A DC-DC converter suitable for multiple converter circuit topologies is disclosed. The DC-DC converter utilizes magnetic feedback of the output load current to provide broad inductance control of a magnetic element, while inhibiting saturation of the switched winding or windings of the magnetic element.

DC-DC converters are well known. A DC-DC converter is a circuit for changing unregulated direct current (DC) input voltages into controlled or regulated DC output voltages. DC-DC converters are commonly used in power supplies, where they provide power for voltage sensitive devices.
A typical contemporary DC-DC converter, such as that shown in FIG. 1 and discussed in detail below, comprises a pulse width modulator (PWM) switch that cooperates with a power filter, a reference voltage source, a compensation amplifier and voltage/current feedback circuits to convert an unregulated DC input voltage into a regulated DC output voltage. DC-DC converters are utilized both to step down and step up unregulated DC input voltages.
Various DC-DC converter circuit topologies are known. These topologies are derived from either the basic step-down or step-up DC-DC converters. A step-down DC-DC converter, also known as a buck converter, is utilized to provide a lower DC output voltage than the input voltage. A step-up converter, also known as a boost converter, is utilized to provide a higher DC output voltage than the input voltage. A flyback converter, also known as buck-boost converter, is obtained by cascading a buck converter with a boost converter. Similarly, a boost-buck converter is obtained by cascading a boost converter with a buck converter. Other DC-DC converter topologies, such as those of resonant-link converters, are also known.
Contemporary DC-DC converters require the use of a magnetic element (i.e., a transformer or inductor) having an air gapped core. The air gapped core may be either local or distributed. It provides magnetic energy storage during the on time of the duty cycle controlled pulse width modulator switch. The air gapped core typically requires some minimum volume in order to provide the appropriate functionality for DC-DC converter operation.
As power converters and their associated circuits become more complex, it is desirable to be able to reduce the volume and form factor characteristics of their magnetic elements. Reduction in the size of such magnetic core components is typically achieved by using low profile substrates. It is also desirable to maintain a fast response for control of the DC-DC converter output as a function of load current transient demands.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a low profile DC-DC converter that is suitable for use in a variety of different circuit topologies and that is capable of rapidly compensating for load current variations while providing higher power densities.

DC-DC converter having magnetic feedback


Supervisory control of an elevating machine is performed in a remote supervisory center via a general public line. The general public line has multiple networks including a high-speed digital network for transmitting large quantities of information from the elevating machine to the center and a low-communication-cost public network for transmitting a control command from the center to the elevating machine. A network selector selects the high-speed digital network in the case of transmission of a large quantity of information and the low-communication-cost public network in the case of transmission of the control command, and causes the selected network to perform transmission. For security, the control encodes and decodes transmitted information individually for each of the networks, and performs collation and authentication of a specific code, which has been added to the control command at the center, at the elevating machine.

A remote supervisory control system has conventionally been realized and managed, which connects a plurality of elevating machines to a remote supervisory center installed in a place remote therefrom via a general public line, comprehensively supervises the states of elevating machines such as elevators and escalators, installed in a specific area, and malfunction information on those elevating machines, and controls them if necessary. In response to recent increases in the speed and capacity of general public lines, high-speed digital networks for realizing the Internet and the like have been widely set up in addition to conventional analog lines, using existing phone lines. This has made it possible to perform high-speed, real-time transmission of image information and audio information. On the other hand, since open networks such as the Internet can be accessed by the general public, the necessity to consider security functions for information has been growing further.
Under such circumstances, some proposals have been made as to conventional remote supervisory control systems for elevating machines. For example, JP 6-156907 A proposes the idea of connecting a control apparatus, a camera within a car, and an interphone to a remote supervisory device via a high-speed digital communication line and simultaneously transmitting control signals, audio signals, and image signals. This enables high-speed transmission of a large quantity of information such as images and sounds. Further, according to JP2003-89481A, the phone number of a service information center is stored in a terminal device on an elevator side. In the event of a call, it is determined whether or not a calling number is a predetermined one. A response is made only when those numbers coincide with each other. This is supposed to prevent strangers from plotting malicious mischief or obstructive operation.
However, since the conventional remote supervisory control systems for elevating machines are configured as described above, there is a fear that any stranger from the general public may be able to access control information on the elevating machines as well because of, for example, the use of a general high-speed digital line. Further, collation based solely on phone numbers allows any stranger from the general public to access the information once he or she knows the phone number of the service information center. Thus, there is a fear that this stranger will perform an invalid operation on the elevating machine.
It is an object of the present invention to realize a remote supervisory control system for an elevating machine, which enables reliable communication with an enhanced security function through collation with a predetermined specific code by means of an ordinary line as to a control command for an elevating machine, while making it possible to perform high-speed, large-capacity communication by means of a general high-speed digital network as to state information, image information, and audio information on the elevating machine.

Remote supervisory control system for elevating machine


Methods, systems and devices are provided for managing electronic communications on a communication device including receiving an incoming call indication from an originating device. The methods, system and devices may include transmitting a delay indication in response to determining the delayed call acceptance is warranted and receiving a first message segment and subsequently a second message segment from the originating device. Additionally, they may include outputting at least one of the first message segment and the second message segment in response to determining whether to output at least one of the first message segment and the second message segment. Further, they may include transmitting a playback status including a series of status indications reflecting an updated output progress of the first message segment at a recipient device in response to determining the first message segment should be output.

Various wired and wireless networks have evolved to handle Push-To-Talk (PTT) communication sessions, including PTT over cellular that makes two-way radio service available to mobile communication devices over traditional cellular networks. PTT provides a quick one-to-one or one-to-many communication technique that is particularly useful for many applications. A PTT communication connection is typically initiated by pressing a button, activating an icon or some other means of activation on an originating wireless communication device that opens communications between the originator and each member device of the group. Existing PTT systems have advantages over traditional cellular systems because they have faster call setup times, e.g., setup times ideally in the range of 1 second, compared to cellular voice channels that can take more than 5 seconds to establish a connection.
In some arrangements, one PTT speaker at a time is given permission to speak. Such a permission is typically referred to as a "floor grant," where no other group member of the PTT session can speak until the mobile device with the floor grant releases the floor. Various forms of electronic communications have been developed for people to exchange information even when physically distant from one another. Through the use of electronic communication devices and telecommunication networks, two or more people may communicate over virtually any distance. Historically, such telecommunications were associated with just telephones, but today computers and mobile electronic devices may also be used to communicate for exchanging not just audio (i.e., voice), but also text, video, data or any combination thereof.
While modern electronic communication devices are very useful, at times the intended recipient of a live communication transmission, such as a telephone or video conference call, is not prepared or not in appropriate surroundings to receive the transmission. For example, the recipient may be in a very quiet environment, like a library, or a very loud environment, like a construction site, making the audio output from the recipient communication device either unwelcome or inaudible. Also, some virtually instant communication methods, such as push-to-talk, do not provide the recipient device a way of delaying or managing the incoming communications. Similarly, in a very bright environment, like outside on a sunny day, or in a very dark environment, like at a movie theatre, a video output may not be clearly visible or may be inappropriate or undesirable. Also, regardless of the environment surrounding the recipient device, sometimes the recipient themselves may be busy or need a brief delay before getting involved in a call. In this way, electronic communications often suffer user experience issues since users are unable to or limited in how they may manage the output of electronic communications.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Output management for electronic communications


A method for determining installed electronic devices on a truck and for providing a centralized reset to clear faults in the installed electronics. An instrumentation control unit in the cab of a truck determines installed electronics by requesting electronics on a shared data link to transmit data on the data link. The control unit identifies the installed devices from the transmitted data. Data describing the installed devices including manufacturer, model, and installed software can be obtained and displayed for diagnostic purposes. The instrumentation control unit provides a centralized reset for resetting the electronic devices on the data link.

Electronic controls are widely used in trucks for a variety of applications. For example, sophisticated electronic control devices including programmed microprocessors are commonly used to control antilock brake systems, powertrains, and transmissions. These electronic devices have provided new functionality, such as the antilock brake systems, and have improved performance of existing components. While electronics have significantly improved functionality and performance, they have also increased the complexity of trucks.
As the use of electronic systems in trucks has grown, a number of electronic control devices or units have been developed for specific applications. For example, engine manufacturers have designed special purpose computers for controlling and monitoring engine performance. Brake manufacturers have designed electronic control devices to control sophisticated antilock brake system. Still other manufacturers have developed control units for air suspension systems. Since each of these devices are designed for different purposes, they are not typically designed to work together or to communicate with each other.
With the increasing sophistication of truck electronics, a need arose to provide a means for communicating data from the disparate electronic control systems on board the vehicle. Two standards developed for communication between electronic devices in vehicles are SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) J1708 and J1587. SAE J1708 defines the requirements of the hardware and basic protocol for communicating data between electronic control systems or units. SAE J1587 provides a common format for messages and data communicated between the electronic control systems.
Despite the adoption of these standards by many in the industry, they alone do not solve many problems associated with installing and servicing electronic devices on today's trucks. For example, the standards do not provide any mechanism for determining which components are installed, or for determining whether the installed components are compatible.
One problem associated with these electronic systems is ensuring that they function properly and that they are compatible. The truck manufacturer can build and test the electronics to make sure that they are operational. However, it is very common for others to modify the truck with after-market electronic parts which do not operate properly or are incompatible with other components. In these circumstances, it is likely that the truck will have a number of electronic components that have never been tested by the truck manufacturer.
The lack of proper installation of electronic controls is a major problem for truck manufactures and service providers. Studies show that in excess of 50% of electronic components returned are found to operate properly. As such, considerable time and money is wasted in addressing problems that could have been avoided had the electronics been installed and configured properly.
Another problem associated with electronic devices installed on trucks is that they can exhibit erroneous behavior if not properly reset before delivery to the customer. During the truck assembly process, an electronic control unit may be used in a manner that makes it think there is a problem or a "fault." For instance, it is common for an assembler to power up an electronic subsystem before installing it in a vehicle. In these circumstances, the subsystem usually generates a number of faults because all of its sensors are not yet installed and calibrated.
The faults generated during the assembly process can be a serious problem for customers and service technicians because they make it appear as if there are problems with the vehicle. It is imperative, therefore, that all of the faults be cleared from the truck's electronics at the truck manufacturing plant. This is often time consuming because it may involve entering a series of commands at a keypad just to reset or re-program a single device. In other cases, it may require a technician to connect a hand held diagnostic tool or computer to an electronic subsystem to separately reset electronic subsystems in the truck. Often the diagnostic tool or computer require considerable reconfiguration to take advantage of proprietary software from the vendor of the electronic subsystem.

Truck with monitored and resettable electronic control units


An inductive load controlling device in which a target current value is reached in a short time while suppressing overshoot, undershoot, and ringing, including a target value filter that receives a target current value of electric current to be supplied to the load and exhibits differential characteristics using a plurality of filter parameters; an inductive load controlling section that controls load current to be supplied to the load based on a filter output from the target value filter; a parameter memory section that stores parameters for the filter corresponding to a plurality of selection conditions; a selection condition detecting section that detects the selection conditions; and a parameter selection processing section that selects the filter parameters fitting to the selection condition out of the parameter memory section based on the selection condition detected by the selection condition detecting section and delivers the filter parameters to the filter.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an inductive load controlling device used in a linear solenoid actuator that can be applied to automatic transmission for vehicles.
2. Description of the Related Art
One of conventional electric current control methods for the current in a linear solenoid that is used for an automatic transmission for vehicles controls the current in an inductive load by pulse width modulation (PWM) control.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of outline structure of a closed loop control system to be applied to a conventional inductive load driving controller.
As shown in FIG. 10, to an end of an inductive load 105, which can be a linear solenoid, a driving circuit 103 for driving the inductive load 105 is connected and to the other end of the inductive load 105, a current detecting resistance 107 is connected in series. At the preceding stage of the driving circuit 103, a drive controlling circuit 102 is connected to perform PWM control in an analogue process. At the preceding stage of the drive controlling circuit 102, a D/A converter 101 is connected.
An average current detecting circuit 104 is connected to the both ends of the current detecting resistance 107 to detect an average value of electric current through the inductive load 105. The output terminal of the average current detecting circuit 104 is connected to the drive controlling circuit 102.
Current value controlling information FC indicating target current value through the inductive load 105 is converted to an analogue data in the D/A converter 101, and then delivered to the drive controlling circuit 102. Current If running in the inductance L of the inductive load 105 flows through the current detecting resistance 107. The average current detecting circuit 104 detects the average value lavr of a load current If through the inductive load 105 and delivers the lavr to the drive controlling circuit 102.
The drive control circuit 102 generates a PWM signal so that the average value lavr of the current If through the inductive load 105 equals the target value indicated by the current value controlling information FC, and thus PWM controls the current If flowing through the inductive load 105 by ON/OFF controlling switching elements in the driving circuit 103.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another example of schematic construction of a closed loop control system to which a conventional inductive load drive controlling device is applied.
As shown in FIG. 11, to an end of an inductive load 105, a driving circuit 103 is connected and to the other end of the inductive load 105, a current detecting resistance 107 is connected in series. At the preceding stage of the driving circuit 103, a drive controlling circuit 112 is connected to perform PWM control in a digital process.
An average current detecting circuit 114 is connected to the both ends of the current detecting resistance 107, and the output terminal of the average current detecting circuit 114 is connected to the drive controlling circuit 112 through an ND converter 111.
The drive controlling circuit 112 receives a current value controlling information FC indicating a target value of current flowing in the inductive load 105. Electric current If running in inductance L of the inductive load 105 flows through the current detecting resistance 107, and an average value lavr of the current If running in the inductive load 105 is detected by the average current detecting circuit 114. The average value lavr is converted to a digital data in the A/D converter 111 and then delivered to the drive controlling circuit 112.
The drive controlling circuit 112 generates a PWM signal to perform PID control so that the average value lavr of the load current If running in the inductive load 105 is equal to the target value indicated by the current value controlling information FC, and thus PWM-controls the current If running through the inductive load 105 by ON/OFF-controlling switching elements in the driving circuit 103.
FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing schematically the waveform of the current If through the inductive load 105 in the process of PWM-control by a conventional inductive load drive controlling device.
As shown in FIG. 12, the current If through the inductive load 105 increases during the PWM signal is at a high level and decreases during the PWM signal is at a low level. The current If is so controlled that the average value lavr of the current If equals the target value indicated by the current value controlling information FC.
The state of the PWM signal (a high level or low level) depends on the function of the switching elements used in the driving circuit 103. In the example described above, the switching elements are assumed to turns on at a high level of the PWM signal and turns OFF at a low level of the PWM signal.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example of construction of a hydraulic transmission device for vehicles in which a conventional inductive load controlling device is installed.
As shown in FIG. 13, whole the transmission device is controlled by an electronic control unit 122 that includes drive controlling devices each comprising a driving and controlling circuit 124 for directly controlling a linear solenoid 121, in turn driving a hydraulic pressure control device 120 and a microcomputer 123 for controlling the driving and controlling circuits 124.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-242806 discloses a linear solenoid module that comprises; an interface circuit for receiving a current command value for a solenoid actuator, a characteristic parameter memory element for storing correction characteristic parameters to obtain a uniform characteristic in the solenoid actuator, pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit, a driving circuit, a current detecting resistance for detecting the load current in the solenoid actuator, and a linear solenoid controlling circuit having an average current detecting circuit and a temperature sensor.
Japanese Patent No. 3622436 discloses a solenoid controlling device for controlling a hydraulic pressure control circuit having a solenoid of a vehicle behavior controlling device. The solenoid control device comprises a relaxation processing means for relaxing a target current value corresponding to a status of the vehicle and an electric signal setting means for setting an electric signal to control the solenoid based on the deviation of the current actually flowing in the solenoid from the target current value that has been subjected to the relaxation processing.
Japanese Patent No. 3205444 discloses a solenoid driving device of an automatic transmission, the solenoid driving device having a means for detecting an oil temperature of the automatic transmission and a predetermined map, and controlling a rising characteristic of the solenoid based on both the actual oil temperature of the automatic transmission and the oil temperature inside the solenoid.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H07-077271 discloses a hydraulic pressure control device of an automatic transmission comprising: a means for making a control parameter overshoot temporarily beyond a target command value when the target value to the solenoid is changed and then making the parameter return to the target command value, a means for detecting oil temperature, and a means for determining a degree of the overshooting corresponding to the detected oil temperature.
In the conventional example of FIG. 13, to drive-control the linear solenoid installed in a hydraulic transmission for vehicles, whole the transmission device is controlled by an electronic control unit 122 that includes drive controlling devices each comprising a driving circuit for directly controlling a linear solenoid and a drive controlling circuit for controlling this driving circuit. Since the linear solenoid installed in the transmission has a temperature dependent characteristic, it is necessary, in the process of developing a drive control device, to define a parameter for temperature correction in the control program in the microcomputer installed in the electronic control unit 122. The defined parameter needs to be adjusted in the process of manufacturing the transmission to set an optimum parameter for each transmission device.
Concerning this parameter setting, the conventional example disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-242806 comprises, in the linear solenoid module, an information memory section for storing correction characteristic information to obtain a uniform characteristic and a control circuit for carrying out correction processing based on the correction characteristic information stored in the information memory section. Thus, characteristic correction processing can be performed in the linear solenoid module itself to simplify the parameter adjustment.
Automatic transmission for vehicles, however, needs to meet the demands: that overshoot, undershoot, or ringing does not occur with respect to the target current value, which is referred to as a requirement 1, and that fast responsiveness is necessary to reach the target current value in a short time, which is referred to as a requirement 2.
In the inductive load drive controlling device shown in FIG. 11, the requirement 2 can be met by conducting tuning of a differential control (D control) of the PID compensation control. On the other hand, the requirement 1 is hardly satisfied. Thus, the requirement 1 and the requirement 2 are in a trade-off relationship.
The conventional example disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3622436 can satisfy the requirement 1 owing to a control device that is additionally provided with a filter for relaxation processing. However, optimum control for the requirement 2 cannot be performed because the relaxation processing essentially takes certain time to reach a target current value.
The conventional examples disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3205444 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H07-077271, which perform control with temporary overshoot with respect to the target current value, take into account the oil temperature of the automatic transmission and the oil temperature in the solenoid, and give an amount of overshooting by giving a fixed magnitude of current I and time T irrespective of the changed quantity in the target current value. Thus, optimum control for the requirement 2 cannot be performed.


A drive element includes a drive bore having an entry end within which is formed a sloping entry surface. The entry surface extends from an outer surface of the drive element partially into the drive bore and has discrete portions respectively inclined with respect to a central axis of the drive bore at different slopes. The sloping entry surface may include a portion with a continuously varying slope. A driver is disclosed for use with the drive element.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a drive element for use with a driver. The invention relates in particular to a construction of an entry surface formed at the entry end of a drive bore formed in the drive element.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A drive element for use with a driver typically comprises a body within which is formed a drive bore including a central axis, and a plurality of intersecting flat side surfaces parallel to the central axis for mateably receiving a drive lug of a driver which includes a corresponding plurality of intersecting flat side surfaces and a resiliently retractable ball projecting from one of the side surfaces. In order to facilitate the depression of the ball as the drive lug is inserted into the drive bore, current drive elements comprise a frustoconical entry surface which is formed at an entry end of the drive bore.
The entry surface has been formed at a relatively large acute angle with respect to the central axis of the drive bore to minimize the axial distance which the entry surface extends into the drive bore. The large angle, however, is disadvantageous since it provides only a small lateral component of force against the ball in order to retract it, thereby requiring a large axial force to insert the drive lug in the drive bore.
If, alternatively, the entry surface is formed at a small angle with respect to the central axis of the drive bore to increase the lateral component of force which is applied against the ball in order to retract it, then the entry surface extends too far axially into the drive bore, thereby unduly decreasing the portion of the drive bore which is available for driving engagement with the drive lug.

Drive element with drive bore having compound entry surface


A method for determining sugar concentration using spectropolarimetry and multivariate regression modeling A set of fixed polarizers are used in association with a spectrometer, which enables the measurement of optical rotation as absorbance values over a range of wavelengths. The adverse effects of color within the samples is corrected by measuring a background level of absorbance that is not due to optical rotation and using this as a baseline. A regression model is then developed for predicting sugar concentration in unknown samples. This method is effective even if the sample is colored.

This invention pertains to the determination of sucrose concentration using spectroscopy, polarimetry, and multivariate regression.
Enantiomers are mirror-image isomers that have identical chemical and physical properties, making them difficult to separate and quantify. They can be distinguished optically by means of linearly polarized light. Linearly polarized light is light whose electric vector is confined to a particular plane. When linearly polarized light is passed through a sample containing a chiral molecule, one member of the enantiomeric pair rotates the plane of polarized light in one direction while the other rotates the plane of polarized light in the opposite direction. If the enantiomer rotates the plane of polarized light in a clockwise direction (when viewed by looking back at the source), the enantiomer is referred to as being dextrorotatory. If the enantiomer rotates the plane of polarized light counter-clockwise, it is levorotatory. If the sample contains equal amounts of both enantiomers, it is referred to as being racemic and does not rotate the plane of polarized at all.
A polarimeter is a device used to measure the optical activity of a sample. Polarimeters are well known and consist of a light source, a pair of polarizers, and an eyepiece or detector to measure the intensity of the light.
The sugar industry is by far the largest user of polarimetry today. Since the optical rotation of a sugar solution is proportional to the concentration of the solution, polarimetry is used routinely in the sugar industry to determine the concentration of sugar solutions. Sugar, or sucrose, is conventionally determined by polarimetry with the Clerget method, which consists of observing the difference in optical rotation before and after inversion of the sucrose by hydrolysis to glucose and fructose. One problem with the routine use of polarimetry for determination of the concentration of sugar solutions is coloration of the solution with raw sugar samples. In the conventional method, using the sodium wavelength at 589 nm, clarification is needed with many colored sugar samples like those from dark cane, sorghum, and beet products. To get accurate results, colored solutions need to be decolorized before the optical rotation is measured. Clarification and decolorization are typically accomplished by addition of basic lead acetate. Decolorization with lead acetate creates an expensive chemical disposal problem. Recently, because of concerns over the pollution problems associated with lead acetate, polarimetric measurements in the near infrared region, at about 880 nm, are being used with cane juices after conventional filtration. In this region, the chromagenic centers that cause color do not absorb radiation, so the measurement is not affected by the remaining yellow-brown color. This approach requires a near-infrared ("NIR") polarimeter. While using NIR radiation gets around the color problem, optical rotation decreases with increasing wavelength, so some accuracy may be lost.
The use of a polarized photometric detector in high-performance liquid chromatographic measurement of enantiomeric purity has been described (Yamamoto et al., 1996). The polarizers used were of sheet polarizing metal, which limits the spectral range to about 400 to 700 nm. The use of near-infrared radiation was not mentioned. Furthermore, only a single wavelength was utilized in any given application, which prevents the use of multivariate regression analysis.


A partitioning device for sealingly closing an opening in a working surface is provided. The partitioning device generally includes a panel having a sealing side including a perimeter portion. An adhesive trim is disposed about the perimeter portion on the sealing side. A package trim is removably attached to the adhesive trim, such that when the package trim is removed to expose the adhesive trim the partitioning device can be sealingly adhered to a wall surface surrounding a wall opening.

It is common in the construction industry to seal off a construction area from other areas of the premises to prevent dust, paint fumes, noise, cold air, insects, etc. from entering the protected area. Typically, an opening, such as a door or a window, is sealed with a plastic panel. The panel is usually cut from a large roll of material to a size and shape sufficient to cover the opening. Thereafter, the panel is taped or otherwise secured at its perimeter to the wall surface adjacent the opening. While this system has generally been effective in sealing off protected areas, a job that requires a number of doors and/or windows to be sealed can become detrimentally time-consuming.


A medical appliance securing device. In one embodiment, the device includes a pair of anchoring patches, each of the anchoring patches having an inner edge. A retaining tab extends from and interconnects the inner edges of the anchoring patches. The retaining tab has a first end fixed to the patches and a second end that is free to move relative to patches so that the retaining tab may be wrapped around at least a portion of a medical appliance. Complementary fasteners are adhered to the fixed and free ends of the retaining tab. Both the anchoring patches and the retaining tab are made up of a multi-layer material that includes a breathable non-woven fabric, a pressure-sensitive adhesive adhered to one surface of the fabric, and a moisture-barrier layer adhered to the opposite surface of the fabric.

The present invention relates generally to medical appliance securing devices and more particularly to a novel medical appliance securing device.
Various medical devices, or portions thereof, are shaped as generally tubular members. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, catheters, thermometers, intravenous needles, and various types of electrical wires. There is often a need to secure such devices to or near a patient's body so that the devices can appropriately function. For example, catheters, which are generally long, tubular, flexible conduits used to transport various types of fluids to and from the body of a patient, are often laterally and/or longitudinally fixed to the body of a patient to ensure proper placement and functioning of the catheter, as well as to offer some degree of comfort and mobility for the patient. In particular, some medical procedures involving the use of catheters require the application of a tensile force, known as traction, to the catheter, thus making it particularly necessary to firmly secure the catheter in its longitudinal direction.
To secure a catheter or other medical appliance in the manner indicated above, practitioners have often used one or more strips of conventional, medical-grade, adhesive tape to secure a length of the medical appliance directly to the patient's skin. However, this method has its shortcomings as the adhesive tape tends to become loose over time. In addition, each time that one wishes to adjust the placement of the medical appliance or each time that one wishes to remove the medical appliance from the patient, the adhesive tape must be removed from the skin of the patient, thereby frequently causing irritation and discomfort to the patient.
Consequently, various types of medical appliance securing devices have been devised in an effort to provide the desired restraint and to overcome the disadvantages associated with the use of strips of adhesive tape. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,748, inventor Johnson, which issued Aug. 28, 1979, and which is incorporated herein by reference, there is disclosed a simple, easily applied, catheter securing device. The catheter securing device includes two main parts having adhesive thereon for temporary attachment to the limb of a patient. In addition, the device includes a narrow bridge connecting the two main parts. The narrow bridge is also provided with adhesive and is foldable on itself to form a double member. Fasteners, such as snap fasteners or VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners, are positioned on the narrow bridge in such a way that the catheter tube may be releasably held by the narrow bridge in a desired orientation to a patient.
Another example of a medical appliance securing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,700, inventor Tollini, which issued Dec. 11, 1990, and which is incorporated herein by reference. In this patent, there is disclosed a securing device for securing to a patient's skin or to a support, a medical device such as tubing, a catheter, an intravenous needle, or the like, including an elongated tape having base portions and a central tab formed integrally therewith, pressure-sensitive tape on the base portions and on an exposed window of the tab, and hook and pile fastener portions on opposite sides of the exposed adhesive on the tab and on the base portion facing the exposed adhesive. A method of fabricating a securing device consisting of the steps of providing a strip of pressure-sensitive tape with release paper thereon, cutting out a window in a central portion of the strip of tape, removing release paper from the central portion of the pressure-sensitive tape, folding the central portion on itself to cause the facing exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive parts to adhere to each other and to provide a window of pressure-sensitive tape defined by the window which was cut out with the remainder of the strip forming a base, and securing hook and pile fastener material on opposite sides of the window of pressure-sensitive tape on the tab and on the portion of the securing device adjacent thereto which constitutes a base.
Still another example of a medical appliance securing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,322, inventors Bowen et al., which issued Sep. 15, 1992, and which is incorporated herein by reference. In this patent, there is disclosed a securing device for laterally and longitudinally securing generally tubular members having various diameters to any desired location on the surface of a patient's skin or other support. The device comprises an anchoring patch having one surface coated with adhesive for bonding the device to a patient's skin or some other support. A retaining tab is connected to the anchoring patch and contains an aperture such that the retaining tab may be wrapped around the circumference of the tubular member, inserted through the aperture, and firmly secured to the anchoring patch through the use of fastening means.
Still yet another example of a medical appliance securing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,146, inventors Johnson et al., which issued Apr. 19, 1994, and which is incorporated herein by reference. In this patent, there is disclosed a device for securing a generally tubular member of a medical appliance to a support surface. In one embodiment, the device comprises an anchoring patch, the anchoring patch including a first segment and a second segment and having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is coated with an adhesive for attaching the anchoring patch to the support surface. A pair of flexible retaining tabs extend from and interconnect the inner edges of the first and second segment, the flexible retaining tabs being of sufficient length to helically wrap around the circumference of the generally tubular member and contact the top surface of the anchoring patch. First fasteners are secured to the free ends of the flexible retaining tabs and a pair of complementary fasteners are spaced outwardly relative to the tabs and are secured to the top surface of said anchoring patch. A generally tubular member may be retained in the device either by helically wrapping the flexible retaining tabs around the circumference of the generally tubular member and then coupling together the fasteners or by positioning the generally tubular member between the flexible tabs and the complementary fasteners and looping the retaining tabs over the generally tubular member and then coupling together the fasteners.
Still yet another example of a medical appliance securing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,660, inventor Russo, which issued Jul. 16, 2002, and which is incorporated herein by reference. In this patent, there is disclosed a tube holder and a method for manufacturing the tube holder. The tube holder includes a base for attachment to a surface, for example, a patient's skin, and a tab for securing the tube to the base. According to one embodiment, the tube holder includes a first layer having first and second sides and first and second sections, and a second layer having first and second sides and first and second sections. The first sides of the first and second layers are attached to one another in the first sections of the first and second layers, the second sections of the first sides of the first and second layers are unattached to one another, and the first sections of the first and second layers form the tab and the second sections form the base. The tube holder also includes a third layer attached to the second side of the first layer for receiving a tube.
Still a further example of a medical appliance securing device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0041233 A1, inventor Bowen, which was published Feb. 23, 2006, and which is incorporated herein by reference. In this patent application, there is disclosed an apparatus for releasably securing an appliance on or adjacent a person. The apparatus includes a base and a flap or tongue attached to the base. The tongue may be wrapped around portions of an appliance and then attached to the base to releasably secure the appliance to the base. The base is formed from a first layer of material. The tongue is formed from a second layer of material disposed on the first layer. One or more of the layers is formed from medical grade adhesive tape or any other type of generally flexible material compatible with placement on a person's skin. Some embodiments may include multiple tongues to releasably secure one appliance or multiple appliances to a single base.
An example of a commercially available medical appliance securing device is the CATH-SECURE™ medical appliance securing device, which is available from the present assignee, M.C. Johnson Company, Inc. (Naples, Fla.). The CATH-SECURE™ medical appliance securing device, which corresponds generally to the device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,748, is formed by cutting a sheet of DURAPORE® surgical tape into two anchoring patches interconnected by a narrow bridge. (DURAPORE® surgical tape, which is commercially available from 3M Corporation (St. Paul, Minn.), is a tape consisting of a woven, polyester cloth backing having an acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to one surface thereof.) The narrow bridge is then folded onto and adhered to itself to form a double member retaining tab. VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners are then adhered to the double member retaining tab at locations such that a medical tube may be releasably held by the retaining tab in a desired orientation to a patient.
Although the aforementioned CATH-SECURE™ medical appliance securing device and other similar commercially available devices function reasonably well under dry conditions, the present inventors have observed that, under very humid or wet conditions, the VELCRO® hook and loop fasteners tend to peel away from the DURAPORE®-constructed retaining tab and/or anchoring patch to which they are adhered. As a result, these types of medical appliance securing devices typically cannot be worn by a patient while bathing unless appropriate steps are taken to prevent the device from coming into contact with water. As can be appreciated, such steps may be very inconvenient to a patient.


This application provides an example communication method and apparatus. The communication method is performed in a communications system, where N antenna ports are configured for the terminal device, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the N antenna ports correspond to T antenna port combination modes, each antenna port combination mode corresponds to M antenna ports in the N antenna ports, and each antenna port combination mode set includes at least one antenna port combination mode. The communication method includes receiving, by the network device, first indication information from the terminal device, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first antenna port combination mode set. The method also includes determining, by the network device, K antenna ports in the N antenna ports based on the first antenna port combination mode set and sending, by the network device, second indication information to the terminal device.

A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology is widely used in a long term evolution (LTE) system. In an existing LTE protocol, a network device may have 32 transmit antenna ports, while a terminal device may have four receive antenna ports. However, to support the sending of uplink data, the terminal device needs to connect a power amplifier (PA) to a corresponding antenna port. For example, to support parallel data transmission over X transmit antenna ports, the terminal device usually needs X power amplifiers. In other words, one power amplifier is matched for each transmit antenna port. Because construction costs of the power amplifier are relatively high, a terminal having a capability of four transmit antenna ports is not quite common.
In the prior art, one or two PAs are configured for the terminal device. A connection between the PA and the antenna port of the terminal device may be dynamically changed, and the terminal device is capable of dynamically adjusting an antenna port for sending an uplink signal. Therefore, how to dynamically select the antenna port from a plurality of antenna ports of the terminal device to transmit the uplink signal becomes a technical problem to be urgently resolved.

Communication method, communications apparatus, and communications system


An integrated circuit comprises a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of islands formed at a principal surface of the substrate and isolated from one another by a PN junction, an interlayer insulating film formed to substantially cover the principal surface of the substrate, and a capacitor formed in a selected one of the islands and having a dielectric layer which is formed within an opening formed in the interlayer insulating film above the selected island. The dielectric layer is constituted of a multilayer film including a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride film extending to cover the interlayer insulating film. A power supply line conductor is formed on the interlayer insulating film, and the silicon nitride film is completely removed from a portion of the interlayer insulating film directly under the power supply line conductor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit, and more specifically, to a silicon nitride film used in a capacitor formed in a semiconductor integrated circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
In a conventional semiconductor integrated circuit in accordance with a high voltage bipolar process, an epitaxial layer grown on a whole surface of a substrate is divided into a plurality of islands isolated from one another by PN junctions. In each of the islands thus formed, a circuit element such as a transistor, a capacitor or a resistor is formed.
For example, a capacitor is formed in some of the islands. The capacitor includes a lower electrode constituted of an diffusion layer formed in the epitaxial layer within the island, and a dielectric layer composed of a thin silicon oxide film and a thin silicon nitride film, which are formed after selectively removing in a first contact formation process an interlayer insulating film formed to cover the whole surface of the epitaxial layer. After formation of the thin silicon oxide film and the thin silicon nitride film, a metal layer such as an aluminum layer is sputtered so as to form not only an upper electrode of the capacitor but also a power supply line conductor in other regions.
Here, the silicon nitride used as the dielectric layer reforms or rectifies a curvature of the semiconductor substrate caused by a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the semiconductor substrate and a silicon oxide film which constitutes the interlayer insulating film. H. Mikoshiba et al reported that a h.sub.FE parameter--current characteristics of transistors can be improved in a wide range by correcting the curvature of the semiconductor substrate (See Journal of Electrochemical Society, Vol. 123, No. 10, October 1976, pp. 1539.about.1545).
However, the silicon nitride film is formed not only in a region of the capacitor, but also on the whole of the semiconductor integrated circuit, and the silicon nitride film is selectively etched in only positions where the diffusion layer and a metal conductor are connected to each other.
In the conventional semiconductor integrated circuit, if a portion of the interlayer film other than predetermined opening formation positions is removed in the first contact formation process by any unexpected cause, a structure of a thin nitride film and a thin oxide film (called a "pin hole structure" hereinafter) is formed.
If the pin hole structure exists under the power supply line conductor, since the silicon nitride has a some degree of withstand voltage, integrated circuits having the pin hole structure will pass a product inspection conducted in the process of manufacturing the semiconductor integrated circuits, and therefore, delivered into a market.
However, even if the integrated circuit having the pin hole structure operates as a non-defective product, carriers are accumulated by injection of a current into the nitride film/oxide film from the power supply line conductor, so that a local electric field gradually becomes intense. If the gradually intensified local electric field exceeds a certain limit, the film is broken down.
In the case of a high voltage bipolar transistor, a voltage of about 50 V is applied between the power supply line and the semiconductor substrate. Therefore, failure of the semiconductor integrated circuit caused by the above mentioned breakdown will cause destruction of a package or failure of an external device. Thus, a shipping of the integrated circuits having the pin hole structure under the power supply line conductor has become a significant problem.

Semiconductor integrated circuit having silicon nitride provided as insulator of capacitor


An input device, e.g., for a motor vehicle, includes: a display for the visual representation of an operating element; a touch screen disposed above the display for detecting a touching contact of the touch screen in the region of the operating element; and a control system for displacing the operating element, represented with the aid of the display, according to a touching motion across the touch screen, and the input device including an actuator for deflecting the touch screen when the operating element attains a predefined position or is moved a predefined distance.

German Published Patent Application No. 201 02 197, for example, describes a touch screen for visually representing electronic signals and for touch input of signs and symbols for confirmation purposes, the touch screen including a functional plane for visual representation and keystroke input, and a higher-level protective plane corresponding thereto that is deformable at certain points. In this context, when certain points of the functional plane are selected by touching contact across the protective plane, at least one confirmation signal is generated at the position of the point of contact in the deformed protective plane so as to be perceptible for the user's sense of touch (haptic stimulus), and the confirmation signal for the sense of touch (haptic stimulus) is generated by vibration elements eccentrically positioned within and/or underneath the functional plane. In addition, in the touch screen, the generated vibrations are transmitted from the functional plane to the protective plane as the result of direct contacting of the two planes and/or via the edge regions of the planes by way of rigid or elastic connecting elements.
Touch screen are also described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,565 and European Published Patent Application No. 0 920 704. Suitable touch screens may be purchased from 3M™ (cf. www.3m.com), for example. Additional details of touch screens are described in European Published Patent Application No. 1 560 102, for example.
In German Published Patent Application No. 201 80 024 and PCT International Published Patent Application No. WO 01/54109, a touch-sensitive control featuring haptic feedback for inputting signals into a computer and for outputting forces to a user of the touch-sensitive control is described for haptic feedback, the touch-sensitive control having a touch-sensitive input device which has a virtually planar touch-screen surface that is operated such that, on the basis of a position on the touch-screen surface touched by a user, a positional signal is input into a processor of the computer, the positional signal reproducing the position in two dimensions. The touch-sensitive control described in PCT International Published Patent Application No. WO 01/54109 also has at least one actuator connected to the touch-screen input device, the actuator outputting a force to the touch-screen input device to provide the user touching the touch-screen surface with a haptic sensation, the actuator outputting the force directly to the touch-screen input device on the basis of force information output by the processor.
Haptic feedback is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,846, PCT International Published Patent Application No. WO 03/038800, U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,902, PCT International Published Patent Application No. WO 99/26230, PCT International Published Patent Application No. WO 97/21160, German Published Patent Application No. 200 22 244, and PCT International Published Patent Application No. WO 03/41046.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,435 describes a touch panel.
German Published Patent Application No. 197 31 285 describes an operating element for a device having a plurality of selectable menus, functions, and/or functional values, which has a surface that is visible to the user and via which the selection may be made by a local movement or touching contact of the operating surface. The form of the surface can be altered to conform to the selected and/or selectable menu, function and/or functional value.


The present invention aims to provide an optical compensation film that allows superior phase difference between a first optically anisotropic layer and a second optically anisotropic layer and excellent wavelength dispersibility in terms of front and inclined retardation of liquid crystal layers in liquid crystal cells, a polarizing plate containing the optical compensation film, and a liquid-crystal display device that can display superior images with less color change due to the polarizing plate.

Liquid crystal display devices are typically equipped with liquid crystal cells and polarizing plates. The polarizing plates, typically formed of a protective film and a polarizing film, are produced by dying a polarizing film of polyvinyl alcohol films by use of iodine and stretching the film, then laminating the protective film to the both sides. In liquid crystal display devices of transmission-type, in some cases, the polarizing plates are attached to both sides of liquid crystal cells and also one or more optical compensation films are disposed. Liquid crystal display devices of reflection-type are typically formed from a reflective plate, a liquid crystal cell, one or more of optical compensation films, and a polarizing plate in this order.
The liquid crystal cells are typically formed from liquid crystal molecules, two sheets of substrates to enclose them, and electrode layers to apply a voltage to the liquid crystal molecules. There are many proposals for the liquid crystal cells that can display ON or OFF depending on the difference of orientation conditions of the liquid crystal molecules; examples of the display mode adapted to transmissive and reflective types include TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), OCB (Optically Compensatory Bend), VA (Vertically Aligned), ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence) and FFS (Fringe Field Switching).
The optical compensation films are utilized in various liquid crystal display devices in order to erase image colors or to widen view angles. Stretched birefringent polymer films are conventionally utilized for the optical compensation films. In addition, optical compensation films having an optical compensation layer formed from lower-molecular-weight or higher-molecular-weight liquid crystal molecules on a transparent support are proposed as alternatives of the optical compensation films of the stretched birefringent polymer films. The liquid crystal molecules, by virtue of wide variety of orientation configurations, can achieve optical properties that are impossible for the conventional stretched birefringent polymer films. In addition, combined constructions of protective films and optical compensation films are also proposed by way that a birefringent property is added to a protective film of polarizing plates.
The optical properties of the optical compensation films depend on the optical properties of liquid crystal cells, more specifically, depend on the difference of the display mode described above. The liquid crystal molecules may bring about the production of optical compensation films having various optical properties corresponding to various display modes of liquid crystal cells. The optical compensation films with liquid crystal molecules have been already proposed variously corresponding to display modes. For example, optical compensation films for parallel aligned liquid crystal cells perform to optically compensate the liquid crystal molecules aligned parallel on a surface of substrates as well as to increase view properties of orthogonal transmissivity of polarizing plates (see Patent Literature 1).
As such, the optical compensation films are nowadays an indispensable member for liquid crystal display devices, thus it has become essential to control precisely retardation of the optical compensation films.
Concerning the control of the retardation, for example, an optical compensation film with an optically anisotropic layer is proposed in Patent literature 2, in which the retardation can be easily adjusted through orientation control of liquid crystal compounds. Non-Patent Literature 1 describes that orientation of rod-like liquid crystal compounds on orienting films depends on a magnitude relation of the surface tensions of the orienting films and the liquid crystal compounds. Non-Patent Literature 2 describes that pretilt angle differs depending on carbon chain lengths of the orienting films at the time of orienting rod-like liquid crystal compounds.
However, there appears no description in the Non-Patent Literatures 1 and 2 with respect to the orientation of disc-like liquid crystal compounds described in the Patent Literature 2.
On the other hand, a technique is proposed to control the orientation of the disc-like liquid crystal compounds on the basis of I/O values of the orienting films (see Patent Literature 3); however, there is no disclosure with respect to the relation between the orienting films and liquid crystal compounds or properties of liquid crystal compounds.
Accordingly, such techniques are currently demanded to be developed that can control easily the retardation of optically anisotropic layers by way of defining the relation between the orienting films and liquid crystal compounds or selecting properties of liquid crystal compounds, and can improve contrast and reduce color-shift as a function of view angles through optically compensating liquid crystal cells by use of the optical compensation films.
Furthermore, in relation to the optical compensation films, inexpensive liquid crystal display devices are desired in which the contrast is improved and color-change as a function of view angles is reduced through optically compensating liquid crystal cells and lessening luminescence defects.
Patent Literature 4 proposes a method for producing an optical compensation film that can satisfy desirable optical properties and also attain progress of productivity by use of liquid crystal compounds having a polymerizable group. Patent Literatures 5 and 6 propose methods for producing an optical compensation film using liquid crystal compounds with polymerizable groups other than those of Patent Literature 4.
However, it is believed that these proposals could hardly attain the objects described above, since there is no description of techniques with respect to improvement of storage stability that is an essential or inherent problem in relation to polymerizable liquid crystal compounds.    Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent (JP-B) No. 3342417    Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 08-50206    Patent Literature 3: JP-A No. 07-333431    Patent Literature 4: JP-B No. 2692035    Patent Literature 5: JP-A No. 2005-122155    Patent Literature 6: JP-A No. 2005-122156    Non-Patent Literature 1: J. Applied Physics (1976) 47, p. 1270    Non-Patent Literature 2: Synthetic Metals (2001) 117, p. 267

Optical compensation film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device

Abstract: In order to attain the object, an optical compensation film etc. is provided that comprises at least a first optically anisotropic layer and a second optically anisotropic layer, wherein the first optically anisotropic layer satisfies at least one of the following Equations (i) to (iii):1≦Re1450)(0°)/Re1650)(0°)≦1.25:  Equation (i)1≦Re1450)(40°)/Re1650)(40°)≦1.25:  Equation (ii)1≦Re1450)(−40°)/Re1650)(−40°)≦1.25:  Equation (iii).


An exhaust gas after-treatment mixing device comprises a casing, a mixing pipe located in the casing and a partition plate separating the casing into an upstream space and a downstream space. The mixing pipe comprises a first pipe portion located in the upstream space and a second pipe portion located in the downstream space. The first pipe portion is provided with at least two first openings located on two sides of the first pipe portion, respectively. A shielding plate shields an upstream portion of at least one of the first openings. The shielding plate is shaped and positioned within the casing to urge exhaust gas flowing through the upstream space away from the first end of the mixing pipe and around the shielding plate prior to entering the first openings.

Studies have shown that the uniformity of ammonia distribution in the exhaust gas after-treatment system (such as Selective Catalytic Reduction system, SCR system) has a significant impact on the overall performance and durability of the system. If the ammonia distribution is not uniform, it will cause too much ammonia in the local area and easily cause ammonia leakage, while in other ammonia-thin areas, the conversion efficiency of nitrogen oxides (NOx) will be too low. The uneven distribution of ammonia over a long period of time will lead to uneven aging of the catalyst, which will affect the overall performance of the catalyst. In addition, the uneven distribution of urea droplets will cause the temperature of the local pipe wall or the mixed structure to be too low, forming crystals, and in severe cases, the exhaust pipe will be blocked, resulting in a decrease in engine power performance.

Exhaust gas after-treatment mixing device

TENNECO (SUZHOU) EMISSION SYSTEM CO., LTD.


A molding system and related method for forming a molded article, such as a container, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the injection material is supplied though a side gate and drawn into the mold cavity using a vacuum assist and optional heating of the mold portions, if necessary. This creates a preform having a closed end with a smooth outer surface without gate marks or other vestiges of the injection molding process. The preform is then blow molded to form an article or container having a smooth outer surface adjacent to a closed end thereof.

The present invention is directed to the molding of plastic containers or articles and, more particularly, to a molding system and related method using combined blow molding and injection molding techniques to form an article or container having a smooth outer surface adjacent to a closed end thereof.
The use of molded plastic containers continues to grow in the consumer market at a rapid rate and promises to continue in years to come. For many products, such as liquid or semi-liquid (viscous) cosmetics or the like, the plastic container, such as a bottle or jar, is by far the most popular. Advantageously, a plastic container is not only non-breakable, but can be molded into different shapes so as to be very attractive, as well as functional. In addition, from a cost standpoint, the use of plastic is competitive with the other materials often used to form containers, such as glass.
One of the most popular containers used for cosmetics, as well as other liquid and semi-liquid products, is the blow molded bottle or jar. Usually, the containers are fabricated of a clear, translucent or opaque plastic material. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with additives for varying light transmission and/or color is used to form most types of cosmetic containers. Of course, other materials can also be chosen depending on various factors, such as the type of product contained, the desired size or shape of the container, the expected or required service life, any recycling/environmental considerations, or inherent cost constraints.
In addition to merely containing the product, the container should have an appearance that is pleasing to the eye, since the aesthetics may ultimately influence the customer""s decision to select one product over another and/or consummate the purchase. As noted above, the attractiveness of the container may be significantly enhanced by forming it having a distinctive or irregular shape, as well as by using eye-catching colors and intricate surface patterns or designs. Many different types of containers embodying some or all of these features are well known in the art, and are commonly used as part of an overall marketing strategy in an effort to boost sales over the competition.
In the case of the popular blow molded plastic container, a preform created using conventional injection molding techniques is blown and/or stretched into a mold cavity, usually with the simultaneous application of heat. The preform is typically formed in a tubular shape, with a neck adjacent to the open end and a xe2x80x9cbottomxe2x80x9d area at the opposite, closed end that may form the support surface or bottom of the resulting container once blow molding is complete. The neck normally includes the opening that receives the blow air and/or stretch rod, as well as the threads that allow for a cap or cover to be removably secured to contain and/or dispense the product held in the container. The neck typically does not experience any stretching during blow molding, which allows the size and shape of the threads and opening to be predetermined.
One limitation resulting from the conventional injection molding process is the creation of a mark or vestige in the preform at the location where the material is injected through a gate in the mold leading to the cavity. In the usual process, this gate mark is located at the outside surface adjacent to the closed end of the tubular preform. Hence, it is also present at this same location in the resulting blow molded article or container.
For articles or containers that are positioned upright in use, the gate mark is usually hidden from view and does not significantly detract from the overall aesthetics or appearance (although from a functional standpoint, it may be necessary to contour the bottom portion of the blow mold cavity such that a support lip or ledge is defined around the gate mark to prevent it from affecting the ability of the article or container to stand upright). However, the presence of the gate mark on the container is still unacceptable in some instances, including when: (1) the container is inverted in use, in which case the outer surface adjacent to the closed end of the preform becomes the outer surface of the upper portion of the container; and/or (2) a decoration, such as a stamping, engraving, label, or the like is to be placed on the closed end of the container over the area where the gate mark is usually located.
To move the gate mark to a less obtrusive location, others in the past have proposed using a side or neck gating technique to form an injection molded preform that is later blow molded into a hollow container. Perhaps the earliest examples are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,947,176 and 3,881,854, both to Rainville, which concern forming spherical, smooth bottomed, blow-molded articles, such as Christmas ornaments, using combined injection and blow molding techniques. A more recent example is found in Coca-Cola""s U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,081 to Schloss et al. The ""081 patent is primarily directed to forming a multi-layered preform using side gating techniques, which is supposed to enhance the strength of the bottom area of the resulting blow molded container by eliminating the undesirable crystallization that results from the conventional location of the gate mark at the closed end. The disclosures of each of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.
While these techniques may allow for the creation of a blow molded container having the desired smooth outer surface along a closed end, it is extraordinarily difficult in practice to ensure that the injection material penetrates or reaches all areas of the corresponding mold cavity when only a single side or neck gate is used. If sufficient penetration is not achieved, air bubbles, thin areas or holes may be created in the preform, which may render it unsuitable for later use in blow molding. While defective containers created from such misformed preforms may of course be recycled, the end result is an increase in cost and a decrease in the efficiency of the overall molding operation. Accordingly, the need for an improvement in the combined injection and blow molding art, especially in terms of reliability and efficiency, is identified.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a method of forming a container having an open end and a closed end using combined injection and blow molding techniques is disclosed. The method includes injecting a material through a side gate into an injection mold cavity having a closed end portion, drawing the material into the injection mold cavity using a vacuum, and cooling the material in the mold cavity to form a tubular preform with a closed end having a substantially smooth outer surface. The method further includes blow molding the preform to create the container having a predetermined shape. As a result of forming the preform using the side gate along with a vacuum assist, the resulting blow molded container has a substantially smooth outer surface along the closed end that is free from defects.
In one embodiment, the injection mold cavity includes a neck portion, and the injecting step comprises injecting the material through the gate to the neck portion of the injection mold cavity. Also, at least a portion of the injection mold cavity may be defined by a porous material, in which case the step of drawing the material into the injection mold cavity comprises placing a vacuum source in fluid communication with the porous material. The vacuum action thus created assists in ensuring that the injection material completely fills the injection mold cavity. Preferably, at least part of a closed end portion of the injection mold cavity is defined by the porous material. Also, the step of drawing the material into the injection mold cavity may comprise substantially completely evacuating the mold cavity prior to injecting the material. The method may also include the step of heating one or both of an injection core or pin and at least one portion of the injection mold bounding the injection mold cavity, possibly including the porous material or insert, prior to the injecting step.
The step of blow molding the preform to create the container may comprise positioning the preform in a mold having at least two mating mold portions. The blow mold thus defines a cavity contoured to provide the container with a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of substantially square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or triangular. In one particular embodiment, the step of blow molding the preform to create the container includes positioning the preform in a mold having at least two mating portions that define a pyramid-shaped blow mold cavity. Accordingly, the resulting container is pyramid-shaped and includes a substantially smooth support surface. The step of blow molding may further include stretch blow molding a preform in a blow mold cavity using a stretch rod such that a portion of the preform is forced into engagement with a corresponding portion of the blow mold.
In addition, the method may further comprise the step of either embossing, engraving, or printing an indicia or placing a label on a smooth support surface of the container. This step may include placing a label or decal in a blow mold adjacent to the closed end of the preform prior to blow molding, or simply applying the label or decal on the container once it is removed from the mold.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a system for molding an aesthetically and functionally enhanced container is disclosed. The system comprises an injection mold including a closed-end mold cavity for receiving an injection material through a side gate for forming a tubular preform having an open end and a closed end with a substantially smooth outer surface. A vacuum source is provided in communication with the mold cavity for drawing the material into the mold cavity to form the preform. The preform is then expanded using a blow mold apparatus to form the container, which as a result of the side gating and vacuum assist has a substantially smooth outer surface that is free from defects or gate marks.
In one embodiment, the injection mold cavity includes a neck portion for forming a neck of the preform adjacent to the open end thereof. The side gate may be located at or adjacent to the neck portion of the injection mold cavity, and may further include a conical exit portion so as to minimize the point of contact made with the preform once injection is complete. Also, at least a portion of the injection mold is comprised of a porous material at least partially defining the closed end of the injection mold cavity, in which case the vacuum source communicates with the porous material to maintain the vacuum in the injection mold cavity. To further improve the flow of material into the injection mold cavity, a heater may also be provided for heating one or more portions of the injection mold, including one or both of the core or pin and the porous material, prior to injecting the material.
In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a method of forming an aesthetically and functionally enhanced container using combined injection and blow molding techniques is disclosed. The method comprises maintaining a vacuum in an injection mold cavity having a neck portion and a closed end portion for creating a tubular preform having an open end; injecting a material into the injection mold cavity through a gate located adjacent to the neck portion of the injection mold cavity and substantially away from the closed end portion; and cooling the material in the injection cavity to form the preform and create any mark or vestige of the gate at the neck portion adjacent to the open end. The preform then undergoes blow molding to create the container with an opening and a closed end having a substantially smooth outer surface.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, a system for molding an aesthetically and functionally enhanced container from a preform is disclosed. The system comprises an injection mold including a mold cavity having a closed end and a neck portion communicating with a side gate. Material is injected into the cavity through the side gate to form a tubular preform with an open end and a closed end having a substantially smooth outer surface. A vacuum source is provided for creating a negative pressure in the injection mold cavity at least partially during the injection of the material, and preferably both before and during the injection process. A blow molding apparatus is also provided for forming the preform into a container having a preselected shape. The resulting container is substantially free of defects and includes a closed end having a substantially smooth outer surface as the result of the positioning of the gate in the injection mold and the vacuum assist.
In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, a product container formed by blow molding a preform created by an injection molding process is disclosed. The container comprises a body having an opening for receiving a product, at least three sidewalls, and a connector wall contiguous with the sidewall. The connector wall and sidewall each have a substantially smooth outer surface with no gate mark or vestige resulting from the injection molding of the preform from which the container is formed. In one embodiment, the three sidewalls and the contiguous connector wall are each triangular in shape, whereby the product container is in the shape of a four-sided pyramid. In another embodiment, a fourth sidewall contiguous with at least two of the three sidewalls forming the container is provided, and the connector wall is substantially square in shape and contiguous with each of said at least four sidewalls. In a particular embodiment, the four sidewalls are triangular in shape, whereby the container is in the shape of a five-sided pyramid. A decoration or indicia may also be formed on or in the connector wall to identify the product or enhance the aesthetic appearance of the container, and a cap may be provided for covering or sealing the opening in the container.
In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention, a method of forming a container having an open end and a closed end using combined injection and blow molding techniques is disclosed. The method comprises injecting a material through a single side gate into an injection mold cavity having an open end portion, a neck portion, and a closed end portion. The side gate is positioned adjacent to the neck portion and at least part of the mold cavity is bounded by a porous material. The method further includes assisting the material in filling the injection mold cavity using a vacuum in fluid communication with the porous material and cooling the material in the mold cavity to form a tubular preform with a closed end having a substantially smooth outer surface. The preform is then blow molded into a container having a predetermined shape and a substantially smooth outer surface along the closed end as a result of forming the preform using the side gate.
In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention, a system for molding an aesthetically and functionally enhanced container is disclosed. The system comprises an injection mold including a closed-end mold cavity. An injection material is supplied to the cavity through a side gate to form a tubular preform having an open end and a closed end with a substantially smooth outer surface. At least part of the mold cavity is bounded by a porous material, preferably one having a pore size preferably in the range of between about 5-100 microns. A vacuum source is provided in communication with the porous material for assisting in drawing the material into the mold cavity to form the preform. A blow mold apparatus is also provided for forming the container from the preform such that it has a substantially smooth outer surface adjacent to a closed end.

Molding system and related method using a side-gated injection mold with vacuum assist and resulting blow molded article


A die bonding apparatus for die bonding at least two members, which are heated in a heat treatment furnace, comprising a first member having a surface to be die bonded on which solder is disposed and a second member disposed to face the first member in a state in which the solder disposed on the surface of the first member to be die bonded is interposed therebetween, and a base portion for mounting the first member thereon in a predetermined position, wherein the base portion has a temperature distribution so that a temperature of a vicinity of a central portion in a predetermined direction of the base portion is higher than that of a vicinity of an end portion of the base portion in a state in which heating is effected in the heat treatment furnace to, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of bubbles in the solder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a die bonding apparatus for die bonding, for example, a semiconductor chip to a substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In various electronic apparatuses, chips which are semiconductor devices are mounted as component parts. During the operation of a chip, the chip generates heat by being energized, and its temperature rises; however, there is a problem in that if the temperature of the chip rises excessively, its operation becomes unstable. To solve this problem, the chip is soldered, i.e., die bonded, to a substrate which also serves as a heat sink. The chip is die bonded to the substrate whereby the heat generated during the operation of the chip is radiated through the substrate. Therefore, the excessive temperature rise of the chip is suppressed, thereby maintaining the stable operation of the chip.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating in a simplified form the state in which a chip 1 is die bonded to a substrate 2. The die bonding of the chip 1 with respect to the substrate 2 is generally effected as follows: Foil-like solder 3 is supplied to the surface of the substrate 2 to be die bonded, and the chip 1 is disposed on the side of the solder 3 which is opposite to a side of the solder 3 facing the substrate 2, such that the surface of the chip 1 to be die bonded is in contact with the solder 3. Namely, the chip 1, the solder 3, and the substrate 2 are arranged in that order such that the solder 3 is interposed between the chip 1 and the substrate 2. The chip 1 and the substrate 2 with the solder 3 interposed therebetween are loaded in, for example, a heat treatment furnace, and are heated to a temperature above the melting point of the solder 3. After the solder 3 melts and is filled in the gap between the chip 1 and the substrate 2, the chip 1, the substrate 2, and the solder 3 are cooled down to room temperature, thereby completing die bonding.
There are cases where bubbles 4 are produced in the solder 3 bonding the chip 1 and the substrate 2 owing to the entrainment of air or an atmospheric gas which is present in the heat treatment furnace or by an organic gas evaporating from the chip and the substrate which are die bonded. Since the portions of the bubbles 4 formed in the solder 3 are cavities, the thermal conductivity is extremely low in these portions as compared with the solder 4. The plurality of zigzag lines 5 in FIG. 11 schematically show the state in which the heat generated in the chip 1 during operation passes through the solder 3 and the substrate 2 and is radiated. The heat generated in the chip 1 is conducted toward the substrate 2, as indicated by the zigzag lines 5, but the heat is substantially not conducted at the portions of the bubbles 4 where the thermal conductivity is low. Accordingly, as for the heat generated in the chip 1, if the bubble 4 are present in the solder 3, the thermal conductivity declines appreciably at the portions of the bubbles 4, so that smooth heat conduction to the substrate 2 is hampered, and the temperature of the chip 1 rises undesirably.
In addition, if the bubbles 4 are present in the solder 3, the area of bonding between the chip 1 and the substrate 2 decreases, so that the bonding surface is subjected to thermal stresses occurring due to the repetition of the temperature rise and cooling during the operation and non-operation of the chip 1, thereby promoting the deterioration of the bonding surface. For this reason, it is necessary to suppress the occurrence of the bubbles 4 in the solder 3 at the time of die bonding the chip 1 and the substrate 2.
In the related art for suppressing the occurrence of bubbles in the solder at the time of die bonding, for instance, there is a method for controlling the temperature profile of the heat treatment furnace for melting and solidifying the solder. By controlling the temperature profile of the heat treatment furnace, a gas which causes the formation of bubbles is sufficiently removed from the solder during the melting and solidification of the solder, thereby suppressing the formation of the bubbles. However, with the method for controlling the temperature profile, there are problems in that it is impossible to obtain a noticeable effect in suppressing the occurrence of bubbles, that the temperature profile changes depending on the types of chips and substrates, and that time is required until the completion of die bonding, resulting in a decline in the efficiency.
In addition, as another example in the related art for suppressing the occurrence of bubbles, JP-A-5-283449, for example, discloses a technique wherein solder is remelted, and bubbles in the solder are removed by imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the solder at the time of remelting. In this related art, however, since the solder subjected once to die bonded is remelted, there is a problem in that the number of processes increases, resulting in a decline in the production efficiency. In addition, since a device for imparting ultrasonic vibrations is required, there is a problem in that the apparatus becomes large in size and complex.
Furthermore, as other examples of the related art for suppressing the occurrence of bubbles, JP-A-63-76461 and JP-A-2-161736, for example, disclose techniques wherein grooves or holes are formed in the substrate, and a gas which causes the occurrence of bubbles is allowed to escape through the grooves or holes formed in the substrate, so as to suppress the occurrence of the bubbles. In these examples of the related art, however, since the grooves or holes are formed in the substrate, there is a problem in that the strength of the substrate declines. In addition, since the substrate must be formed in advance, there is a problem in that the number of working processes increases, resulting in a decline in the production efficiency.


The object to provide a child safety seat with which the user is able to restrain and fasten a child in a child safety seat in a optimal way is solved by the child safety seat with the five point harness according to the invention comprises a two tongue buckle, whereby the two tongue buckle comprises guiding means through which webbing is guided and the webbing comprises stopping means to allow a predetermined length of webbing to run through the guiding means and retracting means operatively connected to at least one part of the webbing.

It's known from the art that child safety seat with a five point harness and two tongue buckle will be fixed to the base or the frame structure of the car seat by bringing the two tongue buckle in alignment and engaging the tongues with the corresponding mother piece of the buckle to lock the buckle.
It is the purpose of the two tongue buckle as known in the art for several years to avoid misuse by accidently pressing the release button of the buckle. To ensure that only older children are able to open and release the buckle, at certain minimum amount of manual force needs to be applied to the opening button to press the button in a certain direction in order to release the two tongue buckle.
It is also a known problem in the art to fasten a child in a child safety seat with a predetermined force in order to ensure optimal restrained conditions in a child safety seat. A known solution to this problem is to have an adjuster strap situated underneath the two tongue buckle whereby the adjuster strap is connected to the harness in order to tighten the harness once the child is positioned properly in the child safety seat. In many known child safety seats the webbing runs through several openings and is guided through pulleys and reverse rollers to guarantee that the entire webbing of the five point harness can be tightened by a single adjuster strap.
One disadvantage of having the webbing run through various reverse rollers and pulleys is that the friction between the webbing and the individual guiding means causes the user to apply a very high manual force to tighten the webbing. It is not unusual that the user applies a substantial amount of physical force to tighten the webbing and is also successful in pulling the adjuster strap tightly but still experiences loose parts of the webbing, especially above the shoulder where the shoulder pads are situated.
Since a substantial feature of the child safety seat is to ensure that a child is restrained in an accident by means of the shoulder harness it is a significant disadvantage to have additional slack in the lap belt which can feed through to the shoulder belt in the event of either an accident or child movement which again may lead to slack in the harness


A method of grinding a workpiece with a grinding wheel is provided wherein the shape of the wheel is distorted in a predetermined manner during grinding by changing the speed of rotation of the wheel. This deformation of the wheel during grinding is employed to impart a desired shape to the surface of the workpiece. A grinding wheel is also provided which is asymmetric in side view to adapt it for use in accordance with the method.

Many plain cylindrical bearings such as those used for main bearings and crankpins for crankshafts require non-parallel profiles on the finished shaft. Such profiles are usually produced by plunge grinding with the reverse image of the desired profile dressed onto the periphery of the grinding wheel.
The recent introduction and application of Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) grinding wheels to the bearing grinding process has led to the development of multi-plunge grinding techniques and diagonal or vector grinding as described in British Patent Specification No. 2413978. The newer grinding methods have made non-parallel sided cylindrical bearing components difficult, if not impossible, to produce. This invention addresses such difficulties, demonstrating a capability to grind non-parallel shapes, in particular barrel forms, whilst retaining the advantages of vector and multi-plunge grinding.