels. The top of the cabinet includes three covers for access to the compartments. The drawer and covers are provided with knobs to aid in opening the drawer and covers. Two of the vertical slots are located between the covers. This configuration allows access to one of the compartments at a time when the panels are placed in these two slots. When additional panels are used each cover can provide access to more than one compartment depending on the placement of the panels. Optionally, four castors can be provided on the bottom of the cabinet to allow easy movement from one location to the next. With the exception of hardware, hinges and the castors, the entire cabinet can be made of wood for aesthetic purposes. Other materials such as plastic, metal, press-board, laminates, etc., can be used depending on the preferred cost or appearance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-compartment cabinet having movable panels, cleats to hold plastic bags by their handles, and a drawer to store unused bags and panels.
2. Description of Prior Art
There are a number of prior art devices that provide a means to hold plastic trash bags in place. Additionally, there are prior art trash containers with a means to vary the number of compartments located therein. Although an exemplary inventory of trash bag holders follow describing various individual features, none of the prior art devices provide the combination of means for varying the number of compartments, a number of cleats to hold plastic bags by their handles, and a drawer to store unused panels and bags.
In its simplest form, some trash holders a dedicated to a predetermined number of units for receiving trash. U.S. Design Pat. No. 312,159, issued on Nov. 13, 1990 to Richard P. Martin, shows a multi-drawered trash receptacle without means to vary the number of compartments. U.S. Design Pat. No. 335,012, issued on Apr. 20, 1993 to Norman J. Broussard, discloses a three compartment cabinet having three separate top covers. U.S. Design Pat. No. 340,333, issued on Oct. 12, 1993 to Richard S. Duran et al., discloses a four compartment recycling cabinet. U.S. Design Pat. No. 370,105, issued on May 21, 1996 to Jackie L. Piner, discloses a multi-compartment trash and recyclable material receptacle. U.S. Design Pat. No. 313,684, issued on Jan. 8, 1991 to Deborah Ray, discloses a seven compartment trash receptacle which does not include means to vary the number of compartments. U.S. Design Pat. No. 332,676, issued on Jan. 19, 1993 to Stephen P. Benson, discloses a multi-compartment trash receptacle which does not include means to vary the number of compartments. U.S. Design Pat. No. 324,750, issued on Mar. 17, 1992 to Louis Tocci et al., discloses a three compartment trash receptacle which does not include means to vary the number of compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,838, issued on Mar. 21, 1995 to Razak A. Dosunmu, discloses a five compartment trash and recycling container which does not include means to vary the number of compartments.
Another group of inventions allow removal of rigid compartment liners, but are still dedicated in number. U.S. Design Pat. No. 319,519, issued on Aug. 27, 1991 to Gary Keir is entitled a waste can with removable compartments for recycling. U.S. Design Pat. No. 327,760, issued on Jul. 7, 1992 to Gerald E. Donnelly, discloses a four compartment trash receptacle which does not include means to vary the number of compartments, but allows removal of a rigid liner. U.S. Design Pat. No. 329,313, issued on Sep. 8, 1992 to Patrick Ward et al., discloses a similar changeable multi-compartment trash receptacle.
Another group of patents include holders with bag handle holding means for flexible bags, but which do not include means to vary the number of compartments. For example, U.S. Design Pat. No. 324,442, issued on Mar. 3, 1992 to Judith M. Metzger, discloses a four compartment trash receptacle having hooks in at least one compartment. U.S. Design Pat. No. 327,965, issued on Jul. 14, 1992 to Richard J. Chelec, discloses a multi-compartment trash receptacle having three separate lids with hooks in at least one compartment. U.S. Design Pat. No. 324,748, issued on Mar. 17, 1992 to Alan K. Bagamery, discloses a wire-type bag holder for a grocery store style handled plastic bag.
Several patents further disclose means directed toward customizing compartments. U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,998, issued on Apr. 14, 1992 to Dolly Caro et al., discloses a multi-compartment recycling receptacle having slots for receiving panels to thereby adjust the compartment sizes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,139, issued on Aug. 24, 1993 to Robert D. Bisceglia, discloses a receptacle for sorting recyclables having means to vary the number of bags suspended in the receptacle.
Others focus on holders for segmenting specific types of refuse. U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,523, issued on Oct. 23, 1990 to Arnor Bieltvedt et al., discloses a two compartment trash receptacle with first and second access openings for passing recyclable and non-recyclable trash. U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,268, issued on Feb. 8, 1994 to Normand Marsan et al., discloses a recycling container for segregating recyclable paper from trash, having a removable bin and a chute leading to the bin. U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,813, issued on Feb. 21, 1995 to Dennis C. Anderson et al., discloses a side by side, two compartment recycling container formed from plastic resin for holding conventional plastic bag held therein. U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,350, issued on Oct. 17, 1995 to James I. Johnson et al., discloses a three compartment collector dolly for recyclable materials such as newspaper.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a multi-compartment cabinet having the combined aforementioned features is desired.


A device for introducing a sample into an analyzer comprises a sample container for storing a sample solution, a fluid delivery line for delivering a volume of the sample solution from the sample container to the analyzer, and a washing fluid container for storing a washing fluid for delivery to the analyzer by the fluid delivery line to wash the fluid delivery line. A moving mechanism moves the fluid delivery line between the sample container and the washing fluid container in response to a control signal from a control apparatus to sequentially insert the fluid delivery line into the sample container and the washing fluid container for delivery of the sample solution and the washing fluid to the analyzer.

The present invention relates to a sample introducing device for introducing a sample solution into an inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic analyzer (hereinafter referred to as ICP-AES) or an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric analyzer (hereinafter referred to as ICP-MS), which performs identification and qualification of trace impurity in a sample solution.
The prior art is explained by referring to FIG. 2.
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 is a washing liquid, reference numeral 2 is a sample solution, reference numerals 3a and 3b are liquid feed pumps, reference numerals 4a, 4b and 4c are tubes, reference numeral 5 is a hexagonal valve, reference numeral 6 is a rotor, reference numerals 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f are joints, reference numeral 8 is a sample loop, and reference numeral 9 is a nebulizer.
The washing liquid 1 reaches the joint 7a of the hexagonal valve 5 through the liquid feed pump 3a and the tube 4a. Further, the sample solution 2 reaches the joint 7b of the hexagonal valve 5 through the liquid feed pump 3b and the tube 4b. The liquid feed pumps 3a and 3b used are a "stroke" type pump such as a peristaltic pump. When the washing liquid 1 is introduced into the nebulizer 9, the washing liquid 1 reaches the joint 7f through the hexagonal valve 5 and holes opened on the rotor 6 from the joint 7a and then reaches the nebulizer 9 through the tube 4c as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, the sample solution 2 flows in the order of the joint 7b, the sample loop 8, the joint 7e and the joint 7d from the joint 7c, and the sample loop 8 is filled with the sample solution 2. Analysis of the sample solution 2 is conducted by introducing the sample solution filled in the sample loop 8 into the inductively coupled plasma analyzer. At this time, the rotor 6 rotates, and the joints 7a and 7b, the joint 7c and 7d, and the joints 7e and 7f are connected in the hexagonal valve 5 as shown in FIG. 3.
The sample solution in the sample loop 8 is press-flown by the liquid feed pump 3a to reach the nebulizer 9.
The inductively coupled plasma analyzer is comprised of the nebulizer 9, a spray chamber 10, a plasma torch 11, a work coil 12, a high-frequency electric source, and an analyzing pipe 14. The nebulizer 9 acts to atomize the sample solution 2 or the washing liquid 1 introduced into a mist form The spray chamber 10 acts to sieve a particle diameter of the mist atomized. However, in recent inductively coupled plasma analyzers, there is an analyzer that omits the spray chamber 10 and directly leads the mist generated by the nebulizer 9 to the plasma torch The work coil 12 is wound around the tip of the plasma torch 11, and a high-frequency electric power of 27 MHz or 40 MHz is applied to the work coil 12 from the high-frequency electric source 13. By this high-frequency electric power, the mist of the sample solution 2 introduced into the plasma torch 11 forms a plasma 15 together with a gas (not shown) such as argon simultaneously introduced. The analyzing pipe 14 is a pipe to analyze an ion or a light of an impurity element contained in the sample solution in the plasma 15. The analyzing pipe 14 conducts identification of an impurity from a wavelength of light and conducts quantification from an intensity in ICP-AES, and conducts identification of impurity from a mass of an ion and conducts quantification from an intensity (ion counting rate or counting number).
However, the prior art involves the following problems. The first is a memory effect. In the conventional sample introducing device, the sample solution passes through plural joints or boundary of the rotor in the hexagonal valve, and a liquid is liable to retained at the boundary of the joints or the rotor. For this reason, when plural sample solutions are analyzed, the sample solution retained and left has influence on the analytical results of the subsequent samples. This problem is particularly important in an apparatus that conducts a super-high sensitivity analysis in ppt level, such as ICP-MS. The second is a problem on the change of an amount of the sample solution introduced into the inductively coupled plasma analyzer.
In the conventional sample introducing device the change in the amount of the sample solution introduced is required to replace the sample loop. This work is not only complicated, but also has the risk that the sample introducing device is contaminated with the external environment or the operator himself.
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and provides a sample introducing device which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the memory effect and contamination, and which is capable of easily changing the amount of the sample solution introduced into the inductively coupled plasma analyzer. The present invention also provides a sample introducing device for an inductively coupled plasma analyzer, which is capable of securely detecting the signal of trace impurity in the sample solution.

Sample introducing device for inductively coupled plasma analyzer


A piezoelectrically driven optical lens includes a lens body and a piezoelectric element for generating a rotating force. The lens body includes a hollow base; a lens barrel rotatably positioned in the hollow base; and a lens system disposed in the lens barrel, axially movable by rotation of the lens barrel and configured for zooming or focusing. The piezoelectric element is secured in position in the hollow base and in contact with the outside of the lens barrel to generate a rotating force for rotating the lens barrel. Accordingly, with this simple structure of the piezoelectrically driven optical lens, a drawback of the prior art, that is, structural complexity, can be overcome.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical lenses, and more particularly, to a piezoelectrically driven optical lens.
2. Description of the Prior Art
British 1 Ltd. Corporation (http://www.1limited.com) has developed a piezoelectric actuator that is helical and curled and made of twin-chip piezoelectric ceramic plates, which, when coupled with an optical lens and a bracket and incorporated into a film camera, digital camera, or camera phone, provides for automatic focus alignment.
Despite its advantages, namely small size, great actuation displacement, low energy consumption, low noise, and high compatibility, the helical, curled piezoelectric actuator does have its own drawbacks. Coiling up twin-chip piezoelectric ceramic plates to form a helical, curled piezoelectric actuator and linking up circuits entail much labor; even if the process is performed with automated machines and tools, the process is complicated and sophisticated, and, therefore, both yield and quality of product will typically be unreliable. Hence, incorporation of the helical, curled piezoelectric actuator in a film camera, digital camera, or camera phone has little industrial applicability because of high manufacturing costs and low yield.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,755,705, 4,786,836, 4,829,209, 4,935,659, 4,952,834, 4,959,580, and 5,013,982 disclose technology related to an ultrasonic motor (also known as piezoelectric motor). U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,708,872, 5,751,502, 5,898,526, and 5,898,528 disclose the technology for incorporating an ultrasonic motor (also known as piezoelectric motor) into a conventional camera. Due to the relatively large volume occupied by conventional cameras, it is feasible to fabricate or drive an optical lens, using a known device or technology, such as the aforesaid ultrasonic motor (also known as piezoelectric motor) or the technology thereof. Nonetheless, with digital cameras increasingly replacing conventional cameras, and with camera phone lenses with zooming and focusing functions becoming popular and typical of cellular phones, the aforesaid conventional ultrasonic motor (also known as piezoelectric motor) is too large to be placed inside a digital camera or camera phone. This is the primary reason why the optical lenses of digital cameras and that of camera phones on the market remain relatively large.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,950 discloses a piezoelectric actuator for use in digital cameras. The piezoelectric actuator comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements positioned symmetrically on an outer surface of a fixed support tube and an inner surface of a circuit board. An engagement pad is disposed on the surface of each of the piezoelectric elements. Once the piezoelectric elements are subjected to an applied voltage, the engagement pads synchronize the movement of the lens in the axial direction of the fixed support tube, thereby adjusting the position of the lens. But the technique involves using a plurality of piezoelectric elements and thereby results in high costs and a complicated assembly process, not to mention that it is difficult to achieve precise control of displacement in the course of synchronized movement of the lens.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,507 discloses a lens driving device for use in an optical device to move the lens quickly and provide focus adjustment within an effective distance. Unlike U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,710,950, 6,853,507 discloses driving a lens system to move axially inside a lens barrel by means of a helical groove (whereby rotational movement is transformed into axial movement), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,507 also discloses a ring-shaped piezoelectric actuation element disposed in the bottom and adapted to enable rotational movement of the lens barrel. In response to an applied voltage, the ring-shaped piezoelectric actuation element is radially contracted or expanded to drive the lens barrel to perform optical focus adjustment or focus alignment. Nevertheless, this patent involves fabricating a plurality of piezoelectric actuation elements each having an inner circumferential surface disposed with a plurality of segments, and thus precise control of the fabrication process is difficult, not to mention that two-way rotational movement cannot be achieved without two ring-shaped piezoelectric actuation elements and two helical grooves oriented in different directions, which accounts for the disadvantages of this patent, such as high costs and a complicated assembly process. Besides, the ring-shaped piezoelectric actuation elements work by means of a surface wave and thereby works inefficiently, and thus the ring-shaped piezoelectric actuation elements disadvantageously slow down rather than speed up an optical device.
In addition to the aforesaid patents, digital cameras and camera phones with small-sized piezoelectrically driven optical lens are disclosed in some papers and at some conferences. However, parts and components of a conventional piezoelectrically driven optical lens have complex structures that require sophisticated processing and therefore are fabricated by unit production instead of batch production. In addition to the fabrication process, the intricate parts and components of the conventional piezoelectrically driven optical lens make the assembly process difficult, which is particularly true when it comes to a piezoelectric stator. Assembling the piezoelectric stator is difficult, and the designs employed typically reduce the driving force of a simple piezoelectrically driven optical lens. Small-sized elements cannot be easily fabricated with an automated machine, leading to increased labor costs and higher manufacturing costs being incurred in their fabrication. In short, despite its advantageous small size, a conventional piezoelectrically driven optical lens does not offer much in the way of cost-competitiveness, commercial value, or industrial applicability.
In view of the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art, an issue calling for urgent solution is to develop a piezoelectrically driven optical lens characterized by structural simplicity, high torque, small size, strong structure, ease of production, and ease of assembly.

Industrial Technology Research Institute


Disclosed herein are systems, methods and computer program products for providing secure Internet access to a user device in an unsecure network environment, such as a public wireless network. The system includes a portable security device configured to establishing a first secure direct wireless connection with the user device and a second secure network connection through the public wireless network to a security server, which provides Internet access. The security device provides Internet browser and e-mail application, which can be used instead of unsecure applications of the user device to access Web resources through the first and second secure network connections. In addition, the security device includes a secure keyboard, which can be used by the device user instead of the unsecure keyboard of the user device to enter user authentication data for accessing the desired Web resources.

Despite significant advances in the field of computer and network security, the number of security threats is constantly growing. New types of malware, such as viruses, Trojans and worms, are being developed by cybercriminals to steal personal and confidential information from computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices that use wired, wireless or cellular networks to access the Internet. Some of the common security threats include browser hijacking, keystroke logging (keylogging) and network sniffing. Browser hijacking malware may access browser's files and steal user's personal authentication information, such as login names and passwords, for various websites, stored therein. Keyloggers intercept user's keyboard input to obtaining data typed by the user, such as authentication information and other private data. Network sniffers (also known as packet analyzers) intercept and analyze data traffic on public (or open) networks and, therefore, also can access personal or confidential data transmitted over the network.
Known computer and network security solutions, such as firewalls, antivirus applications, proactive defense mechanisms, cloud detection techniques and others, have limitations and often do not provide sufficient security to user devices operating in an unsecure network environment, such as public networks, where the user devices and data transmitted to and from these devices over such unsecure networks are exposed to eavesdropping and other forms of data theft. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable network security system for use in unsecure network environments.

Portable security device and methods for maintenance of authentication information


A device for altering the length of an undergarment band assembly includes an elongated body having a first band retaining loop arranged at a first end of the body, and a second band retaining loop arranged at a second end of the body. A first fastening element is arranged proximate the first end of the body and is configured to engage with a second band fastener of a second band of the undergarment band assembly. A second fastening element is arranged proximate the second end of the body and is configured to engage with a first band fastener of a first band of the undergarment band assembly.

Many consumer products, including wearable garments, use adjustable fastening systems for altering the size and/or fit of an item. Fastening systems used in undergarments, such as brassieres, include slideable adjusters for altering the length of their shoulder straps, as well as "hook and loop" or "hook and eye" type complementary fasteners implemented on the detachable back bands of the undergarments for adjusting their overall girth. FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary undergarment or brassiere 10 having the above-described characteristics. As shown, undergarment 10 generally comprises two adjustable shoulder strap assemblies 11. Each strap assembly 11 comprises an adjustable strap 12 connected to a respective cup assembly 13 and a respective first and second back or rear band 20,22, and is configured to traverse the shoulder of the wearer. First back band 20 and second back band 22 are each attached at one end to a respective cup assembly 13, and are configured to removably attach to one another at respective opposite free ends 21,23. In the exemplary embodiment, end 23 includes a plurality (e.g. two) of hooks 25 for selectively engaging with a corresponding plurality of eyes or loops 27 arranged on end 21 of back band 20 in a conventional manner.
FIG. 2 provides a more detailed view of an exemplary back band "hook and eye" fastening arrangement, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown, a plurality of rows of eyes 27 may be arranged at varying distances along a longitudinal direction of end 21 of band 20. Eyes 27 are configured to selectably engage with hooks 25 arranged on end 23 of band 22. In this way, a range of adjustment of the overall band length, and thus the overall girth of an undergarment, is realized. In the illustrated embodiment, this range of adjustment consists of a smallest girth setting A, and a largest girth setting B, as well as two intermediate girth settings, for providing a total range of adjustment Z.
While the range of girth adjustment provided by the above-described arrangement may be sufficient for a wearer, any number of factors may contribute to the need for an expanded adjustment range. For example, weight loss or weight gain, and/or the stretching or shrinking of material, may lead to a garment which does not, or no longer, provides ideal fitment. In these instances, a wearer is faced with having to purchase another undergarment of a more suitable size, or find a solution to alter its girth beyond the original adjustment range (Z).
Alternative systems for quickly and economically expanding the adjustment range of these types of garments would be advantageous.


The 4T2R cell comprises a write transistor, a first variable resistive element, a first transistor, a second variable resistive element, a second transistor, and a charge control transistor. The first transistor is electrically coupled to the first variable resistive element in series, and the second transistor is electrically coupled to the second variable resistive element in series, for providing search paths. For operating in a search phase, a pulse voltage is applied across the gate electrode and the source electrode of the first transistor (or across the gate electrode and the source electrode of the second transistor) for determining whether the gate voltage of the charge control transistor changes larger than a match threshold during the period of the pulse. Different RC-delay of the variable resistive elements controlling the voltage change speed of the gate voltage of the charge control transistor determines the matching result.

1. Field of the Invention
The instant disclosure relates to a ternary content-addressable memory; in particular, to a non-volatile ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) 4T2R cell with RC-delay search.
2. Description of Related Art
Content-addressable memory (CAM) is a type of computer memory used in high speed searching applications. Content-addressable memory fast compares a string of input data with stored data, and outputs the address of matched data. Binary content-addressable memory is the simplest CAM for storing data with two states including "0" and "1". Ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) is for storing data for one or more bits in the stored dataword with three states. The first state is "0", the second state is "1" and the third matching state is "X" (or "Don't Care") which means always match.
The conventional ternary content-addressable memory comprises an array (all storage cells; 1 row as 1 entry, 1 column as 1 bit), a decoder for choosing which row to write, a main controller for producing control signals, a data-in circuit for writing data or searching data, a sense amplifier (SA) for sensing compared result and amplifying the result, and an output encoder for transferring the result into address which has matching data. In a write phase, writing data to the storage cell(s). In a search phase, comparing input data with memory content (all data in storage cells), and outputting the address of identical (matching) content.
Referring to FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C showing circuit diagrams of the conventional 16T SRAM-based TCAM and 12T SRAM-based TCAM. In FIG. 1A, six transistors constitute a storage part 11 connected to a bit-line BL1 and a word-line WL, six transistors constitute a storage part 12 connected to a bit-line BL2 and the word-line WL, and the compare logic 13 is a NAND logic (or a NOR logic) connected to search-lines SL1, SL2 and a match-line ML. In FIG. 1B, four transistors constitute a storage part 21 connected to a bit-line BL0 and a word-line WL, four transistors constitute a storage part 22 connected to a bit-line BL1 and the word-line WL, and the compare logic 23 is a NAND logic (or a NOR logic) connected to search-lines SL0, SL1 and a match-line ML. For the TCAM shown in FIG. 1A (or FIG. 1B), writing data is similar to the conventional SRAM, in which the state "0" is stored as to (1, 0) (for (SRAM1, SRAM2)), the state "1" is stored as to (0, 1), and the state "X" is stored as to (0, 0). For data search, the compare logic 13 (or 23) connecting the search-data pair and the storage-data pair will discharge the match-line ML if the search-pair is different from the storage-data pair.
However, for non-volatile memory (NVM), read disturb during reading which flips data in the storage cell should be reduced. Read disturb probably happens when large voltage stress is applied to the non-volatile memory or large current passes through the non-volatile memory. Meanwhile, more transistors in each cell occupy more circuit (or chip) area.

Non-volatile ternary content-addressable memory 4T2R cell with RC-delay search


Methods and apparatus for communicating data traffic using switch fabric dispersion are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first tier of switch elements; and a second tier of switch elements operationally coupled with the first tier of switch elements. In the example apparatus, the first tier of switch elements is configured to receive a data packet from a source. The first tier of switch elements is also configured to route the data packet to the second tier of switch elements in accordance with a dispersion function, where the dispersion function is based on a dispersion tag associated with the data packet. The first tier of switch elements is still further configured to transmit the data packet to a destination for the data packet after receiving it from the second tier of switch elements.

Data communication and the use of data communication networks continue to grow at a rapid pace. As part of this growth comes a desire for ever increasing data transmission speeds as well as an increases in the volume of data traffic carried over such data networks. Various techniques may be employed in order to facilitate such increases in data communication speed as well as increases in data traffic volume.
For instance, advances in technology (e.g., semiconductor technology) allow network elements included in such data communication networks to be designed to run at faster speeds than previous network elements. Currently, data networks with one gigabit per second data rates are relatively common, while data networks with ten gigabit per second data rates are increasing in number.
As another technique for facilitating increases in data communication speed and accommodating increases in data traffic volume, network elements implemented in such data communication networks may be designed to include an increased number of data communication channels (ports) for communicating data into and out of the network elements.
One such network element that may use such approaches is a data network switch fabric. Such switch fabrics may be used to interconnect different leaf elements or communicate data between separate portions of a data network that are operationally connected through the data switch fabric. In other embodiments, data switch fabrics may be used to communicate data between different networks, such as a local area network and a wide area network (e.g., the Internet). By increasing the speed and number of ports used to communicate data in and out of such a network switch fabric (or other network element), the total volume of data traffic communicated through the network switch fabric, as well as the data rate of that traffic, may be increased. Such approaches, however, have drawbacks.
For instance, increasing the number of ports of a network switch fabric (or any network element) increases the cost of implementing such a network switch fabric (or network element), as additional hardware is needed to implement the additional data ports. Accordingly, each additional port added to a network element (e.g., a network switch fabric) increases the overall cost of the network element.
Also, increasing the data communication speed of each port of a network element (network switch fabric) is limited by the components that are used to implement the particular network element. For example, if a network element includes a component that is capable of operation at 1 gigabit per second data rates, such a network element cannot be operated at higher data rates. Therefore, increases in data communication rates and data traffic volume by increasing the speed of individual data port are limited by the performance characteristics of the network elements and the physical links between them.
Furthermore, even increasing the data communication speed and/or the number of ports does not insure that data communicated through a network element (e.g., network switch fabric) will be communicated efficiently. For instance, if a large volume of data is communicated over a single path of a network switch fabric, data queues used to buffer data traffic in that path may fill up, causing congestion in the network element. As a result, network entities communicating data flows on the congested path (even those not contributing to the congestion) may be instructed to reduce their data communication rates, or even halt their data flows that are being communicated over the congested path. Such a result is contrary to the objective of increasing data communication rates and data traffic volume.


A lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor structure including a P substrate, an N+ buried layer, an N epitaxial layer, a P well, an N well, a drain region, a source region, and a body region is disclosed. The N+ buried layer is located between the P substrate and the N epitaxial layer, the P well contacts the N+ buried layer, the source region and the body region are located in the P well, the N well is located in the N epitaxial layer, and the drain region is located in the N well. When a high voltage is applied to the drain and the P substrate is grounded, a breakdown voltage with the P substrate is raised because of the N+ buried layer isolating the P substrate from the N epitaxial layer, so as to be able to avoid PN junction breakdown.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor structure, and more particularly, to a lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor in which a P substrate and an N epitaxial layer are isolated by an N+ buried layer.
2. The Prior Art
As the semiconductor industry develops, high power components are often applied in many aspects of power electronics. Since a lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (LDMOS) is more easily compatible with the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, thus LDMOS is widely used.
Referring to FIG. 1, a view of LDMOS according to prior art is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, LDMOS 1 according to prior art includes a P substrate 10, a P+ buried layer 12, an N epitaxial layer 30, a P well 40, an N well 50, a drain region, a source region, and a body region, wherein the P+ buried layer 12 is located between the P substrate 10 and the P well 40, and the N epitaxial layer 30 is on the P substrate 10.
The N well 50 is in the N epitaxial layer 30, and the drain region is on the N well 50. The drain region includes a high voltage N drain layer 62 and an N+ drain layer 64. The N+ drain layer 64 is on the high voltage N drain layer 62 and connects with a plurality of drain terminals D.
The drain region and the body region are located in P well 40. The source region includes a high voltage N source layer 72 and an N+ source layer 74. The N+ source layer 74 is on the high voltage N source layer 72 and connects with a plurality of source terminals S. The body region includes P+ body contact layer 82 and connects with a plurality of body terminals B.
LDMOS 1 also includes a thick oxide isolation region 92 and a P bottom isolation layer 94 and thereby avoids high voltage connection lines (not shown) on the thick oxide isolation region 92 to accidentally turn on the N epitaxial layer 30 under the P bottom isolation layer 94.
LDMOS 1 also includes a protective layer 110, which covers a drain region, a source region, a body region, and a thick oxide isolation region 92, for providing protection.
Generally speaking, when LDMOS is turned on, the drain terminals D connect to a high voltage, such as 600 V, the source terminals S is grounded, and a positive voltage higher than a threshold voltage of the LDMOS 1 is applied to the body terminals B. Accordingly, the LDMOS 1 is turned on, and a high current flows from the drain terminals D to the source terminals S. Therefore, an on-resistance Ron from the drain terminals D to the source terminals S is the smaller the better, so as to make the ohmic consumption power lower, reduce a rise of the temperature of LDMOS, and improve the lifetime and the reliability of components. The plurality of drain terminals D are used to increase the effective width of channels, which is a commonly used method for reducing on-resistance. In addition, it may also reduce a distance between the drain region and the source region to achieve the purpose of reducing on-resistance. However, there may be a negative effect of lowering breakdown voltage.
When LDMOS 1 is turned off, the drain terminals D connect with a high voltage (600 V), and the source terminals S and the body terminals B are grounded, so that the LDMOS 1 is turned off. At this time, the connection lines (not shown) connecting with the drain terminals D have a high voltage of 600 V, and a breakdown between the drain region and the source region of LDMOS 1 may happen so that LDMOS 1 fails or is even permanently damaged. Although the thick oxide isolation region 92 may improve protection, the effect is still quite limited. As a result, an LDMOS structure which may ensure PN junction breakdown not occur is needed.

Lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor


A selective illumination system for use with amusement park rides and other attractions. The system includes a first light source illuminating a first set of items in a physical set and also includes a second light source illuminating a second set of items in the physical set. The system further includes a first set of optical filters operating in time synchronization with the first light source to pass light from the illuminated first set of items and also includes a second set of optical filters operating in time synchronization with the second light source to pass light from the illuminated first set of items. The optical filters of the first and second sets may be shutter glasses or other filters that are operated at high rates to selectively pass received light, and the first and second light sources are operated in a time multiplexed manner synchronized with the optical filters.

1. Field of the Description
The present invention relates, in general, to amusement or theme park rides (often simply called "rides" herein) and illumination of the set or physical scenery surrounding or nearby the ride path, and, more particularly, to systems for selectively illuminating physical scenery in rides so as to provide differing sets of passengers on the rides differing ride experiences including visual experiences that are unique to each of the sets of passengers (even when within a single ride vehicle).
2. Relevant Background
Amusement and theme parks remain extremely popular with many thousands of people visiting these parks every year. Visitors experience a variety of attractions including rides, walk through attractions, shows, and the like. To encourage enjoyment and attendance, it can be beneficial for an attraction to provide variability in experiences so that a visitor can have multiple difference experiences on the same attraction.
For example, water-based rides may vary with each ride with the water spraying or soaking riders in a relatively random manner. In other cases, a ride experience may vary based on the rider's location in a car or train of vehicles (e.g., are you in the lead car of a roller coaster or toward the rear of the coaster train?). However, many attractions have elaborate and detailed physical scenery that has not been designed to readily change in a manner that supports experience variability.
Another approach to increasing enjoyment is to personalize the experience. For example, a ride might be operated to identify a rider, such as one having their birthday, and to provide the identified rider a personalized experience such as by announcing their name as they pass a location and so on. Similar to personalization, a ride may be operated to provide "group appropriateness" such as by attempting to give younger riders a youth-oriented experience while providing teenagers and adults a more mature experience. However, it has often been difficult for ride designers to provide differing experiences within a single ride. For example, it is a difficult challenge to design a ride so as to increase or decrease thrill or to vary imagery displayed to the riders (e.g., show bad guys or scary images to teenagers while showing good guys or much less scary images to children) as they move along a track through a themed ride. In addition to the difficult task of changing configuration of the elaborate scenery, segregating the audience is difficult and can interfere with families and friends enjoying an attraction together.
Hence, there remains a need for new ride or attraction designs or systems that facilitate personalization and selective variance of the ride or attraction experience. Preferably, such designs and/or systems are useful with existing rides and attractions as well as with completely new rides or experiences.

Selective illumination of physical scenery in amusement park rides


A semiconductor device has a first latch circuit, a second latch circuit configured to receive an output of the first latch circuit, a first switching element provided between the first latch circuit and the second latch circuit, a feedback line for feeding data held by the second latch circuit to the first latch circuit, and a second switching element provided on the feedback line.

The present invention relates to semiconductor devices.
Unlike a hard error which is permanent destruction of a specific portion of a circuit, a soft error is a recoverable fleeting malfunction which occurs in a semiconductor chip. The soft error is caused by incidence of a neutron ray among secondary cosmic rays, an alpha ray from the packaging material of a Large Scale Integration (LSI), or a like ray on the LSI.
Various countermeasures against the soft error are devised. One effective and general countermeasure is a method of designing a circuit which prevents a system from being affected by such an error. For example, an Error Correction Code (ECC) circuit is capable of correcting an error. Such countermeasures are accompanied by an increase in the area of an LSI and are not applicable to every logic circuit.
FIG. 1 shows other soft error avoiding means. A capacitor 1203 is added to a data holding node of a latch circuit having inverters 1201 and 1202 in order to suppress data inversion caused by occurrence of electric charge due to radiation. This case results in performance degradations including prolonged setup time and delay time.
Another known technique is a master-slave flip-flop circuit as described below. The master-slave flip-flop circuit includes a master-side closed loop circuit including a first switching element configured to perform data input control, a plurality of semiconductor elements, and second and third switching elements configured to control the holding of input data inputted through the first switching element, and a slave-side closed loop circuit including a plurality of semiconductor elements inclusive of some of the semiconductor elements, and a fourth switching element configured to control the holding of the input data.
Yet another known technique is an inverter as described below. The inverter has a doubled structure wherein a first p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor and a first n-channel MOS transistor are coupled in series with a source or drain line in this order from a node coupled to a first voltage source side toward a node coupled to a second voltage source side; and a second MOS transistor which is gate-to-gate coupled to at least one of the first p-channel MOS transistor and the first n-channel MOS transistor and which has the same conductivity type channel as that transistor is further coupled in series with the source or drain line.


A polymer is provided according to structure I

Heart valve disease affects millions, and at this time can only be treated by valve replacement or repair surgery. Cardiac valve prostheses have not significantly improved in decades, and one problem is a progressive decline in performance of heart valve replacements over 10 to 15 years after implant, necessitating additional surgery or resulting in morbidity and mortality. Additionally, valve prostheses prepared from polymeric materials, typically polyurethanes, have limited ability to bond to the living tissue to which they are attached. Therefore, methods of providing replacement valves having good longevity in vivo, including effective attachment to living tissues, would be of considerable medical value.

Photo-activated attachment of cholesterol to polyurethane surfaces for adhesion of endothelial cells

Abstract: wherein Y is a thiol-reactive group and Z is an ionogenic group. The surface of a polymeric substrate is modified by contacting the surface with a polymer according to structure II or structure III and exposing the surface to ultraviolet light, optionally followed by contacting the modified surface with the polymer according to structure I.


A process for producing quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts having improved solubility in water, by esterifiying a fatty acid mixture containing. a) 40% to 60% by weight of linear fatty acids containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and PA1 b) 60% to 40% by weight of branched fatty acids containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms,. wherein the esterifying step is conducted with triethanolamine or ethylene oxide adducts of triethanolamine, and the resultant esters are then quaternized.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts ("esterquats") with improved solubility in water which are obtained by esterifying selected mixtures of linear and branched fatty acids with a triethanolamine component and then quaternizing the resulting esters by methods known per se, to a process for their production, to the use of the new esterquats for the production of surface-active formulations and to the use of the fatty acid mixtures for the production of water-soluble esterquats.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts, so-called "esterguats", are cationic surfactants which are acquiring increasing significance by virtue of their excellent fabric-softening properties and their high ecotoxicological compatibility. The publications by O. Ponsati in C.R. CED Congress, Barcelona, 1992, page 167 and R. Puchta in C.R. CED Congress, Sitges, 1993, page 59, are cited as representative of the literature available on the subject.
The esterquats are normally prepared by a two-stage process in which triethanolamine is first partly esterified with fatty acids and the reaction product is then quaternized with methyl chloride or preferably dimethyl sulfate in isopropyl alcohol. Low-viscosity concentrates of the esterquats in isopropyl alcohol with a solids content of up to 85% by weight can be obtained in this way. However, products of satisfactory odor, i.e. alcohol-free products, are required for many applications, particularly in the cosmetics field. If the isopropyl alcohol is removed after quaternization, commercial esterquats are solid which is detrimental to their processability. Another disadvantage is that the known water-free commercially available esterquats are difficult to disperse in water and that, in particular, the production of concentrates is not possible without the assistance of auxiliaries.
Now, the problem addressed by the present invention was to provide new esterquats which would have low viscosities in water-free form, would be readily processable to water-containing concentrates and would exhibit advantageous performance properties.

Quaternized fatty acid triethanolamine ester salts with improved solubility in water


A living cell cryopreservation tool has a living cell holding member having a body part and a living cell holding part and a tubular accommodation member, closed at one end thereof, which is capable of accommodating the living cell holding member. The living cell holding part has a long and narrow living cell attaching and holding portion. The living cell attaching and holding portion has heat conductors extended in a longitudinal direction thereof and projected from a distal end thereof. The tubular accommodation member has a heat conductive member accommodated inside a distal portion thereof. When the living cell holding member is inserted into the tubular accommodation member from a distal side of each heat conductor thereof, a distal portion of each heat conductor contacts the heat conductive member of the tubular accommodation member.

Cryopreservation the mammalian embryo enables conservation of hereditary resources of specific systems and kinds. It is effective for maintaining animals standing on the brink of ruin. It is useful for infertility treatment.
As a method for cryopreservation mammalian embryos, as disclosed in patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-189155), there is proposed a method for cryopreservation mammalian embryos that mammalian embryos or ova are bonded to the inner surface of the cryopreservation container such as the sterilized frozen straw, frozen vial or frozen tube by using a vitrifying liquid in an amount minimum and enough to enclose the mammalian embryos or the ova therewith. The cryopreservation container is sealed and rapidly cooled by bringing the cryopreservation container into contact with liquid nitrogen. In the thawing method, the cryopreservation container stored in the above method is taken out of the liquid nitrogen and one end thereof is opened. A diluted liquid of 33 to 39 degrees C. is injected directly into the container to thaw the mammalian embryos or the ova and dilute the vitrifying liquid. This method eliminates a possibility that the mammalian embryos or the ova are infected with a disease through viruses or bacteria and is capable of storing them at a high survival rate and thawing them and diluting the vitrifying liquid.
But the operation of bonding eggs such as embryos and ova to the inner surface of the cryopreservation container such as the frozen straw, the frozen vial or the frozen tube by using the vitrifying liquid in an amount minimum and enough to enclose them therewith is not easy.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An agricultural machine includes a pick-up device with teeth and points, and a guiding device with a lower front end, a rear part and an intermediate part situated above the pick-up device and movable relative to the latter about a rotation center, via a displacement device movable in a first, respectively a second position and including first and second connecting devices which enable the guiding device to pivot about a first, respectively a second rotation center. The first and second connecting devices are geometrically and/or elastically configured so that in the first position, the lower front end is greatly raised above the ground and the intermediate part is brought close to the points, and that in the second position the lower front end is brought greatly close to the ground and the intermediate part and the rear part are distanced from the points.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine for the harvesting of fodder comprising a frame to which is connected a structure situated, at least partially, above at least one pick-up device for picking up plants lying on the ground, the pick-up device comprising teeth with teeth points describing a curve envelope when the teeth are driven, the machine also comprising at least one processing device for processing the picked up plants which is situated close to the pick-up device, and a guiding device for guiding the plants which is situated at least partially above and at a small distance from the pick-up device, the guiding device being displaceable with respect to the pick-up device about a main instantaneous rotation center, by means of a displacement device comprising a first connecting means and a second connecting means of the guiding device to the structure, the first connecting means enabling the guiding device to pivot about a first instantaneous rotation center, the second connecting means enabling the guiding device to pivot about a second instantaneous rotation center, the displacement device being able to be placed in at least a first position and a second position, the guiding device comprising a front part having a lower front end, a rear part delimited by a rear end, and an intermediate part connecting the front part to the rear part.
2. Discussion of the Background
On a known machine of this type, the pick-up device comprises a rotor with teeth of the "pick-up" type. The rotor is partially surrounded by a guiding surface formed for example by a set of curved blades, between which the teeth carried by the rotor rotate, and with respect to which curved blades the teeth points emerge. When the rotor rotates, the teeth pick up the plants at the level of the ground, lift them and project them towards the rear along the guiding surface. In the first position provided on this machine, the lower front end of the guiding device is raised greatly above the ground to allow the passage of a large-volume windrow towards the pick-up device. In this first position, the intermediate part of the guiding device extends substantially to the horizontal above the pick-up device and substantially at the same height as the lower front end, hence the intermediate part is situated at a great distance from the teeth points of the pick-up device. The result of this is that in this first position, the intermediate part of the guiding device cannot properly keep the plants in contact with the teeth which are situated at the front and on the top of the pick-up device. Consequently, the plants are carried along in an irregular manner towards the processing device located downstream. In addition, a harmful accumulation of plants can occur between the pick-up device and the processing device, or within the latter. The known machine also comprises a second position provided in particular for the picking up of windrows which are light or small in volume. In this position, the lower front end of the guiding device is brought closer to the ground than in the first position. It nevertheless remains at too great a height from the ground to prevent the projections of plants towards the front when the toothed rotor rotates, these projections existing due to the lightness of the picked up plants. These projections fall down in a random manner on the windrow which has not yet been picked up, situated at the front of the machine, and make it irregular. Consequently, the supplying with plants of the pick-up device and of the processing device downstream is irregular, for example in the form of bundles of variable volume. This drawback also exists when the machine is picking up plants which are spread out on the ground in short strands. In the second position of the known machine, the intermediate part and the rear part are very close to the pick-up device to the extent that they are situated lower than the teeth points and nearly touch the guiding surface. Consequently, the flow of light plants is braked when it passes between the pick-up device and the intermediate and rear parts, which reduces the output per hour of the machine.

Agricultural harvesting machine comprising an improved device for guiding plants


In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for maintaining a vocoder and channel codec in substantial synchronization. The method may include receiving a configuration message that includes rate information and an effective radio block identifier at a mobile station, coding a current radio block via a vocoder and channel codec, configuring an encoding portion of the vocoder and channel codec with the rate information after performing the coding, and then coding the effective radio block using the rate information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Wireless devices or mobile stations such as cellular handsets and other wireless systems transmit and receive representations of speech waveforms. A physical layer of a cellular handset typically includes circuitry for performing two major functions, namely encoding and decoding. This circuitry includes a channel codec for performing channel encoding and decoding functions and a vocoder for performing voice encoding and decoding functions. The vocoder performs source encoding and decoding on speech waveforms. Source coding removes redundancy from the waveform and reduces the bandwidth (or equivalently the bit-rate) in order to transmit the waveform in real-time. The channel codec increases redundancy in the transmitted signal to enhance the robustness of the transmitted signal. Synchronizing these two functions allows the system to operate properly.
A number of different wireless protocols exist. One common protocol is referred to as global system for mobile communications (GSM). In a GSM system, the vocoder operates on blocks of speech data that are 20 milliseconds (ms) in duration. The channel codec transmits and receives data every 4.615 ms. Since the speech encoder (i.e., vocoder) serves as a data source to the channel encoder/modulator (i.e., channel codec) and the speech decoder (i.e., vocoder) serves as the data sink for the channel demodulator/decoder (i.e., channel codec), the vocoder and channel codec should be maintained in synchronization.
Further, the speech encoder should deliver data to the channel encoder with sufficient time margin to complete channel encoding and modulation operations before the time at which the data are transmitted over the air. Further complicating the issue are limits on the round-trip delay of the overall communications link. Hence, the vocoder cannot deliver the data too early lest the delay budget (such as that set forth by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)) be violated, and cannot deliver data too late lest the data be discarded. As a practical matter, the later the vocoder delivers data to the channel codec, the harder a digital signal processor (DSP) must work to complete all signal processing on schedule, thus creating a greater system load.
Adaptive multi-rate (AMR) vocoders have been introduced recently in certain cellular communication standards, such as GSM and WCDMA. AMR vocoders support multiple source rates, and compared to other vocoders, provide some technical advantages. These advantages include more effective discontinuous transmission (DTX) because of an in-band signaling mechanism, which allows for powering down a transmitter when a user of a cellular phone is not speaking. In such manner, prolonged battery life and reduced average bit rate, leading to increased network capacity is provided. AMR also allows for error concealment.
In a system supporting AMR, the bit rate of network communications can be controlled by the radio access network depending upon air interface loading and the quality of speech conditions. To handle such different bit rates, the network will send configuration messages to a cellular phone to control its transmission at a selected bit rate. During an AMR voice call, the network may send a message to the mobile station to change the AMR configuration (e.g., source rate). Since both the channel codec and vocoder use this information, careful synchronization is needed between the codec and vocoder during AMR configuration changes.
Accordingly, methods and apparatus to maintain synchronization between channel codec and vocoder would improve performance of a mobile station.

Synchronizing a channel codec and vocoder of a mobile station