A laminate characterized by consisting of at least 4 layers and having (A) a seal layer which is a polypropylene having a melting point of at least 160.degree. C. as the first layer which is the innermost layer, (B) an adjacent layer consisting of a mixture of 20 to 90% by weight of a polypropylene and 80 to 10% by weight of a 4-methylpentene-1 resin as the second layer, (C) an intermediate layer consisting of a polypropylene having a melting point of at least 160.degree. C. and a melt index of 0.5 to 30 as the third layer and (D) a substrate layer consisting of a polypropylene having a melting point of at least 160.degree. C. and a melt index of 0.01 to 4 as the outermost layer, wherein the melt index of the seal layer (A) is at least 1.1 times the melt index of the intermediate layer (C), the melt index of the intermediate layer (C) is greater than the melt index of the substrate layer (D), the interlaminar peel strength between (A) and (B) is weaker than the interlaminar peel strength between (B) and (C), and the interlaminar peel strength between (A) and (B) is 0.2 to 2.5 kg/15 mm (drawing speed: 300 mm/min).

A plastic container for preserving and distributing foods by sealing them into the container and subjecting them to sterilization treatment at a high temperature is on the increase. Also, in some cases, consumers heat the same by means of a microwave oven in their use, and when the contents contain an oil, the temperature of the contents become high in some cases, so that it has been desired as the consumers' needs that the heat resistance and sealability in the cooking is excellent and, in addition, the openability is excellent. As a container excellent in sealability and easy openability, many proposals have been made for containers in which both sealability and easy openability have been attained by using a multilayer container and using the interface between layers of the multilayer container as an opening peel plane, without effecting the opening at the time of use by peeling the sealed portion which is generally effected (JP-A-50-37,598, JP-B-5-63,385 and JP-B-5-79,587). However, in these containers, the peeling layer is made of PE (polyethylene), and hence, they are disadvantageous in that 120.degree. C. is the upper limit as a high temperature treating condition; that particularly when they are filled with cooked foods containing a large amount of oils, swelling is seen in the peeling layer; that the seal with a lid material is broken because of the softening of the seal layer due to the high temperature; and the like.
For the purpose of overcoming these disadvantages, there is proposed a container having such a layer construction that a polypropylene resin is used as the innermost layer to increase the heat resistance as disclosed in JP-B-7-2,409, whereby the heat resistance has been enhanced as compared with the conventional container having a PE innermost layer. In such a construction, however, PE is still used as an intermediate layer for making peeling possible, and hence, the enhancement of heat resistance to some extent is found but there is such a disadvantage that since in the case of sterilization at a higher temperature (e.g., 130.degree. C.) the intermediate layer is softened and melted, the laminate strength between the intermediate layer and the surface layer is rapidly lowered and peel is caused during the sterilization and therefore the sealability is impaired. In addition, for the overall heat resistance of the container, it is necessary to use a material superior in heat resistance because the use of a usual PP results in a distortion.
The object of this invention is to provide a laminate which is suitably used in the production of an easily openable container in which the heat seal layer and the opening peel layer are made different, and which has heat resistance and oil resistance while keeping easy peelability of the opening peel layer.

Propylene packaging laminate comprising methylpentene resin blend layer


In accordance with the objectives of the invention a new package is provided that is provided with a cavity that is shaped such that more than one semiconductor device can in a vertical direction be mounted in the cavity of the package. The devices that are mounted inside the cavity of the package are separated by separate components of insulation, the overlying devices are electrically interconnected by horizontally positioned solder bumps and vertical interconnect plugs.

(1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the fabrication of integrated circuit devices, and, more particularly, to a method and package for a multi-chip module which employs stacked dies.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Semiconductor devices have over the years been increasingly denser packaged, placing increased demands on such device package considerations as heat dissipation and input/output (I/O) capability. These increased demands have led to new device packaging concepts and approaches where, for many of these approaches, more than one device is packaged per individual packaging unit. From this has been developed a family of Chip Scale Packages (CSP) that is aimed at satisfying demands of miniaturization and multi-function capabilities by means of a high I/O count. CSP packaging techniques are still relatively expensive, requiring sophisticated and expensive equipment since they include the packaging of devices in packages that are substantially of equal size or slightly larger than the original device. The main objective for the introduction of CSP packages is the reduction in the size of the overall package. The package is designed to redistribute very fine pitch wiring from the perimeter of the die to the perimeter of the substrate carrier. CSP packages are also easy to use for burn-in of previously known good devices and are easy to test. In addition, CSP packages offer a number of advantages that relate to the manufacturing of the package such as ease of handling, assembling and rework, easy to standardize and are relatively free of internal stresses that at times can lead to device damage.
To further extend the packaging of individual devices, packages have been developed wherein more than one device can be packaged at one time on a lead frame strip. The lead frame strip not only provides mechanical support for the device but in addition provides one or more layers of interconnect lines that enable the device to be connected to surrounding circuitry, relieving I/O count requirements. Of importance to and driving most of the more complicated packaging designs are considerations of I/O count (contact ball pitch), heat dissipation, matching of thermal expansion between a mother board and host components, cost of manufacturing, ease of integration into an automated manufacturing facility, package reliability and easy adaptability of the package to additional packaging interfaces such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). A PCB is one of the Chip-On-Board (COB) techniques that are used to attach semiconductor die to a printed circuit board. COB techniques include flip chip attachment, wirebonding, and tape automated bonding (TAB). Flip chip attachment consists of attaching a flip chip to a printed circuit board or to another substrate. A flip chip is a semiconductor chip that has a pattern or arrays of terminals spaced around an active surface of the flip chip for face-down mounting of the flip chip to a substrate. Generally, the flip chip active surface has one of the following electrical connectors: Ball Grid Array (BGA, wherein an array of minute solder balls is disposed on the surface of the flip chip that attaches to the substrate); Slightly Larger than Integrated Circuit Carrier (SLICC) (which is similar to the BGA but has a smaller solder ball pitch and diameter than the BGA); a Pin Grid Array (PGA) (wherein an array of small pins extends substantially perpendicularly from the attachment surface of a flip chip, such that the pins conform to a specific arrangement on a printed circuit board or other substrate for attachment thereto). With the BGA or SLICC, the solder or other conductive ball arrangement on the flip chip must be a mirror image of the connecting bond pads on the printed circuit board so that precise connection can be made. The flip chip is bonded to the printed circuit board by refluxing the solder balls. The solder balls may also be replaced with a conductive polymer. With the PGA, the pin arrangement of the flip chip must be a mirror image of the recesses on the printed circuit board. After insertion, the flip chip is generally bonded by soldering the pins into place.
Glob top and underfill materials are often used to hermetically seal the flip chips on the substrate. An underfill encapsulant is generally disposed between the semiconductor chip and the printed circuit board or substrate for environmental protection and to enhance the attachment of the semiconductor die to the substrate. In certain applications, only an underfill encapsulant is used in the semiconductor assembly without protecting the back surface of the semiconductor chip. The exposure of the semiconductor chip back surface leaves the semiconductor chip susceptible to damage. Furthermore, the application of the underfill encapsulant must be closely monitored. For example, too little underfill does not protect the device sufficiently enough from outside contaminants and can give rise to a greater concentration of voids. Such voids can lead to catastrophic failure of the chip. If too much underfill is used, the underfill encapsulant can rise to cover the edges of the chip and can expand or spread out to adjacent areas of the board that do not require fill. Since the underfill encapsulant does not protect the back of the chip, an additional protective step of providing a glob top is typically used. The technique of applying the underfill encapsulant comprises dispensing the underfill encapsulant in a liquid form and allowing capillary action to draw the underfill between the die and the substrate. The underfill then solidifies upon oven curing and reinforces all electrical connections that have been made to the die. A variety of polymers can be used as underfill encapsulants, including thermosetting molding compounds such as silicones, epoxies, polyamides and parylenes. A glob of encapsulant material is generally applied to the COB assembly to surround the semiconductor chip and the substrate. Organic materials used in the glob top encapsulation are generally selected for low moisture permeability and low thermal coefficient of expansion to avoid moisture or mechanical stress. The thermal properties are however often not optimal for removing heat efficiently away from the semiconductor die or for use in high temperature areas. Furthermore, the introduction of the glob can induce detrimental stresses that can cause catastrophic failures.
For the encapsulation of semiconductor die, organic polymeric encapsulants have mostly been used such as thermoplastic, thermoset and elastomer. Also used are hermetic seals combined with heat sinks for protection of the die from environmental and thermal damage. With the many interfaces that are used for the mounting of semiconductor devices, these interfaces provide extended networks of interconnect lines that are used to expand the fine pitch I/O points of the die to an I/O pitch that is easier to handle and more reliable.
One of the more recent approaches in semiconductor device packaging has introduced a method of vertical stacking of devices in one package. In this manner, individual devices can be mounted on for instance a bonding tape, the bonding tapes with the attached die can be stacked and are further interconnected with conductive inter-connectors that intersect with the planes of the bonding tapes.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,886 (Fogal et al.) shows an offset die stacking arrangement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,827 (Jeong et al.) shows a three-dimensional stack package including a plurality of individual semiconductor devices.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,710 (Lau) discloses a package in which an Integrated Circuit chip is supported on a single core, double-layer substrate as a flip chip.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,887 (Hubbard) provides a stacked semiconductor device with BGA.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,804 (Kweon et al.) provide a method for simultaneously manufacturing chip-scale packages, employing a lead frame strip having a plurality of lead frames.
A principle objective of the invention is to provide a package for flip chip devices that is of reduced bulk and weight.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a package for mounting flip chip devices that has a reduced footprint, allowing for further miniaturization of semiconductor equipment such as mobile electronic applications, communication devices and the like.
In accordance with the objectives of the invention a new package is provided that is provided with a cavity that is shaped such that more than one semiconductor device can in a vertical direction be mounted in the cavity of the package. The devices that are mounted inside the cavity of the package are separated by separate components of insulation, the overlying devices are electrically interconnected by horizontally positioned solder bumps and vertical interconnect plugs.

Chip scale packaging with multi-layer flip chip arrangement and ball grid array interconnection

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.


A structure for mounting a display housing to a monitor stand of a monitor having a flat display, the display housing for the flat display, and a stand bracket for holding the display housing, includes fastening members at the stand bracket, and coupling members fixed to a rear case of the flat display in correspondence to the fastening members, wherein the fastening members are directly fastened to the coupling members respectively, to mount the display housing to the stand bracket.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display housing for a monitor, and more particularly, to a structure for mounting a display housing of a flat display to a monitor stand.
2. Background of the Related Art
A display housing may be assembled with a flat display, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Plasma Display Panel (PDP), a Field Emission Display (FED), and the like.
In FIG. 1, an LCD is provided with a back light part 1 for emitting a light, a display part (or a liquid crystal panel part) 2 fitted in front of the back light part 1 for receiving the light emitted from the back light part 1 to present image data (or picture), a frame 3 for holding edges of the back light part 1 and the display part 2 to maintain a required gap between the back light part 1 and the display part 2, and a front case 4 and a rear case 5 for putting the back light part 1, the display part 2, and the frame 3 together, thereby reproducing the picture by utilizing molecular movements of the liquid crystals (not shown) in the liquid crystal panel part 2.
In FIG. 2, a monitor is provided with a flat display 10 for displaying a picture, a display housing 20 for fitting the flat display 10 therein, and a stand 30 for holding and adjusting an angle of the display housing 20.
FIG. 3 shows the monitor of FIG. 2 in detail. In FIG. 3, the display housing 20 is provided with a front housing 21 on a front surface of the flat display 10 having an opening 21a for exposing the display part 2 of the flat display to the air, and a rear housing 22 on a rear surface of the flat display 10. The stand 30 is provided with a stand arm 31 in rear of the rear housing 22 for holding the display housing 20 at a height from a floor, and a stand body 32 for supporting the stand arm 31. The stand 30 includes: a metal frame 40 of a plate fitted between the flat display 10 and the rear housing 22 having pass through holes 22a for serving as a supporting frame of the display housing 20 having fastening holes 40a in a surface facing an inside surface of the rear housing 22 in correspondence to the pass through holes 22a; a stand bracket 33 at an end of the stand arm 31 in rear of the rear housing 22 having coupling holes 33a in correspondence to the fastening holes 40a; and screws 50 for fastening the coupling holes 33a in the stand bracket 33, the pass through holes 22a in the rear housing 22, and the fastening holes 40a in the metal frame in succession for assembling the display housing 20 to the stand 30.
The metal frame 40 is used because strength of the rear housing 22 is too weak to assemble the display housing 20 to the stand 30 by fastening the screws 50 only to the rear housing 22. Specifically, since the display housing 20 is made of injection molded plastic, its own weight may cause it to break. Accordingly, additional high strength metal frame 40 is employed if the screws 50 are fastened only to the rear housing 22. However, the metal frame 40 causes the following problems. First, use of the heavy metal frame 40 increases overall weight of the monitor. Second, placing the metal frame 40 between the flat display 10 and the rear housing 22 increases an overall thickness of the display housing 20 thicker. Third, the metal frame 40 requires additional fabrication steps, thereby decreasing productivity. Fourth, the metal frame 40 increases costs.

Structure for mounting display housing to monitor stand


It is an object to provide a solid electrolyte and an electrochemical system using the solid electrolyte which has a little expansion (swelling) and whose strength does not decrease in case of positioning the solid electrolyte including a complex compound composed of an inorganic compound, polyvinyl alcohol, and water, in a wet condition. It is possible to use the solid electrolyte in a device such as a fuel cell or an electrolytic device used with the wet condition. The solid electrolyte has a little size variation even if humidity varies and has a low methanol permeability. The solid electrolyte is produced by replacing a part or all of hydroxyl groups of polyvinyl alcohol domain to groups each of which has a water absorption less than that of said hydroxyl group, in the solid electrolyte including a complex compound which is composed of polyvinyl alcohol, water, and at least one inorganic compound selected from silicic acid compound, tungstic acid compound, molybdic acid compound, stannic acid compound, and zirconic acid compound.

The present invention relates to a proton conductive solid electrolyte with high ion conductivity or a hydroxide ion conductive solid electrolyte with high ion conductivity that is applicable to a fuel cell or the like, and an electrochemical system using the solid electrolyte with high ion conductivity.
Conventionally, electrochemical systems, such as a fuel cell, a dehumidifier, or an electrolytic hydrogen producing device are commercialized as an electrochemical system using a proton conductive solid electrolyte. More specifically, a proton conductive solid electrolyte film, which operates at a low temperature, covers a broad range in application. For example, in a solid polymer fuel cell, current flows and electric energy is obtained in accordance with an electrochemical oxidative reaction of hydrogen supplied to a negative electrode that is indicated by the following formula (1) , an electrochemical reduction of oxygen supplied to a positive electrode that is indicated by a formula (2), and a reaction based on proton motion in the electrolyte between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.H2→2H++2e−  (1)1/2O2+2H++2e−→H2O  (2)
It is known a fuel cell of direct methanol type in which a methanol is supplied as a fuel to the negative electrode of the fuel cell. Furthermore, it is known a fuel cell using another fuel instead of hydrogen or the methanol. Also in these cases, the reaction is carried out in which the fuel is electrochemically oxidized at the negative electrode to release proton, in a similar manner. Therefore, it is possible to operate by using the proton conductive solid electrolyte.
For example of the electrolytic device, the electrolytic hydrogen producing device is commercialized. The electrolytic hydrogen producing device produces hydrogen on the basis of a reaction inverse to the reaction described in conjunction with the formulas (1) and (2) in the fuel cell. Inasmuch as it is possible to obtain high purity hydrogen in on-site by using only water and electric power in the electrolytic hydrogen producing device, it is unnecessary to have a hydrogen gas cylinder. In addition, it is possible to easily carry out electrolysis by introduction of pure water having no electrolyte solute, owing to employ the solid electrolyte. Using a similar system, an attempt is made to manufacture hydrogen peroxide for bleach by the electrolytic method using the following formula (3), in paper industry (referring to a non-patent publication 1).O2+H2O+2e−→HO2−+OH−  (3)
The dehumidifier has a structure in which the proton conductive solid electrolyte is sandwiched between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, in a manner similar to the fuel cell or the hydrogen producing device. When a voltage is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, water is split into proton and oxygen at the positive electrode on the basis of the reaction indicated by the following formula (4). The proton moves through the solid electrolyte to the negative electrode to be subjected to a reaction indicated by a formula (5). As a result, the union of the proton and the oxygen in air forms water. As a result of these reactions, water moves from the positive electrode to the negative electrode so that dehumidification is carried out in the positive electrode.H2O→1/2O2+2H++2e−  (4)1/2O2+2H++2e−→H2O  (5)
It is also possible to split water and to eliminate moisture by using the principle of operation that is similar to the electrolytic hydrogen producing device. Proposal is made as regards an air conditioner in which the electrolytic hydrogen producing device is combined with a moisture evaporating cold blast device (referring to non-patent publication 2).
In any one of the above-mentioned systems, perfluoro sulfonic acid type ion exchange membrane represented by Nafion is used as the solid electrolyte. In addition, a sort of sensors, electrochromic device or the like is essentially a system based on a principal of operation similar to the above-mentioned. Inasmuch as the system is driven when the proton moves in the electrolyte between a pair of positive and negative electrodes which carry out reduction and oxidation, respectively, it is possible to use the proton conductive solid electrolyte. At present, experimental study is carried out with respect to the system using these proton conductive solid electrolytes.
For a hydrogen sensor, variation of electrode potential based on the concentration of hydrogen when hydrogen is introduced into the hydrogen sensor in the reaction indicated by the above-mentioned formulas (4) and (5) may be used. Furthermore, it is also possible to be applied to a humidity sensor, by using the variation of electrode potential or ion conductivity.
When an electric field is applied to the negative electrode of the electrochromic device using WO3 or the like, the electrochromic device makes a color on the basis of reaction indicated by the following formula (6) and can be used as a displaying device or a light proof glass. This system operates when protons are given to the negative electrode. It is possible to use the proton conductive solid electrolyte in this system.WO3+xH−+xe−→HxWO3 (coloring)  (6)
In addition, there are a primary battery, a secondary battery, an optical switch, and an electrolyzed water producing apparatus, as the electrochemical system which operates by using the proton conductive solid electrolyte in principal. For example, a hydrogen absorbing alloy is used as the negative electrode, a nickel hydroxide is used as the positive electrode, and an alkali electrolytic solution is used as the electrolytic solution in a nickel hydride battery of the secondary battery. As indicated by formulas (7) and (8), the electrochemical reduction and oxidation with respect to the proton and hydrogen absorption in the hydrogen absorbing alloy occur in the negative electrode on charge and discharge.(charge) H2O+e−→H(absorbing)+OH−  (7)(discharge) H(absorbing)+OH−→H2O+e−  (8)
As indicated by formulas (9) and (10), the electrochemical oxidation and reduction occur with respect to the nickel hydroxide in the positive electrode.(charge) Ni(OH)2+OH−→NiOOH+H2O+e−  (9)(discharge) NiOOH+H2O+e−→Ni(OH)2+OH−  (10)
The charge and discharge reaction occurs in the battery by the transfer of the proton or the hydroxyl ion in the electrolyte. Although it is possible to use the proton conductive solid electrolyte in principal, the alkali electrolytic solution is used in the prior art.
Proposal is made in the optical switch about using yttrium as the negative electrode (referring to non-patent publication 3). When supplied with the electric field, yttrium is hydrogenated as indicated by formula (11) to allow the light to pass therethrough. As a result, it is possible to switch between the light transmission and the non-light transmission by electric field. Although it is possible to use the proton conductive solid electrolyte in principal in this system, the alkali electrolytic solution is used in the prior art.Y+3/2H2O+3e→YH3+30H  (11)
The electrolyzed water is water which is produced by the electrolyzing reaction. Although availability is different between the reduction side and the oxidation side, the electrolyzed water has availability in a healthy effect, a bactericidal action, a detergent action, and a growth of farm products. It is possible to use the electrolyzed water in drinking water, food service water, detergent water, agricultural water or the like. The electrolyzing reaction is promoted when the water has the electrolyte. When the electrolyte solute is dissolved in water, it often necessary to remove the electrolyte solute from the water on using the water. When the solid electrolyte is used as the electrolyte, it is unnecessary to remove the electrolyte solute from the water.
The conventional proton conductive solid electrolyte for the low temperature operation, which is used in each of the above-mentioned electrochemical systems, is almost a polymeric ion exchange membrane of perfluoro sulfonic acid type that is represented by Nafion film. However, there is a problem in which the perfluoro sulfonic acid type electrolyte is expensive on the basis of complexity of manufacturing process. By the economies of mass production, it is expected that a low-priced electrolyte is manufactured. However, there is limitation of the low-price. It is desired that a cheap alternate member appears presently. In addition, an amount of methanol used as the fuel permeates through perfluoro sulfonic acid type electrolyte, in the direct methanol type fuel cell. As a result, there is a problem in which energy conversion efficiency greatly reduces.
By the way, proposal is made as regards a complex compound having polyvinyl alcohol and various inorganic compounds, as cheep high ion conductive electrolytic material instead of the perfluoro sulfonic acid type electrolyte. For example, the complex compound is proposed which is obtained by mainly chemically bonding polyvinyl alcohol to silicic acid compound in a micro-level (referring to patent publication 1). In addition, the complex compound is proposed which is obtained by mainly chemically bonding polyvinyl alcohol to tungstic acid compound in a micro-level (referring to patent publication 2). The complex compound is further proposed which is obtained by mainly chemically bonding polyvinyl alcohol to molybdic acid compound in a micro-level (referring to patent publication 2). The complex compound is further proposed which is obtained by mainly chemically bonding polyvinyl alcohol to stannic acid compound in a micro-level (referring to patent publication 3). The complex compound is further proposed which is obtained by mainly chemically bonding polyvinyl alcohol to zirconic acid compound in a micro-level (referring to patent publication 4 or 5). The complex compound includes at least one selected from phosphorus, boron, aluminum, titanium, calcium, strontium, and barium compound, as other components. It is possible to produce the complex compound when a simple process is carried out which neutralizes the raw salt of inorganic compound in a solution with the polyvinyl alcohol coexisting. The proton conductivity is given together with water resistance and strength to the polyvinyl alcohol by chemically bonding the polyvinyl alcohol to the inorganic compound. Flexibility is given to the inorganic compound by chemically bonding the polyvinyl alcohol to the inorganic compound. As a result, it is possible to manufacture the solid electrolyte having a high performance.
In addition, the above-mentioned complex compound is different from the conventional solid electrolyte of the perfluoro sulfonic acid type and has a high ion conductivity in an alkaline form. It is possible to apply to a primary battery, a secondary battery, an optical switch, or the like which is difficult to use the conventional solid electrolyte. Furthermore, by developing an alkaline form solid electrolytic film, it is easy to realize the secondary battery with a high energy density using a multivalent metal having an oxidation number which is not less than bivalent. For example, a nickel zinc cell is known in which a zinc oxide is used in the negative electrode and a nickel hydroxide, which is used also in a nickel hydride cell, is used in the positive electrode. The nickel hydroxide is used in a nickel hydride cell. In the nickel zinc cell, the zinc oxide is reduced into the zinc in the negative electrode at charge, as indicated by a formula (12). On the other hand, the zinc is electrochemically oxidized into the zinc oxide in the negative electrode at discharge, as indicated by a formula (13).(charge) ZnO+H2O+2e−→Zn2OH−  (12)(discharge) Zn+2OH−→ZnO+H2O+2e−  (13)
Although the nickel zinc cell has a high stored energy inasmuch as the zinc has bivalent, there is a problem on which it is difficult to realize the nickel zinc cell because of dissolution of the zinc oxide and production of a needle shaped zinc, such as dendrite, which induces a short-circuit and a self-discharge. However, it is possible to resolve the problem by using the solid electrolyte. In addition, oxygen is restricted from diffusing to a zinc electrode in air zinc cell using an air electrode as a positive electrode. As a result, it is possible to easily obtain a chargeable air zinc cell. Furthermore, it is possible to realize the secondary cell using selected ones of the multivalent metals, by the solid electrolyte, inasmuch as there are copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, chromium, vanadium, tin, molybdenum, niobium, tungsten, silicon, boron, and aluminum as the multivalent metals except for zinc.
In other uses except for cell, the material, which is capable of being used as an electrode or a peripheral material, is not limited to an acid-proof material such as a noble metal, in case of using the alkaline form solid electrolyte. As a result, there is a merit in reducing a cost in an entire system.                (Patent Publication 1)        Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Tokkai 2003-007133        (Patent Publication 2)        Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Tokkai 2001-335314        (Patent Publication 3)        Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Tokkai 2002-4151        (Patent Publication 4)        Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Tokkai 2002-35832        (Patent Publication 5)        Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Tokkai 2002-310093        (Non-patent Publication 1)        Electrochemistry, 69, No.3, 154-159(2001)        (Non-patent Publication 2)
Collected papers of national lecture in Institute of Electrical Engineers, P3373(2000)                (Non-patent Publication 3)        J.Electrochem.Soc., Vol. 143, No.10, 3348-3353 (1996)
Although there are many merits in applying to a wide range of uses inasmuch as the solid electrolyte produced by the polyvinyl alcohol and the inorganic compound is cheap and has a high efficiency, there is a problem in swelling greatly on the basis of water absorption in case of positioning the solid electrolyte in a wet condition, and reducing the strength of the solid electrolyte when the solid electrolyte swells. More particularly, the swelling is an important problem inasmuch as the solid electrolyte is positioned in the wet condition or the solid electrolyte is directly immersed in water, in case where the solid electrolyte is used in a fuel cell, an electrolysis device, or the like. Even in other uses except for the fuel cell or the electrolysis device, there is a problem in varying a size of the solid electrolyte with humidity. In addition, there is a problem in reducing an energy efficiency inasmuch as the methanol of fuel substantially permeates through the solid electrolyte composed of the complex compound, in use of the direct methanol type fuel cell, although the permeability is lower in comparison to the perfluoro sulfonic acid type electrolyte.

Solid electrolyte and electrochemical system using the solid electrolyte


An apparatus for transmitting torque between the output element of an internal combustion engine and the input element of a variable-speed transmission in a motor vehicle has a first flywheel which is screwed or bolted to the output element and a second flywheel which is coaxial with and rotatable relative to the first flywheel and is connected to the input element by the clutch plate of a friction clutch. One or more dampers are provided in a lubricant-containing annular chamber of the first flywheel to oppose rotation of the flywheels relative to each other, and each damper has an annulus of arcuate coil springs acting in the circumferential direction of the flywheels. The cover of the clutch has stressing arms which extend into the chamber and engage the springs.

The invention relates to improvements in torque transmitting apparatus, especially to apparatus which can be used to transmit torque between the engine and the variable-speed transmission of a motor vehicle.
German patent application No. 37 21 706 of Wolfgang Reik (published Jan. 7, 1988 discloses a torque transmitting apparatus wherein a first flywheel is connected to the rotary output element of an engine and a second flywheel is connected with the input element of a variable-speed transmission by way of a friction clutch. An antifriction roller bearing is interposed between the two flywheels and a damper is employed to oppose rotation of the flywheels relative to each other. The damper is installed in an annular chamber which is defined in part by the first flywheel and includes energy storing elements acting in the circumferential direction of the flywheels. The chamber is at least partially filled with a viscous fluid and is at least substantially sealed from the surrounding atmosphere. The friction clutch has a cover which is secured to the second flywheel.
Torque transmitting apparatus employing composite flywheels of the above outlined character have found wide acceptance in the automobile industry. Such apparatus are used primarily in motor vehicles with ample room below the hood, particularly in motor vehicles of the type wherein the engine block and the transmission extend in the direction of forward movement of the vehicle. Heretofore known torque transmitting apparatus of the above outlined character are less satisfactory for use in motor vehicles wherein the space beneath the hood is at a premium, especially in motor vehicles of the type wherein the combustion engine and the variable-speed transmission are installed to extend transversely of the direction of forward movement of the vehicle. On the other hand, torque transmitting apparatus of the above outlined character exhibit a number of important advantages so that there exists an urgent need for apparatus which embody the above-enumerated features and can be utilized in practically all kinds of vehicles including those with engine-transmission assemblies extending in, and those with engine-transmission assemblies extending transversely of, the direction of forward movement of the vehicle.

Apparatus for transmitting torque in the power trains of motor vehicles


An encoder for encoding source information into an encoded codeword used in a communication channel includes a data input to receive source data, a processor, and a memory to store an encoder program. The encoder program makes the processor to encode the source data into a turbo product coding (TPC) structure, and the TPC structure comprises a data block corresponding to the source data, a first parity block including a first column part, a first corner part and a first bottom part, the first parity block being arranged so as to cover a right end column of the data block, a right bottom corner of the data block and a bottom row of the data block by the first column part, the first corner part and the first bottom part, and a second parity block having a row parity block, a joint parity block and a column parity block.

It has been proved that Polar codes can asymptotically achieve channel capacity in any arbitrary binary input memoryless channels, using successive cancellation (SC) decoding. However, the error rate performance at short codeword lengths is not competitive to the other capacity-approaching codes such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. Tal and Valdy invented a breakthrough U.S. Pat. No. 9,503,126B2 to improve the polar decoding performance significantly by means of SCL decoding with CRC concatenation. It was also revealed by Zhang, Liu, Pan, and Pan (in "CRC code design for list decoding of polar codes" Communications Letter 2017) that the SCL polar decoding performance highly depends on CRC polynomial, and that minimum Hamming distance of polar-CRC concatenation codes can be increased by properly designed CRC polynomial.
Product codes based on classical linear codes such as Bose, Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem (BCH) and Hamming codes have been used to increase the minimum Hamming distance with capability of parallel encoding and decoding. The efficient Chase decoding method was proposed by Pyndiah (in "Near-optimum decoding of product codes: block turbo codes" IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 46, no. 8, 1998) for soft-decision (SD) iteration for product codes to achieve near maximum-likelihood performance. The turbo-like SD iteration approach used for product codes are known as turbo product codes (TPC).

Turbo product polar coding with hard decision cleaning

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.


Provided are a hydraulic pump 7, an electromagnetic flow rate control valve 2 that controls the flow rate of hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 7 to a power steering device PS, and a pressure compensating valve 4 that maintains a fixed pressure difference between upstream and downstream sides of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve 2 and bypasses an excess flow rate. The electromagnetic flow rate control valve 2 maintains a predetermined initial opening when a control current is zero, while an opening of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve decreases to become a minimum opening when the control current increases from zero, and the opening gradually becomes larger toward a maximum opening when a predetermined control current is exceeded.

There are devices that are provided with an electromagnetic flow rate control valve in order to control the flow of hydraulic oil that is supplied to a power steering device of a vehicle.
A large power assist force becomes necessary when a vehicle is running in a low speed region, during steering wheel operation in a state where the vehicle is stopped, and the like. In this case, an opening of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve is made larger, and the flow rate of the hydraulic oil supplied to the power steering device is made larger.
In contrast, the opening of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve is made smaller when almost no assist force is necessary, such as when the vehicle is running at high speed. In this case, surplus hydraulic oil bypasses the electromagnetic flow rate control valve by a pressure compensation valve and escapes, aiming for a reduction in energy loss.
FIG. 4 is a graph that shows a relationship between a control current I of a conventional electromagnetic flow rate control valve and a flow rate Qc that is supplied to a power steering device. As shown in this graph, the flow rate supplied to the power steering device is set to decrease as the control current of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve increases.
Setting the valve opening to become larger when the control current of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve becomes smaller is done so that a large valve opening is maintained even for cases in which current cannot be supplied due to a fault or the like. The electromagnetic flow rate control valve thus maintains a large opening by a spring retention force when there is no control current, and hydraulic fluid supply to the power steering device is made possible, thus exhibiting power assistance. That is, a failsafe function can be maintained.
If the opening is set to become larger when the control current of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve is large, the opening will become smaller when the current cannot be supplied due to damage or the like, and sufficient power assistance cannot be achieved.
However, if a large current is supplied to a solenoid of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve, electric power consumption also increases. Moreover, a state where the solenoid of the electromagnetic flow rate control valve is excited by a large current is a state where the power assist force of the power steering device is not necessary, that is, a standby state. This type of state accounts for most of the time when the vehicle is running.
Accordingly, the total energy consumption by the electromagnetic flow rate control valve becomes large with conventional techniques.
An object of this invention is to provide a flow rate control device capable of maintaining a failsafe function while further reducing energy loss.

Flow rate control device for power steering


A mounting structure of an inner handle for a vehicle having an inner handle serving as an emergency hammer to break or smash the windows of a vehicle in the event of the emergency. The mounting structure of the inner handle includes an inner handle having a grabbing part and connecting parts perpendicularly extending from both ends of the grabbing part. A hammer head made of a high-strength material, the hammer head installed to the end of the connecting part. A locking means rotatably mounted around the circumference of the hammer head and the connecting part and a stopping means preventing unintentional rotation of the locking means. The vehicle pillar trim being configured to receive the inner handle.

Generally, a passenger vehicle is provided with pillars for supporting a roof panel. The pillars typically include a front pillar disposed between a windshield and a front door window, a center pillar disposed between the front door window and a rear door window, and a rear pillar disposed between the rear door window and a rear glass. Inside of the vehicle, the pillars are covered by trims for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A ceiling part, the surface of the roof panel facing an inside of the vehicle, is likewise covered by a headlining.
In a passenger vehicle, inner handles are typically installed to the headlining adjacent to the upper end of a front door and a rear door, respectively. The handles provide a grip for a passenger's safety in case where the vehicle suddenly decelerates or rounds a curve with high speed. Furthermore, in a vehicle having high ground height such as a van or a truck, the inner handle may be useful to facilitate passengers in boarding the vehicle.
Buses and other vehicles are often equipped with emergency hammers. In the event of traffic accidents or emergency situations, where passengers are locked inside these vehicles, these passengers may use the hammers to break or smash the glass of the windows of the vehicle in order to escape from the vehicle. Therefore, it is preferable to provide every vehicle with an emergency hammer or other kind of equivalent for ensuring the safety and escape of the passenger from the vehicle. However, such a provision of the emergency tool is disadvantageous in light of requiring an additional cost and space constraint inside a vehicle.

Mounting structure of an inner handle for a vehicle


In a cell balance circuit including a cell group in which two or more rechargeable cells are connected in series, a voltage converting circuit converts the voltages of the respective cells in the cell group into GND voltage standards on the basis of a ground voltage and produces two or more converted voltages. An output circuit determines a lowest voltage of the two or more converted voltages and produces the lowest voltage. Discharge circuits are provided for the respective cells for forming discharge loops to discharge the corresponding cells. Discharge control circuits are provided for the respective discharge circuits. Each discharge control circuit determines a difference between the converted voltage of the corresponding cell and the lowest voltage to control the discharge circuit to form the discharge loop when the difference exceeds a predetermined value.

The present invention relates to a cell balance circuit that achieves a balance of voltages among rechargeable cells to avoid a large difference in voltage among the cells when they are connected in series. The cell balance circuit is particularly suitable for a lithium ion cell.
Lithium ion cells are often used as a cell pack in which two or more cells are connected in series. Such lithium ion cells may have a different voltage. There arises a difference in voltage from cell to cell when two or more cells having different voltages are connected in series. Taking this into consideration, a protective circuit is typically included in the cell pack. The protective circuit inhibits charging of the cell when the voltage of that cell exceeds a first predetermined voltage (which is referred to as an over-charge protecting voltage). The protective circuit also inhibits discharging of the cell when the voltage of that cell drops below a second predetermined voltage (which is referred to as an over-discharge protecting voltage).
With such a protective circuit, the charge is inhibited at a voltage value of the cell having the highest voltage. This means that the cell having a lower voltage is not charged enough. In other words, not all the cells can be charged to have a predetermined amount of electrical energy.
On the other hand, discharging is inhibited at a voltage value of the cell having the lowest voltage. This means that the cell having a higher voltage is not discharged enough. In other words, not all the cells can discharge a predetermined amount of electrical energy. Therefore, both the amounts of charge and discharge are significantly smaller than those in the cell pack having no difference in voltage among the cells.
As one of the measures against the above-mentioned problem, the cells having the same or close voltages are combined to avoid the difference in voltage to assemble the cell pack. However, repeated charging and discharging sometimes cause a difference in voltage between or among the cells. This is because a degree of deterioration differs from cell to cell.
Such a circumstance develops a need for a cell balance circuit that reduces the difference in voltage between or among the cells, if any. The cell balance circuit measures the difference in voltage between the cells and adjusts the amount of charge or discharge by the amount corresponding to the difference in voltage. In this event, a circuit used for measuring the difference in voltage should have a high accuracy of measurement. To achieve this requires a significant amount of cost. The cell balance circuit requiring such a high cost, however, is not practical relative to a possibility of occurrence of such a difference in voltage. In addition, a circuit that adjusts the amount of charge is more complicated than a circuit that adjusts the amount of discharge because the former affects the charging route and the charging circuit.

Cell balance circuit having rechargeable cells


The present invention refers to a starting switch having a protection against dust and small particles for rotating electric machines and to a method of assembling said switch. The switch according to the present invention provides an easy-to-assembly system for the several components that are part of the switch that does not require massive investments when compared to similar systems known to the state of the art while still providing an easy assembly due to the features of each component in the switch.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to a starting switch having a protection against dust and small particles for rotating electric machines and to a method of assembling said switch.
2. Description of the Related Art
The protection of starting switches has been studied for years by the manufacturers of several types of rotating electric machines. This is due to the fact that these switches usually operate in harsh environments, including some that may contain corrosive chemical substances and hazardous particles. Also, some environments may have high humidity levels, and the combination of these contaminant elements may accelerate the deterioration of the active components of the starting switch, thereby jeopardizing its good operation and limiting its useful life.
Typically, a rotating electric machine is used to operate a saw or similar equipment and the chipped wood and dust resulting from the cutting process usually creates an environment that is very aggressive to the switch.
In yet another case, in an environment where cotton is manufactured, small particles of cotton in suspension in the air, when put in contact with the energized parts of the switch they may cause combustion due to the occurrence of sparks in the starting switch during its operation.
Another example of a harsh environment are the nautical applications, where the presence of salt spray penetrates into the parts of the electric machine, causing premature corrosion of the conductive parts.
Another concern is the presence of insects in some applications, which insects might as well enter the equipment and settle near the conducting parts of the contact, lately impairing its operation.
Open electric machines have been used for years as they are cheaper and more compact. In this case, a solution for those environments would be the use of an encased electric machine. However, in addition to the problem of dissipating the heat generated by the machine in an encased construction, the increase in the manufacturing costs of such equipment is evident as more material is required to obtain the same power from the equipment due to the loss by heat.
The size-costs related to the increased use of copper, steel and weight are the main consequences of the use of encased machines and are good reasons for the use of open electric machines wherever the application allows, even in contaminated environments that may affect performance.
A number of the rotating electric machines used in the above-described examples have a starting capacitor or are of the split-phase type. Typically, an auxiliary winding, usually driven by a centrifugal actuator disk, is required to help start a single-phase electric machine having such a design, which winding activated until the machine reaches its working speed, after which it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary winding.
The centrifugal actuator is fixed to the shaft of the machine and is designed in such a manner that at the right time, that is, when the machine reaches its ideal rotating speed, it is axially displaced to release the contacts, thereby opening the connection and switching off the auxiliary winding. From that point on, the main winding has enough torque to fully operate the machine.
If the auxiliary winding does not act together with the starting switch and the centrifugal actuator, this is an indication of engine failure and of the need of maintenance and cleaning of the set, which causes losses and drawbacks in the operation of the machine.
Therefore, it is highly desirable a design that provides a resistant and low maintenance switching assembly, preferably an assembly that dispenses maintenance.
Several types of starting switches are similar in operation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,988 is an example of such starting switches. Other switches incorporate protection systems as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,816,199 and 4,927,988, which describe dust-proof mechanisms.
Generally speaking, a switching assembly as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,816,199 and 4,927,988 consists of a thin flexible plate made from a bronze-alloy or another good conductor material resistant to voltaic arcs, fixed at one end to a support having a cylindrical contact made of a silver alloy or another excellent conductor material, which when at a static condition another cylindrical contact made of a silver alloy to command, through the centrifugal actuator, the opening and closing of the contacts to start or switch off the auxiliary winding.
In more modern dust-protection systems, the gap between the contacts is insulated to keep the surfaces of the contacts clean of any dust. When these systems are compared with the ones cited as examples of the state of art, it is easy to notice the use of a flexible cylindrical casing structure, as it is the case of U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,988, which casing is also shown in other switches.

Encased starting switch contact assembly protected against dust and small particles for a single-phase rotating electric machine and a method of assembling said switch


The present invention is directed to an automatic chemical analytical apparatus for analyzing liquid samples. In order to provide a fully automatic transport of sample tubes containing samples to be analyzed, the apparatus includes a sample processing unit, a sample transport arrangement for transporting the sample racks from a rack supply unit to a rotatable sample rack carrier in the sample processing unit and vice versa, and a computer for controlling and coordinating the operation of the sample transport arrangement and an automatic pipetting unit. The sample processing unit includes the automatic pipetting unit and the rotatable sample rack carrier that accommodates a plurality of sample racks. Each sample rack, in turn, accommodates a plurality of sample tubes.

The invention concerns in particular an automatic chemical analytical apparatus comprising                an automatic pipetting unit for aspirating a sample portion from a selected sample tube from an array of sample tubes located in a sample tube area, and for delivering said aspirated sample portion to a selected reaction tube from an array of reaction tubes located in a reaction tube area, each sample tube carrying on it an identification readable by a reader device,        a plurality of elongated sample racks, each of which has a length axis and is adapted to accommodate a plurality of sample tubes, each sample tube being filled with a sample, each sample rack carrying on it an identification readable by a reader device,        a rotatable sample rack carrier located in said sample tube area, said rotatable sample rack carrier being adapted to accommodate a plurality of said sample racks within a space delimited by a circumference, said sample racks being arranged along said circumference with the length axis of each of said sample racks substantially orthogonal to said circumference.
An analytical apparatus of this kind is described in European Patent Specification No. EP 0325101 B1. This document contains no description of any means for automatically transporting sample racks from a rack supply unit to the rotatable sample rack carrier and for positioning the sample racks on that rack carrier or for automatically removing the sample racks from that carrier and transporting them back to the rack supply unit. Therefore, according to EP 0325101 B1, the latter transport and positioning and removing operations have to be done manually.
In order to improve the reliability of the operation of such an analytical apparatus and generally in order to improve the overall performance of such apparatus, it is desirable to avoid as much as possible any manual operations for the transport of the sample tubes.
The aim of the invention is therefore to provide an analyzer of the above mentioned kind wherein the transport of the sample tubes is completely automated.

Analyzer having a rotatable sample rack carrier


Chemically-modified fatty acids prepared by reacting epoxidized fatty acids, their esters or triglyceride oils with borate compounds. The fatty acid derivatives produced are of the formula:

1. The Field of the Invention
The invention relates to novel boron-containing fatty ester derivatives and a process for their preparation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Antiwear/antifriction lubricants typically comprise a base oil that has been blended with any number of additives that enhance the ability of the base oil to withstand the mechanical stresses of interacting working surfaces under boundary lubrication conditions. Most of the lubricants and many of the additives currently in daily use originate from petroleum base stocks that are toxic to environment, making it increasingly difficult for safe and easy disposal. There has been an increasing demand for "green" lubricants [Rhee, I., NLGI Spokesman, 60 (5):28 (1996)] and lubricant additives in recent years due to concerns about loss of mineral oil-based lubricants to the environment and increasingly strict government regulations controlling their use.
Vegetable oils are readily biodegradable, safe to handle, environmentally friendly, non toxic fluids that are also readily renewable resources [Salunkhe, D. K. et al., World Oil Seed Chemistry, Technology and Utilization, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, (1992) pp. 1-8; Bockish, M. (ed.) Fats and Oils Handbook, AOCS Press, Champaign, (1998) 838]. The triacylglycerol structure of vegetable oil, which is also amphiphilic in character, give it an excellent potential as a candidate for use as a lubricant or functional fluid [Zaher, F. A. et al., Vegetable oils and lubricants, Grasas Aceites (Seville), 39:235-238 (1988); Willing, A., Chemosphere, 43:89-98 (2001)]. Triacylglycerol molecules orient themselves with the polar end at the solid surface making a close packed monomolecular [Brockway, L. O., J. Colloid Sci., 2:277-289 (1947)] or multimolecular layer [Fuks, G. I., Research in surface forces, A. B. V. Deryagin (ed.) Consultants Bureau, New York (1963) 29-88] resulting in a surface film on the material being lubricated. In addition, the vegetable oil structure provides sites for additional functionalization, offering opportunities for improving on the existing technical properties such as thermo-oxidative, low temperature stability and lubricity. These properties make them very attractive for industrial applications that have potential for environmental contact through accidental leakage, dripping, or generation of large quantities of after-use waste materials requiring costly disposal [Randles, S. J., et al., J. Syn. Lubr., 9:145-161 (1992); Dick, R. M., Process, 41:339-365 (1994)].
Limitations on the use of vegetable oil in its natural form as an industrial base fluid or as an additive relate to poor thermal/oxidation stability [Becker, R., et al., Lubr. Sc., 8:95-117 (1996); Adhvaryu, A., et al., Thermochimica Acta, 364 (1-2):87-97 (2000) and ref. within], poor low temperature behavior [Asadauskas, S., et al., J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 76: 313-316 (1999); Adhvaryu, A., et al., Thermochimica Acta, 395:191-200 (2003) and ref. within], and other tribochemical degrading processes [Brophy, J. E. et al., Ann N.Y. Academy Sci., 53:836-861(1951); Miller, A. et al., Lubr. Eng., 13:553-556 (1957)] that occur under severe conditions of temperature, pressure, shear stress, metal surface and environment. To meet the increasing demands for stability during various tribochemical processes, the oil structure has to withstand extremes of temperature variations, shear degradation and maintain excellent boundary lubricating properties through strong physical and chemical adsorption with the metal. The film-forming properties of triacylglycerol molecules are believed to inhibit metal-to-metal contact and progression of pits and asperities on the metal surface. Strength of the protective fluid film and extent of adsorption on the metal surface dictate the efficiency of a lubricant's performance. It has also been observed that friction coefficient and wear rate are dependent on the adsorption energy of the lubricant [Kingsbury, E. P., ASLE Trans., 3:30-33 (1960)].
The antiwear properties of commercial additives are derived from a variety of elements capable of reacting with the metal surface and establish a stable protective film. Phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen and zinc constitute the active element in most mineral oil based commercial antiwear additives. However, due to environmental and toxicological considerations, phosphorus may eventually be phased out from usage in the automotive industry because it has been implicated with catalyst deactivation fitted in catalytic converters [Wei, Dan-ping, Lubr. Sci., 7:365-377 (1995)].

Boron containing vegetable oil based antiwear/antifriction additive and their preparation

Abstract: wherein R is an H, branched or straight chain alkyl or alkenyl group, aromatic-containing group, glycerol, or glyceride, R″ is a C3 to C29 aliphatic chain comprising one or more of the derivatized methylene groups of the formula:

Abstract: wherein    m, n, and p are independently selected from 0 and 1;    X is selected from O, NH, C(O)O, S, —C≡N, —N═C═O, —N≡C; and a borate of the formula:

Abstract: and R1 is selected from aryl, and straight, branched, cyclic or heterocyclic hydrocarbons or substituted hydrocarbons. These fatty acid derivatives have utility as antiwear/antifriction additives for industrial oils, fuels, and automotive applications.

The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture


A new and distinct cultivar of Scaevola plant named ‘Wesscaesun’, characterized by its trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; small to medium-sized leaves; freely flowering habit; and bright and light yellow-colored flowers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Scaevola plant, botanically known as Scaevola aemula, and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Wesscaesun'.
The new Scaevola plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Südlohn, Germany. The objective of the breeding program is to create new compact and freely-branching Scaevola cultivars with attractive and unique flower coloration.
The new Scaevola plant originated from a cross-pollination made by the Inventor in Südlohn, Germany in 2007 of a proprietary selection of Scaevola aemula identified as code number 07P010, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with a proprietary selection of Scaevola aemula identified as code number 03PSC00, not patented, as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Scaevola plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled greenhouse environment in Südlohn, Germany in 2009.
Asexual reproduction of the new Scaevola plant by vegetative cuttings in a controlled environment in Südlohn, Germany since 2009, has shown that the unique features of this new Scaevola plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.

Gartenbau und Spezialkulturen Westhoff GbR


A microcontroller includes I/O pins whose respective functions are configurable by an I/O controller in accordance with user-programmable input. The availability of such configurable I/O pins is extended to low-power or power savings modes of operation during which the I/O controller is powered off or deactivated.

Some microcontrollers include, as part of their core components, a general purpose input/output (GPIO) controller that manages all the I/O pins on the chip. In some cases, a user can specify the function of each I/O pin, which then is configured accordingly by the GPIO controller.
Many microcontrollers have one or more low-power modes, during which core components, such as the GPIO controller are powered off or deactivated so as to reduce power consumption. Although I/O pins having dedicated functions could be coupled directly to the backup power management, for example, by bypassing the GPIO controller, such an arrangement provides limited flexibility in the overall system during low-power modes of operation because the function of each such I/O pin is fixed.

Low-power modes of microcontroller operation with access to configurable input/output connectors


Semi-persistent transmission method and apparatus are provided. The semi-persistent transmission method includes: obtaining, by user equipment UE, a semi-persistent transmission resource; determining, by the UE, a logical channel having a correspondence with the semi-persistent transmission resource; and transmitting, by the UE on the semi-persistent transmission resource, data in the logical channel having the correspondence with the semi-persistent transmission resource. The semi-persistent transmission method and apparatus can support scheduled transmission of various semi-persistent service data.

V2X communication in a general sense means vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication. V2X communication is essentially a communication technology for data transmission and information exchange between vehicles. Because the V2X communication is related to key information of vehicle driving safety, and requires timely and accurate information exchange, a communication requirement for high reliability and a short latency is posed. In addition, as an existing global mainstream wireless communication technology, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular communications have advantages such as a short latency, a large capacity, a high speed, and high reliability. Therefore, consideration may be given to use of an LTE cellular system to support the V2X communication, to achieve good V2X communication performance.
In view of this, the standardization organization 3GPP has started standardization work for LTE-based V2X (LTE-V2X) communication, to effectively support vehicle wireless communication related to road safety based on the LTE cellular communications system and by making full use of advantages of LTE.
In an LTE-V2X based communications system, to reduce scheduling overheads of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) that may be brought by the V2X communication, the 3GPP LTE-V2X standard uses a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) technology to allocate a transmission resource to a vehicle user terminal (UE).
In the LTE-V2X communication, allocating a semi-persistent transmission resource to UE by using the SPS technology includes: allocating, by a base station, an SPS resource to the UE by using a PDCCH. Then the UE can periodically use the allocated SPS resource. Particularly, every moment at which the SPS resource appears in time domain is referred to as an SPS transmission opportunity. At each transmission opportunity, the UE can use a corresponding transmission resource to transmit data.
It may be learned that, in LTE-V2X uplink SPS, the base station needs to indicate uplink SPS scheduling information only at a time, and the UE can periodically transmit uplink data on the allocated SPS resource, thereby reducing uplink scheduling overheads of the base station. Such an existing SPS scheduling method supports transmission of periodic service data having a fixed arrival period, such as Voice over IP (VoIP), and supports only scheduling of one SPS resource. However, in actual V2X communication, there are different message types such as a cooperative awareness message (CAM), a Decentralized Environmental Notification Message (DENM), and a backward set-up message (BSM). Different types of V2X usually have different service arrival periods, and the existing SPS scheduling solution is difficult to support scheduling of various semi-persistent service data.

Semi-persistent transmission method and apparatus in VIX communication


A spring connecting or adapted to connect the cut-off ends of an exhaust pipe, particularly of a tractor or the like, after it has been cut in two. The spring is preferably welded at each end to a corresponding end of the exhaust pipe cut in two, or, when an adapter or flared connector pipe is used at each end, the adapter or flared connector pipe is so welded. A flexible liner hose may be used and may have each adapter embedded in it. Each adapter may have a notch or V-cut in it at each cut-off end of the exhaust pipe.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to exhaust systems. More particularly, it relates to damage protection apparatus for an exhaust pipe for tractors, trucks and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For many years there has been a need for protection of an exhaust pipe which will not bend on a tractor, trailer truck or the like, whether below or above the hood when it touches or strikes a limb in a field or top frame of a garage, terminal or the like. U.S. Pat. No. 3,173,710 provides an interconnection between an engine exhaust manifold and a muffler which readily disconnects whenever the cab is tilted. There is a double-bell unit between the muffler and an expansible hose unit, the bell unit having a spring therein which tubes in the bell unit apart. U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,945 teaches a bellows-type spring seal with coil springs encircling the bellows. U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,919 discloses a relatively thin, flexible, generally vertical metal hanger made up of a plurality of thin, stainless steel, strips overlaid on one another to flexibly connect and support a muffler to an engine or frame. The muffler is connected to an internal combustion engine by a rigid exhaust pipe. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,817 the inventors present a vehicle exhaust pipe which extends vertically through the vehicle interior, up to a point above the roof, and is surrounded by a protective tube. A collective funnel on the vehicle rood overlaps the end of the exhaust pipe, has a transfer pipe, is pivotally mounted on suspension elements and is resiliently directed into an upward-pointed position. A muffler disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,930 mounted on the hood of an engine compartment has an outer cylindrical member, with openings therein, an inner cylindrical member connected to an exhaust pipe and an exhaust pipe connected to the upper end of the outer cylindrical member, the outer cylindrical member being mounted on the hood so that its lower half is positioned below the hood. From the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,573 it is found that a pipe for diesel exhaust may be provided with a hinged connector so that a stack elevated high above the truck and cab body may be supported without whipping due to high wind, motor vibration and lowered for moving under low bridges and through doors of buildings. U.S. Pat. No. 2,489,481 teaches an exhaust pipe extension that is damage proof itself and protects the exhaust pipe from damage by striking obstructions. A compression spring surrounds a guide bar. A spring is provided to yieldingly resist forward movement of an outer tube 20. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,489,480 is described how backing into an obstruction will compress a close-coiled section of a spring of an exhaust pipe extension and slide it forward.
None of the foregoing patents teaches how to keep from breaking off an exhaust pipe when one drives a vehicle such as a tractor or a cab for a tractor-trailer or the like under one or more low branches when plowing a field or the like or driving such vehicle under a low garage door frame or the like.


An inflatable item has a body. The body has a chamber therein, and defines an outer edge. An inlet is provided on the body and communicates with the chamber. A groove is cut from the outer edge of the body and extends for a depth into the body. A fold line extends from the outer edge to a portion of the groove.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to inflatable furniture, and in particular, to inflatable furniture that can be easily and conveniently folded to a smaller size both for storage and for use.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Portable furniture has become very popular in recent times. For example, inflatable mattresses, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, futons and similar bed-like products are commonly used in homes, and in outdoor activities such as camping. Inflatable seats and sofas are often found in homes, and are commonly used by children.
These conventional inflatable furniture items are typically provided in the form of one or more water-impervious and air-impervious bodies having chambers that is/are inflated for use. When it is desired to store these items, the chamber(s) is deflated into a flattened form, and then folded or rolled up so that the resulting chamber is very small when compared to the fully-inflated chamber.
Unfortunately, inflating and deflating the chamber(s) can be very time-consuming if the user does not have access to a conventional electric pump that is capable of quickly inflating and deflating the chamber(s). For example, an inflatable seat that is taken by the user to an outdoor environment (such as an outdoor performance, a camping trip, or the beach) often assumes a large and bulky configuration when it is fully inflated. The user would need to carry an electric pump with the inflatable seat if the user wants to (i) quickly inflate the seat at the desired location, and (ii) quickly deflate the seat when it is time to leave the desired location. Otherwise, if the user were required to use a manual hand pump to inflate the inflatable seat, the inflation of the chamber(s) can take a long time. In addition, trying to deflate the inflatable chair by merely pressing on the valve at the air inlet and squeezing the chamber(s) is also time-consuming, and frustrating.
Thus, there still remains a need to provide inflatable furniture that overcomes the drawbacks described above.


A semiconductor integrated circuit device which includes a logical circuit containing a MIS transistor on a semiconductor substrate, a control circuit for controlling a threshold voltage of the MIS transistor in the logical circuit, an oscillation circuit containing a MIS transistor on the semiconductor substrate, and a buffer circuit, the control circuit compares the frequency of the oscillation output and frequency of a clock signal to output a first control signal, the first control signal controls a threshold voltage of the MIS transistor of the oscillation circuit, and the buffer circuit is inputted with the first control signal to output a second control signal corresponding to the first control signal, the second control signal controlling the threshold voltage of the MIS transistor of the logical circuit.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a semiconductor device provided with both a high speed and a low power consumption.
FIG. 2 shows the prior art disclosed by JP-A-8-274620. (Hereinafter, this prior art will be denoted by the prior art A.)
An oscillation circuit OSC0 is constructed such that an oscillation frequency thereof changes in accordance with the value of a control signal received at a terminal B1 from a control circuit CNT0. The control circuit CNT0 is constructed such that it receives a reference clock signal CLK0 from the exterior and receives an oscillation output of the oscillation circuit OSC0. A closed circuit system composed of the frequency-variable oscillation circuit OSC0 and the control circuit CNT0 inputted with an output S0 of the frequency-variable oscillation circuit OSC0 is constructed to form a stable system in which each circuit is applied with a negative feedback. With this closed circuit system, the oscillation frequency of the output S0 of the frequency-variable oscillation circuit OSC0 assumes a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the reference clock signal CLK0. For example, the oscillation frequency of the output S0 is synchronous with or the same as the frequency of the external clock signal.
The oscillation circuit OSC0 is composed of an N-type MOSFET (NMOSFET) and a P-type MOSFET (PMOSFET) formed on a semiconductor substrate and a control voltage from the control circuit CNT0 changes the substrate bias of the MOSFET. With this construction, the threshold value of the MOSFET changes in accordance with the change in substrate bias so that the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit OSC0 changes.
Further, it is constructed that a main circuit LOG0 receives a control signal from the control circuit CNT0 at a terminal B0 and the control signal controls the substrate biases of MOSFET's forming the main circuit LOG0, thereby controlling the threshold voltage of the MOSFET.
With such a construction, it becomes possible to control the threshold voltage of the MOSFET in the main circuit LOG0 by the reference clock signal CLK0 so that the threshold voltage of the MOSFET forming the main circuit LOG0 and hence a power consumption and an operating speed are made variable in accordance with the frequency of the reference clock signal (or in accordance with an operating frequency).
In the prior art A, no limitation is imposed as to a method for distribution of the signal B0 to the MOSFET's in the main circuit LOG0. However, the method for distribution of the substrate bias to the main circuit has a large relation with the power consumption and the packaging density of the main circuit.
In the prior art A, the main circuit LOG0 is controlled by a signal at B0 corresponding to a signal at the terminal B1. This correspondence has a large relation with the stability of the substrate bias control circuit and the stability of the substrate bias voltage.
In order to solve the two problems mentioned above,
(1) the main circuit LOG0 in the prior art A is divided into a plurality of substrate control blocks by use of PMOS substrate bias switches and NMOS substrate bias switches, thereby making it possible to control the substrate bias of each circuit block independently of the substrate bias control circuit.
(2) In the embodiment of the prior art A, the signal B0 inputted to the main circuit LOG0 is a signal corresponding to the signal B1 inputted to the frequency-variable oscillation circuit OSC0. In an embodiment of the present invention, a substrate bias corresponding to the signal B0 is particularly generated by use of a substrate bias buffer from a substrate bias corresponding to the signal B1. An input impedance of the substrate bias buffer is made high and an output impedance thereof is made lower than the input impedance.
Next, description will be made of a cell layout suitable for construction of a semiconductor device provided with both a high speed and a low power consumption. The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a cell library or a semiconductor device using the cell library, and more particularly to a semiconductor device in which a substrate bias and a supply voltage can be controlled independently of each other.
The layout of the conventional CMOS inverter is shown in FIG. 13. Symbol MP1 denotes a P-type MOS transistor (hereinafter referred to PMOS) composed of. P-type diffused (or impurity) layers forming the source and drain of PMOS and a gate electrode, and symbol MN1 denotes an N-type MOS transistor (hereinafter referred to NMOS) composed of N-type diffusion (or impurity) layers forming the source and drain of NMOS and a gate electrode. Numeral 110 denotes a second metal layer which is supplied with a positive supply voltage (hereinafter referred to as VDD). Numeral 111 denotes a second metal layer which is supplied with a negative supply voltage (hereinafter referred to as VSS).
The substrate or well potential of the PMOS MP1 (hereinafter referred to as PMOS substrate or well bias) is supplied from a surface high-concentration N layer (hereinafter referred to as PMOS substrate or well diffused (or impurity) layer) 204. The PMOS substrate or well bias is connected to the second metal layer through a first metal layer 110 so that it is supplied with VDD. The substrate or well potential of the NMOS MN1 is supplied from a surface high-concentration P layer (hereinafter referred to as NMOS substrate or well diffused (or impurity) layer) 203. The NMOS substrate or well bias is connected to the second metal layer 111 through the first metal layer so that it is supplied with VSS. Thus, in the prior art shown in FIG. 13, the PMOS substrate or well bias is connected to VDD and the NMOS substrate or well bias is connected to VSS.
There is conventionally known a method in which a substrate or well bias is set to a potential different from a supply voltage in order to control the threshold value of a MOS transistor. In the cell structure shown in FIG. 13, however, it is not possible to set the substrate or well bias to a potential different from the supply voltage.
FIG. 14 shows the layout of a CMOS inverter cell in the case where it is constructed such that the substrate or well bias of a PMOS and the substrate or well bias of an NMOS can be set to a potential other than VDD and a potential other than VSS, respectively. The substrate or well bias of the PMOS is supplied from a second metal layer 112, and the substrate or well bias of the NMOS is supplied from a second metal layer 113. Since the second metal layers 112 and 113 are electrically isolated from second metal layers 110 and 111, respectively, the substrate or well bias of the PMOS and the substrate or well bias of the NMOS can be supplied with independent potentials.
Circuit diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 13 and 14 are shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, respectively.
In the case where it is constructed such that the substrate or well bias of the PMOS and the substrate or well bias of the NMOS can be set to a potential other than VDD and a potential other than VSS, respectively, the following is apparent from the comparison of FIGS. 13 and 14.
(1) In the case where the height of a cell 300 is made the same as the height of a cell 200, the width of each of the power supply metal layers 110 and 111 becomes narrow. Thereby, a power supplying capability is deteriorated. (Hereinafter, this will be referred to as a first problem.)
(2) In the case where the power supply metal layers 110 and 111 of the cell 200 are made the same in width as the power supply metal layers 110 and 111 of the cell 200, the height of the cell 300 becomes higher than the height of the cell 200 because there is a wiring area for the second metal layers 112 and 113. Thereby, the area is increased. (Hereinafter, this will be referred to as a second problem.)
(3) In the case where a metal layer other than the second metal layer is used for the substrate or well bias supply lines 112 and 113, a restriction is imposed on a wiring in a cell and a wiring between cells. Thereby, the area is increased. (Hereinafter, this will be referred to as a third problem.)
In order to solve the first to third problems simultaneously, the supply of the substrate or well bias is performed by the PMOS substrate or well diffused (or impurity) layer and the NMOS substrate or well diffused (or impurity) layer. Alternatively, the supply of the substrate or well bias is performed by metal layers other than metal layers used for in-cell and inter-cell power supply wirings or signal wirings.
A method for power supply to each cell is known by, for example, JP-A-61-214448. In this known example, a contact is provided to a contact region for doped well and a well voltage supply is performed by the contact. In the present invention, there is no need to provide a contact for well voltage supply and the well voltage supply is performed through an impurity layer of an adjoining cell.
An example of a semiconductor integrated circuit device provided by the present invention comprises a logical circuit including a MIS transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate, a control circuit for controlling a threshold voltage of the MIS transistor forming the logical circuit, an oscillation circuit including a MIS transistor formed on the semiconductor substrate, the oscillation circuit being constructed so that the frequency of an oscillation output thereof can be made variable, and a buffer circuit, in which the control circuit is supplied with a clock signal having a predetermined frequency and the oscillation output of the oscillation circuit so that the control circuit compares the frequency of the oscillation output and the frequency of the clock signal to output a first control signal, the oscillation circuit is controlled by the first control signal so that the frequency of the oscillation output corresponds to the frequency of the clock signal, the control of the frequency of the oscillation output being performed in such a manner that the first control signal controls a threshold voltage of the MIS transistor forming the oscillation circuit, and the buffer circuit is constructed so that it is inputted with the first control signal to output a second control signal corresponding to the first control signal, the second control signal controlling the threshold voltage-of the MIS transistor forming the logical circuit.
Also, bias switch circuits may be provided corresponding to the circuit blocks, respectively. The oscillation circuit is controlled by the first control signal so that the frequency of the oscillation output corresponds to the frequency of the clock signal, the control of the frequency of the oscillation output being performed in such a manner that the first control signal controls a threshold voltage of the MIS transistor forming the oscillation circuit, a second control signal corresponding to the first signal is inputted to the plurality of bias switch circuits which in turn outputs a plurality of third control signals, and the third control signals are inputted to the circuit blocks corresponding to the bias switch circuits which output the third control signals, the third control signals controlling a threshold voltage of the MIS transistor forming the circuit block.
Two control circuits including first and second control circuits may be provided. The first control circuit generates a control signal A so that the timing of rise of the oscillation output and the timing of rise of the clock signal coincide with each other. The second control circuit generates a control signal B so that the timing of fall of the oscillation output and the timing of fall of the clock signal coincide with each other. The oscillation circuit is controlled by the control signal A and the control signal B so that the oscillation output assumes the same signal as the clock signal, the control of the frequency of the oscillation output being performed in such a manner that the control signal A and the control signal B control a threshold voltage of the MIS transistor forming the oscillation circuit. At this time, the threshold voltage of the MIS transistor forming said logical circuit is controlled by a second control signal corresponding to a first control signal which includes the control signal A and the control signal B.
A cell layout in the circuit block comprises a first cell having at least one MIS transistor and a second cell having at least one MIS transistor, in which the first cell and the second cell are arranged so that they adjoin each other, the first cell is provided with a first impurity layer for supply of a substrate or well potential of the MIS transistor, the second cell is provided with a second impurity layer for supply of a substrate or well potential of the MIS transistor, and the first impurity layer and the second impurity layer are at least partially contiguous to each other so that the supply is made to the first impurity layer through the second impurity layer.
The substrate or well potential is supplied with a potential independent of a supply voltage. For example, the substrate or well bias is set so that a threshold value of the at least one MIS transistor becomes low when the semiconductor device is operating (or at the time of active condition) and the threshold value of the at least one MIS transistor becomes high when the semiconductor device is not operating (or at the time of standby). Also, the substrate or well potential may be set so that a threshold value of the at least one MIS transistor becomes high at the time of selection of the semiconductor device. Also, a power supply wiring may cover the impurity layer.
That the impurity layer is converted into a silicide, is preferable since a resistance thereof is small. A capacitance may be connected between the impurity layer which supplies the substrate or well potential and a power supply line.


A maintenance-friendly axial compressor includes an outer casing formed by half-shells, an inner casing formed by a plurality of annular members carrying sectors of fixed guide vanes defining the stator stages of the compressor, and an annular housing disposed downstream from the inner casing in the region of the diffuser and capable of receiving the annular member corresponding to the downstream stage of the stator when the member is dismounted from the inner casing. Maintenance is carried out by removing the outer casing and dismounting, stage by stage from the downstream end towards the upstream end of the compressor, the annular members of the inner casing and the fixed guide vanes of the stator, the downstream annular member being pushed back into the annular housing and each subsequently dismounted annular member being temporarily secured to the previously demounted annular member as the maintenance progresses.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an axial flow turbomachine designed so as to facilitate maintenance thereof, and more particularly to the construction of a maintenance-friendly axial compressor which may include variable guide vanes at an upstream end thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Modern turbojet engines are generally of the twin spool type, that is to say they comprise two compressors, namely a low pressure compressor and a high pressure compressor, driven at different speeds by two turbines.
The last (i.e. downstream) stages of the high pressure (HP) compressor are subjected to high temperatures and to substantial wear. It is therefore desirable to provide easy access for inspection and maintenance of the fixed and movable blades of the last stages of the HP compressor.
However, in order to obtain better performance from the HP compressor, the clearances between rotor and stator are minimized by means such as variable guide vanes in the region of the first stages of the compressor, or by using a monobloc axisymmetrical casing. When these two means are used, maintenance of the downstream stages of the HP compressor becomes very difficult, since the monobloc axisymmetrical casing necessitates dismantling to be carried out from the upstream end, and the variable guide vanes situated at the upstream end must be taken down to gain access to the stages further downstream.
It is known, such as from French patent 2317480 and British patent 1488766, to design turbomachines with access openings passing through the casing or annular envelope surrounding a set of blades to permit maintenance of the blades. The drawback of such arrangements is that they provide access to only a restricted part of the turbomachine.
It is also known to construct compressor casings from half-shells, as well to form guide vane supports from annular members.

Axial compressor and method of carrying out maintenance on the axial compressor

Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "S.N.E.C.M.A."


A sheet finishing apparatus includes a conveying member configured to convey recording media and a tray configured to receive the recording media conveyed by the conveying member. The tray includes a holding member configured to hold the recording media therein and to contact a first edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned, a rotatable moving member configured to contact the recording media such that the holding member abuts against the recording media, a discharging member configured to discharge the recording media stacked by the holding member, and a protruding member mounted on the discharging member and configured to contact a second edge of the recording media such that the recording media is positioned. One of the rotatable moving member and the protruding member positions the recording media stacked in the tray in a travel direction of the recording medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, printer, facsimile machine and the like, more specifically, relates to a method and apparatus for image forming capable of effectively performing a predetermined sheet finishing operation.
2. Discussion of the Background
Conventionally, when an image forming apparatus such as a copier, printer, facsimile machine and the like completes production of a copy image, a sheet finishing apparatus attached to the image forming apparatus then performs a sheet finishing operation. In the sheet finishing operation, every time a recording medium having the copy image thereon is discharged to a tray for positioning and/or stapling, a rotatable elastic member disposed in a vicinity of the tray contacts the recording medium to abut the recording medium against a stopper so that the recording medium is positioned in a travel direction thereof.
A certain period of time is required to perform the stapling operation between jobs, which prevents an increase in productivity. To improve productivity, a mechanism has been provided in which a plurality of recording media or recording sheets is stored in a sheet conveying path and is conveyed at a time to a staple tray that performs a sheet stapling operation, which reduces a period of time for the stapling operation and improves productivity.
An example of background sheet finishing apparatus having the above-described mechanism that discharges the plurality of recording sheets to the staple tray includes a rotatable moving member (hereinafter, referred to as a "knock roller") and a protruding member (hereinafter, referred to as a "hook") mounted on a discharge belt to discharge a stack of the plurality of recording sheets to an external tray, so that the stack of the plurality of recording sheets can be positioned.
When contacting the stack of the plurality of recording sheets, the knock roller actually contacts with a last sheet that is placed on the top of the stack of the plurality of recording sheets. The plurality of recording sheets other then the last sheet accept a force to abut the plurality of recording sheets against the stopper through friction caused between the plurality of recording sheets, thereby reducing the force. When a single recording sheet is stacked, the hook is moved in a direction opposite to a sheet discharging direction, and the knock roller contacts the edge of the recording sheet, thereby stably performing a positioning operation. When a plurality of recording sheets is stacked, the knock roller contacts the edge of the recording sheets in a travel direction of the recording sheets. The knock roller, however, cannot stably position the plurality of recording sheets. That is, it is difficult to surely perform a positioning operation.
As described above, when the knock roller and the hook perform the positioning operation, the hook is used after the knock roller contacts with the stack of recording sheets, and the plurality of recording sheets fall to a staple tray.
At this time, the stack of recording sheets stays in the staple tray and is positioned with the recording sheets adhered to each other. In this case, a greater friction is caused between the recording sheets, resulting in failure such as insufficient positioning and folded sheets.
Further, when the knock roller and the hook are used for positioning, the hook contacts the edge of the recording sheet insufficiently while the knock roller is in motion. In this case, the force to necessary to abut the recording sheets against the stopper is not obtained, therefore, the knock roller and the hook cannot simultaneously contact the recording sheets. Therefore, when the knock roller and the hook are moved, certain periods of time for respective operations are needed, which makes it difficult to apply the operations for high speed processing.

Method and apparatus for image forming capable of effectively performing sheet finishing operation